Interviews

Sylvia J. Graham Seats, President & CEO of Something Sophisticated LLC (SSLLC) has a love for flowers and creating designs that make people happy.  The fun and feel of accomplishment and giving back became the inspiration to create this company.  For many years she created designs for friends and family as a hobby to give away as gifts.  It came to her to use her creative genius and business sense to create a company that would help the community and allow her to support the Design & Floral Industry that would create jobs.  Sylvia, operated as a small business, however she focused and envisioned a very large company coming into play!  Her motto is “It takes a team! “  That’s what she discovered after many years of doing weddings, lugging arches, flowers, tables, props, etc. on her own.  Teamwork is what brings us where we are today.  Also, the inspiration for the Bridal Search, which you’ll learn about below, came from her personal desire to have that Fairy Tale wedding.  Sylvia didn’t have the experience of standing on that pedestal and modeling the most beautiful wedding gown designed just for her and looking like a princess.  She missed out on having the large venue with flowers for miles for all to witness.  Sylvia told a friend “I must say, that I had a fairly nice wedding chapel to walk down the aisle but….was that my dream?  No…My inspiration comes from knowing that there are many women & men that would love to have that dream come true.  It is my ministry, to help somebody and I love to give back! “   Sylvia says she used to be teased that she would never make a lot of money because she never charged her worth….” I tell you, it’s not always about money; God takes care of me and my needs and desires and I make it!”   Sylvia’s desire to help is stemmed from her personal testimony –gaining the use of her hands back!    Stay tuned…That’s another book, but it is the main focus of SSLLC. “Something Sophisticated” gives exactly what is says it is….and we aim to please!!

SSLLC is creator of wedding designs, event decorations, and custom floral arrangements for homes, businesses, churches, and funerals.   SSLLC also specializes in greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping paper and art pieces.  These designs are hand drawn and painted by Sylvia.   In the past, SSLLC had set up a Kiosk in an Indiana Mall.  We have collaborated with several Holiday Boutiques in various cities and have organized and set up Holiday Boutiques of our own. We have done television specials on Channel 13, Indianapolis, IN; radio interviews with WPMD Radio Station, Los Angeles, CA and set up as a vendor at Next Great Drummer Competitions-California.  SSLLC has actually been a venue for a fancy Dress Boutique for women.  We represent a number of ventures at work here.

We are proud to announce our newest project “SSLLC Annual Bridal Search”. This will bring even more diversity to Something Sophisticated LLC.  This is an annual event for Brides-To-Be/Married Couples….who would like to have that Fairy Tale wedding come true.  This is for brides and couples renewing their vows who dreamt of a beautiful venue draped with gorgeous flowers & décor from only the finest and to see yourself coming down the aisle to meet the love of your life the way you envisioned it.  Embrace yourself.  SSLLC Bridal Search is going to make that happen for you…for FREE!  Yes, you heard it right.  We’d love to share this opportunity for you to have life long memories of your special day!  It doesn’t matter when it happens, it just matters that it happened.

There are many things that would not make a wedding possible for couples.  It could be financial restraints, debilitating illness, and/or timing.    All you need to do to qualify is register on our website and send us a video telling us your story.   We will keep your info private and will only be viewed by our Judges.  We will work closely with the bride to gain information for a personalized wedding gown of her choice.  We have sponsors that will provide the following:  Professional photography, Venue, Professional Make-up artist, Hair and Nails, A day at the Spa with a choice of over 1,500 locations, Dinner for two for the bride and groom and many many more.

SSLLC Bridal Search Sponsorship Request - SSLLC is requesting your Company sponsor your products for a wedding in exchange for brand mention on: 1) Our Press Releases, 2) Strategic Product Placement at our Award Ceremony and 3) Brand placement on our website directed to your Company as well as cross links with other related companies.

We will award the bride- to- be and/or married couples your sponsored product(s).  We are requesting your in-kind sponsor donation of a $500.00 - $2,000.00 value.  Footage of the event featuring your product will be emailed to you after editing.

Lastly, SSLLC Bridal Search is an upcoming Reality Show!  We are registered with WGAW as a writer and producer.  We will award the bride- to- be/married couple our sponsored  product(s) on film.  Footage of the event featuring your product(s) will be emailed to winners and Sponsors after editing.  The footage will also be used for the pitching of our Reality Show.

