KA — When I met you, I was not expecting such a down to earth generous person as with the field you are in, most of the guys are not so genuine. How do you keep both feet on the ground?

SH — I started at the bottom and understood every step of the way. It allowed me to understand the value of things and most importantly the value of people, trying very hard in never taking things for granted. I was told at a young age that who ever you meet on the way up will be the ones you meet on the way down so stay true, humble & genuine…part of that lesson came from family. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with real things, spirituality, family, good friends and the basic values of life.

KA — The thing I was struck by was your particular sense of style; part ‘boho’ part retro, part Bond. Have you ever thought of going into fashion from the design perspective?

SH — Its funny you ask…I actually started my career in fashion but more on the retail manage- ment & buying side but quickly got bored and felt isolated. Fortunately my fashion experience led me to special event planning mixing both fashion & event production and giving birth to my first event brand “Don’t tell my booker” in 1998 with now offices in Paris, Miami & Montreal and with more than 10 international events a year. I’m also currently working on developing a premium denim line out of Montreal for worldwide distribution

KA — DTMB (Don’t Tell My Booker) is a phenomenal success, all the events that you do seem to be an immediate success. At the obvious risk of it not being a secret after we print, what is “your secret”?

SH — Secret huh? hahaha! If I tell you I will have to kill you!!(007)…Seriously though…it’s the combination of many things.1.CREATIVITY: I’m always looking for the wow factor in a DTMB event, the fear of doing just a regular thing scares me that’s why I spend a lot of time thinking outside the box. People need to escape and I’m there to give it to them. 2. AMBIANCE: ambiance is extremely important but often underestimated. It’s about understand- ing the flow of a room, knowing what and how to program the evenings entertainment. 3.CREDIBILITY: Make strong contacts and build your credibility, people talk and doors open 4.PERSISTENCE & STRONG WORK ETHIC: I always say, “you’re only good as your last event” That saying is what keeps me working hard, if you aim for the stars and only reach the moon well that is still good ‘cause your still out there.

KA — What new projects are on the burner?

SH — Always new projects on the burner, it’s what keeps me alive? I’m working on developing new hosting cities for DON’T TELL MY BOOKER. DTMB merchandising. A new denim line for early 2011. Also on the horizon restaurants, clubs and hotels…the more projects I have the hap- pier I get

KA — What is it about Montreal that seems to draw us back, even though the rewards are not close to being equal to the massive efforts?

SH — I left this city many times and for long periods of time but coming back always felt like home. Probably because things don’t change much, so you can leave for a while, come back, and always know what to expect…My only two set backs have been the cold weather and the lack of unity between French & English speaking Quebec. If both parties worked on one agenda, this city would be invincible. Montreal needs to start acting like a big city…so once again, blame it on politics.

KA — When do you take a break?

SH — I don’t …I live and breathe this stuff but no ones complaining here.

KA — When KA decided to do Best of Canada, you were an immediate choice. Does this sort of thing really make a difference to the person who receives it?

SH — Of course It does….most people who are passionate of their job never expect rewards , I know I don’t but being acknowledged sure gets appreciated…so thank you KA mag.

KA — Who is Stevie B.?

SH — Happy, passionate, inspired, determined and always ready.

When we first met Maya, we were floored by the amount of energy that she had, plus the magazine that she was publishing (YU) is amazing. Now, Maya has continued to reinvent herself, and coupled with her experience in print media, she has launched her PR and marketing company. Seeing Maya work and her attention to details, we at KA cannot help but agree that she is truly Best of Canada.

KA — When did you decide that becoming your own boss was the thing to do?

MS — I’ve always been on my own…call it the entrepreneur curse!

KA — You were the editor of a beautiful magazine “YU”, what about this expe- rience would you say helped you the most in doing what you are doing now?

MS — Being the Editor in Chief of a high-end lifestyle publication gave me the opportunity to develop a solid and enviable business network. I got to meet a lot of great successful and inspiring Montrealers. Also I developed my leading skills; I had a great team that consisted of editors, designers, sales, photogra- phers, stylists etc…

KA — When you meet people for a living, how do you do this casually when you are no longer working? Or like an artist, are you always painting?

MS — I love developing my network; I am constantly meeting new people. I believe every single person we meet has something to offer, an experience to share, or needs some kind of referral. One unpredictable encounter can change the whole course of your life, on both business and personal levels, so keep your mind and heart open.

