Art, Music & Fugazi // Day Two at SXSW

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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

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.) 

CW at SXSW // Day One

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We're on our adventure and exploring Austin, Texas like real hipsters, who love music, haven't been in heat in months, and can't stop staring at all the dopeness.

Day One at SXSW:

"Look at that yo!" was probably the tagline of the day, besides the epic reference to support local business, "Keep Austin Weird." Everything was eye catching, and random; just the way we like it. 

Austin SXSW scene reminds us of MKE's Water Street mixed with a Brady Street facade. The urban elements popping, the black magic enticing, and the street fashion too Steezy from day to night. 

Everyone here is looking for a connect, playing a showcase and grilled up. (mouth shots!)

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We checked out the Mazda Studio at Empire to catch Talib Kweli's set, which was packed, lit and of course, an honor.

We also got a chance to see The Blood is at the Doorstep, the documentary about Dontre Hamilton & his family, directed and produced by Erik Ljung, which premiered here at SXSW. (CW thought the documentary was very thought-provoking, and well filmed. #SupportTheLocal)

Guess who else is in town? Mike Regal! Dropping #Bars (of course) at the Coast 2 Coast showcase.

Let's see what today brings...we are excited to see if the SXSW culture is just what we need to put our own city on the map and FULLY in the mix.

Freakish: 

This is probably going to be the story of how I fell in love with Austin and just like any love story, it starts with me playfully disliking this city. There's no where to park, food is expensive, and I still haven't had a good taco.

Lines are long, people are rude, and I've had to change socks like three times, but this city is beautiful, and even through the driest of dry heats, I can see what brings people here. The knick-knacks are weird, the people are weirder, and there's a welcoming vibe flowing through the bamboo stalks around the corner from our hotel.

I can see myself loving this city, but for right now I'm admiring from a distance waiting for her to show me who she really is.

Syn:

"KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD, MAN!" & it won't be that hard when you're in this environment. 

SXSW; thus far, has been a hub for some dope shit. My favorite part is the intertwining of different cultures and the natural hair love was REAL. From #BlackGirlMagic and #BlackBoyJoy; you could see the support of the Puff and I love that. #SupportThePuff #MyCurlsWasPoppin #PinkFroGang #BetYouCantDoItLikeSyn... Even brands like Shea Moisture were in the city; supporting hair styles and types of all kind with a glam squad on hand, free products and of course some dope Instagram posts. (I may or may not be on their Instagram soon @sheamoisture)

Dirty: 

"CW is Sexi." - Words from a group of guys standing in the middle of 6th St.

It never fails no matter were we go, they notice. Good...because we are watching too. Talking to strangers, about fashion, music and where they are from always gives me a feel for the event. Who is at SXSW, and why does it matter? No matter where we go I want to see the REAL. There is nothing less intriguing then overly Bougie Street festivals cultivated by posers...and I know Bougie. Austin seems like a good balance of culture, people hungry for a moment to shine, and music...Music, Music, and Music. It gives me hope that maybe home can build something similar...I want this movement. I want this moment. This is research: Put in the work. Create the change. Perspective Babyyyyyyy! 

PLUS 

Supporting every genre of music was a beautiful thing to see. Seeing different people support local and bigger name artists was amazing. It was for every kind of person that wants to come together in one united front.

From civil protests on the streets of 6th to the perspective of seeing Milwaukee in Austin; I couldn't help but feel (a little) at home.

Love & All Things Urban,

/CW (GVNG GVNG SQUAD CIRCLE MoBB) 

Shooter: Mahdi Gransberry

#100Womxn

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Today is International Women's Day. And while CopyWrite is a proud women owned and operated business, we couldn't help but take this moment to recognize Corey Fells for his "100 Womxn" project.

Inspired and crafted as an ode to his mother, Pookie; Corey has crafted a project that shines a light on the beauty, growth and strength of millennial womxn of color. Featuring a range of womxn from local entrepreneurs, artists, mothers, sisters and so much more; Corey uses photography to document the essence of these 100 womxn and to tell their stories.

Ultimately, the project itself tells an interesting visual story as the main figures share multiple commonalities along with a common place - being womxn and physically being in the same space at different moments. Pay special attention to how the background changes with time in this series.

