introducing Nova B. Rutherford...

10 years ago I turned my obsession with music into a career. 

But in my heart I am a writer. 

Here you can find samples I've written covering new artists, artist profiles and human interest pieces.  

I also dabble in corporate writing: proposals, staff biographies, web and marketing copy material (not featured due to company privacy policies). 

Currently, I am based out of Los Angeles, California and available for contract work:

Articles

Online marketing

Social media

Biographies

Product review

Media coverage

Email marketing

Landing pages

Slide shows

Press Releases

Motivational non-fiction pieces

Pop-culture commentary

contact me at: msnovaonline@gmail.com

OLE POP URBAN SONG CAMP 2009

For five days in September, world-class songwriters from the US, UK and Canada converge at Hollywood’s Musicians Institute for the 3^rd annual ole Pop/Urban Songwriter camp. Their mission - make hit records. Ole’s West Coast Creative Director Qiana Conley has worked tirelessly with Creative Coordinator Tony Crago, to formulate an efficient and productive environment that generates at least one song per day.

 Each morning the masterminds from Ole L.A mix pop, urban and country writers into teams.  Shortly after, A&R’s arrive to the song camp to pitch their song requests and discuss the direction of the artists project.  Now that writers have been served the song on a platter, they go directly into the studio to make magic with help from engineers and demo vocalists provided by the Musician Institute.

 The 2009 cycle invites 24 new and returning writers: Rupert Gayle (Shiloh, Keshia Chante), Steven Lee Olsen (Westlife, Steven Lee), Dru (DRU, In Essence), Rosemarie Tan (Danity Kane), Beau Dozier (Joss Stone, Omarion) and Bluetooth (Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks).

L to R: Nashville writer Steven Lee, Hip-Hop production duo "The Runners"

“This camp is so good because it paired up people who might not normally work together”, said 2008 participant Dru Harr, one half of the production duo The Runners.  He continued, “When people don’t branch out they end up writing with the same crews over and over again. At camp, I learned that Nashville writers do a great job of putting substance into records and we can took that with us to future sessions with urban acts.”

 Several of these “odd couples” birthed hits, and Ole writer Tebey penned the energetic “Cause A Scene” which was cut by Tierra Marie & Flo Rida.  Top line writing crews have an additional advantage from participating in a program like the Ole song camp. When forced to split apart, it often results in multiple song credits and learning techniques from other writers, strengthening the skill and exposure of the group.

 This year Ole’s L.A team proudly welcomes Jamie Fox’s Foxx King Publishing as a co-presenter along with momentum from new sponsors Red Bull and Puma. Performing rights organizations SOCAN and American PRO’s have also acted as official sponsors, and in the past the Department of Canadian Heritage assisted with a generous grant to encourage Ole’s support of the Canadian writers involved.

 The relationships and networking potential for writers during the song camp are priceless and by weeks end all writers can be sure that the songs created will be in good hands. Ole’s Sean Mulligan (General Manager/Director US Film Television & Media) and David Weitzman (Director of Business Development) take up the task of aggressively pitching the end product to labels, Music Supervisors and licensing personnel for synch licensing for Films, T.V and Video Games. 

 Last year, Barbara Kane, VP/General Manager of BMI visited the writers and best explained the far-reaching benefits of the annual Ole Songwriters camp. “Without this, the collaboration wouldn’t have existed and the creation wouldn’t have happened and the artist wouldn’t have heard it.  This is a very important vehicle to offer to writers.” *

Confidence Bound: Stronger on the Inside

Stronger on the inside By Nova Browning 

» As far as first glance intimidation goes, Jason Bassels has that department well covered. Shaved head, goatee and a 6ft 2in frame resembling that of a tight end in professional football is exactly how you would want your sensei to appear. His muscular frame is proof of endless hours training in Greco-Roman wrestling, karate, Jiujitsu and kickboxing.

Contrary to his intimidating exterior is the man who resides within.

Bassels is a man of peace who has devoted his life to the study of Eastern medicines, philosophies and classical martial arts under the direction of Sensei Wallace M. Platt. Sensei Platt (Hanshi 9th dan) is chief instructor of Classical Martial Arts Canada (CMAC) and head director of the Honbu Dojo Canada.

Bassels’ commitment to CMAC led to the establishment of his own Yume Dapo Dojo in Mississauga where he acts as the affiliate school’s director and lead instructor, mentoring students from ages six to 60.

I ask Bassels about the influx of adults seeking new methods of fitness or those who come in looking for a quick cardio fix.

“Success is not about finding an easy path and purchasing it. At CMAC, the focus lies on building a solid platform on which to develop skills. It’s hard work, physically and mentally, and those who faithfully practice – young and old – reap rewards.”

Bassels’ refreshingly different approach is also evident when he voices his opposition to the traditional methods of tournament in martial arts. He focuses on an age-appropriate skill set rather than the attitude of cut-throat competition often found in tournament settings.

“The idea is to get them working together in the very nature of what will be their society, to get along, to find where their individual strengths are, and layer them on to another person, and another, and so on.”

He continues, “Everything in society is based on this tournament concept of winning and being better and that seems to be where a lot of our problems are.”

