In a place where filmmakers are a dime a dozen, it was refreshing for me to come across one up and coming director who does it just a bit differently. Brendan Gabriel Murphy is a natural when it comes to the craft: his style is cool, innovative, and enticing.  As a jack of all trades, Murphy’s work intrigues while the stories he creates pull you in and propel your senses. The visuals are often surreal-like; the writing is designed to test your logic while the musical ambiance takes you on a fantastic trip. His cinematic senses continue to flourish with each project he takes on. In the short time that Murphy decided to give directing a go, he’s managed to capture audiences through out the indie circuit, win some great awards, and most importantly develop his team.

A New Yorker by heart and a Los Angeles transplant by trade Brendan began his venture into the industry from the ground up. He says, “we were literally finding people on craigslist and working with a buddy of mine who just moved out here. We did little films here and there, and we started getting into more and more film festivals with each project.”

The first? A physiological drama about suicide titled “Numb”.  The budget?  A mere 600 bucks. After a few projects ignited the flame, the sweet smell of success began to form. “Swerve,” a story about love, fate, and chance encounters paved the way. It stars his friends, Shiloh Fernandez and Juno Temple, who were recently named two of Hollywood’s rising stars. Murphy continues to thrill audiences with his latest short film release “Perceptio,” in which the storytelling techniques take a complete turn from his past work. The film has no dialogue. Instead, it marries the narrative with vivid, dream like visuals and a beautifully composed score.

I sat down with Brendan to speak about his journey as a film director…

Check it:

BTH: You have a diverse background, what drew your focus towards directing?

Brendan Gabriel Murphy: I actually started out acting as a kid, I did a lot of theatre. It was a nice outlet for me creatively. It helped me overcome a lot of things. As I grew up I didn’t know if I wanted to go into filmmaking or if I wanted to go into acting. I decided to go to film school (at Hofstra University). I am able to do several things: I’m a writer, director, I edit, and produce as well.  I wasn’t doing a lot of film stuff in New York, I was doing more TV and I really wanted to go to LA, because this is the epicenter of film.  While I was in New York, I experienced 9/11 from a block away, the craziest thing I have ever seen- chaos. After working in the city for a while and living there my whole life I decided it was time for change. So I came out here and just started getting people together to make short films. That’s the only way you can really come up these days.

Let’s talk about “Swerve”, that film really allowed you to share your work with a larger audience.

Yeah, that helped put me on the map, for people to start taking me seriously. It won 5 awards, played 9 countries, and I signed 4 different distribution deals for it. It has opened up a ton of doors for me, with managers and agents, meetings with studio executives.  With “Swerve”, I sunk a bunch of my money into that one as well. It was a crazy time for me.

Was that a turning point for you?

Yeah, I had just sunk all my savings into a project and had a falling out with the company I was working with for years; it was like my whole world came crashing down.  I didn’t know if anyone was going to like the movie, or what I was doing. I just wrote it for Shiloh and his girlfriend at the time (Juno Temple). I wanted to do, sort of a surreal, Hitchcockian thriller, on a short film level, but with a studio like quality. I didn’t want to do something quirky, I wanted to do something awesome.

What are some things you’ve learned as a filmmaker so far?

This is not a one man show, you have to build your army, and every director has his producers, his team. It took time to build my team.

He goes on to explain how the team began to form with the film “Wasted.”

I had my little brother shoot it (Kieran Murphy) while he was still in college. I had him come out for the summer and shoot this short film. I spent five grand of my own money on it. We lived in Venice Beach, on the boardwalk. I shot it in my apartment. I just stole all the shots, no permits, no insurance. That (film) actually helped launch Kieran’s director of photography career and he’s killing it right now! Also, it was the first thing Shiloh Fernandez ever did, he never did anything before that. “Wasted” was his first film. We won the award for “Best Short Film” at the Venice Beach Film Festival, so that was cool.

You and Shiloh continued to collaborate on projects after that, do you guys have a special artistic relationship?

I saw something in Shiloh way before anybody else did. I just knew the kid was gonna be a star, he had it in him. He and I have two more projects (features) we want to do together- that we would shoot in New York. We want that Johnny Depp/Tim Burton relationship. I know that I can bring stuff out of him, I think, even better than other filmmakers could, because I know him so well. He’s doing great on his own. I’m super proud of him.

Reoccurring themes in your films: death, accidents, drugs, supernatural states, and a lot of smoke. Are these obsessions or fascinations of yours?

Yeah, you basically summed up my life in 20 seconds. We laugh.. 

Live.. Die.. Love..

Kidding aside… I have a fear of dying in car accidents, car accidents are a theme in both films “Swerve” and “Perceptio.” Smoke- I just like smoke. Death- my fear of death, but also just embracing it and trying not to be afraid of it. That’s kind of what I did with “Perceptio.” I created a love story with the angel of death-I wanted to take the audience on a journey.  That’s what it’s supposed to be, you’re supposed to escape your world for a while. I immerse myself in my art and my projects- I put myself out there and it’s fun. That’s why I think we go to the movies, that’s why during a tough economy the movie business doesn’t do bad, because more people will need this escape for an hour in a half. Leave the bullshit of real life for a while…

What do you hope people take from your most recent release, “Perceptio”?

When I wrote the script, my team saw there was no dialogue and everyone looked at me like I was crazy… but I wanted to do this surreal art piece. I knew half the audience was gonna take the ride and enjoy the experience and the other half was gonna be like, “I don’t get it” and that’s fine. Because that’s what art is.

I hope that they enjoy the journey. Perceptio is Latin for perception, it’s an experience of the senses, the stuff that dreams are made of. I’ve been looking at film more like a canvas, instead of it just being a screen. That’s the biggest difference for me with “Swerve” and “Perceptio”.

Lastly, what would you say separates you from other directors?

I hope I bring a uniqueness to my films. There’s a lot of great directors out there, it’s really hard to re-invent the wheel. Every great director has borrowed from the people they admire and I am borrowing from people I admire.What I’m trying to do is not just borrow from other filmmakers but borrow from other artists. From Alexander McQueen, to Shakespeare, and one of my biggest influences- Salvador Dali. I kinda want to be the misfit love child from all these great artists. I want to have that art quality in my films, but on a bigger level.  You have to break the formula or what’s the point?

 For more info on Brendan Gabriel Murphy: Click Here!

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!

“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.

It about time the world embraces some Morningwood, and by that, I don’t mean the kind your boyfriend gets. I’m speaking about the Bi-costal rockers. After 3 years on hiatus they are getting ready to launch their sophomore release on October 27^th, appropriately titled “Diamonds & Studs.”  Part lovely, part badass.

“Like all things Morningwood, its super sexy, very useful, kind of funny, and really beautiful sounding,” Says Bass Player Pedro.