KA — Maya: it is the illusion that is pulled over our eyes to believe what we see as the real world. How much of what we see of “Maya” is illusion, and how much is allowed to be real?

MS — There is no illusion, what you see is what you get. That said, sometimes people get the wrong impression based purely on my lifestyle, they build a certain image without really getting to know me. There is much more to every person than just what we see…you would be surprised. I think the least judg- mental people are the ones with the strongest network.

KA — As a woman it is sometimes expected that unlike men, you have to be more open and sensitive. How do you respond to this when sometimes you wish to just get the job done and get past the sensitive stuff?

MS — Men are sensitive… but the difference is they always get the job done. After all, business is business…nothing personal. That’s how women should be also.

KA — You are an avid golfer, how did this come about?

MS — My parents have always been members of a golf club; I spent all my childhood summers on the driving range. After winning at 13 my club’s Presi- dent’s Cup Championship, I fell in love with the game, and with winning! Golf is a great asset for business development; also it is nice being sometimes the only lady playing at an important charity tournament with more than a 100 men!

KA — When you travel to the UAE, what is it about coming back to Canada that you appreciate the most?

MS — Dubai is an amazing source of inspiration, very surreal; but what I ap- preciate in Canada is the professional way business is done. Rules of the game are very different there.

KA — Who is Maya?

MS — Still trying to figure that one out..183

BEST OF CANADA 2010

- Scarlett James, cover art of upcoming book: ( fabulous!! K.A.)

KA -This was my first ever Burlesque show and I am a complete convert. I felt like a kid at an amusement park, not knowing which treat to try next; except in the case of a show, the surprise element is heightened. Would you say that Burlesque is having a renaissance of sorts?

SJ – Burlesque is definitely having a renaissance in Montreal amongst the mainstream audience. We are re-living the golden era of Montreal’s grand cabarets. Glamour is back, on stage and off the stage. I felt the need to have that kind of entertainment for myself and it seams I was not the only one.< class=ai>

KA-The audience at the show were as (and in some cases more) receptive than most concerts I have been to; at least twice there was a full standing ovations after a performance. What is it about your show that creates such a passionate response?

SJ -I have a lot of talented artist on the show and the way I run things around me involve a lot of love and respect. This allows the performers to really enjoy what they are doing and connect with the audience. That is the key for me, I offer the best environment possible so these artistes can give their best. Of course the public will respond to such a positive energy with joy!

KA – Scarlett, Scarlett, Scarlett… if I could write a poem to you, it would go like this: “Roses are red, Violets are pretty, I will dance for you, but I will not show you my ….” The fact that there is no full nudity seems to heighten the experience even more; is this the secret behind burlesque?

SJ -I always say that the most important is not the destination but the journey to get there. This also applies to many things in life and Burlesque is only a reflection of that. The person who experiences this is excited, curious, enticed, nervous, aroused, focused and the imagination is highly stimulated. All of this taps into the core instincts of a human being… I have not invented anything, I just like to play with it!

KA – Your performance was worthy of a large Vegas stage with tens of thousands watching (the photos on the slide though amazing does not give it justice folks, if you were there you witnessed poetry in motion. If you were not, I am sure this is just the beginning for Miss Scarlett) What pushes you to create such magnificence.

SJ – I have a great imagination, I guess… I have a dream, a vision and I follow my instinct. Creating is a big part of who I am, I could not leave without it. It is a little girl’s dream to one day become a princess and imagining wonderful stories to fall asleep at night. From those dreams, I still have the feelings I once felt and from those emotions I create. It is very difficult to explain…

KA – I was asked last summer to interview you for the printed version of KA magazine’s Best of Canada. We were so busy that it did not stay on my radar (to which we will definitely say right here on record that Scarlett James is KA Magazine’s pick for “Best in Burlesque 2010” and we will definitely be putting this on our website as well as in the next issue #5 even if it is 2011). Do you find that Burlesque isn’t getting the main stream attention it so deserves, or do you even wish for this?

SJ -I think burlesque as I see and present it is getting the attention slowly but surely. In the past 3 years my clientele has evolved and 90% of the attendance was, in fact, mainstream. I am really happy about it and this was part of my goal to bring Burlesque in Montreal beyond the underground scene. I have young professionals, presidents of high profile companies, recognized law firms and mining industries. I mean the corporate world is very careful about their image and the show is so grand that I have now their support. I think it tells a lot and makes me very proud.

