Billboard Top Hip-hop
Interview with Portland musician ‘Rony’ releasing his debut album ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’
![Interview with Portland musician ‘Rony’ releasing his debut album ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’, Leonard Magazine RONY](https://leonardmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/RONY-scaled.jpg)
Journalist: What is your name and what city do you rep?
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My full name is Ronaldo Rodriguez, but to the public eye I am known as Rony. I’m based in Portland, Oregon.
Journalist: Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them?
What is unique about you and your music?
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My debut album ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’ drops this Friday 4/8. So far I’ve made ten singles, and it was finally time to release an album. My inspiration comes from my life experiences coming up in Portland. I would say my versatility makes me unique as an artist. One day I might feel like making a rap song, and then an r&b track.
Journalist: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
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I started taking music seriously at age 20. In 2020, I tried out several flows on my tracks. Then, finding my sound for the upcoming year with my single “Invincible.” Previously, I studied the industry, and learned how to network.
Journalist: What type of music do you listen to?
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I listen to all types of music. Rap and r&b are my favorite genres.
Journalist: What inspires you to write music?
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My love for music is what truly inspires me. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing than this. Besides that, my mother is what keeps me going.
Journalist: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
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I’m a huge Lakers fan, I never miss a game. I love playing basketball, collecting sneakers, and recently getting into streetwear.
Journalist: What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
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I wish I knew more about networking, and building connections with other artists in the industry. Also staying consistent dropping music, and being active on social media.
Journalist: Where do we find you music / music projects?
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You can find all my music on my official website at theofficialrony.com or on my socials @theofficialrony
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Ashwin Gane to Ignite the Intuit Dome with a Thrilling Primetime Performance at Lakers vs. Clippers Showdown”
![Interview with Portland musician ‘Rony’ releasing his debut album ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’, Leonard Magazine Ashwin Gane](https://leonardmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-46.jpeg)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA – Brace yourself for an unforgettable evening of music and sports as Ashwin Gane, one of the music industry’s brightest rising stars, takes center stage for a spectacular primetime performance. On February 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will clash in a high-stakes matchup at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, and Ashwin will set the tone for the night with an electrifying opening act.
Backed by an energetic crew of 20 young hip-hop dancers, Ashwin’s performance promises to turn the 18,000-seat Intuit Dome into an epicenter of rhythm, movement, and adrenaline-pumping beats. The blend of his symphonic hip-hop style with the intensity of one of basketball’s fiercest rivalries is guaranteed to captivate fans and set the stage for a night to remember.
A Legacy of Greatness
Performing at a primetime NBA event is a coveted honor shared by music legends like Drake, J. Cole, and Travis Scott. These performances have become cultural milestones, celebrating the intersection of sports, music, and entertainment on a global stage. Ashwin Gane now joins this illustrious lineage, bringing his innovative sound and boundless energy to one of the NBA’s most anticipated games of the season.
Ashwin Gane: A Star on the Rise
Known for his cinematic storytelling and urban beats, Ashwin has quickly become a force to reckon with in the hip-hop world. His ability to create immersive musical experiences has garnered him fans worldwide, and his upcoming performance at the Intuit Dome is set to be a defining moment in his career.
As Ashwin follows in the footsteps of stars like Kendrick Lamar and Megan Thee Stallion, his primetime performance solidifies his place among music’s elite emerging talents.
Don’t Miss It
February 4th promises to be more than a game—it’s a cultural event. Join Ashwin Gane as he lights up the Intuit Dome, delivering a high-energy performance that will elevate the Lakers vs. Clippers rivalry to legendary status.