The rock and rollers are back for your listening pleasure. This time; stronger, with more guts, less band members & sass that will have you unleashing your inner rock star! Morningwood is Chantal Claret (originally a Berkeley film student), and Pedro Yanowitz (Formally a member of the 90’s hit band, The Wallflowers).

You see, it started off as a fairytale; Chantal & Pedro met at a Rooftop industry party in New York and by the end of the night Pedro had talked Chantal into becoming his partner—musically speaking, the band says. Soon after, the two scored a deal with Capitol Records.  Life was good. Well, for a little while… because great music is never that easy.

Clashing views mixed with rotating band members had their creative endeavors hitting a roadblock. So naturally, in an effort to save the band & the bond, Chantal and Pedro decided to enroll in couple’s therapy. This also led to the re-evaluation of Morningwood. “Pedro and I have always been the core of MW, it just took us about 5 years to realize it.  No one has had the interest of the band at heart as much as we have. The other members left or were kicked out for various reasons, all of them cliché; drugs, women, or emotional baggage. Whatever the case, Pedro and I continued,” Explains Lead singer Chantal.

The two found themselves flying coast to coast to meet with one another in order to continue what they had started. The dedication breeds infectious tunes, and a band worth watching to say the least. They provide a funky/fresh, rock and roll dance party you will want to be a part of! Chantal’s voice sounds like a more vibrant, energetic Shirley Manson. Their song lyrics are an ode to sexy, angry women everywhere! The single, Best of me, will have you feeling liberated after you sing it to your ex-boyfriend who did you wrong. The music promotes shouting, laughing, bouncing, and maybe even swigging a bottle of Jack while parading in your underwear…

Work what cha' mama gave ya...

I got to experience the goodness of watching these two kickass during a performance. All while being fascinated by their stage antics which include but are not limited to: Licking people, undressing audience members, treating the microphone as if it were a penis, and of course seducing the security guard on stage right… oh, let’s not forget her yoga poses.

The emotions on stage read like a diary covered in lipstick kisses and nonetheless beer stains. The lipstick from Chantal, and the beer from Pedro. The duo is empowered, and smart. The music is genuine, but don’t take my word for it. We spoke with Lead singer Chantal.

Take a look at what this rock and roll butterfly has to say about women in music, going on tour with the band  Jet, and why her other half, Pedro is going to kill her…

Check it:

Veronica Barriga: In 2006 the 1st record was released, Cut to: 3 years later… You guys are back with a new sound. What went down during those 3 years, in a nutshell?

Chantal Claret: In 3 years we managed to move across the country, change labels, almost break up, go to band therapy, stay together, both Pedro and I got married (to different people). Write about 2 and a half albums worth of songs, I started a clothing line, while Pedro wrote a musical.  We have been pretty busy, but Morningwood-wise 90% of the time was spent waiting on lawyers and contracts to be started and finished. Fun stuff. . . .

VB: You went through couples therapy with Pedro, what the hell was that like, and whose idea was it?

Chantal: When we started writing the second record we had a huge strain on our relationship. The way we communicated since the beginning of our relationship… When we first started the band I was a baby, I was 19, and I went along with pretty much everything.  As I grew up and became a “woman” I started to stand up for myself, and Pedro and I began butting heads a lot! We couldn’t talk without arguing about every little thing, let alone write music with each other.  We’ve always been complete opposites of each other.  Sometimes it worked for us…

Finally, it got to the point where I knew if we didn’t find someone who could give us the tools to communicate, we would break up.  What happened behind closed doors is just a bunch of gripes and grievances, but ultimately we learned how to listen to each other which is key. We still struggle and work on it every day but it has totally changed our relationship for the better!

VB: How does it feel knowing the release of “Diamonds & Studs” is near by?

Chantal: It’s very exciting and very unsettling being that it has been so long coming. There is so much to do before it comes out!

Get your copy OCTOBER 27th!

VB: Were your earlier shows similar or did you grow some balls along the way?

Chantal: Our shows have always been pretty ruckus; my voice has gotten a little stronger. I do a little more yoga now on stage, but there is a bit less nudity and props now. Our live show has always been one of our strong points and had the same amount of energy, however it filtered itself.

VB: What do your parents think about your stage show?

Chantal: My mother passed away 5 years ago in February. She absolutely LOVED our shows and coming to see us perform! Her favorite song was Take Off Your Clothes (which she called Take it Off, Take it Off). She would stand in the front row of every show with a bottle of water and a towel for me. She was probably our first and biggest groupie. The first record is dedicated to her.

The last time she left the house she came to see us play at the Knitting Factory in NYC and she passed out in the bathroom and went to the hospital and died a few days later.  I had a show the night she died and I went and played it, because I knew how much she loved it when we performed. I had a panic attack for the first time in my life. I went on stage and had temporary blindness for a few minutes- and I sang the first song and said “My mother died today, this show is for her”.

When I opened my eyes, there were 300 people crying in front of me, I think I told them all to “Stop being pussies”.

She is amused and laughs…

VB: How you know its love, is very visual & theatrical. Since you come from a film background- Do you ever see yourself combining both worlds in a musical?

Chantal: Pedro is actually the one who has been working on a musical! He’s been writing the music for “Clueless” The Musical for about 3 years now.  So that dream will come to reality for him, it’s very exciting! I’m VERY picky about musicals; I find the majority of them incredibly cheesy and the music atrocious, with the exception of Disney movies, Bob Fosse musicals and, of course Rocky Horror.

VB: What were you like as a child, and when did you discover your passion for music?

Chantal: I was pretty much EXACTLY the same as a kid; I talked the same, danced, sung, and thought the same. As young as I can remember… I have always thought about sex, killers, swimming, yummy food, love, and television. Having an overall good time.  It puts my mind at great ease to know that I haven’t changed much, except for maturing a bit. It means I am being completely true to myself.

VB: Tell us something about Pedro that NO one knows!

Pedro is Handsome & Talented...

She cracks up, then goes for it..

Chantal: Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha… They used to call him “Banananips” in school! He is gonna kill me for that…

VB: What can you tell us about your upcoming tour with Jet!

Chantal: I am psyched for the tour, we are going out with Kill Hannah, who I have known for years now, they are super nice guys! Jet… who I have met a few times, and seem nice, and Papa Roach. It should be a very interesting tour. I am excited to see how Papa Roach’s audience reacts to us.  I am most excited to go on tour, it has been ages and I am ready to shake my shit.

VB: Favorite song on the album- Why?

Chantal: My favorite song is a split between three of them; Hot Tonight has my favorite bridge, I absolutely love to sing it. Killer Life, I really love the verse lyrics, and it reminds me of my mother for some reason. Cat In A Box, stylistically it is like the type of music I listen to.  It is so nice to sing, it feels like a massage on my throat… mmmm, it is my jam!

VB: What’s the writing process like? The atmosphere in the studio?

