INTERVIEW! - Vintage Princess

Vintage Princess is this amazing jewelry maker i found on facebook.

She makes THE MOST amazing jewelry ever! And I don't tell a lie! [Unless it be needed haha]

As if she isn't amazing enough, VP also takes requests! I decided to take advantage of this and request something rocky, something ....me haha and this is what I got.

When i opened the packaging it was wrapped in pink wrapping paper, filled with sequins and contained a cute little thank you card :]

I thought [and still think] that it was the most amazing necklace ever!

I wear it almost every day!

So as not to keep you waiting any longer, here is the interview with the amazing VP!

How did you get into jewellery making?
I started jewellery making a long time ago. I've always been pretty creative, I love making things, drawing, painting, reworking and customising clothing and jewellery anything like that really. Being a girly girl and a sucker for anything sparkily, pink, girly and pretty I absolutely loved jewellery making. I also love the idea of wearing something unique and individual which is something the high-street did certainly not offer! So I made my own :)

What made you decide to sell your pieces online?
Since I graduated from university last year I've been crafting more and more. People seemed to love my creations and I've always wanted a shop since I was little so I thought why not give it a go, and facebook seemed the perfect place to market my jewellery and I've never looked back! Now I can't picture myself doing anything else!

What are your favorite pieces to make?
Ooooh I really do just love making everything!

Do you take time to plan each piece or are they spur of the moment type things? [or both?]
Both really! I love it when I'll be at my desk and an idea just comes to me so I make it up there and then, but I also love planning things too! Especially for custom orders. Its so much fun when a customer comes to me asking for something and I get my thinking cap on and come up with ideas for them.

Where is your favorite place to purchase pieces like charms and other things from?
Now that would be telling! :p
I get my findings from everywhere and anywhere really! I get them online, from my own jewellery box, from antique, vintage and charity shops, through donations, literally everywhere. No matter where I go, I'm always on the look out for materials to make into jewellery!

Do you have an online store?
I do indeed! Its www.folksy.com/shops/vintageprincess
I sell a lot of my collection through facebook though, so thats the best place to go to keep up to date with my new pieces. Having a facebook profile allows me to offer the chance for people to discuss a custom order with me, and I also get to chat to customers too which I love! I hope to have my own proper website soon though!

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to make and sell vintage jewelry?
I just advise them to go for it! It is so much fun and if its something you love then why not give it a go? I did and I've never looked back :)

Facebook profile (VintagePrincess Laura)- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001163910523
Facebook page (Vintage Princess Accessories)- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001163910523#!/pages/Vintage-Princess-Accessories/134512006566227?ref=ts

INTERVIEW! - Cosa Nostra

I sent these guys my interview a while ago and they finally got back to me! hehe
With them being busy sorting out touring and other stuff they managed to find time to answer some questions :]
Here is their Lovely Email.

Hey Hana, once again thanks so much for this and even bigger thanks for being so patient with us!

For a few questions, we took time to give personal answers instead of a whole band answer.
_________________________________

Cosa Nostra is:
Phil Saliba (lead guitar/vocals)
Sean Murphy (rhythm guitar/vocals)
JJ Hoeffner (keyboards/vocals)
Derek Santo (drums)

How did you get the idea to form a band?
We all have always wanted to be in a band, its always been a dream of ours. Music has always been a passion and a love for all of us. Phil knew from the start that music was what he wanted to do and started the band in 2006 with Derek and a few former members, and after a few lineup changes, Sean and JJ came into the band in late 2007. At the current time, we are in the process of finding a new bassist.

How did you come up with the name for the band?
Our old band name needed a change, none of us were happy with it, and we wanted a name that not only sounded cool and was memorable, but something that we could relate to as well. Cosa Nostra translates from italian to "our thing". Which is exactly what this band is. Our thing. Its our way of being creative and doing what we love and growing as friends as well as musicians.

What inspires you in your songwriting?
Lyric wise, experiences from our own lives, and what is going on in the world around us. Music wise, the bands we love and listen to, our own thoughts and ideas, and eachother. It is very evident that we all inspire eachother to keep writing music, with all the talent that each member brings to the table.

Who are your biggest influences?
As a whole, this band has very similar musical taste. We are heavily influenced by Thrice, Taking Back Sunday, Bayside, Envy on the Coast, Alkaline Trio & Motion City Soundtrack to name a few.

