Photo Credit: Andy Lee

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT:  Just as an alchemist transforms led into gold, is there an element  of transformation in your creative expression? How does this process for you, connect to that of an alchemists?

MAURICE GARLAND: Most definitely. As a writer and music journalist, I look at my work as using words to paint pictures which I consider a valuable skill and talent seeing as how so much of our communication nowadays is visual-driven. When I write I am relying on history and the present moment to tell a story that someone in the future will hopefully read, enjoy and even reference. Also, often times, I interview artists and other creatives who may not be as open or well-spoken as the next person, so I have to find ways to not only get them out of their comfort zone and share, but later combine my words with theirs to create a compelling, truthful story

Photo Credit: Anthony “Truth” Gary

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT:  Artists are often labeled as “stars.” Just as a star radiates light and the planets then reflect this light. Do you see your work behind the pen or behind the lens, as a reflection of this light?

MAURICE GARLAND: I do. When I interview and write about “stars” I like to create stories that inspire readers to become “stars” themselves or at least absorb some of that star energy that they give off. Rick Ross personally contacted me and told me the cover story that I wrote on him for The Source (Decemeber 2015) was one of the best if not the best stories he’s even read written about him. I’ve written bios for Big Boi and Kendrick Lamar, so in those cases I have to capture what they are about and use my words to present them to the world they way they want to be seen. Every star begins as a particle and winds up becoming a star. That said, much of the work I have done has revolved around getting people to recognize stars in the making. I was the first person to interview or write nationally published articles on people like Janelle Monae and B.o.B. Killer Mike is all over the place now, but for years it felt like I was the only person interested in interviewing him. So yes, I do see my work as a reflection of their light.

Photo Credit: Wesley Persons

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT:  When an artist is not “creating” it is often labeled a “creative block.” Where do you find the creative spark? What inspires your work and does it require a sense of courage to create from this unknown space?

MAURICE GARLAND:  What some call a “block” I like to look at as a time to rest. When I am not inspired to create, I rest. I sit still and enjoy those moments where my mind and spirit are simply being rather than doing. Fortunately, I rarely have to go find inspiration or a creative spark. During those “block” times ideas usually come to me because I am being still and allowing the universe to bring them to me rather than running and moving and looking. I have found when you move around too much looking for something, you miss what was there waiting for you to claim all along.

The Museum of Light is curated by: 
Billy Johnson Jr., Joslyn Rose Lyons, Adell Henderson, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.

For more info on The Light visit:

http://www.themuseumoflight.com/
https://instagram.com/museumoflight/
https://twitter.com/museumoflight

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Berry Gordy’s got to be proud of how the Motown brand continues to curate the best of the best. Torchbears Sebastian Kole, La’Porsha Renae, and Kevin Ross delivered incredible sets Tuesday night at Capitol Studios in Hollywood during The New Definition of Soul event hosted by their talented labelmate Mila J.

The Museum of Light was blessed to host exclusive pre-show interviews with the acts on Motown’s Facebook page. The artists discussed carrying on the label’s legacy, gave updates on their new projects, and even talked alchemy.

On the stage, they got down to business. Sebastian, who collaborated with Alessia Cara on “Here,” took us to his hometown Birmingham with his foot-stomping energy, hilarious sense of humor, plus rhythm and blues vocals, especially on “Love Doctor.” It was also a nice surprise to hear his cover of Smokey Robinson’s Motown favorite “Cruisin.”

Fresh off a successful run on the final season of American Idol, first runner up La’Porsha Renae killed it with her brand new song “Good Woman,” a guttural final plea for her cheating man to change his ways.

Kevin Ross opened at the piano with “Be Great” and brought even more inspiration with “Dream” and segued into Phil Collin’s “In the Air.”

The trio closed the show with something really cool — a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s timeless Motown classic, “Love’s In Need of Love Today.”

Motown let it’s Light shine last night. We were glad to be in the house.

The Museum of Light is curated by: 
Billy Johnson Jr., Joslyn Rose Lyons, Adell Henderson, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.

For more info on The Light visit:

http://www.themuseumoflight.com/
https://instagram.com/museumoflight/
https://twitter.com/museumoflight

Photo credit: Chris Contreras, Danez World

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From L to R: Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Joslyn Rose Lyons, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik K. Buie

Curating the Alchemy of the Artists’ Journey 

Veteran music journalist Billy Johnson Jr., a producer and curator for the Museum of Light, stresses the importance of discussing the artistic process. “The artists light up when asked to explain their art, their intentions, and connecting with their audience,” Johnson says. “Each of these stories are incredibly motivating.”

