'Masked Glam' from CopyWrite Magazine Issue 16: Where do We go from Here?
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Mask by @brassrooster | Model @queensoleil22
COPYWRITE MAGAZINE OFFICIAL DROP! Issue 16: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? [ Place your PRE-ORDER now!]
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https://issuu.com/copywritemagazine/docs/issue16_digital
Issue 16 was made out of the struggle. Creating content in this multilayered social landscape has unearthed realities that the world as a whole was not prepared for. Thus, in these pages, you will find an attempt to give disenfranchised creatives room for representation. You will find political nuances that are characterized by personal interpretations of social responsibility, glamour triggered by our health crises, discussions of how tech is helping to save our current state of emergency, and content that was created through the cracks of social distancing. The question for us all is: Where do we go from here?
w/ Nadiyah Johnson, Carrie’s Countdown (top spots), Afro Arts Milwaukee, Unrest w/ Imani Ortiz, and our Ex Fabula Features.
/CW
ORDER YOUR PHYSICAL COPY HERE!!!
‘Reimagining’ the Future of Storytelling! (From our Partners at Ex Fabula)
/*info provided by Ex Fabula
Milwaukee, WI – August 31st, 2020 This year has been filled with revolution, introspection and lots of change. But through it all, storytelling continues to move us. In season 12 Ex Fabula will be REIMAGINING the future of storytelling.
This fall, through themes like ‘Love’, ‘Childhood’, ‘Norms’, and ‘Celebration’, we invite community to share stories at our virtual StorySlams. On Thursday, September 17th ‘Love’ enters the chat as we explore stories of unions, living together, romance, self-care, dating, make-ups, break ups and more! This competitive slam is virtual; Zoom entry starts at 6:30pm and stories begin at 7pm.
Additionally, we’re offering new and improved public workshops, Black and Latinx/a/o Brave Space affinity workshops, and we’re back on the radio every Sunday from 3:30pm-4pm 104.1FM. Our multi-generational slam and MANDI award nominated Deaf StorySlam were so successful last year that we’re bringing them back! The 2nd Annual Deaf StorySlam takes place on Sunday, September 27th at 1pm and our multi-generational StorySlam happens on Sunday, October 4th at 1pm. Both slams are noncompetitive and tickets are available now at exfabula.org/tickets.
We understand COVID-19 has affected many homes financially. To keep our events & workshops accessible, we’re introducing ‘Pay it forward tickets’. Purchase a ticket to any of our slams or workshops and purchase one for someone else to enjoy! Community members can request these free tickets, which are supported by contributions from members and donors.
We’ve become experts in facilitating highly interactive and virtual workshops created just for businesses, schools and community groups. Want to collaborate? Let’s chat! Or visit exfabula.org/host.
Now is the perfect time to experience the power of storytelling. Use your personal stories to reimagine a new normal, reconnect with one another and drive action. Visit our website at exfabula.org/tickets to learn more about our upcoming StorySlams, workshops and special events.
Ex Fabula is a nonprofit that has been connecting Milwaukee through real stories since 2009.
Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Cherish Witherspoon
/We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.
/Vato
Cherish Witherspoon
Photo by Cherish Witherspoon
Social Media: @idonotcherishyou
Expertise: Creative Director
What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?
The next fashion industry to me looks like something protective and inclusive, with all these events going on we need a trend that actually protects us, from face mask to bulletproof vest, they might be strange but we can make it fashion.
What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?
Sustainable fashion to me is a pair of jeans that never shrink in the wash or a black outfit that never gets dingy.
How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?
My style has totally changed because of this pandemic, I find myself covering up more and going out less. The mall doesn’t hit how it used to, this pandemic definitely made me an online shopper.
End of Summer Inventory Wipe Out Sale - 4 issues for $15
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We have too much local to keep in the box. Let us share and end the summer out right! We will mail you 4 random issues that we have in stock for $15! Dats It!. (A $45 savings.)
Listen to CopyWrite Magazine on Episode 90 of Bridge The City Pod Cast→
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Check out CopyWrite’s Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson as talks with hosts Kacee Ohalek and Benjamin Rangel of Bridge The City. “We talk about what makes CopyWrite Magazine unique, Lexi’s advice for other entrepreneurs in the city, and a new collective that supports other Black woman entrepreneurs in Milwaukee.” - Bridge The City
Episode 90: CopyWrite Magazine
Don’t forget to follow them for more great content on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
/CW
Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In): Hayley Knowles
/We have decided to update you all on what is going on in the local fashion world with Fashion Friday (Pandemic Check-In). Checking in with a few creatives, businesses, owners, and more. See how today’s social climate is pulling at the Faces of Fashion.
/Vato
Hayley Knowles
Social Media: @hayleyknowles_ @looksbyhayley_
Expertise: Stylist/Creative directing
What do you think is next for Fashion Industry due to the current world events; 5G, COVID 19 and/or Black lives Matter Movement?
I think the fashion industry is in a unique place right now where everyone involved is pushed to get even more creative. We’re seeing virtual shoots like even a brand like Loewe just created a fashion show in a box! HOW COOL IS THAT??? I don't believe this stuff is going away, I think it's all just getting started. This industry has so much power over the people- not only can we hope to see even more diversity through color and embracing everyone's beauty in all different forms but I think consumers are becoming much more educated within where their money is going. We can hope with this that fast fashion won't be as big as it has been.
