Local2Local - MosaicoX, the curators of Austin's Local

“If you’re throwing a function and you don’t have proceeds going somewhere right now, you’re doing it wrong.” -AH

Meet the ladies of MosaicoX, the curators of Local (well Austin’s local).

Ashley on the left, Claudia on the right

MosaicoX or Mosaico Experiencia is a women duo featuring creatives Ashley Hicks or known by her DJ name as Adzua-Gette (from The House of Shakur) and Claudia Aparicio-Gamundi or  Mazapan (de Puro Chingón Collective). The two DJs started Mosaico Experiencia a year ago as a way to support Black and Brown women and self-identified women artists. And basically to listen and play any music they wanted in a club environment. (Disco Trap anyone?) 

So what does the Experience do?

CAG: “So the name became because we wanted to create experiences for people to have a safe place for everyone to just come and have a good time.”

MosaicoX creates “little festivals” specifically curated to the different vibes they want to showcase that night, whether that’s a poetry event, music event or an event for healing. They’re using their connections to grow the Black, Brown and women community of Austin. 

CAG: “...We not only have performances and music. But we also have a community of women that have their art for sale [in a marketplace environment.]”

The events and markets primarily support and prioritize women of color and self-identified women directly in response to the venues being hard to access for artists.

AH: “It’s a network for Austin, because we know a lot of people and artists. … It’s really just a space to bring people in and give them a platform to share.”

The platforms they create are often quick turnaround but well curated events that give an open forum for people to network and showcase their talents while giving back to a charity and their community.

“It really is just … a disruption of whatever ‘Scheduled Programming’ is.”

And we love disrupting the norms at CopyWrite.

Focused on event planning, curating and connecting artists with PAID gigs in safe environments, MosaicoX is creating a more consistent and concise way to keep the party going.

AH: “We started this for Black and Brown unity, because we just don’t see a lot of Black and Brown link-ups in Austin.”

Though they separately work in different collectives that target their own culture (Ashley of The House of Shakur and Claudia de Puro Chingón Collective); they thought ‘Why not merge who we are?’ to create a bigger impact and more visibility to the movement.

Connect with them on Instagram at @mosaico_experiencia or email them at mosaico.experiencia@gmail.com to experience an event or link up with them to plan your next event in the Austin area. They’re working and open to collaborative efforts to grow the culture and your passion. (Maybe you'll see a CW x MosaicoX event soon? **insert thinking emoji here**)

“Don’t start no shit, won’t be no shit.”

So lastly, what do you want people to know?

CAG: “Continue to support POC business owners.”

AH: “...And let’s be conscious of how we want our entertainment in our lives.”

CAG: “PAY ENTERTAINERS… Gawd Damnit.”

F*** EXPOSURE. (... said every artist ever.)

And lastly (for real this time):

AH: “I just want to plug my band… Mamis.”  Where Ashley is the guitarist killing it in the band and their EP is dropping real soon. 

We hear you Mosaico. 

/Syn for Austin

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Photos by Whitney Devin. Follow her on Instagram and see her work on whitneydevin.com 

Check out The Local - Oakland Cafe

Check out our new favorite chill spot on Milwaukee’s Eastside, Oakland Cafe!

If you need a place to duck off at any time of day, this should be your go-to place. A few blocks from UWM campus ( 2979 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211) Oakland Cafe serves breakfast delectables, Bomb smoothies, hot chocolate that is to die for, and all your Colectivo coffee favorites!

But here's the twist, they also serve Hookah!!! (Woot Woot)

So when your day is over and you just want to “hit the pipe” they have a great vibe and all the flavors for just that. And shockingly enough, their music selection is also lit ( a few members of the CW team checked it out last week...was that a little Kodak Black? Some Sza? Hmmmmmm.)

So next time you're in the neighborhood go out Oakland Cafe, and tell them CopyWrite Mag sent you!

Hookah Break anyone???

/Dirty

#WCW Rachel Vasquez

This year’s agenda for Rachel Vasquez: Continue to build her empire.

