By Eva Fydrych
GO FOR YOUR DREAMS
I met Phoenix a couple of years ago during his performance in Brixton's Fridge Bar. There was something different about his look, style and the way he presented his music. Ambitious and talented, Phoenix got involved in a lot of different projects since then: acting, modelling, catwalk choreography - to name just a few.
In an exclusive interview for the Fashion Studio Magazine, Phoenix talks about his work, inspirations and plans for the future.
Phoenix James [aka Phenzwaan]
Occupation: Actor, Model, Writer, Author & Poet
Occupation: Actor, Model, Writer, Author & Poet
City: London, UK
Photos courtesy of Phoenix James
FASHION STUDIO: Do you remember your first steps in the entertainment industry? How did it all start?
PHOENIX: I started out singing and dancing at home when I was around 8 or 9 and really enjoyed playing records. Eventually, as I got older, I danced less but sang a lot more and wrote songs, and later went in for my first talent contest in my local area with a song I'd written and wrote a rap to over the instrumental of a b-side of an old Busta Rhymes track.
FASHION STUDIO: Which aspects of your career are you most passionate about?
PHOENIX: I am passionate about all aspects of my career because to me there's never been a time for me where they haven't been all connected in some way and interlinked. But right now I'm focused mostly on my acting so it could be said I'm most passionate about that aspect at the present moment.
FASHION STUDIO: What do you consider your biggest achievement so far?
PHOENIX: My biggest achievement so far I would have to say is recently being nominated for a Best Actor award, I haven't been acting as long or haven't appeared in any movies as big as any of the big names in my category or worked with any of the big names that they've worked with as extensively as they have so for me to be nominated alongside their greatness is a very big achievement I am quite proud of and thankful for.
FASHION STUDIO: What are the main obstacles that you had to overcome? How do you deal with problems and challenges?
PHOENIX: The main obstacles if any have been staying focused and positive and remaining driven and productive at those moments where you may allow doubt in for a moment or when people who don't understand enough put you down or are negative about what it is you're trying to do. I, like anyone else, strive to remain progressive and overcome and deal with those types of challenges everyday.
FASHION STUDIO: What is your recipe for being successful?
PHOENIX: My recipe for being successful is never giving up. Most people fail because they give up. Others fail because they think that halting their journey to review their map of direction - to make sure they're going the right way - is failing or that having to change lanes or alter their route to success is failing when it's not. My recipe is to keep it moving... intelligently.
FASHION STUDIO: How would you define “fashion”?
PHOENIX: I define fashion as anything that's popular or current of a particular time or culture or within a culture, such as clothing, footwear, accessories or a product etc.
FASHION STUDIO: Who is your favourite fashion designer?
PHOENIX: My favorite fashion designer is my mother, she has designed and made me some of the most awesome coolest outfits that no one else in existence has or had at the time.
Phoenix James - Body Art by Sarah Terry. Photography by Phineas Kibbey
FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe fashion and modelling industry in London?
PHOENIX: The fashion and modeling industry in London can't be described as anything else but amazingly innovative and creative. No matter what anyone else says, there's nothing else in the entire world like it. It's always been its own special thing and unique world and always will be. London fashion rocks, I love it!
FASHION STUDIO: Tell us a little bit more about your acting experience and the main projects you've been involved in.
PHOENIX: I started out 10 years ago stage performing professionally and touring shows internationally, I've been working mainly in film and television for almost 2 years now building my experience & love for screen acting. I've starred lead role in several short films now and a feature length film and acted some minor cameo roles here and there in some other movies. Some of these are released already and some are to come. Also reading a script for a leading role in another feature length.
FASHION STUDIO: What inspires you?
PHOENIX: I am constantly inspired all day long by creativity and art in it's countless forms. I really am. I could just sit and write poetry about the imagined process of a painter from blank canvas to masterpiece.
FASHION STUDIO: How would you describe your personality?
PHOENIX: I describe my personality as friendly, optimistic, outgoing, intellectual, loving, caring, complicated, often shy, loyal, professional, committed, driven, delightful, insightful, fearless and fabulous but that's all just my description lol
FASHION STUDIO: What is your life philosophy?
PHOENIX: Enjoy life, go for your dreams, be whatever you want to be, love more than you hurt, be inspirational, know that you can do all things and keep it moving... with a lovely hot tea.
FASHION STUDIO: Biggest dream...
PHOENIX: My biggest dream is to live my biggest dreams.
FASHION STUDIO: What projects are you currently working on?
PHOENIX: Currently I'm promoting my 'Phenzwaan - Now & Forever' 41 track definitive collection double CD. It's available as a free digital download from my website at PhoenixJamesOfficial.com.
FASHION STUDIO: What are your plans for the rest of this year?
PHOENIX: My plans presently are to continue working on these film projects I have in the pipeline currently while learning and developing my talent, continue pushing my own boundaries, and to further and deeper explore my capabilities within my acting and my creativity in general.
FASHION STUDIO: Thank you and good luck with all your plans!
FASHION STUDIO: Thank you and good luck with all your plans!
Photos courtesy of Phoenix James
ABOUT
Phoenix James is a multi-talented award winning male Model & Actor. He has been a photographic, promotional & catwalk model for various brands including advertising campaigns for NHS, Kodak, Ford, Coca Cola, FIFA, Strongbow, Virgin Money, The London Marathon, Sky Sports and Samsung. He has played a number of lead acting roles in short & feature length films many of which have screened at recognized film festivals across the world including the Cannes and Sundance film festivals. He has also played featured acting parts & cameo roles in cinema & DVD released feature films and appeared in television productions for BBC One, BBC2, BBC Three, ITV, CH4, Living & Sky TV.
Also known as Phenzwaan, he is a multi award winning Writer, Author and internationally recognized Performance Poet and Spoken Word Recording Artist. He has performed his work in some of the most renowned venues across the UK & overseas including the Institute of Contemporary Arts, BAC, Jazz Café, Hackney Empire and has appeared in various newspaper articles, magazines, on BBC radio and television for his writing and poetry performances. He has released 10 CDs, 3 books and a live video of his work and has written for other artists and music producers. His writing has been featured in film, television & theatre productions and he has founded, organized & hosted numerous live showcase events for poets, singers, comedians, rappers and musicians from the UK and internationally.
He continues to push himself in meeting and exploring new creative challenges, trying different things and developing and stretching himself artistically and creatively. He is regarded as a very hard working, talented, passionate and driven professional individual and often referred to as a force to be reckoned with.
Source: Phoenix James
Website: http://www.PhoenixJamesOfficial.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Phoenix_James
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