Tag: Q&A

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Poll of the Week: Which CMA Interview Are You Looking Forward To Reading?

The CMA Music Festival in Nashville was a blast and I’m still recovering from the weekly events. I just posted my interview with Taylor Swift from the nightly press conference, but I want to know which interview you want to read next! 
I had some great one-on-one interviews with Martina McBride, David Nail, Holly Williams and Jake Owen as well as covered the press conference with acts like Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Lady Antebellum. Who are you most excited to read about? Vote in this week’s poll and I’ll get each interview transcribed as fast as I can. Hope you enjoyed my updates so far! Lots more to come. Thanks for reading and voting!

Which CMA Interview Are You Looking Forward To Reading?

Brad Paisley
David Nail
Holly Williams
Jake Owen
Lady Antebellum
Martina McBride
Rascal Flatts
Reba McEntire
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Festivals Interviews

Taylor Swift

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu


Her music is embraced by country and pop fans alike, but she never fails to display her country roots — always wearing a cute sundress and cowboy boots. Having recently recorded with Def Leppard and showing the world her impeccable rap skills (who knew?) with T-Pain at the CMT Awards on cleverly titled, “Thug Story,” Taylor Swift is the only artist I know who has five-year-old girls and 25-year-old women equally excited about her music.

At the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, even Reba McEntire was singing her praises. Of Swift, Reba said, “I’m thrilled to be in the same business as she’s in because I’ve learned from Taylor. She’s a very smart, old soul and she’s very in tune with what’s supposed to be going on. She knows how to think. She has a very great business sense so I like to eavesdrop in on what Taylor’s doing. I always learn something.”

Did I mention she’s only 19? Taylor Swift is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve, whether it be in her lyrics about ex-boyfriends or simply her interaction with her fans — hundreds, of which, camped out to meet Taylor at her autograph signing. And, by the look of it, Taylor Swift won’t be going anywhere anytime soon if her fans have anything to say about it. Read on to learn more about collaborating with T-Pain and John Mayer, her writing process and how she feels about her fast-paced lifestyle.

Earlier this week, Reba McEntire talked about the music industry and people in country music she looks to for inspiration and she mentioned you.
Wow. That’s the coolest thing I’ve heard in a really long time! It better be true! Reba is absolutely one of my favorite people on this planet. I think that when you’re making your way up in the music industry you have all these heroes and the reasons why they are your heroes are one thing. As soon as you get into the industry your guidelines change a little bit. For me, my heroes now are great people first and great artists second. People on that list for me are Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Faith Hill — people that I just feel strive to be great people and kind people first before anything else gets factored in. To hear something so wonderful from one of those people on that giant, huge, amazing list, that’s awesome. I love Reba!

It seems like you’re going 100 miles an hour right now. Is this too fast or just right for you?
This is just right for me. I’m loving it. I played Atlanta last night and got in at 3 a.m. this morning and then went straight to the Convention Center to sign autographs for five-and-a-half hours and that’s the way I want to live my life. This is absolutely my favorite time of year. I remember when I was 14-years-old and was holding a clipboard interning at the CMA Music Fest, just feeling like if there was ever a chance that one day people would line up to have me sign something of theirs, then that would be a really, really good day for me. I’m really happy to say that today was that day and it’s so wonderful to get the chance to do this.

What role does faith play in your life and your career?
I definitely know that there is someone looking out for me. And, for me it’s just wonderful to know that all of this has happened. There has to be someone up there holding all the cards because I could have never done this on my own.

Thanks to Twitter we know that you may be doing something with John Mayer and T-Pain. Could you talk about working with those artists, the freedom, and what’s that like for you creatively?
I love making new friends and I respect people for a lot of different reasons. For me, great music doesn’t just have to fall into one category or one genre and I love appreciating all kinds of music. Country music is obviously my favorite and that just goes without saying. But, I’ve always loved John Mayer and I think T-Pain is brilliant. Getting to work with people like that has been really, really fun for me. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and the fact that country radio has been so wonderful to me and has remained so true to me despite the fact that I’ve gotten to go and do all these things that I’ve dreamed about doing. It’s just been a really, really cool thing.

