My latest interviewee has been heard with the likes of Q-Tip, will.i.am, Sergio Mendes, Sa-Ra, Ricky Martin and more; with her sultry, seductive voice with a gorgeous look to match. Shining bright like the name suggests, Debi Nova had me at hello when we got together recently to talk about life in Los Angeles, what’s next for the young songstress, and the answer to the question of just how sexy Ricky Martin actually is. Join me?

Flak: Hey Debi! How are you?

Debi Nova: Good! And how are you?

F: I’m doing quite well actually. It’s a nice day today. Are you in LA today?

DN: I am in LA, did you say you were in LA too?

F: Yeah I am.

DN: Nice! So you’re enjoying the beautiful weather…

Several lines of our cute small talk later…

F: So tell me what’s going on, I’ve been looking up what you’ve been up to, and I’m very impressed; and I’m happy you’re in the music game right now.

DN: Oh well thank you so much! Yeah I’m really excited to put out this record, which I think will come out at the end of April and… well I don’t know if you’ve heard any of it but it’s basically a combination of songs that I’ve written over the years, and it’s partly in Spanish; because I’m from Costa Rica. And I guess that’s what’s major about the album; combining those languages and… I’m excited!

F: Yeah I’ve heard parts of it actually. Drummer Boy, one of my favorite songs…. And I don’t know if I’m pronouncing this right but Cora… Corazon Abierto?

Post her laughing at my feeble attempt at Spanish

DN: Heh yeah Corazon Abierto!

F: Yeah…I’m working on it… but I love the guitar in that song. That song is amazing!

DN: Thank you thank you! That’s the idea, and I think that one of my goals for this album is that some people will learn some Spanish words you know? That would be really cool!

F: Yeah I think that would be cool too; especially in Los Angeles…it’s very Spanglish, and I’m still working on it myself. I keep telling myself I’m gonna learn…

DN: Yeah and it’s good if you live in LA!

F: So tell me, what’s your favorite song on the album? That track that everyone should be looking out for?

DN: Well I love all of them but hmmm… I really love all of them like they were my children but… I think the last song was very special to me because I wrote it at a time when I was a little bit disappointed with where my life was going and its song that means Get out of me…you know, my fears, and I really wanted to get them out of me.

F: And that song is called Get Out of Me?

DN: Well Leave Me…would be a better translation actually. Yeah Leave Me.

F: Awesome. And I’ve been looking at all the people who you’ve worked with, like Q-Tip, Will.I.Am, Illa J… the most interesting though, and the one that shocked me when I realized it, and I didn’t realize until a little before we did this interview, was that you worked with Sa-Ra (aka Sa-Ra Creative Partners), who are one of my favorite artists. I mean those guys are awesome!

DN: I did! And that was amazing because they’re…as you know they’re very special…they’re on their own…

F: Planet! Exactly!

DN: Yeah! And I was so fortunate to meet them! We were in the studio in downtown LA actually; at a house slash studio and it was just a very creative space, and for a while, I just loved to go there and get inspired and I remember I got there one day and Herbie Hancock just happened to be there..

F: Whaaaat?!

DN: Yeah! So yeah they were just really interesting and really inspiring guys to be around. All three of them and really deep into music and jazz…and were just really really interesting characters. And yeah they’re my friends and we did this thing called (I thought she was saying Space Street) Spacefruit.

I believe she was referring to the first track on the latest Sa-Ra album, which I reviewed several times.

F: So did you challenge Herbie Hancock to piano battles?

DN: Heh, I basically sat in a corner; star struck and trying to act cool, and shook his hand at the end of the session but ummm.. but it was a really nice treat for me actually.

F: That’s awesome. But a lot of lady friends were asking me, how sexy is Ricky Martin to dance with in person?

DN: VERY! VERY VERY SEXY!

F: They watched videos of you guys dancing saying “she’s the luckiest girl on the planet!”

DN: Well I have to say, my job did not suck, that’s for sure.  I really enjoyed working with him, and besides the, you know physical parts of it, he’s also a wonderful person so that was also great; working with somebody who’s nice, humble, and a super human being.

F: How long have you lived in LA now?

DN: I’ve been here for about mmmm…seven years.

F: And you moved here when you were 16?

DN: Oh I moved here when I was 17. Right after high school.

Do the math gentleman. She may be the one for you! Actually, no matter what your age, she’s the one for anybody…

F: And also you went to the Los Angeles Music Academy correct?

DN: I did. I went there for a year, for singing and playing piano as well.

F: I also read that you play guitar, piano, bass, and a couple other things as well? What’s your favorite?

DN: Well piano is definitely my first love, because I’ve played piano since I was very very young… Four years old and so piano is my favorite just because I know it so well.

F: Aww I was hoping you’d say bass…I’m a bass player myself. But that’s ok. *tears*

DN: Well wait! The truth is, I started playing bass, and I think it’s the coolest instrument in the world…

F: It is!

DN:  Well it’s…it’s cool because it’s not only holding down the rhythm…I know drums hold rhythm, but really bass is the pillar I think of a good band.

What a sport. She tried to ease the blow.

F: Well I’m glad we have an understanding of that!

DN: HAHA! We do!

F: Alright alright… so of all the people….you’ve worked with a lot of random people who’ve toured the world doing sold out crowds… but who do you want to work with next over the next couple years?

DN: Oh…well I have a long list, but I would have to say at the top of my list would have to be Sting… another bass player… I’m just the biggest fan…

F: Oh I’m a huge fan as well…

DN: …yeah and he and I are label mates so maybe one day my dream will come true and I will work with Sting.

F: Yeah, and honestly, all it takes is a phone call, and you’re already have the in… you’re already on the label…so that’s better than what I’m working with.

DN: Heh I really hope so, cause I’m a big fan…but I don’t know if I’d be able to sustain my cool with him you know?  But I’m going to try for sure.

F: Wonderful!  Well I only have a couple more questions for you… have you ever been to the Coachella Music Festival before?

DN: I did! I’ve been there twice. I actually went last year.

F: Yeah me too…I didn’t see you there unfortunately.

DN: Heh it was really nice there.

F: Are you going again this year?

DN: I don’t think so. I don’t think my schedule will let me. But I would love to go. I actually just saw the lineup. Whose playing? Jay-Z…

F: The Gorillaz…

We went on at lengths about various artists we want to see, and the overall badass-ness of Coachella.