SSLLC is made up of talented, driven and creative team members:  Chrystal Allen O’Jon, Eric Seats,
Gwen Abbott, Rick Skelton, Gabrielle Lewis, Donyale Barrett and Howard Woods.  Without the team, efforts of these very important people, we would not be able to achieve the vision/mission of Something Sophisticated LLC.

Contact us today at: ssllcbridalsearch.vpweb.com to register.  Our email is: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Stop by our ‘Guest Book’ Page and leave us a comment.

“Help Us To Help Somebody!”

Diana Wehbe

Radio Personality | 99.1 KGGI

1. Tell us about your career in radio, how you got started, and who you work for now?

My Radio career started 3 short years ago, and to make a VERY long story short, I was hired at the age of 21 to be on the Promotional Street Team for 99.1 KGGI (Clear Channel Riverside) and 5 short months later I was offered an On Air position from my wonderful Program Director Jesse Duran. December of 2011 will mark my 4^th year working in Market 26-in SUNNY, beautiful Southern California and learning all I can from an AMAZING on air /promotional and sales staff at 99.1 KGGI.

2. What is your favorite duty as it pertains to your job?

My FAVORITE “duty” isn’t much of a duty because I LOVE it, I enjoy being “In the Streets” meeting the people who listen, laugh and cry with me on air.

3. What is your least favorite duty as it pertains to your job?

My least favorite ‘duty’ Is not having enough hours in the day to do radio more often.

4. Tell our readers something about you they may not already know?

Something many may not know about me is that I am a WORKAHOLIC. I rarely party, although my life may seem like one big party but it’s all work related. I definitely use my job as a means to enjoy life!

5. When you aren’t at the radio station and you have the day off what can we find you doing with your time?

Days off? What? Where? When? Like I said before, I work A LOT. And because I enjoy what I do im always finding more projects to dip into! So, when I am not at the station working on radio I am working on Film projects, doing stand-up, or doing voice-over work. Building an empire isn’t easy, so days off don’t exist.

6. Who are your favorite artists?

My favorite artists come from a long list of Mainstream and Indie Artists including the likes of: Drake, Immortal Technique, Nicki Minaj, Ja Rule, Lloyd Banks Lil Wayne, Nipsey Hussle, J. Cole, Common, Keri Hilson, Kanye West, Floetry, Musiq SoulChild, R. Kelly.

7. Where do you see yourself in the next 2-5 years?

In the next 2-5 years I will be in the midst of maintaining an empire that has been almost a decade in the works.

8. Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child/teenager?

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio but raised in Southern California. As a kid I was extremely shy and only opened up to family and friends. As I grew up, I became VERY outgoing and my family and friends considered me “the life of the party” I was NOT however, the class clown ( although if I was in school now, I would be) I kept to myself and was very studious. Academics and Athletics were my forte. To give you a brief overview of my teenage years: I took on a FULL load of honors courses and played 4 VARSITY sports. So I feel those years have helped to prepare me for the path God has set me on today.

9. What type of jobs have you worked in the past before you got to where you are now?

Along side of my hectic academic/athletic schedule I started working my first year in high school right before I turned 15. I was a lifeguard and water safety instructor for 4 years, I also later, worked at Golden Spoon ( Frozen yogurt) and down the line at the age of 19 was a Manager for Victoria’s Secret. The years that followed I worked as a waitress at a 50’s Diner and also for the chain restaurant California Pizza Kitchen.

10. Do you have a degree and if so what was your major and minor?

On the road to self discovery and after 5 years of flipping majors back and forth from Law to Business I finally landed in the Theatre Arts and Dance Major with a minor in Film. I however, did not finish college due to my incredibly busy schedule and growing career. Not that school took the back burner, but getting a degree did. Learning is still apart of my day to day- nothing can replace an education.

11. Who is on heavy rotation in your CD player or iPod right now?

In heavy rotation on my ipod you will find J. Cole and Nicki Minaj.

12. What are your thoughts of the music industry in this economical climate and how has it affected you as a radio personality?

