When We Speak is a talk show based in the Atlanta metro area that caters to entertainment, with a close focus on indie music professionals. The show is hosted and created by Jermaine Sain.
Who is
Shameia Crawford? Some may simply classify her as a Soul or R&B
artist but I believe the essence of her artistry is rooted much deeper.
Shameia first displayed her talents to her local church congregation and by the
age of 5, knew that she wanted to be a singer. By the age of 17, she released
an independent album. In addition, to such a great accomplishment at a
young age, she continued her pursuit of a musical career at Winston-Salem StateUniversity, earning a degree in music.
Like the
soul singers of the past, her music combines elements of Gospel, R&B, and
Jazz, but what keeps her unclassifiable is her personal technique of impelling
the hearts of audiences with her voice. In 2014, she sang her way into
the hearts of America on ABC’s Rising Star.
On the day
that I spoke with Shameia about her music, I recall her personality being as
warm as her vocals. Her smile illuminated the room and she was completely
humble, yet confident, in her musical abilities.Shortly into the conversation, I recognized
her aspiration to capture the emotions of every audience that she stands in
front of.“I believe in my voice and I
believe that I have something to offer that no one else does”, says Shameia.Indeed, she has a special gift and it is
considerably identifiable whether she is singing background vocals for
legendary soul artists like Angie Stone, accompanying gospel singers like
Vashawn Mitchell, or performing her original music.
Who is ShameiaCrawford?That’s not as easy to answer
as one may think.She’s not the simple
answer but she is truly the correct answer.I believe that she possesses more than just an impressive sound.She is the determination of a sovereign sound,
designed to free the soul of music.
Chandra is the 2014 recipient of the Lady Soul of Jazz award and is the former lead singer for the legendary recording group, the S.O.S. Band, replacing the original lead singer. She continued the band’s string of Top Twenty Billboard hits with the CD’s Diamonds In The Raw, and "One Of Many Nights", where she wrote several songs, including the single, Broken Promises. Chandra also starred in the world premier of Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel, and as Mother Shaw in Regina Taylor’s Crowns.
The 2009 Gospel Choice Award nominee has performed at The White House and toured Europe and Asia leaving audiences wanting more. She has also starred in Dinah Was, Blues In the Night, The Hot Mikado, Amen Corner (The Alliance Theatre/ Arena Stage). Two Queens, One Castle with T.C. Carson(Horizon Theatre),What’s Done In the Dark, (Fox Theatre), Slam!, Sophisticated Ladies, and Kenny Leon’s, Rejoice.
Because of her ability to legitimately cross musical and theatrical styles, Chandra has had the opportunity to work with some of the greats from Clarence Avant, jazz legend Roy Ayers, where she recorded the duet, Let Me Love You, to the phenomenal Tyler Perry. Television credits include VH-1, Say Yes! (TBN) , (BET) Jazz Showcase (PBS) and Good Day Atlanta (Fox), Bobby Jones Artist Showcase (The Word Network) Tyler Perry’s For Better Or Worse(OWN).
The Helen Hayes and NAACP Phoenix Award Nominee has released 3 solo CD’s Relationships, The Real Me, and Love Songs, which contains the hit song Love Again from the movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Kurt Scobie's new single, "All In", makes its debut today on YouTube! The Atlanta-based Christian & Gospel singer-songwriter will be releasing the new song worldwide on Friday, November 27th on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, and more. "All In" takes the listener back to some of Kurt's original pop-rock sounds while showcasing his new, energetic and passionate style.
About a year or so ago, I was at a studio in Atlanta, and
the owner was telling me that he had noticed the progress that we were making
at When We Speak TV and said, “How are you meeting all these people?”.I really don’t remember what I said but I
remember what I wanted to say…..I wanted to say, “God”…Now that I think about
it, I should have said it.It is only
God that allowed me to meet the people that I’ve met. Now, don’t get it
misunderstood…He didn’t just allow me to sit back …I had to first seek out the
people and acknowledge to Him my desire to interview or meet them.
As you probably know, I’m saying that to lead into something
else, (even though it was a terrible
transition).I want to share with
you about some people that I recently worked with and met in Columbus, Ohio.On October 3, 2015, I got the
opportunity to work my first red carpet event at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. I have sung at many red carpet events but I’ve never walked a red carpet
nor been a red carpet correspondent.But
now I can say that I have worked a red carpet, thanks to the Kingdom Image Awards in Columbus, Ohio.
I was behind the scenes and the correspondents where Rick
Jones and Maurice James of the Rick and Reese Show in Columbus.These guys were super cool and fun to work
with.