Your music is so personal; it’s almost like writing in a diary. Do you remember the first time you performed and were you nervous that the person you were singing about was in the audience?
For me, writing a song, I sit down and the process doesn’t really involve me thinking about the demographic of people I’m trying to hit or who I want to be able to relate to the song or what genre of music it falls under. When I sit down and write a song the only person that I’m thinking about in that room is the person that I’m writing the song about and what I want them to know and what I wish I could tell them to their face, but I’m going to say it in a song instead. So, for me, music is really more about a diary and a confession. I love it. I love getting to say things to people that I wouldn’t say to them if I was standing face to face with them. Music is a way of verbalizing those things that I feel that I can’t say.

What country song do you relate to most?
I have favorites. My top favorite country songs are “Run” by George Strait or “You Were Mine” by the Dixie Chicks or Faith Hill “Breathe.”

What was the craziest thing you’ve had to sign?
I’ve had a lot of interesting things like a turtle shell with my face painted on it. That was the winning touch. But today, my fans know me so well and they get me awesome presents. This girl brought me this bracelet [that I’m wearing] and I really like it. A lot of the jewelry that I wear and that you see me wear are fan gifts because they’re so awesome and they give me great presents.

Thousands of girls are running around in sundresses and cowboy boots. Is this a fashion phenomenon for you?
Yes! That’s awesome. I wasn’t trying to start anything. I wasn’t trying to make people dress a certain way, but seeing girls coming to my shows wearing sundresses and cowboy boots and curling their hair is one of my favorite experiences ever because I remember when I was weird for dressing the way that I dressed and I was weird for having curly hair. It’s really fun to see that I’m
not that weird anymore.

What do you do to keep from burning out?
As far as burning out, I get tired a lot, but I never get tired of it. Because for me, I remember when I was a little kid and I used to sit there and think about how lucky I would be one day where people cared about the words that I wrote or how lucky I would be if someday I was just walking through the mall and saw some little girl walking by with my face on her t-shirt.

When you spend so much time daydreaming about things like that, when that actually happens you don’t ever complain about it. When I go to a restaurant, yeah I know that a line is probably going to form in front of the table, but didn’t I always wish for that? Yeah, I did. So it’s like, I never want to be the girl who wanted something so bad her whole life, she just wanted one thing, and then gets it and complains about it. I’m not going to be that girl.

You can also read this interview on MarieClaire.com here.

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Features

Poll of the Week: If you could ask any artist one question, what would it be?

Gearing up for the CMA Music Festival in Nashville later this week, I’m curious as to what questions you want answered by the musicians I interview. From last week’s poll I know you’re most interested in my interviews and concert recaps, so I want to make sure you get all your questions answered!

I’ll post a few of my favorite questions as options for the poll, but please leave comments of things you want to know. Thursday will be here before we know it and I want to make sure I ask what you most want to know. So, if you could ask any artist one question, what would it be?

What is going through your head while performing onstage?
What is your typical writing process like?
When was the moment you realized you want to be a musician?
Do you feel a song comes out better when it’s based on a real relationship or fantasy?
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Interviews

Taylor Momsen

She has graced television with her performance as Jenny Humphrey on CW11’s “Gossip Girl” and now Taylor Momsen is hitting the road with her band, The Pretty Reckless. With an opening slot for The Veronicas this summer and an album coming out in the fall, Momsen may be the latest successful cross-over celebrity. Only time will tell.

A few weeks ago in Zootopia’s press room, Momsen revealed her surprising passion for music (over acting) as well as the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it’s like on the set of “Gossip Girl.” Read on for more.

