by Jane Lambert

Video Voyager: Brittaney Delsarte Chatman “Talk to Me”

If you haven’t already watched Brittaney Delsarte Chatman’s video for her latest R&B single, “Talk to Me,” your not only missing out on stunning visual storytelling, but also the production quality. Brittaney’s video was released in March 2022 and even when she hit an obstacle, she didn’t let that get her down. “On March 4, 2022, I was a victim of a cyber security attack,” she shares. “The hack compromised my marketable IG content for my music and my brand with deleted followers, highlights, and posts. This put my video campaign to a full halt. You know what they say chile- New levels, New Devils.”

She continues: “But, as I always say- any setback is just a setup for a comeback! I built my platform from the ground up and I can get it back to where it was and perhaps surpass where I was. If you knew about the hack and you continue to support me by viewing & sharing my new music ‘Talk to Me’ on your platforms, I want to thank you from the bottom of my lower intestines lol. Your support kept me strong for these past two months but now I’m back with the jump off!”

Brittaney had the help of an amazing team to get the video looking as great as it does, like the Producer and Cinematographer Nick Libraro, Assistant Director and Producer Mia Francois, and Director Rye Caraway. We got to speak with Nick on the production of this video in this edition of Video Voyager.

Let’s dive in:

Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

As producer and cinematographer for this project, I was truly able to tell the story that Brittaney portrayed in her song ‘Talk to Me’. As a creator, the story of this song can be seen from a quick glance- A strong woman wants love, and will make her stand in doing so. By taking a deeper look, you can see that Brittaney is pouring her soul into the overall story via lyrics. She is showing her listeners that she’s not only smart, strong, and capable of being on her own, but she’s opening a door into her mind and heart; vulnerability is the word we used throughout this process. We chose to stick with this word and visualize Brittaney being vulnerable on camera because it not only shows the world who she is, but it breaks the visual media stereotype that Black women always need to be strong. Brittaney allows the listeners to hear a side of her that not many people have gotten to experience beforehand – so utilizing this vulnerability in a cinematic and creative way was the best way to tell the story of ’Talk to Me’.

What was the inspiration behind this video?

The main inspiration behind the video itself of course is the lyrics, but mainly it was Brittaney. As the one who handled bringing the story to life via writing/ storyboards, I found myself listening to the song on repeat constantly, focusing in on lyrics and moods. However, in doing so, we originally lost a nuance that needed to be told – Brittaney’s story, not just any story. From the writing room to constructive zoom meetings with the main team of producers and directors, we were able to merge the stories and bring it to life – adding dance numbers/ choreography, bringing Brittaney’s Blossom energy to it. I think personally that’s what the inspiration is; she’s an incredible soul and by telling this story, I believe people will finally understand who Brittaney truly is.

What was the process of making this video?

The process of making this video was quite extensive as we wanted to truly do our best not only in telling the story, but ensuring the visuals were perfect. We had a full 3 process breakdown with pre-production, production, and post. For about 3 months before shooting, Brittaney and myself met via zoom with director, Rye Caraway, and other producers to discuss plans, budgets, props, locations, camera gear, equipment, extras, and much more. Assistant Director Mia Francois, an accomplished producer herself, was kind enough to send over an amazing excel checklist that helped me and the internal SnaggleTooth team really iron out any kinks or issues we may have had. During this process, we were traveling the coast of NY to find locations (restaurants, coffee shops) – and unfortunately at the last minute, even with all of this planning, we had a minor issue with locations. Luckily it was resolved quickly with the amazing NY restaurant The Renaissance, in Harlem, allowing us to rent out their back room. We also rented a gorgeous brownstone that was beautifully furnished that we turned into Brittaney’s apartment. Our production process was incredibly smooth and I thank the team we had as well as the extensive pre production process we had in play. Not only did we know lighting setups, angles, and exact locations for each scene; but Brittaney and guest artist L’Marco worked closely with choreographer Tiffani Jones to perfect their dance routine. After our two production days as well as a pick-up day to capture some extra emotional scenes that truly rounded out the video shoot, Brittaney and I went into the editing room via zoom. We sat together for an entire evening going through scene by scene, fixing colors, adjusting clips, and really making ‘Talk to Me’ the work of art it is. It wouldn’t trade the process we utilized and truly, I have adopted this process now for SnaggleTooth Productions more high-end videos and budgets. Stay tuned for more amazing music from Brittaney and some more visuals coming soon!