And guess what else?When We Speak guest, Quan Howell, also attended the event.It was extra special to see him.He had no idea that we would be there so it
was extra nice when he acknowledged me during the red carpet interview.
And lastly, my dearest friend, Vonzail Lawrence, who is on
the Executive Board of the Kingdom Image Awards(He is also the production manager and set designer).He was the one who recommended us to
participate and I’m sooooo glad that I accepted.There is so much I can say about my
friend.He has been such a great support
of my vision.I remember back around
2005 or 2006, he and I used to go to Starbucks in Killeen, TX….(he would order a
green tea latte and I would order a caramel latte).We would sit in that Starbucks for hours
talking about our dreams and goals in life.And even though we didn’t know how it would happen (and still don’t) we knew that it would come to past…There were also days that weren’t as
inspiring and we would cry together at our friend’s house…(how we love our friend, Angie, she is really a big sister to us)… we
called the room in her house, “The Crying Room”.Now 10
years or so later, I’m living in Atlanta, GA and he’s in Columbus, OH making
those dreams happen.I’m creating my
brands of When We Speak TV/ SAINJ Productonsand he’s doing big things like working for BETAwards, BET 106 and Park, and Radio One!!!
So to go back to the question about, “How are you meeting
all these people?”…….The correct answer is undeniably….GOD!!!!
Are you tired of having to go to the nail salon? Or maybe you just don't want to go as often. K. Caprice tries out the One Step Gel Nails by Haute to see if this is the solution.
He later became the arbiter of good taste for Courvoisier, and Style & Fashion correspondent for Access Hollywood, covering the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. He was also named one of People magazine’s “50 Hottest Bachelors” in 2004. Bentley has appeared on MTV’s Making of the Band 2 and in music videos with OutKast, Kanye West, and Usher. He has also appeared in two feature films, Honey and Fat Albert.Fonzworth Bentley lives in Los Angeles.
Bentley is the author of the book, Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence, and Style to Get Ahead. He released a much talked-about album, “C.O.L.O.U.R.S” featuring artists such as Kanye West, Andre 3000, Lil’ Wayne and others.
Aside from being an authority on style, manners, and Hip-Hop culture, Bentley is recognized throughout the music industry and the country as a talented artist and trend-setter.
MORE ABOUT JERMAINE SAIN
Jermaine Sain is the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. In addition, he has released several indie music singles such as: "Look At All You've Done", "He's Done So Much", and "Get Out".
After exiting the U.S. Army in 2003, as a Medical Sergeant, Jermaine began pursuing a career in music after he auditioned for American Idol in 2005, in Austin, Texas.
In 2008, Jermaine moved to Atlanta where he has had the opportunity to provide backing vocals for Kem (Grammy nominated R&B Singer) Heart (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), and Barry Manilow, as well as for companies such as Pink Ribbon Story Foundation and Verizon Wireless. He made his first music video appearance in Kem's Glorify The King.
Jermaine's talk show, When We Speak, caters to entertainment with a close focus on indiemusic professionals.
I'm trying to get better at sharing the things that are going on in the city of Atlanta, guests on When We Speak, as well as myself. So I'm covering all three; by talking about what happened on July 11th. As many of you know, I've had the pleasure of being acquainted with a background singer who has sang with some of the biggest names in entertainment....Crissy Collins!!! She is a past guest and huge supporter of my show When We Speak.
If that name doesn't ring a bell to you, then you obviously aren't a Beyonce or Tyler Perry fan!! And you definitely need to check out this interview with her on When We Speak!!!
Crissy Collins has been a background singer for Beyonce for more than 10 plus years and has acted in several Tyler Perry plays! And that's not all! She has sang with Kelly Price, Monica, Luther Vandross, and many others. Recently, I saw pics with Crissy and R. Kelly in the studio, as well as, of Crissy with Fantasia!!!! I wonder what they are cooking up!?!? CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT!!! BACK TO THE BLOG!
Well, the reason for today's blog is..... I want to tell you about the Background Vocalist/Artist Workshop that Crissy conducted on July 11th in Atlanta, Georgia. Crissy is a very busy lady and when she comes home to Atlanta, she's usually back out on the road in a few days, so for her to choose to do a workshop in Atlanta was #SuperAwesome!!! And for her to personally invite me to assist her for her first workshop was #MoreSuperAwesome !!!
Not only was this an awesome idea, it was also a heart felt action by Crissy Collins. During the workshop she shared lots of information and music industry stories. She also shared her heart's desire to help people that are want to get into the entertainment industry. (That's what my show, When We Speak, is all about so of course, I was sold when she said that! By the way, if you haven't seen my show, please go and check it out: WATCH WHEN WE SPEAK)
During the workshop, Crissy covered things like microphone technique, image, marketing, headshots, press kits, selecting audition songs, how to get a gig, promotions, finances, networking, and much more.
