SADDLES CANYON COUNTRY RETREAT : DJ AND HOST OF THE MONTH – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

SecondLife is truly a land of infinite possibilities for those with the determination and the imagination to make their dreams come true.  For the artist, the possibilities of pixel art are amazing.  And for the music lover, world-class performances with top-notch talent are only a few mouse clicks away.  But by far, the vast majority of musical entertainment is provided by DJs and their talented Hosts.  Together, they work to provide residents with a fun and engaging musical experience.

The best of those DJs and Hosts rise quickly to the top of the heap, and I was fortunate enough to meet two such individuals on my last trip to Saddles  Canyon Country Retreat. Laser Stratten is the DJ of the Month at Saddles, and Abby Walker has been selected as the Saddles Host of the Month.   I was able to catch up with these two extraordinary entertainers between sets the other day, and they were willing to share with me the secret of their success as DJ and Host.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellis) JB:   Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.  Sooo…tell me, please.  Just how long have you been in the DJ and Host business?

Laser Stratten (LS):   I started DJing when a friend of mine was a manager at Wildcats when it was just beginning around 2012.  I was still working in RL doing a job that required many hours of my time, so I was mainly a fill-in DJ. I didn't really start taking permanent sets until a few years later.

Abby Walker (AW):  I have been hosting for close to 10 years now. Although, it does not seem that long.

JB:    What made you get started in this job?

LS:    I've always enjoyed listening to music.  I joined SL out of curiosity but soon got caught up in going to live music events and gained some DJ friends.  I really didn't have plans to be a DJ  until this manager friend convinced me I should.  I had help getting set up with a SAM Broadcaster and began accumulating music.  I also got help from some experienced DJ's on how to use the SAM and set up music to present to the club VIP's. I developed my own style over the years.

SB:  How many clubs are you currently hosting?

LS:    I am only working at one venue at this time, but I've worked a many different ones through the years. I'm not averse to working in multiple clubs, but working at only one club can sometimes turn into a family atmosphere which I enjoy.

AW:    Currently, I mainly only host at Saddles. I am a host at two other clubs: Copperhead Roads and I’m a fill-in at Bearfoot & Buckwild.

JB:      What genre of music do you play, and do you have a favorite?

LS:    I play mostly country and red dirt. Some classic and Southern rock, too.  I like to highlight my home State of Texas and the large variety of musical talent that exists here.

JB:    Do you have your own group? 

LS:    I do!  My group members are called Laser Beams!

secondlife:///app/group/91b029b2-be06-c177-a8d7-31381f04be3b/about

AW:       As a host, I do not have my own group. However, I do know a few hosts that have a large enough following for a group.

JB:    You two make a great team, and we can see the real chemistry there. Do you two normally work together, or do you do separate gigs?

LS:    Abby and I met at a club quite a few years ago.  She would host for me at times, but it seems that she is my exclusive host at Saddles.  She is a misplaced Texas girl who grew up not far from where I live now in Texas, so it's fun for us to work together.

AW:      Lately, we have been working together a lot. Especially at Saddles. But in the past, we have not always worked together even though we have worked at the same clubs before. We have known each other for several years.

JB:    The best DJs and Hosts are usually good-looking, friendly, and outgoing…at least the good ones are. And as semi-celebs, they must have people looking to hook up, don't they? How do handle the Fans who may want more from you than just your music?

LS:    My DJ mentor, Strummer Skytower actually warned me about that.  I was in a committed relationship at that time, so when I did get a few flirty IMs, I'd just ignore them or laugh it off. Yeah, it does happen at times, I guess.  And if a DJ is so inclined, they can meet some new people that way.  These days, I am a happily married man in both RL and SL.  We met in SL and are now married in RL.  We met when she was a club owner and I was a DJ looking for work.  I tell her when someone IMs me to tell me they like how I DJ or comment about my voice and she tells me..." Yeah, they're trying to flirt with you" and we chuckle about it.

AW:      There have been a few times where someone has tried to hook up with me. I always try to be friendly to everyone and even flirt a little, but if it gets too much, I let the person know they need to back down. I simply tell them we can be friends and no more.

JB:    Awww…so your marriage, Laser, was truely “A Match made in SL”.  So tell me, how would you advise someone who wants to get into your line of work  What would it take?

LS:    It takes a working knowledge of the music you intend to play.  And you need to be able to express yourself over a microphone.  Most club owners don't want you to just be a radio.  They want you to engage the VIPs and make it interesting. I try very hard to do that.

