Two words: Neon Carnival. The most talked about festival party of over a decade returned to the desert on Saturday, April 13th. The one night only event was presented by Liquid I.V. in partnership with Patrón El Alto and The Levi’s® Brand.
Tinashe
Sunday, October 8, 2023. Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn, New York. —In the spirit of Culture Con, on day two, I thought I would take a more immersive approach to experiencing the conference and the people, businesses and influencers that give shape to this BIPOC (black and indigenous people of color) artistic cultural movement. If you are just reading this article for the first time and missed the first installment “Culture Con, 2023: Day 1”, the 2-day event was created in 2019 by, The Creative Collective, a community organization made for black and brown creatives. Culture Con was created to celebrate change makers and culture shifters in the BIPOC community.
The conference has since grown in its offering, now including a Creative Career Job Fair that included companies: Amazon Studios, Clinique, Max, NBCUniversal, Google, Walmart, Shea Moisture, and Kickstarter; along with a seminar that offers industry insights to aspiring young black and brown professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, techs, and so much more. The panels are designed to shine a light on potential professional and lifestyle pathways for the historically disenfranchised artistic community; encouraging them to build wealth, community and to utilize the resources within their arsenal. The panels also serve as a means to combat ‘gatekeeping’ a willful act or tendency of withholding essential resources and insights to our fellow brothers and sisters within the black and brown community out of fear of the scarcity and lack.
I arrived at 10:30 am sharp, enough time to sit in on the first panel discussion, “Nothing Moves Without Us: Reclaiming Our Stories” led by multifaceted creative and influencer, Kyle Price, the creator of the “Make It a Moment” , a lifestyle show that creates a safe space for Black queer & gay men to share their experiences through conversation in an attempt to build community. The multifaceted black creator began his career in media, starring on SlayTV’s, “Love @ First Night” (2016 – 2020, Terry & Sean Torrington) and shortly signed to the South African based “Cover Model Management” and “Vie Management”; he would now be adding a slash and the words “Culture Con Discussion Host”, beside his name. On his panel sat the invisible hands that moved the event, the Director of Integrated Marketing at AMC Networks, Sharese Bembury-Coakley; Vice President of Strategy at the award-winning, full-service consumer marketing agency, Team Epiphany, Jarrett Cobbs; and Carri Twigg, the Co-founder and Head of Development for Culture House media, a Black/Brown, Women owned, full service, premium film and TV production company that specializes in storytelling about the urgent cultural questions confronting America and the world.
The panel zeroed in on the impact of BIPOC culture and how the essence of our daily behavior and day to day activities (like social media engagement) drives compelling narratives the world takes notice of, and sadly capitalizes from without our knowledge. The panel highlighted the importance of data to support what we already know and its untapped potential as a career in the black community. The discussion delved into ideating more inclusive and equitable futures for BIPOC in the creative industry.
VP, Jarrett Cobbs, shared in a brief interview with The Knockturnal, the importance of data when stepping into a creative space, understanding the demographic within an audience and how the decision makers utilize that information to sell black narratives, create products or a “target audience” to promote media and products to, “…the people that sit on the other side of the decision making table, don’t know of, or understand our culture; so data helps them to translate that information through organizations. [That data also helps us] to get recognized, paid fairly and compensated. So without that information, we can be sidestepped and not paid our fair value. Data is extremely important to proving our use-case (a written description of how users will perform tasks on websites, with television viewing, etc) for what we do within culture.”
Jarrett also stated that though this isn’t the most glamorous career, as it is technical in nature and back-end facing it poses an ever growing need for BIPOC persons to be involved in the “millions of decisions being made every day based on the data generated from our communities, and we are not being included in it; from the reporting, to the recording, to even the questions they’re asking, we’re not being included and the information is not being properly applied to inform how our communities are being served. We need more people on the data analytics side and to take their businesses off of platforms and build more intimate relationships with their customers so that the data becomes more impactful.”