The music industry like any other, is struggling and thriving simultaneously. There is an OVER POUR of talent, music, producers, djs and self-starters in this industry making music; along with the ever growing internet and its accessibility through Myspace, Facebook, Youtube Twitter etc… for artists to be heard. This makes my job easier and harder. To explain: my job is easier because it allows me to be creative and release mixtapes do indie internet radio shows to promote these artists and their talents. My job is harder because now there is more music and not enough airtime- I’ve been told by my Manager Salvatore that I remind him of Harriet Tubman. He calls me Diana “ Tubman.”  Because I have a soft spot for artists and the time they spend creating and writing.

13. Are you currently working on any other projects?

YES! Several, in fact, Im co-starring in my first feature length film “ A Worthy Gentleman,” I have 3 mixtapes in the works, I have an Indie Hip Hop Internet Radio Show “The 5^th Element” which I do every Sunday 9pm on World Tuned Radio.com

14. Tell us about your hobbies, interests, and passions?

Coincidentally my hobbies, interests and passions are all wrapped into my career choice. I love what I do and would not trade it for the world. God has me on a path that allows me to work and never really feel like its work. I LOVE culture, all different cultures. I am Lebanese and Spanish so naturally I love to cook amazing food for those I love. I enjoy speaking to the younger generations about leading positive lifestyles. Im passionate about PEOPLE… I love people of all different kinds, creeds and walks of life. So, if you run into me, make sure to say hello =)

15. I know this is personal but our readers would like to know if you are single or happily taken?

Personal questions are so much fun! The order in which I live my life is: God, Family, Friends, and when the time is right… a man who not only understands my lifestyle and work ethic but compliments it. So, for now I am single- young and single. But not ready to mingle.

16. Can you tell us about one of our most embarrassing moments in radio?

My most embarrassing moment in radio would have to be my “initiation” day. Every person at 99.1 KGGI has been initiated in one way or another. Mine happened to be at a club event where I was the last to know I’d be getting a lap dance from a male stripper in the middle of a PACKED club in front of all my friends and co-workers.

17. Can you tell us about one of your most greatest moments in radio?

My greatest moment in radio would have to be the day my Program Director Jesse Duran offered me my show on 99.1 KGGI, and told me that “although I was young, I have charisma and charisma can not be taught it is a gift” and how much he believed in my talent.

18. Who would you like to meet and work with in the future?

I would LOVE to meet Angie Martinez, I look up to her – being a strong minded Radio Personality/Rapper for as long as she has. I would also like to meet Oprah I feel I could learn so much from her struggles and triumphs as a woman in this industry.

19. When is your birthday?

My Birthday is May 27^th… Yes I’m a Gemini. And NO I don’t have 2 sides. Haha, what you see is what you get with me.

20. When should we tune in and hear you in action?

You can catch me on the airwaves on Saturdays from 10pm-midnight for the Saturday Night Jump-off Show on 99.1 KGGI and make sure to say “We-Be Chillen, w/ Diana Wehbe” when you call me, it’ll make my day =)

21. What advice do you have for unsigned or independent artists?

My advice to Unsigned Or Indie artists is: SEND ME YOUR MUSIC! Don’t wait! I will listen to it, and I will write you back. I LOVE new/Indie/Unsigned artists… Remember I’m Diana “Tubman” Wehbe.

22. In addition to www.ultimateachiever.com where can we learn more about you and your career?

Always check www.DIANAWEHBE.com for constant updates from me and my team.

23. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and followers?

I LOVE YOU ALL. And with out Y-O-U I wouldn’t be doing what I do. I am NOT a selfish person, I do THIS to make an impact. I feel God has Blessed me with a gift and to not work hard day in and day out to share this gift with you would be a failure and disgrace to His Blessings. I realize now how much of an impact my words have on women and men alike, so I take precaution before speaking so that the words I say leave a mark and motivate those who follow my career to reach their goals in the midst of me reaching mine.

