Congratulations to July's $100 Winners! Click the links below to enjoy this month's best new music, videos and comedy. More articles and interviews with this month's winners coming soon.
But first, a big round of applause and a huge thank you for all of this month's talented contestants. The level of quality on Make A Star keeps getting better and better and some of these finals were separated by just a few fan votes. If you competed in July and didn't win, we encourage you to enter again! Re-submit your audio or video file and enter the contenders round for the contest category of your choice. August $100 brackets begin next Thursday, August 5th at noon pacific time!
Favorite Stand Up Comic : Michael Tocci
Favorite Music Video 1 : Dark Every Day "Burning"
Favorite Music Video 2 : Ejay Ivan Lac feat Mia J Park "You Are Not Alone"
Favorite Music Video 3 : Connekt "Kiss"
Favorite Song - Duo or Band : Lewell "Stay Close To Me"
Favorite Song - Male Solo Artist : Sell Ski "Never Get Enough"
Favorite Song - Female Solo Artist : Tamara Miller "60 Seconds"
Favorite Song - Instrumental : Mario Pompetti "Cinnamon Highway"
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Interview with Holly Lindin - Part 2
Click to listen to Holly Lindin's original song "Spirit & the Spirituality"
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
HOLLY: Well, I'm working on my third album, "Beacon", at the moment. It's my most confident stuff - I've really found who I am and am sharing it with the World! :) I'm also hoping to put together an album for my duo Ophir. I'm sure I'll record a few people, as this is something I do regularly (engineer and produce.), and I'm also a vocal coach, so I'll keep teaching my students how to breathe properly and always focus forward! :D But above all else, I'll always continue to express my personal Truth through my voice, my melodies, and my lyrics.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
HOLLY: My first concert was Reba McEntire, I'm quite sure. I was crazy about her as a child - she was definitely a huge impact on me as a Creator of my art. My favorite musicians ranged from her to stars of the sixties and seventies (Diana Ross, Jackson 5, ABBA, etc.). My father has always been a musician, so he made sure to play music constantly throughout the house.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
HOLLY: The best part is expressing yourself, putting your personal Truth out there for the whole World to see. It's so amazing to be able to connect to people through the miracle of music - there's nothing else like arranging/singing/writing/finishing a song and feeling that incredible rush of pride and accomplishment. The worst part? That's really hard, as I would say being a musician is one of the best things in the World. The worst part would probably be that you can never get enough of it! ;)
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
HOLLY: Oh, God, don't get me STARTED! The industry itself is quite terrible - the focus is on how short your skirt is and how sexy you look, and THEN the music comes into question. The unfortunate thing is that the music business is just that: A business. If I could advise anyone on how to go about being a musician, I would say very passionately NOT to get involved with the industry and the mind control and politics that goes on there. Really, the best thing any musician can do is just CREATE. If money or fame is something that's important to you as a "musician", then my personal opinion is that perhaps your connection to music isn't all that deep. Let the MUSIC drive you forward - not the money, fame, or status. I would say that's important in all facets of Life: Do what you Love - not what you think will make you famous or rich. Nothing is worth selling your Soul.
MAS: Very beautifully put. Tell us something completely random.
HOLLY: Besides music, I keep my mind very active. I'm constantly studying languages and reading. One of my dreams is to be a polyglot - fluent in as many languages as I can muster. (I started learning my first language, Swedish, outside of my mother tongue, obviously English :), in November of 2005 and haven't looked back! I'm currently learning Greek, and hope to take on Russian, Japanese, and perhaps Latvian or Azeri after. But first things first, eh? :P My sister Candy and I have a jewelry business called "BerrySugar", and we've been stringing and bringin the Love :D since the end of 2007. I'm a knit freak and can't watch a movie or show on my computer without having a pair of knitting needles and a project in my hands! I absolutely LOVE putting together scarves and blankets and socks - just by making a few knots and loops! It amazes me. My favourite food is SUSHI!!! And I could eat it every single day, it's so fabulous. Lots of random stuff, I know, but I'm a very detailed, thorough individual. :D And above all else, we are all beautiful and a part of the Divine! Keep singing, writing, arranging - CREATING! We are all Creators, and the World wouldn't be the same without us. <3
MAS: You are truly an inspiration!
