Joe Fucarino Fosters an Inclusive Community Discussing Mental Health and Acceptance on His Podcast Therapy Without Degree

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Over the years, the talk about mental health has become mainstream, with many individuals abandoning the societal standard of normalcy to speak up and celebrate their individuality. However, a gap remains in public acceptance of sensitive topics challenging the status quo. To this end, filmmaker, creative director, and podcast host Joe Fucarino is moving to close the gap and educate the general populace on the importance of mental health through his podcast Therapy Without a Degree. 

Hailing from Lodi, New Jersey, Joseph “Joe” Salvatore Fucarino grew up in low-income housing with his single mother. Despite his living conditions, Joe was surrounded by loved ones, and after school, he would produce and direct home videos and short films with friends and family using a camcorder. 

However, life was not all rosy for him, and he faced several challenges, including bullying. “My entire life, there has been excessive amounts of adversity,” he shared. “I have been bullied in school, grew up with a single mom who was addicted to drugs while living in low-income housing, and had a father who suffered from alcohol abuse. Over time, I suffered from depression for many years,” he added.

Despite his adversities, the inspiring individual put on a brave face each day and began working in the restaurant industry in high school. He went on to pursue a higher degree in Hospitality Management at Bergen Community College, where he was enrolled from 2011 to 2013. 

Later in life, Joe battled with depression, and he sought solace in music, self-assessment, friends, and motivational videos and quietly navigated the maze of anxiety and depression. Then, finally, his optimism was rekindled, and he started returning to his creative ways with a refreshing, whimsical take on life. 

Now in a better mental state, the brilliant visionary wanted to share his discovery with others, so in the fall of 2016, he decided to step outside his comfort zone and share his mental health experience with other individuals from all walks of life, thus creating his brand – Therapy Without a Degree. This unconventional therapy podcast addresses a wide array of topics, including mental health, personal development, relationships, and sex.

Through his podcast, Joe Fucarino has created a safe space for his listeners to find help for their mental health challenges without discrimination. He openly shares his struggles, hoping his listeners will draw inspiration from what he went through – from his mother’s addiction and his father’s alcohol abuse to his challenges.

In addition to being a leading advocate for mental health, the visionary continues to make giant strides in the media and entertainment industry. In fact, he appeared in a two-minute bit in “Amber” (2020), where he gave an intense, diverse performance.

As a person who always looks forward to the rainbow at the end of a cloud, Joe Fucarino wants to prioritize discussions about mental health in the coming years while building an inclusive community and a haven for people to bare their long-hidden scars. 

Ideal Innovations, Inc. Breaks Barriers in Facial Identification Discipline

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Video cameras are everywhere, from doorbells and shopping centers to city intersections and state highways. Whoever you are, wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing—there is no escaping the all-encompassing sweep of video cameras. 

Video cameras are a proven tool for maintaining security and delivering justice, from armed robberies and hit-and-run car accidents to expert testimony in criminal courts.  Facial images from video can be run through a Facial Recognition system or manually compared to a potential person of interest. 

Imagine there is a bank robbery and security cameras recorded the suspect in action.  The detective can enter that image into a Facial Recognition system, which will return a list of candidates as possible matches using various law enforcement databases such as mugshots or terrorist watchlists.  The detective then needs to make the final decision as to whether any of the candidates is an investigative lead to the suspect.  Anyone performing these comparisons requires specialized training in the Facial Identification (FI) discipline, imaged-based comparisons of human facial features.

This is where Ideal Innovations, Inc (I-3) comes in.  I-3 has decades of experience, a strong foundation of expertise and enduring relationships with government agencies—which allow this firm to maintain an unparalleled position of leadership in the Facial Identification industry. The key to I-3’s success lies in its ability to train local and state law enforcement agencies, the military, and corporate security divisions in how to analyze data generated by Facial Recognition systems. I-3 is also working with officials at all levels of government to codify protocols, guidelines, and best practices in local, state and federal law; and to establish a certification process. 

Today, an entire industry, not to mention numerous federal law enforcement agencies, look to I-3 for training, guidance, and leadership as Facial Recognition systems become more prominent. The stakes—for law enforcement, the corporate world, civil rights advocates, average citizens, and consumers—could not be higher.  

Driving Ideal Innovations, Inc.’s success is the firm’s industry-wide leadership in Facial Identification and the range of pioneering services developed under its newly- formed Face Center of Excellence (FaCE).