F: And so what about a tour for you? I just realized that Coachella is in April, the same month as your album, so it will be busy for you.

DN: I think that right now we’re just going to be doing promo for the album, and also we’ve been talking about a fall tour in maybe September-October. Although…. I just heard that we’ll possibly do the Lilith Fair… So I want to be able to perform in a couple of those (dates). That would be amazing.

F: That would be amazing and I’m hoping for that for you.

DN: Thank you!

F: Well that’s all I’ve got for you today, and hopefully when you guys do the tour we can come out and meet you and the band, and see everything you’ve been working on.

DN: Cool yeah we have some time so I’m sure we can do it.

F: Well thank you VERY much for talking to us today.

DN: No problem, thank you so much!

And there you have it kids. The alarming and disarming Debi Nova. If you haven’t already, check out her tunes on her MySpace and feel the Latin love right along with me. Shes also got her new video for my favorite song, Drummer Boy, so don’t forget to check it out!

Until next time my friends,

~Flak

The man who is loved and infamous for rarely speaking with a heavy emphasis on the rare is now tweeting, speaking and out right vomiting a full-force attack on Southwest Airlines for asking him to exit their plane due to his weight.

Silent Bob formally known as Kevin Smith is challenging the airline to bring a row of demo-seats to the Daily Show so the actor/producer can prove to the world he can fit, wagering a costly bet, of $10,00 donated to an unknown charity if he cannot fit in the seats and if he can he asks that Southwest agree re-train their entire staff “to be less corporate when they decide to train a poor girl off the plane & shame her.”

Does he not realize what a jerk he is being and all the people’s time he is wasting?!? Sure he is in a powerful position and has the means to draw light to plenty of situations in society that are ridiculous and unfair but does he really have to ensure that some poor girl and all of the associates that cooperated and supported her decision get fired for maintaining the standards their employing airline deem fair to ensure overall comfort for every single one of their guests? Who wants to sit in an already uncomfortable seat with a stranger’s body touching up against them for the duration of their flight? Also, nobody purchases a flight from Southwest and thinks, luxury, comfort, and top shelf beverages all while expecting an outright 5 star flying experience.  Knowing that Southwest at least protects my flying experience enough to make sure I am not forced into touching my neighbor for three hours during my flights to the Mid and Southwest, gives me great peace and appreciation for their extremely reliable and low priced tickets. It’s obvious, there was some communication error where it was not thoroughly explained to Smith the dimensions of the seat and the policies in which are used to determine that a customer must purchase one or two tickets. But this all out attack is unnecessary and leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I say he should either drop the fight and live life the way he always has purchasing two tickets, or put on a pair of Asics and save his heart, wallet and pride! His need to harass the airline is a waste of 1,659,044 twitter followers and ability to make national headlines with top-notch media sources in seconds.

Shame.

To read more of the insanity this man has unleashed http://twitter.com/THatkevinsmith

-Scratched Diamond

Back and ready to attack the music scene once more; Soja has recently released their 7^th album, “Born in Babylon.” With a form of Story telling techniques, and a first person perspective in the journey of life; the lyrics and vibe of this record are sure to satisfy. It’s no wonder, the single “I don’t wanna wait” is hugely popular and has introduced their harmonious sound to a number of new fans.

Photo Courtesy of "SOJA"

“It’s just different. To me, it’s us at our best. Better lyrics, bigger melodies, stronger music… But that’s me.” Says a modest, Jacob Hemphill, Lead singer of Soja.

The music is raw, rugged, and real; with well trained musicians behind the magic. Soja is on top of their game. Substance flows through the music, and within it lies a message for the masses. Read on…

Check it:

Veronica Barriga: For those who don’t know, what does the name, “Soja” represent/stand for?

Jacob Hemphill: Soldiers of Jah Army

VB: You guys are from Washington, D.C. which isn’t known for it’s musical influence. Describe the music scene there, when you first started the band?

Jacob: DC is mostly hardcore and punk; Bad Brains, Fugazi, Minor Threat… (Although) they had good reggae too when we were growing up; Black Sheep, DKGB, Third Eye, Moja Nya…

VB: Did growing in D.C around that music influence your sound?

Jacob: I think so, but most of the artists we listened to were from Jamaica or New York at that time.

VB: You guys are different from most bands. Do you think music should always be “socially conscience?” Was your perspective always like that?

Jacob: People should sing about what they feel.  It’s just what we particularly feel.  We weren’t always, always like that.  Bob and I used to do Wu-Tang (acts) for talent shows.

VB: You guys play a ton of live shows, what are some of the craziest things you have witnessed?

Jacob: People never cease to amaze me.  Lots of people… Temporarily falling in love… Sometimes there are fights, but our fans always break them up.  Makes me feel like we’re doing something right.

VB: What’s the best way to get dreads like yours, without spending a ton of money?

Jacob: It’s free… Just don’t comb it, for fifteen years.

VB: You lived in Africa for a while. Describe that…..

Soldiers of Jah Army

Jacob: I was a kid.  My dad was an IMF representative to Liberia.  I want to go back someday and stay.  It’s the closest place to the earth, I think.

VB: You perform worldwide. What’s it like going to a country that may not speak English?

Jacob: At first frustrating.  You start to realize that you have to have patience, which I never really had (to practice) before- so I’m thankful for the experience.

VB: Describe the band in 3 words…go!

Jacob: Same as ever.

VB:What’s your favorite song to perform & why?

Jacob: The latest one written which is now “Here I Am.”

I begin to mention Bob Marley and like magic-Jacob shifts, it seems this is his favorite topic…

VB: If Bob Marley got to hear your sounds, what do you think he would say?

Jacob: We suck.  I’m kidding… I know he wasn’t too pumped on the police… well that’s what people say… No, I think he’d dig it.  He’s my hero and I try to write universally, which he did perfectly.  I hope he’d like us.

VB: Who do you dream about collaborating with & why?

Jacob: Paul Simon, because Bob Marley passed away.  In the next life, Bob Marley.

VB: What is one thing, about you, which most people are shocked to hear?

Jacob: The band?  Maybe that we all met in middle school? Or that we made it this far… As for me, I don’t know.  The band never ceases to amaze me.  I can’t believe we’ve been doing this since high school.

