The Blogboard Spotlight: Chuck Maldonado

EMGWORLD SPEAKS WITH CHOREOGRAPHER CHUCK MALDONADO ON HIS STEPS TO SUCCESS IN THE DANCE WORLD

From Ne-Yo to Chris Brown, Chuck Maldonado has worked with some of music’s most popular artists.  His work can be seen in Hollywood box office thrillers like Stomp the Yard, Shark Tale, You Got Served and TV shows such as ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”  Whether artistic directing, choreographing, or dancing, Chuck Maldonado is recognized as one of the best in his craft. Chuck steps away from his schedule to speak with EMGWorld on his falls, struggles and rise to glory in the industry.

Background: Choreographer/ Dance Instructor

EMGWorld: When did you know you had officially ‘arrived’ as a choreographer?

CM: The first time I realized I had arrived as a choreographer was when I got a call from Will Packer to work on Stomp The Yard.  He said he needed a choreographer that was diverse enough to understand black college life, black fraternities and sororities, hip-hop choreography and could also ‘step.’  I said “God I knew I needed something that was different and no one else could do here and this is it.  I have to get this job.”  That’s when I realized I’m a choreographer now.  

EMGWorld: What would you say made you the right choreographer for Stomp The Yard?

CM: I graduated from North Carolina A&T University, so I understood black college life.  I pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., so I understood black greek life.  I was already a hip-hop dancer and of course I was the only person in Hollywood who could even step.  

EMGWorld: How challenging was it to teach the art of ‘stepping’ to the dance community?

CM: I knew it would take the world by storm because it was something different.  Some of the best dancers went down in flames.  It was two completely different worlds for everybody.  Nobody could step.  Nobody even knew what it [stepping] was.  I said this is my job.     

EMGWorld: How did working on Stomp the Yard open up other doors in the industry?

CM: I met Chris Brown and Neyo for the first time.  Just off the relationship of being in the movie with them I became good friends and began working with them as a choreographer.  

EMGWorld: How different is the process of choreographing scenes for a film versus a live event?

CM: I just choreographed a tour for Nickelodeon and I'm constantly thinking about if someone can see the small movements from high up in the crowd.  So I have to make the movements a lot bigger.  In a movie, we can cut.  I can choreograph every moment and second because I know we can do it in sections.  I'll let the director know we can do it in sections.  We can take breaks, cut, paste and edit.  When we're on stage you can't go back and erase it.  If you give them [dancers] too much they could be likely to get tired and mess up more.

EMGWorld: Why is it so important for young choreographers to understand the difference?

CM: Young choreographers need to know that.  When you're choreographing for a movie you have to read scripts and understand.  You're not just making up a bunch of steps.  It has to make sense to what the movie is about.  You have to know what type of shots they are going to use.  Will it be 90 frame, 60 frame, full shot, etc.? What's the story line?  When you do tours there are no story lines.  

EMGWorld: What stands out to you most when you’re selecting potential talent for a project?

CM: My biggest thing is to see a dancer that can emulate and do the choreography exactly like me.  I don't need you to dance the way you dance.  I need you to do dance the way I dance.  A choreographer's dream is to have dancers that can do the choreography exactly like them.

EMGWorld: What’s another thing you look for prior to selecting dancers at an audition?

CM: The second thing I look for is whether you fit the look and dress the part for the job.  When we did Stomp The Yard alot of people were over 22 years old, but when they went into the audition they looked collegiate.  Darren [Hensen] didn't dress up and look like he was going to do Soul Food with a wife.  He came in clean shaven looking like a college student.  The look is the second thing I notice.  

EMGWorld: How would you say your selection process differs from most choreographers?

CM: A lot of people [choreographers] tend to focus on the look first.  If you don't fit the look they don't even care how dope you are.  When I'm looking for talent I'm not looking only for that one job.  I have more than one job after that.  There are other things that come up.  

“Stay humble.  This is a gift from God.  Keep God first in your life.” – Chuck Maldonado, Blogboard Spotlight

EMGWorld: Would you say that beauty and looks can outweigh talent?

CM: No.  I always say that success happens when talent meets opportunity.  You'll still have to have talent.  You can be gorgeous and sexy, but it doesn't mean you're going to get the job.  This is LA.  We'll have an audition and they'll be 600 beautiful girls when we only need 10.  Everyone's opinion of what is beautiful is different.  

EMGWorld: For those who don’t believe it just how critical is it to have good headshots?

CM: I hate when people do not invest in pictures because they are by far the second most important thing next to being trained.  This is an image driven industry.  Everything is done through internet.  You have LA Casting.com, IMDB.com, Actors Breakdown.com, etc.  If you don't have amazing pictures then you won’t get the job, the audition or even the chance to get seen by those artistic directors.  