Watch here:

Follow Brittaney via:

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // TikTok // Spotify // Soundcloud

06.28.22

by Jane Lambert

Joanna Ramirez’s Latest Album Keeps Us on Our Feet

A soulful voice, lyrical depth, infectious music, everything you want in an artist Joanna Ramirez has. The Dallas native Austin-based neo-soul, jazz, and R&B artist has been making music for some time now. Starting in the 1990’s, Joanna launched her career with her funk/blues band called Soul Providers. When she moved to Austin in 1998, she joined the blues/R&B band Shake ‘Em On Down formed by guitarist J.P. Lilliston.

It was only inevitable that Joanna would go into a career in music seeing as it’s in her blood. Her grandfather was a singer and guitarist of traditional Mexican music and recorded for the Bluebird and Victor labels in the 1930s. Her father was an R&B guitarist and harmonica player, and, along with his two brothers, Charles and Chick, played in various combos during the 1960s.

“It is not easy to bare your soul through music, but I believe it is the only way to truly impact others and possibly inspire, comfort, heal, or just get people to dance,” she says. In her latest album, On My Way, she does just that, exposes her truest self. The album has 11 upbeat R&B, jazz, and neo-soul songs, each giving a glimpse into Joanna’s eyes and heart.

The title song, “On My Way” is a neo-soul song that chronicles her musical career, a narrative of overcoming and showing the world that she is not to be underestimated. “I think a lot of people can relate to the song’s narrative of wanting to give up on something, but knowing that they can’t ignore a voice inside telling them to keep going,” she says. “Happy” explores self love and a jazzy and bluesy sound lead by the keyboard. “This one was a bit scary to write, because I knew I had to get personal and tell my story through this song, starting with childhood, remembering the feeling of not measuring up to my parents expectations, the fearful environment of our home, then to my failed romantic relationships and now, still feeling that I’m not being fully myself as a musician and creator,” she says. “Seems it’s the universal experience of being human – always striving to just be happy.” “Whaddui” is a soul and R&B song with a hook and melody that truly makes you sing out loud. It’s an anthem-like song seemingly about the craziness that was 2020, with a global pandemic and the political drama that was unfolding. She sings “whaddui whaddui whaddui have to do to prove to you/that there’s no need for all your crying/oh I just want to help you/get through/this crazy dream.”

It can’t go without mentioning Joanna’s voice. There is no other singer out there who encompasses her strength, power, and self-confidence that Joanna does. You can hear every emotion and all her passion in her singing. It’s one of the most stunning things about her music, particularly On My Way.

Listen here:

Follow Joanna Ramirez:

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud

06.10.22

by Jane Lambert

Brittaney Delsarte Chatman Empowers in “Talk To Me” Video

Almost 3 months ago, Brittaney Delsarte Chatman, a modern day millennial renaissance woman, released the music video for her R&B single “Talk To Me.” The song is about relationships and setting boundaries and expectations for them. Brittaney sings about how women especially shrink themselves or dishonor themselves within some relationships. This song is for them, a reminder that you don’t need to lose who you are to be with someone.

The video was released in March, though Brittaney had a set back. “I was a victim of a cyber security attack,” she shares. “The hack compromised my marketable IG content for my music and my brand with deleted followers, highlights, and posts. This put my video campaign to a full halt. You know what they say chile- New levels, New Devils. But, as I always say- any setback is just a setup for a comeback! I built my platform from the ground up and I can get it back to where it was and perhaps surpass where I was.”

The “Talk To Me” video starts with a monologue from Brittaney talking about how sick and tired she is of all this relationship stuff, that all men are the same at their core. She reveals a contract in the video and presents it with strength and gives a sense of empowerment for her listeners/viewers. She knows what she wants, and implies that other women know what they want, and asks for it up front. If the contract and conditions don’t work for you, then back out now.

“I wrote this song and created this video to empower my Blossom cousins to keep the faith in finding true love and stay true to their values and core beliefs and to make that known to the next person that comes into their lives,” she shares.

Watch here:

Find Brittaney Delsarte via:

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // TikTok // Spotify // Soundcloud

03.01.22

by Jane Lambert

Eva Sita’s “Joon” is a Catchy and Rhythmic R&B and Pop Inspired Song

You will be sure to dance in your bedroom to this latest single, “Joon”, by Eva SIta. This pop, r&b, latin fusion hit is sure to be on repeat. WIth influences such as Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Beyonce, and Amy Winehouse, Sita takes influence from some of the greatest female pop vocalists of the past few decades. She has also been compared to fusion pop artists such as Dua Lipa.

Born in West Africa from an Ivorian mother and a French father. Eva Sita became a war refugee while moving to Paris at only 10 years old. A few years later, against all odds, she became the first Ivorian woman in history to graduate from Berklee College of Music.

