Feb Cover | Marwa

MAG COVER
MUSIC
Marwa (Queen of Egypt)
R&B
Stroudsburg, PA
www.myspace.com/marwalivesmusic

How did it all begin…
Marwa was raised in a strict, Muslim environment. Among many other things, music was forbidden, but it was impossible to avoid. Upon hearing it for the first time, she fell in love with it. At every opportunity she received, music was playing in her ears. Artists like Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, and Mary J. Blige were what inspired her to spend many nights dreaming of singing. Music became a form of therapy for the young artist and she began writing songs at the age of nine. Growing up with an abusive father and such a strict religion, it was difficult to follow any dreams regarding the music industry. At age 14 became the battle of her lifetime…the fight for freedom. After running way, getting locked up, and struggling to make ends meet, she managed to form a stable enough environment to somewhat pursue her goals. Throughout her childhood, the only thing that kept the young artist alive was the dream of one day becoming a singer and songwriter. Today, she is pursuing her goal at full force. With over 100 songs written, a voice filled with soul and definition, and the drive of Muhammad Ali., she is more than an artist, she is a movement.
Whatever opportunity comes, whether through music or fashion, I take it and roll with it.

What were your influences…
I used to listen to a lot of Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, and Oldies like the Jackson Five and the Temptations.
What’s next for you…
You can expect more songs and more originality.

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Serving Up The Freshest Kicks With 5 Star Service

FASHION
Walking into Sneaker Bistro is a delicious experience. Food network is playing on the flat screen on the wall that is surrounded with many tasty little things called sneakers. We are not talking about just another sneaker store, we are talking about thee sneaker store. The entire concept of Sneaker Bistro, which is located on 112 in Patchogue, New York, is to serve up the freshest kicks that you won’t find in your mass produced sneaker store. From the hand painted graffiti on the wall to the smile you get from some of the coolest people a person could meet upon entering, this store is a breath of fresh air. A table is set up, which at first glace looks like two bowls of spaghetti, some wine glasses, and silver ware. However a closer look will reveal crisp cream and red laces looking good enough to eat. The entire theme of serving up sneakers is so elegantly presented that the creativity in undeniable. From the menu business cards to the culture that is in the atmosphere, I almost wish I could order a nice glass of red wine to go with my new five star sneakers.

With every great idea is the mind that was inspired to make that idea come to life. The owner of Sneaker Bistro, Joe "MR. BISTRO", is the true example of what it means to work hard for something you love. They say find something you would do for free and you will never work a day in your life. This concept hold so true for him. He worked as a crane operator for 12 years but always had a passion and was an avid collector of sneakers. One day he decided to follow that passion and start his own journey in being the supplier to feed sneaker heads appetites the same way his hunger needed to be fulfilled. His passion and knowledge of sneakers and the history they hold is undeniable. To the non sneaker head it’s almost walking into a world that at a glance may seem ordinary but the stories and history behind the sole make it so far from it. It amazed me on how much detail he knew and the facts rolled off his tongue so smooth that it was evident that this was not just another store owner, but a man who gave birth to a beautiful baby and intended to watch it grow with a reputation that surpasses the competition. Just like a father, he knew every detail there was to know and didn’t leave one shoe unturned. I also have to give praise to his team that he has working for him, they were nothing less than great to be around and when you walk in you just feel good. ONEWAY|2 had the opportunity to sit down with Joe and talk about this sneaker wonderland.


(above_Sneaker Bistro Store | left_latest post from their blog "Reebok Year Of The "OX" Omni-Lite Pump")


So who came up with the concept of Sneaker Bistro...
The idea came when I thought about how people look for places to eat. They want good food
and good quality and that is what I wanted to give but, with great sneakers.

Who did the graffiti on the wall…it looks great...
His name is Cycle…he is one of the best guys out there right
now.

Every company has a mission…What’s yours...
Our mission is to spread the knowledge of sneakers like a person would know their fine wines.

There are a million sneaker stores in the world ….what makes you different...
It is a flooded industry however we are serving up the freshest kicks with 5 star service and
that what makes us different.

What brought you to this location...
I know a lot of people around here this is my hometown….I made a decision to destroy the fakes and put my hometown on the map.

Is there any other locations...
No, but you can go on the website.

Can people buy your sneakers online...
No, there is no online store….phone orders are an option, but I really do care about Long Island and want people around here to have the opportunity to get great shoes first.