EMGWorld: Can you describe the process you use when reviewing picture submissions?

CM: When I would do picture submissions, I call the agency to see what they have.  I look at the pictures and click all the people I like and invite them to audition.  If you have bad pictures and I don't know you then it's not happening.  Not taking your pictures seriously can mess you up.   Bad pictures say you don't even care about yourself.  

EMGWorld: What’s the best piece of advice you have for those looking to follow in your footsteps?

CM: Stay grounded.  Stay humble.  This is a gift from God.  Keep God first in your life.  Understand there's something out there greater than you are.  Knowing this made my life alot easier.  I wouldn’t have been brought all the way to California from Atlanta if there wasn't something greater than me.  And when you do make it remember to give back…  

EMGWorld: How would you say you give back to up and coming performers hoping to follow your route to success?

CM: I'm always giving back whether it be knowledge or training.  I'm probably one of the very few working choreographers, if not the only, that teach in the industry because we're so busy.  I still dedicate my time once a week for at least one hour.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our interview series as Chuck Maldonado speaks on his introduction into the industry and close friendship with the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez...


Follow us on twitter @TeamEMGWorld or friend us on facebook.

Read More

The Blogboard Spotlight: R&B Sizzler Gabe Roland

EMGWORLD SHEDS LIGHT ON AN UP AND COMING PERFORMER READY TO STAMP HIS NAME ON R&B

The R&B arena may be one of the hardest genres for an artist to break into.  In hip-hop, you can ride the waves of a catchy hook or ride the coat tails of a co-signer like Lil’ Wayne.  In R&B, you either have it or you don’t.  Los Angeles performer Gabe Roland is ready to show the industry that he has just what it takes to make it in the R&B world.

EMGWorld: Where are you originally from?

Gabe Roland: I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO.  I made the jump to LA three years ago to pursue music.

EMGWorld: What first inspired you to pick up the microphone and perform?

GR: I’d have to say Michael Jackson.  Seeing Michael Jackson perform inspired me so much because he was the complete package.  The way he would sing and engage his audiences made me want to become a performer.  Michael was the most complete package you could find.

EMGWorld: How long have you been grinding as an artist in music?

GR: I've been grinding for about 8 years..

EMGWorld: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

GR: I have TOO MANY to name.  With me being raised in Kansas City, I'm very inspired by country music artists like Lady Annabella.  I'm also a big fan of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Elton John and Brian McKnight.  I love how those artists pushed the envelope open throughout their careers.

EMGWorld: Performers such as The Dream and Keri Hilson came into the industry as songwriters.  Just how critical is it for a singer to also possess the ability to write a song?

GR: It's ULTRA-CRITICAL because songwriting puts you in a position where you can be the artist you desire to be.  Some artists are extremely talented, but they don't write or produce.  Those artists are subject to sing whatever they're given to sing, which limits their creativity.  Being able to create and write puts you in a position where you can make your own product and have your own voice.

EMGWorld: How helpful has it been for you to be able to write your own music?

GR: Coming into the game as a writer helps you establish credibility as an artist because you're proving you have talent versus just an image.  Your looks will only take you so far.  If you have no talent then you're DONE.

EMGWorld: What’s been the toughest obstacle you’ve faced while pursuing a career in music?

GR: The biggest obstacle is getting other people to care and LISTEN to your music.  Having people take you seriously can be a challenge because when you're new people don't know you.  I've worked hard to push the envelope, but it's a challenge to stay patient when I know I have the talent to stand on any platform.

EMGWorld: You recently performed in the BET Music Matters showcase in New York?  How was that experience?

GR: The experience was a blessing for me.  New York is one of my favorite cities because New York is honest.  People like the grind in New York because it's honest and in your face.  I had a few friends attend the showcase, but no one there really knew of me.  I ended up having one of the LOUDEST applauses of the night.  People [immediately] hit me on twitter and facebook after my set to tell me I had the best performance in the showcase.  The feedback was real because these people didn't know me or know of me.  The reaction and responses from the crowd let me know I could compete on any level.

EMGWorld: R&B music has seemed to join forces with hip-hop in order to garner success.  Would you say your style of music also caters to the hip-hop audience?

GR: Yes.  I like singing and rapping.  It's almost impossible to avoid combining both sounds now because hip-hop is such a big part of our culture.  There are so many duets where the rapper raps and the singer sings.  You now hear R&B artists rapping and hip-hop artists singing.  Look at what Kanye West did with 808's & Heartbreaks or what Drake is doing now.  I'd say that R&B and Hip-Hop go together like a MARRIAGE.  