How would you explain the band’s sound? What’s your live show like?
It’s a lot of fun. We just started touring. We just had our first leg of our tour with The Veronicas. The sound is rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a lot of fun. I wrote the whole record and we’re just tweaking all the production now. There should be stuff up online really soon. Check out theprettyreckless.com. Rock ‘n’ roll. Let’s bring it back.

What does being in a rock band give you that acting doesn’t?
Acting, I have been doing for a really long time and I love it. But, music feeds my soul. It’s what I live for.

Would you prefer to be a major movie star or a major rock star?
I love them both so much. I’ve been doing them both for as long as I remember. Music is what I live for. I’m so passionate about it and it means so much to me personally that if I was to have to give it up in any form, that would be really bad. I don’t want to say that I would choose one over the other. But, music holds a special place that acting doesn’t.

Sometimes the media can be difficult to handle. How do you deal with it?
Well, the kiss of death is to read about yourself online. Don’t do it and you’re cool. You just have to have a strong head, be smart about it and not listen to what anybody says about you because no one’s going to say nice things.

How is the crowd responding to you on tour? Being an opening band, do you have to win them over?
Yeah. It’s funny. The Love Willows is a band that opens before us. They’re cool, but they’re so different and they’re really happy and colorful and totally not rock. Then we come on and I think we shell shock the audience a little bit. So, it takes a second for them to warm up. Everyone just stares at us. It’s a lot of fun.

What’s it like on set of “Gossip Girl.” Tell me about the chemistry.
The chemistry is great. We’re like a family now. We’ve been together for two years; we’re in the third season. It’s awesome. Everyone loves each other. It sounds so contrived, but it’s nice.

For more on The Pretty Reckless, listen to a track on MySpace. What do you think?

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Interviews

Sean Paul

Releasing his first album in over three years, Sean Paul is back on the road and as busy as ever. Having produced hit singles for Beyoncé and Rihanna in the past, Sean Paul has made a name for himself not only as a hit producer, but also as a solo reggae artist. While singles “Gimme the Light” and Billboard Hot 100 hit “Get Busy” accelerated his solo career, being heard on Beyoncé’s No. 1 single “Baby Boy” helped to elevate his staying power.

Last week Sean Paul filled us in on his newest single, “So Fine” as well as life dealing with the constant camera attention. Read below for more on his upcoming album and passion for music.

Tell us about your new single.
New single is called “So Fine.” I think it’s a perfect summer giant. It’s very bouncy. I usually cover stuff that you can hear in the clubs, in the cars. It’s raunchy but also sounds smooth. It has a cool attitude.

Other than that, the record I’ve been working on for three long years. I’m glad to be back on the road. The road is hectic right now. It’s called Imperial Blaze suggesting the king’s fire. I feel like I am a king of certain types of music right now. I’m doing it as hot as ever. Imperial Blaze comes out August 18th. I’m shooting a video for the first single next week.

You’ve collaborated with so many artists over the years. Is there one specific artist or song that stands out as a favorite or most memorable?
All of my work, to me, is just something I’ve put so much thought into. I want people to feel a good feeling off of it. I remember when I heard songs that I like, I try to put that feeling, whatever it is. It might be a madness that nobody else is understanding what I’m talking about. But, that’s what I try to do. All of them have been special to me. I can’t. Every experience; working with a different producer or a different artist is something that you learn from.

What triggers the passion inside of you?
There’s a lot of different things. My motivation towards music is always wanting to have my say out there. To be able to have my five minutes with all these press people and say, “Yo, what up?” And if there’s something really on my mind at the time, I can say it. That’s what motivates me. It’s good to be in the public eye and have my own opinions.

Do you ever get used to the camera flashes?
That’s crazy. It’s very blinding. They’re like, “Sean, here. Here.” I don’t know where I’m looking. I’m not used to it. When do I get used to it? I don’t know. Who is used to people screaming, “Hey! Hey!” in your face and taking pictures? I’m not used to it. It’s cool. I’m liking that they’re taking it, but I’m just not the type of person into that type of thing. I’m usually the person that likes to see everyone else before they see me. Sort of incognito.