The Light has been in the works for a few years. When Joslyn Rose Lyons, who conceptualized the project, called me to get involved, I got the butterflies.

I said, “You mean, we’ll talk to artists about purpose? Whether they compare their work to alchemy? No buzzy moments?”

I was in.

I figured creatives prefer to discuss more substantive topics, and we found this to be true with every artist we’ve interviewed. Seeing how Pharoahe Monch, V.Bozeman, Michelle Williams, TiRon and Ayomari and so many others light up when asked to describe their creative process has been fulfilling.

Considering the need for more platforms for artists to express themselves beyond the scope of their latest promotional efforts, I’m that much more thankful to be a part of helping generate more Light.

One of the coolest aspects of The Light is how it takes shape in different forms. It’s a documentary in the works. It’s shareable inspirational quotes from artists. It’s an online interview series. It’s constantly evolving.

Another incredible part of The Light, for me, is getting to work alongside esteemed colleagues who share The Light’s vision. We’re grateful to have editorial support from RESPECT. mag.

Below, meet the curators.

With light,

Billy Johnson Jr.

Billy Johnson Jr., Music Journalist
@billyjohnsonjr

“There’s an over saturation of salacious media coverage on the internet. The intent of this project is to add more positive affirmations into the mix. The artists we have interviewed for the light thus far have shared with us the philosophies of their triumphs and we know people will be blessed when they hear these stories. This is just a taste of what’s to come… Those who are determined, fearless, and accomplished will find affirmation in the light. Those who are hopeful, apprehensive, and in need of direction, will use the light as a guide. That is our purpose.”  

Billy Johnson Jr., Music Journalist

billyjohnsonjr.tumblr.com
@billyjohnsonjr

Adell Henderson, Music Journalist/Editor in Chief at RESPECT-MAG.COM
@adellhenderson101 @respectmag

“As a leader, a student and a die hard fan of hip-hop, my responsibility as a journalist/producer is to showcase the greater good of the lifestyle, and preserve the culture that raised me. My decision to unite with influential, like minded peers to bring the light to the world was a no brainier.”

Adell Henderson, Music Journalist/Editor in Chief 

RESPECT-MAG.COM
@adellhenderson101 @respectmag

Joslyn Rose Lyons, Producer/Director
@itsjoslynrose

“It inspires me to explore the creative process and to understand more about the artists’ journey. The museum of light creates this space. It’s a platform where we highlight this process. All the content we are creating here, allows people to see a glimpse of the job of an artist and the magic that happens along the way.”

Joslyn Rose Lyons, Producer/Director

JOSLYNROSELYONS.COM

@itsjoslynrose

Rafael Casal, Writer/Producer/Performer GETRAFAEL.COM
@rafaelcasal

“As history shows, it is hard not to be drawn to the light. Both in people and in projects that resonate. When Joslyn first asked me if I was interested in a  project dedicated to giving language and focus to what drives the creative mind,  I realized was experiencing her creativity at work during that very conversation, excited and energized by the brainstorm that was stirring between us in collaboration. Realizing that the very feeling I was experiencing in that moment was the focus of the light project itself, how could I not contribute? It was already happening, and it hasn’t stopped since.”

Rafael Casal, Writer/Producer/Performer

GETRAFAEL.COM
@rafaelcasal

Matt Smith, Producer/Director REVOLUTIONLABORATORY.COM @mattsmif

“The light represents the power of the arts. I find it fascinating to
examine the truly gifted artist, who has not only mastered the
technical aspects of their craft but is also able to connect with,
influence and inspire an audience through their artistic light.”

Matt Smith, Producer/Director 

REVOLUTIONLABORATORY.COM
@mattsmif

Malik Buie, Director/Producer BET Networks & REDSUMMER.TV @RedSummerTV

“I would be crazy to turn down the opportunity to work with the
producers and curators for this project. I make it a habit of working with creative and inspirational people, and that’s who I’m working with for The Museum of Light. It’s important to explore the light and an artist’s journey in order to get a greater understanding of them, their process, but most importantly, its cool when you find commonalities in their journey that you relate to, and that speaks to you…That is inspiring.”

Malik Buie, Director/Producer

BET Networks & REDSUMMER.TV
@RedSummerTV

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The post Curating the Alchemy of the Artists’ Journey appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.