Sonja Marie

Country music was never the same when Miko Marks (Redtone Records) stepped onto the scene in 2005. Since then, she has paved the way for many black female country artists today and is back with a new album entitled, Our Country. The road wasn’t always smooth, but the lessons she learned on the way were valuable. Join us today on The Artistic Voice podcast as we spotlight Miko Marks and learn about her incredible journey.

TAV - Who’s your greatest inspiration?  

Miko - My greatest inspiration is my Mama. She started me out at three years old, listening to music and exposing me to all the greats, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and all the gospel greats you can think of.

TAV - What would you like to accomplish that you haven’t already?

Miko - I would like to perform for thousands of people. To give my music to them and receive their energy back would be a soul shot of goodness that I have yet to experience.

TAV - If music wasn’t an option, what would you have pursued?

Miko - I would be an attorney for sure. I have always been in love with the law and fighting for justice.

TAV - What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Miko - The best advice I have received and continue to take is to never give up.

TAV - What are some hard lessons you’ve learned on your journey?

Miko - I’ve learned that there are barriers in this genre that are hard to overcome. When I first started, I was unaware that it might not matter how good you are; there are gatekeepers that, in some ways, have the power to keep you out.

TAV - Who are some of your favorite artists?

Miko - Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Patsy Cline, Tanya Tucker, Brandi Carlisle, Joni Mitchell, and so many more.

TAV - What’s your biggest motivator?

Miko - My biggest motivator is my gift. I know that using my voice is a gift from God, and I am to use it to share with others.

TAV - What do you miss most about performing live?

Miko - I miss the exchange between the audience and myself. It is a feeling like no other.

TAV - Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Miko - Dolly Pardon and Chris Stapleton

TAV - What’s next for Miko Marks? 

Miko - More music and hopefully performing for thousands of people.

 Listen to The Artistic Voice PodcastTo hear more about Miko Marks check out The Artistic Voice Podcast today! Click on the following link to listen:    https://anchor.fm/theartisticvoice/episodes/Episode-5---Country-Artist-Miko-Marks-e101f5p , follow her @MikoMarksMusic on  Facebook & @MikoMarks2u in Instagram

Actor and Stunt Performer Jwaundace Candece is a real-life superhero. When she steps on a TV or film set, she transforms into that badass chick who may be lit on fire that day or doing tricks on motorcycles or, better yet, crashing cars. Don't be fooled by her outward appearance - she is a trained wrestler, fighter and let's not forget a talented actress whose resume covers almost 200 film and television projects including, Watchmen, Spiderman, The Avengers, Captain America, Let's Be Cops, Good Girls, Naked, P-Valley, Bessie, Selma, Girls Trip, and The Suicide Squad to name a few. If you don't know her, pay attention because you're about to. Let's welcome Jwaundace Candece!

TAV - Let's jump right into it. How did you get started in Film and Television?
 

JC - I got started in film and TV as a Professional Wrestler and Tag Team Champion of WOW (Women of Wrestling) in 2000.

TAV - What do you like most about being a stunt performer and actress?
 

JC - What I like about being a stunt actress is that I get to be physical with many of my characters. I feel that many characters “move” naturally, and I want to bring that aspect to life.

TAV - Looking at your body of work is incredible! How many film and television projects have you done?
 

JC - I have acted and performed stunts in over 175 film and TV shows. It sounds crazy even saying that but, I am grateful.
 

TAV – Wow! You have worked on many projects. Tell us about one of your favorite roles and/or stunts.
 

JC - My favorite role or two, I must say, was in (film) “Let’s Be Cops” as “JaQuandae” and (TV) ABC’s “Resurrection” as Mrs. Camille Thompson. Both roles are the complete opposite extreme of each other, and that’s why I like them both. I love portraying characters so far from who I am. As for stunts – there is a TV Show on Adult Swim called “Tropical Cop Tales” where I had to be set on fire and drive a motorcycle while on fire…that was fun, I must say.
 

TAV – That is incredible being set on fire.  With all that you’ve accomplished in your career, what drives you to succeed?
 

JC - I can’t really answer that question. "Driven" is an innate characteristic that I have always been my entire life. And as far as I have been told. So, I don’t know how to be anything other than that.
 

TAV - How do you mentally and physically prepare for a role?
 