In 2015, with the growing acceptance of facial recognition systems by federal, state, and even local law enforcement departments, I-3 recognized that people operating Facial Recognition systems were not trained to compare the results from the systems. Users jumped to conclusions based on suggestions provided by machine algorithms, which are not always accurate. 

I-3 FaCE launched the first commercially available Facial Identification training course, which soon found the spotlight in this industry. The online and in-person training courses at Ideal Innovations, Inc. unveil a storehouse of knowledge and expertise in facial examination. Some of the topics that these courses highlight include the history of Facial Identification; understanding the face bones and muscles; morphological analysis; eliminating bias; report writing; and hands-on comparison exercises. These courses range from introductory to comprehensive and even refresher courses. 

The cumulative effect of training is a professionalization of the discipline and future career path for forensic analysts specializing in Facial Identification, leading to a higher confidence in the accuracy of facial comparisons.

Since then, there has been no looking back for I-3.  

Over the years, I-3 has added several additional offerings including the only ANAB-accredited FI proficiency test; comparison consulting services; and the recently launched FaCe On Demand, a subscription-based service for law enforcement and military organizations that requires facial comparisons, reports and testimony

The I-3 legacy dates back to 1998, when the use of biometrics was gaining traction in the defense industry. Since then, Ideal Innovations, Inc. has evolved into a company with core competencies in biometrics and forensics. 

Based in Arlington, Virginia, I-3 maintains multiple locations throughout the Washington D.C. Metro area. I-3 also operates offices in West Virginia, Florida and Washington State and deploys employees overseas, throughout the U.S. Central Command, Africa, Europe and Asia.

The leadership position that I-3 now maintains in the Facial Identification industry is an outgrowth of its strong track record providing support to the DoD. Initially, I-3 provided fingerprint examination support to the Department of Defense (DoD). In 2009, the company assisted the DoD in becoming multimodal by providing face and iris examination support in addition to fingerprint examinations. 

In this emerging biometric technology of Facial Identification, Ideal Innovations, Inc. stands out with its complete portfolio of offerings under the Face Center of Excellence. These services have been developed after years of research and planning, and I-3 has no intentions of stopping now. 

The company is determined to remain a force in the Facial Identification discipline for many years to come. In addition, Ideal Innovations, Inc. is on a mission to earn household recognition as the go-to provider of Facial Identification services for the private sector, law enforcement, and military communities.

Sales Teams are Closing the Performance Gap with On-Demand Learning Platform – Practis

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Nearly every sales team has a gap between the top and bottom performers. For some companies, the imbalance of skill sets is stark– leading to a significant portion of that team underperforming. As a result, businesses leave substantial amounts of uncaptured revenue on the table. 

At Practis, they’ve developed a next-generation learning platform that has proven to close the performance gap across sales teams by extending training into the field.

Co-Founder & CEO Edward Kerr explains, “Most training programs are incomplete. Not because they’re poorly executed but simply because they lack a practice component. Learners tend to get a lot of information at once and are thrust into conversational exchanges with customers before they’re ready to articulate what they’ve been taught. At Practis, we saw an opportunity to reinforce best practices by doing something obvious yet extremely impactful… capture the most successful conversations and share those communication methods with the rest of the team within a conversation simulator. It’s active learning— the practice of putting thoughts and theory into words.”

By pairing AI technology with automated roleplay, Practis delivers a one-of-a-kind training experience that can be shared instantly across an entire sales force – maximizing ROI and generating massive revenue increases. 

Practis prepares a company’s sales team for crucial interactions using customer simulations and guided repetition. Its patent-protected software codifies and activates the client’s organization’s “best practice” external communications into scripted customer engagement scenarios. The front-line staff then utilizes an app-based consumer engagement simulator to engage with these scenarios. With a little amount of science education, they will internalize this information and be able to explain it with confidence and clarity.

In a recent case study, Practis was leveraged to reduce the performance gap across a national sales team. Kerr noted, “We worked with a company that had a significant portion of their sales team underperforming on the selling of an autopay plan. It was sort of complicated to explain to the customer, so the inexperienced reps either explained it poorly or were reluctant to offer it. All it took was some time in our conversation simulator for them to internalize a clear and concise way to articulate the message.”

