LOTTO Interview: Feedback – Room to Rock Artist

Editor’s Note:   The LOTTO Interview was one of the features for my weekly music column, Urb’l (Urban Cool) Remedy, that was part of Zubterrain, the e-zine of the Zonisphere Media Group.  That site is undergoing an indefinite overhaul; so, my column is currently on hiatus.  For the purpose of this series of interviews, I’ve decided to use the LOTTO Interview format here at THE REAL popolio.

I will be MCing Room to Read’s 2^nd Annual Room to Rock music showcase and fundraiser event on Friday, August 26, 2011, at Peckerheads on Sixth (6^th and Trinity).  Doors open at 7:30PM.  Show starts at 8PM.

Starting on Monday, to countdown to the event, I have been featuring a daily LOTTO Interview (and will do so through tomorrow) with each of the featured bands –  The Blistering Speeds, Feedback, The Shears, and Day vs. Night ( BTW, that is the order they perform in, but not necessarily the order of the interviews).

Get the 411 here, RSVP at the Facebook Event Page, and learn more about the organization at the official site.

The Blistering Speeds kicked things off on Monday.  Day vs. Night kept it going yesterday.   Read each of their LOTTO Interviews here and here, respectively.  Next up in our series of Room to Rock LOTTO Interviews is Feedback, the official band of Bazaarvoice, who will follow the Blistering Speeds during the showcase.

The idea is simple.  I have a list of questions that are a mixed bag of musical, fun, serious, and silly.  Feedback chose five numbers from 1 through 100 without getting to see the questions. The questions they answered for this interview are the questions that corresponded with the numbers that were chosen.  The list is currently holding steady at 100.

Watch Feedback perform their version of Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown.”  Read their LOTTO Interview below.

UR:  Anyone you would pattern your career after?
FB: Probably the Rutles…Or maybe Spinal Tap, but mostly just for the great stage props.

UR:  What are the top references you use for this band, musical or otherwise?
FB:  The main criteria we followed in selecting the music was to play the tunes that we are excited about.  Our band members seem to have a similar taste in music, but we are pretty diverse when it comes to age.  Since we mainly do covers, it ends up as somewhat of a “best of” from the ‘70s all the way through to today.

We had two rules we tried to follow:

1) The audience should be able to recognize the song within a few notes.
2) Once they recognize it, it should make them smile.

UR:  What’s a genre of music you’d like to try that your fans would be surprised by?
FB:  Bluegrass soul!  Don’t be too surprised if we break out some angry banjo or maybe even a fiddle one of these days…

UR:  If you were to redo a song from a musical, what song would you do from which musical?
FB:  It probably wouldn’t be a huge stretch for us to try a few songs from musicals.  Maybe “Seasons of Love,” from RENT – it has a big sound, lots of vocals, and it’s definitely a feel-good tune.

UR:  American Idol’s Jennifer Lopez, The Voice’s Christina Aguilera, or X-Factor’s Paula Abdul?
FB:  J.Lo…Of course.

Music Video: Lokz “Throw It Away”

FunkAttack pop quiz interview

Tea Time is one-fourth of FunkAttack and his pop quiz kicked things off for us in May.  Now, we finish things out with the other three-fourths of his group.

May 27, 2011

Name:   FunkAttack
Genre:  Hip Hop/Funk/Soul
Debut Release: El Ritmo (www.bordersessions.com)
Release Date:  June 10, 2010

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (OR Both)??? Artistic Integrity
3. Studio OR Stage? Stage
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*! Make Love

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my Life.
7. I’m musically inspired by Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Brown, George Clinton.
8. If I could have made any music video it would have been “Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Batman.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Music, Love, and Roll.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  Music is everything.
12. I want my fans to:  Feel the love through music.
13. If I could only share one thing about myself it would be:  Pass the peace…
14. Wild Card!  Happy music for happy people…
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Unite the people through music.

The video FunkAttack wishes they would have made!

Listen to “Get Up” from FunkAttack’s debut release, El Ritmo.  Click on the cover to go to their Facebook Page.