Our #WCW Rachel Vasquez is the owner of Fame Clothing line, Sheek 911 boutique, and the owner of Vasquez printing.

If that’s not enough for you, let’s add her other full time positions: Mom, Wife, Friend and self-proclaimed Queen of recreating jeans.

A woman with a lot of hustle and “Your Local Fashion Dealer” to say the least; she's been working.

Now normally I would go into a rant about how this boss lady is not stopping until she gets what she wants for herself, her family and the people she loves but I’ll let Rachel give us her perspective.

“Having a dream is about working late nights, sacrificing, and believing in yourself when no one else believes in you. In life there are workers and dreamers. I choose to be both. Taking my passion and making it my reality. Dreaming is not good enough if that's all you're doing, you have to take that dream and work until that dream gives you tunnel vision, until you want it as bad as you want to breathe. Started my dream back in 2012 with little to nothing in my bank account. It is now 2017 and I can see my growth in my work, growth is my mindset, growth in my sacrificing. 2017 is all about the revamping of my self. The next level up💪🏽 People see you working but they don't get to see the sacrifices you have to make every single day to get the lifestyle your family deserves. The work never ✋🏽 Stops, you never get to sleep 😴, your time is always taken.”  

We hear you Rachel.

Check out some items from her collections below to see some of her work. Then follow her and her organizations on IG: @Sheek911llc IG: @vasquez.collection17 FB: @Rachel Luis

Let us know who you want to see as our next #WCW in the comments.

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All images owned and provided by Rachel Vasquez and her social accounts.

Milwaukee Fashion Week 2017 - Perspective

Milwaukee Fashion Week is back at it again with the controversy.

MKE FW 2017 event, hosted at the Milwaukee Athletic Club had already retrieved “local” traction before the week had even arrived. From culturally disruptive media pre-coverage to the grassroots MKE fashion world feeling once again slighted by the “politics” of the event, there was already some pushback to even attend.

CW staff attended the last day of the event, hoping that just observing a sample of this year's show would be more beneficial to MKEFW and our readers since our presence last year seemed to create a little bite back behind the scenes. (Reading the press credential agreements this year was quite insightful). Nonetheless, we saw what we saw.

Our favorites of the night:

• Sarah Lauren Fashion, with her satin bases, smooth transitions, and unexpected use of material.
• Em.Ris, with the dark tones, concepting, and staged fashion experience (the headphones….genius!)
• Ieri Designs by Allison Jarrett, For the tailored suits with vibrant color and pattern selection.

Things we could do without:

• The unfinished and unhemmed worked that was allowed on the runway.
• The very unproportional crowd demographic. (Analyze the culture).
• The stage setup.

Instead of going on we rather give you a glimpse at ONE narrative participants and the community are having about MKE FW:

(From Facebook- Both Richon & Lupita were told their perspectives would be shared.)

We also received a perspective submission by another one of our readers and MKEFW models, Roshá Brister:

“It was my first time being a part of Milwaukee’s Fashion week and I have to say the experience wasn’t as hectic as my time at New York’s Fashion Week. I walked for designer Em’Ris, whom I have had the pleasure of working with on several different occasions. Hair and makeup prep was at 3 p.m., on the last day of the event. When I walked into the venue I was very surprised as to how un-athletic and elegant the club was, which I most certainly did not expect. I got to the hall and checked-in and took a seat. The halls setup was really nice and well put together; it definitely fits the mood of a fashion show. One thing that caught my attention was the stage, I was a little perplexed about its setup. It was about a 2ft. stage that models had to step onto when coming from behind stage. In my opinion, it would have just been best to leave it out altogether.  However, I did like the lighting; it brought out the light pink walls and white lining of the walls. This made the hall have an ambiance that was soft and inviting.

