MAS: Congrats to Sakgra on winning the Duo or Band song category for December 2010! Visiting us from Athens, Greece to claim victory on MakeAStar.com First off, tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved?
Sakgra: Relieved and happy....it was our first time taking part in a competition.
MAS: Is there an interesting story behind your band’s name?
Sakgra: Yes. The name was created by the 3 first letters of the name and surname of the creator.
MAS: Tell us how you got started as a band and how everyone became a part of it.
Sakgra: At first it was the creator writing and composing music and singing some of the songs. And 6 years later he found the 2nd member who wrote the lyrics and at the same time the 3rd member, his cousin, who sings now most of the songs- the winner song as well.
MAS: How did you develop your sound? Is there a primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
Sakgra: Only the creator... in songs and remixes
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Sakgra: No story except that it was our first song in English.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Sakgra: It's the best of all. It gives you the opportunity to see how good you are in different contests.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Sakgra: We try to make hits. We do not make songs for ourselves. We always ask our friends' opinions.
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Sakgra: We love 80’s and we mix the 80’s with today’s sound
MAS: What are you or your band’s plans for the year ahead?
Sakgra: We started small concerts in our town in small clubs and we try to advertise our band from many internet sites...thats for now.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Sakgra: Favorite musician...Modern Talking,First album...Alphaville – Big in Japan and concert...Pet Shop Boys.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Sakgra: If you love your work there’s no worst part!Music is my life(creator of Sakgra)
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Sakgra: Because of the financial crisis most people download music from the internet illegally.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Sakgra: It’s difficult to be famous especially in our country(Greece)You can succeed only with good connections and that is very bad.But we never let it get us down...especially when sites like Makeastar.com give us the opportunity to have a victory like this.Thank you!!!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Make A Star Interview with Instrumental Song winner Jacki Wheeler
MAS: Congrats to Jacki Wheeler of Vancouver, Washington. Winner of the December 2010 Instrumental Song contest! First off, tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved?
Jacki: I am so happy. I’ve been trying for a few months and it feels good to win, finally!
MAS: Tell us how you got started as a composer and how your recording career began.
Jacki: I got a late start learning how to play the piano (I started at 25), and I wrote my first song in 1996 – I’d always wanted to write, but never knew where to start. I bought a Roland XP50 synth and started experimenting with sequencing, and all of a sudden I was coming up with melodies and recording them. I had so much fun even though my early recordings were really bad!!! (haha). I kept at it, though and in the fall of 2007 started recording with Reason. This was also when I started uploading my songs online.
MAS: What attracted you to recording instrumental music instead of other styles?
Jacki: I’ve always had kind of a connection with the piano – ever since I was little I was fascinated with watching someone play it. I just knew that was what I wanted to do. I have always had a passion for it. And instrumental music is so relaxing in any setting.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Jacki: The title “Urbanity” actually came from just paging through my Reason program, looking for a drum loop to write to. Sometimes when I get writers block I’ll do that, and I found this lovely patch called “Urban”, and just put “ity” at the end! I started playing a chord progression upon writing it, and then the melody and supporting parts happened from there.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Jacki: I think there is a wonderful sense of community and support on this site, and I appreciate knowing that people actually like what I do!
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Jacki: I have been compared to George Winston (which REALLY blows my mind!!!), and I’ve also been compared to Jan Hammer for my electronic work.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Jacki: I’d have to say the equipment I use, for one – I only use Reason for tracking/mixing/mastering, and Goldwave for mixdown. Also I think I’d have to say my late start, I hope to encourage other adults to go for their dreams, if they think it’s too late for them (which it isn’t!!)
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Jacki: I get a lot of inspiration from a lot of my online friends – I have one friend that is working in music full time, which I really want to do. My online community is a great inspiration for me.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Jacki: I would love to write piano-only songs (no drums, no synth) and put together a piano album. I already have ideas for a title, stay tuned!!! Also I’m rehearsing with a band in Milwaukee, OR – we want to start playing gigs in the summer. Also, I’d like to get some work playing in restaurants, malls, and in other kinds of settings like that.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Jacki: I can’t say I really had a favorite – I liked all kinds of music. My first album was the Partridge Family (Hey, I was 9 years old!!) – My first concert was Tower of Power in 1975.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Jacki: The best part: The creative process, working hard on a song, and having someone say they like it! The worst part: Comparing myself and coming up short (it happens a lot) I am hoping to build my confidence more this year.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Jacki: The best part? The fact that a rookie like me can participate! The worst part? I don’t have an answer for that as I need more knowledge to do it.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Jacki: It’s January 3rd and I haven’t taken my tree down yet!!!!!!