JC - I have to shut down and get off the book mentally. It’s so much easier to evolve into the character if I am of the book. Then, I study the character’s backstory because, to me, that’s an important aspect of “becoming” the character.

TAV - As a stunt performer and actor, what does it take to make it in this field? 

JC - It takes a special set of skills. To have the ability to incorporate both skills is a challenge but also an asset. Most of us either train to become a stunt performer or train to become an actor. I’ve trained in both all of my life without “knowing” it. Transitioning into one or the other or both has been quite smooth so far.

TAV - It seems to me you were destined to be in this space. Why did you choose this profession? 

JC - I’ve always wanted to entertain my entire life. I was born to do this. 

TAV – So when did you realize you had a gift?
 

JC - The moment I was able to speak and when I was in middle school, I fell on stage during a play---and LOVED it so much that I incorporated it into my character…a clown…at that moment. It worked great. And the audience laughed and enjoyed it so much. I didn’t realize it at the time, but at that moment, I was doing stunts.

TAV - Thinking back, what did you want to be when you were a little girl?
 

JC - At first, I wanted to be a doctor, but I fainted at the sight of blood---so that was over. lol
 

TAV - That's funny! Will you describe yourself as a child?
 

JC - I was quite shy and insecure. But when I performed, you would never know. However, I had a witty side, and which I was always voted as one of the class favorites. And since then, I have worked so much on my self-esteem that it has been an important aspect of my self-care.

TAV - Tell us more about your creative process. Aside from acting and stunts, you have developed an amazing website for stunt performers of color called “Stunt POC.” When you created Stunt POC, what was that process like? Did it flow effortlessly?
 

JC - StuntPOC was created because many stunt coordinators nationwide would call me looking for ethnic Stunt Performers. Then, I would call around looking for them myself. Therefore, over the years, I discovered that there are so many stunt performers of color who are UNION and who are TALENTED that I didn't even know. With the motivation of a group of my stunt peers, StuntPOC was created. It started just as a simple database listing, and then overnight, it grew. Then Canada jumped on board after my discussion with Angelica Lisk-Hann, a talented StuntPOC Stunt Coordinator. After that, I decided to hire a professional, creative web developer to upgrade my website and brand. Now we have a new interactive website. StuntPOC initially had many backlashes, and I knew that it would come with the typical responses. However, as time went on, our popularity grew, and our members started to book work. It became known worldwide for what it was created for - a database listing for coordinators and casting to find qualified Stunt Performer Color throughout the US and Canada.
 

TAV – That is awesome! You found a need within the industry and filled it. You’re so multi-talented and creative. You’re not just a talented stunt performer and actress but also an author, producer, and host of your own Wine segment on Instagram called “Wine With JC.” Tell us more about your wine show and how it came about.
 

JC - Most of my friends know that I love, love, love wine. And when the pandemic started, we were stuck in the house for weeks. I started writing, spending creative time with my son, but I also wanted to do something fun. That's when @WineWithJC was created. I wanted to interact with people who also had a love for wine or newcomers who wanted to know more about wine. My page is both educational and fun. It's a great escape for me, especially during this time.

TAV - When you see ideas, or when an idea pops into your head, do you see it in color or black and white?
 

JC - Honey, I see EVERYTHING!
 

TAV - I hear that! What’s the one thing you say to yourself each morning that motivates you?
 

JC - It’s on my wall that I see first thing in the morning “I wake up every day with the thought that something GREAT is about to happen.”
 

TAV - I like that. You're literally speaking great things into existence. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

At the OSCARS, the EMMYS and the SAG-AFTRA awards were nominated for a small but GREAT PIVOTAL role in a movie.

TAV - That's awesome! How do you define success?
 

JC - To me, success is the continuous ability to push forward in your journey to achieve all of your goals and dreams.

TAV - What advice would you give your teenage self?
 

JC - Continue to be fearless and “F” what people say or think about you.
 

TAV - What’s next for Jwaundace Candece?
 

JC - Stay tuned.
 

TAV - Everyone, please give it up for the talented Jwaundace Candece. We thank you for your time and contributions to the world of entertainment. Continue soaring and living in your greatness.
 

If you would like to hear more from Jwaundace Candece, check out The Artistic Voice Podcast available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, PocketCasts, and Breaker. Also, follow her on Instagram @jwaundace, @stuntpoc, and @winewithjc.