What is your favorite thing about being a musician?
Phil: writing music when everything comes together nicely, and the sound of a pumped up crowd after a song is played
Sean: creating music with talented people and proudly performing the results
JJ: all the fun times, and the people we have met along the way whom we would not have met had it not been for the band
Derek: being as creative as possible

How would you describe your style?
We are a modern rock band with heavy influence from some of todays biggest acts such as Thrice, Taking Back Sunday, and Envy on the Coast.

What is your favorite song to perform?
Phil: Guardian Ghost
Sean: I'll Be Gone
JJ: Guardian Ghost
Derek: Grave Misfortune

Who would be your dream band to go on tour with?
Phil: Muse
Sean: Taking Back Sunday
JJ: Muse
Derek: Bayside

Did you expect your music to reach other parts of the world like here in the UK?
Not this soon. We get excited when our music is heard and liked by people who live in our town!. To know that our music is being listened to and appreciated this much in a whole other country is awesome. Things like myspace and Facebook and twitter really make all of this possible. We are so excited by that and hope someday to be able to come play for all of you.

What are your goals for the future?
To put out music that we are proud of and that people love to listen to. To travel to new places all over and play for fans. And to have our fanbase and listeners grow to new heights.

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks so much to Hana for finding us and reaching out to us for this, we hope you enjoyed reading this as much as we enjoyed answering these questions for you. We just finished recording our debut full-length record and hope to have it available physically and digitally this fall. Keep your eyes peeled!

For more:
http://www.cnrocks.com/
www.twitter.com/cosanostrany
www.Facebook.com/cosanostrany

Make sure you check them out! They are awesome!
[Looking for a new bassist are they ;] hehe if only i lived in the US haha]

INTERVIEW! - Leigh Mary Stokes

Now as soon as i herd Leigh on Myspace i instantly fell inlove with her music!
It was an honour for me to interview Leigh and i hope you love her music just as much as i do!

Your single 'Little Yellow' was recently released on 5th April. It's incredibly catchy and from what I've seen has had nothing but good reviews! Are you pleased with how it turned out?
I'm really pleased with it. Writing it was so much fun and playing it live we always had such a good reaction to it. The boys have done an excellent job in recording it (they took care of it all themselves, in house) and people seem to like it so there's not much more I could've asked for!

Your EP is titled 'Best Served With Tea and Biscuits', how did you come up with this as the title?
I Love Tea and biscuits, everything is better when served with them.
Is sitting down with some biscuits and a brew how you like to relax when you have time to yourself?
yes.

What's your favorite part about going on tour?
Our van: Big Bertha. There's nothing quite like getting in a bus with your friends and your gear and setting off to somewhere you've never been to play to people you don't know. Half Anxious and Half excited, you get a buzz from knowing you can never know what to expect.

Who are your biggest influences?
It would be such an easy answer to just say "everyone, i like all music". But I suppose the first songs I learnt when I started playing guitar were Dolly Parton, Devendra Banhart, The Pipettes and The Rolling Stones... But I have drawn influence from so many places. In terms of songwriting most of my influence comes from people going about their everyday lives... in which sense, anyone can be an influence.
What inspires you in your songwriting?
The mundane and ordinary, the new and exciting, love, hate and emotions and generally just life. Throw in some cartoons and milkshakes and we're there.

How would you describe your style?
bouncy indie-pop, to dance and sing along to. Little catchy pop songs - because anyone that says they don't like pop music is lying. Everyone needs something to just sit back and enjoy. Sunshine music :)
How long have you been interested in music?
My whole life. I'm from a family of big music lovers who have taken me to festivals since day dot. I owe them a lot :)
Out of all the songs you have recorded so far, is there one you are especially proud of?
I love Little Yellow because it was a real homegrown, DIY effort from myself and the 3 boys in the band - who turn out to be pretty swanky producers if I do say so myself.

If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
I don't know! I would say Dolly, but I don't think it would work, i'm a bit too Portsmouth and she's a bit too Texas for a track to make sense... I think i'd have to say, maybe, Ben Folds? That would be amazing. Or The Postal Service, if they'd have me!
If you had any advise for someone who wanted to be a musician what would it be?
My best tip would be to start playng open-mic nights at local pubs etc. If it hadn't been for my local one I wouldn't even be playing now. They showed me so much support and introduced me to so many wonderful and helpful people.