Tea Time pop quiz interview

May 13, 2011

Name: Tea Time (Camilo Castaldi)
Genre:  Hip Hop/Funk/Soul
Debut Release:  1 (www.bordersessions.com)
Release Date:  June 10, 2010

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream?  Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (OR Both)??? Artistic Integrity
3. Studio OR Stage? Stage
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*! Make Love

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my life.
7. I’m musically inspired by Franz Kafka, Parliament, Bob James, Wu-Tang Clan, Hieroglyphics, and graffiti.
8. If I could have made any music video it would have been Mamma Roma by Pasolini.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be The Super Dog.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Music, Love, and Roll.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  It is my business.
12. I want my fans to:  Feel a friend of mine through the music.
13. If I could only share one thing about myself it would be:  My place is everywhere.
14. Wild Card!  One Time!  Two time!  Tea Time!
15.  I want my musical legacy to be:  A different way of messaging in rap music, to be Poetry like the classic poets of literary history, and to make a new style in Spanish rap with the flow like the African-Americans.

The video Tea Time wishes he would have made!

Editor’s Note: His response to Number 8 is actually a 1962 Italian film not a proper music video.  Here is the opening scene from the film.

Listen to “If U Really Wanna” featuring Problem from Tea Time’s debut release, 1.  Click the cover to go to his Facebook Page.

Music Video: Monarchs “Date Night” – ATX

 

20Q for Stefani Vara Part 2 – H-Town

Editor’s Note:  This is a repost of my third interview as a contributing music & entertainment writer at Popular Hispanics, originally titled Stefani Vara:  Don’t Call It a Come-Up…I’ve Been Here for Years and originally posted here.  I’ll be posting it in 2 parts here at THE REAL popolio.

Stefani Vara is that Mexican-American around-the-way girl from H-Town, who also happens to be that pop star that’s been grinding for a decade.  That’s okay, because she’s been told it takes that long to become an “overnight success.” 

If she has anything to say about it, and I believe her, she will be hitting your radar faster than you can say, “Oye como va.”  She’s that Latin thang you should know about, but maybe haven’t heard about…quite just yet. 

The sexiness is a moot point; it’s her music that she wants you to care about.  With pop, dance, R&B, and, of course, Latin influences, she hopes to make music that, not only, makes you wanna’ dance, but that you’ll remember for years to come.

In [what was] this EXCLUSIVE no holds barred Popular Hispanics interview, Stefani Vara answered whatever we threw at her with grace, tact, and dignity.  

Listen to Stefani Vara’s new single, “Middle of the Night,” coming to iTunes and Napster for your downloading pleasure very soon.

Click the first pic to go to her Twitter account and second, at the end of the interview, to get to her Facebook Page.

Part 1

***

11. When I think of Houston, I think of Destiny’s Child and that chopped and screwed music.  Will any of that be making its way into your music?  I would love and it would be an honor for one of my songs to be chopped and screwed.  You are pretty official in Houston when that happens!!

12. Some artists, who shall go nameless, seem more interested in being a “star” than being an “artist” and perfecting their craft. Obviously, you need to get out there so people know who you are, hear your music, and buy it, but you also should be creating and performing if you are truly an “artist.”  How do you toe the line between the artistry and the star-tistry? You can get lost in those high profile events and realize at the end of the day you still have nothing.  It is important to continue to have a face and be in the scene, but also know what you want to get out of it.  It’s important to have balance and continue to remind yourself why you are there!  Product makes a career not a red carpet.

13. If you had to describe the sound your going for on your new stuff in a sound bite, how would describe it?  And the sound of Storybook Diaries?

My sound now:  Live, Fun, and Moving
My past album, Storybook Diaries:  Soft, Sultry, and Deep

14. As Hispanics, we’re often seen as sexy and sensual people.  I’ve seen some of your photos and your sexiness was obviously being played up (see Part 1, Pic 2).  Is there a line where you fear the public may not take you seriously as an artist?  Or is it about authenticity in your artistry, sexiness, and just how you overall present yourself? It’s definitely about authenticity.  I am very comfortable and confident in me; therefore I don’t worry so much about what people think!  I enjoy artistry and being creative – Staying true to yourself and what makes you happy is what really matters.

15. Talk about the new single “Middle of the Night.”  What were you trying to do with it lyrically and sonically? With “Middle of the Night” I wanted to keep the sexiness and have a track where people would want to get up and dance and remember the lyrics.  I have had so many people say, “It sticks in my mind.”…That’s exactly what I wanted

16. Tell us about what we can expect from your next release. The next release is a work-in-progress.  It’s very raw, live, and I think you’re going to like [it]!  I am working with a producer here in Houston and I am excited to be recording again and working on a new project!