Contact:
Melissa, Global Billboards LLC
(470) 902-8487
Billboard Top Hip-hop
“Ashwin’s Spectacular NBA Debut at the Intuit Dome”
![Interview with Portland musician ‘Rony’ releasing his debut album ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’, Leonard Magazine Ashwin, a talented artist,](https://leonardmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250104_210723_762-1.jpg)
On February 4, 2025, Ashwin, a talented artist, will grace the Intuit Dome with a remarkable performance as the opening act for the highly anticipated game between the LA Clippers and the LA Lakers. Directed and choreographed by the brilliant Destiny Frye, this visual spectacle promises to be extraordinary, showcasing a groundbreaking concept within the state-of-the-art $2.1 billion stadium.
This performance marks a significant milestone for Ashwin as it will be his debut appearance at an NBA event. The excitement surrounding this first-ever NBA performance is palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the innovative and electrifying presentation that Ashwin is set to deliver.
Destiny Frye, the visionary behind this event, is the owner of Hip Hop Dreamz and the Origin Performing Arts Dance Studio. With a decade of experience in orchestrating NBA primetime performances, Destiny is celebrating her 10th anniversary of collaboration with the NBA, making this event even more special.
Destiny and her team are thrilled to bring Ashwin’s music to the forefront, promising an unforgettable experience for the audience. Although this is Ashwin’s inaugural NBA performance, it marks the beginning of a promising journey, and fans can expect many more captivating collaborations in the future. Ashwin is recognized as a trailblazer of his generation, and the anticipation for his future projects is already building. This event is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of artistry, innovation, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for Ashwin and Destiny Frye in their creative endeavours.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
![Interview with Portland musician ‘Rony’ releasing his debut album ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’, Leonard Magazine 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑚 𝐴𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟, 𝐵𝑀𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑆𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟, 𝐺ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟, & 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑚 𝑊𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟 Mark “Savage” 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 & 𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ𝑦](https://leonardmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1866.jpeg)
For years, Mark “Savage” Sanders bold, dynamic mixing style has landed him work behind the boards of major tours and hit records alike. Working with artists like Shordie Shordie, Lizzo, Coi Leray, Kevin Gates, Fetty Wap, Kelly Rowland and more, Mark sports an ever-expanding discography of cutting edge of popular music. We spoke with Mark to get insights into his career arc, workflow, and to understand how his unique sound is built upon a firm foundation of technical skill, knowledge and deep listening.
For starters, could you tell me how you got into engineering?
So at my high school they had an early college program where you could get your associates or a certificate by graduation. I wasn’t looking to be an audio engineer. I don’t even think I really knew what an audio engineer was, which makes it all the more crazy. I saw music production schools, but I went for audio engineering at Full Sail University.
What boards were you working on when you were doing live sound?
It was whatever the house had. Working on Mackie boards or Yamaha boards that only had seven inputs that worked—Avid and Midas consoles, the M32s, the Behringer X32, a lot of different stuff. Being a live sound engineer taught me so much signal flow and having to adapt to different spaces and different gear all the time. If I’m on tour and we’re generally using the same board, we’re probably never using the same monitors for front-of-house. The rooms are bigger or smaller—different places have different problem areas—being in a stadium or doing a festival where you have delays and all that stuff is just insane.
So you were ghostwriting, engineering, producing, and rapping in the beginning?
Yes I did it all except play an instrument.
Now today you’ve received a BMI Award, 2x Platinum, and over 12,000 sync placements how does it feel?
If I had to be honest I don’t care about any of it anymore. I want to see my Son win big like this. I’m more into family these days. I did everything I wanted in life and overachieved. I’m good!
We see you have Royalty ENTERTAINMENT & managing as far as entertainment goes what else can we expect?
Whatever God does. I’m not chasing anything anymore. Focused on living life, family, and wealth/health. Definitely support my DJ, DJ King, Ashley Blaire, and Pretty Liyah. Other than that I’m about to be out the way. (He laughs) I’m so burnt out. I’m chilling.
Last question, seeing that you did everything you wanted is there anything left that you haven’t 2025 going forward?
No just travel more that’s it. Like when I say I’ve given life everything I’ve had. I’ve given it everything. Plus I think most people are waiting for me to be famous or something which I’m avoiding and praying never happens.