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
HOLLY: Well, I'm working on my third album, "Beacon", at the moment. It's my most confident stuff - I've really found who I am and am sharing it with the World! :) I'm also hoping to put together an album for my duo Ophir. I'm sure I'll record a few people, as this is something I do regularly (engineer and produce.), and I'm also a vocal coach, so I'll keep teaching my students how to breathe properly and always focus forward! :D But above all else, I'll always continue to express my personal Truth through my voice, my melodies, and my lyrics.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
HOLLY: My first concert was Reba McEntire, I'm quite sure. I was crazy about her as a child - she was definitely a huge impact on me as a Creator of my art. My favorite musicians ranged from her to stars of the sixties and seventies (Diana Ross, Jackson 5, ABBA, etc.). My father has always been a musician, so he made sure to play music constantly throughout the house.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
HOLLY: The best part is expressing yourself, putting your personal Truth out there for the whole World to see. It's so amazing to be able to connect to people through the miracle of music - there's nothing else like arranging/singing/writing/finishing a song and feeling that incredible rush of pride and accomplishment. The worst part? That's really hard, as I would say being a musician is one of the best things in the World. The worst part would probably be that you can never get enough of it! ;)
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
HOLLY: Oh, God, don't get me STARTED! The industry itself is quite terrible - the focus is on how short your skirt is and how sexy you look, and THEN the music comes into question. The unfortunate thing is that the music business is just that: A business. If I could advise anyone on how to go about being a musician, I would say very passionately NOT to get involved with the industry and the mind control and politics that goes on there. Really, the best thing any musician can do is just CREATE. If money or fame is something that's important to you as a "musician", then my personal opinion is that perhaps your connection to music isn't all that deep. Let the MUSIC drive you forward - not the money, fame, or status. I would say that's important in all facets of Life: Do what you Love - not what you think will make you famous or rich. Nothing is worth selling your Soul.
MAS: Very beautifully put. Tell us something completely random.
HOLLY: Besides music, I keep my mind very active. I'm constantly studying languages and reading. One of my dreams is to be a polyglot - fluent in as many languages as I can muster. (I started learning my first language, Swedish, outside of my mother tongue, obviously English :), in November of 2005 and haven't looked back! I'm currently learning Greek, and hope to take on Russian, Japanese, and perhaps Latvian or Azeri after. But first things first, eh? :P My sister Candy and I have a jewelry business called "BerrySugar", and we've been stringing and bringin the Love :D since the end of 2007. I'm a knit freak and can't watch a movie or show on my computer without having a pair of knitting needles and a project in my hands! I absolutely LOVE putting together scarves and blankets and socks - just by making a few knots and loops! It amazes me. My favourite food is SUSHI!!! And I could eat it every single day, it's so fabulous. Lots of random stuff, I know, but I'm a very detailed, thorough individual. :D And above all else, we are all beautiful and a part of the Divine! Keep singing, writing, arranging - CREATING! We are all Creators, and the World wouldn't be the same without us. <3
MAS: You are truly an inspiration!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Interview with Holly Lindin - Part 1 'The Canadian Kate Bush'
MAS: Huge congrats Holly Lindin for taking the first ‘Sing in 30 Seconds’ win and $100 cash prize. Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.
HOLLY: I was singing when I was a child - before I even started speaking! The bulk of my childhood found me constantly being creative and expressing myself through music or the written word. When I was eleven years old, I let my parents know that I was definitely going to be a singer and songwriter (and maybe more!) for my lifelong career. At thirteen, I started singing demos for other writers in my area (southern Ontario, Canada) to get my voice out there and, at fourteen, I went to Los Angeles for the first time (first of many!) to record a demo with Arista Records.
MAS: You are incredibly gifted. How did your sound develop and are you the primary song writer or do you collaborate?
HOLLY: Out of the thousands of songs I've written throughout my career, I would say I co-wrote only about fifteen of them. So, yes, I'm the primary songwriter and always have been. I'm a huge loner, and I get my best work done by myself, when I'm left to channel my energy into my work. My sound has gone through SO much to get to where it is now. I worked with Balmur Music in Nashville at sixteen, trying the country thing. Then throughout the seven years (between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five) that I lived off and on in L.A., R&B, house/dance, and pop (and mixtures thereof) were generally what I would write for other singers and record for myself. But when I decided in early 2006 to stop going to L.A. and focus on exactly what I want as a Creator, everything effortlessly came together. No more R&B, pop, or house/dance, as they just weren't me - but the experience that I garnered in California was such a blessing. Instead, I turned to the more ethereal, electronica, experimental, and new age in many ways. I can finally say that I'm currently putting ALL of me in my music now. I couldn't say that years ago.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
HOLLY: Well, it's not my song, obviously. :) I don't listen to a lot of North American music (the reality that I’ve learned in L.A. is that the music business is VERY much about status, image, and politics - three things that should have NOTHING to do with music!) - mostly Turkish, Greek, Swedish, and Australian artists - but sometimes, I just want one of those guilty pleasures. Britney Spears would be one of them, and I find that "Out From Under" is one of the prettiest, most heartfelt songs of her whole career. It has beautiful chords and, with the limited vocal ability she has, I find her voice is quite gorgeous in it.