AW:      I would say if someone wants to become a host, they should watch how other hosts operate in the clubs. Keep a notecard up and if the host says something you really like then type/copy it down and even reword it to make it more personal. I would encourage them to jump right in and just do it. Most clubs are willing to let someone new try it out and they will help them along.

JB:      Why is it that people often don't tip the host or tip the host less than the  DJ?

LS:    To be honest, I don't usually get notified when a host gets tipped.  But being a host, a GOOD host, is hard work.  I've hosted before, and it's not fun to me! They have to be on their toes to greet the VIPs and disseminate all the information the club owners and managers need them to make known.  So tipping them less than the DJ is just not right.  I always tip them the same as the DJ unless I really know the DJ well.

AW:     As a host, I do see this often. I think most people feel the DJ does more work and must pay to get the music. They don’t realize that the host is not just up there looking good. We send out all notices, spam multiple groups, welcome everyone into the club, and monitor chat for any issues going on, if we hear something wrong with the music or can’t hear voiceovers, we should contact the DJ to let him know. DJs and Hosts both play a vital role in the success of a club and the set and we do an equal amount of work to make it a success.

JB:    Point is well taken, Abby.  So…Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Readers? 

LS:    People need to know that running a SL club is not an easy, or inexpensive undertaking.  I would bet that most clubs are not money-makers.  So, when the DJ or Host asks for donations to the club, please know that it is expensive to pay for clubs.  These owners do all they do as a labor of love and all their support - and yours - is much appreciated

AW:       I would encourage anyone who would like to become a Host or DJ to just do it, and not be afraid. Most people here in SL are very supportive and really, it’s all about just having fun.

 

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SPOTLIGHT ON SL’S GOT TALENT 2016 WINNER Scarlett LaRoux

SL’s GOT TALENT (SLGT) Contest was created and first produced in 2013 by Jackie Lefko. She is the CEO of BlueByrd Entertainment (formerly Lefko Entertainment). The idea of SLGT came to Jackie after debuting several new SL performers at her venue, The Speakeasy.  She felt a contest would be a great opportunity for those looking to showcase their talent but to also engage in a personal challenge.

Jakie Lefko

Each round features a variety of genres and the judges have the difficult task of deciding who moves on to the next round.  Artists who make it to through have a significant chance to be the last competitor standing to receive this prestigious award. 

Scarlett LaRoux

Sound the trumpet… This year’s SL’s Got Talent Winner is Scarlett LaRoux  (scarlettla.roux), a musical gem in Second Life as well as the owner of Scarlett’s Place; a venue built on love and mutual admiration for soul, good music and good company. Scarlett’s sound is smooth and soulful. She truly has a fabulous gift that she readily shares with others. If you were to close your eyes and listen closely, you would almost feel as if you have been transported back in time to a smoky Jazz club.

In RL she sings Jazz, R&B, and Soft Rock. She has sung in a cappella groups that covered genres from gospel to rock, and has done solo performances that cover many genres. Her voice is her instrument and she loves use it to speak to and influence audiences.

The SL Enquirer caught up with Scarlett to give you a behind the scenes look at the woman behind the voice.

Meet Scarlett LaRoux

Hi Scarlett first and foremost, congratulations on winning SL’s Got Talent 2016. Can you tell your fans what it felt like to hear the announcement?

Scarlett:  I was hoping for that outcome, but mostly I was surprised.  It was amazing to know that the judges felt that I deserved to win the contest.  It was a privilege to be considered the top performer from this great group of performers in the contest.  I heard that the scores in the final round were really close.  That fact makes me more grateful for the opportunity to sing for this group.  I met some really dynamic performers during the contest, and hope to remain friends with them for a long time.  The first couple of days after the event were a bit overwhelming with lots of places to be and a lot of people to talk to.

Where are you from and when did you begin singing?

Scarlett:  I’m from North Carolina, near the Southern Part of Heaven.  J  I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember.  My first performances were in church.  I remember the first time I realized that people applauded a performance of mine.  It was when I was about four years old, and my dad was singing in church.  Somehow I made my way from the pews to where he was singing, and I started singing with him.  I also did a little dance.  Evidently the singing was okay, but the dancing put my mother over the edge.  After that I sang with the youth choir and in school. 

My first solo performance was for a celebration for the small town I lived in.  I was about eleven years old at the time.  The ceremony was held in the town square, and I sang “The Wings of a Dove.”  I remember everyone had gone quiet.  I thought they’d hated it.   But people were crying, and afterwards I was overwhelmed by hugs.  That’s when I realized music had an emotional impact and I decided I’d sing “to” people not “at” them or “for” them.

