Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

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Catching Up With Amazing Artist Nicholas Contrera

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I for one am always super impressed by anyone who comes from a small town like I am and makes it big in a city like Manhattan, where millions of people are trying to leave some type of impressionable footprint before they leave this earth.  To accomplish a lot of that footprint in your early 20’s just shows the type of drive and talent one must have to succeed.  This can be said about one of the hottest rising stars in the art world, Nicholas Contrera.

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Get To Know The Enigmatic & Dynamic Rogan Richards

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Sometimes it takes going down under to really find some good talent.  Pun or no pun, that really rings true when it comes to the handsome and talented Rogan Richards.  Rogan is a jack of all trades per se, having dabbled and excelled in the adult entertainment world as well as being a known photographer and bodybuilder both in and out of his home country of Australia.  His chiseled physique and great performances on screen has generated him quite the following on social media and his brash and bold personality has also made him one of the most requested performers the industry has seen in years.

Being that I am a fan, I wanted to sit down with Rogan and get to know him outside of the industry.  His fresh personality is seen even throughout this interview, where he discusses his love for photography, bodybuilding and his on screen persona, as well as his take on barebacking and why he would love to work with Denise Richards at some point in the future.  Definitely an interesting guy to say the least.  Take a look.

Rogan Richards, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Rogan Richards

Thanks Rogan for sitting down with us.  So how did you get into the adult industry in the first place?

I sent my pics to a bunch of Companies I wanted to work for. Men At Play picked me up and I started filming for them and then the others came-a-knocking.

I usually find that in past interviews people in any industry have inspirations that further their want to be in the field that they are in.  Were there any that inspired you?

Are you asking why I got into porn? If so, can I make something up here cause I’ve answered this so many times? Like an alien abducted me and inserted a chip in my cock and said it would blow up if I didn’t go back to earth and stick it in as many human orifices as possible, and considering I like my penis I decided to become a pornstar.

Your Twitter profile features more than just you in porn, but also about Bodybuilding and Photography.  Out of the three, which is your biggest passion and why?

That’s like asking what child is your favorite! Bodybuilding is my way of life and I am passionate about sharing this with the world. Photography is an artistic passion I have. I couldn’t imagine my life without either. I wouldn’t say I am passionate about being a pornstar. I do that for fun and the amazing opportunities it provides me with.

Rogan Richards, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Rogan Richards

Have you always been an avid bodybuilder or was that something that happened later on in life?

I started bodybuilding when I was 15 but I fucked around for years. It wasn’t till I got on a reality television show that I actually put some effort in. After I saw what happens when you actually apply yourself properly I hit it hard and never looked back. I went from physique model to bodybuilder and am planning on doing my first competition this October.

For people wanting to get into bodybuilding, or even get into better shape as the summer is coming, what do you recommend them doing regarding diet and exercise?

Use your brain. Too many peeps will go into the gym and ‘push’ weights around. It’s not what you do its how you do it. Also they follow fads in magazines about what to eat which is the worst thing to do. EVERYTHING you need to know on how to be a successful bodybuilder is at your fingertips with the Internet. You just have to “want” it enough to by pass the quick fixes and put the effort in.

Regarding your time in the adult industry, has it had a mainly positive influence on your life overall?

HELL YEA! It has taken me around the globe, given me some great friendships, landed me in Spain where I met my boy friend and open other career opportunities for me. Of course like any profession you’ll always come across wankers but I can say it’s been more positive experiences than negative ones.

You are seen mostly as a top however I saw that you recently bottomed for a Titan movie.  Are you open to becoming more versatile in scenes or do you prefer being one or the other?

In my personal life I’m 100% ALPHA TOP FULL THROTTLE. Having said that, I am a crowd pleaser, so maybe in the future you might see me playing out crowd requests, so to speak.

Barebacking in the adult world has becoming hugely prevalent to much criticism.  What is your take on that part of the industry?  Do you condone it?

None of us want to wear a condom when we have sex. And I think the black and white approach of safe sex or no sex is oblivious to the younger generation who weren’t subjected to the Aids propaganda in the 80s and the older generation who lived through it are tired of it and much more carefree. It’s not about condoms anymore its about education. EDUCATION = PREVENTION. If you are big enough to have unprotected sex you should be big enough to educate yourself on what risks are out there, what activities subject you to what risks, and most importantly be getting sexual health checks on a regular basis.

