Fox of the Week (4/28/10): Basia

Basia is a model from Pittsburgh. She discusses her modeling goals, models she admires and her many piercings.

What is one type of modeling job you will never turn down?

I will never turn down Playboy. That is something I really want to accomplish by or before I'm 25. Playboy is very tasteful nothing too explicit. Marilyn Monroe was the first model featured in Playboy so I find that to be a great accomplishment.

What do you find most rewarding about modeling? What do you find most challenging?

I view modeling as an art, so I love the pictures the most and I like the critique from other people good or bad.

You have 26 piercings. Which is your favorite? Do you have plans for more?

I love my nose rings, I have three one on the left and two on the right, also my 2 belly rings [top and bottom is pierced].

Who are some models you admire? Why?

I love Tyra Banks. She is a great role model for all women especially young models and she really works to helping everyone and I want to follow in her footsteps.

If you can only accomplish one more thing in your career, what would it be?

I just want to be happy and successful in whatever I choose to do in life.

Follow Basia on Twitter.

Announcing a prize for the 10000th visitor

Fox Tracks is quickly approaching 10,000 hits. With that in mind, I am happy to announce that I have something for the person who makes th 10,000th visit to this blog: a copy of my book A Gopher I Couldn't Defuse.
Here is what you need to do to verify that you are the 10,000th visitor and claim your book.
Scroll to the counter.
Capture an image of the screen.
Send the whole image (not just an image of the counter) to me in an e-mail.
Just like that, you'll be the owner of my book. Keep the hits coming, and if you are the 10000th visitor, claim your prize.
Thanks.

Fox of the Week (4/21/10): Katrina

Katrina is a model from New York. She discusses what she enjoys about modeling, what makes a great photo, and what she plans to do when she finishes her travel and tourism studies. She appears courtesy of Tawag Enterprises.

You're relatively new to modeling. What do you enjoy most about it?

I enjoy modeling because you get to play a character from time to time during shoots. I gained confidence and my self-esteem increased. I also enjoy modeling because you never know who you're going to meet!

What do you find most challenging about it?

Getting my name out there and not getting stereotyped as just eyecandy material. I have many diffrent sides that I plan to showcase.

What makes a great photo?

What makes my photos is great is I am willing to try new types of shoots and I am very comfortable with my body.

How do people underestimate or misjudge you?

People misjudge me by thinking I am not smart and that all I do is play in the mirror all day. I am actually very intelligent and enjoy talking about things that are happening in the world.

Who are some models you admire? Why?

I admire Jennifer Lopez she did modeling at one point during her career and I have always looked up to her. I admire her confidence, style, and her fashion taste. I also love the fact that she is multi-talented and owns her business.

You are studying travel and tourism. What do you plan to do when you finish your studies?

I want my travel agency. I also plan to have my own chain of nightclubs in all the top five USA hot cities.

Follow Katrina on Twitter.

Fox Tracks music artist update: ROME mixtapes

In December, Birmingham rap/hip-hop artist ROME was the Fox Tracks music artist of the week. Well, loyal reader, if you liked that feature, you will love this update. ROME stars in two new mixtapes available for download now at the Dynasty Enterprise website. Go ahead and check them out. To quote Bluto from Animal House, "Don't cost nothin'." And let's face it, who doesn't love free music?

Fox of the Week (4/14/10): Miss Sunshine LaShawn Lawson

Miss Sunshine LaShawn Lawson is a model who calls lots of places home. She discusses her first photoshoot, what sets her apart, and who she admires.

What types of modeling do you do?

Promotional, I rip the runway fashion show, hair show, freeze modeling, video model

Describe how you felt at first modeling job.

My first job was a photoshoot for an aspiring photographer...it was soooo hot. Although before I never really had an issue with being in front of the camera, I was so determined for my first photoshoot to be a success that I was nervous yet very anxious and excited. I did have a lot of fun though I did more thinking and concentrating about it than actually having it. Despite all those feelings, the shoot turned out really well.

What sets you apart from other models?