Chantal: The writing process for this record was interesting in the sense that it was so focused.  Since Pedro and I live on opposite ends of the country when we got together for a day or two to write, we knew we HAD to come out of the session having written and recorded at least one song or the trip would be fruitless.  So we got it done.  Recording, was the same I had 4 days to record all of my vocals for the masters, we got it done.

VB: What is a misconception about you, the band, Pedro?

Chantal: For one, I never take off my clothes on stage, just other people’s clothes. I am not going to spoil the mystery, what if one of those misconceptions is what makes someone like us, I don’t want to ruin that… if one of those misconceptions is what makes someone dislike us, I probably didn’t want them to like us in the first place.

VB: Who do you dream about collaborating with?

Chantal: Beyonce, we love her!

VB: Got any advice for young gals who want to be part of the music industry…

Chantal: Learn how to do whatever it is you do as well as a man! Do not use the fact that you are a girl as a crutch to not be as good and get you through.  That does not mean you cannot use your sexuality to add to your persona if that is who you are, but first be good at what you do.  Also, do not feel inhibited by your femininity, you can get away with sooo much more than a man can, which is amazing and fun.  Have fun with it!

VB: Describe Morningwood in 3 words.

This is what Morningwood looks like.

Chantal: Pretty Fucking Awesome!

Morningwood is this month’s: Vh1’s “You outta know” Artist on the rise!

For tour dates and more on Morningwood Check out: www.morningwoodrocks.com

You know you wanna…..

Thank you to Transfer Media Group for setting this up!

These two are cocky, funky, silly, and real. So much you instantly fall for their beats and dig on Shwayze’s lyrics. You secretly want to hang and party in their Malibu pad, they make it look all too easy. They are not your older brothers, but they might as well be. Their songs provide a soundtrack for what the kids are thinking, doing, and even drinking (i.e. “Corona & Lime”).  Summertime music is what they are known for. Their upcoming sophomore release this fall,    “Let it beat” will prove they are much, much, more.

You ready to make some music?

With an electric throw back to the 80’s and a thump blended with the finest club beats, their first single, “Get you home”, sneaks up on you and gets you dancing quicker than a shot of tequila!

A hip-hop duo they say, but not the typical of sorts. These two are known as Cisco Adler, the singer who also produces, while Shwayze raps. Together there is talent & heart behind the duo.  The combination is sheer brilliance, with a flair for toking it up and loving the ladies. Lucky for us, they write to create impressive songs about it!

And guess who got to speak with the boys?

Check it:

Veronica Barriga: You guys are on the soundtrack for the film, Sorority Row, and are shooting the music video soon I hear…

Shwayze: I just got off the phone about that… It’s gonna be cool. The director of Sorority Row directed our music video. We got him to come through and most of the girls from the movie are in the video. I don’t wanna give you too much, but it’s gonna be good…Gotta watch it when it comes out!

VB: A lot of your songs are about girls and love. Now we often hear about Cisco’s endeavors-

Shwayze: Ha ha, exactly…

VB:  But what about you, what cha working with, do you have a girlfriend?

Shwayze: Um, ahhhhh…

He is torn, for a second.

I don’t think I have a girlfriend. I have someone I’m talking to but- it’s hard you know, cause we’re always traveling. Music is my girlfriend, pretty much. It’s makes it a little difficult, but I’m always looking, looking for the right girl.

VB: “Get you home,” the new single, there are about five different people who have remixed it. What’s it like hearing your original creation through their version of the song?

Shwayze: I love it! I love it! I love hearing everyone. It’s crazy. We got Lil John, Dj Class and it’s…

He stops, I hear some noise on the other end, and he tells me Cisco is there now and somehow we lose track of what the hell we were saying…

VB: The new single… I haven’t heard the entire album, but it’s got a little bit of an 80’s vibe, a lot different from your first release.

Shwayze: We sat down, wanted to try new things out. With the last record we got to do a lot of clubs… So we wanted to have a song people could dance to, but still chill/feel good music. Cisco, he’s just got a wide range of stuff.  When I first meet him, he was in a rock band, so that’s what I love about our collaboration. It’s never one thing.

Cisco: It’s pretty much an example of us throwing a bunch of things into a pot. It’s an example of where we can go. You can’t put the single or the album into one category. From the minute we did that song, it was a rapper and a singer. So that was two different worlds colliding already. Whatever form we do will always be a version of influences… From pop rock to electric beats. We showcase a lot range on this record!

VB: Describe your writing process. Each time must be different, but how do you guys approach it?

Shwayze: Cisco is in the studio, like 24/7. The studio is at the crib so he’s in there, being the mastermind, creator of the song. We come up with the concept, and then I go in and write my verse. With this record we really crafted big songs. It was about stepping it up.

Cisco: I make the beats, but even when it’s done, that’s not necessarily what the end product will sound like. We might go back and change the verses, adding here and there… Bringing in new sounds, trying to keep making it the best it can be. We make sure the verses are perfect for the song.

VB: Sounds like an ongoing process, till they give you a deadline or cut you off, and then you’re like…ok fine, we’re done.

They crack up, “Exactly!”

The newest from Shwayze, Get it Fall 2009!

VB: “Let It beat” features some great acts like The Knux and Snoop Dogg. What was it like working with those guys?

Cisco: The knux are our boys. We’ve worked with them before, brought them out on tour with us… and we became great friends. So that was like friends jumping in, and just rocking out. Snoop Dawg, he’s a legend and one of our major influences on the hip hop side… So that was like a dream come true.

It’s cool that he would even get on there- It’s kind of a nod to us, of respect, in the hip-hop arena. Sometimes people don’t give Shwayze enough credit, they just see us individuals and think it’s not hip-hop.

VB: It’s a different kind a of hip hop….

Soon Cisco is off on a tangent!

It’s like, what the fuck is hip hop? Hip-hop has never been one thing! When hip hop started it was mostly guitars, an Mc jamming to guitars…

Did I mention I love these two……  “Tell um boys, tell them!”

VB: Were you nervous putting out this second album? As you know, people usually judge “staying” power with the 2nd release.

Cisco: I don’t think we were nervous. We got a song on this record, “Livin’ it up,” he sings a lil bit about it, talks about the “sophomore slump.”

He then breaks into Shwayze, and delivers it, as a matter of fact like:

“Don’t be mad when you’re girl leaves with with us”…

Shwayze: We were excited to get back in the lab, after being on tour for eight months with the same songs. Those songs, to us, are like 3 or 4 years old. So it was really about, ‘let’s get back in there and make new songs!’

I ask about their upcoming college tour. September 17th to October 8th

Cisco: The college tour to us is like our bread and butter.

VB: Why did you choose to focus on, (well I guess it’s a given) the college campuses and that group?

With out hesitation, Cisco jokes, “Cause their wasted!” Shwayze then puts it into perspective.