Jacki: I am so happy. I’ve been trying for a few months and it feels good to win, finally!
MAS: Tell us how you got started as a composer and how your recording career began.
Jacki: I got a late start learning how to play the piano (I started at 25), and I wrote my first song in 1996 – I’d always wanted to write, but never knew where to start. I bought a Roland XP50 synth and started experimenting with sequencing, and all of a sudden I was coming up with melodies and recording them. I had so much fun even though my early recordings were really bad!!! (haha). I kept at it, though and in the fall of 2007 started recording with Reason. This was also when I started uploading my songs online.
MAS: What attracted you to recording instrumental music instead of other styles?
Jacki: I’ve always had kind of a connection with the piano – ever since I was little I was fascinated with watching someone play it. I just knew that was what I wanted to do. I have always had a passion for it. And instrumental music is so relaxing in any setting.
MAS: What’s the story behind the song you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Jacki: The title “Urbanity” actually came from just paging through my Reason program, looking for a drum loop to write to. Sometimes when I get writers block I’ll do that, and I found this lovely patch called “Urban”, and just put “ity” at the end! I started playing a chord progression upon writing it, and then the melody and supporting parts happened from there.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Jacki: I think there is a wonderful sense of community and support on this site, and I appreciate knowing that people actually like what I do!
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Jacki: I have been compared to George Winston (which REALLY blows my mind!!!), and I’ve also been compared to Jan Hammer for my electronic work.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Jacki: I’d have to say the equipment I use, for one – I only use Reason for tracking/mixing/mastering, and Goldwave for mixdown. Also I think I’d have to say my late start, I hope to encourage other adults to go for their dreams, if they think it’s too late for them (which it isn’t!!)
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Jacki: I get a lot of inspiration from a lot of my online friends – I have one friend that is working in music full time, which I really want to do. My online community is a great inspiration for me.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Jacki: I would love to write piano-only songs (no drums, no synth) and put together a piano album. I already have ideas for a title, stay tuned!!! Also I’m rehearsing with a band in Milwaukee, OR – we want to start playing gigs in the summer. Also, I’d like to get some work playing in restaurants, malls, and in other kinds of settings like that.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Jacki: I can’t say I really had a favorite – I liked all kinds of music. My first album was the Partridge Family (Hey, I was 9 years old!!) – My first concert was Tower of Power in 1975.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
Jacki: The best part: The creative process, working hard on a song, and having someone say they like it! The worst part: Comparing myself and coming up short (it happens a lot) I am hoping to build my confidence more this year.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Jacki: The best part? The fact that a rookie like me can participate! The worst part? I don’t have an answer for that as I need more knowledge to do it.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Jacki: It’s January 3rd and I haven’t taken my tree down yet!!!!!!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Make A Star Interview with Music Video winner Westcott Avenue music video director Jeremy Tremp
MAS: CONGRATULATIONS Jeremy on winning the Music Video category for the month of November 2010! First off, tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved?
Jeremy: Pretty surprised I guess. I submitted the video and kind of forgot about it, so I am happy that the Make A Star network liked the video enough to keep it moving along!
MAS: What’s the story behind the video you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Jeremy: I knew the Westcott Avenue guys since I was a kid. I was back in Arizona visiting my family and I called them up and said I would shoot a music video for them. We came up with the idea of integrating goofy channels on TV throughout the song. So we shot the whole video in a day with little to no professional gear except my camera. Everyone had a great time and loved the finished product!
MAS: How did the concept for the music video come together?
Jeremy: The Westcott Avenue guys shared the idea of a guy watching them on TV as different characters and we all came up with the different scenarios and how they would play out. It was definitely a little bit ridiculous haha.
MAS: What other video work has the music video’s director done in the past?