The impact of integrating this software into their day-to-day operations was significant. After 30 days of using Practis, the average closing rate increased from 19.6% to 64%, and the corporation realized a 642x ROI. Reps could train from anywhere as the tech integrated seamlessly into their workday, provided on-demand learning opportunities via simulated real-world scenarios, and taught every rep precisely what to say when it mattered most. 

Practis provides ongoing learning and training experiences where learners can improve quickly and effectively. Rather than a traditional LMS, Practis is designed to integrate into an employee’s workday naturally. Businesses can now capture and curate their company’s messaging directly from the source – their top sellers – and then ensure that everyone in the organization achieves fluency.

“We named the company Practis very intentionally because no one gets great at anything without practice.” Kerr explained, “Skilled professionals in many disciplines constantly practice (athletes, actors, musicians, etc.). Salespeople are no different. They must hone their craft to perform at the moment. Yet far too often, companies don’t support or insist upon continuous practice. Instead, they allow their people to practice on their customers.”

Practis has shifted the focus from passive, limited training programs (often facilitated during onboarding or once-a-quarter, all-hands seminars) to interactive learning opportunities done on the go and accessed anytime – even before interacting with a customer. People can quickly refresh their knowledge base, enhance their communication skills and navigate a winning conversation. Practis helps companies capture and compose their most impactful and recurring sales conversations into micro-learning modules that learners can engage with via instructional roleplay on mobile devices. In these virtual conversations, they can learn how to engage with customers successfully while maintaining a unified brand image. 

Blazing a new trail with their next-generation learning platform, Practis delivers a first-of-its-kind training solution that yields tangible results. Before Practis, training solutions had fallen short of proving effective in such a short period of time and providing data that correlates to a direct monetary impact. For sales reps, it’s a chance to improve their skills, practice their techniques, and ultimately increase their earning potential. For organizations, it’s a way to protect their sales training investment by reinforcing their best practices at scale – teaching their workforce precisely what to say in any sales or customer service conversation.

Practis provides a fresh approach to moving forward by integrating lifelong education into the work experience of its staff members. Companies can close the skills gap and increase the revenue they know they are created for if they give their workers the ability to maintain their skills and industry knowledge at a high level.

To discover how Practis is helping companies increase their revenue with their groundbreaking, on-demand learning platform, visit www.gopractis.com.

Anyone can cook, but only the fearless will be great; Chef Ajai Sharma’s ratatouille-inspired story

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

“There’s no better karma than feeding a hungry person.” Says The Indian Culinary Chef Ajai Sharma, who follows the beliefs of Goddess Annapurna (Hindu Goddess of food and nourishment), mapping his journey as the Chef De Partie at New York’s famous Cafe Altro Paradiso. “Cooking has given me a new identity. When I look at the title of ‘Chef’ as a prefix to my name, I know that it’s something I’ve earned and that I have to live up to it and have a sense of pride. It’s not just something I do. It’s who I am.”

Honing his first exemplary breakthrough in New York’s Michelin Star Gramercy Tavern and Cafe Altro Paradisio. “My first restaurant experience in New York City was everything a person can dream of; well, as they say, New York City is a concrete jungle where dreams are made of. I went to New York to be born again,” says the Chef.

For Ajai, cooking is more than just preparing meals and serving people. It’s an outlet to start conversations, celebrate cherished memories, and bring stories out of people.

Speaking of his dedication to his profession, Ajai mentioned how he is curious about the everyday food and ingredients he deals with, as it excites him to learn something new every day, and he is always excited to work with people around him. 

The young chef was featured in a renowned magazine for the October 2020 issue and appeared on a talk show on Radio Mirchi USA. Choosing a career as a chef gave rise to some unwanted surprises, which strengthened him. He proudly addresses himself as a “Baawarchi” to break Indian stereotypes. 

As a professional in one of the finest places in the US, Ajai’s life is full of new experiences and learnings with exposure to a vast multicultural diversity. “As a chef belonging to the Indian diaspora, staying in the US is an enthralling experience altogether. You don’t just come across people; you come across cultures,” says the young chef. He is so grateful for his experiences in the city and has an optimistic approach towards paying it back in his lifetime.

His “The Culinary Epic of Jeddah,” which tells the tale of an Arabian Gateway, is the first effort of Chef Ajai as a writer. His book is available at various stores and online platforms like Amazon and Kindle, with his first book being a massive success. When asked about his future books and projects, “I’m motivated and currently working on a new book, which is yet untitled, but the synopsis I can give about the project is that it is based on Indian Cuisine. It is not any recipe book but a historical depiction of the cuisine, and it will be out later in 2023”. 

He has also launched his podcast show “Bite in with Baawarchi” By Chef Ajai Sharma on Spotify during the lockdown. It features Chefs, foodies, and people from the hospitality industry who share their food memories and experiences; the podcast has many listeners in over 20+ countries worldwide, which made him and his podcast to the list of Spotify Wrapped for a third consecutive year. In his leisure time, he loves to sketch and read books.

When asked about the most crucial lesson he has learned, he said, “Try things that might not work; you never know until you try. Even if something doesn’t work, at least you’ll know for next time. Trying new recipes also can spark your creativity, utterly separate from the original recipe, so experiment and, To Be Extraordinary, Give Your Best In the Ordinary.

Customers experience a brand, but many things go behind creating a memorable brand experience. A Chef is as good as his team and vice versa. It is crucial to respect team members, even if they are juniors and less experienced. They feel valued when they get respect from accomplished leaders.

He has a vast knowledge of cooking, ingredients, and the origin of different cuisines. To share this knowledge with the world, Ajai has big plans to curate something extraordinary for his audience and to share that in phases as he advances in life. 

Ajai’s journey as a chef, from cooking with his mother in his home kitchen to cooking alongside some of the great Chefs at the most prominent restaurants in New York, is a testament to his unwavering dedication and zeal to keep going regardless of the obstacles. A message Ajai intends to pass on to upcoming chefs propels them to fall in love with the growth process. “Never stop dreaming. You’ll get rewards only when you’re yourself in the truest sense.”

Dani Thompson Gives Independent Artists the Gift of Hope and Knowledge This Holiday Season

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Photo: ĒISA (Left) poses with Dani N Thompson (Right) in Wrightwood, Ca, in December 2022.

In today’s digital age music industry, independent artists are facing unprecedented challenges to break into the mainstream. Fortunately, music entrepreneur Dani Thompson is on a mission to make it easier for independent artists to find success without sacrificing their ownership of their music or control of their projects. Through her unique business model and decades of experience in the music industry, she is helping independent artists navigate the complexities of the digital music market and achieve their goals in a DIY fashion. Thompson has announced that she will be releasing a book series in 2023 which will provide a guide to aspiring artists in an effort to equip them with the tools they need to succeed independently in the new year. 

Who is Dani Thompson?

Dani N Thompson is the CEO and Founder of DNT Entertainment, a boutique artist development, management, music marketing and public relations agency. She is a self-made entrepreneur who has excelled in a variety of fields, including artist management and development, music photography, music video production, brand strategy, digital marketing and music promotion.

“My resume and network landed me my first management client, and I knew I needed a way to track income and expenses, draft invoices, have a professional public web presence, and all the other things that come with representing talent in the industry. I came up with the name DNT Entertainment which is my initials Dani Nichole Thompson, and the rest is history in the making.” – Dani Thompson (Dani N Thompson) 

Since the formal launch of DNT Entertainment in 2014, Dani Thompson has mentored and assisted in the career growth of dozens of talents, social influencers, and independent artists in the entertainment industry.

Photo Credit: Permission from Dani Thompson

Boosting the Success of Numerous Careers

Dani Thompson has assisted several social influencers and artists over the last decade, as well as worked with many notable celebrities. Numerous independent artists, including Lauren Black, Macy Kate, Gianna Branca, Tayler Jade, Emilia Vaughn, Ethan Sak, Dylan Rouda, ĒISA, Megan Winsor, Beaux King, AnnelieElina, Savannah Young, Em Davila, Corey Curtis, Jason Farol, and many more have benefited from her career-building efforts.

In addition to producing corporate shows for artists like Flo Rida, Macy Kate, Iggy Azalea, Zhavia Ward, Brian King Joseph and Evelyn Cormier, she has also produced upscale red-carpet events and hosted prominent celebrity guests such as Michelle Monaghan, Samantha Harris, Tara Reid, Donna D’Errico and more.

A recent music video Dani Thompson directed for Emilia Vaughn, “Sunflower,” was broadcasted on MTV’s Spankin New, AXS TV’s Music High 5, Loop TV, and Nick Music. In 2022 Dani also directed and produced the music video for “Only if You let it” by ĒISA, as well as Emilia Vaughn’s latest single, “French Film,” which will premiere in January of 2023.