17. Your story of the artist whose first label home does not work out is not necessarily unique.  Any advice for up-and-coming artists who may find themselves on a similar path? I stay positive in all my situations; because for me to grow and become stronger God wants me to learn from my mistakes.  I feel my label deal was unique – every label deal with every artist is different!  It didn’t necessarily not work, it just wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.  To me, something not working would have been that I never had this opportunity to record an album.

My advice for all other emerging artists is to stay positive and keep moving. Think of each situation as a learning experience to be better or go another route!  If it is meant to be, believe me, it will be!!

18. Do you want to distinguish yourself from other artists?  Or is just about doing what you do well even if it’s been done before?  I just feel like me being me distinguishes myself from everyone else.  It’s about style and personality!  I would never want to be put in a category as oh, everyone does that.

19. Who are you diggin’ musically right now?  Along the same lines, of who is out now, if anybody, who is Stefani Vara’s competition? I am really diggin’ Bruno Mars, Aventura, Juanes, and Lady Gaga.  I don’t worry about competition because I am doing what I want and how I want; so, to me, I stay focused on creating and continuing on my own path.

20. Any last words for the purposes of this [Popular Hispanics] interview?  Thank you so much for this interview and [the] support!  I continue to work hard in the hopes of being a role model to young Hispanics who are pursuing their own careers. I look forward to sharing my music with you and shouting you out when I’m on a red carpet!!!  Gracias!!

THE END.

20Q for Stefani Vara Part 1 – H-Town

Editor’s Note: This is a repost of my third interview as a contributing music & entertainment writer at Popular Hispanics, originally titled Stefani Vara:  Don’t Call It a Come-Up…I’ve Been Here for Years and originally posted here.  I’ll be posting it in 2 parts here at THE REAL popolio.

Stefani Vara is that Mexican-American around-the-way girl from H-Town, who also happens to be that pop star that’s been grinding for a decade.  That’s okay, because she’s been told it takes that long to become an “overnight success.”

If she has anything to say about it, and I believe her, she will be hitting your radar faster than you can say, “Oye como va.”  She’s that Latin thang you should know about, but maybe haven’t heard about…quite just yet.

The sexiness is a moot point; it’s her music that she wants you to care about.  With pop, dance, R&B, and, of course, Latin influences, she hopes to make music that, not only, makes you wanna’ dance, but that you’ll remember for years to come.

In [what was] this EXCLUSIVE no holds barred Popular Hispanics interview, Stefani Vara answered whatever we threw at her with grace, tact, and dignity.

Listen to Stefani Vara’s new single, “Middle of the Night,” coming to iTunes and Napster, for your downloading pleasure, very soon.  So, check for it!

Click the first pic to go to her official site and second, at the end of the interview, to get to her Facebook Page.

Part 2

***

1. Who is Stefani Vara? Stefani Vara is a determined woman who continues to create a path to her own destiny!

2. lt seemed like you were on your way in NYC having signed to indie label, Siri Music, with your debut release, Storybook Diaries, and all the fashion campaigns, red carpets, high profile events, and crazy media coverage.  What happened? Nothing happened.  I am here and still running!  You can still see me performing, supporting various events/charities, and walking the red carpets.  It was great experience working with a label, but we had creative differences and it was time for a new path.

3. During that time, you were in a lot of magazine features, but had not quite achieved cover girl status.  Is it about paying dues?  Do you want to be a cover girl one day? I’ve been told by many veterans in the entertainment industry that it takes ten years to really make it in the industry and have a name…I am currently in my 10th year!  The experience is different for everyone.  For some, fame and fortune comes quickly with no hard work, but that is not my destiny.  I feel the challenge of learning and understanding the business has taught me and shown me that there can be longevity in a career rather than easy come, easy go!  So, WHEN I finally become that cover girl, it’s going to mean much more to me than someone who didn’t pay their dues.