Shortly after the 30 minute panel discussion, I took advantage of the clear skies to venture across the lot and into the AMEX Express Shop that featured independently owned BIPOC businesses making a name for themselves and creating generational wealth for their families. The first vendor I met was Mariana of Cut + Clarity (Real Women, Real Stories, Real Jewelry). Branding themselves as a premier destination for customizable, fine jewelry, sustainably made in NYC, the jewelry brand aims to “drive meaningful and impactful conversations to amplify overlooked communities”. Cut + Clarity’s connection with marginalized communities exemplifies the mindful business practices that are valued within BIPOC company culture – to create a more fair and equitable world. Cut + Clarity’s pieces are all inspired creations, made and designed and through the inspiration of collaborations of the jeweler and her brand influencers. One particularly inspiring collaboration of Cut + Clarity included Stephanie Thomas, (@disabilityfashionstylist) and her fashion styling system. Their artistic venture led them to create a jewelry collection for those with physical handicaps; pieces that are “accessible, smart, and fashionable.”
The Amex Store also included Terminal B (Luxury scented Candles), created by a husband and wife duo in 2020 during the pandemic; the concept of the candles was to share their love of travel and for travel professionals and couples on the move. I was gifted with the NRT terminal candle after having a strong response to its fragrance. The couple crafted this wax blend in honor of Tokyo (Airport Code: NRT), the capital of Japan, the world’s most populous metropolis recognized for its technology and innovation while anchoring itself in timeless tradition. The scent was created reminiscent of elements found near the travel destination, black figs to evoke the essence of “a luxurious event spent on the top floor of a low lit hotel lounge, with panoramic views of Roppongi Hills”. I was immediately pulled in by the musk in the wax and the subtle smokey scent that lingered behind the aroma.
Other independent black vendors included accessory dreamland, Humans Before Handles and an independently owned art store Create The Culture Embroidery, that creates high quality textile art through hand-embroidery.
My last pit stop in the AMEX store brought me to Pretty Well Beauty, a premiere clean beauty and wellness destination retail outlet. The brand’s commitment is to offer the highest quality clean, natural, and sustainably-sourced products from across the globe. Their belief, as often echoed in the holistic BIPOC community, “Beauty is, first and foremost, an inside job and what you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat and drink. Clean beauty is more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle!” I fell madly in love with one particular scent, which also happens to be a personal favorite of Mrs. Beyonce Gisele Knowles-Carter, SKN MUSE, body oil that is laced with the fragrance oils of Egyptian honey, moroccan and rose hip; the body oil’s scent is sweet, light and powdery and dissolved as smooth as a serum into my skin. I highly recommend checking out her retail store, located in: Westfield World Trade Center.
Back on the Main Stage of Culture Con, the panel discussions continued, and high profile names such as Actress and composer Tinashe, who previously covered the 18th digital cover of, The Knockturnal, engaged the crowd in an interviewed by Sidney Madden. The Actress and composer, Tinashe, held a candid conversation about her new brand new album “BB/ANG3L”.
Additional speakers included Candiace Dillard Bassett of Real Housewives of Potomac; Faith Jenkins of Killer Relationships, and Preston Mitchum of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard. Taryn Finley offered guidance on how to navigate your career after achieving the initial level of success, “the sophomore wins” that tend to trip successful creatives up. Inside insights on “Navigating Your Big Break” for attendees included transparent conversations on creating opportunities and strategic expansion of our career pathways, all while learning to navigate through social media engagement and overcoming with imposter syndrome.
Harlem’s social justice advocate and movement strategist Tamika D. Mallory discussed the state of our democracy, why voting in the BIPOC community is critical and how to effectively use our voice to initiate change for the collective. Moderated by Kahlil Greene aka ‘The Gen Z Historian’, the panel discussion captured the audience’s civic engagement and excitement to show up and show out in this upcoming election.
