DTM Trends

Alternative rock’s secret weapon Julissa

DTM — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:03:40 +0000

I AM walking down the halls of a sound studio in Astoria, Queens, NY. The subject of today’s interview is rehearsing this evening for an upcoming show. They are known as Julissa, and this five-member band, by word of mouth and energetic performances, have carved a niche for themselves in the Latin alternative rock market. However, they are not slaves to a demographics. Their music speaks to everyone.

I am introduced to the band by their lead singer, Julissa Gómez. Her eyes emit a mystery, her moves hypnotize the crowds and her voice soothes the soul. Together with her unit they remind you of a Spanish version of Evanescence, but more versatile. Julissa, was born here to Dominican parents and raised in Astoria. She reunited with her cousin Mario German for the first time since childhood. She desired to head a group after performing as a dancer for the group Sandy and Papo. The journey began in 2000. “When I performed before 60,000 people, I said, you know what. I want to be up front. I don’t want to be the dancer. I want to take this. I want to be the lead. I started writing everything I could about my life

Despite personal problems the creation of this band served as a vehicle for releasing a lot of emotions. “The band was the beginning of the healing. Before, these experiences motivated my writing but now I’m happy and I write more about other people’s experiences.” Julissa not only served a singer and writer but also learned many forms of dance. This is quite evident in her stage performances. “Ever since I was a little girl I was always into dancing.

I took and later taught tap, jazz, and ballet. Now I formally take flamenco. I always loved the arts technologist. Is there anything she can’t do?

Noelia

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:53:38 +0000

THE PUERTO RICAN Singer Noelia visited the Big Apple to present her sixth and most recent production “Volverte a Ver.” This follows the very successful “40 Grados” album. This same composer will present an album that includes eleven extraordinary songs, plus one dance version called “Enamorada de ti”. The interpreter, daughter of singer Yolandita Monge, has sold more than three million copies with her previous production. Nonetheless, according to Noelia, this Album is as good as the previous ones. “This album is top of the line”. It has great songs and is a large production,which contains songs that motivate and are rich with fortitude and vitamins for the soul.” The artist tells DTM.

Noelia assures us that she loves to write albums that are biographical, very personal. We hope according to her, every album that she records her own personal feelings. “On every album I emphasize the stage that I am living through at that moment” Each one for the exception of the reggaeton one I did. This was based on the atmosphere (ambience) through my experiences at that time”, Noelia expressed. Noelia also assures that the song “Volverte a ver” expresses with accuracy what she feels in those moments.

DTM alumni Lokixximo now down with the King

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:52:37 +0000

DTM magazine (formerly The Dominican Times) has long been a supporter of up-and-coming artists as well as those that are already established. Publisher Juan Guillen can be often heard talking about the magazine’s mission, which is to “Connect People and to Bridge Cultures.” In addition, Mr. Guillen often speaks of our vision, which is; “Defining Trends and Emerging Leaders”. In keeping with that vision on October 28 2006 DTM magazine held a reggaeton competition in which the winner would get a trip to the Dominican Republic and a feature in the magazine. Among those that performed that night were LDA of “The Chosen Few” DVD that exploded on to the scene in 2006. Stef La Kallejera was the host and even Boy Wonder came out to show support. A little known (at the time) group named Lokixximo also performed that evening. Lokixximo consists of Bonao (Argenis Gomez) Jose Josex (Jose Perez) and their producer Add-On (Alex Moro). They met back in high school and have been slowly but surely building a devoted fan base. Lokixximo was the first unsigned reggaeton duo featured on Telemundo in January 2007, performed sold out shows at China Club with Funk Master Flex, but DTM magazine was one of the first to recognize this talent. Lokixximo is set to explode into the mainstream with a performance at an event sponsored by Telemundo and presented by Burger King. The event was held at the Elizabeth Waterfront Latin Festival on May 26, 2007. DTM would like to take the time out to congratulate Lokixximo and wish them much continued success.

Ralph Paniagua: a man of many hats

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:11:51 +0000

RALPH PANIAGUA is an example of what Hispanics in the U.S. should strive for. He has held several posts: writer, promoter, editor, and creative genius. He has been at this game for a long time. The experience one receives from one night of being around him is priceless. The man who is currently looking to make dominos to Latino’s what Poker is to Americans is only doing what he does well, creating fresh new mediums for Hispanics.

After writing for the Daily News for several years, he proposed the idea of “Viva” “I went into the dictionary and went through a lot of combinations until I came up with “Viva”. The bilingual magazine was launched in 1992. It is still an integral part of the paper. As always to get an idea heard you must speak the corporate language. “It isn’t about race or color”, Ralph explains, “Corporate America understands one color, green. They don’t want to take chances with their money, but if you tell them you have a thousand clients, then it’s a case of “we can make money”.

Young and on the move

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:10:28 +0000

AS THE saying goes, you lose nothing by dreaming big. Especially if, by doing so, you let your ambitions soar to the sky, as is the case with Zaily Valoy, born of a Dominican mother and a Colombian father, and a Spanish Harlem resident. Her wildest dream is to get a degree in accounting from Fordham University and then get a job in a corporation. “I would like to work for a big company, such as Ernst & Young. To get a lot of experience, and to work in the corporative world”, the young woman in her first year of college.

Zaily decided to go for marketing and finance after her experience in the summer city program GirlsREACH from the Youth and Community Development Department and the Municipal Commission for Women’s Affairs. “That program was a great experience. It exposed me to the financial world, I worked with big corporations, like Erns & Young. I did a number of things. I took prep courses for college, on how to maintain contact with people, etc., it guided me on the right path to follow”, pointed out Zaily, who hopes to get an MBA in business administration.