Behind the stage was organized in regards to understanding who was doing what and it was easy to locate your designer. I really enjoyed their model call system to ensure each model had their hair and makeup done on time and in an orderly fashion. Though this was well set up, I will say my hair and makeup experience was not the best by the slightest bit. The makeup/hair stylist that was assigned to my designer was not well versed in how to beautify and style darker complexions and hair types. I mean the lady did not brush my edges, honey! That’s important. I’m natural with locs, and still, I manage to have my edges looking together. Although that was simple for me to take care of, it was very disheartening that she was not prepared to do darker complexion women make up. She did makeup for another model and I, and honestly, it looked a hot mess. Good thing as a model, I brought my own foundation, mascara, and eyeliner; unfortunately “we” just have to be prepared for the unprepared.

The show started at 7 p.m. and Em’Ris line went on just before the first half. As a model, this was the least stressful setup that I had experienced. The staff was very organized in informing us when we needed to be dressed and where we’d go to enter the stage. The group of models and of course the designer Emily were amazing and we really killed our segment on stage! I would definitely participate in MKE Fashion Week again.”

So there you have it. Perspective is key to making the proper impact on the community in which you claim to serve, no matter what event it may be.

Like we say here at CopyWrite… #DoBetter

/CW

MKE Downtown Dining Week

It's Tuesday. Which means you only have 3 more days to enjoy Milwaukee Downtown Dining Week.

Eat your way around downtown Milwaukee by sampling the city's top steakhouses, bistros and eateries. Starting on June 1st, the eight day event let's you enjoy three-course meals at $12.50 for lunch and $25 or $35 for dinner. Just pick your options from a list of preselected favorites, then enjoy.

Check out the available restaurants and menus here:

 http://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/about-us/special-events/downtown-dining-week

Or look at this easy map to find your perfect restaurant to try:

 https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1QOvU_UdW5d5uf0WrGy9yqPSez7M&ll=43.041412927952%2C-87.90824750000002&z=14

Let us know where you're eating at and tell us what you think by mentioning @copywritemag and using the hashtag #downtowndiningmke. 

We've been filling up already. 

PBR & MKE Back At It

 All this great weather, barbecues and cold PBR’s being passed around this weekend has the CW team thinking about all the great events that will be happening this summer, and how the movement has been picking up in our city.

We are still very excited about MKE culture striving and Pabst re-opening bringing our favorite Urban components together in one big celebration;  Art, Music, Culture, and Community. We sent out CopyWrite’s newest intern, Garahbrie, to test the waters of PBR a few weeks ago, and this is what she had to say:

The Pabst Brewing Grand Opening street festival was an amazing event, and it was nice to see people from around the city come out just to have an enjoyable time. As CopyWrite’s newest addition I chose this as my first event to cover so Mahdi and I took to the streets!

Arriving I was nervous, there was a line three blocks long to enter the festival and there was SO much happening. I was starting to question why I took on something so large my first time around.

The festival took place on May 13, 2017 (at 1037 W Juneau Ave) to celebrate the reopening of the Pabst Brewery.  Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, Mame McCully explained on PabstMKEBrewery.com, “Pabst returning to Milwaukee is actually just a physical presence. It never really left in the sense that it’s always been Milwaukee’s beer. Just because it wasn’t made right here on Pabst’s grounds anymore, it didn’t stop existing for us. This is forever going to be Brew City, MKE, and it’s forever going to be the place where the major beer industry was born. It’s a return to their heritage.” This clearly not just exciting for Pabst but also for the city and culture around it.

Pulling into the parking structure with money in hand and the attendant noticed my CopyWrite press pass and let me right through! That readers, was INSANE! That really happens? I parked my car and got ready to make this three-block hike to the END of a very long line.

Walking by the entrance I was stopped AGAIN and told to go through, and that I didn’t need to wait, at that point I was FLOORED… Okay, CopyWrite! Intern perks are in full effect!

I interviewed festival goers just to get a feel of where people’s heads were at. When I asked, what made them come to the festival so many people responded, “I came for the beer and Ish Darr!” I must admit, I was excited to see Ish perform live as well, and it was definitely worth it! He performed tracks from his 2016 project “Broken Hearts and Bankrolls” and wrapped up by performing my favorite, “Too Bad.” I even snagged a pic with him after!

Two festival goers with forty ounce beers taped, yes taped, to their hands sparked my interest so I decided to ask them a few questions about how they were enjoying the festival with a response, “Welcome back Pabst, we’ve missed you! Woo Hoo!” complete with yelling and genuine laughter.

