EXCLUSIVE Q&A with "Dominate My Love's" AMBER DIRKS

I first interviewed Amber Dirks in 2012. Check out the link and see how many club hits you know by her. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/07/exclusive-q-with-dance-diva-amber-dirks.html 

An amazing voice that at times reminds me of Loleatta Holloway (it's that powerful), at times Donna Summer (to whom she can bear a striking resemblance at times). Amber has a huge club hit now, "Dominate My Love," on the Carrillo Music label. It was time to speak again with one of the sweetest divas in the world, the one, the wonderful Ms Amber Dirks!

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hi, Amber! Thank you once again for the opportunity to interview you. It's always such a pleasure, and your international fans eternally love hearing from you.

Amber Dirks:  I truly appreciate even being asked the opportunity of being interviewed and I love, love, love my fans!

DBB: You are back on the Billboard dance charts with a very, very hot number, "Dominate My Love." I can't get enough of this song! Were you surprised by its popularity? Where has it charted on Billboard as we speak?

AD: I am beyond excited!! Currently “Dominate My Love” is at #26. WOOHOOO!! This is actually the 2^nd song that has made the Billboard charts. The first one was titled “My Life” with Chris Panaghi (but my name was not listed) and landed in the top 20 dance charts. I truly appreciate everyone's support with this project!!
 

DBB: Well, you're going to be credited from now on, believe me! Your vocals are just amazing (as always)! What a powerhouse of a voice and, I think, the type that avid clubgoers desperately want to hear. What did you think when "Dominate" was first presented to you? And how did you connect with producers Bouvier & Barona in the first place?

AD: Actually I have to thank Bill Friar, of Bill Friar Entertainment, as he heard the track and recommended to producers Bouvier & Barona in giving me an opportunity to express my voice on the track. It was agreed to let me record and so Bill Friar recorded my vocals. It was later shared with me that I was not originally considered as the vocal for this song but I am very happy that everyone involved was happy and that its being received very well.
 

DBB: I know that, in your private life, you're a devoted wife and mother. Despite the obvious inferences of your new hit's title that made it a Black Party smash this season, what would you say "Dominate My Love" is about and how did you approach it?

AD: “Dominate My Love” is about someone that has control of his or her life, mind, body and soul and that nobody can take control of ones aspect of their life. I approached this track with confidence and being in control!

DBB: Your parents moved to Arizona from Holland with you when you were very young. You still reside there and recently spoke very eloquently with me regarding Arizona's proposed discriminatory, anti-gay proposal, which failed to be signed into law shortly after that interview.  http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/02/go-west-arisona-issue-part-two.html We've since seen other states propose and even pass discriminatory laws based on "religious freedom." When you see things like this in the news, what does it make you think about what's going on in the USA today?

AD: It saddens me that people in power feel the need to “Dominate” ones life’s views and that, with that power, they abuse it by creating laws to tell someone who they are allowed to “Love” and then to hide behind religion is ludicrous. How can we be the “Land of the Free” when you have certain powers dictating what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable? Again, ludicrous. 

DBB: I always think clubs and the dancefloor are a great uniter, a kind of rainbow coalition where everyone can get together regardless of color, gender, affectionate orientation, nationality, religion or anything else. And when we hear our divas, we are lifted together in the music and the vocals and are united. What is your view on the underlying diplomacy of club life and dance music?

AD: Dance music to me is a freedom of expression and while the dance genre talks about life situations, its subject matters are those that everyone can relate to regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion and I love the way you stated this: “affectionate orientation." 

DBB: You were Miss Black Arizona 1994. What is there about that experience that you have brought to your singing career?

AD: I was Miss Black Arizona 1994 and then I went on to represent Arizona in the Miss Black USA pageant. It was a very different experience for me as I never once thought of myself as pageant material.It was nice to see young, intelligent, beautiful women of color come to together and represent what they believed in and show how real camaraderie really works. It showed me how important listening skills are, poise and how to always be classy and ready to take on challenge and hard work and to always stay true to self. These types of pageants require dedication and hard work and it's not all about the glitz and glam. Although it was a great positive experience, it further helped me realize how much I love singing and performing and that I was ready to take on the needed task to hopefully become respected as an Artist.