VB: What is the ultimate message you want to spread?

With no hesitation he speaks…

Jacob: Objective thinking and tolerance.

To find more of that, make sure to check out their lastest release:

Listen to “Born in Babylon” the Album!

For more info: Check out their Official Site

You know you wanna…….

Lil’ Wayne’s got Drake, Kanye West has Kid Cudi and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have Ta Smallz.  Smallz dropped a few singles in 2006 but has never released a full-length album and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s last memorable release was their “Art of War” drop in 1997. Yet, in 2009 Bizzy Bone and Ta Smallz formed a new record label LIFE ENTERTAINMENT in hopes of bringing justice, unity and therapy to a music scene where violence has been consistently encouraged.  Ta Smallz suspected Feb. 23 debut and release of “Who Killed my Mama,” is dedicated to the resolution of his mother’s murder from 1984.

Smallz was twelve when his mother was murdered in their Richmond, CA, home, he recalls, “She was going to the University of Berkley. She was a single mother and still singing in the group Kanye with my father (they had been divorced) and a buyer for Anderson Products. Someone came in our house, locked me in the closet, me and my three brothers and my half brother he was only 11 months, he couldn’t talk, she tried to throw him under the bed.  So in front of him, they stabbed her 24 times in the face, cut her jugular vein, cut off her fingers, put her in the trunk of the car in Richmond,CA, and then took her to Sacramento, CA, on December 6th and we didn’t find her until December 19th.”

Since that day he has found courage through his music and now believes, “There is power in what you say, you may see something that I am too bold to see.”  While Smallz takes a break from the heartfelt conversation, Layzie Bone informs us, “He got that strong love, bringin’ up them old memories… talk him through it.” When Ta returned to the conversation he told us of the difficulties he has always experienced when talking about this experience, which has been the inspiration for Thug Therapy; a blog that LIFE ENTERTAINMENT plans to launch along with Ta Smallz “Who Killed my Mama,” release.

Ta Smallz, Thin C, and Layzie Bone

Thug Therapy will be a site where kids of the neighborhood can write all the artists of LIFE ENTERTAINMENT and receive responses to overcome the post traumatic stresses of the streets’ Layzie says, “they do it for the Vietnams’, the Gulf War’s and the people who go through that sort of trauma but they don’t do it for the kids in the neighborhood… it’s to bring awareness and knowledge to the kids and it starts with Ta’s story and 50’s story but it will be available so that people can be educated that they have been traumatized by the hood.”  Smallz agrees, “It’s about getting people involved and friends, family and fans just to get the therapy side of it out there.  Something can happen and trigger things and then you change your motives, so we wanna work with and reach out to the kids.”

When asked, “What would you like the kids of the streets to be left with today?” Smallz stated, “The main goal is to wake up positive in the morning and even say, you love your enemies. Be positive even in negative situations.  If you can, if you can find someone you can trust, this can be hard but when you hold things in – pressure bust pipes – you gotta talk to somebody.  Be determined, be strong willed, you gotta have serenity, acceptance, acceptance that some things you cannot change but you do have courage and the strength as long as you have power you get up and have the strength, you can change yourself. Acceptance.”

And Layzie kept it simple stating, “Keep God first. Keep it simple stupid… Life is not rocket science, man, people make things harder than they have to be.  Keep God first and if that’s your main focus, then seeing things that’s bad won’t seems so bad and seeing things that’s good you’ll never be cocky about and you’ll know how to accept the best. ”

During the short therapy session over milkshakes and french fries with Smallz I could truly feel his dedication and drive to this project and his strength in the LIFE ENTERTAINMENT movement. Layzie says, “It’s spotlighting the trauma of the little things that can help somebody’s soul,” while Ta intends to reach out and do just that with his “Who Killed my Mama,” Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “Project Uni5” will call to unify the people in recognition of the trauma we all go through.

Smallz has been in and out of prison like other members of the LIFE ENTERTAINMENT and has accepted that when his mother’s killer is discovered that he/she will face time in prison.  He feels that it will be a lesson in humility that will inevitably lead the killer to an eternal life with God that may not be accomplished elsewhere.

And the movie…. Oh yes, there is a movie…. Layzie Bone states, “Straight to Silver Screen.”  So get ready for a fresh new movement from not-so-lonely Bone Thug-N-Harmony and their fresh and powerful partner Ta Smalllz.

Up and coming actress, Noelle Bruno has just gotten her shot to join the Hollywood circle. She’ll be joining Jerry Stiller, and Shelly Long as she co-stars in this week’s, Hallmark’s original movie “Ice Dreams.”  The road there, however, is a surprisingly sweet tale of art imitating life.

Noelle Bruno as Nicky, a promising figure skater In "Ice Dreams".

As Bruno would suggest it’s also a matter of formulating your own journey.  “I think many actors have this illusion that you are going to get cast in something, and that you are going to have time to prepare. Sometimes that does happen, it ‘s a luxury to practice, or lose a couple pounds- but most times you just have to be ready to go!” she says.

With only four days between the first audition for the film and actually being on-set starring in the movie. Noelle is still shocked about the whole thing “I had just gotten the script, that whole weekend, I was just pouring over it. I put it in a binder… I was like, ‘How do actor’s do this’, how do I memorize, what order do I do this in?”

Despite the hurdles, this former rookie shines bright in “Ice Dreams”. Playing a lead role as “Nicky,” an aspiring skater whose ambition inspires those around her. Just a perfect role; for a young woman, who at one point was a competitive figure skater herself.   Noelle actually had to stop skating because her parents had trouble affording it and as fate would have it, she let that dream go for a Hollywood one.

With awe pouring down her face, Bruno explains, “In the movie Nicky’s mom gets a second job, so she can keep skating and following her dream! It’s a crazy thing, the fact that the first huge thing I got to work on is about a girl who’s parents can’t afford for her to skate!”  The news brought Noelle’s mother to tears.

Hollywood Kid, Noelle Bruno.

Pretty crazy, but meant to be- don’t cha think? I sat down with this bubbly actress. Read on, as she talks about her  hometown, why she adores Jerry Stiller, and a  tattoo that most people don’t know about!

Check it:

Veronica Barriga: You are from Pennsylvania, what was it like growing up there?