Lyonel "Kay K" Rosemond

Senior Director of A&R | Eone Music

Hershel Abram had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most humble record executives in the music industry Mr. Lyonel “Kay K” Rosemond while he was burning the midnight oil as New Yorker’s frequently do. This Brownsville Brooklyn native will keep you on your toes, hold you to high expectations, and will pleasantly surprise you. From phone calls to people marching in his office awaiting direction and approvals on soon to be released albums, “Kay K” is at the center of music as the Senior Director of A&R at Entertainment One. So let’s take a look down memory lane and learn about his life…

1. When did you realize your love for music?

Back in the 70’s he enjoyed artists such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding and as he got older he entrenched himself in the hip-hop scene.

2. What do you do on your day off?

Music never sleeps but if I find some down time, you will find me soaking up the family time with my kids and my girlfriend.

3. How did you break into the entertainment industry?

During his early years, Lyonel did not expect to pursue a career in music, but rather was more interested in expressing his natural talent and love as an artist. While other kids were munching snacks and watching the Sunday morning cartoons, Lyonel would find himself drawing many of the characters as a way to perfect his craft. At an early age he decided that he would pursue a career as an artist for his favorite comic book company, Marvel Comics. Lyonel soon enrolled in a school for cartoon illustration and shortly after began receiving requests from friends who needed logos for the companies many of them hoped to form. In 1994, however Lyonel began to see his career path change course after he was contacted by his Uncle Jimmy Henchman Rosemond who was already well known in music industry circles, and was about to start his own management company. Lyonel remembers being excited about his new opportunity, but feeling that his knowledge of the music industry was limited to what he saw on TV, not the behind the scenes work that many took for granted.

4. Who are your favorite musicians/artists?

Erika Badu, Jay Electronica, Waka Flacka and many more…

5. As a music executive, what are the hardest things you face career wise?

Not knowing when and where the next hit record is coming from.

6. As a music executive, where do you see your career going in the next 2-5 years?

Being a master of Fine Arts… From producing to cooking you name it…

7. Can you speak to us about any additional projects you are working on or have in the works for the future?

I’m working on the following projects: David Banner, Slim thug, Cassidy, and Jim Jones.

8. Who is on heavy rotation in your CD player or iPod right now?

When I’m cruising in my BMW I’m turning up to Jim Jones, Dip Set, and some up and coming artists/producers.

9. Who was your mentor and how did you benefit from that person?

My uncle Jimmie Mario Henchman, Kedar Massenburg, Ward White, and Erika Badu’s Attorney.

10. Do you have any formal musical training?

The only formal training I have had were from the streets and trying not to end up like so many I grew up with.

11. Do you have a degree and if so, what was your major?

I enjoyed taking away experience and wisdom from Miami Day University.

12. What is the most embarrassing moment in your career?

We were throwing an album release party for “Joe” and we didn’t get the check from Jive so Kedar had to put $40,000 on his credit card which ended in Kedar SCREAMING “you stupid motherfucker” in my face.

13. What was the most humbling experience in your career?

Kedar flew me down to Dallas, Texas to work on Erika Badu’s album and I spent a whole month there. I remember Kedar saying, “don’t come back without the album if you still want your job.” So while I was down there things were going good and we were getting a lot of work done but the album wasn’t ready. I flew back to New York and during one of the Wednesday meetings, he asked me do you have the album and I said, “No.” Kedar hit the roof, cussed me out, and said I spent the company’s money staying in the hotel for a straight month. Then quickly called security, had me escorted out of the building, and said, “You’re FIRED.”

I remember feeling stressed because I had a family to provide for and so I took a walk in the park to collect my thoughts. About 15-20 minutes later not too far from Sterling Sound, I get a call from Erika Badu and she asked where I was at. So I told her I was in the park and she said so am I and we found each other. She was there with Big Mike her manager and I told them what went down back at the office with Kedar. Erika told me, Kedar can’t fire you, how much do you make?” So I said $70,000 and she said reach in my bag and get that $80,000 in cash. I was thinking to myself, who carries that much cash on them and it was a crazy moment.

She asked me to call him and tell him to F-off. Erika said, you work for me now and I want you to go and deliver this album to Kedar. I knew that every Wednesday all the big wigs get together and so I walked in right before the meeting started and just stood at the opposite end of the room as everyone looked at me. Kedar said, “you are gonna seriously make me do this aren’t you?” So Kedar walks aggressively towards me rolling up his sleeves, gets in my face while I can smell and feel his breathe, and says, “you really want me to put hands on you and throw you out myself?” I quickly pulled out the new Erika Badu album and the whole room GOES WILD, SCREAMS, CHEERS, AND STANDING OVATIONS GREETED AT THAT MOMENT and the album went on to sell 8 Million copies.