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Interviews

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em (or Soulja Boy) took the charts by storm in the fall of 2007 with hit single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” Not only did he invent a new dance that was everywhere in the clubs, but the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. A pretty impressive feat for a kid just in high school.

His story is inspiring, having recorded and released his debut album independently, soon after his music taking off on the Internet and then signing a record deal a few months later. With current hits, “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” and “Turn My Swag On” heating up the charts, there’s nothing this 18-year-old can’t do. Read on for his advice to up-and-coming musicians and his definition of swag.

What to you is swag?
Swag is different for each person. For me, swag is the type of jewelry that I wear, the type of clothes I wear or how I have my hair shaped up in the morning. For another person, it’s your appearance. Your style is your swag.

I’ve heard about your notebook of goals. What’s your advice for other teens?
When I was in high school I had a composition notebook and I wrote my list of goals down that I wanted to accomplish in life. One of them was to have a platinum album, to be successful as a famous musician. My advice to anybody who wants to be successful, I just say; believe in hard work and determination because I am living proof that your dreams can come true.

What music beyond Hip-Hop are you listening to? Any rock artists?
I got Lady Gaga on the iPod right now. I’m got digging her latest album. If you want to count Lil Wayne as rock.

With all the money you spend on your bling, do you find it’s appropriate where there are people that can’t afford to eat every day?
I work hard for the money I got with all the hard work that I put in. Whatever I buy I feel as if I should be able to wear it. It’s like a trophy to me. I actually do an annual event every year in Mississippi to help raise money for the kids, but I had to miss that event to come here and perform.

You started as an independent artist and produced the album yourself. What’s your advice to upcoming artists?
I believe in hard work and determination. Any upcoming artist that wants to be successful at anything that they do, I would just say it is possible. Anything is possible. The sky is the limit.

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Interviews

Flo Rida

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

He’s been tearing up the charts with current single “Right Round” and who can forget 2008 hit, “Low?” Flo Rida chatted last week in Zootopia’s press room about his recent single, “Sugar” as well as starting his career touring with 2 Live Crew. Read on for more.

You sample a lot of material on your tracks. How do you decide what to feature in your songs?
I’m always trying different things. I’m a big fan of OutKast. They always try to broaden the horizon every time they drop an album and that’s what I do. It could have been me sampling some blues music or anything. It’s all about the soul and if the record gives me goose bumps after complete.

What songs are you looking forward to this summer?
Definitely my song with Nelly Furtado [“Jump”]. It’s the lead single for a new movie called, G4. We’re actually going to shoot the video in a couple of weeks and it’s definitely going to be huge. “Available” is a new single I have dropping as well with Akon.

Tell me about your current single “Sugar.”
I feel like the ladies around the room like sugar to be sweet. Sampling this Eiffel 65 record was definitely something I loved and I enjoyed. I love doing it at shows because the crowd definitely gets hyped and it’s a great response record.

When was the moment you realized that music was what you wanted to do as a career?
I actually got a chance to open up for Scarface at a nightclub and some guys from 2 Live Crew were there and they asked me to go to Hawaii. Knowing there were things I could do like that definitely motivated me.

Your song “Right Round” broke records for digital downloads. What do you feel about digital downloads vs. going to the store and buying the full album?
Some people are not fortunate enough to go out. There’s a recession right now, so if they can go online and order records than I think it’s a great thing.

What’s your guilty pleasure and why?
We’re gonna keep that on the [singing] low, low, low.

What’s it like performing in front of thousands of fans?
Wow. Just to feel the aura. I always think back to when I didn’t have a record deal. And now to put a smile on the world’s face, I can’t even explain it. It’s crazy.

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Interviews

All-American Rejects

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

The All-American Rejects tour more than most bands I know. It seems as if every few months they’re back in New York and I always wind up seeing them because their live show is like none other. Whether it’s frontman Tyson Ritter’s quirky and unexpected banter with the audience or his incredulous stage antics, you can’t help but get in a good laugh.