In addition, there were two guest speakers that joined the discussion: Eboni Stephans of ESMV Creative Arts Agency and DJ Blak Magic.
Now of course I can't tell you all the details of the workshop! ONE.....I was working! TWO... I'll hoping to see you at the next!!!
However, I will say, that I got a chance to speak with all the attendees of the workshop before it was over and all of them were well pleased with the outcome and provided great feedback for the next one!!! Hope to see YOU at the next one!!!!
Being a talk show host and promoting other artists is really fun and I enjoy doing it but recently I was speaking with a friend who said, “Jermaine, you need to take some time to promote yourself, just as much as you promote others”. I must admit that I totally agree but I’ve never really found the time….lol. So in other words, this is my promotion of myself.
It’s not too often that I tell about the other ventures that I’ve done or been working on but recently I talked to the SAINJ Productions team and we decided to start providing background vocalists for artists, singers, etc. for live performances and studio sessions.
Some people that are familiar with my journey will know, I used to sing in a group/choir and I was very instrumental in the marketing/promotions of the group as well as, a key player in landing some of the singing opportunities such as Heart, Kem, and Verizon Wireless.
Although I've done such work, I must admit that I was very nervous about attempting to tackle this type of venture on my own, considering all the other things that I’m doing with When We Speak TV and When We Speak (talk show). Nevertheless, I decided to move forward.
Actually, it wasn’t quite that simple. I talked it over with a lot of people before really making the decision and then one night I had the strangest dream. The next day, I started looking for the meaning of the dream. I’m not a “spooky” believer in dreams but I do believe that some of your dreams can have meaning. When I looked up the dream as much as I could, it said that it represented my emotional state and that I was afraid of pursing something new. WOW!!!! So I equated that to the new venture with SAINJ Productions and to put my fears aside and move forward. Needless to say, shortly thereafter, we received an email for our very first placement opportunity. How awesome that it would be a music legend?!?! BARRY MANILOW!!!! There is so much more I could say concerning this opportunity but for the most part I just wanted to share with you what I’ve been up to as Jermaine Sain and to encourage you. Sometimes I sit at my desk and think that everything I’m doing is in vain but then the opportunities come and they wow me everytime to remind me that I am “anointed” to this!!! And even though When We Speak TVand SAINJ Productions are not “church ministries”, I have always referred to them as “my ministry”! And because God has anointed me….it shall prosper!!! Please don’t give up on your dreams… I believe you can do it!!!! And you can!!!
Singer/Actor Tony Hightower (native to the city of Atlanta) speaks with Jermaine Sain on When We Speak. You've seen Tony Hightower in many Tyler Perry plays such as Madea Gets A Job, The Have and Have Nots, Madea On The Run, and others.
In addition to his acting career, Tony Hightower is also a singer who was a former member of the R&B group 4.0 which was signed to Peebles Reid's label. He has so work with artists and greats such as Ceelo, Outkast, Gerald Levert, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, to name a few.
In addition to his acting career, Tony Hightower is also a singer who was a former member of the R&B group 4.0 which was signed to Peebles Reid's label. He has so work with artists and greats such as Ceelo, Outkast, Gerald Levert, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, to name a few.
Jermaine Sainis the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. After exiting the U.S. Army in 2003, as a Medical Sergeant, Jermaine began pursuing a career in music after he auditioned for American Idol in 2005, in Austin, Texas.
Like the
soul singers of the past, her music combines elements of Gospel, R&B, and
Jazz, but what keeps her unclassifiable is her personal technique of impelling
the hearts of audiences with her voice. In 2014, she sang her way into
the hearts of America on ABC’s Rising Star. 
The First Gentleman of Hip Hop, Fonzworth Bentley, Derek Watkins, graduated from Atlanta’s Morehouse College with a bachelor of science degree concentrating in biology, then attended New York’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. After becoming one of the most popular maitre d’s in New York City, he raised his profile as Sean “Diddy” Combs’s personal assistant.
Jermaine Sain is the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. In addition, he has released several indie music singles such as: "Look At All You've Done", "He's Done So Much", and "Get Out".
Being a talk show host and promoting other artists is really fun and I enjoy doing it but recently I was speaking with a friend who said, “Jermaine, you need to take some time to promote yourself, just as much as you promote others”. I must admit that I totally agree but I’ve never really found the time….lol. So in other words, this is my promotion of myself.