So thank you Corey ... Pookie would be proud.

Check out some of the portraits below then see the rest on his website here. 

Insider Note: CopyWrite was in the middle of shooting our #SociallyResponsible campaign video when Corey asked us to participate. We were not ready. Hahaha

Outfit of the Week // Aja Janay

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Aja has a sense of fashion like no other; she brings many styles of fashion together to create the ultimate look.

She gives me 70s/80s vibes (sexy yet classy but all around dope). 

Items you'll see:

High Slit Long Sleeve Dress in Ivory

Black Over the Knee Thigh High Boots

Gold Chain Choker

Check out her Instagram for styles @ajajanay

Photos by: Freakishnerd

CW - On the Street #SociallyResponsible Campaign II

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CopyWrite is on a mission to uplift our community by using our platform to change the narrative and empower the individual. We recognize that big issues take systematic change, but we also believe that every person has their own power and should not be afraid to use it. We challenge you to discover yours.

Our #SociallyResponsible campaign sheds a light on the various perspectives that make up Milwaukee’s community in the hopes that we find a more realistic approach to coexistence. It's time to look a little deeper.

Take a look at our second video in the series, asking the question, "What does it mean to be Socially Responsible?" 

Then take a position on humanity. Be #SociallyResponsible

Shooter: Mahdi Gransberry // Music by Dipperachi ft. Pizzle & Reggie Bonds

 

 

Outfit of the Week // Dae'kwon Matthews

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Dae'kwon is a very stylish young man with a passion for fashion; once you take a look at the photos it will all speak for itself.

He is wearing an ever so retro but modernized outfit...

Items you'll see: 

Champion brand strap-back hat

Thrifted racer jacket

White Pacsun biker jeans

Wheat timberlands

Check out his Instagram for more fashion @Boywiththelooks

Photos by: Kellan McCullough

Outfit of the Week // Carlos Cortez

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Carlos Cortez has a unique but flexible style. The model, dancer and overall creative can make anything look good and he definitely loves being styled in this years trends.

Carlos and his Cognac color jacket and shoes compliment very well together.

Items you'll see:

Tan fedora hat 

Cognac Brown leather jacket 

Baby grey short sleeve button up 

Black distress skinny jeans 

Leather strap watch

Gold evil eye bracelet 

Cognac lofter boots 

To see more of his looks follow him on Instagram @i.am.lio

CW Featured Designer Dee.Denim // Darla Shanae

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As CW Fashion Editor; Vato believes we need to know more about our Designers and other outlets for fashion in/out of Milwaukee.

I would love to represent the our 1st featured designer Darla Shanae of Deemolishment Denim. I've known Darla for about 3 years now and seen so much of her work. It is great! 

My first encounter with Darla was for a fashion show: she styled me in a white blazer trimmed in Denim. I loved it. 

I want you all to take a deeper look in to Deemolishment Denim.

Meet Darla Shanae.

About Dee.Denim

THE MOST FASHIONABLE WAY TO RECREATE YOUR WARDROBE! 

Deemolishment Denim™ was created by Darla Shanae in 2010. It started out as taking old, unattractive denim and turning it into GLAM, FASHIONABLE denim apparel! The initial goal was to have clients provide their old clothing for "deemolishing", but through displayed quality and professionalism, clients have been known to provide brand new and cherished items for custom design. This was beyond flattery! Whether clients provide new or old denim items ... once it has been deemolished, it has been blessed by the Heavens of Denim Fashion :) 

Over a short time span, Deemolishment has grown into providing custom clothing to customers in the Midwest area. Through our online Etsy store, Deemolishment has also grown to provide these beautiful pieces to people across the United States and also Worldwide! 

At this time in their career, DeeMolishment Denim is offering DIY Workshops (Universal Denim) around the nation to teach at-home ways to destroy and recreate denim. So far, the workshops have been provided to middle/high schoolers in hopes of inspiring them to become entrepreneurs of their own someday. Inquire with the shop members about this opportunity! 

All images provided by Dee.Denim // Etsy

NONAME is on Tour and It’s Live AF // FreakishNerd

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NONAME out the Chi.

NONAME in the Mil.

Telefone on tour.

Vibes are all you need.