What does Sustainable Fashion mean to you?
A WHOLE LOT! This industry is harmful and so scary how much is hidden behind the making of clothes that we wear and don’t even know about! Sustainable fashion is what we should be investing in. Although it can be more pricey, the pieces are much more long-lasting and totally worth it. Thrifting, reworking clothes is so hot! Research before you buy. Question everything!
How are you affected by these current events; Fashion, business, or lifestyle?
Being a college student studying fashion I believe it's a real duty I have to educate myself on these current events because the industry is extremely shaped by it. I want to do my part in making fashion less wasteful and more inclusive. Clothes will be around forever- that’s so much power we must use it in the best way possible!
Donno - Greater Life
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Formally known from being ½ of the groundbreaking rap duo MT Twins, Donno is now a solo artist. The former rap duo racked in over 100,000+ on several music videos and even hit a million on one before calling it one and going their separate ways. That’s actually insane, a million? I can only imagine how hard it was to transition from a group to a solo act when people are constantly reliving the moments of success from the former group. But the spotlight this week is just for Donno and his first solo project, “Greater Life.” We were lucky enough to have a couple of our questions answered and here’s a little about what Donno had to say about “Greater Life.”
“Greater Life is all about helping people understand that there are more values to life than what the public promotes. It’s a fun but very chill project that expresses the inner thoughts over the past year, speaking on the importance of building closer relationships with family, keeping loved ones close, growing as a man and understanding the difference between the person I was and the person that I am today and even plan on becoming.” Believe it or not, it is reflected in the music. This project is extremely solid. Donno talked a little about the inspiration of the project, highlighting some of the struggles of being the underdog artist in terms of popularity. “I began writing the project about a month or so after the split up of the MT TWINS. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was capable of holding my own without 3xsimpson. Knowing that he was the more popular twin between the two of us, I wanted listeners to get to know me more as an artist. The style of music I like to create, the way I carry myself, even down to the message I give, I feel is completely opposite of what you would have heard from the MT TWINS. The sudden split up made me feel angry and betrayed but at the same time motivated me.” That’s real. If you’re not able to speak your truth through music then what does that do for you as an artist? Not a damn thing. Greater Life took about three months to write and three months to record and now we have a masterpiece of a project. So let’s get into a few songs. Let’s talk about that.
Now I am not a fan of reviewing entire bodies of work and commenting on every single thing I hear. I think that it makes it less personable. I don’t think people like reading all of that in this type of setting. But y’all… this project is nicccce as hell like i’ve listened to it three times before even beginning to write. When I say this is a solid body of work, this is like next level. This doesn’t come off as “Milwaukee Music” or something that was just thrown together. Greater Life is intentional, nicely produced and arguably one of the best projects to come out of the city--ever. Yes, ever. I’ve heard a lot of music, a lot of wishful thinking music, the kind of music whereas you wannnnna like it and kindaaaaa sound goood but the bars kind’ve lame and the artist can’t catch the beat. Dis ain’t dat.
One of the songs I really enjoy on the project is Breathe, which is track 12. Here, Donno is expressing the anxiety that he gets from people always breathing down his back. He is essentially talking about needing to breathe because it’s always seemingly suffocating around other people. He is having conversations with himself while other people are giving unsolicited advice and I know that shit irritating ‘cause nobody asked y’all. There’s a lot of “how” questions and if you think you have some unsolicited advice to pass on, keep it. These questions are rhetorical. He basically said let him breathe, damn. Y’all doing a lot.
Another song I enjoy on this 12k Freestyle. This is definitely like a drake flow freestyle like if you listen to it, you’ll know what I mean. It’s fire. He just went in, nonstop. One of his favorite lines from this song is “I just wanna make this song cry / Indecisive thoughts, I hate changing my mind / I was dead at a point of time , I finally revived / Tryna change life for the friends who give family vibes.” Flame de la flame.
It’s hard to even critique anything because this entire project is SOLID. From the bars to the multiple flows to these nice ass beats. THIS IS HOW YOU GO SOLO.
He does want his fans to get something out of this project. He says, “I want them to hear the difference between solo Donno and MT Donno. There are all sorts of different styles records on this project that I believe it’s something on there for everyone. I want listeners to relate to what I’m saying and not just sing along because it is a catchy record. You’ll hear me actually rapping way more than what fans have heard in the past and giving more bars. The goal of the tape is to motivate, education and inspire the youth!”
Well, I know i’m not the first to say this is incredible and I damn sure won’t be the last. You are destined for more man, this project is definitely the ticket. I am so proud of you bro. Stay on their necks and keep making great music.
We love it here.
Stream Greater Life on all streaming services today with ya crusty self. Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube, allll det. YKWTFGO. “It’s vibe” and you’ll get the reference when you listen to track three. HANNN. See what I did there?
HEY LOOK AT ALL THIS IMPORTANT SH*T
Instagram: @greaterlifedonno
Youtube: MT Twins (Donno’s videos are here)
/Imani for CW