Porn is selling a sexual fantasy so I am not surprised that rubbers are vanishing from the screen. To ask if I condone or condemn this is too black and white. I have chosen to only shoot safe sex films till this point in my career not because I don’t want to glorify bareback sex but because I haven’t been presented with a reason or want to do otherwise.

Is there anyone you are looking to work with, both actor, director or both, that you would like to work with?

I would die if I got to work with Denise Richards in a Bruce LaBruce film.

What plans do you have in 2015 and beyond?

My immediate plans are to launch my WAY OVERDUE web site and get my USA VISA. After that, “WORLD DOMINATION!”

Anything you would like to add to this interview? 

It’s ALL about the FLEX!

Rogan Richards, Manhattan Digest
Credit to: Rogan Richards

Be sure to keep up with Rogan Richards on all of us social networking sites!

Twitter

Instagram

Youtube

DJ DIRTY SOUTH ALBUM RELEASE; Art Design Contest

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Dirty South Contest
Dirty South Design Contest

 

Talenthouse recording artist Dirty South just announced he will be releasing his first full-length studio album, Speed of Life.  This Serbian-Australian DJ/Producer has been on the house music circuit for a few years now and has racked up plenty of positive recognition and attention.  In 2008, he was nominated for a Grammy, in the Best Remixed Recording category for his  recording of, fellow Tech-House DJ, Kaskade’s Sorry, and then again, in the same category in 2011 for his collaboration with Axwell for the Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition.

Since his recording career began, Dirty South has been racking up merits from a number of respected house music sources.  He is well known in the acclaimed InTheMix 50 DJ Poll’s, voted “Most Popular Producer Nationally” in 2007 as well as ranking 2nd in the 2007 InTheMix 50 DJ Poll.  Let’s not forget that in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJ poll every year since 2007.

 

So now that you know a little bit about this insanely talented DJ/Producer (just in case you) let me get to my point…In honor of his album release Dirty South is inviting artists to compete to design artwork for a limited edition tee-shirt that will be sold through his online store.  Having a design on an internationally sold clothing item is a great accomplishment for even the most seasoned artists, but even if you are just an aspiring artist or just have a talent for design and art this could be your open doorway!  Not only will the winner’s design be printed and sold, they will also receive a trip to VEGAS, a two night stay at The Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort, and a meet and greet with Dirty South himself.

To enter view Talenthouse‘s website at:

www.talenthouse.com/design-for-dirty-south

Winners will be announced March 5th and the deadline to submit is Tuesday February 26th!

I’m very honored to be the one to let you all know about this exciting opportunity and, as an art lover myself, look forward to voting and seeing the winning design!  And don’t forget the winner will be announced the same day as Dirty South’s album release!!

Raw Henry Wagons

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Courtesy of Wagonsmusic.com
Courtesy of Wagonsmusic.com

Henry Wagons’ EP “Expecting Company,” brings the vintage Johnny Cash sound back with a twist. Wagons, of Australia, expressively howls through the 7 track EP with the accompaniment of other vocalists on almost each track. It’s a trippy sound with raw vocals that are undeniably full of Western masculinity.

Wagons’ has carefully paired other vocalists on his tracks, where not to shadow his talent, but rather compliment each note. While I listened to the opening track, “Unwelcome Company,” I felt transported into Wagon’s and Alison Mosshart’s state of mind, which was probably altered by some sort of recreational supplement. It encompasses that 1960’s sound and channels the track “Jackson” by June and Johnny Cash, with a darker edge.

During “Give Thing’s a Chance to Mend,” I could not stop thinking about film. Initially I was confused why I felt I was in a movie and then it came to me. All I kept hearing was Nancy Sinatras “Bang Bang” in the female vocals section. I did a little research and found that this song with featured in the film Kill Bill. The similarities are almost frightening. The strum of the guitar progression, the sound of the vocals and even the tempo; it’s a good song, but I still feel the album altogether is missing something.

The track that saved it for me was “I Still Can’t Find Her.” It sounds original and catchy (yet not annoying) while keeping me interested. The track tells a story and is musically and lyrically captivating. It has that something that the other tracks don’t have, and for me that’s heart.

Don’t get me wrong, the other tracks on the album are good, but it feels like Wagons may be trying a little bit too hard. His problem is trying to balance being too cool with a sound of country and a side of raw rock and roll. Sometimes a little bit of everything doesn’t make an album commendable. He should stick to what he’s good at and that can ironically be found in “I Still Can’t Find Her.” Since it’s a short EP it’s fairly inexpensive, so give it a listen it’s at least worth the exploration into Wagons’ head.