Thank you for crowning me best burlesque 2010, I appreciate that J.

KA -While at the show, I was struck by the diversity of the audience. There was the lady fully dressed in white (shown in slide), the man in suit and tie, the social ladies, the ladies that lunch and the hipsters (can I still use that term). Well the place had everyone. How did Burlesque become so Universal and in particular you Miss Scarlett, as they were practically all bursting to see you?

SJ -I like to celebrate women, and men. I have a vision that people had a need for at the time they needed it, I present something new (even though it is as old as the world) and different, I am not about shocking as I think there is enough of that in everyday life. I am making certain everyone is at ease and relax, enjoy themselves and I am here to share something and not take something from them. I, above all, bring them in my dreams and my dreams are appealing to all “genre” of people, so I found out!

KA -Your presence on stage is so grounded and so centered it seems like the Zen of Burlesque, how do you center yourself for a performance?

SJ -I have to find a very quiet place right before I get on stage where I will stretch using techniques given to me by a contortionist. It helps me to get out of my head and back into my body. I feel every inches of my skin touching the fabric of my costume, like a caress, I feel every movements to the tip of my fingers, the music pours on me as if it was a warm embrace and I let myself enjoy every step, every rhythm, because it last so little time, 4, 6 minutes maybe… this is such a privilege to be on that stage and share my whole with my public it is really an intimate moment that I cherish.

KA – You have a way to make every single person in the audience think you are having an intimate moment with them (I have never met you in person) and even I felt like I was alone with you in a crowded room. How do you achieve this?

SJ – As I said, it is a moment of pure pleasure for me, if I feel is so intensely, I assume other can feel it too.  I am also like that in person. I am intense and thus in everything I do, everyone I talk to has my total attention. I think it is in my nature. It is very demanding on me but I would not have it any other way. What you see on that stage is an exaggerated version of what I really am. So I am giving myself completely, entirely and this energy must reach to them.

KA – What is next for Miss Scarlett James?

SJ – The book is coming out and we are launching the French version at ‘’Pois Penché” Tuesday March 22^nd, Then I will tour to promote the English version in the United States and then Europe. Dates are to be confirmed. The Prestigious Montreal International Burlesque Festival August 25^th to 28^th at Club Soda will be extraordinary again, with legends, international stars and workshops open to the public, a fashion show and art exhibit.

Plus other things that are in the cooker but, you know… I can’t tell you everything just yet…

KA – Who is Miss Scarlett?

SJ – The best way to describe me would be: an iron hand in a velvet glove. I am determined, resilient, hard working, stubborn at times (only because I am right), I am fair in my decisions but sometime I can pass for being a little hard on people I love, only because I want the best for them.  I love life, fine food, good wine, spending time with friends, I love traveling and arts, reading and painting ( I am a 3^rd generation painter in my family)  I am always interested in learning, about anything and everything. I enjoy the city very much but adore nature, scuba diving, hiking, dancing, stretching; I need to go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week so I can let out my stress. I enjoy meeting new people, I am discreet in my personal life, and believe it or not, I am also a bit shy… Maybe the stage is a way to deal with it.

I think this is a good starter!

www.scarlettjamesburlesque.com

READ THE FULL GRAND BURLESQUE SHOW REVIEW :

http://kaonlinemagazine.com/events/

Vanessa Morcom is the PR person’s PR agent, and she is part of the new bread of agents out there: young, ambi- tious, but completely connected to their hearts. KA Magazine is pleased to have Vanessa as Best of Canada, and will definitely do our part to “PR her” as the best in her field.

KA — What is for you, an act of kindness that makes you feel good and warm inside?

VM — There is no substitute for a handwritten letter. A handwritten note is one of the most powerful forms of communication; and the fact that they are becoming increasingly rare makes them even more valuable.

KA — Where are you most at ease?

VM — Someone once said that dancing is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire. The way you dance, it’s not an expression, it is foreplay. There is a rhythm that runs through life, and it affects everyone and lac- es people together with an amoral, prehistoric, sweaty, rain-forest beat: excitable, dangerous, irresistible, and best of all, most attractively, the DANCE of life – it’s free of guilt.