Productize your expertise & make money 24/7

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:09:26 +0000

WELCOME to the Knowledge Age, where we all can be (and should be) content producers. Your know-how is used through your work right now. You have valuable expertise that can be “productized” into e-books, audios, videos, and even paper books.

By creating such intellectual property assets,you can make money beyond your time. Or give away your products to market yourself when you’re not there; and make it easier for people to recommend you. Large orders and big budgets are no longer necessary. Blogs, podcasts, and videos have become ubiquitous on the Internet. Most of what you see on the Internet is free. Yet it takes the same amount of time, energy, and gadgetry to create free content (as marketing materials) as it does to create fee-based info-products (for sale).

In the first half of 2007, I did a series of free marketing seminars: Some of them were hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the National Network of Accountants, and the Hauppauge Industrial Association. I always audio record my public seminars: The best ones became my 6 audiobooks (featured alongside the free tips I give on ViksMarketingBlog.com).

Youngest promoter to fill MSG

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:07:50 +0000

“Find yourself a passion in your life and you’ll never have to work again; that’s what I did, for I love my job, to me it’s not work, but a passion”. These are words from a Colombian who arrived in the U.S. at 14, Leo Arciniegas, who is charged with identifying for Verizon the ways into the hearts and minds of millions of Hispanics of the metropolitan area, which includes New Jersey. “My family came in search of the American Dream. They wanted more and better opportunities, a better future for me and my siblings, and we settled down in Chestnut Ridge; I went to the local university, in Rockland County”, points out Arciniegas, who got a scholarship as a football player for the school. Arciniegas, an avowed rugby buff, was able to join up the Saint John’s, Queens, squad on a sports scholarship and saw action in important matches in Europe, where he met Pope John Paul II, and visited Italy, England, Portugal and other countries.Being a rugby star was atop Arciniega’s agenda at that time.“But then I began to see things differently. Unfortunately, there were no million-dollar contracts from the MLS (Soccer Major League) like there are today, most players were in out of fascination for rugby”, explains Arciniegas, who later served an apprenticeship with the MetroStars, today’s New York’s Red Bulls. This young “man of business” from St. John’s class of 2002 was now focused on the workings of the marketing world, especially inside professional sports, and this totally changed his outlook. This Colombian who has not returned to his homeland since he first arrived here says he hasn’t done so because he feels he must get acquainted with other cultures. “I feel I know mine thoroughly, my roots; look, I just returned from Dominican Republic, I
left the hotel, went to the capital, I like to immerse myself, see how the people live; I wouldn’t just stay in Punta Cana or at the resorts. I made visits, saw people, learned more about the Dominicans. That’s what I do when I go to Tokio to visit my brother, when I go to other countries”. He was offered a position as coordinator of promotions, in direct contact with sponsors, and later promoted to hispanic marketing manager for the team. This was an opening, he goes on, that helped him learn more about other communities and nationalities. He joined ENG Entertainment, where he worked with Budweiser and set a record “by becoming the youngest promotions manager to get a full house (at a Madison Square Garden concert) at such an important venue”. Arciniegas eventually returned to Saint John’s University for master’s degree (MBA) in International Business. “I decided to go back to school and focus on my studies, aiming at a position in a big firm. That’s when I had the opportunity to work for Kraft Foods”, he reminds. This personal milestone was followed by an even bigger one. In August 2006, he started work for Verizon Wireless, which, he says, is one of the best 100 companies for Latinos. “I started as marketing manager for New York and New Jersey. I was struck by the diversity in Verizon Wireless. I got lots of opportunities for growth within the company”.

One of his major accomplishments, in just 12 months, is to have effected a rapprochement to the Latino community. He aims at bringing Latinos to acknowledge Verizon Wireless as the ‘best national network’, not only asking for support, but also providing opportunities. “We have a strong campaign going on for the recruitment of bilingual personnel for our 180 stores”. Salsa is his favorite music, especially by Marc Anthony, and his favorite food is barbacoa, or bbq. He considers himself a good example for those with no resources to get ahead, especially for his vision and determination, and the diversity of personal goals notwithstanding. To conclude his exclusive interview to DTM, Arciniegas made an appeal to young men and women to pursue their dreams and have in mind that they are attainable with determination and preparation. He stressed the importance of the advice he once got: “Find yourself a passion in your life and you’ll never have to work again”. And reaffirmed his appeal never to give up no matter what obstacles and challenges there may be.

Annie Segura No limit designer

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:52:52 +0000

THE FUTURE of design is in the hands of a young and focused Latina. She knows no limits or obstacles. She has not been around as long, but her research has forged a mature for intimate apparel. “My first collection was very Goth-inspired because I was into the culture. Since then I try to create a time-period movement whether it’s Baroque or Rococo or Victorian.” , says Annie.

Johanna Martinez

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:50:18 +0000

THE PERCEPTION of fashion for women has been altered in recent years. Real women have curves. The only problem is finding designers who create fashionable attire to fit the real woman of today. Johanna Martinez is just such a person. Growing up with a Greek and Spanish heritage, Jahanna has always looked to fill this gap with clothes that enhance big women’s look.

Gina Velasco

DTM — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:48:02 +0000

THE LONELY road of a designer can be overwhelming. Yet during these trials you ask yourself if this is what you truly want and your actions give back the answer. Gina Velasco has wanted to be a designer since she was eleven. She was born in Puerto Rico to designer parents. “I remember being eleven and some of my sketches were of ugly girls. I remember my English teacher must have thought something was wrong. She would say, “Gina, I think she has short legs”, laughs Gina. She started designing her own stuff while her mother, a design teacher, assisted.