Ernesto Reyes Hopes 'LUZ' Shows Love Is The Only Answer

What themes do you think LUZ carries 

Manhood, especially among the Latino culture. There is a cultural ideal that’s been passed on to us of how to be a “man” and how to handle or avoid our own emotions and therefore how to relate towards ourselves and others.

What was it like working with real Inmates?

Part of LUZ does take place in a real prison, that the state of Oregon allowed us to film in.

Some inmates that were on the last part of their sentence were allowed to be part of the film.

Honestly, it was truly an honor to be around them. They gave us so much and were so cooperative; even guided us at many times.

Jon García- our director- made sure the environment was always safe. We were one big family while we were filming there.

What do you hope people take away from the film?

That love is the only real answer we have but it is a choice.

That no matter how dark a place gets-once you chose to love- the light will start to reveal itself.

What would you like to share with the new generations that are watching the film ?  

To not be afraid to be who you are . To have compassion towards yourself and love yourself before anybody else. 

Do what makes you happy and be proud to be Latino .

 What was the hardest thing about filming or making Luz?

Letting go of my own ideals on Love, Manhood and what others thought of me, but  most importantly to stop judging my choices and just give myself a new opportunity and a new way of approaching love .  

What was it like working with the whole crew while Filming Luz?

Everyone on set brought their best every day , we all had much respect towards each other’s  roles and jobs . That was very inspiring and kept me going no matter how many hours we were working . 

Where can you catch LUZ?

Rreleased on VOD April 6 with a full coverage on multiple platforms.
- iTunes

- Amazon

- Google Play

- Vudu

- Fandango Now

- YouTube

- Comcast/Xfinity

- Spectrum

- Direct TV

- Cox 

- Verizon Fios

- Shaw (Canada)

And through many other local cable providers

DVD release - May 11th 

Give A Hand To Shannon K. A New American Beat

Photographer: Marcel

Hair : René Cortez Make uo : Ashley Joybeck

Stylist : Desiree Morales

US LIFESTYLE Magzine caught up with Indian-American singer/songwriter Shannon K. As the daughter of Bollywood music legend Kumar Sanu she has performed on big stages singing with her father. She is now making waves , in America, on her own stage. Shannon K tells us a bit about her fresh American beat. This is what she says in our exclusive Q/A.

How would you define your American Experience ? 

America is a land of dreams where everyone is accepted. It’s a positive diverse place which not just embraces but also gives freedom to people no matter of the culture, orientation or choices. I love America and so far my experience has been quite positive. However I think that Im just starting to really be where I’ve wanted to be career wise and mentally so maybe I’ll be able to answer this question better a year from now.

What is your main contribution to America? 

Since I was born in India and raised in London, I want to not only infuse my Indian heritage into my music somehow but also infuse what I learnt growing up into the music I create now. I think one of the greatest things about having lived in more than 2 countries is that I can have a non-biased standpoint on how and who I want to make my music for. I think an artist’s environment has a lot to do with that. That’s probably my contribution to people here, a change maybe.

“Coming to America opened a new portal for my music because there’s so much to try here. You’ve got people who celebrate themselves through pop music and you’ve got people who celebrate love through Alt music.”

How has someone elses culture enhance the way you approach your work?

As I mentioned earlier, growing up in London definitely changed the way I approach music especially when I think about comparing it to how my music would be if I had grown up in India. Coming to America opened a new portal for my music because there’s so much to try here. You’ve got people who celebrate themselves through pop music and you’ve got people who celebrate love through Alt music. Because of the diversity here, it’s easy to use a Latin tone in your songs which I plan to do with respect to the Latin Americans here.

How important is it to you to experiencing others culture ?

The most important thing to me is embracing my own culture. I respect all cultures but there’s certain things that I don’t agree with. Instead of picking and choosing good and bad things from each culture, I make my own culture a priority for me. There’s also many normal things that are considered wrong in some cultures like hairstyles, clothes, etc which I’d rather not argue with anyone about which is why although I respect other cultures, I’m going to stick to embracing mine as I feel it’s the safest to do so politically and emotionally.

Photographer: Marcel

Hair : René Cortez Make uo : Ashley Joybeck

Stylist : Desiree Morales

“… my mother has always taught me that beauty lies within simplicity, that grace is the best jewelry a woman could wear.”

What shapes your personal style?  

I think what shapes my personal style is being trendy and fashionable but also keeping my self respect at the same time. I don’t believe in exposing myself too much, and it’s absolutely fine if anyone else feels they want to do this as for them its not the way I see it. I think it’s because my mother has always taught me that beauty lies within simplicity, that grace is the best jewelry a woman could wear.

How would you describe the current US lifestyle?

There’s definitely freedom in everything here including speech etc and it’s also very plant based. I’ve noticed that living here makes you confident which is great.

When have you used your platform to impact social issues?

I’ve always used my platform to speak out on social issues such as animal equality, bullying, and world hunger. Recently, I was made to be the ambassador of World Food Program USA which helps the woman, children, and men who are dying of starvation or are malnourished. I supported UNICEF Sudan against the rule of child labor and child soldiers.

What food connects you to both your heritage and your nationality ?

I love Cottage Cheese Tikka (Paneer Tikka) and Lentil soup which are popular both in India and in America.

How has your age help or hider your professional growth ?

My age has definitely hindered with my professional growth because a lot of time my words are overlooked by producers or other people in the music field as they think that I’m just a kid and I wouldn’t know any better. It’s a complicated thing to be a young artist.

Who has the biggest influence on you? Who do you admire today and why?

I’m super inspired by Beyoncé. I’ve always been and she’s my goal as an artist. I think of her as a goddess when she’s on stage. She can do what no one else can and it’s truly inspiring. I think she inspires not only women but also men to some levels. She’s a true music icon.

Photographer: Marcel

Hair : René Cortez Make uo : Ashley Joybeck

Stylist : Desiree Morales

What have you been up to “Lately” and whats next for you?  

I have been collaborating with a few people on some new records including a really good friend of mine, Kyle Townsend. I’ve also been working on a few acting projects such as singing a song for a really great and talented director Fernando Ferro’s movie “The Big Feed” with Manolo Vergara and even had a cameo in the movie. On the non professional side, I’ve watched Avengers: Endgame around 60 times now and will till it’s out of the theaters, and recently I went to a Hollywood Vampire’s concert which was absolutely amazing and nearly passed out when I met Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry.

Instagram : @Shannonksinger