Shwayze: Naw, just kidding. I don’t think we focused on them. We just do what we do, and the college kids connect with it.

Cisco: The thing about college tours, is like, it’s everywhere… You’ll have a 13 year old, and right next to her a 40 yr Rasta! It’s all good, as long they don’t touch each other…

 I’m still laughing…

VB: Right, yeah I gotcha, but they are diggin’ the music, just the same. How are your friends and family reacting to your success, and you guys rising to the top?

Shwayze: I don’t have to many friends, I have 5 or 6 boys in my life that never change no matter what…  My grandma, you know she is proud.

Cisco: We come from love. Malibu is sort of a small community and everyone roots for everyone here.

VB: What a good place to hang out in Malibu, for people from out of state?

Shwayze: There’s this street in the center of Malibu where you can find lot’s of overpriced shops…

Just then the record label comes on the phone (out of left field, might I add) we’re wrapping up, let’s wrap up… Just when it was getting good- what the…

VB: Describe each other in 3 words…

Shwayze: (I seem to think he’s describing himself, but it goes) Intense, focused,  Hilarious. Um, well no- he starts to change his mind…

Which I think is funny.

Then a sincere Cisco goes… “No, no I am, I am,” As if to encourage Shwayze to keep the answer.

It’s no wonder these two had an MTV show. And after this, I’m likely to campaign for another!

Cisco then describes Shwayze as “young and hungry”…

What up?

I couldn’t make out the other word he used but I’m sure it was along the lines of “talented bas ass”. That would be my guess.

In moments, Cisco starts fucking around…”Baby, baby, dick”…

VB: Big bigger and big…

There is all sorts of silliness going on back and forth. They got me… Until, I snap back into reporter mode, because the clock is ticking…

VB: What do you hope people take from this album?

Shwayze: I just want people to see that we’ve grown and we’re getting bigger, we work hard, and just want to keep doing it!

Cisco: With the last album, and all the kids we met… They would tell us, “This is the soundtrack for our lives! This is what we roll to the mall with! That’s what we get high with! This is what was on during the first time I made love!”… It’s about them growing up, and we provide the soundtrack for it.

I’d make it required listening, for those who love to have a good time.  

Get up close & personal with the Boys, at their latest photo shoot! Click Here for the Video!. For TOUR DATES & all things Shwayze, Check out the Official Site: www.Shwayze.com

Giveaway:

Shwayze Poster

We have one (1) signed poster to giveaway. The contest will run through September 15, 2009. The winning entry will be picked at random from email submissions. If you’d like to entry, please email rmtc@behindthehype.com.

They are from Nashville but not quite country… Hot Chelle Rae is a young foursome ready to rule the world, rock out, and bring you along for the ride! These young men got a ton of sass, and the talent to back it up. Ryan Keith Follese on vocals, Nash Overstreet plays lead guitar, Ian Keaggy on the bass and younger brother Jamie Follese jams out on the drums. The group has recently signed with Jive Records, one of the industry’s most influential labels! Their first single “I like to Dance” sets the festive, funky tone, and hints at what we can expect from their pop/rock debut release, “Lovesick Electric.”

“We all learned how to harness the heartbreak and use it as ammunition for the creative cannon.” Says HCR

“Our musical style and essence comes from our love of the 80′s, dedication to writing as a craft, and parents that encouraged us to really do whatever we wanted! On “Lovesick Electric” you will hear songs that represent what we love, events that we have lived… by the end I hope that you just feel, after all, isn’t that really what this is about.”  Says Lead singer, Ryan.

On this record, a dream came true when the boys had the chance to work with producers Eric Valentine and Butch Walker, both whom have created chart topping hits for Pink, Katie Perry and The All American Rejects, to name a few.

“I appreciate each and every different level of success we achieve. Getting to work with Eric Valentine, and Butch Walker… they were almost the only producers we told Jive that we wanted to work with when they asked us. The reality of working with our #1 choices hit us like a ton of bricks!” Adds Nash.

Its no doubt the band is in good hands, their sophisticated & sharp sounds will have you take note! They were born with music in their DNA, they are young but bold and with infusing tunes, along side innovative rifts, guided by melodious foot-tapping lyrics, it’s only a matter of time before these four explode onto the scene.

Hot Chelle Rae ‘s frontman Ryan Keith Follese, & lead guitarist Nash Overstreet, took a time-out from touring; to talk music, tattoos, and, shout-outs to rapper T-Pain. They even gave out some insightful advice on how to make it in the industry!

Check It:

Veronica Barriga: Hot Chelle Rae! What does the name mean, where did it come from?

Ryan Keith Follese (RK): Hot Chelle Rae…It came from a crazy fan and a random set of words. Chelle Rae is the name of a girl pretending to be an online model and pretending to help us with “music business connections.”

That’s actually hilarious…

Nash Overstreet: We thought it sounded cool, original, and just unique enough to take the shape of the music.

VB: How old are you guys? What were your lives like before signing to Jive?

Nash: Ian-22, Jamie-17, Nash-23, R.K.-22. We have all been playing music our whole lives, and known that’s what we wanted to do. Before hooking up with Jive, we had been in different incarnations of what is now Hot Chelle Rae. Our main focus was having a great product. We sacrificed the constant touring that we were told we “should” have been doing, for the time we felt necessary to craft great songs. We couldn’t be happier looking back. We’re very proud of this record, and hope everyone will love it as much as we do.

RK: We played a lot of shows but really understood that we wouldn’t get anywhere without A-list material. So we wrote nearly 60 songs and from 20, picked the best 11. It was tough, but I think that we benefited from it so much and I believe the future will show that.

VB: What do you hope people and fans take from your music?

Nash: A light hearted energy, a needed moment of encouragement, a song to fall in love to, or just a loud, blaring chorus to sing along to… Preferably at the top of your lungs!!

VB: What has been your “I’ve made it moment!?”

Nash: I hope I never have that moment. I never want to stop working to get better.

RK: Haha, our “I’ve made it moment”… I believe is yet to arrive. I don’t want to count our chickens before they have hatched! But getting a deal in this particular time in music was pretty killer.

VB: I noticed your tattoos, pick a favorite, and why?

Nash: That’s like picking a favorite child!… No, I don’t have any kids. My left arm, a dove, light, clouds, and a cross, is probably my favorite. It’s just so vibrant and colorful. Tim Bobeck is the artist we all go to at Lone Wolf in Nashville. He’s incredible.

RK: My favorite that I have is probably the one on my chest. It says ” Dream with my eyes open, Sleep when I’m dead, Love who my hearts chosen, Conquer what lies ahead.”

VB: Who are some of your major musical influences, why?

NASH: All of us bring something very different to the table.  I have always been a fan of groovy, funky feel-good music like Michael Jackson, and Prince; or great songwriting like Sheryl Crow, Tom Petty, and Butch Walker.