Jeremy: I have worked on numerous feature films, produced and directed many commercials and I shoot as many music videos as I can. My most recognizable videos I have worked on would be Carolina Liar, Pop Evil, and Big Sean. You can see all my music videos at www.Jeremytremp.com
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Jeremy: Make a star has a very unique idea behind it. It is very simple to use and upload your video. There is a very wide variety of music and videos on the site. It is very enjoyable to browse all the work from other artists.
MAS: What are your thoughts on music videos?
Jeremy: The ideas, the production, working with directors, how they add to the song, etc…As a director, I love collaborating with the artists to hear their ideas and feelings behind the song. I then like to bring my take on the song and imagery within it. We come together on the ideas and I bring them to life in a way that everyone might share in the enjoyment of watching and listening to their art. Music inspires emotion. I like to bring that emotion into something tangible that you want to be a part of after seeing it.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Jeremy: I was always into Blink 182 as a kid, my first album was some Creed album. First concert was Skillet and Thousand Foot Krutch.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Jeremy: The best and worst part of the music industry today is that it is so easy to make music that everyone is doing it.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Jeremy: I have a brown Chihuahua named Rockstar.
Jeremy: Pretty surprised I guess. I submitted the video and kind of forgot about it, so I am happy that the Make A Star network liked the video enough to keep it moving along!
MAS: What’s the story behind the video you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?
Jeremy: I knew the Westcott Avenue guys since I was a kid. I was back in Arizona visiting my family and I called them up and said I would shoot a music video for them. We came up with the idea of integrating goofy channels on TV throughout the song. So we shot the whole video in a day with little to no professional gear except my camera. Everyone had a great time and loved the finished product!
MAS: How did the concept for the music video come together?
Jeremy: The Westcott Avenue guys shared the idea of a guy watching them on TV as different characters and we all came up with the different scenarios and how they would play out. It was definitely a little bit ridiculous haha.
MAS: What other video work has the music video’s director done in the past?
Jeremy: I have worked on numerous feature films, produced and directed many commercials and I shoot as many music videos as I can. My most recognizable videos I have worked on would be Carolina Liar, Pop Evil, and Big Sean. You can see all my music videos at www.Jeremytremp.com
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Jeremy: Make a star has a very unique idea behind it. It is very simple to use and upload your video. There is a very wide variety of music and videos on the site. It is very enjoyable to browse all the work from other artists.
MAS: What are your thoughts on music videos?
Jeremy: The ideas, the production, working with directors, how they add to the song, etc…As a director, I love collaborating with the artists to hear their ideas and feelings behind the song. I then like to bring my take on the song and imagery within it. We come together on the ideas and I bring them to life in a way that everyone might share in the enjoyment of watching and listening to their art. Music inspires emotion. I like to bring that emotion into something tangible that you want to be a part of after seeing it.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Jeremy: I was always into Blink 182 as a kid, my first album was some Creed album. First concert was Skillet and Thousand Foot Krutch.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Jeremy: The best and worst part of the music industry today is that it is so easy to make music that everyone is doing it.
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Jeremy: I have a brown Chihuahua named Rockstar.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Make A Star Interview with Stand Up Comic Winner Katsy Chappell
MAS: A big congratulations Katsy on being the November 2010 Stand Up Comic winner! Tell us the story behind the video you submitted.
Katsy: The story behind the "seat belt" joke I submitted went down like this. I was sitting in the exit row on a Southwest Airlines flight. The flight attendant was right in front of me doing her inflight presentation. When she finished a call bell rang and she looked around for a place to put her flight tools. When she looked my way I gave her a look that said I'd hold them for her and just as quickly she handed me the yellow oxygen mask, safety placard and seat belt. She came back to find me playing with the seat belt and as she thanked me for holding her supplies she told me that these seat belts tend to grow legs and walk off the plane. She explained that young tiny waisted girls sneak them around their waists under clothing and steal them. I said really and started trying to get it around my waist which made her laugh. She says to me "if you can get that on your body" you can have it. She giggled and went to help a passenger. She didn't realize what a gauntlet she'd laid with that statement. In a flash it had become a competition. I wanted to win that seat belt fair and square. After some thought, I nixed my calf, thigh and neck....too easy. I wanted to be able to show it off if I got to keep it so a light bulb moment later, I had clasped and adjusted it perfectly around my HEAD! I sat there and waited for her to walk by. She did after a while and we started chatting again. In the midst of that chat she burst out laughing and walked away. She came back and had another flight attendant with her and she started to laugh too. Other flight attendants walked by and laughed at my seat belted head. I was pleased to make them laugh. I wear it as a headband cause I'm the ultimate "green comic" able to recycle, upcycle, renew and re-use just about anything!