DBB: When you get to relax, what do you like to do?

AD: Relax? [Laughs.] Is there such a word? I am very involved with my children’s education and extracurricular activities such as football (I’m also a youth tackle football coach) and gymnastics.  I enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends and a game of racquetball. 

DBB: "Dominate My Love" is definitely red hot and one of this year's club hits. Any last shout-outs to your fans about the song, and just generally?

AD: I want to thank everyone who is and has been supporting me throughout the years in my musical career. It’s a privilege having the opportunity to share what I love to so many people in the world and one that I never take for granted. I will continue to do my best to give the listeners my heart in every note that I sing!

DBB: Amber, thank you so much for this Q&A. We will certainly all be listening to the incredible "Dominate My Love" dominating the dance charts. Best wishes to you, your family, and lots and lots of love!

AD: Thank You so much for this incredible opportunity and what you continue to do for Indie Artist! Much Peace, Light and Love to You and your family and to all that inspire me to continue on with my musical journey!!

Dj Buddy B's Weekly Diva Report 3/8/14

Sheila McRae, 1960s

Although our President obviously meant nothing but respect for legendary diva Aretha Franklin, he had a spelling malfunction while introducing her at the White House.

"'What a lineup!' Mr. Obama declared at the outset of a concert that featured a generations-spanning array of soul singers stretching from musical legends Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle to 20-year-old Ariana Grande," said CBS News.

"Mr. Obama paid tribute to Franklin for turning her signature song 'Respect' into 'a rallying cry for African-Americans, women and then everyone who felt marginalized.'

"The pumped-up audience gave a hearty laugh but was more than willing to forgive the president for spelling it 'R-S-P-E-C-T.'"

Hey, at least he didn't refer to her as Adele Azeem! Of course, the conservative press and, especially, Fox News, jumped on this immediately. "Aretha Franklin may spell out the word 'Respect' several times throughout her synonymous song, but that doesn’t mean Harvard-educated President Obama knows how to spell it," Fox barked. Come on, give the President some rspect. And by the way, you misused the word "synonymous," Foxies.

The President's blunder was nothing compared to John Travolta's Oscars gaff, introducing Broadway diva headliner Idina Menzel as "Adele Azeem." I saw Ms Mendel in her new Broadway musical, If/Then, that started in previews Wedneday evening. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/03/broadway-beaverhausen-ifthen-notgood.html  Her rendition of the theme song from Frozen, which snagged an Academy Award, was definitely one of the many high points of the Awards ceremony last Sunday evening.

Sheila MacRae (nee Stephens) passed away of natural causes two days ago in Elmwood, NJ at the age of 92. The British-born Ms MacRae was married to tall, dark and handsome singer George MacRae (not to be confused with George McCrae who sang the disco hit, "Rock Your Baby"). Sheila and George performed professionally as a vocal duo. The couple divorced in 1967. She co-starred in feature films like Caged and Sex & the Single Girl. She appeared as herself in an episode of I Love Lucy, and replaced Audrey Meadows as Alice Kramden for The Honeymooners episodes on The Jackie Gleason Show. Her daughter, Meredith McRae, played Billie Jo on tv's Petticoat Junction.

One of my dance diva faves, Amber Dirks http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/07/exclusive-q-with-dance-diva-amber-dirks.html, is charging up the Billboard dance chart, currently in the Top 50 at # 47 with Bouvier & Barona's "Dominate My Love." Spice Girl Mel B holds onto the top of the Billboard club/dance chart at # 12 with the ebullient "For Once in My Life." The song has now occupied the chart for three months! http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/dj-pornstar-mel-beautiful-music

Kylie Minogue's gone into the blue with "Into the Blue" at # 11 in a scant 3 weeks. And jet-propelled to # 14 this week, the 2014 remix of "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. It reached its current position in just 3 weeks, up from #27 on the last chart.

More diva dish next week. Until then, rspect, y'all!