Click this link to listen to Holly Lindin sing "Out From Under" on MakeAStar.com
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
HOLLY: To be honest, I'm not sure. I don't quite follow other music websites - I tend to keep to myself (both musically and outside of music :)). But my duo (Ophir) partner mentioned it to me, I checked it out, and I looked forward to joining! Really, any site that takes the artist into consideration, trying to help get an artist's words and voice out there, is fabulous.
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
HOLLY: I've heard many throughout my career (Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Tina Arena, etc.), but the one that really hit a chord with me (see what I did there? ;)) was so beautifully messaged to me on MySpace a few months ago. Someone had listened to my newest stuff, the stuff in which I've really been ME, and they commented that I was "the Canadian Kate Bush". This is probably the greatest compliment I'll ever get, as I find her just brilliant. :)
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
HOLLY: I wouldn't pigeon-hole myself to just one genre, so this is a hard question to answer. Although after seeing how things really are behind the proverbial curtain that is L.A. when it comes to the music business, I would have to say that I'm true to myself - no matter what. I don't know many artists who can say that, and that makes me sad.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
HOLLY: Hmmm, that's a tough one! Currently, I'm madly in love with Elena Paparizou, a Greek artist (my inspiration for learning Greek!), whose voice only compares to Céline Dion's. She's absolutely amazing - so much rawness and passion in her voice, and she has an incredible range. My inspiration comes from many places otherwise: Hande Yener (the Turkish Madonna, but much, much better, I would say. :)), Tina Arena, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and definitely my sister Candy Dinsmore and my partner of Ophir Matthew DeMeritt.
Part 2 coming soon!
HOLLY: I was singing when I was a child - before I even started speaking! The bulk of my childhood found me constantly being creative and expressing myself through music or the written word. When I was eleven years old, I let my parents know that I was definitely going to be a singer and songwriter (and maybe more!) for my lifelong career. At thirteen, I started singing demos for other writers in my area (southern Ontario, Canada) to get my voice out there and, at fourteen, I went to Los Angeles for the first time (first of many!) to record a demo with Arista Records.
MAS: You are incredibly gifted. How did your sound develop and are you the primary song writer or do you collaborate?
HOLLY: Out of the thousands of songs I've written throughout my career, I would say I co-wrote only about fifteen of them. So, yes, I'm the primary songwriter and always have been. I'm a huge loner, and I get my best work done by myself, when I'm left to channel my energy into my work. My sound has gone through SO much to get to where it is now. I worked with Balmur Music in Nashville at sixteen, trying the country thing. Then throughout the seven years (between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five) that I lived off and on in L.A., R&B, house/dance, and pop (and mixtures thereof) were generally what I would write for other singers and record for myself. But when I decided in early 2006 to stop going to L.A. and focus on exactly what I want as a Creator, everything effortlessly came together. No more R&B, pop, or house/dance, as they just weren't me - but the experience that I garnered in California was such a blessing. Instead, I turned to the more ethereal, electronica, experimental, and new age in many ways. I can finally say that I'm currently putting ALL of me in my music now. I couldn't say that years ago.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
HOLLY: Well, it's not my song, obviously. :) I don't listen to a lot of North American music (the reality that I’ve learned in L.A. is that the music business is VERY much about status, image, and politics - three things that should have NOTHING to do with music!) - mostly Turkish, Greek, Swedish, and Australian artists - but sometimes, I just want one of those guilty pleasures. Britney Spears would be one of them, and I find that "Out From Under" is one of the prettiest, most heartfelt songs of her whole career. It has beautiful chords and, with the limited vocal ability she has, I find her voice is quite gorgeous in it.
Click this link to listen to Holly Lindin sing "Out From Under" on MakeAStar.com
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
HOLLY: To be honest, I'm not sure. I don't quite follow other music websites - I tend to keep to myself (both musically and outside of music :)). But my duo (Ophir) partner mentioned it to me, I checked it out, and I looked forward to joining! Really, any site that takes the artist into consideration, trying to help get an artist's words and voice out there, is fabulous.