Who inspired you the most throughout your singing career? (both in SL and RL)

Scarlett:  Hmmm.  Inspiration comes in many forms.  So I’d say in RL one of my biggest inspirations was my 8^th grade choral instructor, who at the time told me that my vocal range was “impractical.”  Even with that assessment, he worked with me to increase my range and develop vocal control.

Professionally, I’m in love with Ella Fitzgerald and her vocal acrobatics, and ease of improvisation.  I also derive some of my vocal stylings from artists like Luther Vandross and Natalie Cole.  

In SL, I think my inspiration comes from my closest SL friends.  They have believed in me since day one.  I still have friends in SL that I met when I logged in about nine years ago.  Some I have met in person, and we’ve become great friends in RL and in SL. There are some special people that I have connected with deeply and their opinion and suggestions matter a lot to me.  I use their input to continue to develop my craft.  I rely on their ears to tell me whether or not a song is suited to me. 

Believe me, there are times I want to sing certain songs, but I cannot connect to them emotionally. When I practice, or try out new music, these friends can tell immediately whether I am connecting, just by the tone of my voice when I sing.

When did you discover you could perform in Second Life? What were your thoughts?

Scarlett:  I’d gone around listening to various performers with a friend of mine, and heard MidKnight Auer. He’s a great jazz performer.  For some time after hearing that performance I thought how cool was that? I too could actually sing music that I liked in a place like this, and to people who liked the same kind of music I do.

A few weeks later, I scheduled my first performance at a venue called Catch a Falling Star.  Silverwind Tzedek was the owner. That first performance was rough.  I nearly hyperventilated, and the stream was too slow, so it was a little choppy.  I still can’t believe the people who were there sat through it.

As a singer, what do you find the most challenging and rewarding?

Scarlett:  The most challenging thing for me is to keep my fingers on the audience’s pulse, and to find music that I can share with them that they’ll like.

Describe what it feels like to perform. Is it something that comes naturally or do you feel nervous before a performance? 

Scarlett: Before most performances I am a little nervous. I talk through an intro to make a connection with the audience, and sing the first few notes of a song, after which things start to come more easily.  As long as I feel like I have two-way communication with the audience I’m fine.  My dad has always said that I put the ham in ham, so if I know someone likes what I’m doing that’s like adding wood to the fire, and makes me go a little bigger. 

Can you share one of your most memorable moments in your singing career?

Scarlett:  One of the most memorable moments has been winning the SLGT contest.  It blew my mind right outta my head.  Who knew!  I had taken some time away and was a little bit out of practice. 

Someone hadn’t shown up for a performance at Café Musique, and I asked Laya Sugarplum if I could sing until the next scheduled performer showed up.  She said, “yes,” even though she didn’t know me from Adam.  Shortly after that she told me about the SLGT contest.  She knew I was trying to ease back into performing in SL and thought that it would be good for me. 

Not only do you perform in Second Life but you also manage your own venue; Scarlett’s Place. Can you tell our readers about this venue and people who visit and talent that graces your stage?

Scarlett:  Scarlett’s place came about because I had benefactors in SL for a while, Atticus Falconer and Arwyn Lavendel.  They actually built Scarlett’s place because they wanted me to have somewhere to sing that had my name on it. Sadly, Atticus died RL and we had to move Scarlett’s place, so I moved the physical club to the first plot of land I ever “lived” on in SL. 

As you can probably tell, I’m a little sentimental, holding on to that parcel for so long.  Scarlett’s place is pretty much a hangout for anyone who wants to go there, and for anyone who wants to sing there.  When I run into people who are learning to perform in SL, I bring them to Scarlett’s Place and help them with the technical aspects of it.  If they need or want vocal coaching, I provide that too.  I’m just paying forward the kindnesses that people have shown me through the years. 

Before we wrap up this interview, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Scarlett:  I love singing as much as some people love chocolate.  RL my coworkers know whether I’m having a good day or a bad day by the songs I sing, or by the phrases I set to music coming out of just general conversation. 

Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview and again congratulations!

Additional Information

Scarlett’s Place SLURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Duzzclown/239/80/702

Facebook:  ScarlettLaroux

Twitter: ScarlettLaRoux

Other: 

Manager:  Jerry Stringer

Preferred Contact:  Jerry Stringer

Booking information:  bookscarlett@gmail.com

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Spotlight on The 1920's Berlin Project - Camury Reporting...