14. What has been your best accomplishment in your career?

Becoming a FATHER! I love my kids and they have changed my world and how I look at everything.

15. Have you signed any artists, producers, or songwriters?

I’ve been apart of shaping many careers in the music industry…

16. What companies have you worked for throughout your career and what was your positions?

I worked for Universal/Motown for 13 years and worked my way up from the mail room to the A&R Department and everywhere in between.

Real Talk… I brought Janelle Monee and T-pain to Silvia Rhone who is the President of Universal/Motown and she passed on them both. So I go back out and keep my ears to the streets and guess who I bring next? Drake! Silvia tells me to fly him out so she could meet with him. Things were all good so I thought? He was HOT with a fresh sound! Silvia had Drake sitting up in the hotel for a straight week and then she asked for him to come to the office so they could have a face to face. Again, things were on a roll and Silvia and Drake met. We offered him a $250,000 record deal and as he walked out of the office, I was walking him out of the building and letting him know I was looking forward to making a great album with him. 24 hours passed and Silvia called me into her office to tell me to phone Drake and let him know we are PASSING on this deal and she told me “I’m in love with the music but not with him.” I remember asking Silvia, what am I suppose to tell him, he has probably phoned his family and friends already? And as the chips fell, I had to call Drake and apologize and tell him that we have to pass on the deal and to let him know I am just a messenger and not the president. Or better yet listen to one of Drake’s songs and he will speak on the Silvia Rhone incident himself…

For the past few months, I have been at Eone working as the Senior Director of A&R and I am loving it so far.

17. Which company did you enjoy working for the best and why?

While I have lots of memories at Universal/Motown I would have to say I have more freedom at Eone which I call “Hustle-matic.”

18. What would you recommend to other musicians/artists who want to attain the title as a “professional musician/artist, songwriter, or producer”?

Learn the business because it is 95% behind the scenes and 5% music. Get a good attorney and management team.

19. What do you look for in artists before you invest time and money?

I look for something that jumps out at me. Something that is different. Something that won’t cause me to loose my job when I go into a boardroom and let 40 other music heads hear the record for the first time. I look for pure genius!

20. What are your thoughts on 360 deals and which recording deal would you say is in the best interest of the artist?

360 deals make sense. One had washes the other. If we front all this money and don’t sell enough units, well there you go. 360 deals afford us the opportunity to recoup our investment.

21. If someone wanted to break in the entertainment industry as an A&R, what would you recommend?

I would recommend you become a star on your own. Don’t look for any record companies. Let them look for you. With youtube and all the other social network sites out there, you have the opportunity to learn the business side of this industry and lay a strong foundation. And last, create something for the soul.

22. Is there anything you would like to say to your supporters/followers?

I would like to say “To my mom, girlfriend, and kids I love and thank you. To my supporters, you can’t take anything for granted and always put your family first.”

“Kay k” is different than most record executives and will be around for years to come as he states, “it feels good to give back.”

"Rapture Stewart"

Producer | Musician 

1. What and who inspired you to get in the entertainment business as a producer/musician?   

I originally started to play music because I was blessed with the talent at a very young age. As far as creating and writing, I used to make up my own songs from the start. I thought it was so much fun to be able to create my own music from scratch. In my high school and early college years, I started really paying attention to the production side of music. My favorite producers were Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Devante Swing of Jodeci and Teddy Riley of Blackstreet. Then when I first heard Timbaland's production on Ginuwine's first album, that sealed the deal that I wanted to do music full
time.

