Billboard Top Hip-hop
Rising Artist Olla Gives The World Her Inspirations & Skill That The Music Industry Should Know About
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Being on stage and signing for people is something I always wanted to do since I was a kid. I loved listening to Patricia Kaas and Whitney Houston, and I was all the time performing their songs in front of my family. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fully dedicate myself to music for a number of reasons. My family was mostly concentrated on extreme sports, hence my hobby wasn’t taken seriously.
I got married pretty early and became a mother soon after that. Being a mother was a priority. And my husband wasn’t quite happy about me switching my attention from family to the music and singing.
At some point my marital status changed and I decided to pursue my dream even though one might think it’s too late for me (by industry standards). I went to study music and to work with vocal coaches in LA, and that helped me realise that I am not giving up my passion. I built my own home studio and assembled my creative team with whom we brainstorm and write together. My vision and principles are shaped by life and experience. And unlike some young and starting artists, I know exactly what I want to do, what I’m good at, what I want to share with my audience and how I can do it. I don’t feel insecure when coming up to the stage. And I simply enjoy every stage of the whole artistic process.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
One of the biggest challenges was not to lose faith that one day I’ll be able to do what I love. It is hard to keep on advancing in something when your family does not take it seriously or does’t support it at all.
Being at LA musical institution was some sort of a psychological challenge for me. Because of my age, I did feel like a black sheep sometimes among all other very young, sometimes underaged, students.
Another big challenge, and I believe this one can resonate with many other artists, is finding your signature sound and releasing the material that you genuinely love and enjoy. Trends often dictate their own rules: how long the song should be, what sounds you should use, what topics you need to raise, etc. The fear of not reaching success might push you towards doing something you don’t really like. And this is the most important challenge to overcome. The most important thing for me is to put my heart and soul into my songs, to feel and understand every single line in my lyrics. And yes, my music may sound a little bit more conservative than some other songs out there, but I am not willing to give in to the common success recipe just for the sake of it.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am not afraid of experimenting with different styles and genres. We often use various ethnic instruments in arrangements.
I always try to keep my lyrics meaningful but simple. The idea is not to overload your listener, but to make him/her understand what you say and why you say it.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
You should only make decisions based on love, and not on fear. Love is soothing and ameliorative. It pushes you beyond your limits and reveals and encourages your best sides, whereas fear will only hurt you sooner or later.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
To me, success is every small victory you achieve on the way to your bigger goal. Being able to truly enjoy every improvement and minor achievements, feeling happy and satisfied about what you did today is the success.
What’s next for you?
I am only at the beginning of my journey. The first important step is done – my single is released and I’m looking forward to sharing more new songs in the nearest future. I will be experimenting with styles for my audience to see my different sides. I also plan to release one big album which will compile and share a set of important insights with my listeners.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can connect with my via Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. I am always reading all your comments and messages, and I do my best to respond to all of them.
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
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.
Billboard Top Hip-hop
From Small Town Dreams to Entertainment Powerhouse: The Rise of Dominique Danielle
Dominique Danielle’s journey from the slums of Alton, Illinois, to becoming a multi-talented entertainer is a testament to perseverance and passion. As a preteen, her mother moved her to Atlanta, Georgia, in pursuit of better opportunities in music and entertainment. This bold decision would set the stage for Dominique’s remarkable career.
Her love for music led her mother, who also acted as her manager, to approach Atlanta’s top hip-hop radio station, Hot 107.9. This serendipitous move unexpectedly launched Dominique’s career in radio. Under the mentorship of industry professionals, she became a skilled board operator, producing shows for renowned personalities like Michael Baisden and Rickey Smiley.
Over the next decade, Dominique expanded her repertoire, becoming a radio personality and hosting music-driven TV shows. Her ambition drove her to explore various facets of entertainment, including club events and college parties. She even worked as a personality for Streetz 94.5 before fully committing to her music career.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Dominique conquered the prestigious high school tour as a singer, rapper, and entertainer. Her talents extended beyond music, as she delved into theater, film, and social media comedy. Notable achievements include co-hosting CBS’s music variety show “Trap City ATL” and garnering recognition for her acting and comedic timing.
Dominique Danielle’s story is one of relentless pursuit and adaptability. Her diverse skill set, coupled with unwavering morals, hard work, and resilience, continues to propel her forward in the entertainment industry. As she expands her horizons, there seems to be no limit to what this multi-faceted talent can achieve.
Interview with Serkan AktaΕ: Exploring the Art of Filmmaking
“Ashwin’s Spectacular NBA Debut at the Intuit Dome”
Platinum Audio Engineer & Award-Winning Writer Mark “Savage” on Entering Management and Tackling Patriarchy
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
Epilepsy Awareness Raised by Influencer Cruella Morgan
