Fox Tracks music artist update: ROME mixtapes

In December, Birmingham rap/hip-hop artist ROME was the Fox Tracks music artist of the week. Well, loyal reader, if you liked that feature, you will love this update. ROME stars in two new mixtapes available for download now at the Dynasty Enterprise website. Go ahead and check them out. To quote Bluto from Animal House, "Don't cost nothin'." And let's face it, who doesn't love free music?

Fox of the Week (4/14/10): Miss Sunshine LaShawn Lawson

Miss Sunshine LaShawn Lawson is a model who calls lots of places home. She discusses her first photoshoot, what sets her apart, and who she admires.

What types of modeling do you do?

Promotional, I rip the runway fashion show, hair show, freeze modeling, video model

Describe how you felt at first modeling job.

My first job was a photoshoot for an aspiring photographer...it was soooo hot. Although before I never really had an issue with being in front of the camera, I was so determined for my first photoshoot to be a success that I was nervous yet very anxious and excited. I did have a lot of fun though I did more thinking and concentrating about it than actually having it. Despite all those feelings, the shoot turned out really well.

What sets you apart from other models?

The easiest way to put it: face of a model, physique of an athlete, and personality of the girl next door. (laughs) But it's often said to me that most models are stuck-up, arrogant, and not very personable and find it very surprising that my personality is totally opposite. Sunshine...inside and out.

Who are some models you admire? Why?

Eva Marcille because she is a young, African-American, beautiful, intelligent, SHORT, fashion model/actress. I admire her for not letting people tell her no because of her height and for getting past her insecurities, which is something we have in common...as well as previously being tomboyish before getting into modeling.

What makes a great photo/photoshoot?

A theme that tells a story, a model that can deliver the story, and perfect lighting for that particular theme. The model should have energy, flexibility, and poise and the photographer is key to framing the model as she delivers the theme through her facial expressions and body language.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish?

Simply to inspire other young women through hard work, love, and motivation.

Follow Miss Sunshine on Twitter.

Miss Sunshine appears courtesy of Tawag Promotions.

LA band Red Tide: brimming with earthly delights

Red Tide is a four-piece band from LA. Bassist Spencer Mandel discusses the band's sound, ideal location for a show, and with whom he'd like to collaborate.

Describe your music for someone who has never heard it.

Ambient space rock with electronic elements, but brimming with earthly delights.

What should someone expect from a Red Tide show?

Beer, girls, and some quiet, existential introspection.

What is the ideal location for a Red Tide show? Who else would you put on the bill?

A backyard on a summer night in the Northeastern woods, or a flyer party at the bottom of the LA river. The bill would include My Bloody Valentine, Fisher Meehan, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Superhumanoids, and the Beach Boys.

If you could write and perform a song with one artist, who would you choose? Why?

Thom Yorke would be legendary, but we'll go with Animal Collective because they'd be more fun to work with. They produce a pleasant cacophony of meta-conscious good vibes.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Andrew: A subversive urban artist.
Teddy: Working for IBM.
Spencer: Writing.
Giuliano: Making different music.

Fox of the Week (4/7/10): So Sweet Venus

So Sweet Venus is a model from Atlanta (there sure are some fine models there, don't you think?) She discusses her first modeling gig, models she admires, and her goals.

What was your first modeling gig? Describe how you felt at that gig.

My first modeling gig was a video shoot I did in Miami. I was very excited and I had so much fun on the set. The girls were nice and the atmosphere was perfect!

When did you know you were hooked on modeling?

When I realized that modeling could be a potential way to open doors to other ventures.

What is the most rewarding part of the job? What is most challenging?

Meeting great people is the most rewarding. The most challenging is the negativity that people view models with.

Who are some models you admire? Why?

As far as Urban Models...Melyssa Ford, Ki Toy, Karrine Steffans.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish?

There are so many things I want to do but one thing would be to start a modeling agency and to do something positive to help educate up and coming models about the industry.

Follow Venus on Twitter.
Keep up with Venus on Stiletto Talk Magazine.

Free Lions: trying to make the best music possible

Free Lions is a six-piece band from Huntington Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Shayne discusses what is essential to every one of the band's songs, with whom he'd like to talk music, and what he'd be doing if he weren't making music.

Complete the sentence. Free Lions is...

Shayne, Spencer, Jocelyn, Robert, Matt and Emily making good music. Also, I think they are a group of freedom fighters from Darfur. I think they are both. And everyone else too.

What is essential to every Free Lions song?

Curiosity. Hopefully some creativity too. And fun. I sometimes forget that last one. But it's pretty important.

What sets Free Lions apart from other bands?

We aren't "going for" anything. We're trying to make the best music possible. That's it. Hopefully people find something they like.

If you could have a beverage and a conversation about music with anyone, who would it be? Why?

John Lennon. I think he's a pretty interesting guy. He led a fairly exciting life and I would enjoy hearing his perspective on things.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Traveling. I need to get out and see some more of this place. Hopefully I can do both!

Fox Tracks music features

Loyal reader, you have no doubt noticed that the band features have become rather sparse here on Fox Tracks. The reason for that is simple. I just have not been getting responses from music artists. So, let me put this out there to all of you readers. Music artists, if you want to be featured. Readers, if you know of a music artist who could use some publicity, drop me a line.

Fox of the Week (3/31/10): Tana Xotica

For those of you that have been waiting for some Latina representation here on Fox Track, wait no further. Tana Xotica is a model from New York with Peruvian and Puerto Rican heritage. She discusses her first photoshoot (and first impression), what sets her apart, and what she would like to accomplish.

Give us a quick course in Tana 101.

Living in the moment, always full of energy everywhere I go, and very optimistic would be my top three ways of describing me. I am of Peruvian and Puerto Rican descent born and raised in Brooklyn. Love to travel and have moved around plenty of times since I was 16 but came back to New York eventually.

How did you get started modeling?

E.P.E.M. Inc is an all-female promotions company and I am the promotions director. We did a photoshoot for the website with a photographer named Desi Adorn and since that day Desi was very into my "exotic look". I was so tired doing this shoot off of 3 hours of sleep and this was my first time ever doing one. So, my first impression wasn't the greatest one but it worked out at the end, and that was the beginning of the discovery of Tana Xotica the model!

What sets you apart from other models?

Personality that leaves a long lasting positive impression (unless I haven't slept, sets me apart from the rest. I have the ability to influence people and this is something I do without even realizing it sometimes. (laughs)

How do people underestimate or misjudge you?

Well, because I tend to walk around with a mean-looking expression, people think that I have a tough shell when really I easily get hurt.

Who are some models you admire? Why?

Suelyn Medeiros is one, she is stunningly gorgeous and has true talent reflected in every photo she takes. Also, Christina Milian who is a triple threat singing, dancing, and acting. She's a great role model for the young girls and I think she's real genuine in evreything she does.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish?

I will eventually gain enough status to where I am able to influence the modeling industry to broaden the typical idea of what a model should be or look like and personally I would LOVE to be successful enough to have my own animal sanctuary because I am an animal lover!
Thank you for taking the time to read about me, more to come.

Check out Tana on Stiletto Talk Magazine.