Noelle Bruno: Well I grew up in Bucks County, a suburb of Philly. It’s like 20 minutes outside Philadelphia. It was really cool, cause the city was always close….We would go down to South Street, when I was old enough to hang out there.

VB: Was it a farm town?

Noelle: There were a lot of farms 20 minutes north of me, and 20 minutes south of me there was the city.

VB: You were smack in the middle, very balanced- ha ha. What do you miss most about home?

Her enthusiasm cuts to the chase.

Noelle: I don’t… I don’t miss it at all. Well my family, but other than that- I actually feel that my relationship with my family has gotten better since I moved away. I talk to my dad every day; I talk to my mom every other day. I really loved, loved Philadelphia, great place to grow up.

VB: How long have you been out here in Los Angles?

Noelle: About four years… I came out here to work in film production (behind the scenes) and I worked in it for a while. Then I decided that I wanted to try the acting and last year was a great year! More success than….. I mean wow- it was awesome!

VB: You also have a background in figure skating; did you ever feel you would use that later in life? Was that part of your original plan?

Noelle: Skating was great! As a kid, I loved it – I wanted to be good! I mean who doesn’t? But skating is such an expensive sport and my parents couldn’t afford for me to skate 5 to 6 days a week. I skated once or twice a week and I watched everyone get better than me…..

VB: You were born to play this role!

Noelle: It was so shocking, when I told my mom, she just cried. Not many people can say that, pretty freakin amazing actually!

VB: Tell us about the character you play, how she evolves, what you go through.

Noelle: She is a seventeen year-old girl, stubborn, she wants what she wants, and will work to get it! She has a great relationship with her mom. Her parents have just been divorced and her father is sort of a deadbeat. Her mom has no money- the skating ring is about to close down.  – You gotta watch it!

VB: Yeah, make them watch for it! You also got to work with Jerry Stiller, I mean he’s been around forever, how was that?

Noelle: Amazing, amazing! I only got to do a couple scenes with him but he was so funny and just a sweet guy, he always wants to run lines before hand.  I’m like ‘Of course! Let’s do it again!’ He always wants to be funny, always wanting to improv something hilarious! I don’t know if there’s gonna be a blooper’s reel, but he is just hilarious.  He would take pizza from lunch and try to use it in a scene. He’d just make something up! Lot’s of energy, he was great!  Jerry Stiller, I love that man.

Bruno, Rocking the skates on ice.

VB: You haven’t really done a lot, before you got this huge gig, can you describe mentally as an actor, that transition- I mean where you scared?

Noelle: I didn’t have time to be scared. I went to one audition, and then I went to the skating callback the next day. When they gave me the part, the day after that they were like ‘Can you be at the rink in 45 min’?

And she takes her time to stress, as if she is still in disbelief…. “Forty five minutes!”

It went so fast, so I just created my own method, I went through this whole thing.

VB: What is your method?

Noelle: I got the script, I read it once, all the way through. I didn’t want to have too much in my head, I like it fresh. I didn’t feel the need to go and memorize at the beginning….. I work to keep it fresh. On set we got to run lines with the other cast members before we shot. It was great to be able to do that.

She reminisces, I had my own dressing room…… ahhh

VB: What is something that will stick with you forever, from this experience. Shooting your 1st feature film?

Noelle: I think… (She takes her time to reflect, as she sips on her black coffee) to always believe & be positive about it. It’s hard as an actor, some times you don’t realize – You just want to think “Fluke” like, oh it was just a fluke! But this can happen, it can happen easily, it can happen often, so you have to believe.
Secondly you just have to be prepared, because I was… (She jokes and mentions from before) like in 45 minutes!

VB: Ha ha –right. You mentioned that you had a stunt double, but were you able to do some of your stunts.

Noelle and her Stunt Double, being silly on set.

Noelle: Yes! I was able to do a lot of my own. My stunt double did all the triples- obviously, all my Olympic sized jumps! I did all of the in between skating, I would do the single jump, land it and learn how to enter and exit…. It was cool to do a lot of my own stunts.

VB: Did you ever get hurt?

Noelle: I took one awesome fall. I had an amazing fall where I was holding my foot up here- a spiral sequence, and I got in my head… I just fell.

VB: Were you ok?

Noelle: She cracks up and stares at me. I was stunned! And the whole crew was like— the face she makes is dramatically funny. I was fine, I got the wind knocked out of me. I am a bit of a badass, so I really enjoy it all, like battle wounds.

VB: What’s next for you after this big break?

Noelle: My agent is really pushing for me right now, she really wants to get me on an episodic .

VB: I see you on a sitcom- for sure!

Noelle: I like comedy! I had went out for ‘Modern Family twice.’ They like me, I’d love to do that!

VB: Describe yourself in one sentence:

Noelle: One sentence……There is a bit of silence, oddly cause she’s a firecracker! And then she suggests…Why don’t we just use some key words?  We’ll go with energetic, because how could we not?  We’ll go with sassy, independent, and why don’t we keep going!

VB: Keep it going girl-

Noelle: Social, positive & bubbly-  bubbly is a good one.

VB: Sassy’s a good one! That’s my favorite, I think of like some red heels- sassy! I am sure you have a list, but who is one actor who you would just love to work with?

Noelle: I just listed on my facebook, the other day- Mad Men, the entire cast, the writers, the creators! She then proclaims; If that show goes off the air, before I get a chance to work with them- I will be devastated! Outside of that,  I love Scarlett Johansson, I have serious respect for her.  She has a freshness’ and sort of a nonchalant-less to her acting.

VB: Do you have any hobbies?

Noelle: I ride a vintage road bike, one from the late 70’s. It’s vintage and beautiful. I work on it myself, I ride it everywhere, 20 miles at a time. I also like yoga- I don’t like to work out to work out! I really like to do things that I enjoy, that are physically active.

VB: Speaking of working out…Do you think or feel there is a certain amount of pressure as an actress to look a certain way, keep a certain persona?

Noelle: I think it’s easiest if I just be myself. With that being said- there’s always an element, of like branding, or whatever. I gotta be myself and that’s it.  That’s all I can do- otherwise it gets very complicated and really difficult.

VB: Ten years from now, how do you view yourself?

Noelle: Ten years from now, I want just want to be acting. Waking up and acting everyday and having that as my job! That’s what I want. One of the actress in the film, Kathleen Wilhoite, who played my mother… if you saw her, you would know her immediately! She has an amazing career and she’s a good person. I would have Kethleen’s career, I would love to do that.