What makes Sensei Bassels stand out from others is his dedication to learning and training. His vast travels, coupled with extensive studying, have led to a unique education which is evident in his understanding and respect of the diverse religious, artistic and healing elements of cultures throughout the world.

By creating an environment of respect and honesty, the Yume Dapo Dojo has become a haven for children who can express their fears of bullies, troubles at home, and learn life lessons on how to deal with negative scenarios. Parents who practice with their children at the dojo have commented on how lines of communication have developed, and perspectives have shifted with their young ones.

“Martial arts is not an extra curricular activity,” says Bassels. “It parallels the very things that are being taught at home, at school, and in society.”

He explains: “Martial arts is like a fire. You can’t expect the fire to continue burning without you fuelling it. You have to feed it something and that’s effort, that’s heart, that’s energy. There will be no heat, no benefit from the fire, without your fuel.”

Always with the safety of his students in mind, the Yume Dapo Dojo has taken a preventative approach to safety by installing a fingerprint scanner in the dojo. The It-Fits scanner ensures every adult picking up a child at the dojo has been approved by their parents in advance. These pro-active safety measures demonstrate Bassels’ genuine concern for his students and their parents.

Confidence Bound: LIFE after cancer.

There's LIFE after cancer By Nova Browning

» Perseverance can be defined as overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity. Mikyla Stewart was forced to persevere when at the age of 19, a doctor told her that she had papillary thyroid cancer. What started as an unknown lump that piqued her curiosity changed to a very real scare within weeks when she was diagnosed.

Initial shock affects some people differently than others. When the fog of disbelief dissipated, Mikyla scraped herself off the kitchen floor, wiped her tears and raised her head from her mother’s lap where she had been sobbing, immediately deciding “this will not get the best of me.” She began doing extensive online research, as well as speaking with health professionals. She soon became comforted by knowledge that this cancer was curable and her bright future would not be snuffed out if she was willing to fight for it. As her disturbing reality set in, this introverted but creative soul realized that to beat cancer her physical and mental resilience would be tested.


Mikyla’s treatment began with surgery. Doctors removed her thyroid and infected lymph nodes. To ensure the cancer had been destroyed, she then underwent radioactive iodine treatments at Princess Margaret Hospital that were so toxic that all visitors were asked to keep their distance, isolating her even further.

The surgery was a success, but when her sensitive skin began to darken and bubble with keloids it added unpredictable emotional stress to her fragile state. Although she was healing internally, her disfiguring scars were a constant reminder that this war was far from over. Putting her health before vanity, she hid behind a collection of turtlenecks and repeated to herself a new mantra, “Whatever it takes.”

Mikyla’s neck bore the wounds of a cancer survivor. The radiation and stitches from surgery left very visible disfigurements and blemishes. “I couldn’t wear turtlenecks all year round, and I was fed up with hiding, because I knew I was growing stronger on the inside,” recalls Mikyla. Despite the hurtful stares from strangers and continuous inquiries from friends, Mikyla persevered, knowing the light at the end of this tunnel was shining bright.

“Regaining confidence was one of the hardest struggles I went through, but I was able to do that with the consistent support of family and friends,” says Mikyla. “My best friends kept talking to me like they always did, like nothing was different. Maybe they didn’t know what to say, but that made me feel normal and grounded. It reminded me that life keeps moving even when you feel like you’re standing still.”


Nearly a decade has passed since Mikyla’s victory over cancer and her scars have healed inside and out. To celebrate her experience, she created LIVE.LOVE.LIFE - an organization for all cancer survivors and their supporters, focusing on health and life’s possibilities.LIVE.LOVE.LIFE is planning a summer 2008 fashion show fundraiser (allowing Mikyla to channel her inner designer) complete with musical performances from Canadian artists. All donations will go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Mikyla is happy to share her motivating message with younger patients, who desperately need proof that there is life after cancer. “I feel like I’m a great spokesperson, because I lived it, and now want to help others feel the same – that this is conquerable, let’s all help to find a cure.”

• For more information on the fundraiser, email Mikyla at livelovelife@email.com.

**backstory on Confidence Bound**

Anyone who knows me well will say that I am a compassionate person who is sensitive to the human condition. Positive thinking, visualization, following affirmation from the universe are all things I believe strongly in.

When I was approach by Confidence Bound - a motivational magazine with national circulation- I jumped at the chance and did 2 pieces for them. Read more about Mikyla who faced cancer at age 19, and Jason who runs a succesful DoJo and incorporates Eastern philosophy in his classes in order to develop the self esteem of his students.

It's nice to mix up my writing now and then, exploring my other interests.

 I hope you like!

: )

**backstory on Estelle interview**

We met on a grey, dreary day at the Sutton Place Hotel, downtown Toronto. I thought to myself, thanks for bringing the nice London weather with you. When I arrived, there were camera crews and photographers setting up their wares. Stylists were buzzing about, explaining that they brought 2 racks of clothes and this UK star wanted to wear her own. hmmmm. diva? was i in for it? 

