When Fashion Meets Seasons

By Constance Allen

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

Smyrna-- My focus is women trendy seasonal fashion. We are now in the spring season of 2018, and I’m here to inform you of what’s hot, and what’s not!

         Fashion sense is something that everyone is born with. You know what you like to wear and what you do not at a very young age. I took a special interest into clothes at a very young age and have kept up with trends through the years.

        I noticed this season that there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. A mix of brights, pale pastels, and nature-like neutrals take center stage for colors in this season. The season brings my all time favorite rebirthed trends! Spring brings many throwback favorites, colors and patterns to have fun with. The throwbacks of retro colors, folkloric and floral art, and the magical islands of tropical landscapes restore a mindset of well-being as we head into the spicy months!

         I often feel compelled to be connected to fashion around the clock because I am afraid I will miss something important. Keeping up with trends can be time consuming because things are constantly in, then they are not.

        We all try to follow the latest trends in seasonal fashion. There is a growing movement in the designer world to step out and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology world we live in and unwind. This movement gives us time to stop and be still from the world we live in.

        Color choices follow the same minimalistic theme movement. Designers are taking ideas from nature rather than being reinvented or mechanically manipulated by our technology-driven influences. Designers are letting nature choose the colors this spring for their upcoming shows and deigns.

        I love this movement because natures neutrals bring out my favorite colors to rock! Soft, cool colors blend with eye-catching warm tones to create a relaxing escape from the everyday hustle in the work world. These soft, cool colors blending with warm tones are the colors that will be in for spring ’18 fashion!

        I have combed through the spring 2018 collections to bring you the top fashion and accessory trends of the season. Here, I will break down each runway and street style trend, completing it with spring fashion shopping roundups, outfit ideas, and styling that I find hot this spring. A

        The leading color for this spring is “Pantone 14-4313” (that’s the designer name).  Pantone 14-4313 is also known as Aquamarine. Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel that hints to the aqua in the name. I feel like this shade of blue is so soft it acts as a stress reducer.

        Aquamarine is being used by designers in numerous outfit ideas. An essential outfit I would rock with this color is aquamarine blouse, easy denim, and a straw bag. 

        Aside from aquamarine, spring florals are always in every spring season. Florals have to be my favorite print of the season. Floral prints add a great pop to any outfit in my opinion. Spring florals and oversized denim are a classic combo I love. Another classic spring combo I will suggest is going all white with a nice blazer and a bright purse. Another designer idea favorite you can do is mixing prints. I like mixing prints like '70s florals with a funky vintage shirt. For more mix print looks check out the link below.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/maitlandquitmeyer/ways-to-mix-match-and-clash-prints-like-a-pro?utm_term=.pbDW1P30kx#.ksbzDaNkW1

        Stepping away from clashing prints, if you want a work approach like a suit, you might as well do it in a spring all-time favorite buttercup yellow. This spring, stirrups are in, especially when worn over your heels.  I like to make outfits casual with metallic Birkenstocks. If skinny statement frames intimidate you like they do me, test them out with a monochromatic outfit. In style brings lots of spring favorites as well, to check them out click the link below.
http://www.instyle.com/fashion/spring

        A white dress is a spring wardrobe you must have, but a leather bustier worn on top spices things up. A simple white tank paired with baggy pants and stilettos is a sexy take on a touch of menswear.

        Last but not least, the final spring fashion trend I will suggest is the classic clashing neons like a pro with fluorescent pink and highlighter yellow for a great pop! For even more classic spring duos the link below gives additional options.
http://stylecaster.com/spring-outfit-ideas/

        This spring fashion is all about creating "quiet zones" to disconnect from technology and unwind. This movement gives us time to stop and be still and explore our creative side along with natures. Designers are letting nature choose the colors this spring season, and so should we to keep up with the latest trends. Soft cool hues with a blend of subtle warm tones are in. Next time you go shopping, look for those trendy color choices to put in your shopping cart.

Tips and Tricks for a Great Salon Experience

By Lindsay King

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

                 

                                                           

SMYRNA-- For years now, most women follow the beauty trend of doing their nails. But the question is, “How do I know which salon will best fit my needs?”

Personally, I want quality nails at pocket-friendly prices. I do not want to break the bank. Unfortunately, sometimes “quality over quantity” comes into play, as some salons are less talented than others, resulting in poor quality nails.