2. List the artist(s) who you are currently or have worked/played with throughout your career as a producer/musician?

My company, Key Beats, Inc., has worked collectively and individually with many different artists, either producing and writing in the studio or performing live. To date, some of them include Aaliyah, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Playa (Static Major, Digital Black and Smoke E. Diglera), 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, DJ Whoo Kid, Travis Barker, T.I., DJ Drama, Young Dro, Jay-Z, Nas, Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, 702, Tweet, Nelly, Murphy Lee, DMX, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DJ Reflex, DJ Dense, Yung Joc, Diddy, Pharell, Busta Rhymes, Chingy, Fabolous, Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross, Tank, Keyshia Cole, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Mary J. Blige, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Bubba Sparxxx, Nelly Furtado, Joe, Rich Boy, Baby (Birdman), Lil Wayne, Jay Sean, Flo Rida, Bun B, The-Dream, Lil Mama, Soulja Boy, Lil Mo, D4L, En Vogue, Karen Clark-Sheard, J. Moss, The Soul Seekers, Mary Mary, Montell Jordan, Chante Moore, Kenny Latimore, Dave Hollister, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price, Tamala Mann, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder…and the list goes on and on.

3. How did you get in the entertainment business?

I started as a musician originally working with Jon B. From there I started playing for Montell Jordan. While working for him, I established a relationship with former Def Jam executives Kevin Liles and Mike Kyser. They were looking for a music director for their newest R&B group Playa. Shep Crawford recommended me and that basically started my whole career. Playa was affiliated with Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Ginuwine and Aaliyah. At a rehearsal, Static asked to hear some of my music. He liked what he heard and he told Timbaland and Missy about me.

4. As a professional producer/musician, what are the hardest things you face career wise?

The hardest thing for me about my job is the amount of time it takes. When performing, we're on tour away from home for months at a time. When producing and writing, I spend countless hours in the studio day after day. I've even had a studio session before that lasted for almost 28 hours!

5. What other producers, musicians, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?

My all time favorite producer is Timbaland. I loved his production even before he took me under his wing. I also like Devante Swing (from his Jodeci years), Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Quincy Jones. As far as newer producers, I like Kanye West and I have to add Aaron Lindsey (Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Byron Cage).

6. Can you speak to us about any additional projects you are working on or have in the works for the future?

Right now, I'm working with a few new artists, writers, and producers. That will be my next phase in the music business. I'm also working on a project for kids and for people with autism to help them learn basic things like numbers, letters, and pronunciations.

7. Who is on heavy rotation in your CD player or iPod right now?

Right now I'm listening to Drake, Rick Ross, R. Kelley, Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5, Jonathan Nelson, Marvin Sapp, and Myron Butler. These are literally the last albums that I've listened to while driving.

8. What are ALL the instruments you play and how long have you been playing them?

My main instrument now is the keyboard (in any form). I started playing when I was around 6 and it became my main instrument around the age of 13. I originally started as a drummer at about 5 years old. I can also play bass, a little guitar, and saxophone.

9. Do you have a favorite musical project that you've worked on?

My favorite project to date is the Aaliyah album that we did. We recorded most of that album in Los Angeles and New York, but we also traveled to Melbourne, Australia to finish it.

10. Is there an artist you want to work with that you have not yet had the opportunity to work with?

I really wish I had the chance to work with Michael Jackson.

11. Throughout your career as a producer/musician, what is your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment is getting the chance to go hang out with Stevie Wonder. We went to his studio and spent hours talking and playing music. I will never forget that experience. He truly is a musical genius.

12. When you are not in the studio/performing in front of thousands of people what do you like to do for fun?

In my spare time I like playing and watching basketball. Also, I have recently turned my second passion for interior design into a business and its growing fast.

13. Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?

My main advice for new producers and musicians is "learn the business side of music" and make sure you continue to practice and try to perfect your craft. You have to stay ready so you'll be prepared when opportunity knocks.

14. In addition to www.ultimateachiever.com where can we learn more about you and your career?

To learn more about what I have going on, you can check my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/rapturestewart), my Myspace page (www.myspace.com/rapturestewart <http://www.myspace.com/rapturestewart>) or follow me (@RapTracks) on Twitter (www.twitter.com/raptracks)

15. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and followers?

To my fans and followers, I just want to say thank you for the support over these years. I will always try my absolute best to give you the best music that I possibly can.

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R.Lawrence 'LB' Breaux

Drummer | Writer | Producer

1. What and who inspired you to play drums/percussion instruments and how long have you been playing?

A: I grew up in church and every single sunday I would sit by the drums and watch all of the older drummers play and I knew thats where I wanted to be. I would have to say that my my inspiration came from Vincent Jackson. Thats who I couldn't wait to get to church to see on the drums. I have been playing drums professionally now for 13 years.

