Light Up The Night 5

Light Up The Night 5 returns with a BIGGER line up, brighter light show, and MORE BASS!

Kyle “SoKyle" Carpenter

We caught up with upcoming Ohio based artist Kyle Carpenter to get some insight into him as an artist and his upcoming musical works.

Name:  Kyle Carpenter

Nickname: SoKyle

Birthplace: Chicago, IL

Currently reside: Zanesville, OH

Brief Background: I was born in Chicago, IL. A lot of people may not know this, but I was born and lived in the projects on the south side of Chicago; near the old Comiskey Park. I remember that well because I could look out the window and see the stadium. After going through foster care for years I was adopted and moved the suburbs at the age 14. Lived in Elgin, IL until I moved to Virginia my senior year of high school.  Went to Marshall University, then back to VA, to “take time off” only not to go back until the last 2 years haha. Now I live in Zanesville. Now I’m doing this and well, being blessed; I figured there are just too many avenues and opportunities for me not to put it out there.

What motivates you to do music?

My motivation is that it’s fun. It’s pretty cool to vibe with other local people. I also like doing it because the fact that I can surprises people. I like to see people’s faces. I also love to perform. I know I’ve said it a lot now, but it’s the truth. I like listening to it myself too.

What message are you trying to get across through your music?

The message is pretty basic. Break stereotypes, live life, be happy, and think positive. I’ve made my share of mistakes and I talk about that on the mixtape. The most important thing is that we try and have fun and improve. We try to be who we are and let others be who they are. Just be respectful.

What genre do you lean more towards?

I would say hip-hop. I think the difference between hip-hop and rap, is the message that you are trying to deliver. But don’t get me wrong I like all kinds of music. I listen and grab inspiration from Tribe Called Quest to Kanye West; Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga; and some bands that people haven’t heard of generally. Just cuz I want to throw some out there: Tahiti 80, Walk the Moon, and Youngblood Hawke. I listen to everything, even some country.


What opportunities do you have coming up dealing with your music?

Right now I’m working on another project, which I started basically right after this one released. I’m working on getting the current one out there some more and I’m in talks with a couple people regarding the music video to be shot in the near future; and some merchandise.

What was your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?

The biggest thing was getting over the fear of rapping in general. I just stopped doubting myself. I also made sure to keep my priorities straight. This is a hobby, so I keep work and other things a priority. I’m kind of just seeing what happens and doing it in my free time. It all starts with making sure I keep focused on my goals. Getting over my fears was a result of some things I went through that made me stronger, that simple.

What groups or other singers do you affiliate yourself with?

I’ve done a lot of work with my cousin Tyo (Brad Tyo). We have been feeding off each others energy for awhile, we found a real common bond through this. I was doing some stuff when I was in VA with my friends Jay and Corey. We did it for fun. When I moved to Ohio there were more opportunities to perform and the immediate connections I made with people were amazing. I met Any Mans Hope(Andrew Michael Hull) at a show I did, from that moment we just kept spitting with each other. I met Conor (YNGSTR) on a whim. I got a hold of him spitting a rough version of a track on his upcoming mixtape and wanted him on mine right away. I’ve recorded with my friends Moody and Zach Harden. They were people who came to me and believed in my skills and music. Zach (Hardenthepaint) and I recorded the whole mixtape together. We just have a connection and are real with one another.

Did you ever expect your music to start getting this big? 

Not even a little bit. I’ve always been like: “this is just a hobby”. I never expected people to respond like they have. The avenues are opening and it’s a beautiful and uplifting feeling. Praise God.



What upcoming events or songs do you have coming up?

I’m getting ready to release two songs that weren’t done in time for the mixtape because I got sick and couldn’t record them. I’ll showcase some of my singing talents on those as well. The tracks will feature AMH and my sister Brianna (she goes to performing arts school AMDA in New York City). I’m also working on my next two projects. One is another solo project and the other will be a collaboration and collection of stuff from exclusively myself and AMH along with some other features.

Stay updated for upcoming contest and giveaways that we will be collaborating with SoSkyle for soon!

Lauren Peters: Wheels of Fortune

This interview was an interesting one for us since car customization is a field that we have very limited knowledge or experience in.  My ream of car customization goes as far as adding a dvd/ cd deck and subwoofer to a 95' Honda accord back in high school so for anyone to take a base model vehicle and completely scrap it and turn it into a whole new vehicle gets kudos in my book.

What interest you in customizing cars?

The things that interest me the most in customizing cars is the work that it takes going into a build. Seeing the expressions on people's faces when you ride by. Also, it shows your creative side. There are no two cars the exact same. Everyone has their own style and i love seeing what everyone brings to the table.


How long have you been dealing with car customization?

Ive actually been building my own cars since about 2008. As in interested in customizing cars, its been my whole life.


What cars have you already customized up till today?