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
HOLLY: I've heard many throughout my career (Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Tina Arena, etc.), but the one that really hit a chord with me (see what I did there? ;)) was so beautifully messaged to me on MySpace a few months ago. Someone had listened to my newest stuff, the stuff in which I've really been ME, and they commented that I was "the Canadian Kate Bush". This is probably the greatest compliment I'll ever get, as I find her just brilliant. :)
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
HOLLY: I wouldn't pigeon-hole myself to just one genre, so this is a hard question to answer. Although after seeing how things really are behind the proverbial curtain that is L.A. when it comes to the music business, I would have to say that I'm true to myself - no matter what. I don't know many artists who can say that, and that makes me sad.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
HOLLY: Hmmm, that's a tough one! Currently, I'm madly in love with Elena Paparizou, a Greek artist (my inspiration for learning Greek!), whose voice only compares to Céline Dion's. She's absolutely amazing - so much rawness and passion in her voice, and she has an incredible range. My inspiration comes from many places otherwise: Hande Yener (the Turkish Madonna, but much, much better, I would say. :)), Tina Arena, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and definitely my sister Candy Dinsmore and my partner of Ophir Matthew DeMeritt.
Part 2 coming soon!
Renee Hibbert wins June Female Solo Artist
The music of the Pacific takes over in June as Renee Hibbert from Sydney Australia claims the Female Solo Artist title along with Hawaii's Lionel Deguzman in the Male Solo Artist contest.
Renee and Lionel are two young, creative and talented artists who write their own songs and are accomplished guitarists. But while Lionel is a relatively new presence on the scene, Renee Hibbert has been refining her technique for a long time.
A 15 year veteran of the Australian music industry, Renee has earned accolades in several of Australia’s largest songwriting competitions. Not satisfied with simply writing and recording her songs, she has become a producer and programmer, allowing her to claim complete control over every aspect of the creative process. Her winning song ‘Loose Ends’ breathes with an atmosphere of airy calm through the soft strums of acoustic guitar and her confidently warm vocals.
Listen to Renee Hibbert "Loose Ends"
Lionel Deguzman began playing guitar at the age of 12 and has been pursuing a musical path in life ever since. But unlike Renee, his experience in recording songs is still just getting started. Typifying the laid-back personality of the Hawaiian Islands, Lionel says he is “in this for the experience” to see where his music might take him. ‘I Like Your Face’ is his winning song, an acoustic love-themed “song for the ladies” that brings to mind the beach and sunshine vibes of multi-platinum Hawaiian native Jack Johnson.
Listen to Lionel Deguzman "I Like Your Face"
Renee and Lionel are two young, creative and talented artists who write their own songs and are accomplished guitarists. But while Lionel is a relatively new presence on the scene, Renee Hibbert has been refining her technique for a long time.
A 15 year veteran of the Australian music industry, Renee has earned accolades in several of Australia’s largest songwriting competitions. Not satisfied with simply writing and recording her songs, she has become a producer and programmer, allowing her to claim complete control over every aspect of the creative process. Her winning song ‘Loose Ends’ breathes with an atmosphere of airy calm through the soft strums of acoustic guitar and her confidently warm vocals.
Listen to Renee Hibbert "Loose Ends"
Lionel Deguzman began playing guitar at the age of 12 and has been pursuing a musical path in life ever since. But unlike Renee, his experience in recording songs is still just getting started. Typifying the laid-back personality of the Hawaiian Islands, Lionel says he is “in this for the experience” to see where his music might take him. ‘I Like Your Face’ is his winning song, an acoustic love-themed “song for the ladies” that brings to mind the beach and sunshine vibes of multi-platinum Hawaiian native Jack Johnson.
Listen to Lionel Deguzman "I Like Your Face"
Monday, July 12, 2010
Guy Copland is June's Comedy King
Guy Copland is a bit of a legend of the Detroit, Michigan comedy scene, and can now add the title of June 2010 Make A Star Favorite Stand Up Comic to his esteemed career.
For over two decades, Guy has been a featured live performer with acts as big as Carrot Top and Frank Roche, as well as a personality on Detroit area radio.
Click to watch Guy Copland's winning Stand Up routine
Guy is a versatile talent, able to appeal to a wide range of audiences – from squeaky clean kid and corporate shows, to down & dirty for adult audiences. He’s also an accomplished magician, often incorporating a bit of magic in his stand up comedy.
Some of his past honors include winning on CBS’s ‘Big Shot Live’ where he was named National Comedy Winner, and was a 3 time defending Hog Calling Champion at the Michigan State Fair.
