Interview with R&B Sensation Darius James
Today I got an opportunity to chop it up with R&B Sensation Darius James about his upcoming EP release entitled “Life As We Know It”. Just so happens today is Darius’ birthday which makes the timing of our interview even more significant. His EP drops tomorrow (June 10) of which I had the privilege of listening to a few tracks prior to our interview. His musical style is smooth, captivating, honest and gives modern 90’s R&B vibes. When asked what types of things inspire him, Darius says that the things he’s experienced in life are his primary source of inspiration and that he aims to express the realities of these experiences through his music. The title, “Life As We Know It”, he says is not intended to be from his own point of view alone, but to set a stage for each person to interpret in their own way. It embodies his personal struggles, lessons learned and thought process.
Not only has Darius had over 1 million streams on YouTube, but also gained a life-changing endorsement by Timbaland via social media. Darius shares how he created a song mix where he looped in an excerpt of Timbaland’s music, tags Timbaland on social and within a little bit of time, Timbaland reposts it which caused Darius’ social media presence to sky-rocket! Not to mention, Darius has also scored a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods (where he’s worked) to have his music added to the nationwide playlist in Dick’s Stores. Outside of doing what he does musically, Darius says he likes to go fishing for fun and that he enjoys any type of recreational activity where he can exercise his highly competitive nature.
I appreciate how he seems to be one of the types of creatives who is not afraid of step out and create without the need to have everything perfect. He possesses the courage to kickstart and works critically to master whatever he’s working on along the way. We talked about a track on his album that I listened to following this interview called “Not Too Old”. The song is absolutely a groove. He says he encouraged his mom to market her delectable baked goods by telling her you’re never to young or too old to dream. That’s like my second fav track on this EP. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the album as a whole. This good music is AVAILABLE NOW. Check it out!
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Ah, Robert August!
Sooooo, I just got my first pair of Robert August boots and I’m absolutely loving them! The brand first reached out to me at the end of 2021 introducing me to their exquisite line of footwear. My shoe of choice was a pair of Jodhpur Boots in a hand-painted Patina green finish. Anyone who knows Dress Like A Gent, knows I’m a lover of sneakers and dress shoes alike. Robert August absolutely fits the bill! The boots are made in Spain, but named after streets in Chicago as the shoes are named after avenues in the city. Hence, being called “The Chicago Collection” (its headquarter location).
The turn around was about 4-6 weeks for made to order, but totally worth the wait. I especially like how classy and timeless these boots are! They are the perfect add on to either a casual look or a more dressed up/ formal one. You’ll definitely be seeing me rock em on the regular.
To order these particular shoes, please click here.
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Norm Lewis on His Role as “Duke” in Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune
Recently, I got a chance to chop it up with the talented Broadway star, actor, singer Norm Lewis on his role as “Duke” in Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune. The story follows “Georgia” (Reba McEntire) and “Joe Winter” (John Schneider), who are brought back together by their daughter Belle (played by Candice King), to perform together again for a Christmas charity concert. It’s been over a decade since the couple separated and Duke along with Belle, find themselves in the middle of an awkward situation as the two work through their past differences. Georgia and Joe have history working with Duke as their musical director and pull him in again to help revive the duo’s musical fire!
Norm shares that although he’s done Christmas music and annual Christmas shows, this is actually his first Christmas film! He says that everyone was in a great Christmas mood which made things flow together really nicely and the film was a fun set to shoot. Christmas being one of his favorite times of the year, he says being cast for this role just felt right. I asked him if there were any particulars in the film that resonated with him personally. Norm mentioned how despite everyone’s differences and backgrounds, respect and working together collectively is a powerful force that makes things happen much like what viewers will take away from this film. We also got a chance to discuss the role of TV and film and how it has played a significant part in helping the world heal and move forward.
He says that TV, film and art reflects life and has a way of getting people’s attention in a way that often no other means can. Sidentote: For those of you who may have never heard Norm sing, LISTENNNN… The dude has a very strong and yet angelic voice! I told Norm that I was anticipating a scene where he would be singing. He told me that there were talks about it at one point, but really just no room to incorporate it in the existing script. Needless to say, Lewis is doing his annual Christmas show 54 Below in New York, December 16 - 24th. He also mentioned that he’ll be doing Carnegie Hall in March of next year along with other productions in the near future.
For more on Norm Lewis, visit www.normlewis.com. And for more on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.
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Mark Taylor on His Role as 'Eddie' in Lifetime’s Miracle in Motor City
Lifetime TV will air Miracle in Motor City Sunday, November 28th 8/7C as a part of its highly anticipated annual It’s A Wonderful Lifetime holiday lineup. The film stars Tia Mowry (as “Amber Dupont”), Smokey Robinson, and Mark Taylor (“Eddie”). The backstory involves Amber Dupont enthusiastically taking on the task of organizing her church’s annual Christmas pageant in hopes of bringing in one of Motor’s City’s Motown legends, Smokey Robinson. To her surprise, her friends secretly pull in one of her old flames, Eddie (who has history with Smokey Robinson) to help persuade Smokey to show up at the holiday pageant. Mark Taylor speaks with us about his experience filming this movie and working closely with Tia Mowry. I started off the interview asking Mark what Christmas time looks like for him.