Ive customized a few cars up until today. My first car that i actually put any thought and time into was my 2007 Dodge Charger. If anyone knows me i had that car for about 4 years and switched it up all the time… When i sold it it had 26" forgiato grano wheels, Mazda factory blue paint, HIDs, interior was purple alligator and blue ostrich and also included a 7" in dash cd player, 25" flip down tv, and 2 7" headrest tvs. In the trunk i had 4 Memphis 12's ingrounded into the floor of the trunk. My next car was a 2007 Dodge Magnum which was featured in RIDES Magazine prior to me owning it. It was lime green and black on 26" Lexani Dial wheels, lambo doors, fiberglassed doors with tvs, fiberglassed dash, black and lime green interior it, 2 L7 Kicker 15's in the trunk. It was a head turning car. My next car after these was a 2001 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. This build was probably the biggest I've done out of all of them. Mods included: 30" Davin PWRFL floaters, Gullwing front doors, reverse lambo back doors, pink pearl paint job, 6" suspension lift ready up to 32's, pink hids, strobe lights in the headlights n taillights, 12 pioneer 6x9s in the inside (all 4 doors & back deck), 6 pioneer 12's in the trunk with 4 pioneer amps, pink lighting in the trunk, inside under seats etc & underneath the car, 7" app radio indash, 7" headrest tvs, 25" flipdown tv, 2 visor tvs, door poppers cause we shaved the door handles, interior is all pink n black leather, new black carpet, 2 marine speakers in the grille, 2 delta 40 series flowmaster pipes, remote start & alarm. Now, I've moved onto something a little newer….. Ive built a Candy Teal Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet on 32" Amani Forged wheels, fiberglassed doors including eminence brand highs and mids speakers, Tiarra Grille, 2 kicker 12's in the trunk, fully redone teal convertible top. Prior to it being teal it was gold on 32" forgiatos… I've switched this car up about 3 times in one year. My current project is an Infiniti g35 coupe which i can't let what I'm doing to that out yet :) you will just have to stay tuned! hehe.

What Year, Make, and Model of vehicles is your favorite?

My favorite vehicle out right now….. Hmmmm this is a hard one. Besides the one I'm driving i would have to say a 1971 Impala convertible AKA a 71 Vert Donk! My goal in the near future is to complete one of those.

What were or are your biggest challenges in customizing cars?

Biggest challenges in customizing cars is doing something different. Doing something no one else has thought of. Thinking outside the box! That will win all day in the car world.

Do you drive your customized cars on the regular or just for show?

I drive my custom cars just to car shows. I have an everyday car as well. But I'm not scared to put my 32's on the interstate and travel :)

What companies or groups do you affiliate with the most?

Paint wise: Sudamar Paint And Body Shop in Miami, FL. Audio wise: Audio Addicitons in Tallahassee, FL. Wheel wise: Amani Forged wheels bought and car lifted at WTW Customs in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Grille wise: Tiarra Grilles in Las Vegas, Nevada. Interior wise: Elegance interiors in Miami, FL. and shout out to my car club NOKTURNAL CAR CLUB! NOK NOK!

What are some competitions or shows you have participated in?

Ive participated in shows all over Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Alabama. I will be attending more cities and states this summer. I plan on attending DUB Anaheim in California this September.

What awards have you received from shows or competitions and where was it held?

Ive received too many to name. Mostly Best Female awards. Ive won a couple Best Of Show awards, best paint, best wheels, most creative, best repped, farthest traveled and more!

What projects do you have for the future?

Currently working on an Infiniti G35 coupe. I will definitely keep you all updated on this build. It will be serious. And I plan on doing a 71' Donk in my future :)


What opportunities do you have in the upcoming future with events? 

I actually plan on putting together a car show DVD with my buddy Ace Whips in South Florida. I do a little photography and videography also so that will be fun and profitable! My youtube channel is Misz Lp and my photography Facebook is Photos by: LP and my photography Instagram is @photosbylp. Follow me there or on my personal accounts at FB- Lauren Peters IG- @ms_32s ! Thank you for considering me to do an interview with. I really appreciate it! I will keep you all updated on future events and builds :) <3

Tristan Carey Monster Dunk

Being a former basketball player at Longwood University I always like to check and see how the team is doing throughout their season.  It was great to see senior Tristan Carey throw down a monster dunk against Big South opponent Radford!

Remember The Times

Join us for a social event to evoke the music of the late 80's and early 90's. Come out and mingle with other mature adults over great drinks and great music from eras of Motown and New Jack Swing. Click here to check out the event.

Fetch: Roanoke

It's 8:00pm on a cold Saturday night and you have just settled down to watch your favorite TV show.  Midway into the show your stomach starts to growl like a pack of ravenous wolves and you have a craving for your favorite dish from a restaurant across town .  You are stuck in a dilemma with some difficult choices to make. The owners of Fetch Roanoke most have been going through some similar issues when they developed the idea for their company.  We caught up with the owners to get some information on the company before its opening Saturday February 1st right in time for Super Bowl Sunday!

 

Name of Business: Fetch Roanoke
Owners: Jonathan Kelly and Alan Runion
Location: 101 Campbell avenue right in the heart of downtown.
Type of Business: Delivery Company

Describe your company and who your clients are.