KA — What is a pr agent, and why do we need one?

VM — Somewhere along the way, we as an industry lost our way. We got caught up in hype, spin, hyperbole and buzzwords. We forgot that PR was about Public Relations. A true publicist transcends monologue in order to give way to an exchange versed in dialogue. PR is a dual frame of com- municating the client’s message and listening to the audience in return.

KA — Everything about you seems to be the opposite of what we think the pr. guy agent is; how do you keep so clear in an industry known for being what it is?

VM — I call my family daily. They are wild, spiritual and loving people. My father, Doug, and mother, Irene, are my role models.

KA — What would be your dream event?

VM — The key to being a great host is to make your party a natural exten- sion of you. Imagine, Jasmine and lush pink May roses from the medieval Provencal town of Grasse, creamy yellow ylangylang blossoms from the Comoro Islands off the east coast of Africa, rum-scented tonka beans from South America, vanilla and sandalwood accents. The location would be in a house, or a modern version of a castle with a moat, where you raise the drawbridge every evening. I would invite the neighboring village over for dinner.

KA — When you arrive back to Canada after a long trip abroad what about this country gets your smile on?

VM — Montreal is a weird and wonderful place for weird and wonderful people. Today, there is an emerging set of social leaders under the age of 30 who are making their homes here, succeeding at business, helping in- vigorate the charity scene, it is the rise of a veritable youthquake.

KA — Who is Vanessa?

VM — A quiet and private person who wishes her eulogy to read: ac- claimed Canadian novelist and critic best known for her trilogy, Le Di- vorce, Le Marriage, and L’Affaire.

www.vanessank.com

Teacher, poet, mad scientist, designer, architect…KA Magazine’s Best of Canada 2010 Designer Michael Joannidis is that rare bird that is all of the above. If this interview alone doesn’t fully convince you as to why he is definitely the one to watch, then time will do the job nicely. We invite you to take a look at his website and see for yourself, we had wished to preview some of Michaels’ projects in this issue of KA, but due to time restrictions, we were unable to — so please be our guest visit his site www.studiojoannidis.com

KA — How much does luck influence your career, good or “bad”?

MJ — When I was younger (and much more naive or is that idealistic?), I used to think that it had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with talent and hard work – that I was in total control of what happened to me, my career, any- thing I touched or had a say in. Today, after all those years and countless surreal experiences; I would tell you that at the end of the day, it has nothing-to-do-with- nothing…and everything to do with “something” that for the most part, cannot otherwise be articulated, defined or pinpointed. So if what you mean by ‘luck’ is what I refer to as that ‘something’, then yes, most definitely…luck has had and continues to have absolute influence over my career (and life).

KA — Luck is considered to be “opportunity meets preparedness”… Do you think that this is a good explanation of success, and in the time between that lucky moment, how do you suppose the best way of coping would be?

MJ — Yeah, I’d say that’s about right (coincidently, it’s the same definition that I use)…The best way I found is to never, ever panic…lose hope, blame something or someone – what I do is basically enter into ‘screen-saver’ mode…the lights are off but someone is definitely home, so to speak. I simply conserve my energy in the absence of stimuli. Just like a Nile croc, floating effortlessly, using the water for buoyancy…I lay in patient and calculated-wait, for that next lucky moment to present itself.

KA — There is a saying that if you are the best at what you do, then the rewards are in the doing. Are you rewarded by the creation itself, or is there more to it than the joy of the art?

MJ — For the most part, the reward is most definitely in the creation itself… but, when that feeling of elation and euphoria evaporates (and it usually does after every endeavour) just like an addiction, I find myself searching for that next high. From a pragmatic perspective though, the more mature (both in craft and in years) I become, I find myself trying to find more & more meaning to what it is that I do…including, trying to draw on that ‘perfect’ balance between sacrifice and pay-off…investment vs. return. Because sometimes, ‘the joy of the art’ alone is usually accompanied by a very high personal cost – Often replacing other nec- essary elements, which are otherwise critical to a well-balanced life.

KA — Your work is extremely meticulous, even to the point of genius. How do you let go of your work once it is done?