Guy has a very classic stand up style, with a warm affability, slick delivery and theatrical presence, bringing to mind the great American comedians of the last century such as Johnny Carson, Soupy Sales, Bill Cosby and Tim Conway, whom Guy all credits as influences.
In addition to the $100 cash prize, Guy Copland will also appear as a guest on an upcoming episode of Stevie Mack Radio.
The July Comic competition has just gone live with 16 all-new performances. Fan votes count for 25% of the total score, and can all vote once per day in every MakeAStar competition!
For over two decades, Guy has been a featured live performer with acts as big as Carrot Top and Frank Roche, as well as a personality on Detroit area radio.
Click to watch Guy Copland's winning Stand Up routine
Guy is a versatile talent, able to appeal to a wide range of audiences – from squeaky clean kid and corporate shows, to down & dirty for adult audiences. He’s also an accomplished magician, often incorporating a bit of magic in his stand up comedy.
Some of his past honors include winning on CBS’s ‘Big Shot Live’ where he was named National Comedy Winner, and was a 3 time defending Hog Calling Champion at the Michigan State Fair.
Guy has a very classic stand up style, with a warm affability, slick delivery and theatrical presence, bringing to mind the great American comedians of the last century such as Johnny Carson, Soupy Sales, Bill Cosby and Tim Conway, whom Guy all credits as influences.
In addition to the $100 cash prize, Guy Copland will also appear as a guest on an upcoming episode of Stevie Mack Radio.
The July Comic competition has just gone live with 16 all-new performances. Fan votes count for 25% of the total score, and can all vote once per day in every MakeAStar competition!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Interview with Male Solo Artist winner Lionel Deguzman
MAS: Lionel Deguzman - winner of the MakeAStar.com Male Solo Artist for June 2010- it was a will deserved win. Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.
LD: Well, I first picked up the guitar when I was twelve and haven’t been able to put it down since. I was going through a whole middle school punk-rock stage at the time so I was heavily drawn to the likes of Blink 182, Green Day, stuff like that, tryin to start little rock bands with my friends and whatnot. Eventually I grew up, decided what kind of music I was really into, traded in for an acoustic guitar and here I am now. After that things kind of just happened. A youth leader at my church heard some of my songs and invited me into the studio to try and lay some tunes down. Aaaand voila, here we are.
MAS: You definitely own it, having picked up the guitar at 12 and being influenced by the music of the time- how did you develop your own sound? Are you the primary songwriter?
LD: I write all my songs, only because I’m solo. But, when I had first begun this musical journey of mine I was not alone. Had a good friend of mine jamming along side with a little drum that we could take everywhere. I guess the sound just developed itself really, just natural songs.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
LD: No story really. I think it’s pretty self explanatory. I wrote it in a time where love songs just kept coming to me. Of course there was a girl to inspire and to draw feelings from but other than that it’s just a song for the ladies.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
LD: I’m not too sure really. I don’t go on many music sites or fan pages, mostly just to find the jams.
MAS: We are happy to have such talented musicians on our site. Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
LD: I’ve heard a few different ones. Matt Costa, Jack Johnson this Michael Buble guy. I don’t know. I guess it all just depends on how you hear it.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
LD: I’m not really sure what genre I’m in to begin with, but if I were in one I’d have to classify it as indie/love. It’s whatever I want it to be ya know? Haha. It’s just music. Doesn’t need a label.
MAS: Agreed. Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
LD: I get most of my inspiration from all the music I listen to. Just hearing other people do and sing about what they’re into, I dig it. It’s what I’m doing to. I guess anyone who’s going for what they want is inspiring to me.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
LD: In a year? I think I’d have grown as a musician at the least. I’m hoping to just keep writing songs, hopefully get a chance to jam with other artists like myself. I’m in this for the experience really. Waiting to see where it takes me.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
LD: As a child I listened to Jack Johnson a lot. Growing up on the Northshore, I can remember hearing about him when he first started getting big. It was rad. The concert thing I’m not too sure on though, I’ve been to lots of little shows here and there in different venues. BUT the first big concert I’ve been to actually would be Kokua festival ’10 haha and that just happened.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
LD: The best part is the music making of course; being able to create something that never was. The chance to be truly original is enough to get me hooked. But there’s always a downside. I guess writers block can be frustrating. Sometimes there are long periods of time where I’m stuck playing the same songs and can’t seem to come up with anything new at all.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
LD: I have no beef with the industry. I don’t feel like it’s affecting me at all. But I do think the downloading is a bummer though.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
LD: Do what you wanna do. Have fun, take it slow and jam that rock’n roll pizza.