Other GREAT acts performed including, New Age Narcissism, Hugh Masterson, D’amato, Masked Intruder, and Abby Jeanne.

After catching some dope performances Mahdi and I got to meet MORE festival goers, and got some visuals that were to DIE for, everyone knows that I love Mahdi’s work.

I was randomly asked to play a game of cornhole (bean bag toss), which I SUCKED at by the way. I have bad aim and noodle arms. Not a match made in cornhole heaven folks. It was an amazing aura, being able to interact with complete strangers as if I have known them for years. The Pabst Brewery was able to make that happen.

There were tons of vendors and sponsors there as well! From OnMilwaukee, to Milwaukee Record, Moda 3, and 88Nine. I visited 88Nine earlier this weekend with Lexi and Mahdi, and as always, it was something great happening. The youth performed their original pieces to a very interactive crowd on the 88Nine stage, of course, CopyWrite was there because we have to #SupportTheLocal

This event was mad with networking, and love! The city made me proud! All in all, I am happy I chose this as my first event to cover. It got me so excited to see what Summer ‘17 has in store. Catch all that visual work though right here at CW!

/Garahbrie (CW Intern)

Slay with The Style Hub

At CopyWrite, we think that your style is a quick snapshot of self.  Since it can quickly tell people who you are without you having to speak.

In the music industry (and sometimes in life), the way you dress and your appearance can get someone to take that extra second to stop and ask "Who is this person? And what do they do?" It's just how it works. Having a style, a steez, a look; can get you far; as long as you have the talent to match.

This is why we're introducing you to The Style Hub, an online directory offering an one-stop shop for style.

A women-owned and operated business, The Style Hub is there for all your style needs.

As a client, The Style Hub connects you to the people you need by managing all of your stylists needs in one. Need a wardrobe stylist? Need a makeup artist? Need a beautician? They're ready to help you with your needs from photoshoots to video shoots to parties. You name it.

As a stylist, The Style Hub works to feature talented stylists in the Milwaukee area increasing the stylists awareness and credibility as well as showing off their talents by hosting styling events in hair, beauty and fashion.

Check out some of the photos from their last event below.

And if you want to know more, subscribe to their website and stay informed on the official launch of the web and app coming May and July 2017 by liking their Facebook or Instagram page... 

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IMAGES provided by The Style Hub.

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** THIS IS A SPONSORED POST. **

However, we only sponsor businesses we believe in and would support regardless. No fake frauds here. You want in? E-mail us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com with your business information.

#SupportTheLocal

CW at SXSW: Day One

Watch our recap video from Day One at SXSW... 

Then subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see the videos first. 

Epic Shit Toronto Ni**a Go Crazy // Day Three at SXSW

Day 3 CWatSXSW: 

They are out here Wildi'n. They are out here Actin'. They are out here and we got a piece of the action!!!!

One more night in the city of Austin and it was definitely an eventful one coming from the CopyWrite perspective.

Dirty: 

Pool side sittin', glamour shot gettin'...Is that Lex/Dirty in a swim suit Pimp'n?

Yes indeed! 

Day 3 started of with an impromptu photo shoot with me poolside getting fried like chicken, glistening in baby oil! (S/O to the best Shooter ever, Mahdi). The fun ego booster was followed by a trip to the SXSW Convention Center, where I got a chance to sit in on Conversations with T.I. , where he premiered his new short film, US or Else. The #SociallyResponsible, commentary on societal norm of police brutality, with its 3 perspective roll played by T.I. himself, was meant "to inspire healthy dialogue." 

During his QA with SWAYYYYYYY (Me & Sway took a selfie by the way)  T.I. commented on the structure of Police and Community interaction and using criminal activity as a means of survival saying: 

"How can you play fair when everyone else is cheating?...We out there gambling they out there winning!" The music, the film, and T.I.'s current public political & social stance, is arguably some of his most powerful work thus far.

Ummm But about last night...Did Jazz Cartier really tell the security guard to suck his dick? Did Jazz really hang from the ceiling like a batty bat bat? Did Jazz really kick a security guard in the face? On his birthday? Is that how y'all rockin' it in Toronto? Good Gawd!

(But after the hustle and bustle I also ran into Chicago's Westside Fyeee Saba! (Selfie time!)

Day 3 was Epic. I need a Nap!

Syn:

It's a photoshoot! After art directing Dirty's photoshoot (swimsuit calendar coming soon); I had my own. It was coollllll. Mahdi (as you know) makes every women beautiful so it was easy and relax. In between doing my photoshoot and art directing another photoshoot for CopyWrite Connect Ariel, we got chicken! Nom Nom Nom.... 

Then proceeded to music, music, then fugazi. AJ Tracey (from London) was dope. Kodie Shane was fiya. Saba killed it and we're basically friends now. (He probably knows my face at least and we've had more than one conversation lol. Milwaukee Show April 4.)

And then this man; Jazz Cartier....

dope beats, decent bars but for his performance.... stay on the stage and the ground and don't kick the staff and don't beat up fans and well you get the point. 

Freakish:

CW came through the Empire Control Room to see the "Bubblegum Trap" Stylings of Kodie Shane. Little did we know we were also seeing Saba. We were supposed to see him last night, but we never made it (Karma looking out for the homies).

Before Saba, I'm looking at the lineup and I ask a stranger "Who is Jazz Cartier?" He responded "Jazz is cool. He a little wild in his shows tho, but that's my mans. He real cool." He pulled out his snapchat to show us some videos of Jazz performing earlier in the week, he has great energy.

Jazz Cartier is a Toronto rapper and he actually seems pretty cool. Great beat selection for sure, but I wasn't really feeling his verses. Listen to this track as you read on because it puts you in the headspace...

This show was WILD, BABY. WILD. Early in the show Jazz told us it was his birthday and so it's safe to say he was under some influences. This man was hanging from a makeshift rod holding up the projectors and lights for the stage. One of the Empire Stage Crew members ran off to gather the Empire's greatest warriors to protect the house. After Jazz Caviar finished his song, new Empire personnel appeared on both sides of the stage. There was this skinny, Thor-looking dude on one side posted and ready to hop on stage at any given notice and on the other side of the stage you had a Puerto Rican dude in all black, another white guy holing up the door and the star gladiator... Black Guy with Rolled up Short Sleeves and Glasses (Glasses).

You could tell Glasses is all about business. He's there to do one job... protect the Empire (you know he was the HNIC because he had the ear piece). The show keeps going and Jazz once again hangs on the rod and the whole team gets up to tell him to get down. Jazz Chardonnay shoves Glasses and Glasses just stands back.

Strike One.

Jazz's DJ comes in and gets him down realizing his friend was about to take an L. In retaliation for being told what not to do on his birthday, Jazz tell security (specifically Glasses) to "suck his dick" and invited several audience members on stage to crowd surf with him.

Strike Two.

Jazz didn't crowd surf tho. He was literally walking on the crowd and hanging from the banisters. He was hanging upside looking like Blackula while rapping his song 'Dead or Alive.' The man was damn near Tarzan-ing himself across the crowd until he stood on the sound table.

When Jazz first started to bring up people I put my backpack on and unplugged Dirty's phone. I just had that feeling that we'd have to make a quick move. Security walks calmly through the crowd to tell Jazz Capri-sun to get off the sound table (the sound guys were freaking all the way out by the way) Jazz KICKS Glasses in the face.

Strike Three.

Jazz drops from the ceiling and is brawling with security. One of his boys (who invited Syn to an after party with Jazz and KYLE during the show) leaped off the stage and started SWINGING on everybody. Even the bystanders trying to break up the fight. I end up next to Saba and we just looking like "YOOOOOOOOO! How did this even happen???" You'll see footage of our after talk in the recap video.

SXSW ended with a bang (and we definitely weren't going to that after party) and it was exciting. Looking forward to staying longer next year and finally getting a good taco.

CW/Circle MoBB will definitely be back in Austin soon.

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Art, Music & Fugazi // Day Two at SXSW

CWatSXSW Day Two:

Spotted! Celebrities everywhere and we want parts!

Benzino, Kap G, Bre-Z, 5ive Mics, T.I. and some other names y'all ain't ready for were all in the mix downtown Austin.

Our exploration lead us to Art, Music, Fashion, and Culture. All the things we live for.  

We flipped the script rapping bars for local artists in exchange for dope street beauty shots. 

Our interview with tech savvy boss ladies at Hyphen- Labs is bound to be a great article, and we must add how we all looked hella fly walking down these Austin Streets. Who is going to put us on a fashion blog?

The action is where the people are and the SXSW energy is proving to be contagious. The elements are all stacking up...it's the lifestyle. 

Dirty:

Crystal coded jaguar statues, kimchi french fries with bomb fried tofu, and chit chats with boss ladies and celebrities...OH MY!  Heaven is this you? 

Day 2 at SXSW was my style of exploration. #PopAustin gallery was so refreshing. I got my daily dose of art with a side of complementary Step & Repeat selfie booth and color changing lights - Everywhere we go its a photo shoot!  Stopped into Luxe Apothecary Boutique. I almost spazzed, but I recovered, only walking out with one frame of Geechie sunglasses. My virtual reality experience provided by the ladies of Hyphen-Labs, made me feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world as a women of color ( I cant wait for you guys to read my interview with the team). Once again 6th street was poppin, but y'all have got to stop handing me mixtapes. I only have TWO hands! Email me that shit, QR Code, or somethin! #UPDATEYOURHUSTSLE2017

I think my favorite part of the day was my chat with Hustle Gang's 5ive Mics. We had previously met a few years back in the MKE airport and he is just a very pleasant and interesting gangsta so running into him again here at SXSW was cool. S/O's to 5ive. 

I hope today at SX we can amplify this feeling... Imma need my kimchi on a taco while i'm sitting on a giraffe made of diamonds. Clearly anything can happen in Austin. Weird!!!!

Freakish: The art in the city is so fresh. So many little random pop up galleries and street paintings on walls, I know I'm going to come home looking at Milwaukee like...

I had the BEST tofu. It was marinated and fried and just yes. Pure yes. Walked 5.7 miles around the same 6 blocks. I don't know what St. Patrick's Day is like on Water Street in Milwaukee, but St. Patty's down here? SO MANY PEOPLE. We got tricked.

SIXTH STREET // From the balcony

Syn wanted to go to 5th Street first and ease into 6th. 5th was cool. Walked in to this Russian theme bar with a wall of "Bertie Botts Every Flavor Vodka (from Peach and Mango to Mixed Nuts and Horseradish)" and saw this dope group call OSHUN. They're like a Neo-soul/Rapping/singing/Black Excellence duo. I'm sure somebody will link their Instagram right here. Literally got called into the bar from the sound of Trumpets and Electric Rhodes. THEN WE MADE THE MISTAKE OF GOING TO DIRTY SIX. So many people. So much skin. So many smells. So many things on the ground. We literally moved to higher ground for safety in a bar on the corner. We didn't make it off the corner!

Starting to feel a little claustrophobic down here. I need to see more of the city. Maybe a rest day. Austin is wild, B.

Syn:

Day Two was interesting to the say the least.

In every city I visit, I need to see the art. Whether that's the graffiti, the fashion or even a painting; I need to see it alive in the city. Day Two brought exploration of exhibits along with a really cool mixture of art and technology (Have you ever done VR at an art show?)

We interviewed a dope group of female boss ladies. Got really amazing food from Chi'lantro, a food truck. Peeped some celebrities.... I was called a "Gangster" by Love & Hip Hop Star Benzino. Got posted on Shea Moisture Instagram page for my hair. ☺️ Saw OSHUN and the LIVE LIFE LOUD band kill the stage. Witnessed an apocalypse amount of people on Sixth Street while TIP and Hustle Gang made sure their presence in the city was known with a quick walk-thru. & we celebrated my people (Happy St Patrick's Day y'all.) 

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