He says that he looks forward to getting together with the fam for Christmas dinner, letting the stress roll off with good laughs and light spirits. Originally from Toronto, the plan is to spend it close to home. I asked Mark what it’s like working alongside Tia. Sidenote: I didn’t remember until after the interview that Mark Taylor was the grandpa to Tia in the 2000 film, Seventeen Again. Needless to say, their TV connection was already set into motion long before now. Mark shares how Tia is an amazing individual to work with and admires how much she genuinely cares about people. He says she’s full of life and a great person to feed off of in this kind of work.
Miracle in Motor City brings a sense of nostalgia for those who are familiar with Motown or grew up listening to Motown Music. This film does a great job of capturing that nostalgic feeling! I asked Mark if any part of making this movie resonates with him personally. He shares how much like with Eddie, so many things can be thrown at you within a space of 10 minutes, but how it’s important to evaluate things maturely to determine what will really “feed my soul” when it is all said and done.
Currently, Mark Taylor is working on a reoccurring role on CW called Corner and says that he’s also diligently working on producing independently. In fact, he has been collaborating with some directors, writers and actors to have some feature films produced and secure lead roles as well. For more on Miracle in Motor City and others on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.
*Photos Courtesy of Lifetime TV
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Thomas Cadrot on His Role as “Tyler” in Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas Baby
I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to find out It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas was renewed for the 3rd time! This round, the Liddles (starring Kelly Rowland as “Jacquie Liddle” and Thomas Cadrot as “Tyler”) return to the screen in Merry Liddle Christmas Baby! Yup, issa baby comin’! So before the film premieres, I got a chance to speak with the talented Thomas Cadrot about his lead role and gain some insight!
Thomas says this time fans will get a really well-rounded storyline where each family’s story is told in a way that’s more personalized and family-focused as opposed to how the story was more centered around Jacquie’s character before. One thing that I absolutely admire about Thomas and Kelly is just how organic and natural their relationship comes across on camera. When asked about his relationship with Kelly on and off camera and what that’s like, Thomas shares how he’s learned so much from being around Kelly both professionally and personally which helps build the kind of chemistry necessary to portray such a role. He says that Kelly was very intentional about showing what a black family looks like in this type of holiday setting. Merry Liddle Christmas Baby is a film that takes you through a layer of emotions in anticipation of the new arrival and also one that outlines the trials of life when things don’t always go as planned. However, we will see that things seemingly work out for the best in the end.
MLCB was filmed during the summer in Vancouver, CA over a period of 19 days and Thomas commends the production team on how safely they managed things around some of the Covid restrictions. Overall, he says filming was a very smooth process. I asked if “Thor” (his French bulldog) comes with him on set since I’ve seen pics of him on IG having Thor around. He says that he often does bring Thor along and how having pets on set seems to make people very happy. Some of the cast members even take him for walks when need be.
I gotta say this film is absolutely adorable and I’d recommend that people check out the first two to dive deeper into the story as a whole. There are just so many real-life ingredients that Merry Liddle Christmas throws out that will leave you feeling inspired and foster unwavering love for family and for those who we value the most. Merry Liddle Christmas Baby premieres on Lifetime November 27th 8PM EST.
Thomas Cadrot is also working on a reoccurring role in a Dark-Horse Comic adaptation for Netflix called 'Grendel' which will air in 2022.
For more on Merry Liddle Christmas Baby and others on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.
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The 36th Annual Stellar Awards: In Review
After a year of creative digital pivoting, The 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returned for it’s traditional in-person ceremony to Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, July 10th, 2021! Hosted by award-winning gospel trailblazers Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr, the evening showcased a culmination of stellar music artistry and anointed performances. This was our first time doing media coverage for the Stellar Awards and I must say, it was a phenomenal experience from start to end. This year in particular, guests got a chance to witness the beauty and boldness of several young contemporary artists who are authentic in their approach and just as deliberate about their Christ-centered message. Such popular songs that we’ve come to admire such as “Jireh” by Maverick City Music, or Pastor Mike Jr.’s song “Big” as well as Jekayln’s “Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh” all lit up the Stellars stage with electrifying performances!
Some of these emerging artists included Terrian, Nia Allen and Jokia. Big congrats to all of the winners this year in several categories. For example, Pastor Mike Jr. won Artist of The Year, Rap/ Hip Hop Gospel of the Year and Urban/ Inspirational Single of the Year. Other winners included Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music and Jonathan McReynolds. Not to mention, Yolanda Adams, Avery Sunshine and Tamela Mann united in tribute to the Legendary Tramaine Hawkins singing “Changed”, “Holy One” and “Going Up Yonder”. The Clark Sisters were also honored and received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by ATT. These and many many other unforgettable highlights can be experienced first hand during its August 1st airing on BET at 8PM ET/PT. You won’t want to miss it!
Photos Courtesy of DRESS LIKE A GENT
The 36th Annual Stellar Awards Returns to Nashville!
The 36th Annual Stellar Awards returns LIVE to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Friday, July 10, 2021 at 5PM CST. This year, Gospel icons Tye Tribbett & Jekayln Carr will host this year’s ceremony alongside unforgettable ministry performances by a host of trailblazing gospel artists such as Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Jason Clayborn, Tamela Mann & many more. In addition, the Legendary Clark Sisters will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and deliver a stellar performance on stage!
"The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, but honors Gospel music icons, and those who have been instrumental in advocating for the gospel industry. Top nominees for this year’s ceremony include Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr., each receiving seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year."
For details and ticket info, please visit www.stellarawards.com. Details to follow via www.DressLikeAGent.co. Dress Like A Gent will be providing media coverage of the event throughout.