MJ — When I was sculpting and doing one-offs (furniture & lighting), I found it very difficult to ‘let go’ once I was done. I would work incredibly hard towards a show, invitations would go out, guests would start to trickle into the gallery, people would express interest in buying & I would respond by; ‘sorry, it’s not for sale’. This lasted for quite some time…up until I realized that is, that if I didn’t sell (and soon) I would end up in line at a soup kitchen. I recall this feeling of abso- lute anxiety and sheer primal fear that would always come over me every time I would complete a piece, triggering the question if I would ever be able to do it again or perhaps even surpass that piece. The process was quite consuming and rather insular…it was just me, myself & I (along with the work) – from concep- tion to fabrication, and from installation to photography, it was pretty much all consuming. But with interiors and or architecture, the process takes on more of a collective propulsion…(all the effort is still there, but) my input is but a single stop in an otherwise long series of interventions & exchange with others. Kinda like the making of a pearl, it might start with a grain of sand and a shelled mollusk but it ends with a retailer in the form of a commercial product, intended to be used by others. (However, unlike the fate of a mollusk) I move on…and embark on yet another commission, (like the circle of life) and the whole thing starts all over again.

KA — What was the most satisfying project that you were involved in?

MJ — At the risk of sounding really clichéd (and possibly even lame)…every single project that I have ever undertaken has been incredibly rewarding. Just like relationships (or love affairs) throughout the course of one’s life, despite all the variations, types and turmoil, either we choose to remember the bad and the painful or we consciously opt to contextualize all the ‘ugliness’ and simply to chalk it up to experience, smile, move on and look forward to falling in love all over again. The most satisfying project I suppose is yet to come.

KA — What makes a project “satisfying”?

MJ — A satisfying project is one that tackles and overcomes ridiculously impos- sible constraints and unrealistic expectations. It’s about being able to bring a project in on budget and on time…regardless of mandate and whilst remaining ‘true’ to your (professional) integrity and not compromising either your own vi- sion or that of the client’s. I’m not interested in that easy victory. I love to continu- ously test my limits…to raise the bar every single time. I believe that’s how one grows, discovers and ultimately secures their confidence into trying yet another greater challenge the next time. Since attitude is a product of experience. So I don’t know, either I’m simply a thrill-junkie or just a glutton for absolute pain.

No matter, I love what I do (for the most part) and it gives me tremendous satisfaction and unconditional reward. I’m pretty fortunate however in that I am able to choose my projects and with that, I’m able to tell (or at least for the most part) if the outcome will be satisfying or not. Design for me is not about how many square feet you’ve designed last year or how many hollowed hours you’ve billed for or how much you invoiced in the last quarter – if it were, I’d surely be doing some- thing else.

Dostoevsky once wrote; “Deprived of meaningful work, men lose their rea- son for existence; they go stark, raving mad.”

KA — What would be your dream contract?

MJ — My dream contract…begins with a brilliant client, accompanied by a succulent multi-course mandate, followed by a realistic budget, and capped with an earthly timeline.

KA — When a contract is over, is it hard to release your creation to the client knowing that it is now in their hands and sometimes what you saw in purity of your mind’s eye is not what they see in the context of commerce. How do you let go?

MJ — No not especially, I mean I wouldn’t exactly put it like that, but it is understood from the very beginning, regardless of how I might feel, like a surrogate; I have a contract to conceive and deliver – regardless of the attach- ment, emotion, or intended commercialization. It might sound rather cold and somewhat detached of me…but this is what I do. This neither takes away from the intention or devalues the entity/end-result. In fact, one of the func- tions of design is to exist in the context of commerce. Commercial design is that booster shot to a client’s commerce, intended to render it immune to the competition. But I think what you’re referring to; is more a question of indi- vidual respect rather then anything else, which all the money in the world could never replace or buy.

KA — You created the Excentris, which is still one of the most beautiful spaces in Montreal, and you did this way before its time. How do you reconcile with the fact that your ideas are way before “their time” and as such will suf- fer the ignorance of the unfamiliar only to be later copied by the mass and you the creator to not be recognized as the original?

