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WENDYSOULFUSION.com

From theEditor

SoulFusion

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Welcome to SoulFusionTM Magazine! As publisher and editor-in-chief, I am excited to present the first edition of our magazine. It is my passion to see all artists, especially independent artists, live out their dreams. A culmination of years of performing and working with some of the most talented artists around and recognizing their challeng-es, through SoulFusionTM, my aim is to provide information on the ‘Indie’ world, encour-

age those who are interested in starting their projects and keep you abreast of the latest and greatest our DMV indie community has to offer!

You will find intriguing interviews, useful tips on starting your own indie project, my selections on “Artists to Watch,” motivation to empower and keep you moving forward, and so much more! SoulFusionTM is not just my voice, but your voice as well! Tell me what you would like to read about in this quarterly magazine. I predict amazing things in our future…let’s make it happen! Happy 2014, everybody!

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Interview with

Gwendolyn Collins

by Wendy Hicks

This issue features Ms. Gwendolyn

(Gwennie) Collins. Her personality

and charm is as big as her talent! I

was fortunate enough to have her as

my very first guest for the Soul’s

Journey: Series I showcase where she featured her

new hit single, “Take a Walk” which is climbing the UK

charts! Our phone interview starts…

(Gwennie) chuckling, ‘I’m wearing a black wife beat-

er and blue jeans’!

(Wendy) When and why did you decide to become a

musician/performer?

(Gwennie) ’Umm, honestly, really don’t feel like ‘I’

decided, (music) decided for me. My first memory of

singing was @ 5/6 years of age singing around the

house. My biological mother was also a singer’.

{side bar} Gwennie was adopted. Her adoptive par-

ents informed her of what they knew of her mother.

Once Gwennie met her mother she discovered that

her mother was also a singer.

(Wendy) Who have your musical influences been?

(Gwennie) ‘Wow! I was influenced by so many be-

cause I write for many different genres like Jill Scott

and Ledisi. (Musical influence) goes way back to my

parents’ basement where I listened to and loved Gladys

Knight (unique vocal sound, very different). Was also

influenced by Annie Lennox (Eurythmics) and Tracy

Chapman’.

(Wendy) Do you remember the first song you ever

sang?

(Gwennie) ‘I am always singing walking around the

house. My parents showcased (me) all the time…at par-

ties I was always singing/dancing for parent’s friends.

My first audience was Cherub Choir at home church in

NJ’.

(Wendy) Do you recall when we first met?

(Gwennie) ‘The Black Fox, supporting another indie

artist, Brian Christopher. I remember your big smile!

We met again supporting Linda Stanton’s event, (we)

exchanged numbers and share love of music. The rest

is history!’

(Wendy) What’s your favorite genre of music?

(Gwennie) ‘Oh boy, to sing or write? To sing, neo-

soul infused w/ funk; to write, EVERYTHING (just

wrote spiritual song yesterday) - best at writing Pop

(comes easiest for me)’!

(Wendy) Who do you listen to?

(Gwennie) ‘Right now, listening to and support-

ing indie artists, i.e., Wendy Hicks, Nia Simmons,

Tamika Love Jones, and Brian Christopher. I don’t

listen much to radio, but am a big Ledisi fan, Rachell

Farrell, and Rashaan Patterson.

(Wendy) What was it like being the inaugural artist

on the Soul’s Journey showcase?

(Gwennie) ‘Awesome, great experience to have an

amazing back drop, band, lights, etc. Felt like in a

real concert venue, it definitely made me a very com-

fortable vocalist. Had a lot of fun, great experience’!

(Wendy) If you had one wish to come true about

the music business, what would that wish be?

(Gwennie) ‘Oh boy, it would really be a true market

for grass root independent artists and indie labels

associated w/ the big 4 and subsidiaries, awards,

etc.’!

(Wendy) If you weren’t singing, what would you be

doing?

(Gwennie) ‘Dying…gasp! Can’t imagine…hard to

think about removing music from my life! I can’t

imagine singing not being a part of daily routine, i.e.,

shower, car, day-to-day. I do enjoy travelling as spare

activity’.

(Wendy) Where does your inspiration to write come

from?

(Gwennie) ‘Everything and anything…music that I

hear, something I see when driving….once I was at a

hole in the wall restaurant and saw somebody eat-

ing fries and gravy. I went home and wrote a song,

cute, will probably never put it out, but wanting to slop

someone up like fries and gravy. Another time a friend

was talking about fine men in DC, and I wrote a song

called, “Gonna Get You’.

(Wendy) What is your best advice to someone aspir-

ing to be an Indie Artist?

(Gwennie) ‘Network, network, network and be ac-

countable. Do what you say you’re gonna do and be

serious about craft’.

For future performance dates go to

www.gwendolyncollins.com

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What isSoul Fusion?

Always remember it is our unique dream,

so don’t depend on others to vali-

date your dream. They will

never see your dream the

way you do. However, once

that dream is a reality, they

can live in the benefit of it.

Many will caution you not

to pursue your dream, but

believe in yourself and con-

tinue to move forward. Like

Walt Disney said, “Anything

your heart desires will come to

you.”

Be strong with courage and confidence,

WenStars*! You have what it takes to live your

destiny.

From The Soul’s Journey Inspirational Corner!

*WenStars are those who support The W.E.N.D.Y. Project

Henry David Thoreau once wrote – “Go con-

fidently in the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you have imagined.”

It’s true that confidence plays

a major role in fulfilling your

dreams. In fact, it is the cor-

nerstone that dreams are

built upon. Without confi-

dence or faith, the invisible

will remain invisible. How-

ever, with confidence and faith

the unseen can be experienced.

We have all been given a magnifi-

cent opportunity by our Creator to ex-

press the unique images, dreams, ideas, and

purpose that we possess. This purpose not only

benefits us as individuals, but also can affect our

communities, cities, and our world. However,

without moving confidently toward our dreams,

it will never happen.

DreamS

oulFusion™ is a new brand of music that fuses various genres that ignites, inspires and touches the soul. Music is the universal language, which tran-scends the mind and speaks to the

soul, and SoulFusion™ is Wendy’s concept of music combining a variety of sounds and styles to bring together the best of all genres. After hearing the sounds of SoulFusion™, you will also agree that your heart and mind has been touched and changed for the better. “My initial goal was not to create a new genre of music but to reach beyond a typical audience”.

“My musical interest varies, and I do not want to limit my musical expression or message to a cer-tain genre. I recognize the universality of music and I want to have a limitless sound.

With SoulFusion™, we will bring together the best of all sounds and a “group of people” that would not have otherwise gotten together.”

InspirationalCorner

InspirationalCorner

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The W.E.N.D.Y Project performs on her Soul’s Journey series at

The Hampton Conference Center, Capital Heights, Maryland and the Navy Memorial’s Burke Theater. The energy of the crowd mounted as the time grew closer for Wendy to grace the stage. It had been three months since Wendy’s de-buted of her new band and show,

and just about anything was pos-sible in the next ninety minutes. Every sultry look, hip shake, and sensual tone was a statement of precision and power, and visual presentation was impressive, from the stage design to the provocative all white dress, showing a little leg onstage, draped in silver, which is quickly becoming Wendy’s signa-ture color.

The W.E.N.D.Y. Project, and now it was time to debut her new single, “The Mask.” From the moment she appeared center stage, the electricity filled the building and it became abundantly clear why Wendy is such a sought after per-former. Moments before appear-ing on stage, singing Jill Scott’s “Shame,” the crowd was treated

Her respect for her idols were apparent as she performed to per-fection songs like, “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole and her version of “You Know How to Love Me” by Phyllis Hyman. Wendy set a ro-mantic mood and quickly took ev-eryone on a journey that included romance, party and reminiscing.

to a rousing performance by inde-pendent artist Gwendolyn Collins, whose performance aroused the crowd with her seductive style and in-your-face message of love and relationships. When Wendy dove straight into her well-thought-through music set, the seasoned, musical veteran made everyone in the near-capacity-filled facility feel like love was good, hope was true,

The W.E.N.D.Y Project per-forms on her Soul’s Journey series at The Hampton Confer-ence Center, Capital Heights, Maryland and the Navy Me-morial’s Burke Theater

As The W.E.N.D.Y Project per-formed to perfection songs like, “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole and her version of “You Know How to Love Me” by Phyllis Hyman. Wendy set a romantic mood and quickly took everyone on a journey that included romance, party and reminiscing.

Whatever is next for the W.E.N.D.Y. Project is certainly worth the experience!

Concert ReviewEthan Sparks

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As Wendy performed her new single, “The Mask,” the crowd roared with

excitement and every man felt the need to come out of hiding and put the mask down to be the man she was looking for.

She also had a wonderful intimate mo-ment as she shared the stage in spirit with Nina Simone as she sang her ren-dition of “Come Ye.” The song left the audience inspired to move beyond the things that would hold them back from making significant contributions in their world.

The Journey continued as The W.E.N.D.Y. Project performed a holiday show: A Chocolate and White Christ-mas. This performance featured Nia Simmons, an independent artist with extensive musical accomplishment. Nia recently released her first single, “Living for Today” and performed it for a recep-tive audience. Nia’s single is climbing the UK charts daily. Her upcoming proj-ect is due for release in spring 2014. Be

F rom the time Wendy could dream, she was looking for the next great ven-

ture. Wendy always enjoyed the spotlight, singing when and wherever she could.

Growing up, music was not only a passion but a way of life. Wendy understood early that music was entertainment and could touch lives, but music was also a busi-ness. In the DMV, Wendy is known for her caring ways, bubbly personality and profound beauty. However, few are aware of her astute business prowess. That’s about to change!

As one who holds a Master’s in Busi-ness Administration, Wendy is using her training to develop an information bridge to link artists to the resources needed to succeed. Through the creation of The W.E.N.D.Y. Project, she hopes to revive the love of music and create music that inspires, revives and heals the soul.

The goal is to change the way people think about independent artists, creating more en-deavors that are profitable for the indie artist.

Wendy has taken on songwriting, singing, producing, promoting, and artist develop-ment as part of her entrepreneurial spirit. A natural people person and marketer, Wendy shows people how to stop being ignored, stop simply dreaming and get out there and make those dreams come true!

What’s the key to being a successful entre-preneur? According to Wendy, it is to “Find the intersection between what you love to do and what other people are desperate to have, and provide them with it. A lot of entrepre-neurs, musicians and artists fail because they focus on one or the other.”

on the lookout for Ms. Nia “the Songbird” Simmons!

This show was special in many ways and one of the highlights was Wendy’s introduction of an eleven-year-old musical prodigy, Leilani McAdams, performing the Beatles song, “Michelle,” and a sing along, crowd-pleasing rendition of “Silent Night.”

As The W.E.N.D.Y Project performed classic holiday songs such as, “This Christmas” and Sydni Marie singing the bluesy, “Merry Christ-mas, Baby,” the visual, musical and theatrical display energized the audience.

Whatever is next for the W.E.N.D.Y. Project is certainly worth the experience!

For Nia’s future performance dates go to

www.niasimmons.com

EntrepreneurExtraordinaire by Joshua Dannie Miles

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Your VoiceThe Gift, The Instrument by Iyona Blake

Iyona Blake is a singer, actor, songwriter, producer and

teacher. A graduate of Duke El-lington School of the Arts and Shenandoah University Conser-vatory, where she studied Voice Performance, she also received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance.

Most recently, Iyona was seen as Desiree/Celina in Breast in Show, a breast cancer musical; Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ as Ar-melia McQueen with Washington Savoyards, and Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity with Theatre Al-liance. Iyona’s operatic roles include the Countess (The Mar-riage of Figaro), Magda Sorel (The Consul), Liu (Turandot),

Marie (The Bartered Bride), and Bess (Porgy and Bess). She also placed first in various singing com-petitions, and made solo appear-ances performing “Ave Maria” in the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall, Washington, DC. She is an expert in the training of vocal technique and passionate about the preser-vation and care of the voice.

Your voice is unique. It is a gift! Not a gift that has been purchased, but a gift that is priceless. I think of a fourth grader that has signed up to become a part of her school band. Not only

is she excited about the opportunity to become a part of something new and exciting, but the highly anticipated moment of purchasing a brand new instrument has finally arrived. She is now proud to carry it everywhere she goes. When she goes to sleep, she neatly places it on the shelf far away from anything that would harm it. She wakes up to polish it each morning and practices daily. She is eager to show others her new gift.

Your voice is not only your gift, but it is also your instrument. Unlike this student, you cannot go to the local music store and purchase our instrument. It cannot be mass produced on an assem-bly line, or handmade by a manufacturer. Your instrument is uniquely designed to sound like, develop like, and be used like no other human being. Therefore, you have been given a wonder-ful opportunity to develop it, nurture it and protect it.

Here are a few ways to protect your instrument:

• Learn how to use your voice properly; train with a skilled, professional, vocal instructor

• See an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at least once a year

• Get adequate REST, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet daily

• Maintain body hydration by drinking lots of water

• Warm up your voice daily; never sing without proper warm-up exercises

• Sing within your vocal range

• Avoid dry, artificial interior climates and breathing smoggy, polluted air

• Try the natural remedy first; stay away from antihistamines (excessive dryness) days before you sing

• Avoid throat sprays that numb the pain (can cause a false sense of wellness and cause fu-ture injury); use lozenges carefully

• To avoid low screaming or yelling, move closer to those with whom you are speaking

• Use amplification, as needed, if possible

• Reduce your speaking time in noisy environments, such as in automobiles and airplanes

• Learn to use your voice with as little unnecessary effort and tension as possible.

So, begin the New Year with a fresh approach to vocal care. Let’s not continue with old vocal habits, but let’s seek new and innovative formulas that are proven to sustain any singer. Once you have totally committed to this new vocal lifestyle, you will soon discover that your instru-ment can weather any season or challenge. Wouldn’t it be nice to look back in twenty-five years and hear a better tone quality and a more solid consistent vocal range than you hear today? You determine the lifespan of your instrument. Keith Sweat said it best, “Make it Last Forever.”

To ask Iyona a vocal question, go to www.iyonablake.com. 1312

1The W.E.N.D.Y.

Project

3Music that

ignitesthe Soul

2Art Mosley - MD/Keys

Kevin Coates - KeysKevin Bentley - BassDavid Prince - GuitarJay Waldon - Drums

Sydni Marie - Vocal Assistant

THE NEW SINGLETHE MASK

Available on iTunes Today

1514

Editing by TWA Solutionswww.twasolutions.com

Photos and Magazine Design by KWPhotography and Graphic Designkwilliamsphotograph1.wix.com/kwilliamsphotography

Very special thank you to Darryl Greenof the Islander Restaurant on U Street for hosting the launch of

The W.E.N.D.Y. Projectwww.theislandercaribbeanrestaurantlounge.com

http://bensnextdoor.com

http://www.brianchristopheronline.com

http://www.bohemiancaverns.com/calendar

http://www.nusoulcollective.com

Around Town

Thank You

Venues that Support Indie Artists

We welcome feedback, suggestions, information about venues, performances, etc...

Facebook: WENDY_SoulfusionEmail: wendysoulfusion1@gmail.com