She comes in, SO much smaller then i expected. clear braces and a homegirl down to earth attitude. I instantly like her. To break the ice, i present her a gift. a 1 Litre bottle of RIBENA- a black currant drink that was her dietary staple in the UK, but not available in the US. She squeals and gives me 3 big hugs. Very genuine. We spend the next 20 minutes blabbing about hip hop, boys cheating on you (and taking them back) and moving away from home while managing to squeeze in an interview.

lots of fun, love love love the album and i look forward to a live show!

Interview with U.K sensation ESTELLE for PEACE Magazine.

Estelle Interview - April 7 2008

Estelle Swaray. Let that name marinate, because you will be hearing it from now until Grammy night. By know you know her back story; West African, West Indian, raised in a family of 8 in West London. Her debut album “The 18th Day” goes Gold in the UK, shortly after dropping her record label for lack of support. Keeping it moving, Estelle hooks up with old friend and boy wonder John Legend, as the first artist on his HomeSchool record label. Three years in the making, her new album “Shine” allows Estelle to do just that. Classic hip-hop and reggae samples are infused seamlessly with cameos from will.i.am, Cee-lo, Wyclef and our own Kardinal Offishal. While remaining true to herself, she reminds us of a certain someone. A chocolate fudge, round-the-way beauty. Singer. Rapper. Estelle talked candidly to PEACE about comparisons to ‘you-know-who’, Kanye’s groupie tests and the making of her latest project.


PEACE: There are many similarities between Canada and the UK: a diverse society, being in the shadow of the U.S, and a somewhat unsupportive system when it comes to black music. How can someone in a similar market learn from what you’ve done?

ESTELLE: One challenge was believing that people wanted to buy the record, and not listening to others opinions about that. Everyone has their story of what didn’t happen to them, so why should it happen to you? I’m like ‘Well I’m ME, that’s why it should happen to me.’ The confidence makes a huge difference. I paid more attention to the positive and started to do what I like. Do hip hop and R&B, do reggae, do soul, do what I do. So do you.

P: Tell me how you first heard of Kardinal Offishal, and what is your affiliation with Black Jays? 

E: (gun finger in the air...) Boooow! (laughs) Kardinal, I met him in ’98 when he came to London, to do a show with Common. I knew Mister Morgan, Kardi’s manager, because he used to work with the Rascalz and I went to a couple of their shows. Morgan called for me to come see Kardi and we just clicked from there. Years later, Kardi was like ‘We should do Black Jays International, so where ever we are in the world, we take care of each other.’ But on a real level, he’s like my older brother. It really is family, more than just the music affiliation.

P: I understand that you met John Legend before he was signed and Kanye over 6 years ago so you’ve known them for a while too. For a rising star in the U.S what is it like being so close to the ‘heat’ of such popular artists?

E: I can stand it. They put me under pressure since day one, with tests to see if I was a groupie.

P: What are the tests?

E: They throw into me the mixture with a load of guys and I be like ‘For real if you don’t stop touchin’ me, I’ma break your fingers.’ It would be as simple as that. They’d look at me like ‘Who’s this little scrawny bitch? Alright, we wont fuck with you.’ You learn to assert yourself, being around so many guys. We cool. They know what it is.

P: You have called your working relationship with John Legend similar to that of Marvin and Tammy. Explain what that creative energy was like when making this album.

E: I felt like Marvin and Tammy had this psychic connection. That’s the way me and John are. When we were making “More Than Friends”, I was SO mad at this guy I was seeing. I was having it out with him cause he can’t figure out if he’s with me or not! So I’m outside on the phone venting to my friends, and John is in the studio, making up the track. I walk back in, and he goes ‘Why don’t we do a song about how sometimes us guys wanna have you on standby’. (jaw drops) I looked at him like, how did you know?! That had me freaked out! John knows where my head is going to go next with different melodies because he’s studied my shit, as much as I’ve studied his shit. That’s why I say it’s a Marvin and Tammy thing because it meshes. They are 2 different voices, but it sounds good together.

P: You speak a lot about female empowerment and accountability, a rarity in hip-hop today. Tell me how you bypassed the bull in the relationships you speak about on “Shine”?

E: I went through it, that’s how I bypassed it. I went straight through. I was an idiot, I got played, I played people, I did wrong things, I did it all and I just wrote about it. I did the whole being with another girls man, then I was cheated on…its terrible. Now I can say, if that’s what you have to do to grow up, it’s not right but maybe that’s what God planned for you. So go through it, I can’t judge.

P: A lot of people compare you to Lauryn Hill. Are you concerned with being put into a box and pressured to have similar success out the gate?

E: No. I’m more honored that people think I’m even capable of that success! It’s not like it’s a bad comparison so I’m not pressured. My album is going to do what its going to do, people will get it, people will feel it cause it’s real life. Everything that I sing about, I’ve been through.

P: As your star rises, what has been the biggest adjustment for you and those close to you?

E: Not being around. That’s why I’m always on my BlackBerry so I can still connect with my people. But its not the same, not being able to touch them or see them, look at them in their face. But they wouldn’t change it and I wouldn’t for the world. They’re like work hard now so you have time for us later. Believe me, I plan to.