Revolutionizing The Music Industry Through DNT Entertainment

Dani Thompson, CEO of DNT Entertainment, is transforming the music industry by giving independent artists the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital age. With DNT Entertainment, Dani Thompson is empowering independent artists to stay independent and in control of their creative projects. 

Dani Thompson (Left), photographing music artist ĒISA in Wrightwood, California, in December of 2022. 

From her own experience, Dani Thompson understands that independent artists often struggle to make a living from their music due to the high costs of production and promotion. She has created DNT Entertainment to provide independent artists with affordable label services, from marketing and promotion to digital distribution and consulting. This allows independent artists to get their music out to the world without having to sacrifice ownership or creative control.

Dani Thompson believes that every artist should be in control of their career and shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to their music. DNT Entertainment offers support, guidance, and advice to independent artists so that they can make informed decisions about their careers and achieve success on their own terms.

What It Means for the Future of the Music Industry

In a time when the music industry is transitioning to digital platforms, and the traditional means of making money through physical albums and live performances are becoming more difficult, Dani Thompson is pushing for independent artists to have a voice. By utilizing her platform and influence, she’s helping to create a pathway for artists to succeed without sacrificing ownership or creative control over their projects.

Thanks to Dani Thompson’s efforts, independent artists are now able to make money on their own terms and be taken seriously by labels and major players in the industry. Instead of having to give up their rights or sign unfavorable contracts, independent artists now have the freedom to create, produce and market their music as they see fit.

By putting the power back into the hands of independent artists, Dani Thompson is setting a precedent that more people in the industry need to follow. Not only will this help independent artists navigate the digital landscape with confidence and gain a foothold in the industry without sacrificing their creative autonomy, but it will also open up opportunities for new collaborations and innovative projects that have the potential to shape the music industry.

Best Private Resorts In The World To Travel To

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Dreams become reality when you stay at a private resort with features like world class rotating chefs, tennis courts, top shelf stocked bars, a 250-foot water slide and all surrounded by Clorox blue water on linen white sand.

In this countdown, we rank the best private resorts all around the world that are reshaping the way we experience travel and vacation.

4. Starting at number 4 just two miles away from the beautiful coast of Antigua is Jumby Bay Island Residences. What started as a rugged island, filled with raw beauty and endless potential, was shaped into the astounding 300-acre jungle retreat portfolio that now consists of an elite selection of stays that span the entire island. Created by James Mackenzie with a mission to provide guests with a home away from home, you can enjoy all of the freshest seafood, local produce and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea while being just steps away from the white sanded beaches with resort facilities, bars, restaurants, water sports, spas and so much more it’s no wonder why Jumby Island Residences has been included in this list. To get more information go to https://www.jumbybay-residences.com/

Jumby Bay Island Residences

3. At number 3, Calivigny Island Resort is a beachfront villa in the beautiful land of Grenada. Spanning over 8,000 sq m, this private beach home has 10 luxury suites that can accommodate up to 20 adults. Fully furnished and tastefully decorated in a French Colonial and Balinese style, some call this stay a architectural masterpiece. Each suite is uniquely decorated and has its own private entrance, suite bathroom, king size bed and many more luxurious amenities. From the moment you arrive in the magical island of Calivigny, you will feel a sudden rush of enjoyment and urge to explore. Ensuring total privacy, the stay is exclusively rentable meaning you will have the villa all to yourself. To find out more go to https://www.calivigny-island.com/

Calivigny

2. Sitting firmly at number 2, Richard Branson’s Necker Island has attracted a lot of popular attention because of its unprofound design and obvious fully exclusive island private capabilities. Located in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, Necker Island consists of 74 acres of beautifully raw habitat that was curated to be a dream resort that sits in the middle of turquoise waters. Surrounded by white sand, vast ocean and coral reefs, Necker Island has been called one of the most exclusive private islands in the Caribbean and might even be one in the top of the world. Offering incredible dining capabilities and land and sea activities, there is no shortage of enjoyment to find when you have an island to yourself. To learn more about Necker Island go to https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/necker-island

Private Paradise

1. At number 1 is Private Paradise Villa on the beautiful lush island of Cozumel, Mexico. The crystal-clear shoreline of the Cozumel Marine Park is home to this all-inclusive, private entertainment center that might just be closer to a theme park resort than a villa. With a cast of over 40 butlers, bartenders, musicians, actors, acrobats, animal handlers and rotating celebrity chefs, nothing comes close to the entertainment and service that privileged travelers enjoy here. The sprawling seaside compound can host up to 24 people in beautiful suites adorned in marble and the latest hi-tech equipment.

Award winning designer John Giovanni Cacciutti put this 10-year creative project right at the top of luxury resort innovation when it opened last year. Guests uniquely lease only the entire gated complex and enjoy the theme park attractions, bars and entertainment all to themselves in total privacy and exclusivity. Rotating world class chefs cook only one day per week so the culinary variety of treats over a one-week stay are second to none.

Features include 25 feet tall lobby waterfalls, three theaters – including a giant screen under the stars and a video gaming theater- two stocked bars and live performance stages, a gather around hibachi griddle dining area, multiple heated pools, hot tubs a 250-foot water slide that runs through the game room and over the swim-up bar in a see-through tube.

For more information on how Private Paradise has reshaped what the pinnacle of luxury resort travel looks like and how you can experience it visit https://www.privateparadisevilla.com/about/

Score 1-10 | Total 100
Property # 4 Property # 3 Property # 2 Property # 1
Category
Shows/Entertainment 4 5 7 10
Stocked Bars/Mixologist 7 8 9 9
Theme Park Attractions 4 4 8 10
Full Time Staff 6 7 9 10
Luxury Factor 7 8 10 10
Culinary Experience 8 7 9 10
Area Activities 7 6 8 10
Overall Fun Factor 7 6 9 10
Price/Value 7 5 6 9
Spa 5 9 8 9
Total Scores 62 65 83 97

Jonathan May: The Next Big Thing In Music

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Jonathan May is a distinctive musician, producer, composer, and mix engineer with an amazing voice. He grew up in the city of Los Angeles, and is an artist who loves to express himself through his music.

His new release “Say Those Words” brings out a special atmosphere that hasn’t been heard since the 80’s. With a touch of some Christmas vibes, “Say Those Words” can really put you in the spirit. Press the link below to listen now.

Jonathan May is one of the most talented young hip-hop, pop, r&b artists who are in the music industry. His cadence and songwriting skills are clear to the listener making him stand out amongst the wave of modern artists. He is truly an inspiration to all and his songs can set you in all types of moods. His voice is unique and he has a strong stage presence. You can really feel the emotion in his voice when he sings about love, heartbreak, or just life in general.

Currently, Jonathan has two singles on his profile on Spotify. One of them was released in 2021, titled “Alone In The Night”. It has already reached over 25k streams. For only having 2 songs out on Spotify, Jonathan has already been steadily building his fan base.

His latest released single is titled “Way Back Home”, and it is a great piece of work. The track is around three and a half minutes, and never once loses its feel. The song starts off with strong kicks that build up to the chorus, which is one of the best moments in the song. One month hasn’t passed since its release and it has already streamed over 15k times. This proves his fanbase is growing every day in a massive proportion.

Jonathan May has been inspired by Michael Jackson because of his love for 80s music. He has been a great fan of The Weekend since 4th grade. Alternative music, rock music, and life stories from friends or his own experience are all great sources of inspiration for him. He is grateful to his parents and praises them for helping him to become a musician

Brilliant flows of rhythm, great use of harmony, simultaneous trade of melody, cadence & key signature, and finally different instrumental flow is the signature of Jonathan May’s composition. And all of those complement the voice which is simply a cherry on top. Jonathan May is really a star, inspiration, and a role model to us all.

Make sure you stream the new single by Jonathan May, and keep up with him on social media, links below. 

https://lnk.to/jonathanmay

John Twilight’s debut single “Night Calls Me” Is Incredible

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

John Twilight adds a new vibrant color to the already vivid rainbow of modern EDM music. His debut single “Night Calls Me” offers a powerful yet vulnerable vocal performance. This past year he traveled to LA to re-record and rework the vocals with fellow writer and producer on the song “Perfetto”.The final product has garnered a lot of attention on Spotify and has lead to 4 unique remixes by some major artists in the industry.