RK: Also, Queen, Journey, The Beatles, and country music. I believe we all respect them as incredible singers and incredible writers. As for country, that’s where we learned how to write lyrics.

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

NASH: I’m sending this one out to T-Pain… You are incredible, and working with you on the Taylor Swift track was amazing; but I’m still pushing to get you to get on a song with us!!! Haha (Don’t think we don’t tease Jive about it regularly,) Justin Timberlake… get in on this with us!

RK: Freddie Mercury for so many reasons, vocals, writing, arrangements, etc!!!

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

"They like to dance"

NASH: Stop At Nothing

RK: Hot Chelle Rae!

Clever, he is….

VB: What is your song writing process like?

NASH: It usually began with, a vocal hook, guitar riff, or bass line. Then we’ll grab acoustic guitars, and get the lyrics right. After we get in the right key, tempo, etc… We work it up as a band and “arrange” it.

RK: No rules to our writing process, could start with a great title… But the process is very critical and we double and triple check everything that we do for the best possible outcome.

VB: What has been the best advice your parents have given you about the industry? (Parents are award-winning songwriters, and a Grammy nominated guitarist.)

NASH: Write songs, all the time. It’s a talent, but also a skill. You can’t go out and run a marathon if you don’t train. Unless you exercise writing, you are not going to be your best.

RK: Honestly, when I encountered the feeling of heartbreak that my parents warned me about they just said, “Don’t give up” as cheesy as that is. If you follow it, amazing stuff can happen. They also said sadness was fuel for the fire.

VB: Who is the leader of the pack, what was the last thing the group had a disagreement about?

RK: I believe as an aspiring front man it’s my job to lead, but I think we all have leadership qualities and thats what makes the group function. Everyone brings something to the table that the other can’t. The last thing that we argued about was probably where to eat! Haha. This is a relationship and we are all like brothers.

NASH: We’re very fortunate to all have similar likes, and dislikes musically. I can’t imagine being in a band and suggesting something, only to have someone else HATE the idea. It’s R.K.’s job to connect with the audience. I have always been into making the musical arrangements the best they can be. Ian will come up with stuff no one else could ever dream of, and Jamie… if a beat is not the most original thing you’ve heard, I’m willing to bet it’ll still feel better!

VB: How has growing up in Nashville impacted your musical approach?

NASH: Nashville teaches you that you don’t have the luxury of being mediocre in any area. You have to be a great songwriter, amazing musician, put on the best live show in town, and be down to earth. The scene is harsh, but it makes the end result even better.

RK: Raised the bar! When all of your friends are in great bands like (Luna Halo, Enjoy the Zoo) it really changes the material level and the approach to being in a band.

VB: The young ladies wanna know, what do you look for in a girlfriend?

NASH: The most important thing has got to be: being able to be yourself. Nothing feels better than relaxing, and (the girl) not trying to impress or put on a show.

RK: Being able to be cool with a musicians schedule is very important. Someone who can just chill and be happy, have a good time. I like long curly hair!

VB: What pointers would you give to struggling bands and songwriters?

NASH: Don’t settle for less than your best in anything you do. If you make a demo, make it great. If you play a show, and only one person shows up, make them have such an experience that they tell every single person they know that you’re worth seeing the next time around.  …Always look good.

RK: Hone your craft and don’t do music for the girls. Do it because you don’t have a choice.

Well said, oh wait….. One more thing:

NASH: We are all about great songs first. There are upbeat dance songs, hard-hitting rock anthems, and heartfelt ballads. Something for everyone, no matter what stage of life they’re in, or what they’re going through. Catchy lyrics, memorable bass lines, synthesizers, dance like drum beats, and a guitar lick here and there…. that about sums us up.

From Left: Nash, Jamie, RK, Ian

But don’t take our word for it: Check out, the single: “I like to Dance”

Click here for some sweet rockin sounds!

While your at it, make a video and post it on their official website : www.HotChelleRae.com

Imagine the coolness of Ryan Adams intermixed with the genius of Beck, then polished with a visual evoking wonderland created entirely by one artist… Well you don’t have to, I’ve met him and his name is David Bennett.

Song Writer & Musician David Bennett

David is one of the lucky 14 contestants chosen to compete on Mtv’s Newest Reality Show: P. Diddy’s “Starmaker.”  The show consists of musical artists selected from all over the country; eager to prove they’ve got what it takes to become the world’s next global music superstar and of course, land a recording deal with Bad Boy Records.

The performers must survive eliminations each week while making sure to charm the all-star judges and industry heavyweights, in the likes of; Producer Rodney “Dark Child” Jerkins, Former Billboard Editor in Chief  Tamara Conniff, “Making the Band’s” favorite choreographer Laurieann Gibson, along with P. Diddy himself making appearances throughout the season.

Upon getting cast on the show, an unassuming David, took it all in stride. “I remember I got up that morning, and walked down to the audition, played a few songs and went home, that was it…..I didn’t know how big it was, till I kept getting callbacks! Like wow, they wanna fly me out to New York for another audition, I’ll take it! It was all sort of surprising to me.” He says.

While David was caught off guard, I’d like to bet others were not. His father introduced him to music as a child by gifting David his very own drum kit! At the age of 12 David’s father had passed away and his English teacher suggested that writing music could serve as a therapeutic approach. It did and also allowed Bennett to discover his true passion; music.

“My musical style or essence… It’s a mixture between alternative rock, with indie rock and a soul background. I bring all my influences, which is a huge amount of people. The Beatles of course, Stevie Wonder, SuperTramps… a lot of modern people as well, like Elliot Smith and the list keeps going.” He tells me.

He moved to Orange County for high school then joined a few bands, jamming out as a teen and began building his foundation. He even chased music to Colorado for a short lived band gig, and finally coming back full circle to his hometown of Los Angeles where he recently graduated from the acclaimed school, the Musicians Institute. Oh yeah, and the P. Diddy show of course!

Premiering On MTV August 16 at 10:00 PM

Interesting enough, this amazing opportunity almost slipped by David. If it wasn’t for his insightful music teacher, he may have missed it. “Right before the show, actually, I had just gotten out of school. One of my teachers at the Musicians Institute told me about the show. He said I should try out. I didn’t believe him, but apparently it worked out.”

Make sure to catch David on "Starmaker!"

David is a calm artist who couldn’t give a fuck about being popular, but will always have a large audience because his music is truthful and clever. He wears his shades the entire interview, and speaks from the soul. He has a quiet, intelligent sensibility that is hard to find these days.

“I had my fair share of nerves throughout the show, but it wasn’t a life or death situation for me.  More like… I’ll just try it!”

Check this:

Veronica Barriga:  How did your family and friends react when they heard the news?