            I like to refer to some people as salon shoppers. They visit different salons to see which ones are best and the most affordable. A popular question asked is, “How do people choose between all of these different salons?”

            In my personal opinion, when browsing for a nail salon online, chain salons like Nails So Happy usually do not have the best quality, although they are a chain salon. In my experience, local salons cater more to my needs, while providing friendlier service for their clients. I have found that reading online customer reviews helps you choose the best salons. Being able to frequently visit a local business always helps foster pleasant relationships with the nail beauticians.  

My Personal Favorite:

             I have been going to “T-Salon” for about two years now. Out of all of the salons that I have tried in the past, I have found that they do the best job and truly care about their customers. When trying new nail techniques like the SNS “dip” technique, T heavily informed me on the process as well as the removal. I really appreciate that he educates his customers on each process to ensure satisfaction. The staff there are friendly and very talented in their work. I’m always sure of having a good set of nails when I go to T-Salon.

Articles like http://www.nailsmag.com/article/121846/tips-on-dips can be very helpful to salon owners and employees. They are able to educate themselves, as well as their customers on each technique.

What I Liked About My Experience:

Every time I enter T-Salon, I am always greeted with the same friendly faces of the owner referred to as “T” and his long-time faithful employees. While I am in the salon, I get to catch up on “International House Hunters”, which I believe must be T’s favorite show. It is playing every single time that I am there. I really enjoy that every time I visit T-Salon salon, they always cater to exactly what I want, as opposed to what they want. I really appreciate that the employees are never pushy towards me, nor try to upsell me, which results in a possible overcharge.

Which Technique to Choose:

            My new personal favorite technique when going into the nail salon would have to be the Dip. I prefer the Dip simply because of the fact that they hold up much longer than gel. They do not hurt my nails like acrylic. For those who are unfamiliar with Dip, it is a new alternative to acrylic nails and is healthier for the growth of the nail.

When using the Dip, the process is still rather similar to the acrylic. They still use a drill on your nail, but only for a short amount of time as opposed to the acrylic option. Your nail is then painted with a clear “dip polish” and “dipped” into the nail powder color of your choice. The process is repeated several times to ensure durability. Dipped nails typically last about four weeks with no cracks or chips depending on how fast your nails grow.

After reading Julia Gsell’s in-depth blog https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2017/7/13/i tried-it-dip-powder-nails covering her exploration with dipped nails, I came to find that she also had a successful experience with the SNS nails.

The only thing that I don’t really care for about the “dipped” nails is the removal process when going to get a new set put on. The technicians drill the nail and then place your finger on a cotton ball drenched in acetone. They then carefully wrap it inside tinfoil and let it sit for about 10 minutes, which makes the process a lot longer.

What Could Have Been Better About My Experience?

            My nail-salon companion, Olivia, accompanied me on my recent visit. She received a pedicure that was not quite up to par with past visits. She received a cut from a nail buffer. The nail tech then poured acetone on top of her nails, resulting in a painful experience. It was decidedly not her favorite outing to the nail salon.  

My Experience as a Whole:

Overall, my whole experience at T-Salon recently was rather exceptional, although I did have to wait around 30 extra minutes to get my nails done because of under staffing. However, it was well worth the wait. I was pleasantly surprised when I went to pay my bill and saw that it was less than usual. To my surprise, if you still have on a full set, the price is only $36 instead of the normal price of $41, which is a great deal and definitely worth it. All in all, I was very pleased with my nails, even though it took longer than normal this time around. The color coral pink that I chose complimented my nails beautifully.

Discover the Versatility of Your Clothes

By Amelia Zeller

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

SMYRNA -- One of the most fun things about fashion is the style diversity that a single piece of clothing can offer. After you wear the same outfit a few times, it doesn't feel new anymore. However, by switching up how you style your clothes, you can make them feel new again.

There are many things that you can do to mix up your typical outfits. I've discovered many simple things I can do to accessorize and change up an outfit, such as add a pop of color, or try different pairs of shoes. A different hairstyle or jacket could also be what makes an outfit unique.

It is important to take note of your own style preferences and embrace them. You will probably find that it is easier to be creative with your style when you know what kind of outfits you like to wear. When you own your personal style, a natural confidence ensues, and self-confidence is the best accessory out there!