VB: Longevity outweighs everything else.

Noelle: To be respected throughout the industry, and working all the time. That’s what I want.

VB: Tell us something most people don’t know about you. There is no answer, so I modify- ok something you want to share…. Ha ha

Noelle: I have to think about that- I have a tattoo, on my wrist and it’s really light, so a lot of people think it’s a stamp from a club or something. It says “Free” and it’s to remind myself that I am always free to make my own decisions and so if I am ever unhappy, I could reflect and realize that I am in control.

Perhaps one more thing you may not know about Noelle is that; when this perky blonde jokes about throwing a keg party with her closest friends under her movie Billboard debut- she it fact is very serious about it .

Support the party! Check out her film debut,  “Ice Dreams,” premiering  Saturday, January 23, 2010 on the Hallmark Channel.

Check out the official trailer below!

Click here for the “Ice Dreams” Movie trailer!!

Don't miss it!

For the latest on Noelle, feel free to add her on Facebook!

Part two of our three part series brings us to the top ten songs the boys and I thought got us moving. Won’t you join us? Feel free to leave your favorite songs in the comments below!

Dagan’s De Jour:

10. Camera Obscura – French Navy (from the album My Maudlin Career)
So kitschy you can’t help but love it.

9. A Place to Bury Strangers – Keep Slipping Away (from the album Exploding Head)
Hey, it’s the Cure as a shoegaze band!

8. Thom Yorke – Hearing Damage (from The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack)
“Hehe my fans are such scenesters.. let’s see what they make of THIS.”

7. Incubus – Black Heart Inertia (from the album Monuments and Melodies)
Just a reminder of what we’re missing out on while they continue their hiatus…

6. Depeche Mode – Wrong (from the album Sounds of the Universe)
Easily their best single since 97’s It’s No Good.

5. Dinosaur Jr. – Over It (from the album Farm)
Also one of the most entertaining videos I’ve seen all year.

4. Röyksopp – The Girl and the Robot (from the album Junior)
Great blend of downtempo and dance, with great vocals.

3. Moderat – Rusty Nails (from the album Moderat)
Again, a great blend – this time upbeat dance with dark melancholy.

2. Basement Jaxx – Raindrops (from the album Scars)
Hands down the most addicting, near-perfect dance song of the year.

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero (from the album It’s Blitz!)
Such an unbelievably fun song. lyk zomg.

Cheese Sandwich’s Collection:

Thrice – In Exile

An incredible song from one of my top 5 albums of the year. Easily my personal favorite from Beggars, with a subdued passion, steady rhythm and incredible melody. Dustin Kensrue’s lyrics are amazing, as well, as I frequently find this song creep into my head every few days, whether I’ve listened to it or not.

311 – Sun Comes Through

Although this track wasn’t included on the retail version of 311’s latest album Uplifter, it was available as an Amazon download. It would have been the best track on Uplifter had it been on the record; Tim Mahoney’s guitar work is crunchy and the vocal melodies by Nick Hexum and SA Martinez are very strong; as a 311 fan boy, it is already one of my favorite songs they’ve ever done, and fittingly it made my list for songs of the year. It wasn’t the cookie-cutter type of pop song (with throwaway lyrics) that 311 has been churning out now and then for the past few years. It’s much more creative and stylized, and it is refreshing to hear that the band can still do that at this stage in their career.

As Tall as Lions – Circles

ATAL clearly made quite an impression on me this year, with both one of my top albums and top songs. Circles is one of the most memorable songs from You Can’t Take it With You. Dan Nigro’s voice is warbled with some cool echo effects, matching up well with the song’s erratic and rhythmic percussion. As the opener to the album it is a great precursor of the brilliance that shines throughout the disc.

Rammstein – Pussy

Okay. Yes, this song is just plain ridiculous. Everyone’s favorite big scary German guys singing in German and English about, well, screwing. Till Lindemann channels the poets of old when he asks, simply, “You have a pussehh…I have a dick-ahhh….so what’s the problem? Let’s do it quickkkkk” with your standard thunderous Rammstein industrial-metal slamfest going on in the background. I included it on this list simply because it’s obvious Rammstein doesn’t give two shits about what you consider ‘appropriate’, and I fully support that way of thinking. Plus, the video for this song is only hosted on porn sites due to its graphic nature. Damn the man.

Every Time I Die – Wanderlust

I tend to shy away from music with crazy yelling vocalists, but I can tolerate Keith Buckley because his lyrics are ridiculous and the music going with it is so aggressive and catchy. Wanderlust is the single from ETID’s album New Junk Aesthetic, and it has a delicious melody interwoven over the four-plus minute track. Buckley does his thing over some Southern-sounding riffs and the song has a luscious rhythm that gives it a relentless fury. Easily one of my favorite hard rock tunes of the past year.

Them Crooked Vultures – Warsaw or the First Breath you Take After You Give Up

This 8-minute jam on TCV’s debut record finds Homme, JPJ and Dave Grohl at their best: it’s a sprawling grimy bastard of a song, and morphs into a groovy foot-stomp halfway through that is simply mesmerizing. To be a fly on the wall when they jammed this song out would have been my life’s highlight. This and Mind Eraser, No Chaser were my favorite tunes from TCV’s record, a refreshing course in Rock 101 that proved that there might still be hope for rock music in the future.

Weezer – (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To

While the rest of Raditude is silly dance/pop, this one is easily the best song Weezer’s done in years. Sure Pork and Beans was a catchy romp as well, but this one is light years ahead. It’s a shame that Rivers got so preoccupied with making empty dance pop numbers with Lil’ Wayne (yuck) and recording songs written by the All American Rejects (double yuck), because this song rocks. I’ve heard it about three trillion times since it came out, and I’m still not bored with it. My roommate even proposed to his now-fiance onstage during a Weezer cover band show, so it’s also taken on a personal meaning for me as well. This song proves that Rivers still has the talent to craft a near-perfect tune every now and again.

White Rabbits – Percussion Gun

White Rabbits are a very underrated band, and this song is infectious. It’s also very appropriately titled, with a barrage of percussion matching up with the two singers’ vocals nicely. Piano plucking accompanies the dual vocals and percussion noises along with a staccato guitar riff, and the end result is a great little indie rock song that I don’t think enough people have discovered.