The easiest way to put it: face of a model, physique of an athlete, and personality of the girl next door. (laughs) But it's often said to me that most models are stuck-up, arrogant, and not very personable and find it very surprising that my personality is totally opposite. Sunshine...inside and out.

Who are some models you admire? Why?

Eva Marcille because she is a young, African-American, beautiful, intelligent, SHORT, fashion model/actress. I admire her for not letting people tell her no because of her height and for getting past her insecurities, which is something we have in common...as well as previously being tomboyish before getting into modeling.

What makes a great photo/photoshoot?

A theme that tells a story, a model that can deliver the story, and perfect lighting for that particular theme. The model should have energy, flexibility, and poise and the photographer is key to framing the model as she delivers the theme through her facial expressions and body language.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish?

Simply to inspire other young women through hard work, love, and motivation.

Follow Miss Sunshine on Twitter.

Miss Sunshine appears courtesy of Tawag Promotions.

LA band Red Tide: brimming with earthly delights

Red Tide is a four-piece band from LA. Bassist Spencer Mandel discusses the band's sound, ideal location for a show, and with whom he'd like to collaborate.

Describe your music for someone who has never heard it.

Ambient space rock with electronic elements, but brimming with earthly delights.

What should someone expect from a Red Tide show?

Beer, girls, and some quiet, existential introspection.

What is the ideal location for a Red Tide show? Who else would you put on the bill?

A backyard on a summer night in the Northeastern woods, or a flyer party at the bottom of the LA river. The bill would include My Bloody Valentine, Fisher Meehan, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Superhumanoids, and the Beach Boys.

If you could write and perform a song with one artist, who would you choose? Why?

Thom Yorke would be legendary, but we'll go with Animal Collective because they'd be more fun to work with. They produce a pleasant cacophony of meta-conscious good vibes.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Andrew: A subversive urban artist.
Teddy: Working for IBM.
Spencer: Writing.
Giuliano: Making different music.

Fox of the Week (4/7/10): So Sweet Venus

So Sweet Venus is a model from Atlanta (there sure are some fine models there, don't you think?) She discusses her first modeling gig, models she admires, and her goals.

What was your first modeling gig? Describe how you felt at that gig.

My first modeling gig was a video shoot I did in Miami. I was very excited and I had so much fun on the set. The girls were nice and the atmosphere was perfect!

When did you know you were hooked on modeling?

When I realized that modeling could be a potential way to open doors to other ventures.

What is the most rewarding part of the job? What is most challenging?

Meeting great people is the most rewarding. The most challenging is the negativity that people view models with.

Who are some models you admire? Why?

As far as Urban Models...Melyssa Ford, Ki Toy, Karrine Steffans.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish?

There are so many things I want to do but one thing would be to start a modeling agency and to do something positive to help educate up and coming models about the industry.

Follow Venus on Twitter.
Keep up with Venus on Stiletto Talk Magazine.

Free Lions: trying to make the best music possible

Free Lions is a six-piece band from Huntington Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Shayne discusses what is essential to every one of the band's songs, with whom he'd like to talk music, and what he'd be doing if he weren't making music.

Complete the sentence. Free Lions is...

Shayne, Spencer, Jocelyn, Robert, Matt and Emily making good music. Also, I think they are a group of freedom fighters from Darfur. I think they are both. And everyone else too.

What is essential to every Free Lions song?

Curiosity. Hopefully some creativity too. And fun. I sometimes forget that last one. But it's pretty important.

What sets Free Lions apart from other bands?

We aren't "going for" anything. We're trying to make the best music possible. That's it. Hopefully people find something they like.

If you could have a beverage and a conversation about music with anyone, who would it be? Why?

John Lennon. I think he's a pretty interesting guy. He led a fairly exciting life and I would enjoy hearing his perspective on things.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Traveling. I need to get out and see some more of this place. Hopefully I can do both!

Fox Tracks music features

Loyal reader, you have no doubt noticed that the band features have become rather sparse here on Fox Tracks. The reason for that is simple. I just have not been getting responses from music artists. So, let me put this out there to all of you readers. Music artists, if you want to be featured. Readers, if you know of a music artist who could use some publicity, drop me a line.