Take a trip back in time to Berlin in the 1920s and enjoy this interesting political and cultural moment.

The 1920's Berlin Project is a historic community role-playing in Second Life that simulates daily life in Berlin during the Weimar Republic. This is one of the few sims in Second Life that is based on a historical period.

Teleporting to this region gives us the feeling that we actually are in Berlin in the 20s, in a realistic and authentic way. The project was conceived within the virtual world to help people understand Weimar (an unofficial designation for the German state between 1919 and 1933).

This sim has rules for all visitors. Before exploring this great city, people should dress in the 1920’s style (you can pick up free period costumes at the entrance), or buy some clothes from the vintage shops in town. The main idea is to see that all visitors and residents feel as if they belong to the period of time.

The sim has various roleplay elements to it, in as much as you will find residents living and working on it. Regular townsfolk behave gracefully and it is common for residents and visitors to use German phrases to greet one another.  In the city there are many English-speaking visitors and several other languages ​​are also regularly spoken.

When walking the streets, you will see buildings which are exact replicas of real buildings, such as the exclusive and luxurious Hotel Adlon, the Alexanderplatz station, Zum Nussbaum inn and Brandenburg Gate. There are also other buildings in the architectural style of this era, such as the large block of Bauhaus-style apartments.

By exploring the place, you will find amazing modern houses where rich people in the live in the lap of luxury and leisure. Walking through the alleys and the dirty narrow streets, you will see small apartments where the poor working class live.

You can visit some of the most popular places in the city, such as:

Der Keller Tanzlokal (Nightclub) -  a very crowded nightclub located in a wet basement, in one of the lanes of the city, where anyone can dance the Charleston or chat, and knock back a beer or two.

Asta Cinema - theater visitors may attend cartoons, news and movies that belong to this period.

Cabaret Eldorado - a fun club which the gay community attended.

Odeon Theatre and The Hindenburg Schule - are cultural spaces where visitors can find educational activities, films, dance, and live entertainment.

Schloss Museum – when exploring this museum visitors will find several exhibitions. When I was there, they were exhibiting old photos of Berlin in the 20s.  The Berlin Project 1920 has been maintained thanks to tenants living in the SIM, supporters and random donations from visitors. The residences in the city are almost always busy.

Come and see with your own eyes! Travel back in time, and enjoy beautiful Berlin in 1920 in Second Life.

url; http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/1920s%20Berlin/240/233/751

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Time to release your inner hero with VWE - Lacy Muircstle reporting ...

In the real world wrestling is hugely popular, John Cena seemingly being the one to follow.  Cena, 37, has been the WWE's most reliable hero for the past 10 years.

After cleaning toilets and sleeping in his car while working at Gold's Gym near Southern California's Muscle Beach, Cena got his big break working at the gym's nutrition counter -- a sort of Schwab's drugstore with muscles. "They had a locker room and showers," Cena recalls, "so I'd get four or five hours of sleep in the big back seat of my 1991 Lincoln Continental, then wake up and go to work."

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The Gift of Generosity – Exquisite Xpressionz - Lacy Muircastle reporting ....

The gift of generosity has any number of ways in which it can and does manifest itself.  Exquisite Xpressionz is just one such manifestation of the generosity of the spirit using the platform of Second Life.

Three lovely ladies each with their own special talents but all with the will to give back to society the best way they know how, have come together and formed Exquisite Xpressionz.


Exquisite Xpressionz is to put it simply, a group which was established to educate, inspire, and entertain all users of the Second Life community; bridging the gap by promoting real world awareness and positive change, by educating, by the use of  art and entertainment.   All with a spiritual classy edge, Exquisite Xpressionz strives to bring real world elements that make you stop, look, and listen, engulfing the viewer holistically to touch, move, and motivate the heart, mind, and soul.
Exquisite Xpressionz is made up of:

Twylitedawn Keng-Inaka - Co Founder, Owner, Writer, Producer, Choreographer

Keyia Hynes - Co Founder, Owner, Writer, Producer, Researcher

Wisdom Price - Co Founder, Owner, Writer, Producer, Logistics

It transpired that three and half years ago almost to the day, Keyia Hynes and Twylitedawn Keng were talking about writing a sister series because there was so many of them inworld.  TK says” It was an exciting time because in the realm of Sl we had not yet heard of machinima, so to write original scripted material was new territory for us. However, the plan to continue was halted due to RL circumstances but upon returning, the discussion to do the sister series was back on the table. We talked about doing something bigger, using the SL platform, and as we broke down the contents of what all that was, we decided to do something even bigger. We didn’t want to just write a series that shadowed our SL lives as sisters; we wanted to leave an impression and impact on the SL community as a whole. We began discussing the details, and all that was needed to make this become a reality and in one day Exquisite Xpressionz was born.”

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Spotlight - Sailing the Linden Seas - Lacy Muircastle reporting ....

“If you live a life of make-believe, your life isn't worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality. And to me, sailing the open ocean is a real challenge, because it's life or death.” Morgan Freeman 

Sailing is a passion bordering on an obsession for many both in RL and SL alike.  The sailing community in Second Life is a tight knit family who has done a phenomenal job of making sailing possible in SL.

Coastal Waterway 

Avid SL sailors and social sailors alike may be interested to know that at the beginning of October the Seychelles Isles (formally the Irish Estates) made a historic move to a new location which connects directly with the Mainland. This new location merges with the Coastal Waterway near the Northeast outflow of Dire Strait, offering residents of the estate many more open water sailing opportunities. From that location it’s a quick sail North to Corsica, South to Blake Sea, or Southwest to Bingo Strait, Nautilus City, and Satori continent.

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AFTER THE FALL - Dark Urban Role Play - Lacy Muircastle Reporting ....

We all like to be part of a greater whole and one way to do that in SL is to be part of a role play community.

AFTER THE FALL is a new role play sim with a sci-fi, post-apocalyptic theme. ATF is an elaborate grungy city, with aliens, combat, and adult-themed role play.  It's a highly interactive sim that gives avatars the opportunity for group role play or solo quests (with prizes).

AFTER THE FALL is an adult-rated sim, so you must be 18 years or older to play.

The creator of the sim, Tigerlily Hyun told the SLE “We are very excited to open up this new role play sim. We're just getting started, so you will see new features, new content, and new quests over time. Come and grab a copy of the Welcome Pack at the landing point for more information and read the sim rules.  Join the AFTER THE FALL - Survivors group to keep up to date on important information, new role play scenarios, and events.”

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Spotlight on the Highlands of Scotland sims

There are so many interesting stories in Second Life and here is another one.  This story is how the Highlands of Scotland sims came to be in SL.

First of all let me wish the sims and the management team of the Highlands of Scotland congratulations on your fifth year in SL and wish you many many more.

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Spotlight on Akasha Sternberg, Model And Blogger- Pandora Drezelan Reporting...

Akasha Sternberg is a certified model, lover of fashion, and a blogger. She graduated with La Mode Modeling Agency on the February 25, 2012. 

Akasha talks about her introduction to Second Life and her modeling career:

‘I heard about Second Life on a German radio show. I was curious and downloaded it. I stayed for about a year, but got bored, so I left for three years, only to come back with a bang, and I’ve loved it ever since.

‘In regards to modeling, I’ve learnt to do my own HUDS and about new fashion and styling genres - some of them I ended up loving dearly. 

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ATTN MEDIA PEEPS: Book a Spotlight Feature and get a banner and Blogging rights with The SL Enquirer and Press Pass Media

Book a Spotlight Feature, get a Logo Display and Blogging rights with The SL Enquirer and Press Pass Media for a double dose of Media power in the virtual world.

For more details visit http://presspassmedia.blogspot.com/

NEW FEATURE!

Interested in connecting with the fastest growing media source in Second Life, book an appointment fast and easy on either website!

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Holidays, Honeymoons and Hook Ups .... Dragonheart Spiritweaver Reporting...

Nikolai Warden and his partners have created a romantic refuge for patrons looking for something unique and private on short term rental basis. “Holidays, Honeymoons, and Hook Ups” is a set of romantic venues for people who want a private place to enjoy their significant other but don’t want the hefty tiers when they are on SL for short periods of time. I sat down with Nikolai as part of his SLE Spotlight letting our readers get to know this dynamic personality who with his partner and best friend is reaching out to a whole community in need of a place to hang their hat… temporarily. *wink*

So what originally brought you to SL?

“My best friend, we lived far from one another we have been friends since I was in first grade and she was in second grade. She said it would be a good way for us to hang about with one another long distance. It has proven to be the case. In RL, I had been working third shifts for years, and we never had a chance to see one another.”

Cool, so when you popped into Help Island what was your first impression?

“My first impression was that I had to disable those annoying pop up instructions! *laugh* Back then, people who hung out there seemed like they had to present themselves as eccentric as possible—the scare or dazzle newbie scenario.”

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