Rob Ayling is an award-winning freelance filmmaker. With a background in Art and Film Philosophy, Rob graduated with a BA Hons from UWE Bristol during which time he started the first film based radio show for Hub Radio. This led to him being commissioned to write film reviews and articles for Intuition Magazine. In 2014, he graduated from the Met Film School with a Masters in Film Directing. Rob has worked on television, corporate videos and feature film productions in different roles – camera operating; sound recording; editing; and storyboarding. He has directed short films (live action/animation) some of which have won awards and been selected at prestigious film festivals such as the BAFTA Recognised London Short Film Festival, Aesthetica Short Film Festival, Bath Film Festival and the East End Film Festival. Rob's favourite and influential filmmakers are Christopher Nolan, Billy Wilder, Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock. On a personal note, Rob is a former Starbucks Barista champion. Follow Rob on Twitter: @RobAylingFilm

Originally from the tropical seaside town of Townsville, Australia, London-based singer/songwriter Ebony Buckle spoke to Occhi Magazine during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her single “Ghost” reflects the heart-wrenching experience both she and husband Nick Burns endured during their fight to renew her visa after their marriage. Despite her specific experience, Ghost is a universal song of love, loss, commitment, and pain of feeling utterly helpless. “Ghost” was written by Ebony and Nick via Skype, as they were kept apart for nearly two years. Ghost- Written by Ebony Buckle and Nick Burns Produced and mastered by Nick Burns. https://www.instagram.com/mrnickburns/ The music video was made by Finn Buckle https://www.finnbuckle.com.au/ For further information on Ebony, please visit http://www.ebonybuckle.com

Joel Goodman creates emotion through music. As a multi-talented composer for feature films, documentaries, television, album releases, performance ensembles, and other forms of collaborative media, his signature style thrives in musical settings that express the full range of human emotion. An Exquisite Moment' is Joel Goodman's deeply personal and improvisation-rich debut album of "full-experience" music. The Emmy-winning composer embarks on an epic voyage of self-discovery alongside some of the most accomplished and creative names in jazz. We caught up with Joel to discuss his career and his latest project. For further information on the artist and album, visit https://www.joelgoodman.com/

Playing a fusion of jazz and Afrobeat, Kokoroko was named "ones to watch" by the Guardian, after their track "Abusey Junction’ attracted over 23 million views on YouTube. The band continues to garner attention and critical acclaim for presenting a uniquely fresh, exciting, and exuberant sound. We met with band members Onome Edgeworth and Sheila Maurice-Grey to discuss their music, inspiration, and headlining at this year's Christine and the Queens’ Meltdown Festival at London's South Bank Centre. For further information, visit https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/meltdown https://www.kokorokomusic.co.uk/ #occhimag #kokoroko #meltdown #Southbankcentre

Rhode Island-bred singer/songwriter and cover artist Lainey Dionne is a millennial musician who writes “the sort of music that immediately makes you forget that you left a burning oven on, or should be doing something productive.'' Breaking out in cities on the east coast, she has won many awards for her quirky lyrics and upbeat sound. In 2020, Lainey was a two time 2nd Place Overall Grand Prize winner in the New England Songwriting Competition following her 2019 win when she was also a placing finalist in Rhode Island’s Summer's End Race to the Stage Competition. In 2018, Lainey was nominated for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, Best Americana Act, and Best College Act at the Worcester Music Awards, along with Best Breakthrough Act at Rhode Island's famed Motif Music Awards. Occhi Magazine had the pleasure to catch up with her to discuss her track 'Hey London' during the COVID-19 lockdown. Lainey's music is available on iTunes, Spotify, and other streaming services. https://www.laineydionne.com/ Photo credit: Daniel E

Footwerk is six piece band based in Washington, D.C. It is vocally led by a ‘friendzone’ power couple (Melisa & Kyle) on the frontline. The back line contains musicians from diverse backgrounds: Teddi (keys), Eric (Percussion), Fern (Bass), and Josh (Drums). There sound boasts of Rock rhythms under soulful Rap and R&B vocals over dance beats, with a splash of percussion. Footwerk's unique style of ‘No Strings Attached’ fan interaction made their ‘One Night Stand’ live shows popular in their hometown DMV (D.C., Maryalnd, and Virginia) music scene. Unbelievably, a chance craigslist ad led to the formation of the independent group. Due to their immediate success, they’ve decided to release their debut album this year, aptly titled ‘Casual Encounters.’ They plan to go on a national tour of ‘One Night Stands' in 2017. Connect with Footwerk: Web: www.footwerkband.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/footwerkband Twitter: www.twitter.com/footwerkband Instagram: www.instagram.com/footwerkband Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/footwerkband Hashtags: #NetflixandChillswitch iTunes: Chillswitch: https://itun.es/us/X3X47?i=1004740411 Website Store: http://www.footwerkband.com/spend/!/Casual-Encounters-Album/p/53342652/category%3D0

LA based Musician Julian Shah Tayler talks to Occhi Magazine on the release of his new track 'Secret'. The video was released this week (July 17) For further information please visit http://www.julianshahtaylor.com

Dion Tucker is one of the premiere trombonists on the jazz scene today having played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, Steve Turre, he’s been on Broadway and much more. Occhi Magazine recently interviewed the trombonist where he discusses his career and experience of embouchure dystonia. The interview was recorded remotely during the COVID lockdown. Embouchure dystonia is a term used to describe a type of dystonia that affects brass and woodwind players. The term embouchure refers to the adjustment of the mouth to fit the mouthpiece of a wind instrument. The anatomy of this form of dystonia includes muscles of the mouth, face, jaw, and tongue. Photographer: Mikisha Morris-Tucker Social Media http://DionTucker.com/ Website http://www.TheChops-Shop.com