What are your goals for the future?
Realistic or other? To have Mick Jagger on speed dial and do lunch with Katy Perry. Anywhere inbetween what we're doing now and that will suffice! I'm having a great time so i'm happy to keep on keeping on. If in the mean time I could trick my kitten into liking me as well, i'd be chuffed to bits :)

Favorite Quote?
"You Don't Make Friends With Salad" - Homer Simpson

CHECK OUT LEIGH ON MYSPACE:
http://www.myspace.com/leighstokesmusic
And Check out her site!
http://www.leighmarystokes.co.uk/
 
Her single 'Little Yellow' is out on itunes NOW so go and get it!

INTERVIEW! - Cassie Correlle

We got to interview the amazing Cassie Correlle!
Here's what she had to say :D

How did you get into performing?
I began playing guitar and writing songs in 8th grade, then played a few performances in high school but didn't get enough courage to play bigger shows until college! The girls on my dorm floor my freshman year at WSU encouraged me to play my first open mic, and it became an addiction to have people hear my music! I haven't stopped playing shows since then.
What inspires you in your songwriting?
Boys that break my heart! Or, girls that make me angry. And occasionally, when a nice boy comes along, I write a happy song.

Who are your biggest influences?
My ex boyfriend, my friends and their exciting lives, and random people I meet! Also new songs I hear inspire me to venture out into new aspects of writing, and try something new.

What is your favorite thing about being a musician?
I love being on stage with my guitar and sharing my view of the world with other people. I love having people relate to my songs, and tell me, "wow, that song was made to fit my life perfectly". When I was younger, I was always searching for songs and lyrics that displayed how I felt, and then one day I thought, "instead of looking for a song that fits my life, why not make one?"
How would you describe your style?
Definitely sassy! I have a lot of attitude and i like writing songs that say exactly how it is. I make it very obvious if you've angered me in any way. When I started writing songs, country is just what came out. Some things are just meant to be.

What is your favorite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform is any song that the audience requests. Because you just make them so happy and that's such great feedback when you're on stage and everyone is singing along.

Who would be your dream band/artist to open up for?
Miranda Lambert!!! She is my favorite. Or Miley Cyrus - I saw her in concert, and she is so much fun on stage and has so much energy.

If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Again, Miranda Lambert. She has a lot of attitude in her songs, and I feel like we could write the best sassy boy-hating song ever.

What is your favorite store to shop at?
I love vintage stores and thrift stores to be honest. It's like finding treasure because no one else has the things you buy! It's always one of a kind and I love that. You never know where that item of clothing or shoe has been before you and that's kind of exciting - like you're taking them on a new adventure!

What are your goals for the future?
To keep playing music and reach as many people as humanely possible.

Favorite Quote?
I have a few! The higher the hair, the closer to God. and the tattoo I have on my wrist, Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven"
Anything else you would like to say?
Random fact: I go through a can of hairspray every 2 weeks :)

CHECK OUT CASSIE ON MYSPACE:
http://www.myspace.com/cassiecorrellemusic

INTERVIEW! - Emily Grace

So as well as touring with Demi Lovato you are also a member of the Ballas Hough Band!

Did you ever think that you would accomplish such big things when you were growing up?
I always wanted to perform growing up, but I never expected to be in LA doing what I am, and having achieved so much. It's been a crazy couple of years, sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe I'm really here!

At what age did you start singing?
I didn't start singing until I was about 13, although I'd always been a music geek. I played piano from the age of 3, and flute and violin from 8. Music was always around me and a huge part of my life so I guess singing was just a natural next step.

What is your favorite part about being on tour?
There's so many things I love about tour! If I had to pick one I'd say performing for the fans and meeting them. Really being able to talk to them and connect.

What is your favorite song of Demi’s to Perform?
It's always changing, I love Solo, but Get Back was so fun because we were all just running around like crazies rocking out!

What is your favorite BHB song to Perform?
Longing For and Fall. Fall is fun and fierce, and I loved the synth parts. Longing For is a beautiful ballad and I loved singing it, and the piano part was beautiful.

If you could be on any TV show which would it have to be?
Glee!!!! I love that show!
Who inspires your fashion? and what is your favorite store to shop at?
Hmm.. I just kind of wear what I want! Sometimes I wake up and want to so something crazy and different so i'll pick out something super rocker or really British, and sometimes I just throw and jeans and T! One of my favorite stores is Forever21, and definitely TopShop in the UK and New York.

Whats your favorite outfit in your wardrobe right now?
Hmmm... A big crazy black skirt and a neon shirt. Sometimes I like being a bit out there!!

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mum and dad!! They're so sweet together, they're so in love after 33 years.

If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Marilyn Monroe, that would be amazing!!!