Fetch Roanoke is a food delivery service that brings customers a wide range of restaurants and cuisines that typically do not offer delivery services. We are targeted to everyone who either doesn't have the time to sit down and eat, is comfortable in their home and doesn't want to go out, or for someone that is under the weather and can't make it out for food.

What was the inspiration for opening your business?

Ah the inspiration! Well, last year i traveled a lot. I was in NYC for new years. I then went to LA 3 weeks later and launched LIV. I took a trip out to Austin the next month and then i flew out to San Diego in March for a surfing trip with some friends. I also went to DC with my girlfriend a few times for the redskins games and just to get away. We also frequently go to Charlotte for clubbing, panthers games, & shop... that was the inspiration one in the same. Everyplace i just mentioned put me in a situation where i wanted this service.... & each of those places had it. I like creating simple ideas and making them grow. Its kind of like your own child. Alan and I want to inspire others not just through this company. We're creating something on a bigger scale that will help other young aspiring artists and entrepreneurs live their dreams if they really want it.

What was your ultimate goal when you decided to open your business and has that goal changed?

I would say that our ultimate goal was to provide great food to the great people for as small a cost as necessary. I would also go on to say that we are very loyal to this idea and will continue to honor it well into the future, Its what Fetch Roanoke was founded on, it will not change. 

How important is it to recognize loyal customers? 

In our business it is crucial without our customers we wouldn't have a company. loyalty of the customers in this field is also tantamount, while our service is intended for everyone, there is a key demographic of individuals who order delivery from place on a frequent basis and their loyalty keeps us a thriving business.

How do you market your business? How are people aware of your business? 

We are currently marketing in several different ways we are running ads in several local magazines, we are using Facebook as a way to connect with new business, we advertise through location specific emails , all this is done along with canvassing areas with promotional materials. also due to the relationship we have built with local restaurants they help to promote our service as well.

Do you have a specific business plan or model to operate your business? 

Not essentially we have a great idea and a plan of execution but its not on paper Jonathan and I just keep it mentally and live for it everyday. When we hit obstacles we overcome them and the company and are staff are stronger because of it. 

What qualities do you look for in your employees?

We look for young ambitious individuals who are excited about expanding with a new company. They need to be self driven and we encourage them to bring management their ideas about bettering the company. 

Being young entrepreneurs what would you say would be a challenge or obstacle with managing a company?

Being young with new ideas in a city such as Roanoke always has it’s obstacles. It’ss an old town that’s demographics are slowly changing. It’s our goal to speed this process up.

How are you guys moving so fast?

We have a really solid team. My partner Alan, our sales team, our programmers, and the rest of our guys on the ground are constantly going above and beyond when it comes to work. Where we lack in certain areas we make up through hard work and perseverance. 

What is something you that you want people to know about your company? 

As a new young company in Roanoke we wanted to offer a fun place for our employees to work and to make the delivery service business hip and bring it into the new age. At fetch headquarters Downtown Roanoke we offer our staff a lavish break area fully stocked with snacks and beverages for them to enjoy at no cost to themselves. We want to see our staff grow and do well in their own private lives that why we offer them a place to do school work or work on other personal projects before or after their shifts.

Has any other young entrepreneurs asked for help/advice in the Roanoke area? 

Actually there have been more than I expected. It's incredible how many unique ideas come from a small city like Roanoke. I think the biggest obstacle most young entrepreneurs face here is capital. Roanoke's a tough market. Our downtown area is vital to success of the whole city I think. If our downtown area keeps growing then more and more young adults will move here. Those young adults have different mindsets and views. That's exactly what we need. If you have a good idea and you have the right team behind you the capital will come

 What are your future plans with the company?

We plan on rapid growth for the future we see ourselves in Salem Va within four months and Blacksburg within 7 months. We want to have the entire state of Virginia by the end of five years. 

It's always great to see young entrepreneurs having the courage to create their own lane. We are looking foreword to seeing the growth and expansion of Fetch Roanoke as well as using their services in the future.  Be sure to like their Facebook page Fetch Roanoke and stay updated on specials and new restaurants to order from!

Light Up The Night 4

The biggest EDM event in Roanoke is back again at Schooners headed up by Dj Pyrite!!! who has shared the stage with artists such as Modestep, Lotus, Candyland, Carnage, Antiserum, Helicopter Showdown, Clicks & Whistles, Mantis, Victor Niglio, DJ Muggs (of Cyprus Hill), Numbernin6, Sadhu, Wick-It The Instigator, Notixx, and events featuring DNB legends AK1200 & Dara and countless others spanning venues across Virginia to California. Light Up The Night 4 will have an even bigger light show with new lasers and visuals from Fantasy Lighting & Staging, good vibes, and of course the best EDM the area has to offer for only $5 at the door!! With opening support from Dj Hoodii, Sw3rv3, and Pandah. This is the party to be at!!! 21+ Check it out here