“Your looks will only take you so far.  If you have no talent then you're done.” – Gabe Roland, Blogboard Spotlight

EMGWorld: At what point during your journey in music did you say to yourself, “I can be great at this?”

GR: Getting such a warm reception at the BET's Music Matters Showcase this year in New York triggered a voice in my head that told me “I can be great at this.”  I heard that voice again in LA when I performed at the Entourage.  Those were two performances that stand out in my mind and helped me realize how great I can be as an artist.

EMGWorld: Digital distribution is plays a major role in the success of today’s artists.  How frequently do you release digital mixtapes?

GR:  You have to constantly release music especially when you're unknown.  I'm easy to forget even after giving a great performance because I haven't established myself.  I released my first album in January and this month I intend to release a new mixtape titled 'Dream Nation.'  I plan to drop another EP in late September to promote my second album, which will drop in December.  

EMGWorld: What’s the best advice you’ve received since you made the jump to Hollywood to pursue music?

GR: Trevor from SESAC New York told me, “The mountain isn't as big of a climb when you can write.”  I sing, write and produce.  No matter how many hats I wear I've learned that everything happens in time.  You have to be patient with the process.  Things will happen for you.  Don't get sidetracked by hearing about overnight success stories.  Just continue to CLIMB, WORK HARD and EXERCISE YOUR TALENT in every area you can.  

EMGWorld: Who within the industry has played the biggest role in your development as an artist?

GR: I'd have to say James Leach.  James works at SESAC and signed me on as a songwriter when I was still living in Kansas City.  Being signed by James meant so much because it exposed me to alot of artists I never met before.  It opened up a lot of networks and helped me see what was really going on in the industry.

EMGWorld: How can producers out there send beats to you?

GR: Producers can send music to me via e-mail at gaberoland@gmail.com or hit me on twitter @thegaberoland.  

EMGWorld: Where can fans connect with you?

GR: Fans can follow me on twitter @ thegaberoland or friend me on facebook at thegaberolandofficial.  

“I've learned that everything happens in time.  You have to be patient with the process.” – Gabe Roland, Blogboard Spotlight

Follow us on twitter @TeamEMGWorld or friend us on facebook.

Read More

The Blogboard Review: 'Broken Roads'

EMGWORLD DELIVERS THE VERDICT ON THE HIGHLY EMOTIONAL FILM 'BROKEN ROADS'

Broken Roads examines the story of a grandmother (Sally Kirkland) seeking to repair a broken relationship with her grandson.  After his mother is killed in a car crash, Aldo Russo is sent to stay with his grandmother for a year.  

The two consistently butt heads as Aldo is a teenager filled with rage towards the grandmother he never knew.

Official Synopsis:

 A teen's life is shattered by a tragic car accident, leaving his mother dead and him lost from the world.  He's forced to move to a small town to live with his grandmother, whom he's never met.  After living together they discover that they're unable to find peach with their own demons until they've found peace with each other.  Broken Roads is a contrasted portrait of life; dealing with loss.  A character driven journey of rediscovery and the hills climbed which forever change us.

Official Trailer:

EMGWorld presents... "The Verdict"

Overall Quality: B

For an independent picture, this film was well constructed.  The picture quality and visual effects are crisp and measure up with anything you would expect to see from a major vendor.

Storyline: B

The story of a young man and his grandmother is obviously not intended to immediately capture your attention.  However, you will find yourself sucked into the story as it goes along.  

This picture is obviously designed for a more intimate audience.  Broken Roads will score great with family audiences (minus having to witness a teenager screaming at his grandmother from time to time).

Scene Variation: C

Broken Roads contains several gorgeous outdoor scenes and locations.  However, there’s definitely room for more indoor locations.  There’s only so much a viewer can look forward to when a story continues to be told in one location.  Just ask anyone that’s ever watched a Tyler Perry movie.

Film Score (Music): A

The musical selection and composition were exceptional throughout the film.  Viewers are given music that complements each scene perfectly.

Biggest Drawback:

The introduction of the film was extremely long.  You would assume you were watching a music video with the amount of time it takes before you actually see the film title.

Number ONE Reason to Watch: 

Sensitivity.  Broken Roads shares the story of a teen struggling to repair his life and his relationship with his grandmother.  So many teens today struggle to heal their emotional wounds.  A “broken” teen only grows to become a “broken” adult.  Broken Roads displays how a young man copes with his brokenness and lands back on the right road.

Follow us on twitter @TeamEMGWorld or friend us on facebook.

Read More

The Blogboard Spotlight: R&B Star Jermaine Riley

EMGWORLD CHATS WITH THE U.K.’s LATEST R&B SENSATION JERMAINE RILEY

When it comes to good music, quality always finds a way to reach the masses.  No matter the artist or country, good music finds a way to catch its own flight around the world.  South London’s Jermaine Riley speaks with EMGWorld on just why he should be considered as the next U.K. star to create a universal sound with an international impact.

Location: South London, UK

Latest Project: ‘Hello Earth’

  

EMGWorld: What inspired you to pick up the microphone?  What was it that made you say "I don't want to just listen to music, I want to make my own."

Jermaine Riley: I’d say Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.  I grew up on Michael and Whitney, as well as other artists such as Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Boyz II Men, etc.  I spent most of my childhood listening to those artists until I found my own voice.   I didn't even know I could really sing until I won a talent competition in Primary school.   My mind was made up on becoming an artist after that moment.

EMGWorld: How long have you been grinding as an artist in music?

JR: About 10 years now.  I joined a group when I was in the BRIT School, then went on to form [the group] Fun*dmental when I was around 17-18.

EMGWorld: Digital distribution is giving light to new and seasoned artists. How frequently do you release digital mixtapes and albums?

JR: It depends on my work load and how well a previous project does after its’ release.  However, my supporters usually never have to wait longer than 8-9 months.  Keeping them happy is the most important thing to me.  You're NOTHING without your fans.

EMGWorld: How strong would you say your connection is with your hometown fan base?

JR: Fairly STRONG indeed.  I make sure I show appreciation for all their support.  It doesn't matter if you've just started supporting or if you've been showing me love for years.  I'm always on twitter keeping them updated and making sure they know I love them back and do it for them.

EMGWorld: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

JR: Michael Jackson, Usher, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, etc.  Those are just a few.  I've been inspired by a lot of different artists over the years. 

EMGWorld: R&B music has seemed to join forces with hip-hop in order to garner success.  Would you say your style of music also caters to the hip-hop audience?

JR: Definitely!  I think that's why I'm asked to sing on a lot of hooks for hip-hop grime artists and why I work really well with Dready.  We had "Then & Now" on Chip's last album and he always knows what type of beats to send me to write on.  I always tend to write songs over Hip-Hop beats for my mixtapes too.

EMGWorld: Which producers out there are you working with?

JR: Well, I'm still working with Dready, who produced the first single on my next album.  I've got more music to make with Harmony, who had 2 singles on Hello Earth.  I love working with 3Mindz, Perry Mystique, Maleek Berry, Caligraphist and The Sonix. I really want to work with Labrinth too.

EMGWorld: What radio stations have shown love to your music?

JR: Bang Radio and 1Xtra have shown an IMMENSE amount of love.  Reprezent Radio, Academy FM, Deja Vu, and a few between France, Berlin and Japan have also shown support.  I'm really grateful for all the airplay. 

“I don't see why an R&B singer from the U.S. can come over to the U.K. and get a No.1 with an R&B song or sell out an arena and I can't.” – Jermaine Riley, Blackboard Spotlight

EMGWorld: Have any major labels taken notice of the movement you’ve created off of your mixtape releases?

JR: I know they see everything I'm doing.

EMGWorld: What would you say is the biggest challenge of being an independent artist?

JR: Finances.  There's a lot I want to do as an artist but can't because of the financial side of things. Sometimes I think people don't understand the SACRIFICES artists have to make just to stay moderately present in the industry. But I'm strong enough to keep going no matter what.  This is my dream and I'm not letting go.

EMGWorld: What would you say you’re bringing to the table that other mainstream artists aren’t?

JR: I don't see anyone else singing AND dancing in the U.K.  We don't have an all-round entertainer like the ones I grew up admiring.  Plus, I don't treat R&B like it's a dead genre.  I don't see why an R&B singer from the U.S. can come over to the U.K. and get a No. 1 with an R&B song or sell out an arena and I can't.  That's a ridiculous notion.  If it's done right and presented well, people love it. 

EMGWorld: Is there any one artist outside of your camp that you would like to collaborate on a track with?

JR: Angel. 

EMGWorld: How can producers out there send beats to you?

JR: They can send music to jermaineriley.music@gmail.com.

EMGWorld: Where can fans connect with you?

JR: They can hit me on my website jermaineriley.com.  Fans can follow me on twitter or instagram @jermaine_riley and like my facebook page at facebook.com/jermainerileymusic. 

Follow us on twitter @TeamEMGWorld or friend us on facebook.

Read More