 You do not need a huge wardrobe to create a variety of outfits. You only need your creativity. It is easiest to mix and match using similar colors, so experiment with a color scheme that you like. Basic everyday articles of clothing are also easiest to mix and match, such as a white button-up shirt, blue jeans, or a blazer. By discovering different ways to wear your clothes, you are getting the most use out of them.

An article at Elle.com, https://www.elle.com/fashion/a42048/i-wore-the-same-nine-items-for-two-weeks/ , displays the diversity of clothes by showing how you can wear the same nine articles of clothing for two weeks.

All you need is a small, versatile wardrobe of items that suit you to create stylish outfits with personal flair. Usually, those of us who suffer from "nothing to wear" have a lot of random clothing items that do not go together. If you intentionally buy items that are versatile, it will be much easier to coordinate outfits. When you buy less clothing items that can purposefully be arranged into many different looks, you are saving money on clothes you would not wear often.

I decided to experiment with the style versatility of some clothing that I own. I chose timeless pieces that are commonly found in young women's wardrobes: denim jeans, a leather jacket, and a black t-shirt. To the best of my closet's ability, I created three unique looks from each of these classic articles of clothing to show the different ways they can be styled.

The versatility of jeans:

The first item that I styled was a pair of denim jeans. Jeans are one of the most versatile pieces in fashion, and most people own more than one pair. Jeans are worn millions of different ways every day because they are classic and easy to incorporate with most things.

A Buzzfeed article I found asked 17 people to style a denim jacket in their own way, https://www.buzzfeed.com/alisoncaporimo/denim-dreams-are-made-of-these?utm_term=.edgej5DZ6#.vtVQLxpgV , and every outfit manages to have a personal touch of uniqueness. 

For the first denim outfit I created, I wanted to keep it very casual, so I added sneakers and a hip bag as a practical replacement for a purse. I added a hat because it is an easy way to add a casual feel to any look. To keep the outfit from being too simple, I incorporated large silver necklaces.

To create my second look including jeans, I combined them with a black button-up shirt and black boots that can be worn almost anywhere, casual or more formal. I put my hair in a bun for this outfit because it draws more attention to the large statement earrings and collared shirt.

The third look I created is the most formal one. When you pair jeans with heels it gives them an instant professional boost. I put a white button-up underneath a cardigan to help give the whole outfit a more formal look. Denim can be easily dressed up or down depending on the look you are going for, so it is very useful to own a good pair of jeans that you like to wear.

Experimenting with a leather jacket:

The next clothing item I got creative with was a leather jacket. Leather can add edge to any look instantly. For the first look I came up with, I kept it casual with a soft sweater underneath and accessorized with a black leather bag and boots to make the look cohesive.

Leopard print and leather are two of my favorite things, so, the second look I created was inevitable. I paired leopard print trousers with furry leopard slides to match. This look is the most casual of them all but adding the leather jacket helps keep it looking comfortable and casual without looking sloppy.

The third look I created displays the formality a leather jacket can bring to an outfit. By layering a leather jacket over a dress, you are combining two different styles for a bold look. This can be one of the most exciting things about experimenting when you are creating outfits; you have the freedom to combine whatever you want.

Making a black t-shirt interesting:

The final clothing item that I got versatile with for this blog was a plain black t-shirt. A black t-shirt is a basic item owned by most people, and it can be worn countless different ways. For the first outfit I created, I paired the t-shirt with matching black shoes. I chose a brown bag and brown pair of pants to bring in additional colors as an easy way to switch it up. I added an over-sized necklace and a silver belt to keep the t-shirt from looking too plain.

Next, I decided to pair the black t-shirt with lots of color. I chose to use pink, blue and white as the color scheme for the rest of this outfit. This proves that a black t-shirt can match with anything because of its ability to be combined with any colors. 

The last look that I constructed is one of all black. A ballet-like skirt and heeled boots add a formal touch to this look centered around a simple black t-shirt. Another tip for accessorizing is to use red lipstick to subtly add color to any look!

If you invest in versatile pieces of clothing that you love, you will have a much easier time creating unique outfits that make use of your whole wardrobe. Fashion does not have to feel hard. There are a lot of things you can do to make new looks with the same clothes and discover your clothing's versatility.

Are the '80s and '90s Slowly Taking Over the Fashion Trends?

By Gamari James
Motlow Buzz Reporter

            Have you ever looked at today’s fashion and wondered, “Wow this looks familiar”?