MJ — Put like that, and imitation all of a sudden, is not exactly a ‘form of flattery’. Lack of recognition on the other hand…now that’s a hard pill to swallow (and nothing to do with ego). Since the only way of securing the next contract/commission is by having gotten the proper credit for your last project. The romantic notion of the ‘unknown soldier’ is not applicable here. The reconciliation part in this instance however, is basically two-pronged – One: being copied (or the fear of being copied) is something that I don’t give much thought to…I’ve come to terms with the fact that that is well beyond my control. And if it will happen, then that’s fine as well because there’s a hundred more ideas from where that came from, just waiting to explode. You see I made a career decision at the very beginning (before I even had my first client) which was to never take the easy way out and to always remain true to myself, no matter what. I knew very well from the onset, that this approach; that of always aiming to create a demand rather then catering to one, would be a very costly one, if not even bring about my own demise – (the good thing about making a rational & well-explored decision, is that you’ll nev- er have any regrets…something about eyes wide open). Twenty something years later, and I still carry the same flag and march to same beat (despite the number of so-called ‘losses’ I’ve taken on). Every project is completely differ- ent from the last and or the one to come. Quite simply, my design/aesthetic is dictated by the mandate. Unless one day I decide to become complacent and copy myself (and become that cookie-cutter), It’s inevitable that two projects (or designs) will ever resemble each other.

Two: is an inherent by-product (of one), the fact that I am continuously ‘re- inventing’ my design, rendering my own work obsolete, is enough to remain ahead of the forgery – by the time that something has been copied, I’ve al- ready moved on and set up camp somewhere else.

Besides, my ultimate appeasement comes from the notion that nothing that is either found in nature or even manmade can’ truly’ be duplicated. Yes anything can be in essence imitated, replicated, or even cloned…but there will always be that ‘first’ and a copy will always be exactly that; just a copy – Regardless of recognition, or not.

KA — What is your favorite thing about Canada and being Canadian?

MJ — The thing I like most about Canada is its size and general disposition. It’s huge, plenty of space, not too many people and no one gets in your way…favorite thing about being Canadian? The comfort in knowing that I can travel anywhere in the world and no one gets in my way.

Anna Liani’s journey began years ago as a teenager who was heading for certain fame and then, the nightmare hap- pened. The manager of her then young group completely “lost it” after he began suffering from depression – locking himself away with all their hopes and dreams held on a string. This caused a chain reaction for Anna and her band mates, resulting in her young careering derailing. Undeterred, Anna continued her career by singing for none other than the Cirque du Soleil. Now, under a new label (KA), Anna is doing her thing once again and is truly proof positive that giving up is not a part of the game. Anna is hands down one of the best voices we have heard in a long time, and she is also a huge role model for women out there. Anyone who thinks that they should stop because they have passed “their time”, well the success of Ms. Liani is testament that there is no “time”. Giving Anna Liani Best of Canada 2010 is that much sweeter, considering her journey to now.

KA —Why do you think that people are afraid of wanting it all?

AL — We are scared to be judged….it’s a sin to want it all. We feel guilty to say yes…..but the confidence that you give to yourself can bring spectacular moments. You can have it all in one piece, then you can decide to take as many bites as you want …it’s yours …you have it ….have fun with it!!!

KA — How did you reconcile with the fact that you are worth it and that it is fine to follow your dream?

AL — I gave up the thought that I was not important. I decided to just be……to take all that was being given to me as a blessing. Today I see that all that surrounds me is for me and that me and my dream are worth it!

KA — Your music, your voice, your style has made a complete 360. What was that process like?

AL — It was goooood….a complete 360 !!!! Have you ever seen that??!!!

I decided to just be… to take everything that was being given to me as a bles”sing.

KA — When you are in the creative vibe of the studio, when do you know that it is the good take?

AL — When I sing my songs, I need to feel like I just had the greatest party in bed!!

KA — How has the last few months of creating your album been?

AL — I did not suffer….I did not cry…..

KA — What feeling does being a Canadian artist bring to your work?

AL — FREEDOM

KA — How important is being sexy to your creative freedom?

AL — Sexiness needs to be present….You need that. There is no compromise. How fade is love without sex…..?

KA — Who is Anna Liani?

AL — Anna Liani needs her music…..it brings her joy…if she doesn’t have it….then she’s not Anna Liani.

www.annalianimusic.com

One night at a JoJo Flores session and you will be hooked. The man is really that good! Playing now for over 25 years, JoJo is from the school of the mixed tapes (remember when DJs used to make mixed tapes?!). That rare brand of DJs that had to make it the hard way: with talent and lots of it. Doing it when the audience had no real idea what “it” was and still was rocking the house. JoJo Flores is KA Magazine’s 2010 Best of Canada (soulful house music) now, that’s cool.

