At just 20 years of age, Tyler Savery otherwise known as Ty, has numerous titles under her belt; model, runner-up for Ms.Belize 2010 and now fashion designer. However, this isn’t an attempt to capitalize on popularity; Tyler has real talent in fashion design and is the brain and hands behind her work. She is based in Dangriga and Belize City and can be reached on facebook and will be included in a few online stores soon. Stay tuned to www.bzhypemeter.com to learn more. Until then checkout a few of her designs.

BZHypeMeter.com does not claim the rights to any photography used in this article

I met K-Illa, real name Dwight, by chance while talking to Reddz. After that encounter I had the opportunity several more times and he is a really cool person, very savvy musically and overflowing with confidence. I heard a couple of his songs and thought, yeah he is nice with it; but then he brought over his new joint ‘Swagger Man’ in the middle of the night and I realized after hearing it that he is not just nice with it…he understands how to be special.

The 25 year old artist has drive, lyrics, punch lines and a wealth of talent; all are heard in ‘Swagger Man’, a sure anthem for those “swaggerific” people. The hook is catchy, the concept is dope and the word play is fire. Belizeans….stand up

 

Download link for this song: soundcloud

Sat down with the talented and beautiful Ms. Denise Castillo a few weeks ago to discuss her hit radio single ‘Til Da Mawnin’ and talk about the Belizean music industry.

Denise Castillo is a 22 year old singer, writer and University of Belize student. Denise acknowledged that she gets  overwhelmed when people compliment her on her track ‘Til Da Mawnin’ which has been getting steady radio play.

Her style, seen in ‘Til Da Mawnin’, is Reggae Souls mixed with hints of R&B and Dancehall; which is accompanied with a beautiful and classic voice. Like many others, Denise started singing in the church. But being urged by family, friends and even Tanya Carter has brought her to this point.

In terms of memorable moments in her young career, Denise cites coming in 2^nd in the Next Level Project at the Bliss. She talked about learning a lot in that competition and meeting artist and being a part of something that brought latent Belizean talent to the forefront, which she expressed a desire to see more of.

Denise surprisingly stated that Celine Dion was one of her biggest musical inspirations attributed to her parent’s musical taste and LOVE FM (thanks for all those old hits). As for now, she takes interest in artists like Alaine, Tammy Chin and Alicia Keys.

Currently the independent artist says she is working on more singles, so prepare to hear more of her melodic voice on the radio.

Last words? Denise Castillo: I want to shout out everyone that has supported me. Friends, family, everyone…especially my fans.

Listen to her track ‘Til Da Mawnin’ below

Floyd “Redz Di Mastapiece” Lacayo is the producer behind ‘See I Rise’ from Mr.Programme and with that intrigue driving me, I went over to the Doted Quaver studio in Belize City with an old friend, Edmund who runs Inspirational Promotions to interview the cast he was currently working with.

After spending half hour in the room it was clear that Redz’s Materpiece Productions was the engine that could drive the careers of a lot of talented Belizean Artists. Within a two hour listening session I heard hits in the Soca, Hip-Hop and even Brukdown genre. I promise you that ‘See I Rise’ was not a fluke production; this camp has undeniable sounds that Belize will be proud of, end of conversation.

With that said below is the first of a series of videos I will be dropping from this interview. The first video introduces a sparkling young artist affiliated with Masterpiece Productions; I bring to you, TY.

Rebecca Stirm is the mastermind, or should I say masterhands, behind Fancy Purple Paint clothing line. She is a down to earth person, extremely talented, seemingly unfazed by her success and filled with energy. This attitude has made her line increasingly popular in Belize and with the recent success of her last fashion show; Rebecca Stirm is certainly one of Belize’s most promising designers. Goodluck to you Rebecca on your Vancouver trip and the Fancy Purple Paint Clothing line. Fancy Purple paint will be available mostly for pre-order until September when Rebecca comes back to achieve great things…and do your orders.

Until then check out a short interview by BZHypeMeter with her about her clothing line and support great Belizean talent.

When did you start designing?

Well, there was never one day where I suddenly began designing clothing, its been a slow process and skill I’ve developed over quite a few years. Growing up, I constantly was experimenting with and exploring numerous forms of art, I guess you could say that art comes naturally to me in more ways than one. Of all my artistic endeavors though, clothing was definitely my most challenging. Coming up with ideas and sketching them is definitely the easy part; the work and skills that I’ve had to learn come into play when I begin the actual construction of the garment. I giggle now, looking back at some of the pieces I created at thirteen and fourteen. It’s amazing to see how much I’ve developed and learned over the last few years through simple trial and error.

What are some ways you are inspired for your designs?

Hmm, I wouldn’t exactly call it inspiration, but there are quite a few things that I have noticed triggering ideas in my mind [Upholstery, curtains, figure types, textures, colors, and movements]. Sometimes I see curtains and can picture a dress from the material, or I see a figure type and an idea will pop into my head of a design that would flatter that specific body type. I experiment a lot with fabric types and garment shapes and have found many times my best pieces come from experimentation; I seem to be most inspired when I am experimenting.

What are some of the challenges with designing in Belize?

I haven’t faced many challenges [maybe because I enjoy being challenged, I don’t notice the challenges?]. Some may feel that because this is Belize there isn’t enough access to correct materials, but I don’t feel that way. Having a smaller selection of materials has helped me to learn to be more creative and inventive with the materials I have [For example, I sketch my patterns on wax paper instead of trying to find or import special pattern paper].

One challenge though that I have faced is marketing. I have had to learn so much about marketing my designs and ideas. I really believe that there is a market for fashion here in Belize, its just a matter of finding and connecting with that market.

 
What are some of the benefits for you, in being a clothing designer?

I would say that the #1 benefit for me is having the freedom to work flexible hours. I choose my own hours, so I am able to work the hours that I feel are best for me. You may be thinking that one of the benefits for me is being able to make my own clothing? Well, there is a big downside to my ability to create clothing. When I am out shopping, I refuse to buy things because I can make something in the same style in exactly my shape and size. Then I end up being busy making clothes for other people and never end up making anything for myself. So I design and create clothing, but still find myself looking into an empty closet, and it’s all my own fault!

What advice do you have for people getting into designing?

There are three things that I find essential for every design- math, pattern creation, and sewing skills-  I use a TON of math when transferring measurements into patterns and a lot of geometry when creating pattern shapes. . Almost anyone can put an idea of a fancy dress on paper, that isn’t the important part though. The important part of the design process is being able to take a three dimensional idea of a garment, figure out the shapes and proportions to turn that idea into flat one-dimensional pattern pieces, and sewing them together properly. Then you have a design. So again as I mentioned earlier, three key things- math, pattern creation, and sewing skills.

What do you want to do with Fancy Purple Paint in the future?

Great question, I ask myself the same thing . You know, a year ago I had absolutely no idea that I would be where I am at now. I hadn’t really envisioned this, or pictured myself here, but this is where I am and I’m very excited to have come this far in such a short time. Of course I have ideas, goals, and dreams of what I would like to see happen down the road, but for now I am committed to working hard on my designs and learning as much as I can in the process! This is just the beginning for me.

www.BZHypeMeter.com does not claim the rights to any photography used in this article.