This past Saturday Chicago's very own, NONAME, blessed the stage with good vibes and Hennessy for a sold out crowd at The Miramar Theatre. I actually did not know that many people in Milwaukee even knew who she was (though like 57% of the people there came up from Chicago because those shows sold out in like 6 minutes). Not only was room packed, but EVERYBODY KNEW EVERY WORD TO EVERY SONG ON HER PROJECT which caused her to blush and smile profusely in my direction. Seriously, we made eye contact like 30 times last night and all she had to do was slide me her number and I would have been gucci, but that's neither here nor there.

Milwaukee's own Siren opened the show backed by The Truth. Siren's growth as a performer and a lyricist continues to amaze me every time I see her perform. That new music is going to be fire. Fresh off the release of her Moon Shoes EP (maybe I'll review it one day maybe I won't),  Ravyn Lenae came through and showed out. The audience was entranced with her chill beats and light vocal qualities providing a perfect bridge between Siren’s energetic set and NONAME’s…

Let me tell you about NONAME.

The energy flowing through the room was different. A good different. As if you came over to your best friend's granny's house for play date and y'all were plotting on a sleep over. "Let me take you back," the singers opened the show with a medley of songs from Telefone as scenes from Dorothy Dandridge's Carmen Jones are projected behind them. A red lamp sat on a wicker basket next to bottle of Hennessy half(ish)way full. NONAME leaps on the the stage to thunderous applause and screaming. She was rapping the opening verse to “All I Need,” but you couldn’t tell until the applause died down.

She proceeded to perform the entirety of Telefone and two of her Chance collaborations, Lost and my personal favorite, Drown (which she added another verse to that was FIYAH). Halfway through the show she comes out in this red sequined cape, giving a“playing dress up” vibe, performing a cover of The Isley Brothers’ “Contagious” before falling back into the somber “Casket Pretty.” After closing out the show with Yesterday the crowd burst into chants of “NONAME! One More!” I mean she performed the whole album so she was quite literally out of music. Not sure what they were expecting, but the sentiment was certainly felt.

Noname puts on a hell of a show. If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket (the whole tour is sold out y’all), have a great time and if you were at the show, I’m glad we shared a vibe together.

- FreakishNerd //CW

See more photos from the show here. 

Come Over Remix feat. B~Free & Klassik

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Valentine's Day (or week) is not just for couples. It's meant for love. Love of self. Love of others. And if we have anything to do with it... Love for your locals.

And this is why, we need you to hear B~Free and Klassik's "Come Over," a new interpretation on the princess of R&B, Aaliyah's song. The track features the duo collaborating once again to mix their soulful voices into a story we've all have heard of or dealt with time and time again. The story of compromise, meet-ups and love; often starting with a visit. Or like PartyNextDoor said, ..."All she talkin' bout is come and see me for once / Come and see me for once / You don't ever come to me, you don't ever come to me." 

The six minute song, starts with a dramatic and a little lengthy introduction interchanging the artists cohesively while ending with a nod to Cherrelle - "Saturday Love." Combining B~Free's affectionate and caring voice with Klassik's quick wordplay and added metaphors, references to Aaliyah and his "playboy" ways; we can't get enough.

The track is an exclusive release from their affiliated local label - Voodoo Honey Records and mixed and mastered by Cristian Strehlow of Noh Life. So tons of local love.

Peep the track below and CopyWrite is accepting Valentine's gifts all week (Check our Society6 for things we love). #ShamelessPlug

Voodoo Honey Records presents: B~Free & Klassik "Come Over" Prod. & Arr. by Klassik & B~Free Mixed & Mastered by Cristian Strehlow Just in time for Valentine’s Day, frequent collaboration partners B~Free & Klassik return with a fresh take on Aaliyah’s R&B ballad, ‘Come Over.’ With co-production & arrangement by the dynamic musical duo themselves, the cover yields a nostalgic storyline of a romantic rendezvous through warm melodies, soulful harmonies & witty wordplay set to an energetic pace. Mixed & mastered by Cristian Strehlow of Noh Life, the track serves as an exclusive release from their affiliated culture label - Voodoo Honey Records. www.voodoohoneyrecords.com @bfree2music | www.bfree2music.com @iamklassik | www.iamklassik.com

Then listen to the original. RIP BabyGirl