KA — How do you keep fresh with your music and DJing?

JF — I maintain a fresh sound by communicating with other touring djs; asking them what they’re banging at the moment or what tracks they’re feeling. When I play with djs who open or co-headline, I take notes on what and how they play; the crowd’s reaction to certain songs. On nights off I check out club nights, or international djs who are in town playing. I’m also fortunate enough to be on many record label promo lists. And a few A-list producers send me tracks to test out for sound quality and dance floor reaction.

KA — With so many choices in music, do you find it more difficult to choose the good stuff?

JF — Yes, it is a very long process to filter through all the promos. There are tons of bad music being made by djs who try to produce. Out of 10 tracks I’ll probably find 1 I can rock. Online record or MP3 shops should definitely focus on quality not quantity.

KA — With the amount of influence that DJ’s have on the music that people listen to, how do you recon- cile your personal taste with hearing a talented musician that should be out there?

JF — Good music is good music. Most djs, when we hear a song that we like, even if it’s not in our genre or personal taste, we’ll remix it. e.g. Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, and Broken Social Scene. My bias will always be towards good music.

KA — When traveling, does being from Canada create a positive response from the people you meet?

JF — Very positive! People love & respect Canadians. But, it’s also because fans of Deep Soulful House are very passionate. And I’m lucky to be one of the few artists in this niche that gets to travel to as many countries as I do. So yes they like Canadians, but they love House music too. I just happen to cover both areas.

KA — How does it feel to be called out by KA Magazine as the Best of Canada on such a short list?

JF — I appreciate any recognition, especially coming from a hometown magazine. Sometimes people are so familiar with you locally as a person that you don’t get the recognition as an artist until you travel internationally. The real value coming from any award is recognition for the whole Soulful House genre. Even though MY name is on the award, I see it as acknowledgement of the work done by all the pioneers and current artists: Osunlade, Kerri Chandler, Nick Holder, Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, all the way back to Larry Heard. That’s why I proudly list these awards on my websites and blogs.

KA — What project are you currently working on that is not public yet?

JF — I’m busy working on a Therapy compilation, and in the spring I expect to begin production on my first studio album featuring new original music in collaboration with renowned artists including legends that I have admired all my life. Also, My partner Rom and I just released a Jamsteady remix of Broken Social Scene’s “All To All.” I’m looking forward to possibly completing at least one John Legend remix before the holiday season (fingers crossed). In addition my partners and I are really trying to strengthen the Therapy & Gotsoul brand worldwide through merchandise and really well executed events. Straight up, our goal is to make Gotsoul/Therapy two of the strongest brand in electronic music.

KA — Who is Jojo?

JF — Jojo is: Family man, Music lover, Hockey fan, Workaholic, Very detailed, Somewhat stylish, Lacking sleep..

KA — How important is charity to you, and tell us what you are doing these days?

NF — Giving back is important. I keep most of my charity interests private, but I will say that I feel smaller, community-based projects are really impor- tant and often overlooked.

KA — When you create a new album, how much of your time do you actually invest in such a project?

NF — An album can take as little as 6 months to as long as three years.. It depends on craft, songs, time dedication and inspiration.

KA — Which other artists are you currently listening to?

NF — Always listening to K’naan, Emm Gryner, Dylan Murray. Great Cana- dians.

KA — How important is love to you in the context of waking up in the morn- ing and living each day?

NF — Love is essential. Love is everything.

KA — Where are you most at peace?

NF — Inside my mind.

KA — When you’re in studio, how do you know when you have “The take”?

NF — When it just feels right and gives you the goose bumps.

KA — Do you have a specific ritual that you do before recording or perform- ing live?

NF — I drink lots of tea and I make sure my lyrics are scribbled and as messy as possible on the page!

KA — What was the last book that you read that inspired you the most?

NF — Paulo Coelho’s “Winner Stands Alone”. All his books have incredible meaning that can be applied to everyday life.

KA — Do you have a hero in your life?

NF — My heroines are all my female ancestors. Portuguese domestic warriors who pounded the earth with their fists and washed their clothes in the sea.

KA — When doing a magazine, there is so much work in the production of it that by the time it goes to print and is on the news stands, I have seen it a thousand times. I actually have to wait a few weeks before visiting a store and pretending that it is the first time (still I am not fooled) to get a slight feeling of “surprise”. How do you get your slight feeling of surprise after working on an album or song so intensely?