Other speakers included Imani Ellis, Cam Kirk, Luke Lawal Jr. , Brittney Escovedo, Rivea Ruff, Damian Marcano, Vanessa Clifton, Mercedes Cook, Scottie Beam, Sylvia Obell, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, with the Day 1 line-up including heavy-hitters like Issa Rae, Jharrel Jerome, Marsai Martin, Teyana Taylor, Ziwe and more (“Culture Con: Day 1”).
I wrapped up the events of the day, showing love, once again to the Resy and American Express curated Resy Dining Hall, featuring culinary delights from famed Black-owned restaurants across the tri-state region, such as Aunts et Uncles and their vegan eatery serving all plant-based dishes, that includes sandwiches and pasta to the likes of Chef Kwame’s Patty Palace for their Jamaican patties and coco bread curated by Chef Kwame Onwuachi himself. My pick of the day? I shimmed to the the long line outside of Charles’ Pan-Fried Chicken, the James Beard nominated chef and Harlem icon’s soul food for the soul welcomed the longest line of customers and the food did not disappoint. I enjoyed my soulful dish in the VIP section courtesy of MAX “Scene In Black” and sipped refreshing cocktails sponsered by Culture Con’s brand partner, Ciroc.
Culture Con 2023 – NYC, was jam packed with more events than I could (or anyone) cover in two days and well worth standing in the rain (on day one) for. I highly recommend that if you are low on inspiration and in need of a clear path to steer forward in your creative career, this is the place you need to be. If you ever have the opportunity to attend this cultural BIPOC movement, I highly recommend attending at least once in your lifetime; you will not be disappointed.
On June 5, Fox’s reality and game show Stars on Mars premieres. Twelve adventurous celebrities landed on Mars. On the red planet, they lived, ate, bonded, and worked with each other. The series will air on Mondays at 8:00 PM EST and features an impressive cast list.
The annual Made In America Festival is taking place in Philadelphia this weekend and the lineup is jam packed. Bad Bunny, Tyler The Creator, Burna Boy, Snoh Aalegra, Jazmine Sullivan and more are set to take the stage at the Roc Nation led music festival during Labor Day weekend.
The name DIXSON may be unfamiliar to some, but his work in the music industry precedes him. He’s worked with some of your favorites including Beyonce, Chance the Rapper and Yebba. His most notable work is his collaboration with the Queen Bey herself for her song “Be Alive,” written specially for the Venus and Serena Williams biopic King Richard which follows their journey to success with the help of their father and coach Richard Williams.
The song also earned him his first Oscar and Golden Globe nomination this year for Best Original Song. While receiving these accolades so early in his career is the ultimate goal for artists everywhere, DIXSON doesn’t shy away from being transparent about his journey to get to where he is now.
“If I were doing this for just the press or the look, it would invalidate the art in a way. It’s really important to fight for your visions, fight for your goals, fight for having the right team around you. That’s super vital,” says the R&B artist.
We spoke with the singer-songwriter 48 hours before making his solo debut at Made In America and he spilled on working with Beyoncé and Chance The Rapper, his desire to get back in to acting and how artists should strive to create regardless of life’s obstacles.
I believe this is your first Made in America, how are you feeling about it?
It’s my first time performing as a solo artist. I performed in 2017 as a background artist. I feel good. I think I’ve been silently praying for this opportunity, to get in front of an audience. This is my first outdoor festival.
Spending years as a background singer, I played a bunch off festivals and I imagined being able to take one of the larger stages and this is really exciting for me at this point in my career.
One thing that really stuck out to me about you is that you play 11 different instruments. How did that journey start?
My parents made a conscious effort to let me explore the things I was interested in. So, my first instrument that I started playing was the drums and then I picked up the piano pretty quickly because my father was a pastor and he needed musicians. I learned how to play everything by ear, and as I got older my parents let me explore everything I was interested in. We always had instruments around the house.