Go West? The Arizona Issue ~ Part Two

Merv Koehle lived in Arizona in the 1980s, moved back east, then returned with his wife, Tracey, in the 2000s. He explained, "In 1990, the '93 Super Bowl XXVII was originally scheduled to take place in Arizona. However, the Governor at that time, Evan Mecham, cancelled the Martin Luther King Day holiday ["saying that King did not deserve a holiday," according to Wikipedia, "and that black supporters of the law should have been more concerned about getting jobs."]. The NFL consequently pulled out of Arizona and moved Super Bowl XXVII to Pasadena."

Super Bowl XLIX is currently slated for the University of Phoenix in Glendale in 2015. Jan ("The Wicked Witch of the West") Brewer, described by people I know as "bat shit crazy," should decide where she stands on this matter cautiously. She has already expressed sympathy for the so-called "religious freedom" argument the bill uses as an excuse for hatred, discrimination and obstructionism.

I was wondering what people outside the United States think about this very un-American activity of attempted segregation. So, I asked international dance-music diva, children-and-animal-rights activist and friend, Karin Nagi, to share with us her view from Holland.

"I think it is a disgrace that we still have the prejudice outbursts. Don't care what country," Karin replied, frankly. "We are all human beings and have the right to live in peace and harmony on our beautiful Mother Earth. I will never accept any negative remark against about gender, color, nationality or religion. I will fight till my last day for every living being. Justice for all!"

Finally, I asked another dancefloor diva (whose new club tune, "Dominate My Love," is now available on-line) and friend, Amber Dirks, to weigh in on the matter as she and her family reside in Arizona. Here's what Amber told me:

"I feel using religion to try to mask the true reasoning behind this bill -- which is to allow for discrimination -- is unconstitutional. It's truly not only about the LGBT community, while a major part of the hate laced law is, it's about anyone with a business who will be allowed to pass judgements on people for whatever reasoning they deem fit and hide behind religion as the cause. It's a coward's way of trying to get around the law.... 

"This bill is encouraging business owners the right of refusal [to serve anyone] for any reasons. I.e., I walk into a business wearing purple, they can say that color [purple] is against their religion and, for that reason, they can have the right to refuse service! This law will also allow for assumptions beyond a reasonable doubt and this law will protect these business owners to make their assumptions. 

"Arizona is known for trying to make statements against people's rights and it's time for people to stand up against what's wrong, and this is ethically and Biblically wrong!! Last I heard, God is the only power to pass judgements, not man...! Maybe those businesses that oppose this pro-discrimination law should be given the right of refusal of servicing those members of congress, state legislators, etc. that voted to pass this into legislation, and these businesses should be covered by the "Bullying Law" and "Harassment Law" since they are bullying and harassing groups of people... whether gay, straight, orange, yellow, black, brown, clothing choice, shoe choice, car choice, etc. This is 'Unethical', 'Unconstitutional', 'Inhumane', 'Unfathomable' and completely 'Discriminatory' which is against our [nation's] laws and they are using religion to justify this injustice!"

"Arizona's right-to-discriminate bill is drawing fire from Apple, American Airlines, Marriott Hotels, the NFL, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and both of the state's Republican senators," The Rachel Maddow Show posted on-line today. "So what is Gov. Jan Brewer... going to do?" 

Jan, we've got the divas on our side, honey. Get a clue.

Go West? The Arizona Issue ~ Part One

Last Friday, CNN revealed: "Arizona's Legislature has passed a controversial bill that would allow business owners, as long as they assert their religious beliefs, to deny service to gay and lesbian customers.

"The bill, which the state House of Representatives passed by a 33-27 vote Thursday, now goes to Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican and onetime small business owner who vetoed similar legislation last year but has expressed the right of business owners to deny service."

This legislation would certainly be challenged at the federal level but, meanwhile, it has raised quite a bit of ire, not only among Arizona's LGBT community but among the state's business community. Today, it was reported that a few supporters of this discriminatory hate bill are already back-peddling away from it and Senator John McCain Tweeted: “I hope Governor Brewer will veto [the bill]”.

Huffington Post reported on February 25 that Marriott Hotels and American Airlines sent letters to Arizona Brewer requesting she veto the pending legislation.

"George Takei fired a virtual photon torpedo Friday at Arizona in a scathing letter addressing legislative passage of an anti LGBT law allowing for discrimination in services," wrote Raw Story last week.

"This 'turn away the gay' bill enshrines discrimination into the law," Takei wrote on his blog. "Your taxi drivers can refuse to carry us. Your hotels can refuse to house us. And your restaurants can refuse to serve us. … You’re willing to ostracize and marginalize LGBT people to score political points with the extreme right of the Republican Party. You say this bill protects ‘religious freedom,’ but no one is fooled. When I was younger, people used ‘God’s Will’ as a reason to keep the races separate, too. Make no mistake, this is the new segregation, yours is a Jim Crow law, and you are about to make yourself ground zero."

"Takei notes in his letter that his husband Brad Altman and he have strong ties to Arizona. Altman was born in Phoenix, and the couple vacation in Show Low," Raw Story notes. "Governor Jan Brewer’s signature stands between the bill and its enactment. Brewer has yet to comment on her intentions.

"If  [Governor Jan] Brewer signs the bill, make no mistake. We will not come. We will not spend. And we will urge everyone we know–from large corporations to small families on vacation–to boycott. Because you don’t deserve our dollars. Not one red cent,” Takei insisted.

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen, investigative cub reporter, decided to ask Tracey and Merv Koehle, close friends who moved from Connecticut to the greater Phoenix area, only to move back again after a few years way out west, to share their thoughts on the controversy.

"I see the recent attempt at legislation just one in a line of others that passed in Arizona and that I find regressive," said Tracey. "Like carrying unconcealed guns into establishments such as bars. Hearing about this new proposed legislation confirmed my feelings that our moving back to Connecticut was the best option for us."

"I loved Arizona because it was such a beautiful state in terms of the natural landscape," she added, "but we found the governing sources are too conservative and too heavily influenced by the fundamentalist, right-wing 'religious' element."

[Continued in Part 2]

Exclusive Q & A: Eight on the Disco Round

I asked each of the the following eight artists, all related in some way to the field of dance music, a similar question about the current disco revival.  Now that Disco is the theme for a series of display windows at Bloomingdale's NYC (http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/08/disco-bloomingdales.html), it's officially trendy, hip, chic, and what's happening all over again, in my humble opinion. Here are the replies I generously received. I think you'll find them very interesting.

James Arena, author of the recently published Amazon.com best-seller, The First Ladies of Disco:

Q: Why do you think the time is right for a disco revival?

A: Many of us who enjoyed disco music in our youth have reached an age where we look back on those days with a great deal of affection. Sometimes only with the passage of time can one begin to really appreciate how wonderful the music and vocalists of this great genre and era were. 

We have also entered an age where everyone is star by being on YouTube and entertainers enjoy fame without having paid their dues. I believe all the singers featured in FIRST LADIES OF DISCO were not only pioneers, but true talents who earned the accolades they are receiving. And I believe the music is now being appreciated more for the incredible orchestrations, passionate vocals and incomparable quality that is the essence of so many disco productions.

Lastly, many of these women are still outstanding vocalists who have honed their craft to perfection, are top notch entertainers and survivors. They are proving in disco revival shows they are still in the game and every bit as exciting as their contemporaries. It's only human when we lose a legend like Donna Summer that we are drawn to recall the other great vocalists of this era. I think its much better to tell them how much we love them when they are still providing us with life, energy and inspiration! 

Put all that together and the time absolutely IS right for the disco revival!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/185-2133098-1486819?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=first%20ladies%20of%20disco&sprefix=first+ladies+%2Cstripbooks&rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Afirst%20ladies%20of%20disco
 

Lady Bunny, disco diva, drag legend, Wigstock organizer, journalist and Dj whose new song, Take Me Up High, is currently climbing the Billboard dance chart:

Q: How do you account for disco going mainstream right now, and did you ever foresee this when spinning classic disco was still avant-garde?

A: I was unaware of the current disco revival--is it of mainstream disco? It never went away for me, not only because it was my coming of age in clubs soundtrack. Dance music attracted the best songwriters and producers when it was making $, especially in the 70s but also in the 90s which is the other era I gravitate towards. I remember when minimal 80s sounds came along with their synth stabs and I thought: I was just dancing to an entire symphony--where did this shit come from? 





Dj Jandry, amazing remixer of disco classics and dance-music graphic artist:

Q: Why do you think classic disco music is making a big comeback?

A:  I think Disco is coming back with bands like Daft Punk and with the collaboration with Giorgio Moroder and Nile Rogers playing everywhere; they're gonna rule the Disco world. I've loved disco since I was 12 years old when I discovered Donna on the movie TGIF. I just fell in love with her voice and music and her personality. 





Amber Dirks, dance-music diva extraordinaire (hear her great dance number, You're the One, below):


Q: Why do you think classic disco has become relevant again? And, if you could cover one classic '70s disco song, what would you choose?

A: I believe disco is becoming relevant again because people are missing the real musical element of the genre. All the instrumentation that's required to make the magic happen is a masterpiece within itself. It's quality which provides longevity.

In regards to remakes, anything Donna Summer, just loved her!! 




Dj Rusty Yardum, in NY, dj'ing great dance music from the '70s through the '90s. He recently returned to spinning dance classics for dance floors.

Q: How do you account for the current classic disco revival? When you dj, who are the audiences for this music? And why is it making such a powerful comeback?

A: Disco is making a comeback because the music of today is not the greatest. I spin to an older audience, although young people enjoy this music also. The music of today is DARK and not happy music like Disco was.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Disco-Nights-DJ-Rusty-Yardum/360099494074136 


Glenn Rivera, celebrated dj/Vj/remixer:

Q: What do you think has prompted the current revival of, or nostalgia for, classic disco, that is now part of mainstream media?

A: I believe it is the music itself. Songs like "Last Dance", "I Will Survive", 'Y.M.C.A." are the staple to disco music and continue to draw people into the fantasy and nightlife that was a time in our history which was about feeling good. Who doesn't want to feel good? 

That is why the disco feeling will always be around - it is the formula for success. No matter how the music may come and go and influence today's and future artists, the aura and meaning of disco is feeling free and good. That will never go away!  




Martha Wash, dance-music diva, ex-Weather Girl. (Martha's new single, It's My Time, posted below):

Q: Why do you think there's a classic disco revival right now that has gone mainstream?

A: Dj Buddy Beaverhausen, here you go darlin'.

1. You hear classic disco songs in commercials. 2. They are being sampled into new songs 3. People who were younger at that time want to dance and feel that sense of carefree fun, and they can do it with their kids now as well.




Johnny Morgan, author of what I consider my "Disco Bible," DISCO: The Music, The Times, The Era:

Q: It's been a year and a half since we did our Q&A regarding your book, DISCO, and since then, the phenomenon of a new embrace of classic disco music has taken place, working its way into the mainstream (Bloomigdale's trendy windows). You were ahead of this trend. How do you view this new disco nostalgia and what do you think prompted it?

A: What goes around comes around (albeit doing The Hustle this time), everything gets rediscovered after a convenient period of amnesia has passed—you'll doubtless find former macho jocks who wanted to burn disco records reminiscing on blogs about their days as the Tony Manero of Nowheresville in Suburbia when they were growing up. Lady Gaga started it, and the recent publication of Nile Rodgers' autobiography plus Daft Punk's hiring him for their new album has opened a lot of ears to the great work Chic did back in the day. Plus there is a new generation of kids for whom music snobbery of any kind is weird—they just like what they hear and don't care what genre it is, where it comes from or who's playing it as long as their friends dig it too. I think a lot of the new disco lovers believe that it was an 80s thing, too, and the 80s are so now, aren't they? The fashions in Bloomy's windows looks more 80s than 70s to me…

http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/03/dj-buddy-bs-q-with-author-johnny-morgan.html 

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen wishes to thank all of the above artists for taking out the time to be part of this survey. It means so much to me to have their input on this topic. I admire them all, and their respective talents, very much. 

Disco lives!


 

Q's & A's 2012: Looking Back on My Interviews for the Year

Something new was added to my blog in 2012: my interviews with noteworthy people connected to the dance music scene.

My very first Q & A was with producer/remixer Joel Dickinson, and I thought there was a good rapport in that one, plus Mr Dickinson had a lot of interesting things to say about his career as Joel Dickinson, DJJD and Thee Werq'n B!tches.
http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/02/dj-buddy-beaverhausens-q-with-dj-joel.html

My second interview of 2012 was with writer Johnny Morgan, who authored the books, Gaga, and DISCO: The Music, The Times, The Era, a lushly illustrated and detailed account that is truly a favorite of mine regarding its subject. I can't recommend this highly enough to anyone interested in disco music; it's both brilliantly explored and insightful. Here was our Q & A. Johnny, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music generally, was clever, extremely articulate and thoughtful throughout:
http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/03/dj-buddy-bs-q-with-author-johnny-morgan.html

Debby Holiday was the first dance diva to agree to do an interview with me. I loved our interview as Ms Holiday comes across as being full of positive energy, with a winning personality shining through. This Q&A came together in time for Gay Pride in NYC, where I'm still hoping she will perform someday soon. Ms Holiday, daughter of soul legend Jimmy Holiday, told me, after seeing the Q & A, that the image of her dad that's included was one she'd never seen before, which I found very sweet and touching.

Debby has charted on the Billboard Top 25 Dance/Club Chart a dozen times to date and you can purchase Debby's music at Amazon.com.
http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/06/buddy-bs-exclusive-q-with-debby-holiday.html

Amber Dirks, currently fronting the hot electronica of Kopatechnic, has had an illustrious career in dance music, and my interview with her contains several music videos and images. Ms Dirks was very gracious and kind, discussing her work as a singer, what it was like working with Sister Sledge amongst others, and her Donna Summer connection. Amber's album with Kopatechnic has been released since this interview, and you can purchase it at Amazon.com on MP3.
http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/07/exclusive-q-with-dance-diva-amber-dirks.html

My last interview of the year was with the divine Carol Hahn, who was just wonderful to talk with. I have been a fan of hers for some time now and have blogged about her since one of my very first Leave It to Beaverhausen posts. Carol is a very bright, sensitive and talented individual. I enjoyed discovering more about her jingles and voice-overs as much as I did discussing her career as a dance diva, who has charted on Billboard's Dance/Club chart several times. This Q & A ended on a very kind, bittersweet and personal note.
http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/09/exclusive-q-with-diva-of-dance-music.html

Carol recently recorded "You Have Rescued Me" with Karin Nagi, available now on iTunes.



I once again want to thank this illustrious group of dance-music stars for granting me these interviews and for taking out the time to talk with us. Please support these people and their enormous talents. It was a privilege for me to conduct these Q & A's.

And, in 2013: More Dj Buddy Beaverhausen Q & A's! Just wait till you see what I've got cooking, and with whom! Thanks to my readers, Happy New Year, and I hope you've enjoyed these interviews as much as I enjoyed the interviewing.

Copacetic with KopaTechnic f/ Amber Dirks

 Today, Amber Dirks, lead vocalist for the techno band KopaTechnic, previewed a song from their new album on her Facebook page.

"KopaTechnic's 'Open Your Mind' to be released on our anticipated Soul Enticing 2," Amber informed us by way of introducing the track.  The song finds diva Dirks in a mellow mood, nicely produced for early, very late or lounge play. Listen to it in the evening and chill to its beat in your living room. Just let yourself relax and give yourself over to this smooth tonic after a hard day's return to work. Mmmm, nice.

Amber Dirks is a very lovely, talented lady who it was my privilege to interview in July. Check out our Q&A, if you haven't already. It includes several of Amber Dirks' songs on video.

http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/07/exclusive-q-with-dance-diva-amber-dirks.html

I love the dreamy, trance-like quality to "Open Your Mind," which also has a classic disco element in its letting the ballad-like beginning give way to the beats. Yet, almost ambient music with its minimal lyrics and soothing synths & percussion. I love it! Open your minds (and souls) to it:

EXCLUSIVE Q & A with Dance Diva AMBER DIRKS

After my interview with the divine Debby Holiday comes this interview with the awesome Amber Dirks. A vocal powerhouse, a riveting stage presence, I am thrilled she agreed to do this Q & A with me. Here is our interview:

DJ Buddy Beaverhausen:  Hi, Amber! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this Q&A with me. I'm sure my blog readers, internationally, will appreciate it, too, as your songs have been hits enjoyed on dancefloors around the world.

Amber Dirks: What an honor to even be considered for a Q & A interview. I truly appreciate this opportunity and what you are doing for all Artists across the entertainment spectrum.

DJBB: Thanks very much!

You were born in Holland, raised in New York City. At what age did you come to NYC? And at what point did you decide to move to Arizona, and what motivated that move?

AD: Ik was geboren in Holland, in Soest over land van Koninginnen; which translates as I was born in Holland in Soest in the Queens land. Actually, my parents' careers made the move West and at that point, I was still deciding where my career path was going to take me. With a few life-changing events, I had to go with my heart and dreams, and that's where the pursuit of singing came along.

DJBB:  I read that you were Miss Black Arizona 1994. When did your professional singing career start, and how did pageant work fit into that?

AD: Believe it or not, I always dreamed of becoming this huge singer at a young age, about four years old, and I am very thankful for the opportunities I have had in my musical journeys. I would say that my professional career started while in high school in Arizona. I was the youngest lead singer and I fronted an all-male backing band and we played at a lot of the popular clubs and private venues.

In regards to the Miss Black Arizona Pageant, I went on to compete in the Miss Black USA Pageant representing Arizona. It was nice to see young intelligent, beautiful women of color come to together and represent what they believed in and show how real camaraderie really works. It showed me how important listening skills are, poise and how to always be classy and ready to take on challenges and hard work, and to always stay true to yourself.

All pageants require dedication and hard work and it's not all about the glitz and glam. Although it was a great, positive experience, it further helped me realize how much I love singing and performing and that further prepared me to take on the needed task to hopefully become respected as an Artist.

DJBB: Largely associated with a hiNRG sound, you have subsequently become a dance diva with a large gay fan base. And gay men love their divas! You've recently performed at Phoenix Pride. Is there anything in particular you'd like to say to say now, directly, to your gay fans in particular?

AD: First of all, thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate them. I love people of all colors, ethnicities, orientations, backgrounds, etc., and the one thing I can say about my beautiful rainbow fans is that I love how I can be free to be myself and enjoy the feeling of acceptance. Even if I have gained a pound or two, I still have my wonderful gay community that take me for who I am and for that I am very grateful. Thank you all for your support and the love that you continue to shine on me. I Love You ALL!!!



DJBB: I want to talk about your club hits but, first, I just want to mention that you have worked with some of the best before, and outside of, your solo career. What was it like working with Sister Sledge? Natalie Cole? Destiny's Child? And I know my readers will want me to ask, in particular: What was Beyonce like?

AD: So surreal, it feels like a dream. These Artists are extremely gifted. It's definitely an honor to hit center stage with the likes of them. And being able to perform all over the world with Sister Sledge is truly a blessing and I am very thankful. Natalie Cole is a Class Act. What a Powerful, kind, talented and Real Woman she is!! She is the true meaning of Artist so, in that respect, it was AWESOME. Although I am a performer, I am also a HUGE fan of these Artists.... Always having camera ready and asking for autographs. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to get to close and personal with Beyonce, but from what I can tell not only is she an awesome singer, she is a class act on and off the stage.

DJBB: Your voice on "Dreaming" and "All Through the Night," two of the great songs you did with Power 2 Move, has a very Donna Summer quality to it, in the sense of its purity and sweetness and strength. I read you had a chance to meet Ms Summer shortly before she passed. What was that like, and was she an influence for you?

AD: I remember visiting family in Holland and we went to a water park. I was 10 years old and, even at that age, my hair was very long, and a group of children were saying to me that I looked like Donna Summer. I have always admired Donna Summer’s artistry and the class that she always had. She showed how you can be sexy and classy at the same time, where it was okay to be sultry but left some things to the imagination. Her voice was stellar and very versatile, which is one of the reasons she crossed over to many different genres of music. These are the qualities that are important to me and that stood out for me, growing to becoming an artist myself, which inspired me. Donna Summer was (is) a huge influence and I was blessed to have had the opportunity to have met her and have a memory that I will cherish for a lifetime.

DJBB: What singers, overall, were influences on your style, your singing?

AD: There are so many, but to name a few: Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, Evelyn Champagne King, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Toni Braxton. They all have awesome singing abilities, as well as performing skills that helped lead me in the musical directions that I have ventured, and continue to venture, into.

DJBB: There are moments on Power 2 Move's "You & Me" where I swear you're channeling the late, great Loleatta Holloway! Your voice is that powerful and amazing.

AD: WOW!! You’re so kind. I truly appreciate your kind words. Loleatta Holloway was another awesome class act and I gratefully appreciate the compliment to even have been compared to her.



DJBB: I also love your work with DJ JST, especially "Rejoice." I play that in my sets every holiday season. You really belt that out of the park!

AD: Bill Friar, DJ JST and I had a lot of fun writing that track... It was very spiritual for all involved and, when I have sung it live, it really takes me to another level. I am so HAPPY to hear that you enjoy the song as much as I do. Thank you!



DJBB: Have you heard the BetBoyz ObamaNation remix that samples the President's voice in the mix with your singing "Rejoice"?

AD: Of course and I LOVE IT!!! They really did an awesome job on that remix and it really set the tone.

DJBB: Another favorite of mine is Wild Jaam's "Day in Time." It has a vaguely retro disco feel to it, and you do a hot, very complimentary duet with Jacinta. What was recording that like? And doing the video?

AD: Jacinta is my sister from another mother. I absolutely loved working with her. She is an awesome and very talented artist and I have a lot of respect for her. We both bounced off each other very well in the studio (which we recorded in Austin, TX) and created an awesome track!! The video was so much FUN and the cast of people were absolutely inspiring. We also had a photo shoot together which was a blast and you never know what the future brings!

DJBB: It would be wonderful if you were to rock the dancefloor together again!

You have worked with some fantastic producers. Where were the above songs recorded?

AD: I Love them ALL!! Please let me take the opportunity to Thank Them all: Rick Savage (Far Away), Themi (AkA Electrik Pulse and Power 2 Move), Bill Friar and DJ JST and last but not least my group mates of KopaTechnic, RK Jackson and Jimmie Alston. Most of my vocals were recorded in my home studio, however, with my current KopaTechnic project, we have recorded most of the vocals at Chaton Studios in Phoenix, AZ

DJBB: Could you tell us about your new upcoming album with KopaTechnic (love the name)? What's that like and what your fans can expect?

AD: This album is going to venture into the Chicago house roots which RK Jackson is well known for. It’s going to be a very soulful house blend with deep grooves. We are very excited about the upcoming project. It’s going to be HOT! With special thanks to RK Jackson and Jimmie Alston, my partners in the studio grind.

DJBB: Ooo, sounds nice! When does it drop in the US? And any plans to perform live in NYC?

AD: We are currently at the final stages of mastering and, hopefully, in mid-August, it will be released worldwide. We are also looking to book tour dates.... We have a few dates upcoming in August and we are looking to hopefully tour NYC very soon. Please let the fans know to visit our website www.kopatechnic.com for more information in regards to upcoming tour dates as well as music, etc and we can also be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/kopatechnicmusic If you have a Facebook page, please friend us. As soon as we release our EP, I will personally make sure to have a link to a free download to one of our new songs available for all of your fans!

DJBB: Can't wait! We can never get enough of you! Thank you and bless you, Amber. You truly have one of the best, most powerful and beautiful voices in Clubland!

AD: Me TOO!! I’m excited!! I LOVE YOU ALL TOO!!! I truly appreciate all the support and the opportunity to share myself to you ALL, and I will continue to support my Fans with the music they love!!!

Visit Amber Dirks at: www.facebook.com/AmberDirks