Well, it’s because you most likely have seen these trends before. Maybe it was on an older TV show or movie that was made during these times? (“Breakfast Club”, “Back to the Future”, “Do the Right Thing”, or etc.) Maybe seeing John Nelson playing John in “The Breakfast Club” with his cool, slouchy, and very vintage denim jacket inspired or brought back memories.

 I know personally it has inspired most of my style and look when it comes to clothing. I know I didn’t grow up that much in the ‘90s, since I was born in 1997. But these movies and TV shows allow me to be inspired and soak in these different times and generations.

 I’m the type of person who is very versatile when it comes to fashion. I like to mix cultures and genres, while still maintaining to make it my own. I’ve always been told, “You look very vintage sometimes.” That might be true, hence the fact that most of my clothes might actually be from the late ‘80s to the late ‘90s. This is because I usually only shop at thrift stores. I might come across a TV show like “Fresh Prince” or” Full House,” and I think to myself, “Wow those ripped jeans and washed jean jacket would look great together.”

I guess I can thank my grandma for most of my thrifting habits. As a kid, my family didn’t have a lot to work with, so all we did was thrift on a budget. During that time, I hated going to the Goodwill and thought it was embarrassing. But, now that I’m a young adult, I instill those “balling on a budget” skills when I go thrifting today. Besides, I was 18 and fresh out of high school when I first moved into a house with an itch for fashion and different styles. So what better time was it for me to pick up this habit again in my life.

 It’s funny because, when I first starting thrifting back when I was a freshman, most people laughed when I told them where I got a particular shirt or sweater from. Now, since a lot of the old styles (‘80s and ‘90s) are making their way back around. I’m almost praised when people realize where I’ve gotten my clothes from. I’ve kept it consistent since then. I have tons of clothes that have kept up with the styles and trends over time.

          Do you remember those wild colors that Nautica came out with in the ‘80s that trickled down to mid- ‘90s? Well, they are making their way back around with a full force these days. A famous rapper by the name of Lil Yachty started rocking later Nautica pieces in a new and hip way. The guy basically branded himself with their logo (Lil Boat). I think Nautica did a brilliant move by officially endorsing him. He brings a lot of youth and spontaneity back to a brand that originally had a targeted audience of wealthy, white males. Not only is Nautica doing things like this, but several other companies are turning back their clocks when it comes to fashion. Brands like Stussy, Supreme, and even Jordan with its retro shoes are just a few to name who have brought back a lot of their old styles.

            There are different and more modern ways of achieving these styles as well. You can visit websites like http://www.rustyzipper.com. This website has different categories you can choose from that can really tackle the certain style you’re trying to obtain. If you’re in the downtown Nashville area. You can visit stores like Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters does a great job of modernizing the vintage image. Their clothes are of high quality with somewhat reasonable prices. Another store that seems like it is straight out of the golden age is Star Struck. If you really dig through the clothing there, you can find some really dope styles and even cultures there.

            In my opinion, I think the best way to achieve these particular styles “to a T”, is by simply going into your local thrift store and searching for these clothes. This is the most genuine and cheapest route you can take. Even though, I love the fact that these brands are bringing back those styles. I also have to take into account that these same brands are recycling those same old styles and reselling them for outlandish prices. When I go into a thrift store, it almost feels like I’ve taken a trip into a time machine sometimes. Even till this day, I’m still very surprised at some of the stuff I find and the condition it's in. The best part about it is that I’m spending probably a fraction of what I would pay in the store.

            What exactly did people wear in the ‘80s and ‘90s that have found their way back to 2017? Well there is a list of items that have stood the test of time: Plain T-shirts with iron on letters, denim clothing (jackets and ripped jeans), and leggings for women have made huge comebacks. When I go out to DJ parties and small clubs, I try to obtain a certain style, one that is compatible with the music I’m playing. Since I’m going to be playing mostly Hip hop/R&B style songs, I always like to throw some old hits in there as well, just to throw the crowd off into a cool but familiar place. I might wear a black T-shirt with a ‘90s theme on it like Neil Young. Then I might top that shirt with a beat up, jean jacket, with some ripped black jeans, while rocking some All-Star Adidas.  

If you want to see these different styles I’ve named, there is a great article by Jian Deleon ,who goes into great detail about the different fashions during the ‘80s.http://www.complex.com/style/the-80-greatest-80s-fashion-trends/

            

A Nothing into Something

By Myia Jones
Motlow Buzz Reporter

            When I was a child, I was always into being famous. I couldn’t get enough of the media. Just seeing the cameras and the bright lights, along with the stars on television, has always amazed me. I loved the extravagant colors of wardrobes, and seeing people change their emotions, whether it was real life or a cartoon.

            My parents always kept me involved in sports like dance, tap dance, track, basketball, etc., but I knew that wasn’t for me -- at least the “real” athletic sports. As a child, I would beg my mom to put me on TV, or let me model, but her response would be, “This is just a scam!” I couldn’t seem to shake the feeling there is more out there in the world because I saw it on TV. Every birthday, I used to pray and wish that I would become “a somebody” by the time I was at the age of 16 to the age of 18.

            Growing up, I was bullied and doubted I could be anything. I never told my parents, so it took a hold on my heart. I was soon introduced to the performing arts, where I learned I could be myself. Once I got on stage, it was like I was a certified natural. I became addicted to the sound of “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!”

            When social media came into play, it was like love at first sight. Social Media is what really helped me decide specifically what I wanted to do in life. I loved taking pictures and creating posts for others to relate to, as well as getting out certain feelings, or emotions, when I didn’t have anyone to talk to. It’s something about following your favorite celebrity, or keeping up with the latest fashion trends that had me.

            Fashion was never my thing. I couldn’t seem to realize what looked good on me, or what my actual style was. What really played the part in this was I had a low self-esteem from all the bullying, and at the time I didn’t know my worth. I would always wear jackets and blazers to hide my skin, and ponytails to hide my length, but there has always been a flame in me, that swore I would get it all together.

            Fast forwarding to the end of my 12th grade year, and I became more of a fashionista—without the funds. When I got to college, I exploded with the ability to not be afraid of me, and I had the funds this time. I began trying things I never thought I would, and wearing clothes I never thought I could.

            In the year of 2016, things became clear. I had just gotten a new job in downtown Nashville, and I felt as if it was exactly what I needed. I met a lot of designers, store owners; you name it. I’ve also met a lot of famous people like athletes, dancers, singers, etc. Coming from the small town of Murfreesboro, you rarely meet young people who own businesses, or a lot of black business owners. One of the most “awing” moments for me was to see people my age that are very successful. In a short time of experiencing all of this, I decided I wanted to create a blog about celebrities, gossip, and the latest fashion trends.    

            My blog, Jae’s Box, is just that. This article is intended for women and men ages 16 and up. This blog requires the viewers to subscribe where they will now be known as a “jewel,” hints the name “Jae’s Box,” as in a jewelry box. Most of my articles will be posted no later than the day the specific event will occur. We will have a comment section for each article where viewers can state their opinions, and we will have direct messenger for comments, findings or concerns. We plan on having multiple social medias in order for our subscribers to be able to take us with them anywhere.

            Now that I’ve introduced how I came about writing my blog and what my blog will be about, here are a few articles that will be featured:

           

Nike Will Be Introducing Hijabs for Their Muslim Athletes in Spring 2018

The Hijab, according to CNN Money, took 13 months to make and came into creation after Muslims athletes would complain about having to wear their traditional scarves while competing.

Nike also states the “Nike Pro Hijab” may have been in the making for more than a year. http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/07/news/nike-pro-hijab/

Katy Perry Says She Tried to “Pray The Gay Away”

Singer Katy Perry received an award from the Human Rights Campaign  in LA and openly opened up about her sexuality, deciding to thank the LGBT community.

In her speech, she spoke about growing up in a very strict and religious family. Katy mentions, she was very curious about her sexuality, but knew that it wasn’t something that would be accepted.

Katy claims she tried to “pray the gay away” at Christian camps, but she ended up finding her gift. http://www.katyperry.com/

Tomi Lahren Suspended for A Week

Tomi’s program, “Tomi,” will be off air for at least a week, according to The Hill, after what was reported as rising tensions between her and other Blaze employees.

Lahren reportedly upset her boss, Glen Beck, after her appearance on “The View”. Tomi claimed to be “pro-life” and even took shots at conservatives, calling them hypocrites according to the Daily Beast.

Glenn took it to his radio show on Monday to blast his employee.