If you had any advise for someone who wanted to be a musician what would it be?
Practise. All the time. Dream big, work hard. But keep your priorities in order, music as a career and quickly take over your life. As important as it is to you, and as much effort and time that you need to put into it, never forget tour family and friends. I always make sure my three Fs come first. Faith, Family, Friends. My career is a huge part of my life, but I wouldn't be me without those things.

What are your goals for the future?
I'd love a solo record deal, to record another album and get that out there. I want to use my music to inspire and ignite self confidence in young people.

Favorite Quote?
I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it - Marilyn Monroe

Make sure to follow Emily on twitter! :D
http://twitter.com/emilygraceUK
And add her on myspace!
http://www.myspace.com/amazingmissgracemusic

INTERVIEW! - Brian Mackey

According to his Myspace Brain 'in his own words, a manic romantic, says, .."He's in love with the idea of love." Every long winding search of dead ends, broken relationships and struggles could make it ..easy for someone to just give up. But Brian shows "all of us".'
I got to interview the amazing Brian Mackey! And here is what he had to say!

You have 2 EP's on itunes (‘Brian Mackey EP 2009’ and ‘Feng Shui for Slobs’) Is there one song from both of them which you are most proud of?
Brian Mackey RED EP 2009: I am the most proud of Patty Brown.
Feng Shui for Slobs: I'm the most proud of Painted Red

When did you know that singing was something you wanted to do?
Ever since age 5 when I couldn't stop singing everywhere, in class, in the bathtub, in my sleep...

What inspires you in your songwriting?
Love, or the lack there of, a pretty face, another song, really anything can set it off at anytime.

Who are your biggest influences?
I noticed a lot of people always say the Beatles are one of their influences. I would agree with that notion, but also a lot of classical music without words. There are just so many great bands and artists, that it's really hard to narrow in on specifics, but I really like Freddy Johnston.

What is your favorite thing about being a musician?
The freedom it gives me to say how I feel, the feeling it gives me to create, to perform for an audience, it's a religious experience.

How would you describe your style?
Good question.. I always thought it was better if someone else told me what I sounded like, rather than who I thought I was supposed to be, but I think it would be alt rock indie, if that makes any sense :)

If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Hmm.. well, if I were to sing with somebody dead, it would be a solo performance... but if they were alive, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Jim Morrisson, Janis Joplin,
Alive... Jewel, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Callait

Out of all the things you have accomplished, which are you most proud of?
Well, true story... the other day I bought a raft and rowed up the Hudson River, big boats were all around me, one honked their horn and almost scared me into the water. I made it back in one piece to do this interview, so I'm pretty proud of that :)

What are your goals for the future?
To write a song that I'm completely happy with, if that's possible...

Favorite Quote?
Never give up, because quitters have nothing to give... 

Anything else you would like to say?
I would like to thank you for taking the time out for compiling this interview, Hannah ;)

Make sure to check Brian's music out on MySpace!
http://www.myspace.com/brimackey

And also follow him on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/brianmackeynyc

INTERVIEW! - Hannah

 With her new single 'I Believe In You' set to top the charts & fast becoming England's World Cup Anthem we thought now was the time to meet the one & only Estonian pop star!

We had the amazing opportunity to interview Hannah and all we can say is she is so down to earth and incredibly sweet!
(Oh and yes we both have the same name! haha)

  

Hey Hannah!
Thanks so much for doing this for us! we really appreciate it :D

Hi Hannah, it's my pleasure! Nice to meet you and I'm very excited to answer your great questions!

 As well as having a rocking music video for your single 'I Believe in You' (out on the 3rd May) it also made the Music Week Upfront Club Chart at #1! Where you excited when you herd about it being #1?
I was so excited! I remember I came home from the studio just away in a bit of a daydream and then when I walked into my apartment, there was a huge bucket of flowers and a bottle of champagne with a big #1 attached to it!

I just jumped around and screamed by joy, I couldn't even believe it before I saw it with my own eyes in Music Week!

My mother came to visit me the same evening from Estonia and we had an awesome time together celebrating that achievement!

What was your favorite part about making the music video for 'I Believe in You' ?

Making the „I Believe In You“ video was a whole new experience to me because it's half animated and it was filmed with a blue screen. Everything was so different to the videos I've shot in the past -  from making the special costumes to the final edit, dance rehearsals and designing the little aliens.

I was very lucky to have such an amazing team who let me stick with them and  follow every single step from the very early beginning to the final video edit.