NF — As soon as I hear one of the songs on the radio, it suddenly feels “real” to me, and I have a chance to really reflect on the energy and vibration of the music.

KA — Who is Nelly Furtado?

NF — To quote the awesome Erykah Badu, from her album “Mama’s Gun”

I’m an “analogue girl in a digital world”.

KA — When we look at your resume, it seems that it must be humanly impos- sible to do as much as you do. However you seem to do it with seeming ease, what’s your secret?

CS — I surround myself with great people and I try to spend quality time doing quality things.

KA — Everyone seems to believe, or want to believe that “it” is easy; that others always have it easier than they do, and that’s why that person reached some sort of success. I think that somewhere along the line, someone always had to give us a hand up, who was that “someone” for you?

CS — I believe the team I surround myself with at any given point in my career is responsible for assisting me in getting me to the next level.

KA — In order to manage the careers of others, what is the most useful char- acter trait to have?

CS — Being an active listener.

KA — KA Magazine has voted you Best of Canada 2010, one of the reasons was to create more awareness of the person behind the scenes; the necessary one that by design is over-looked but completely necessary in the success of the client. Why do you think that in general the people in your profession keep such a low profile?

CS — It is important to keep a low profile, as you never want your personal ego or attitude to transfer to your clients’ goodwill.

KA — If you could have a clone, what would he be doing as a job?

CS — He will be doing interviews and sleeping for me.

KA — What motivates you on a daily basis to do your best, even when there is no one else seeing it?

CS — Providing for my family and knowing that I have people’s dreams in my hands.

KA — How important is family to you?

CS — I love my family and I want to make them proud.

KA — What music is on your playlist?

CS — Candi Staton and all my artists.

KA — What single act of kindness have you witnessed recently that brought a smile to your face?

CS — Witnessing my mother’s volunteer work in her town.

KA — Tell us something about Chris that we need to know?

CS — I am a dreamer and it takes me a while to accept reality.

KA — Who is Chris?

CS — Honestly, I am not completely sure who I am. My only

certainty is what I want to do.

KA — How important is gratitude in your creative process?

AK — Gratitude is the most important as I wouldn’t have nearly the amount of blessings I have if it wasn’t for the amazing people and support around me. Without this, I might as well be creating in a vacuum.

KA — When we create, we have a vision of how we wish things to prog- ress. Has your reality been in line with your vision?

AK — I think that when creating, it’s best to let go and be completely taken over by the “creator within” and let this be the leader. I have found that when I try to imagine what the future will hold, it usually keeps me away from focusing on what’s right in front of me. When you let go, the reality always surpasses whatever your vision could be.

KA — What is your mantra?

AK — I am blessed.

KA — What is it about Canada that makes the artists so humble in your opinion?

AK — I find that Canadian artists need to work a little “harder” to be heard in this country – which is a good thing, it builds character and helps the artist get better at their craft. In the “manufactured” music world of the States, I feel that Canada is sticking to a clearer musical vision – one that is about the music, and less about the money. This, I believe keeps you humble.

KA — You have chosen the laid back organic approach to your career. What made you choose that approach instead of the regular “send your work out to as many people as possible and pray to be picked up by a major”?

AK — Great question! It was a little tough for me to get it at first too. I tried sending my music out, I sent out the packages…and I just didn’t like how it felt. It seemed as if I was sending my soul to be “accepted or not” by some judge that I did not know… it was not very cool. It was then that I really made the choice to just stick to making music, putting it out, and building my fan base organically. Not skip steps – just live each day one at a time and appreciate the fans I have. I love the way this feels, because it keeps me centered and eager to keep creating good music – and that’s what it’s all about.

KA — What has been the most pleasant professional surprise this year that made you know you were indeed on the right path?

AK — That ones easy! A few weeks ago actually I was asked by a wonder- ful Canadian company to be their spokesperson: Glace Iceberg Water. I was just so happy to know that there are people – such as the ones from Glace – who truly see the potential in an artist like myself. This topped off by the fact that I was placed on a beautiful huge billboard in downtown Montreal during the World Film Festival along with my music blasting from the speakers, really was a pleasant surprise!

KA — Who is Ashley King…for now? AK — I just recently decided to become a “love-atarian”…no longer a “fear-avore”…what a feeling!