So, it really just started with a home environment. When I was doing other things, I had an instrument in my hand. It was a desire. I really just wanted to know how these instruments works and how I can make them sound how I wanted them to sound.
Which instrument is your favorite to incorporate in music?
Lately my favorite is playing bass. It varies, it depends what I’m working on. But, right not I’m excited to get really good at playing the bass and I’m playing a lot of it on this upcoming project too.
DIXSON is set to release not one but two new albums this year. The first of the two-part project is 004DAISY and is dropping on September 16. His recent single “Cherry Sorbet” featuring Sevyn Streeter is a part of it and features a Beatles sample. The project also features appearances from Tinashe, Vic Mensa and LA-based band frontman Stolen Nova.
In the 70’s inspired music video, DIXSON and Sevyn are seen flirtatiously playing the cat and mouse game while singing about wanting to give in to their sexual chemistry.
As a songwriter, you’ve written for films, like King Richard and albums like Chance The Rapper’s The Big Day and Beyoncé’s Renaissance. Is there a difference in the writing process when working on a song for a film versus an album? Is it easier to convey a message due to the visuals already existing, versus a song where you have to paint a visual with lyrics and your voice?
I don’t make one more difficult than the other. I try to approach every project with the same energy and passion. For King Richard, There’s not only visuals for the film but there’s also a mental picture. You go back and think of times you’ve seen Serena or Venus play on TV, or watch that many accomplishments happen in real time and you link those stories back to your own life and experiences, the experience of the artist that’s going to be delivering the song. There’s a lot of representation there.
Chance is an extremely visual person. So, as we work on songs he’s painting a picture for us as well. He’s telling us what he’s thinking, what he’s looking for. He is giving us his potential visual ideas so we had a lot to play with. I’ve been very fortunate to work with artists who have incredible visual sensibilities. I do too, I’m the same way. So, it works well for me that the people I collaborate with are also very visual thinkers, too.
When you’re writing for an artist other than yourself, how do you balance how much of yourself and your experiences to incorporate without going overboard?
I don’t limit myself in that way. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who you’re working with, whether it’s Bey or another artist I’m realizing more and more that the human experience is the collective experience. Obviously, there are variables. There are very wealthy humans, and very sad humans, very happy humans but it’s all a human experience. I don’t try to limit what I write based on who I’m with.
On your social media, you’re always talking about the importance of versatility. Are there any other creative ventures you’d like to engage in? You were a theater kid growing up and we see musical artists transition from the studio to a movie or TV set in their careers a lot. Are there any other creative ventures you would like to branch out to? Would you consider acting?
I just auditioned for a role not too long ago for a TV show. So, I’m getting back in to it and just trying to make a soft re-entry back in to it. I haven’t been on a stage in a theater as an actor in a while. I have so much respect for actors and also just the workers in theater, television and film that I want to make sure that return in to that space is welcomed and not forced just because I’m having a rise on the music side of things. I respect all of these art forms deeply.
What advice would you give to independent music artists who are struggling with life’s limitations but are still passionate about creating?
One, you have to change how you speak about your work. Secondly, change your view of your experience as an artist. We could be struggling to pay pills, we could be struggling to manage family expectations, but if you have a gift and art that you’re making, as long as you’re not struggling to get those ideas out of your head and on paper, or whatever you record on.
It took me a long time to be interviewed let alone perform at Made In America. It took a lot of financial struggles and hardships to get to this space but you must stay in it. You have to stay in it because to not honor your gift is to not honor the giver and I think that’s the biggest mistake you can make as an artist.
If you stay in it, it’s bound to work. Your work will only get better and your audience will only get bigger.
Sugar, Spice, and everything nice. If you ask me, I’m positive those were the ingredients Christian Cowen used to create his Powerpuff girls inspired collection which helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cartoon Network show. It’s probably no coincidence either that the runway show took place on International Women’s Day. The bold, colorful, collection celebrated girl power by highlighting and even featuring strong iconic women on the runway like Paris Hilton.