MAS: Congrats man, do your thing.
LD: Well, I first picked up the guitar when I was twelve and haven’t been able to put it down since. I was going through a whole middle school punk-rock stage at the time so I was heavily drawn to the likes of Blink 182, Green Day, stuff like that, tryin to start little rock bands with my friends and whatnot. Eventually I grew up, decided what kind of music I was really into, traded in for an acoustic guitar and here I am now. After that things kind of just happened. A youth leader at my church heard some of my songs and invited me into the studio to try and lay some tunes down. Aaaand voila, here we are.
MAS: You definitely own it, having picked up the guitar at 12 and being influenced by the music of the time- how did you develop your own sound? Are you the primary songwriter?
LD: I write all my songs, only because I’m solo. But, when I had first begun this musical journey of mine I was not alone. Had a good friend of mine jamming along side with a little drum that we could take everywhere. I guess the sound just developed itself really, just natural songs.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
LD: No story really. I think it’s pretty self explanatory. I wrote it in a time where love songs just kept coming to me. Of course there was a girl to inspire and to draw feelings from but other than that it’s just a song for the ladies.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
LD: I’m not too sure really. I don’t go on many music sites or fan pages, mostly just to find the jams.
MAS: We are happy to have such talented musicians on our site. Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
LD: I’ve heard a few different ones. Matt Costa, Jack Johnson this Michael Buble guy. I don’t know. I guess it all just depends on how you hear it.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
LD: I’m not really sure what genre I’m in to begin with, but if I were in one I’d have to classify it as indie/love. It’s whatever I want it to be ya know? Haha. It’s just music. Doesn’t need a label.
MAS: Agreed. Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
LD: I get most of my inspiration from all the music I listen to. Just hearing other people do and sing about what they’re into, I dig it. It’s what I’m doing to. I guess anyone who’s going for what they want is inspiring to me.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
LD: In a year? I think I’d have grown as a musician at the least. I’m hoping to just keep writing songs, hopefully get a chance to jam with other artists like myself. I’m in this for the experience really. Waiting to see where it takes me.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
LD: As a child I listened to Jack Johnson a lot. Growing up on the Northshore, I can remember hearing about him when he first started getting big. It was rad. The concert thing I’m not too sure on though, I’ve been to lots of little shows here and there in different venues. BUT the first big concert I’ve been to actually would be Kokua festival ’10 haha and that just happened.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
LD: The best part is the music making of course; being able to create something that never was. The chance to be truly original is enough to get me hooked. But there’s always a downside. I guess writers block can be frustrating. Sometimes there are long periods of time where I’m stuck playing the same songs and can’t seem to come up with anything new at all.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
LD: I have no beef with the industry. I don’t feel like it’s affecting me at all. But I do think the downloading is a bummer though.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
LD: Do what you wanna do. Have fun, take it slow and jam that rock’n roll pizza.
MAS: Congrats man, do your thing.
Interview with Music Video Winner Spiral Trance
MAS: Spiral Trance, you won the coveted MakeAStar.com Music Video Contest for June 2010. Are you happy, surprised or relieved?
Spiral Trance: It feels amazing to say the least! We knew we had a good product going into this contest, but there were so many great videos online, it was definitely a pleasure to go head to head with some real reputable videos. Not to mention the ability to share the win with our record label Rat Pak Records is beyond stellar!
MAS: There was certainly some tough competition making your victory and that of Rat Pak Records much sweeter. Is there an interesting story behind your band’s name?
Spiral Trance: When we first started there were a lot of “singular” band names floating around out there. You could pretty much tell what type of music they played just by hearing their name, so we just wanted to stick out a little bit more. We wanted to make people have to listen to us first before they could decide what we sounded like.
MAS: Very clever and wise, tell us how you got started as a band and how everyone became a part of it.
Spiral Trance: Like most bands, a few of us knew each other and all had similar musical interests. We were tired of what was out there on the radio and just wanted to do something completely different. Hopefully it’s working!
MAS: So far so good. How did you develop your sound and is there a primary songwriter or is it collaborative?
Spiral Trance: Well we only play what we know we can play. We’re not trying to be anything crazy and over the top so maybe that’s where our sound comes from. Our lead vocalist Paul has the ability to record at home so he’ll usually come down with a more completed idea based off of riffs that we’ve been working on. After that we all collaborate and put our flavor on it to make it something better!
MAS: How did the concept for the music video come together?
Spiral Trance: It was a lot of brainstorming sessions with the director after listening to the track itself. The overall lyrical theme of the song was the basis behind it all.