4. You were at one of Chris Brown’s release parties.  Was that before or after the Rihanna incident?  Any thoughts on that? The Chris Brown event I attended was before the incident.  The incidence of domestic abuse is always wrong and, unfortunately, this tarnished his career as a young pop star for awhile.  I am not here to judge anyone; people make mistakes.  Some small, some huge.  I know that he learned from his past mistakes and hopes to be a better person.

5. How did the 2008 Southpole Footwear and Azzure Denim campaigns come together? Are you still signed to them? Do you want to do more modeling and fashion campaigns? The Southpole and Azzure ads came through my [former] record label.  I am no longer signed to them, but I support them and thank them for all the support they gave me.  It was such a great experience to be the face of a brand and in the campaigns!  I am still modeling and auditioning for fashion campaigns, television, and films.  I recently had the opportunity to walk in my first NYC fashion week show last year which was exciting and fun!

6. If you could get everything out of your system regarding your debut release, Storybook Diaries, what would you say about that experience? I would say my experience was bittersweet.  If you know the music industry you know that just because you are with a label doesn’t mean you’ve necessarily “made it” and can just reap the rewards.  On one hand, I recorded an album and that is exactly what I went to NYC to do.  On the other hand, with the ever-changing industry, I never received a hard copy…I feel it could have gone a lot further if it wasn’t lost in the shuffle of the constant changes of the industry.  It has been a learning process and I know I had to go through it in order to know what I really want now and where I would like to go!

7. In a 2010 interview for another online publication you’re quoted as saying that your debut “…only slightly touches on who [you are] as an artist” and that, “There is tons more passion, culture, strength, and flavor that [you] want to give and show.”  Give me one example of each (passion, culture, strength, and flavor) and how you would bring that musically, lyrically, or otherwise.

• Passion:  My love for music and entertaining.
• Culture:  I want to bring in more of my Mexican roots and [a] live band sound.
• Strength:  My continuance to keep going in this business.
• Flavor:  My sexy style and fun personality.

All of these things are what I want you to get out of my music when you hear it.  I want you to be able to get a vision of who I really am.

8. That same article references your major influences to be Selena, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, and Alicia Keys. In the same way, give me one thing from each that you hope to emulate in your own music-making.

• Selena:   She is my idol.  I think about her lyrics in Spanish and English and how the Hispanic community loved her.  I want to make music that people will love.
• Gloria Estefan:  I want to bring in her vision of Miami Sound Machine.  A fun band that would bring in a live sound that can be heard anywhere.
• Shakira:  Her sexiness and hip-moving beats that make you want to get up and move.
• Alicia Keys:  Her strong lyrics and deep melodies.

9. Are there any other artists you are influenced by? Or genres? I am influenced by all types of music.  Growing up listening to country, R&B, and Tejano music has left me open-minded to artists from Portishead to Marvin Gaye.

10. Being a Houston girl, is it important for you to rep Houston and Texas?  How do you do that as an artist? It’s super important for Texas and me to rep Houston.  Most of my fans and supporters are from Texas.  My family and roots are from Texas and that has made me who I am.  Texas shows tons of love!!

To be continued TOMORROW…

Music Video: Bilal “Levels”

Music Video: Erykah Badu “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” – Dallas

Shout Out to Power Popster, Phil Dutra & R&B/Soulstress, Lisa Marshall – ATX

As January comes to a close and February begins, the official Year 3 of THE REAL popolio continues on.  I wanted to take this time to give a shout out to two special REAL popolio Artists based here in the ATX. 

The first is power pop singer-songwriter, Phil Dutra.  He played both our One Year Anniversary Mixer and opened our first official showcase, pop show, last year.  He was also my very first popolio podcast interviewee at the beginning of Year 1. 

He comes to bat no questions asked and brings it home each and every time.  Thank you, Phil!  Please check him and his music out here.

The second is old school soul vocalist, Lisa Marshall.  I interviewed her for a popolio podcast as well.  What I could tell about Ms. Marshall right off was that she was on her grind.  So, needless to say, this turned into a couple more popolio features.  She became a fast friend of the blog and headlined pop show.  Thank you, Lisa!  Check her and her stuff out here.

I want to thank them both for playing previous popolio events.  Really, just for being open and collaborative.  I consider them both REAL popolio Artists and both are great.  Please support them.

freddie beat aka Freddie Rodriguez
THE REAL popolio creator & editor