David Bennett: They were pretty surprised. I think it really sunk in when I went to New York. That’s when they realized this is actually sort of a big deal. Then I made it on the show! It was fun, and nice to change my pace… especially getting right out of school and going into this.

VB: There were many different people and dynamics in the house. What role did you play among everyone?

David: I had a lot of fun playing piano on the show. I helped the other contestants learn the piano. It was especially fun, ’cause it was a Grand Piano. I was thrilled about that!… I wasn’t a very dramatic person on the show.

VB: I joke. You mean you weren’t starting fights? Creating enemies? 

David: Oh no, no just having a fun time, soaking it all in.

VB: Describe a typical week in the “Rock Star” mansion where you guys were staying.

David: We had microphones on us at all times. We would wake up and shower, put the mics on… then we carried on with our day and forgot about them after a while. Probably good for the show and bad for us. We did a lot of random things. It was all surprises!

VB: So you had to be constantly on you’re “A” game and prepared, would you say?

David: Well we should have been prepared and constantly on our “A” game, but ……

He doesn’t say anything, damn those contracts!

VB: A lot of partiers in the house?

David: Not too much, I was pretty good, tried to be pretty good… there were a few times where it got a little rowdy.

VB: What was it like working with P. Diddy?

David: It was nerve-racking at first. Everything just seemed heavier around him and I had to think before I did something. I was a little nervous around him… He’s a good person. It was just surprising to see him in person. I was trying to read his mannerisms and see what makes him Diddy.

VB: How about Rodney Jerkins?

David: He uses the same program that I use to produce my music, which is cool. I had a nice chat with him about that… He’s a hard judge and definitely knows what he’s looking for.

VB: Tell us about Tamera, Billboard’s former  top gal.

David: She didn’t really let anyone off easy. She called us on the smallest details, from the way we looked to everything else.

VB: How did you react to that, were you thankful for that, or sort of like, ‘I don’t need this.’

David: I was not used to getting judged.  I’m also not used to performing cover songs, so I was out of my element in those two situations. It was a little frustrating singing a song I wasn’t familiar with and then getting critiqued on it.

VB: What was the chorography like cause you don’t seem like the boy band type, although I could be wrong….

David: I am definitely not. I’m not trying to be Usher, I’m trying to write songs and perform them, play them live…….(while performing) I’m behind a ucalayly or a keyboard.

VB: Toughest hurddle to overcome in the competition?

David: Getting comfortable being out of my element, trying to figure out how to move on stage without my instruments, because it’s the complete opposite of what I do.

VB: Most eye opening lessons?

David: For me it was… learning other people’s songs and changing the keys around. It was eye opening to me to play them in every different key. It helped me as an instrument player. In doing that, I analyzed the pop form of the song. I performed a lot of songs that I had never heard before… which was interesting.

VB: What are some of your favorite moments from the show.

David: Hanging out in the pool was not a horrible thing, having BBQs- that didn’t suck.

He laughs, and then in true artist form..

My favorite moments were learning songs. My main focus, before and after the show, is writing songs and producing them. Creating. Sort of… painting the picture of myself through music.

VB: What is the message you’d like to send with your music?

David: It changes throughout. There are a lot of songs about loss and  relationships. I have abstract songs… sometimes about a dream I had. I’m just trying to tell a story.

For my last question, I ask about him about doing reality tv in the future…

“I’d rather just focus on my music,” he says.

And that is exactly why we dig him.

David is currently working on his debut album, on which he also produces his own tracks. Get a sneak peek for his unique sound at:

http://www.myspace.com/davidbennettmeoozic

Monet appears as a cast member on Mtv’s Newest Reality Competition:

Premiering: August 16, at 10:00pm

Some girls just got it, and whether they’ve spent their lively hood, achieving it- The minute you meet them, their persona and presence will have you believe they were born with it!

Monet Monico embodies drive & devotion to her music, a natural spark, talent and sass.

Watch Monet on MTV!

Although, you may have caught her on the Disney Channel, or playing the infamous Whiskey a Go Go on the Sunset Strip, this fierce lil lady is ready for the limelight.  Something tells me, America will welcome her with open arms.

Monet, along with 13 other hopeful musical artists from all over the country; is slated to compete on Mtv’s, P. Diddy’s “StarMaker.”

Each week one contestant is sent home; in the final round the winner receives prizes along with the ultimate: a Bad Boy recording contract! The journey proves to be tough, while each contender must prove they’ve got “it,” to the industry heavyweight judges.

The show cast includes acclaimed Record Producer Rodney    “Dark Child” Jerkins, to Former Billboard Editor in Chief, and industry leader, Tamara Conniff along with P. Diddy himself making appearances; in hopes of finding and creating the world’s next global music superstar.

This show is going be big and Monet will be the first to tell you, she was blessed to be a part of it. “Diddy is the man, when he comes into the room, You gotta be on it! He gives great advice; he knows what he is doing! I think it was a great honor, to know that he picked us all to compete for him.  An honor, to be on a show titled P. Diddy Starmaker!” she says.

I’ve just met her, but I feel excited for her, I secretly cheer her on as she speaks, it’s clear this women deserves her dreams to come true, and nothing will stop her….

She sat down with us, and gave us the scoop on the show, as she also reveals a recent major struggle in her life.

Check This:

Veronica Barriga: Now, You were the “baby” of the group, what was that dynamic like, with the other contestants?

Monet Monico: Yes, 18!….I was the youngest there, I felt like the baby in the group and you’ll see in the show it might show- people might treat me like ‘I’m the baby.

VB: Were people nurturing of you, cause you were the youngest, or more dismissive, like “We got her, she’s out?”

Monet: Not so much the nurturing part….I wasn’t favored, it was a competition, maybe other people felt like I was….I felt like I was treated equally which was great!

VB: Describe your musical essence or style, who is Monet the performer?

Monet: My musical style, I came up with a new genre, It’s called ‘Pop and Soul.’ I have a lot of soul in my voice, and I’m a pop artist, I also dance and play instruments; but what I want to get out there, is I wanna be ME! I have this crazy style that I put together, it’s all about the wardrobe, it’s all about the lyrics, the types of songs that I choose…. (To let people know,) that you CAN be yourself and be an artist at the same time, you don’t have to follow what everyone else tells you to do.

VB: You mean sellout?

Monet: You don’t have to sell out at all…You know what? People may think that I’m selling out, but I am a pop act…

VB: Yeah, you gotta be commercial

And I love it, and it’s myself- I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else…

VB: It’s sounds similar to the approach of  Lady Gaga…Would you say?

Monet: Lady gaga, I love her so much! She’s amazing, our music type is different, but she goes out there and she does what she wants, like me! It’s also a little bit Gwen Stefani, I really look up to her….but it’s just about coming out  with a new genre that will change the world……

VB: I love it, it’s great, I really can’t wait to see that! What made you want to try out for this show in particular?