There were 15 people working on the video and I stayed with them in the studio watching it all come together. I was very lucky to work with people who let me get so involved. It was fascinating to see how every single movement and section took a very long time to create on the computer. I loved the day when we actually filmed but that seems to have been the easy bit!

You have accomplished so much in your life so far! Did you ever think while you were growing up that you would ever be so popular and so successful?

I always knew that I wanted to become a singer. And I always knew that I'd be on stage performing. I remember when I was three years old on beach with my parents. I climbed on the top of the highest rock, pretending that it's the stage and all the people down below sunbathing were my audience! I sang and asked everyone to clap their hands for the proper applause!

I started writing my own music when I was 13 and enjoyed it even more so I knew that this is something I'd like to do the rest of my life. My greatest encouragement was actually winning a song competition with my first song.

Whats it been like working with such a big bunch of talented songwriters?

It's been a very inspirational year for me. Working with such successful and talented people has given me a whole new take on songwriting.
I've been learning a lot from them being really encouraged to try different methods! Every songwriter has their own ways of writing a song and their own influences so it's great to spend time with them learning their own ways.

What inspires you in your songwriting?

Everything that happens in my life really. Love and relationships, movies, books, different stories, traveling… There's the opportunity to find something in every situation in life, I guess, to write about.

What is your favorite part about what you do?
I love performing, to be totally honest – it's like a treat! It's one thing when you've written your entire album and spent countless hours in studios, going through all the recording and production and remixes – which are all amazing! But then it's something entirely different to give it to people and see their reaction – that's really the best part. It gives you so much back if you see that audience enjoys what you've been working on.

Who are your biggest influences?
I listened to lots of classical music when I was a child and then grew up listening to classic artists like Phil Collins, Queen, and ABC. I've always tried to learn something from great artists and great songwriting. I loved Alanis Morrissette’s vocals back in the 90s and now am a huge fan of Alicia Keys as she's such an amazing songwriter and performer. So I guess I don't have just one big influence, there's many.

If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Alicia Keys or Dizzee Rascal

If you had any advise for someone who wanted to be a musician what would it be?

It's the hard work but it's worth it! It's an amazing world filled with many excitements and wonderful journeys. The tough thing is figuring out how to stay the same person and not let anyone to change you.

My mother always told me – stay as you are, be yourself – so that's my advice now cause it has helped me through the years.

Favorite Quote?

Dream big dreams! Dreams don't have limitations; our mind is the one, which is limited… so work with that one :)

Thanks Again for doing this :)
GodBless
Hannah x

Thank you and God Bless!

Hannah xxx 

 Check out the video to 'I Believe in You' below! :D

and follow Hannah on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/hannahsongbird

INTERVIEW! - Mitchel Musso

I did this interview 26/08/09
so yes it was a long time ago but i thought i would post it anyway :)

INTERVIEW! - Emmanuella

Ok so I might be a bit bias but i think you must be the best YouTube singer
out there! Which has been your favorite cover you have done so far?

Heyy hahaha nowayyy your just bias hahaha! But thanks!
I think Beyonce - Ava Maria or Halo, I love Beyonce :)

Who is your favorite artist to cover?
Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber and Beyonce

How long have you been interested in music?
Well I've always loved music since I was like 5 years old, in primary school I was always in school musicals and plays.

If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
That's a hard one.... Michael Jackson really inspired me so I would have loved to do a duet with him. It would be amazing to do a duet with Chris Brown or Pixie Lott! 

Do you write your own songs?
Yes I do, but I haven't posted any on youtube yet because I'm sorting out melody and stuff.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
Well I really just want to sing and make people smile with my songs. Just generally become successful in my field in whatever I end up doing.

Do you have a style icon? if so, who? 
I love Ferne Cotton and Alexa Chungs style!!!!

Favorite Quote?
Dreams do come true if you believe!?! Ahaha I can't think of a quote!

Now because i know you i thought id take the opportunity to ask you some questions which are well...not what i would usually ask! haha

If you were a toothbrush what colour would you be?
Pink and Orange strips :)

 If you were a biscuit what type would you be?
Custard Creams

 Whats your obsession?
 Oh Sunglasses and New Magazine :)

 Honestly...could you live without twitter?
 No waaay, that's hard!

 Do you have any other talents?
 I love dancing and I'm a good problem solver :)

Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks for wanting to interview meee, your my first interviewer!!! :)

 No problem! Thanks for letting us interview you!

Check out Emmanualla's cover of Ava Maria and Halo below! and make sure you follow her on twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/emmanuellaaa