MAS: You are one funny lady, Katsy, tell us how you got started as a stand-up comic.
Katsy: I am back to stand up after a 10 year hiatus. I did stand up from 1988 to 1998 and started up again in 2008. Both times I took Judy Carters comedy workshop. Her classes are great and what can I say...She wrote the book on how to be funny. In fact, she was putting finishing touches to her Comedy Bible book back in 1988 when I first took her class. I will forever be grateful for what she taught me about the art of funny.
MAS: That’s a long time, how do you feel when you are on stage as a comedian?
Katsy: As a comedian, when I am onstage making people laugh, I feel like I’m giving them a little downtime away from life's troubles. They get to put aside, the bad day, burned steak, bills, etc., and just enjoy some humor. I like giving my audience a mini-vacation. Laughter is good therapy and I feel high as a kite walking the comedy boards connecting with the audience and feeling their laughter envelope me like grandmas handmade quilt.
MAS: How do you go about gathering the situations or information to write your jokes and put together a routine?
Katsy: How do I write my jokes? Well, my jokes tend to come from slice of life, everyday situations that I stumble upon or get smacked in the face with. When my friends and even strangers laugh at something I've told them, I put it on layaway in my joke cellar till I can work it into the act. As far as putting together a routine, I like to see what kind of audience I'm going in front of. I don't use profanity in my act. Nothing wrong with it, but it's just not for me. But my set will be different if I know there are kids in the audience as opposed to an adults only show. I enjoy bringing my humor to all types of audiences. Comedy clubs to Church's to Corporate to Children....it's all good.
MAS: Have other people compared you to any other comics?
Katsy: Comedically, some people have told me that I remind them of Mom's Mabley and Pearl Bailey.
MAS: Who are your comedy heroes that have influenced your style?
Katsy: My comedy heroes... there are lots of them but off the top of my head and without the benefit of coffee I'd have to say Shelley Berman, Tim Conway, Richard Pryor, LaWanda Page, Phyllis Diller, Flip Wilson. Charlie Hill, Mort Sahl.
MAS: What are you career plans for the year ahead?
Katsy: My career plans are to take my eco-green comedy tour on the road to as many places WORLD WIDE as I possibly can.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a stand-up comic?
Katsy: The best part of being a comedian is making someone laugh when you know they are going through a rough spell. Sometimes I feel like the Johnny Appleseed of comedy especially when I've unknowingly paid it forward by just spending a few moments with someone, lightening their spirits with humor and a hug. level. It's annoying in this day to be back to stand up and have far too many doors of opportunity closed to me. The best and worst part of the industry for comics today. In my opinion reality TV played a part in this. All those shows where every joe blow thinks he can, spilled over to comedy stage. Now you can go to a comedy show and might catch someone onstage walking back and forth ranting about something that clearly should be shared while they are laid out on the therapist's sofa in a quiet room. The audience has had to pay admission and a two drink minimum.
MAS: How does MakeaStar compare to other sites?
Katsy: I dunno. This is the first time I've done an online contest like this. Since I won, I guess I'd have to say "IT'S AWESOME"!!! now where's my duckets?
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Katsy: Randomness: I make soap from scratch. I am a Soaper!