In real life, AAR are quite amusing as well. Just read their responses from Zootopia’s press room below and you’ll see what I mean. Currently in Europe, the guys will be on tour with Blink 182 this summer so be sure to check out their MySpace for the dates.

You’re touring with Blink 182 this summer. How did that come about?
I actually saw Tom (DeLonge of Blink 182) last week at a show and I told him, “It’s crazy we’re playing with you because I was throwing CDs at your feet at the very first concert I went to.” It was Bad Religion and Blink 182 and I was darting CDs at them and they just kept kicking them off stage. It’s amazing. It’s literally full circle. Between opening up for Bon Jovi last year and now we’re opening up for Blink 182 — I don’t think there’s anything we can’t do.

Tell me about your new single, “The Wind Blows.”
“The Wind Blows” is a different step for us. We’re definitely not just a pop rock band. Like I said, there are no boundaries for us.

What songs are you looking forward to this summer?
Songs of summer. I don’t know. The songs that you play with your top down in your car and just close your eyes while driving. I know that doesn’t sound too safe. There are some great summer songs. Don Henley, “Boys of Summer.” That’s as good as it gets.

There are a lot of album releases coming up. Which albums are you most looking forward to?
I guess we should say Eminem because he’s on our label. But, I like people that play a lot of instruments. I like to see a lot of instruments onstage.

Do you have any hidden talents or quirks?
Chris is a falconer. He falcons. Like, baby bird, there you go, lets eat it together. Crazy shit. True story.

You guys have had so much success. Do you feel that it happened quicker than most bands?
We were in a van for about five years playing bars and birthday parties. Quicker than some, I imagine. But we definitely paid our dues. It feels good to be here now.

Why is “Gives You Hell” such a huge hit?
I think everybody got hell the first of this year if they were losing their job. It’s so funny, when we put out When the World Comes Down, which is the name of our record, it was right before Obama was elected and everyone was like, “What a terrible title for a record, everything is going to be fine now.” Then all of a sudden a month into it the big bomb of the economy dropped and now everyone is saying, “Wow, what foresight you had.” I’m just glad we’re putting out music in this world right now.

What gives you hell?
I think its your teacher, its your boss, its the policeman that gave you a parking ticket. Mainly it’s the opposite sex. We know how to sing about heartbreak.

You were on “House” recently. Do you plan on doing more acting?
You’re gonna see us all over the place. I’m gonna do movies. Nick’s gonna do I don’t know, shit, he’s gonna do porn. Chris will do falconry professionally so you’ll see him on ESPN doing classes. There’s nothing this band can’t do.

Do you have any advice for bands who want to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t rely just on MySpace or the Inner Web to get your music out there. You still have to do it the old fashioned way and learn how to play your instrument. Get out there and play shows.

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Interviews

Ciara

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

With current single “Love Sex Magic” featuring Justin Timberlake climbing the charts and her recent appearance on “SNL,” Ciara is as popular as ever. It can’t hurt that tour dates have just been confirmed for summer shows with Jay-Z and Britney Spears. Read on for the details and Ciara’s secret to that fantastic body.

You have a pretty busy summer lined up.
I’ll be touring with Jay-Z a few dates in July; we’ll be doing five cities together. We’ll be doing two times at each city. I’m excited about it. I’ve always loved mixing the rap, R&B; and pop together. It’s always been a fun challenge for me but it’s also been very cool to be able to go on tour with a rapper like Jay-Z and then also be able to go on tour with Britney Spears which is what I’m doing in June. It’s fun to be able to do all those extremes.

In a battle scene who would win, Super C or Sasha Fierce?
You know what; I’m just going to say it would be a lot of fun. It would definitely be entertaining. I think Beyonce is really dope and talented. I definitely would get down and do my thing. I can’t really say but I would say it would be a lot of fun.

Sum up your song “Love Sex Magic.”
It’s all about having fun. Playing with the imagination a little bit and just kind of painting a picture for the mind of a guy in a show giving him a little fun, cool show: love, sex, magic.

Which songs are you most excited about this summer?
I’ll be honest, I can’t answer that question as good as I want to because I’m not really aware of every single song that’s out right now. I really am enjoying Lady Gaga and Flo Rida is doing pretty cool with some records. Also the Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Boom” is pretty fun. Those are a few things. Also, I have a record called “Work” with Missy Elliot which I’m excited about too and a song called “Like a Surgeon” so those will be a few of my songs as well.

What’s the one work out you can’t live without and why?
Honestly, I haven’t worked out in so long. But, I would say when I work out I love to do my squats and my lunges because it’s all about the toosh. I need to get that toosh sitting up pretty nicely. Lunges and squats are my favorite.

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Interviews

Jesse McCartney

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

With his current single, “How Do You Sleep?” climbing the charts and a tour with New Kids on the Block on the way, heartthrob Jesse McCartney’s life has been pretty busy as of late. It can’t hurt that the singer/actor/entertainer has been hailed “The Heir to Justin Timberlake’s Throne.”

McCartney, like Timberlake, first rose to fame as member of a boy band. Eventually branching out from Dream Street to a solo career, McCartney has proven his prowess as a songwriter. Remember hit Leona Lewis song “Bleeding Love?” Turns out McCartney along with frontman Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic co-wrote it. Are you convinced yet?

McCartney took some time out Saturday to chat about his growing popularity, new single and his idea of a romantic date. Let the swooning begin.

It’s been a year since you released Departure. What have you been up to?
I’ve been in the studio. I’ve been writing. I’ve been working with some other artists. I did a TV show on ABC called “Greek.” Other than that just cooking, hanging out at the house watching the Food Network.

Are you excited about touring with New Kids on the Block?
I’m looking forward to it. Natasha [Bedingfield] toured with them and she told me how great it was. It’s an opportunity for me to play my music for a little bit of an older crowd which will be nice.

What’s going to be your next single after “How Do You Sleep?”
It’s a new record I just finished. I’m very excited about it. It’s with T-Pain and is called “Body Language.” I did a re-release of the album about a month ago Departure: Recharged. It’s one of the records that I added onto the album. It’s like a “Leavin’ Part II” is how I sum it up and hopefully it’ll be another summer ’09 song.

The girls love you. How do you handle all the attention?
It’s interesting. It’s kind of overwhelming. You never get used to that I guess. The fans have been unbelievably supportive. It’s been an interesting ride, this whole music career. I started at kind of an awkward age and somehow made it out okay and I owe a lot to them [the fans]. They’re the heart of my career and the reason I can get up onstage every night.

Do you feel being in Dream Street has helped out with your solo career? What do you like better acting or singing?
Dream Street was definitely a big chapter in my book and I had certainly an unbelievable learning experience. I was very green to how it all worked and the whole recording process and touring process and it opened my eyes in a big way and it prepped me for what was to come. I don’t really have a preference. I like to consider myself an entertainer in whatever outlet it is, whether it is music or film or acting.

Where’s the most romantic spot for a date?
I have no idea. I think just good food. Maybe my house.

What was it like working with the cast of “Greek?”
It was great. I had a great time with all those guys. Scott Michael Foster became a really good friend of mine throughout the process of filming and even after. We shoot pool together now in Hollywood sometimes. That whole cast, the writers, they really do an amazing job and the actors know how to bring it off the paper to life.

What are your predictions of big songs for the summer?
I’m really excited for the Black Eyed Peas. I think that Will.i.am did it again and I’m very excited and anxious for the album. I heard the next single that they’re going to push and I think it’s going to be huge. I’m going to pat myself on the back a little bit. I’m hoping “Body Language” is going to be the next summer ’09 record. I’ve been working on making summer records and I really want to see it go.