Monet: I have to say that, it was just a shock to me that I even tried out for this show, I had done a Disney channel show before, and a bunch of other acting gigs, getting my songs on there and I was like, a reality show?? I’d never be on a reality show!!  But, this one is P diddy! I loved P. Diddy, forever since I was little, ya know, “Bad Boy for life”…

She laughs, and back to business..

On the show, every single act, is a different genre of music and it was great for me, because not only am I competing for a record deal with Bad Boy, but I get to show who I am, and represent myself, without any conflicts, I think that really sold me.

VB: What was the audition process like?

Monet: Wow! That was a crazy process! The casting people… There were like, “Thanks, NEXT.” I was thinking, Oh my gosh!.. I was singing one my original songs, I went up there, and they were like “Ok, um, come back tomorrow.” I came back, sang another song and they said, We’ll contact you in the next few weeks to see if you are going to the final call.

So I get the call!!  They have us sign the contracts; we got to fly to New York! At final audition, Diddy was there! We are standing on the stage and the whole auditorium is dark, and all you see is Diddy and his sunglasses just chilling there…(It’s like) “Oh hey Diddy, whats up?” I had to sing my song, and I guess they liked it!

VB: How did you family and friends react?

Monet: My family is so supportive! My friends, I didn’t tell my friends…yet, I’m one of those that – when it actually happens, then I’ll tell you. I was like “Bye you guys, I’m leaving for two months….and I didn’t tell them were I was going”… So I come back, and when I finally figured out when the show was airing that’s when I was like, guess what everyone??

VB: Describe a typical week in the house…..

Monet: We stayed at the RockStar energy house here in LA….We would select our songs.. You’ll see how the process goes, I can’t’ say much … During the week, I was practicing the whole time…Some judges You’ll see- they’ll say “Oh you weren’t working this hard…you need to get it, you need to bring it.

We had a group of people that, we just worked and worked… we wouldn’t stop rehearsing, of course we would eat a lot…. I love eating.. there’s a snack called Combos.. and I’ve never had those before- I guess it’s more of an east coast thing, I’d just sit there and scarf them down, but also we’d have some fun times with the cast, I love every single one on the cast.

VB: How did you handle the pressure, where you able to call your family, I’m sure it got tough? In one of the clips, I see you crying!

"Hey, what did you say?"

Monet: I know!! It did get pretty tough, but I got stronger! This whole process builds you up sooo much, it’s great! It was good to sort of be away from family for a while, I’ve never been away from them before for more than a week; a great process, I got to learn to work hard, and do stuff on my own.

VB: It sounds like a transformation

Absolutely, and a great one!

I ask about the judges and she praises each one, equally, saying it was an honor to be judged by them.

VB: How about Laurieanne Gibson the choreographer, cause you are a dancer?

Monet: I’ve wanted to work with her ever since I saw her on making the band and the movie about her life, Honey. She is one of my favorite people’ in the world, it was a dream come true to work with her, because she wants you to succeed as much as you want yourself to succeed.

VB: Most eye opening lessons you were able to take from the show?

She takes her time, and changes her tone lowers it in sort of a meditation like, calming energy..

Monet: For me it was being away from home, that was really ideal to me, it was a different thing, a new thing, and…. how hard you must rehearse! How, important wardrobe, and interviews are; taking good photos.

I catch her posing for the camera.

It’s not just about how good you sing, you have to have the whole package, you have to have the “it” factor- in order to make it. The competition is fierce out there, you have to come out with a whole new thing that can compete with the other artists.

VB: You are very independent, did you ever feel the pressure, with the acting and music to sort of cave into what other people wanted?

Monet: I’ve been working on this for a really long time, I did have pressure to give into what other people wanted for me, and it didn’t work. I would feel “Anything, anything, to make it”……but I realized that the way I can make it and be happy, be successful, and inspire people with my music, was to write it from who I am, and be who I am! Now I can say; this is what I want to do and their like,…ok!

VB: Did you get along with the other contestants, why or why not?

Monet: There were some tough times with the other contestants cause we’re all competing, sometimes jealously- jealousy among each other..

As she describes a scenario, she is careful to be very vague. I suppose due to her contract with the show…

I’m not a hater, I literally have that Nick Cannon shirt  “Stop hating” I don’t believe in that- you know, you do your thing, I’ll do mine- I’m not gonna judge you, I never really got involved with that, but a lot of other people did.

I always keep my cool…(she catches herself) ha, ha, the crying part, you’ll see why- it’s for a good reason!

VB: There’s another clip where it shows you saying I’m not here to make friends!

Monet: Yeah, I said, I’m not here to make “BFF’s”  and everyone’s quoting that to me now!  She begins to make fun of herself, “Oh you’re not here to make Bff’s—whats that?”

The reason I said that will be apparent to you, when you watch the show; you can’t please everyone, I’m always the peace maker, but at some point you say, I wasn’t there to make best friends. I was there to show who I was as an artist. I actually came out with a lot of great friends, like David….so it was funny that I said that.

VB: What have you been doing while waiting for the show to air?

Monet: I have never had a normal job in my life, I had to get a part time job and go into the studio all the same time…it quite an experience to work with the public. I just wanted to go out and get a job,  save some money, buy new boots… I’ve been in the studio a lot, writing everyday, I think thats imperative! I’ve been going to the gym, dancing, getting everything ready, preparing everything so when that thing hits it’s gonna hit hard!

She smacks the table. Love it.

Minutes later, she changes direction and reveals….

It’s been kind of hard for me, because a couple weeks ago- my father passed away.. and that’s been (she holds back some emotion) really tough… he actually got to be on the show- I wanted to share that because I am going through struggle, a lot of people will see me and say that girl is so young, she’s never had to go through anything.

You have to keep smiling and I know my daddy is watching over me right now, and he’s my angel. I am doing this show- now, all this stuff for him! I loved him so much, he was a really big part of my life, when you asked if my family supported- my mom and him, always by my side!

If you lose someone in your life…they are in a better place, they are out of pain, everyone goes through struggle and it’s ok…… A lot of my songs will come from that, you can deal with pain and still have a smile on your face because you know how much they loved you! I’m so happy he got to be here through this whole thing.

You can catch Monet expressing her “Pop & Soul” essence on MTV Starting August 16, on “P. Diddy’s Starmaker!” Mark your calendars!

Awesome Photos provided By: Erik Borzi

Check him out at: http://www.erikborzi.com

I could spend the next two paragraphs hyping this band, and telling you why they rock. Instead I feel (for once) that the music speaks for itself. There’s nothing like the perspective from three kids stuck in an Irish, underdeveloped community, with limited options- to prevail and not only find music, but reinvent it.