Rx Bandits – Mientras La Veo Sonar/ White Lies (I only found the live link for White Lies)

I couldn’t pick either one of these over the other, so they’re both here. Mientras is a spazzed-out jam in English and Spanish, with Matt Embree singing about the future and dreams and other such topics of interest, while the rest of the band rocks out like a less-frantic (and in my opinion more melodic) Mars Volta. White Lies is a more hushed, percussion-centered piece with gorgeous vocal harmonies about frustration and looking for answers. Simply put, the song is breathtaking. The two songs act together to demonstrate the varied tempos of RXB, from a crazy awesome jam session to a slower, more introspective and experimental number.

Alice in Chains – Your Decision

Black Gives Way to Blue was a great comeback album by Alice in Chains, as new vocalist William DuVall filled in for Layne Staley perfectly. This song is a mostly acoustic number with DuVall and Jerry Cantrell sharing vocal duties; the song changes things up a bit after Check My Brain and Last of My Kind start off the record with such loudness and aggression. To me, this is the most Alice in Chains-sounding song on the album; it wouldn’t have felt out of place in the mid 1990’s or on the Unplugged record. The guitar solo in the middle is simple yet artistic, and interweaves the main melody around Cantrell’s dark lyrics and gentle delivery. Simply put, it’s awesome.

Flak’s Fanfare:

10. The Fall of Troy- Battleship Graveyard

I don’t know how, but since the inception of their hit single F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X., The Fall of Troy has had me hooked with at least one song on every album they have put out. This one has some of the most impressive note for note exchanges with the guitar and drums, with a droning bassist (who looks like my brother with dreads) looming in the background. I’m a Mathcore band. Sue me.

9. Brand New- At the Bottom

Brand New is one of those bands that evoke an immense amount of emotion when it comes to the fruition of tracks like this. This song has a elements of the bands new directions, mixed with the tried-but-true sing along power that brings us all screaming the chorus together.

8. Cunninlynguists- The Distance

These guys are true hip hop first of all. The beat steady with the gloomy organ playing along, set the mood for the somber but undeniably impressive flow of Tonedeff. I can’t help but nod to strange journey that this album is named after. Storytelling hip hop has always been the easiest for me to enjoy and relate to. A well produced and well rounded track. I just wish I knew who sang the chorus.

7. Mos Def- Casa Bey

Mos Def, one of the tightest tongue twisters around, brings an organic piece that made to the list for not only the organic nature of the beat, but also for the closer glimpse of this half of Blackstar.

6. RX Bandits- Mientras lo Veo Sonar

I was worried that the RX Bandits would never be the same, but after hearing the insane work of one of my favorite drummers, RX Bandits remain on my top ten must hear live acts. If the boys can get me dancing this much on the cd, I might just have to learn salsa for the live show.

5. Sa-Ra- White Cloud (Which apparently can’t be found…comment below if you do!)

Neo Soul wizards, slept on superstars, American heroes. Sa Ra is one of those groups that say what we were all thinking. I try to find songs to live by, and this is one of em, with lyrics meant to uplift among those stormy masses. You’re just a dark cloud, baby I’m a star.

4. Portugal. The Man-Lovers in Love

Even after spending some time with these guys at several music events this year, I still find the boys from PTM an entrancing enigma. Old school sci fi meets funk and soul. The line “If another lover takes their love away from you//Be careful with your mind, and what you’re bound to do” looms in my head even when the song isn’t playing. Something to think about.

3. A Fine Frenzy- Stood Up

There is so much to say about the stunning Ali Sudol aka A Fine Frenzy. Being a bass guitar fiend, the first thing I loved was the off timing of the bass,which the rest of the band follows suit to. The uplifting lyrics sung by the lovely and lithe Alison (again, my only celebrity crush), made this a no brainer for my songs of the year. Plus, the album was released on my birthday…cmon now.

2. Incubus- Look Alive (This is the live version from the DVD which is a must have for lovers of music and travel)

Meeting sixty percent of the band, coupled with this sleeping release on their greatest hits album got the endorphins rising whilst watching the live video of this song on their dvd Look Alive. Meeting your inspiration, and constantly going about the world with lyrics to live by is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had. This will definately be the next song I master on bass (one of the most badass bass lines in history), and when people tell me “I like the old Incubus”, I think they will come find that this is a happy medium for fans new and old. A perfect song.

1. Robert Glasper- All Matter

Like I’ve said before, and as my close friends know about me, the music goes towards a mood. But with this song, it encompassed more than that. The smooth yet unpredictable elements of jazz, with a neo soul twist, that made this my favorite song of the year. The ups and downs of life, and realization that we are so small, and so alike, that we should make it count as tiny little creatures. That’s the message of the song, and I felt like it’s a message that I wanted to tell, but didn’t quite know how to tell it. Before this year, I knew nothing about Robert Glasper, but by chance was sent his album for review, and can honestly say it changed the way I think about music. Some people might say its just a song, but a song can create a legacy, and I’m sure you’re no stranger to that. Everyone has a song that give them that feel, and this was it for me.

With that, I close on the singles in 2009 that we loved, with the final chapter, albums of the year to come shortly. I hope you’ve enjoyed your read, and again, feel free to leave your favorites down below!

Until next time my friends,

~Flak

P.S.-Honorable Mention

The Lonely Island- I’m On a Boat (I’m sad the unedited version is gone but cmon, you got a good laugh at least once watching the video!)

The crew and I (sometimes) take the time to enjoy the smaller things in life. Album covers are rapidly becoming the flair to any album, and adding another item to the endless digital vs. physical copy of owning a cd. Below are the album covers that some of the crew and I thought got us going in 2009. Let’s take a look back shall we?

Dagan’s Decisions:

Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Pavillion

“Holy crap it’s moving! IT’S GONNA KILL US ALL”

Eminem-Relapse

“Dammit, I dropped all my pil-.. oh hey, you don’t see that every day”

Fever Ray-Fever Ray

“What’s really creepy is that this isn’t a drawing, it’s an actual portrait”

Maps-Turning the Mind

“This guy can work his glowsticks like you would not believe”

The Paper Chase-Someday This Could All Be Yours Vol.1

“Twister 2: The Breakdance of Death”

Flak’s Favorites:

Bat For Lashes-Two Suns

Her album, and its cover were one of the dreamest things I’ve ever experienced in 2009.