DJ Perfetto is the brother of John’s brother in law and on a trip to visit him in his first LA studio, Twilight jumped in the vocal booth and sang over a new track Perfetto thought would be fire. The song has seen numerous versions and incantations since then but was reignited after John took a trip to LA in the spring of 2022 when he rewrote and re-sang some of the vocals with the help of Perfetto in his new Hollywood studio. Finally, on 5th August, the song got released under the label High End. Within a month of the release, the track reached 100k streamings on Spotify alone. A month later four different versions were in the works by ALRT, DotEXE, Valy Mo, and Going Deeper.

Each remix adds something fresh to the original single of Night Calls Me which captures progressive house. ALRTs remix keeps things simple and has a tech house vibe with his distinctive bass and speed house sound that has propelled him to fame. DoTEXE offers an extremely upbeat future bass groove, superb vocal chops, and an original composition. A classic house remix by Valy Mo is offered, which is ideal for both underground events and busy club hours. All of these are complemented by an explosive festival atmosphere in the Going Deeper remix.

Johns exposure to music from an early age came from his father who played alto saxophone for 50 years in the Washington Redskin Marching Band and raised him with big band, classical and blues music records. You can hear the early inspirations of Kurt Cobain, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson in his voice.

John will be recording much more music in 2023 and intends to release full- length records and singles in the EDM and Indie/Rock/Soul/Pop arena.

He continues to write and perform songs in LA and DC. He believes in the power of family and friends to challenge and push you into creating and pursuing an artist’s career. He believes “there is an art to living and that everyone is an artist, but it takes courage and persistence to produce truly excellent art that people will love and consume time and time again. You need to experience life, find out who you are, and look for real emotions and sentiments if you want to write a good song. If you look hard enough, you’ll find some shadow and then you can try shining some light on it.”

https://www.johntwilight.com/

 

Designa Individual Captures The Beauty Of The Sun In The Customized Daytona Rainbow Sunray

NY Weekly Staff on December 21, 2022

Throughout the centuries, a popular expression has kept spreading over the years, “The sun always rises after the rain”; with the meaning that better times will follow after difficult times. Along with the rising of the sun we also see the appearance of the rainbow, which is an optical and meteorological atmospheric phenomenon that manifests itself as the appearance of a colorful arc-shaped spectrum in the sky when sunlight refracts into water drops in the atmosphere. Taking that into count, we can make the assumption that the rainbow is the sign of good times to come.

Drawing inspiration from history, science and many other fields, the craftsmen from Designa Individual Manufacture (DiW) have made many modifications to various models of luxury timepieces produced by Rolex and Patek Philippe, but the story of their latest work was born on a sunny summer day.  Starting from the beauty of the rainbow they gave birth to the Daytona Rainbow Sunray project.  Combining the ability of working with high quality composite materials such as carbon fiber with a constant concern for innovation, they succeeded in bringing the beauty of the rainbow to life on a Cosmograph Daytona, a model produced and marketed by Rolex since 1963.

The Daytona Rainbow Sunray is the right essence of indescribable elegance. The bezel is crafted with hand-encrusted gemstones by the most skilled master blending many colors of the rainbow spectrum, with yellow, red and orange being among the highlights. The transition from one color to the next one is achieved through a gradual combination of shades. A combination of colors in this project was not just limited to the bezel of the watch, as the colors of the dial match perfectly with the strap, which is handmade from nato-nylon.Watch

Protecting the beautiful gemstones is a case made of high quality carbon fiber. Besides its toughness, the use of carbon fiber is determinant for the light weight it has. Weighing only 60 grams, the watch is very comfortable to wear, you can barely even feel it on your wrist.

The receiving experience is a special one, as the watch is delivered to customers in a black box covered in velvet, made of oak, the contrast created between the color range of the watch and the box gives a visual impact and a special excitement to customers. With a focus on making special pieces, the brand born in Germany places great value on uniqueness, which is why the model is produced in only three pieces. In terms of warranty, the watch comes with a seven-year guarantee from DiW.

Owning a luxury timepiece has long been seen as a sign of a person’s success. People who have luxury watches are the epitome of personal achievement, but wearing a custom watch is a whole other level. Just imagine wearing a Daytona Rainbow Sunray and you’re at an event on a sunny day, with the sun’s rays amplifying the visual effect that the watch’s colors provide, making you the center of attention. After all, only two other people in the world will own such an incredible watch.

Along with this extraordinary piece, DiW has put their mark on many other designs. Discover more amazing handcrafted styles at designa-individual.com.

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