2. Who are you currently playing for and who have you played for throughout your career as a musician?

A: I am currently playing for R&B/Soul Singer Robin Thicke, I have been with Robin going on 6 years now. I have been blessed to also play with the Pussy cat dolls, Nikka Costa, Backstreet boys, Monica, Jennifer Hudson and a host of indy artist.

3. How did you get in the entertainment business?

A: I was blessed to do a couple of auditions and from there the rest is history. Word of mouth kicked in and I was off and running.

4. Who are your favorite musicians?

 A: My favorite musicians are Jamie Gamble, who has been the drummer for several superstar artist from Jamie Foxx to Beyonce and many many more. I love his playing and think that he is amongst the best out there in the world today. I also enjoy Chris Johnson's playing, he is currently playing with Rhianna.

5. As a professional musician, what are the hardest things you face career wise?

 A: Being a musician in todays world, some of the hardest things I face, Is the constant grind and hustle of making sure you have a job. I'm not a musician that likes to jump from gig to gig, like I said I have been with Robin Thicke for just a bout 6 years now. And it has not been an easy road, but when things are consistent I'm happy! So all and all the inconsistencies that come with being a professional musician is the tuff part.

6. As a professional musician, where do you see your career going in the next 2-5 years?

A: As a professional musician I see my self probably touring for another 2-3 years and then make a transition into the film and television world. Thats my new thing, I would like to produce, write and create content for Television. As well as producing music.

7. Can you speak to us about any additional projects you are working on or have in the works for the future?

A: Right now I am working with super producer Damon Elliott we started a band called "The Banjo Boys" Its a country pop/hip-hop band. Its a fun project dame is a hell of a writer and producer. We will see what comes out of it. I'm definitely  excited about the project, because I get a chance to write, produce as well as play the drums of course. So look out for the project coming soon, working on a reality series based on the band as well.

8. Who is on heavy rotation in your CD player or iPod right now?

 A: There are currently 3 artist that are in heavy rotation in my cd player and ipod. That is Marvin Sapp "Thirsty", (one of the best gospel albums of all time) and "Here I am". I also Pj Morton "walk alone" and James Fortune.

9. How often do you practice?

A: unfortunately I don't get a chance to practice much because I am always on the road playing. I basically try to practice whenever I can and have the time to.

10. Do you have any formal musical training?

A: No I don't have any formal musical training. I have been honored to be blessed with a gift from my great God!!! And I couldn't be more appreciative to him for trusting me with this wonderful gift of music.

11. Do you get nervous before a show?

A: NO I don't get nervous before shows anymore. Honestly I don't remember when was the last time I was nervous before a show.

12. What is your most embarrassing moment on stage?

A: lol!! One of my most embarrassing moments happened to me just this year. I was playing a show with Robin and I tend to stand up from time to time when the music gets good to me. This one particular time I was playing the drums standing up and when I went to sit down on my drum throne. The throne was not there I was grooving so hard I hadn't realized that I knocked over the sit with my foot. So when I went to sit down, I missed the sit and fell right on my butt, I must say I did miss a beat or two and I was back up on the kit playing like it never happened!

13. When you are not performing in front of thousands of people and you have a day off, what would you be doing with your time?

A: When I have a day off I will play golf all day, workout and swim if I can!

14. What would you recommend to other musicians who want to attain the title as a “working musician for national acts”?

A: For other musicians that want to do this job full time I would tell them. Work hard practice as much as you can to ensure that you are ready when you are called. Make sure you do your homework when you are called upon. Make sure you treat people right and fair so that you keep a great and dependable name in the industry. Because this industry is extremely small, people know people and if you don't know or heard of someone you will eventually. So make sure your name is good!

15. In addition to www.ultimateachiever.com : where can we learn more about you and your career?

A: You can keep up with me by checking out my website www.lbondrums.com as well as facebook under Ronnie Lawrence Breaux, Jr.

16. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and followers?

A: I would like to tell all of my fans and followers that I am extremely appreciative for all the love and support. I do what I do for you all, and when you give me energy I can't help but reciprocate!! Love, LB