Bringing good music back, The Script

The awesome mention in Rolling Stone, doesn’t begin to cover it. The Script has recently opened for U2, along with Sir Paul Mc Cartney, meanwhile headlining their own gigs and competing strong on the UK and Irish album charts.  The band is currently building their foundation in the States, but across the sea these guys are huge, and rightfully so!

It’s simply like this; a trio of musical superstars awaiting the grand slam hit that will propel them into your American heart, mind, soul, and namely your I Pod.

This is why, I would never allow such sweet sounds, seducing grooves, intertwined with Rock and Roll to pass you by…… Think “U2 versus Timbaland, Van Morrision remixed by Teddy Riley, Irish people have soul” Says Lead singer Danny O’Donoghue.

Influenced by not the typical of sorts, as younger artists the band engrossed themselves in R&B and Hip Hop, “At the time, MTV only came on in Dublin after midnight, it was the fuzzy channel, and for my generation black culture was just a wave through us all,” Mark Sheehan continues, “It wasn’t about gangs and guns; it was fashion and fun, singing and dancing.”

Their self-titled debut album is out now, and was guided with the emotions that came from the band’s loss; during the recordings, Danny lost his father, and Mark his Mother. “But amidst all this travesty and disaster, these songs have risen out of it, in my darkest moments, that’s what got me through,” Danny shares.

“I have never had a chance with any other band to express myself with such freedom” states, Drummer Glen Power.

From the beginning the magic could not go unnoticed, Glen had been jamming out since he was fifteen years old, and when he came across The Script, he found his home!

We spoke with heartbeat of the band, Glen Power- to get the goods!

Irish rockers, party of three, please: Mark Sheehan, Danny O'Donoghue, and Glen Power (From Left)

Check it:

Veronica Barriga: What were you like as child and does it play into how you approach music?

Glen Power: I was actually quite shy. Maybe that’s why I ended up behind a kit of drums. The great thing is, music brings you out of yourself because if you are going to have a career in music you have to get in front of people and perform for them, so it really helped me come out of me shell!

Does it play into my approach…I would say     yes to this because as a kid, I was very mischievous! So, occasionally there are some laughs on stage and I joke around during a gig, sometimes to lighten the mood or the weight of how nervous we might be feeling!!

VB: What’s the difference between UK fans & fans in the U.S?

Glen: The UK fans have had more time with our music, the U.S fans are really, only starting…But once we play live, it really is all the same and after two songs, the audience is with us.

VB: If you could record along side anyone, who would it be and why?

Glen: First on the list would be U2. They are idols of mine, all my life! The Police would be another one, Phil Collins too…what a player! I think a collaboration with The Black Eye’d Peas could be very interesting!

VB: The craziest thing a fan has ever done for you!

Glen: My Birthday, I was given a night in the Dorchester hotel in London, executive room for two, breakfast included!!

VB: Who is the most: messy, smelly, sensitive, biggest party animal?

Glen: A tough one, I think you’ve just described the whole band there!

He winks.

VB: What do you hope people take from your music & performances?

Glen: Passion for what we do, honesty about what we sing and the guts (we have) to get up there, fall down and get back up there again.

VB: When did you first discover your love for music, and how?

Glen: I think it was from my dad. My dad is a singer. He also plays the accordion. When I was a kid and we would be sitting at the dinner table my dad would be tapping his hands along to what was on the radio. I would copy him and I really believe that was the start of it for me, that was the foundation of basic rhythm in me.

VB: Tell us about your favorite place on earth.

Glen: A place in County Wicklow, Ireland called Glendalough! Beautiful place, amazing scenery, very spiritual, recharges the soul.

VB: Describe the perfect women…

Glen: Honest, loyal, sincere, fun and easy on the eyes, coincidentally she’s beside me right now! (His girlfriend.)

Sorry ladies, damn!

VB: What do you miss most about back home (Ireland).

Glen: My family, and GUINNESS!!

Take Note, and somebody send him some authentic Guinness…A.S.A.P!

VB: How was opening for Sir Paul?

Glen: Amazing! Very surreal to be even mentioned in the same breath as a Beatle! We were actually wondering what to call him!  Sir Paul? Paul? Until suddenly there was a knock on the door and he walked straight into our dressing room. We were shell shocked. He asked us what was the biggest place we had played and started talking about; The Beatles and how they went from playing small places to big places-how that felt, it was amazing, we felt so at ease with him after a few minutes, we were on common ground talking about gigs and performing. He told us a funny story about mixing up where he was and coming out to the audience and getting it wrong and how he got out of it! He chatted to us for over a half hour- a half hour I won’t ever forget!!

Conquering one nation at a time, take a moment to indulge in the goodness!

Click on the link below to watch a video.

The Script: Live Performance & Backstage action!!

Live In Ireland, The Script

The Self titled; “The Script” album is available now!

The Script; Currently Touring the U.S!

Check out their web site www.thescriptmusic.com/us/home/ for tour dates, and the latest news on these soulful rockers!

The Script say Hello!

Division Day: The new album "Visitation" Available 8-18-09

“I’ve never written a music review before” says the sassy little broad, after having to pleasure to get lost in the wave lengths of Division Day… she then states “Wow, what an amazing way to pop my album review cherry,” and here’s why.

 It never goes like you expect it to:

There is so much happening, a lot of which that left me at “Hello”…

It begins with me wondering what the fuck happened to Division Day? I think I like it…their sweet sounds, and rhythmic melodies no longer remain. Visitation, the third release from the band, is the darker side of the high we are used to getting from the groups’ original sounds.

With that said, the self described “ambient grime” is perfect “coming down music.” The album opens with reverberation that feels as if the walls in my bedroom are caving in, and I’m waiting to be lifted into space in order to escape the madness; after a moment, an eerie yet comforting voice takes over…

Front man Rohner Segnitz has gentle vocals – soft for a man, and sort of monotone – as he embodies an older sibling you can trust.  There is a story-telling vibe that he uniquely captures.

Even so, the “show points” belong to the ambiguous instruments that set this album apart.  On Malachite, it begins like a dance party on the street, and suddenly turns darker into a repetitive warning of sorts. On the following track, the strings & rifts shine most and a wave of great music prevails.

It’s quite strange as I try to figure out what direction the band chose this time around, but they nailed this much: each composition has a way of making you itch for what’s next, as they sort of sneak the beats beneath you, and then take you on a ride as the songs rises…

The faces behind the sounds, Division Day.

Keep your ear open for Planchette; it is calming & soulful, and will chill you out with mellow vibrations (a la Tiny Dancer by Elton John, but with no piano and harder beats in its place).

The overall outcome is sort of like a dark wizard whom will seduce you in with his jazzy and smooth appeal, as the band transfuses songs about death, transformation and the devil.

Another thing I favored about these guys is their sharp song titles from Malachite to Planchette, and from that it’s clear: Division Day is eager to hit darker notes, and submerge themselves into a new territory.

But is it working? You tell me…