On Monday Lahren took it to Twitter to try and do a little damage control, which prompted her boss responded back.    https://twitter.com/TomiLahren?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Tennessee Teen and Teacher Go Missing Together

Corpus Christi police said they have been unable to wrap their head around the fact that, a Tennessee school teacher and a student he’s accused of kidnapping were in the South Texas Gulf Coast city.

Tennessee authorities have been hunting for the 50-year-old Tad Cummins and the 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas for two weeks.

Cummins has been added to Tennessee Most Wanted List after being suspected of kidnapping the teen. http://people.com/crime/elizabeth-thomas-missing-tad-cummins-romantic-emails-school/

Modern Pop Music and Its Lack of Creativity

                                                                         By Brennan Cox

   Throughout the years, pop music has impacted the world with its catchy hooks, its unique fashion  

style, and originality. It all started with the Beatles’ first LP, “Please Please Me”, which was released

in the ‘60s. Artists like the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Prince, and David Bowie (who experimented

with both pop and rock), had something to add to the world of music: Originality.

  These musicians wrote songs that no one had ever heard before. Michael Jackson Invented the

“Moonwalk” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6pomaq30Gg). David Bowie and Prince had an

eye-popping fashion style and wrote such unforgettable songs like “Purple Rain”

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHxmctgKFL8) by Prince, and “Heroes”

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgcc5V9Hu3g) by Bowie.

Prince

David Bowie

   Over the years, modern pop music has copied other artists such as Prince and Michael Jackson,

and it has grown to be more about an image than about the music. Everything sounds the same,

leaving nothing new to add to the world of music. This is mostly due to the music industry

and the amount of control it puts on their artists. The industry relies more on pitch perfect singing,

image, sex, drugs, and partying more than being creative. For example, the lyrics to the song

“Talking Body” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRyxGBGiAE) by Tove Lo says, “Put your body

on me, if you love me, babe, we’ll f--k real late, on and on and on.”. This song contains an

electronically produced back track and a simple, catchy hook.

Another example is the song “Can’t Feel My Face” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEI4qSrkPAs) by the Weekend. This song romanticizes cocaine.

   The industry has grown to be anything but creative. As long as they make money, then they’ll keep

enforcing easy pop music. If you listen to songs on the radio, you will find that most songs sound

pretty much the same. Simple, catchy, and easy.

On this site (http://onehallyu.com/topic/216994-prince-criticizes-the-state-of-modern-music/),

Prince explains his views towards modern pop music, stating:

“There might be music that sounds like me, but what good is that? You're essentially in the

feedback loop. It’s a bad time for music in general. There’s not a lot of pop music in the mainstream

that makes you feel scared, that makes you wonder what’s happening.”

This helps to prove that pop music is not pushing boundaries, leaving it with as much nutrition as a

McDonald’s hamburger.

   Aside from the lack of creativity and originality in the major labels, the indie scene has been

starting to overwhelm the music industry. In the indie scene, artists are free to do whatever they

want musically. There are no boundaries. Artists like Vampire Weekend, Chance the Rapper, and

Macklemore

Macklemore have jumped on the indie band wagon, allowing them

to create and produce whatever they want, while still obtaining

massive fame without labels controlling their musical style.

Spotify has made a contribution to independent artists, allowing

musicians to get noticed and make a bit of money  without the

power of a major label. http://www.ibtimes.com/.

   Chance the Rapper has not signed up with a music label because he does not believe in them. Not

signing to a label has allowed him to push musical boundaries (http://www.thisisinsider.com/why-hance-the-rapper-refuses-to-sign-a-record-label-2016-6).

The only way to listen to his record, “Coloring Book”

Chance the Rapper

(https://play.spotify.com/album/71QyofYesSsRMwFOTafnhB?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open), is to stream it on Spotify.

   The indie scene is being renovated and is starting to grow with

help from businesses like Spotify, which BMI has teamed up with

 (http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/spotify_placeholder), Bandcamp

(https://bandcamp.com/), and Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/). Maybe one day businesses

like Spotify will overthrow the power of major labels.

   Brennan Cox is an artist and musician from Murfreesboro Tennessee. He creates psychedelic art

and music. His biggest passion is music and aspires to be a producer. Brennan and his brothers have

The Outaded Guys Logo

a page called, The Outdated Guys         

(https://www.facebook.com/theoutdatedguys/), which incorporates

both music, art, and film. He currently lives in Murfreesboro Tennessee

with his family.