MAS: What other video work has the music video’s director done in the past?
Spiral Trance: Jimmy Sammarco has done a lot of video work such as short films, other music videos and all the way to full blown national award winning film documentaries. He’s a very creative guy and one hell of a director. He definitely knows how to bring all the pieces together from concept to final edit. Check him out at jimmymakesmovies.com
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Spiral Trance: It’s a great site in the sense that it’s laid out real well for music lovers and fans of all genres. You don’t have to work real hard to find what you’re looking for and in the competition categories- it’s very fair compared to other sites where there is little or no filter on content submitted.
MAS: We are very much music lovers ourselves and truly value all the talent here. Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Spiral Trance: We’ve always been compared to an array of artists, even some outside of our own heavier sound. I think because of our not wanting to pigeonhole ourselves into one particular category and the conscious thought of writing outside the box, most people haven’t been able to categorize us strictly as one thing or another.
MAS: Well said. What would you say sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Spiral Trance: Like the previous answer, we aren’t trying to jump on anyone else’s band wagon. We’ve always followed our own path. We’re consciously trying to do something different, hard, heavy, light, mellow, and everything in between.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Spiral Trance: Our inspiration comes from everyone, every place and everywhere. Nothing in particular is responsible for what we do. We’re just trying to do something good that moves people and gives them an outlet on the day to day monotony of life in general. One of the things we say every night from the stage is that this band is for all of you, and we truly mean that.
MAS: What are your thoughts on music videos? The ideas, the production, working with directors, how they add to the song, etc…
Spiral Trance: I think that music videos, if done right, can be such a huge marketing tool for any band struggling to find an audience. Sometimes people don’t get a band or their message by just listening to them alone. The visual element is a great way for the story to be told and put an image behind the music. “A face to the name” I guess you could say… The right director will work with a band to achieve that perception, and vice versa.
MAS: What are you or your band’s plans for the year ahead?
Spiral Trance: Right now, we’re set to release a song in the worldwide popular game Rock Band which is pretty exciting. We’ll be able to tap into a market that we’ve never been able to hit before. At the same time, we’re in writing mode and set to record and release an EP in the fall. After that, we’ll hit the road again and bring the music to the masses so to speak!
MAS: That’s awesome! Shows what hard work and dedication can bring about. Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Spiral Trance: Growing up I was big into and still am big into Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth etc. and some of the old school metal greats. A lot of that music was handed over to me when my older brother moved out of the house. I inherited his music collection, which was excellent with me! My first concert ever was seeing David Lee Roth on his Sky Scraper tour right after he left Van Halen. He was playing all the outdoor sheds at the time and had a killer backing band. I just remember a great LOUD show and a lot of “strange” sights in the audience!
MAS: I can safely bet that’s true. What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Spiral Trance: The best parts are the shows. That’s the icing on the cake after you’ve done all the hard work like promo, rehearsals, etc. That’s all the stuff that leads up to it. Sometimes the shows can also be the worst part as well! Like AC/DC has said, “Getting ripped off and underpaid, it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n roll!” And that’s no joke, it takes time and a lot of patience. You’ve got to have good business sense nowadays and keep an eye on what’s going on around you.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Spiral Trance: I think we all have our own opinions on things, but it certainly has changed considerably. There are so many avenues and outlets to showcase your music today that it can be a little overwhelming at times. Major labels are becoming a thing of the past and independent artists are taking control of their own destinies. By doing simple research and not “shot gunning” material out to every known outlet, you can be quite effective. That’s why Make A Star is so cool. It has allowed us an avenue to showcase our music video to folks that we may never have been able to reach before. It’s easy to use, legitimate, and has been very effective for us.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Spiral Trance: Rat Pak Records Rules… Lookout world!
MAS: Thank you Spiral Trance and we wish you many blessings on your journey.
Spiral Trance: It feels amazing to say the least! We knew we had a good product going into this contest, but there were so many great videos online, it was definitely a pleasure to go head to head with some real reputable videos. Not to mention the ability to share the win with our record label Rat Pak Records is beyond stellar!
MAS: There was certainly some tough competition making your victory and that of Rat Pak Records much sweeter. Is there an interesting story behind your band’s name?
Spiral Trance: When we first started there were a lot of “singular” band names floating around out there. You could pretty much tell what type of music they played just by hearing their name, so we just wanted to stick out a little bit more. We wanted to make people have to listen to us first before they could decide what we sounded like.
MAS: Very clever and wise, tell us how you got started as a band and how everyone became a part of it.