I love the idea of bistro, what feedback have you gotten from the idea...
It’s funny because a little old lady walked in and asked to see a menu.

How is the recession hurting you...
I think that it is hurting everyone….we are just taking it one day at time…sneaker heads are going to continue to get sneakers .It might not be four of their favorites at one time, but take time to select what they really can’t live without.

So what about pricing...
I take trips out to SoHo and I’ll walk into a store see some of these shoes so over retail…its like come on I won’t even buy them….I am fair in what I do because I love sneakers too so I keep my prices at a fair rate and don’t just hike it up because I can.

So what more can we expect from sneaker bistro...
We are actually expanding in spring of 09 and its going be a bigger layout with the same great flavor.



Written by: Danielle Miller

Sneaker Bistro Info

Site: http://sneakerbistro.blogspot.com/
E-mail: Sneakerbistro@yahoo.com
Store Location: 580 Route 112 Suite 17 Patchogue, Ny 11772
Business Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-8 Fri & Sat 12-9 Sun 12-6
Phone: 631-730-7132 [Phone Orders Accepted On Selected Items]

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Point Counterpoint

MUSIC
Hardcore
Mastic, NY
www.myspace.com/pointcounterpointny

How did it all begin…
Disregarding everything important by societal standards. Taking every opportunity we can even if it doesn't pay off at the moment.

What were your influences…
Irreligion, Bipolarity, Depression, Introspect.

What’s next for you…
Searching for a label to put up with us. Activity!

• Nick Muse (Vocals)
• Frank Semisa (Lead Guitar)
• Justin O'Shea (Bass)
• John Suydam (Drums)
• Po (2nd Guitar)

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ANatural

MUSIC
Hip Hop, Fusion, Techno, Electronic
New York City (All 5 Boros)
www.myspace.com/anaturalgetsbusy

How did it all begin…
ANatural was born Joseph Boykin in Kings County hospital in Brooklyn and raised in Sethlow Projects better known as "The Ville". He had a real tough time growing up with his parents so he moved out of Sethlow Projects into Polo Grounds (Harlem) when he was 10 yr old. His grandmother took him in and raised him during his adolescence. After his grandmother passed away due to lung cancer, he was taken-in by his Great grandmother until he moved out at the age of 21. ANatural always had a love for writing. While watching Boot Camp and Wu Tang Klan perform at Sethlow Projects when he was 8 yrs old, ANatural was amazed at how an artist can move people with words and that sparked an interest to began writing. Because of his parents absence while growing up, ANatural got into constant fights and got kicked out of school. He did what he had to for survival and to help put food on the table. ANatural went back to school where he met Scott Man; a talented music teacher, who heard him rhyme and helped record his first track. Scott landed his first radio commercial while he was in high school. ANatural teamed up with CriticalChild Productions and went on to record many tracks in hope of a recording contract. They recorded at Bang Studio (N.Y); Squad Studio (N.Y) and Mystic Studio in (S.I.). He was later offered a publishing deal, which fell through due to bad management. He decided to move to New Jersey with friend and manager, Bim Star. They both had aspirations to be successful and put their talents together to start a clothing line, Aremu Premier Couture©. With the grind of working the regular 9 - 5 in order to help fund Aremu Premier Couture, ANatural got sick of just getting by. During this time Hip Hop was changing and he had some complaints regarding the way it was being portrayed. He felt that there was a lack of vision in Hip Hop music. His Manager, Bim Star said "Don't complain, do something about it". And that is what you should expect from ANatural. A musician who knows what “grind” means and a rapper who will show what vision can do for Hip Hop. Stay Tuned…

What were your influences…
I have many influences. From Jazz to Rock & from Electro to Pop. I have been blessed to be exposed to music from a very young age because my father was a DJ when I grew up and there always seem to be a party at my house. Right now I am digging the Lounge/Electronic movement that is called Cielo with resident DJs, Nicolas Matar & Willie Graff. I am also listening to a lot of 90s Hip Hop right now to.

What’s next for you…
Right now I am just putting out music and building my base up. I plan to drop an EP next year and a couple of mix tapes. I also am working with promoters to do shows across the country and internationally. In ’09, ya going to ask about me ya heard.

“Not Tryna Change the Game, Gonna Save It”

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