Katsy: The story behind the "seat belt" joke I submitted went down like this. I was sitting in the exit row on a Southwest Airlines flight. The flight attendant was right in front of me doing her inflight presentation. When she finished a call bell rang and she looked around for a place to put her flight tools. When she looked my way I gave her a look that said I'd hold them for her and just as quickly she handed me the yellow oxygen mask, safety placard and seat belt. She came back to find me playing with the seat belt and as she thanked me for holding her supplies she told me that these seat belts tend to grow legs and walk off the plane. She explained that young tiny waisted girls sneak them around their waists under clothing and steal them. I said really and started trying to get it around my waist which made her laugh. She says to me "if you can get that on your body" you can have it. She giggled and went to help a passenger. She didn't realize what a gauntlet she'd laid with that statement. In a flash it had become a competition. I wanted to win that seat belt fair and square. After some thought, I nixed my calf, thigh and neck....too easy. I wanted to be able to show it off if I got to keep it so a light bulb moment later, I had clasped and adjusted it perfectly around my HEAD! I sat there and waited for her to walk by. She did after a while and we started chatting again. In the midst of that chat she burst out laughing and walked away. She came back and had another flight attendant with her and she started to laugh too. Other flight attendants walked by and laughed at my seat belted head. I was pleased to make them laugh. I wear it as a headband cause I'm the ultimate "green comic" able to recycle, upcycle, renew and re-use just about anything!
MAS: You are one funny lady, Katsy, tell us how you got started as a stand-up comic.
Katsy: I am back to stand up after a 10 year hiatus. I did stand up from 1988 to 1998 and started up again in 2008. Both times I took Judy Carters comedy workshop. Her classes are great and what can I say...She wrote the book on how to be funny. In fact, she was putting finishing touches to her Comedy Bible book back in 1988 when I first took her class. I will forever be grateful for what she taught me about the art of funny.
MAS: That’s a long time, how do you feel when you are on stage as a comedian?
Katsy: As a comedian, when I am onstage making people laugh, I feel like I’m giving them a little downtime away from life's troubles. They get to put aside, the bad day, burned steak, bills, etc., and just enjoy some humor. I like giving my audience a mini-vacation. Laughter is good therapy and I feel high as a kite walking the comedy boards connecting with the audience and feeling their laughter envelope me like grandmas handmade quilt.
MAS: How do you go about gathering the situations or information to write your jokes and put together a routine?
Katsy: How do I write my jokes? Well, my jokes tend to come from slice of life, everyday situations that I stumble upon or get smacked in the face with. When my friends and even strangers laugh at something I've told them, I put it on layaway in my joke cellar till I can work it into the act. As far as putting together a routine, I like to see what kind of audience I'm going in front of. I don't use profanity in my act. Nothing wrong with it, but it's just not for me. But my set will be different if I know there are kids in the audience as opposed to an adults only show. I enjoy bringing my humor to all types of audiences. Comedy clubs to Church's to Corporate to Children....it's all good.
MAS: Have other people compared you to any other comics?
Katsy: Comedically, some people have told me that I remind them of Mom's Mabley and Pearl Bailey.
MAS: Who are your comedy heroes that have influenced your style?
Katsy: My comedy heroes... there are lots of them but off the top of my head and without the benefit of coffee I'd have to say Shelley Berman, Tim Conway, Richard Pryor, LaWanda Page, Phyllis Diller, Flip Wilson. Charlie Hill, Mort Sahl.
MAS: What are you career plans for the year ahead?
Katsy: My career plans are to take my eco-green comedy tour on the road to as many places WORLD WIDE as I possibly can.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a stand-up comic?
Katsy: The best part of being a comedian is making someone laugh when you know they are going through a rough spell. Sometimes I feel like the Johnny Appleseed of comedy especially when I've unknowingly paid it forward by just spending a few moments with someone, lightening their spirits with humor and a hug. level. It's annoying in this day to be back to stand up and have far too many doors of opportunity closed to me. The best and worst part of the industry for comics today. In my opinion reality TV played a part in this. All those shows where every joe blow thinks he can, spilled over to comedy stage. Now you can go to a comedy show and might catch someone onstage walking back and forth ranting about something that clearly should be shared while they are laid out on the therapist's sofa in a quiet room. The audience has had to pay admission and a two drink minimum.
MAS: How does MakeaStar compare to other sites?
Katsy: I dunno. This is the first time I've done an online contest like this. Since I won, I guess I'd have to say "IT'S AWESOME"!!! now where's my duckets?
MAS: Tell us something completely random.
Katsy: Randomness: I make soap from scratch. I am a Soaper!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