A Fine Frenzy-Bomb in a Birdcage

My one celebrity crush. Alison Sudol, redhead of my dreams.

Fall of Troy-In the Unlikey Event

Loved the stitchwork look on this one, coupled with the dread of the little girl.

Portugal the Man-The Satanic Satanist

I feel like this may be what acid trips are like.

The Almost-Monster Monster

Gumby:Rated R

Cheese Sandwich’s Choice:

Baroness-Blue Record

Creepy blue fish with big eyes being held by naked mermaids/nymphs? There was no way this wouldn’t make my list of album art of the year.

Brand New-Daisy

A little fox in the woods. Simple, elegant, random (is the fox Daisy? Is there a Daisy?) Fitting artwork for Brand New’s most eclectic and varied album thus far in their career.

RX Bandits-Mandala

Continuing the trend of RXB using cool artsy images at album covers (look at 2006’s …And the Battle Begun), Mandala features another bizarro painting, this time created by visual artist Sonny Kay. I don’t really understand what’s going on in the picture, but I dig it.

The Flaming Lips-Embryonic

Looks like a gorilla giving birth to a human child or a hand pushing a child into some kind of hairy beast’s face. Either way, whatever the hell this Flaming Lips cover is supposed to be, it looks like straight-up drugs.

Them Crooked Vultures-Them Crooked Vultures

Simple, cryptic, badass. The booklet has no photos of Grohl, Homme, or Jones either, so why should the cover? Most supergroup albums have the faces of the participants everywhere, but TCV isn’t about that. Instead, you get a drawing of a vulture wearing a jacket of some sort. Rock on.

Ge Oh’s Gold:

Kid Cudi-Man on the Moon:The End of Day

I loved both this and the Deluxe version of the Cover. Yet another HipHop (of sorts) cover that refuses to fall into the bling, drugs, and women Stereotype.

Jay Z-The Blueprint 3

More interesting, perhaps, than the cover itself, was the fact that everything in is was real, and unPhotoshopped, making this more an artpiece than CD Cover.

Drake-So Far Gone

Dinosaur Jr.-Farm

Although I hardly know what to make of it (Looks like reject creatures from Lord of the Rings AND Neverending Story had a Babies), the smooth texture of the Illustration leaves me rather impressed.

Animal Collective-Merriweather Post Pavillion

Very trippy Cover, presumably MUCH more interesting on LSD.

But that’s not all folks, join us next time as we reflect on the best singles of 2009, followed by 2009’s albums of the year.

Until next time my friends,

~Flak

Hello again,

Flak here with another giveaway for you! This time around Bono and crew are giving away a Deluxe Vinyl catalog of The Unforgettable Fire. It’s availible now on iTunes here, but someone will be winning my free copy!

I’m running this one through December 14th, so send in an email telling me why you deserve this amazing collection!

Until next time my friends,

~Flak

If there’s anything Hollywood has always had an abundance of it’s the blonde bombshell prototype. At first glance, Meital Dohan might give off that appearance, but for once in the acting gambit, there is more than meets the eye. For one, she lists Mulholland Drive and Talk to Her amid some of her favorite films, she was born in Israel (move the fuck over Natalie Portman), and a large portion of her career has been devoted to theater, that is, until she began gaining the notice of the west coast. In fact, what could be more west coastian than weed?, which is the show Meital landed a guest starring role on as Yael Hoffman. Since appearing on six episodes for the second season of HBO’s Weeds, Meital has also been on the successful web series Woke Up Dead with Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder. Behindthehype got a chance to interview the incandescent Israelite about her beginnings and experiences as an actress and here’s what she had to say:

BTH: Before getting to the hard-hitting questions, I want you to set the record straight about the pronunciation of your name. As someone with an “ethnic” name myself, I understand the tediousness of having to constantly correct people on how to say it. So, what is the phonetic spellling?  

MD: The phonetic spelling is Mey-tal, meaning “dew drops” in Hebrew.  

Meital Dohan

BTH: Who was the primary influence in inciting you to pursue acting? You started at an early age, so was it someone in your family who encouraged you to go to acting school or was it something you just sort of innately felt drawn to?

MD: I was actually very shy but I had the urge to express myself. As a kid, I didn’t want to be an actress, but I loved acting as a form of self-expression. Later, when I was sixteen, I decided I wanted to be an actress, and pursued it on a more serious level. 
    
BTH: Was leaving Israel for the United States a difficult decision process or was it an opportunity with too much promise to pass up?

MD: I never left Israel. I live in all places as I am a citizen of the world. 
 
BTH: You started out as a theater actress. In terms of auditioning, do you feel like acting for theater is more heavily based on talent and that, in film/television acting, physical appearance can sometimes override acting ability?

MD: I’m very critical when it comes to acting and what I would consider to be good acting.  Being a good actor is being a creator, and the ability to create a whole new world. You can do that on screen and in live theater. 

Poised for greatness

BTH: Who approached you about auditioning for Weeds and was it a show that you had watched before? 

MD: My manager presented the project to me, and I hadn’t watched it up to this point but had heard great things about it. 
 
BTH: For your role in the play “Stitching,” did you find it challenging to adhere to Anthony Neilson’s “in yer face” theater proclivities or did your natural penchant for comedy make it easy to partake of the at times crude dialogue of Neilson’s play?

MD: Throughout my career I did both comedies and dramas, from roles in the Israeli Ugly Betty to Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet.” So naturally, “Stitching” was a dramatic role, but I was also able to channel my comedic sensibilities where it worked best.  

Jon Heder (left) and Meital on the series Woke Up Dead

BTH: How did you become involved in the series Woke Up Dead?

MD: The casting director contacted my agent because she thought I would play a good ball-busting, zombie chick.

BTH: You co-wrote a script called Orgy by Heart. Was it preferable to step out of the spotlight to adopt the often invisible role of “screenwriter?”

MD: I write because it’s another form of expression to talk about things that are in my heart and are important to express. It’s not about being in the spotlight or not being in the spotlight. 

BTH: So much of your acting career has been based in the comedic genre. Do you worry about being pigeonholed into one category or is comedy something that actually provides more challenges to you as an actor?

MD: Fear does not drive my work as an actress. In fact, I try to always make brave choices and take on risks as an actress. And, as I said before, I work in both the comedic and dramatic genre.
 
BTH: How do you occupy your time when you’re in between jobs?

MD: Between jobs? I haven’t been in between jobs since I was seventeen.
 
and finally,
 
BTH: What are your top five favorite films (no order of preference necessary)?

MD: Mulholland Drive, Happiness, Faces, Eyes Wide Shut, and Talk to Her.

“I love a clever lyric that puts a smile on people’s face…with a little bit of a twist,” Serabee smirks.

This blonde bombshell is not your typical popstar of sorts. She cites Billy Joel and Elton John as her musical influences; her voice resembles a commercial blend of Sass with a jazzy foundation. Serabee is a force, and her soul is dripping with her southern and gospel roots. With skills for the piano and the Hammond B3 Organ without trying, she declares a funk that solidifies her exclusive sound.

 Her first single titled, “Driving Me Stupid” cuts to the chase. Its Spanish melody will make you swirl your hips and then immediately impulse you to broadcast your angst to the man you lust for. Her lyrics are direct and her persona passionate.

 To top it off, she really is a preacher’s daughter. While she never got into too much trouble; she says, “We’d flash the fake-ID and watch the lounge bands, sneak into the House shows, anything we could think of to catch the performances on stage. I learned so much.” Serabee  had always been set on networking and getting her music into the right hands. As a teen it mostly consisted of  “inviting musicians she befriended to watch her perform at her dad’s church services, and in turn, players and production hands were introducing her to the world of workaday stagecraft completely outside the religious realm,” her reps tells us. Work it girl!…

Her drive and talent paved the way from Mississippi to church gigs all over the U.S, a massive stay in New Orleans, then London for a short stint (to write for Charlotte Church), and Nashville as well as other global regions, then finally back home again.

 In Nashville her creative juices flourished, “Working with Nick (Trevisick) was such a great process. He had this great basement studio which was like a laboratory for me after literally traveling the world writing songs. There was something about being there everyday that grounded me,” she recalls about the experience.

To show for it; an album that is like a distinct cup of coffee for your ears. This one will have you craving for more. Her debut self-titled album was just released this month (November 2009) via Universal Republic Records.

We got to speak with musician Serabee, I suggest you…

Check it: 

Veronica Barriga: Serabee!! Is that your real name, or is it your alias as a musician?

Serabee: I’ve always gone by Sera B so I just added the “ee” to be fun. 

VB: Tell us about your musical style and what people can expect from your debut album!!

Serabee: I’m a musician so I like to be musical and experiment with different instruments.  I like it to be soulful.  The lyrics and melodies have tones of gospel and southern….wacky and funny.  I love a clever lyric that puts a smile on people’s face…with a little bit of a twist.

VB: I hear your live shows are quite a riot, what or who inspires your stage presence?

Serabee: OH! Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Joel, Steve Winwood! The crowd, the audience, watching their expressions….the musicians with whom I’m playing….When we’re all vibing, its like a church service. You know, kinda like a Rolling Stones tent revival. (She laughs) I really feed off the crowd, and go where they take me.

VB: You play a couple of instruments. How did that start and  why did you choose to rock a Hammond B3 Organ?

Serabee: I started when I was around 5 years old.  I never chose it…it chose me! I was crawling on the pedals when I was a baby in a diaper.  I was just drawn to it, and it was a common used instrument in gospel, tent revivals and church so it felt natural.  My dad and his friends played it. It’s a very popular instrument in New Orleans with all the blues, gospel, and jazz. It can sound like so many different instruments.

VB: What was it like growing up in Mississippi and how did that influence your sound?

Serabee: It was awesome! It was so close to New Orleans. I was so into that culture and music.  We actually travelled a lot, but it was always good to come back home.. to the smell of the gulf water in the air.  I think you can hear those southern and gospel influences in my music.  You could always find a live band playing somewhere… A church service or a family member’s house where music was being played.  I’m glad that area is home.

VB: What advice do you have for other women who are aspiring musicians in the industry.  

Serabee: Be yourself and don’t be afraid! Don’t worry about what the other girls are doing. Just do what you know makes you feel beautiful and confident.  And learn an instrument… that’s always a bonus. (She smiles) It sets you apart and empowers you.  Be what you want to be…whether it’s a tom boy or super feminine or whatever…  Be yourself. More than anything- make sure the music is right.

VB: Who are some of your major musical influences?

Serabee: Prince, Steve Winwood, Elton John, Billy Joel, Aretha…                    

VB: If you could duet or work with anyone, who would it be?

Serabee: Right now..John Mayer or Bob Dylan, or Mariah Carey or Rihanna, or Beyonce.

She cracks up,at her on-going list. 

VB: Describe yourself in 3 words……….. GO!

Serabee: Soulful, Funny & Charming.

VB: Tell us about your song writing process.

Serabee: Each song is different…there’s no right or wrong way.  Some you have to be fragile and tender with. Others you just need to drive it and make it edgy.  When I’m writing on my own I hear everything in my head.  Its different when I co-write… being open to other’s ideas. Its like making a short film or writing a short story and then making it melodic. 

VB: Nicely put! Have you ever been confused for another celebrity?

Serabee: Yes.  And I’m not saying who… but you can read (about it) online.

She describes coyly as she attempts to hold in laughter. Ha ha!

VB: What do you do when you are not in the studio, performing or writing?

Serabee: I’m spending time with friends and family. Always thinking about the next song idea. I love nice dinners and great conversation.

VB: ”Drive me Stupid” is the 1st single off your debt album? Is the song about anyone in particular?

Serabee: I don’t remember who it is about.. but I’m sure they know who they are… haha.  No one in particular… it is just a fun song. 

It seems she plays nice…

VB: What’s the one thing that “drives you stupid,”  just bugs you “every time?”

Serabee: A lot of things drive me stupid… (Laughs)  I guess when people judge you without knowing you.  And, it drives me stupid when I’m not in control of what’s happening in my life. 

One more thing:

Her debut album “Serabee” is available now on Universal Republic Records!

The single “Driving me Stupid” is also rockin the charts on I tunes!

For all the latest on “Serabee” Click here!

*Special thanks to Jamie Wisotsky at: Total Assault, LLC.