Spiral Trance: Like most bands, a few of us knew each other and all had similar musical interests. We were tired of what was out there on the radio and just wanted to do something completely different. Hopefully it’s working!
MAS: So far so good. How did you develop your sound and is there a primary songwriter or is it collaborative?
Spiral Trance: Well we only play what we know we can play. We’re not trying to be anything crazy and over the top so maybe that’s where our sound comes from. Our lead vocalist Paul has the ability to record at home so he’ll usually come down with a more completed idea based off of riffs that we’ve been working on. After that we all collaborate and put our flavor on it to make it something better!
MAS: How did the concept for the music video come together?
Spiral Trance: It was a lot of brainstorming sessions with the director after listening to the track itself. The overall lyrical theme of the song was the basis behind it all.
MAS: What other video work has the music video’s director done in the past?
Spiral Trance: Jimmy Sammarco has done a lot of video work such as short films, other music videos and all the way to full blown national award winning film documentaries. He’s a very creative guy and one hell of a director. He definitely knows how to bring all the pieces together from concept to final edit. Check him out at jimmymakesmovies.com
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Spiral Trance: It’s a great site in the sense that it’s laid out real well for music lovers and fans of all genres. You don’t have to work real hard to find what you’re looking for and in the competition categories- it’s very fair compared to other sites where there is little or no filter on content submitted.
MAS: We are very much music lovers ourselves and truly value all the talent here. Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Spiral Trance: We’ve always been compared to an array of artists, even some outside of our own heavier sound. I think because of our not wanting to pigeonhole ourselves into one particular category and the conscious thought of writing outside the box, most people haven’t been able to categorize us strictly as one thing or another.
MAS: Well said. What would you say sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Spiral Trance: Like the previous answer, we aren’t trying to jump on anyone else’s band wagon. We’ve always followed our own path. We’re consciously trying to do something different, hard, heavy, light, mellow, and everything in between.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Spiral Trance: Our inspiration comes from everyone, every place and everywhere. Nothing in particular is responsible for what we do. We’re just trying to do something good that moves people and gives them an outlet on the day to day monotony of life in general. One of the things we say every night from the stage is that this band is for all of you, and we truly mean that.
MAS: What are your thoughts on music videos? The ideas, the production, working with directors, how they add to the song, etc…
Spiral Trance: I think that music videos, if done right, can be such a huge marketing tool for any band struggling to find an audience. Sometimes people don’t get a band or their message by just listening to them alone. The visual element is a great way for the story to be told and put an image behind the music. “A face to the name” I guess you could say… The right director will work with a band to achieve that perception, and vice versa.
MAS: What are you or your band’s plans for the year ahead?
Spiral Trance: Right now, we’re set to release a song in the worldwide popular game Rock Band which is pretty exciting. We’ll be able to tap into a market that we’ve never been able to hit before. At the same time, we’re in writing mode and set to record and release an EP in the fall. After that, we’ll hit the road again and bring the music to the masses so to speak!
MAS: That’s awesome! Shows what hard work and dedication can bring about. Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Spiral Trance: Growing up I was big into and still am big into Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth etc. and some of the old school metal greats. A lot of that music was handed over to me when my older brother moved out of the house. I inherited his music collection, which was excellent with me! My first concert ever was seeing David Lee Roth on his Sky Scraper tour right after he left Van Halen. He was playing all the outdoor sheds at the time and had a killer backing band. I just remember a great LOUD show and a lot of “strange” sights in the audience!
MAS: I can safely bet that’s true. What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Spiral Trance: The best parts are the shows. That’s the icing on the cake after you’ve done all the hard work like promo, rehearsals, etc. That’s all the stuff that leads up to it. Sometimes the shows can also be the worst part as well! Like AC/DC has said, “Getting ripped off and underpaid, it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n roll!” And that’s no joke, it takes time and a lot of patience. You’ve got to have good business sense nowadays and keep an eye on what’s going on around you.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Spiral Trance: I think we all have our own opinions on things, but it certainly has changed considerably. There are so many avenues and outlets to showcase your music today that it can be a little overwhelming at times. Major labels are becoming a thing of the past and independent artists are taking control of their own destinies. By doing simple research and not “shot gunning” material out to every known outlet, you can be quite effective. That’s why Make A Star is so cool. It has allowed us an avenue to showcase our music video to folks that we may never have been able to reach before. It’s easy to use, legitimate, and has been very effective for us.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Spiral Trance: Rat Pak Records Rules… Lookout world!
MAS: Thank you Spiral Trance and we wish you many blessings on your journey.
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