The singer-songwriter & beat-maker pays tribute to her roots through catchy pop music.The musician speaks and sings in three languages and accompanies herself on just as many instruments, one including the Kora, a traditional African string instrument.

When creating “Joon” Eva states, “I first started with chords, I chose some ‘spicy’ triad chords and decided to play them with a Latin rhythmic piano comping. I then sang some melodies borrowing from the harmonic minor scale ( often used in middle eastern music ) as I really wanted to give off the ‘vibe’ of the Persian guy I was writing this song for. It was a funny experience to write such a nice and honest breakup song.”

Listen here:

“Joon” is out now on all streaming platforms, and her grooving beats and powerhouse vocals are not ones to miss! She can be reached anywhere below:

Website // Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud // Apple Music

11.30.21

by Jane Lambert

YV Ministry Uses Music as a Spiritual Tool of Love and Connection

C-Aye and Kelley Nicole are the musical duo that makes up YV Ministry, born out of their musical worship work at Covenant Blessing Fellowship (CBF) in Wilmington, CA. While they’re a Christian duo, hoping to spread God’s love and feeling His spirit through music, these two accomplished artists have years of musical experience under their belts. C-Aye has worked for or shared the stage with such acclaimed producers and artists as Aaron Lindsey, Pop/R&B group All-4-One, Poo Bear, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Claude Deuce, Twinkie Clark, India.Arie, Hip-Hop and R&B hit writers Nate Dogg, Devine Evans, David “DQ” Quiñones, and more. As for Kelley Nicole, she was once a lead vocalist for the critically-acclaimed Afro-funk band, Soulfège, and has performed around the world. She’s even shared the stage with renowned artists Bobby McFerrin and El Debarge.

Their new single, “Glory and Honor,” is an R&B gospel and worship song with a message of love and spirituality. It was in a time of prayer that the song came to C-Aye. “I was thinking about the principle of keeping yourself focused on glorifying God, and if the work that you’re trying to do in life is honoring God, it keeps you on the path of that perspective. The perspective that glory & honor belong to God. The more we put effort into other stuff, the easier we split into distraction and the like,” says C-Aye. The overall message: life is simple when you stay focused on giving Glory & Honor to the one and only God.

“Glory and Honor” was a collaboration with the amazing Trey McLaughlin, a vocalist, producer, composer, and educator. He recognizes the beauty and fusing of sounds and genres to everyone a unique experience.

Listen here:

C-Aye’s musical journey began around age 11, when he first got involved with the music ministry in his home town of Augusta, GA. Thrown into the fire as he often says, he was a sought after music ministry leader at a young age, having either played for or led several music ministries “Some kind of way I got fascinated by piano,” says C-Aye. “I was so young it’s tough to remember. There was a lady that came to my elementary school and she had kiddie instruments and I remember being fascinated by it and really enjoying it. I started taking lessons. And pretty much any chance I got to make music I took it. Band, competitions at school, etc.” As he got older he had different experiences with people showing him technology and as he learned more about that he fell in love with production & engineering. When he moved to LA he moved with a bunch of people that had gone to the Berklee School of Music, and he learned that he didn’t know quite as much as he thought he did! That was the beginning of what he calls his “professional awakening.”

Kelley Nicole started playing piano in 1st grade in Teanack, New Jersey, but really fell in love with music and singing around the 4th grade when she surprised even herself by taking on the lead in a school play. She realized how important an outlet singing was for her, a girl who was pretty shy and found it hard to express herself fully to others. Regardless of that love however, academics and athletics were the focus for her in high school and she eventually was admitted to Harvard University. Most folks see Harvard as a place that develops people’s career interests in the law, medicine, or business. For Kelley Nicole, her love for music was rekindled and grew even bigger during her tenure there. It was in her senior year that she decided she needed to make music her career, someway or somehow. She was able to become a lead vocalist of the Afro-funk band, Soulfège. At one point, the group had one of the top 5 music videos in the country of Ghana, joining the likes of Usher and Beyonce at the time. Soulfege had a management opportunity in Los Angeles, which brought Kelley Nicole to LA, where she met C-Aye, at Covenant Blessing, where she had to audition for him.

That meeting sparked a life-long friendship. When Kelley Nicole decided to leave Soulfège, C-Aye helped her kick-start her solo work. Now together, using music as their chosen vessel, Kelley Nicole and C-Aye’s vision is to make YV Ministry a space where anyone can surrender themselves to the presence of God, and feel comforted, confident, and empowered by His everlasting love, covering, and supernatural guidance.

You can find YV Ministry via:
Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud