EXCLUSIVE Q&A with The Salvatones Part 2

Since my interview with Sal & Daniel of The Salvatones ran too long for a single post, here is Part 2. I didn't care to further edit this vivacious and thoroughly enjoyable Q&A that was such a pleasure for me to do. I may have to do more live interviews, though I doubt many could be as much fun as this one was.

DBB: How will you each spend your Christmas Day?
DB: At St. Patrick's Cathedral where I am Associate Music Director. I'll play again after going home to crash on Christmas Eve.
SD: And I'll be in that choir.
DBB: Great, reserve me a seat in a pew at St. Pat's!

DBB: What kind of music did you listen to growing up.
SD: Another good question. I had a lot of eclectic influences and that manifests itself in concert. I studied classical but loved pop stuff on the radio. Madonna, The Police.
DB: Petula Clark, Edith Piaf, Beethoven, Beatles, disco, Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, Tina Turner all heard around our house while growing up in France. A lot of American influences.

DBB: When not performing, what do you guys do to relax?
DB: I don't know because music is my life, working and relaxing.
SD: Reading! Fiction, non-fiction, it's a nice way to relax. And I love to cook.

DBB: The best experience for The Salvatones? And the worst?
SD: The best was definitely two years ago at a summit exchange concert, performing along with a Dutch vocal group. It motivated we Salvatones in terms of both our physical stage presence and our sound. It was definitely validation that we were moving in the right direction professionally and artistically.
DB: We were on the right track. The Salvatones were borne by accident, not planning. Frankly, I loved all our experiences and even the rehearsals.
SB: I enjoy that we're in such a close environment working as a group.
DB: Of course, I did have a problem with a vocalist once. After giving her direction, she told me. "I don't agree with you...."
DBB: Ouch! Cheeky.
DB: Yeah, it was a little shocking to me. I told her, "You don't have to agree, you only need to do as you're directed." That was her last gig with us.

DBB: Thank you guys! Terrific interview. So nice to meet and talk to you. I'll be sure to get your new cd and be at your concert in December!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Salvatones/130859726976390?ref=ts&fref=ts

EXCLUSIVE Q&A with The Salvatones Part 1

This Q&A was my first done live. I thoroughly enjoyed this as Sal and Daniel of the Salvatones were such personable persons and our interview was great fun. We were thrown out of PJ Clark's, where I intended to conduct the interview (well, not really, but you can't have a table there and order only coffee). So, we ended up at Toasties across the street, on the upper east side, which the guys liked and so did I. An auspiciously down-to-earth environment for a couple of down-to-earth guys, the founders of The Salvatones. The final edit I did was too long for one post, so I've split it into two parts. The Salvatones' The Many Sounds of Christmas will be performed on December 21st and 22nd at historic St. Peter's Church.

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: You're both so much younger than I expected! Do you mind if I ask how old you are?
Salvatore Diana: 39.
Daniel Brondel: 44, actually, so we're middle-aged.
DBB: Daniel, do I detect a European accent?
DB: Yes, I was born and raised in France.

DBB: Holiday season's upon us and, with it, The Many Sounds of Christmas. What can you tell us about your show?
DB: As the title implies, it's a concert with different manifestations of Christmas music also featuring organ, a string orchestra along with our vocal ensemble.
SD: There are so few downtown offerings in lower Manhattan, so this is something unique.
DB: Something fresh and new downtown.
SD: Which is experiencing a major housing and business boom right now, so it's a perfect time for our show.

DBB: I understand your first cd is also about to be released.
SD: "Wonderful World" is the title of it. We cover that classic Louis Armstrong song on it in a totally fresh, new style. The album captures all our signature repertoire with something for the holidays. All things classical, jazzy and songs about New York City (arranged by Daniel). He reconstructed "Sidewalks of New York...."
DB: There's currently no sheet music...
SD:  Reconstructed it from an existing NYC Public Library copy of the refrain and listened to various singers throughout the 1920s-40s and arranged the whole thing for acapella choir.
DB: It's eclectic and a perfect introduction to the group. All of our singers are classically trained.

DBB: When and how did your group come together?
SD: It was founded by Daniel and I. My day job is creative director at an ad agency. My boss was looking for a small vocal group and I pulled one together. I needed to name it, expecting it would be a one-night thing.
DB: We had such a blast, we decided to keep doing this.
SD: This was all about five years ago. And we had such positive feedback, we decided to bring in a few more singers and build our repertoire. This year, we became a non-profit organization.
DB: Ours was a creative experiment to cross the barrier that makes classical a niche market.
SD: We've also, partnered with other ensembles. Like, this year, the string orchestra.

DBB: You also do private parties and corporate events. How does the experience of performing at these various functions onstage differ from being in concert?
DB: Good question. It depends on the event, I think. For example, we sang at two weddings where we were to be heard but not seen.
SD: Trying to create an experience, not to star at these events.
DB: Music has so many different functions in our lives.

[More to come in Part 2. Not to be missed!]

Exclusive Q&A with Singer/Actor Larry Costa

This is my second interview with the always interesting (not to mention tall, dark and debonaire) Larry Costa, keeping up with his career. (Our first Q&A can be found at my companion blog, Blab It to Beaverhausen. http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/09/q-with-larry-costa.html) This time we talk about Halloween, Monster Mash, zombies, Barbra Streisand and her wigs, and more!

Dj BuddyBeaverhausen: Halloween is coming, as we all well know. Tell us about your decision to do Monster Mash for the season.
Larry Costa: What a great song Monster Mash is. As we know, most of the material I record is based during the Hollywood Heyday of the 1950’s and 60’s. I am known for singing Christmas songs but I have not recorded any other holiday type songs. I do have a wild sense of humor and when I set out to find a new holiday song to sing, I suddenly remembered Monster Mash from the 60’s. Originally, it was released as a straightforward creepy Halloween song, but I performed it as a comedic number that works for today's audience. I remember singing this song as a youngster with my brother and we would mimic the scary voice in the song. I bring some of that back to life in my new rendition of this Holiday classic.

DBB: Last Q&A we did, you said you started your showbiz career playing the Devil. Any other horror or Halloween-oriented work on your resume?
LC: Oh my God! Yes! There is a fabulous film called Apex Rising directed by famed director Jim Terriaca to be released early 2015. I play a government official from the white house that must find the antidote to turn zombies into human. Something like that. I don’t want to spoil it. I can tell you that in one scene I am in an airplane overlooking Long Island and taking matters into my own hands. The film is already being compared to the great horror flicks that become instant classics. There is another film in which I am the lead called THE SICKNESS. I play a character named Larry Costa who is a washed up singer and has to answer clues.

DBB: I'm sure you've heard Streisand's Partners and Gaga/Bennett Duets. What do you think of each? LC: I think it's a wonderful thing to have these types of performances. We are bridging the gap of listeners and merging fans from 50 decades of entertainment into one big barrelful of love for this type of music. Twenty-year-olds are listening to music that their grandparents listened to and love it. My dream is to record a duet with one of the greats like Streisand or Bennett. I did, however; sing with a surprise guest on a TV show pilot that has yet to be released. I cannot tell you which one of the American treasures I sang with due to contract restrictions until the show is released but I can tell you that I recently began communications with Vic Damone, Will something come of this? Only time will tell. Here is a fun tidbit about Streisand, I am the owner of the world’s only collection of Barbra Streisand Wigs that includes over 30 items from her movies, and performances. The wigs are going to auction the first week of December and I am donating a portion of the proceeds to my favorite cancer research charity.

DBB:I understand you have not one, but two new albums. Can you tell us something about each?
LC: Albums are a tricky thing these days and a lot of artists are releasing single songs rather than albums because of the way music is sold these days as single downloads, so albums are becoming a thing of the past. The first album is called CROONER. It is being produced by in Oklahoma City of all places and will be distributed globally through Sony Distribution. This album will have a collection of jazz and ballads from the American Songbook. I am also working with JR Music in Florida and will produce original songs written for me for theme compilation albums. These albums will comprise different works intended for use in television and film and will become part of a music library as well as the Larry Costa catalog. Recently, I have been selected to provide my music to Emerge Media in the UK to stream music to hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and any place music will be heard.

DBB: Were these worked on simultaneously?
LC: Yes! I am working on all of these projects at the same time. I am learning new songs never released before while perfecting cover songs at the same time. I love to be busy. The process to create just one song is difficult; writing, re-writing, editing, scoring, re-scoring, singing, re-singing… it's a creation of something that will never change once its finalized and recorded, it must be as close to excellence as I can get it.

DBB: What do you look for in choosing your material?
LC: Song selection is the hardest part of creating an album, the songs should flow from one to the next and have the same thought behind the lyrics that blend together so that there is 30 to 40 minutes of continuous bliss. The problem with song selection is that after three months of brain wracking and finalizing the selection list, I usually remember a song I had heard or the writer comes up with a hit that must be included and then the process starts all over again. I always need to step back once the songs are chosen and try not to hear any other music until the album is done.

DBB:Where can we see you “LIVE” this social season? Will you be dancing the Monster Mash for us through the month?
LC: I have live gigs lined up until April 2015, I enjoy working in private affairs as well as commercial venues in front of an audience. The private shows are so much fun. I will be singing at masquerade balls this month with a Great Gatsby theme and a private gala event at a membership Golf Club on Long Island. Christmas is my favorite holiday and to be able to sing Christmas songs at Lincoln Center this year is a dream come true.

DBB: Favorite horror flicks?
LC: Well, I love the horror flick I am in, heheh! There is a fabulous film called Apex Rising directed by famed director Jim Terriaca to be released early 2015. In it, I play a government official from the white house that must find the antidote to turn zombies into humans… or something like that.... I don’t want to spoil it. But I can tell you that in one scene I am in an airplane overlooking Long Island and taking matters into my own hands. The film is already being compared to the great horror flicks that become instant classics. There is another film in which I am the lead called THE SICKNESS. In it, I play a character named Larry Costa that is a washed up singer and has to make a deal with the devil or the angel, I won’t tell you his choice. Oh, and on a side note, I recently became friends with a gentleman that goes by the name of Doc. He was one of the featured zombies in the original classic horror film, Night of the Living Dead.

DBB: How's Larry Ravioli doing?
LC: I love Larry Ravioli, it’s such a fun and innocent movie that reminds me of the TV sitcom shows from the late 60’s that endure the test of time. I was talking with Netflix about a possible web series on Larry Ravioli, but these type of things take years sometimes to actually come to fruition. So, on Larry Ravioli, its time to begin working on the sequel, LARRY RAVIOLI MEETS THE GHOST, which will be based on an old Abbott And Costello film, HOLD THAT GHOST. I can't wait!

DBB: Thanks again, Larry! Any last shout-outs to your fans?
LC: I talk to the fans all the time, usually on Facebook or my YouTube channel, LarryCostaTV. We have conversations and I answer all their questions, and they are my friends. I sometimes meet up with fans for a quick meet and greet, recently I met up with Raymond, Joanne, Jackie, and Jose, but unfortunately, I was unable to meet one of my best supporters, Rebecca when she visited NYC from Vancouver as I was working on a gig. I was actually upset that I could not say hello.

Exclusive Q&A with Dance Diva Andrea Carnell

Dance-music diva Andrea Carnell will be making an appearance on October 24th at 9 pm at the iconic Stonewall bar on Christopher Street through Sobel Promotions. Barbara Sobel arranged our getting together to talk about that & much more! Space in the intimate venue is limited, so come early!

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hi, Andrea! I understand you will be the first dance-music diva to perform at the historic Stonewall Inn through Sobel Promotions. How are you feeling about this gig right now? (Next Tuesday, October 14th.) 
Andrea Carnell: Oh my God! I'm very excited about performing at Stonewall. It's a part of history for Christ's sake! I've been there several times for other events and when I performed on a float a few years back for Gay Pride, our float stopped right in front of Stonewall and I was singing "You Used to Know" by Xaviera Gold/Ralphi Rosario. I just went with it and it meant something to me; so does my upcoming show. It means something TO ME. Sobel Promotions came to me about the show and without hesitation I said "HELL, YES"!

DBB: You're a Billboard charting disco diva. Could you tell our readers more about that? 
AC: My songs "At Last," "Not the One" and "You Used to Know" were my Billboard Dance chart hits. "You Used to Know" being my highest charting top-ten hit! I REALLY LOVE THAT SONG. My most popular song, though, would have to be "OPEN UP YOUR HEART" Erick Morillo used that for one of his compilations a few years back and I swear that really helped my tiny l'il career! [laughs] But I am proud of that!

DBB:You currently live in NYC. Were you born and raised here? And what are your favorite things about living in The City? And least fave? 
AC: I was born in North Carolina and mostly raised here in NYC. I love NY because without it, I doubt I would have lived any other life. My life has been REALLY exciting and cool! My least fave thing about living in NY is the fear that I'll get bored of it. (But hasn't happened 100% yet!)
 
DBB: What music did you grow up with? Who were your favorite vocalists? Who were your idols?
AC: EVERYTHING WAS PLAYED IN MY HOME AS A KID. I love female singers the most though. My influences are: STEPHANIE MILLS, LINDA CLIFFORD, TINA TURNER, PHYLISS HYMAN, MADONNA, DIANA ROSS, INDIA, KRISTINE W., LADY MISS KIER, XAVIERA GOLD, DONNA SUMMER, THE ROLLING STONES, BETTE MIDLER, ULTRA NATE, U2, THE CURE, REINA, DEBORAH COX, CEE CEE PENISTON, SUZANNE PALMER, STING, JOHN KANO, JOHNNY VICIOUS,WHITNEY HOUSTON, INAYA DAY, AMUKA, KIM SOZZI, PATTI LABELLE, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, ARETHA FRANKLIN, ROCHELLE FLEMING, LOLETTA HOLLAWAY, JANET JACKSON, CHER, BARBRA STREISAND, FERGIE, JODY WATLEY, BEYONCE, AKON, YOLANDA ADAMS, P. DIDDY, MARIAH CAREY, CELINE DION, PRINCE, LUTHER VANDROSS, MICHAEL JACKSON, ANNIE LENNOX, GLADYS KNIGHT, THE OJAYS, BRIAN MCKNIGHT, KIM ENGLISH, JENNIFER HOLLIDAY, EN VOGUE, MARY J BLIGE, CHANTE MOORE, HEATHER HEADLEY, GWEN STEFANI, KEYSHIA COLE, MISSY ELLIOT, CIARA, BOY GEORGE, ERASURE, GEORGE MICHAEL, PHIL COLLINS, ELTON JOHN, ANASTACIA, KELLY CLARKSON, FANTASIA AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON!
 
DBB:How do you keep in such fantastic shape? 
AC: A body shaper! [laughs] No, seriously, IT'S HARD. I love to eat and my weight fluctuates!

DBB: Outside of your hits, what work have you done onstage and/or in the industry? Have you been a back-up singer and, if so, what did you think of "20 Feet from Stardom"? 
AC: I was in a few lil plays here and there. Nothing major. I've never been a back up singer and I'm not opposed to it. I would do it. And I love Darlene Love and I believe 20 Feet from Stardom shined a beautiful and much deserved light on her AND MANY OTHER SINGERS!
 
DBB: Any good backstage stories (by that I mean gossip) you can share? 
AC: Lord have mercy! JUST MY OWN STORIES WOULD SHOCK. I won't speak on them though. It just always becomes a back and forth, he said she said, so I remain silent to avoid the stupidity! I have been mistreated and pushed around though!

DBB:How has the industry changed since you first started, it seems to evolve at such an accelerated pace? 
AC:Well, I'm proud dance music became mainstream again but I do feel like smaller artists in the dance community have been ignored and pushed out to a degree!
 
DBB:Anything new we should be aware of? 
AC: I'm a bit of a computer geek so you'd be surprised at the career I'm pursuing. And artistically... well, I keep my eyes open for anything that would interest me and I try to get in there to audition and give it a shot. I really love COMEDY. I even want to do stand up!

DBB: What music do you listen to on the radio? And what do you do when you just want to relax? 
AC: My music tastes change daily, only because I LIKE EVERYTHING! And I enjoy relaxing with my friends and I love alone time. I LOVE MY OWN COMPANY!

DBB: How did you meet/ sign on with NYC's primo promoter, Barbara Sobel? 
AC: Barbara seems to be devoted and wants to work [closely] with artists, so I'm all for her efforts to succeed!
 
DBB: Any last shout-outs before we see you at Stonewall?
AC: I just hope people swing on by. IT'S ON A TUESDAY AND IT'S AN EARLY 9 PM SHOW - SO NO EXCUSES! Have a lil fun, laughs and dance with me.

DBB:Thank you, Andrea, look forward to seeing you October 14!

Exclusive Q&A with Kevin Scott Hall, Author of A Quarter Inch from My Heart

Kevin Scott Hall is the author of Off the Charts, a novel. He is a cabaret columnist for Edge NYC and a critic for the Bistro Awards, for which he is also an Awards Committee Member. I am proud to say he is also a close, long-time friend of mine and he's just published his memoir, A Quarter Inch from My Heart, now available at Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Quarter-Inch-My-Heart-Memoir/dp/1938459245/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401208111&sr=1-1&keywords=kevin+scott+hall

 

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hello, Kevin, and welcome to our Q&A regarding your memoir,  A Quarter Inch from My Heart, which will have its book launch June 3rd.

 

One motif that's conveyed quite powerfully in your book is the conflict within people's darker side and higher self. Did you consciously convey this theme in A Quarter Inch from My Heart or did it develop organically as you wrote?

 

Kevin Scott Hall: I’ve always been very aware of the close proximity between good and evil, cruelty and altruism—in myself as well as others. I think the world would be a better place if each of us could honestly realize that we have the capacity to do both good and evil. It is our challenge in life to choose good as often as possible. I can’t say that I consciously thought of that while I was writing, but I’m not surprised that you found that. I think about that duality constantly in my life.

 

DBB: Your last book, Off the Charts, was a novel. What made you decide to tackle the memoir as a form of literary expression? And, subjectively, how did the experience of writing A Quarter Inch differ from that of writing Off the Charts?

 

KSH: I never thought I’d write a memoir, but after this experience I thought to myself, “I have to write this down. Nobody is going to believe this happened. I can hardly believe this happened!” I thought it would be easy at first because I was just recalling the story. But no, you have to go deep. Off the Charts was a lot more fun to write. The memoir became a way for me to channel my grief and to make sense of tragedy. I need to find meaning in my life and writing a memoir helped me to do that.

 

DBB: The book largely focuses on your relationship with your friend, Maurice (who makes a truly fascinating central character). But, woven into the fabric of this memoir are you remembrances of your friend, Neal, and your near-fatal stabbing on the streets of New York. What makes these incidents necessary to the main thrust and storyline of your book?

 

KSH: Neal was a friend since childhood and he probably knew me better than anyone else, and we had gone through those awful high school years together. I lost him a few months before Maurice came into my life. I chose to start with losing Neal because I think that loss really shifted the ground under my feet and I was having trouble finding my bearings. When Maurice arrived, I was probably desperate for a friendship and so made some decisions about taking in Maurice that I may have questioned a little more thoroughly if I’d been in a more stable place, mentally and emotionally.

 

As for the stabbing, many years before, I think that was a watershed moment in my life that caused me to be very wary of strangers and shattered a trust that I have always had about people’s basic goodness. So revisiting that time in this book, I think, draws a parallel to how, ten years after, I was able to trust a stranger to the extent of inviting him into my home and allowing him to stay. The title comes from the fact that the blade came a quarter inch from my heart, literally. With Maurice, I kept him a quarter inch from my heart. It’s debatable now whether that slight emotional distance protected me and him, or whether we lost out on something that would have been even more amazing.

 

DBB: New York City is the setting for most of the events that unfold in A Quarter Inch from My Heart.  But, in a sense, it also comes across as another character in this story, I feel, continuing the theme of the conflict of darkness and light within. Again, I wonder if this was by conscious design or a subconscious one?

 

KSH:  This was definitely subconscious design, but no less real than a conscious one. You will see that the book is populated with all kinds of people who represent the best of humanity and the worst. But you’re right—there is even a meditation on good neighborhood versus bad.

 

DBB: During your friendship with Maurice, he stole and used your credit card. For me, that would be unforgivable. How did you find it possible to ever again trust, and remain close to, someone who did that?

 

KSH:  In the moment, it was unforgivable. But he had a way of pulling me back in. It was like a child stealing from the cookie jar, not a scammer who was cleaning out my bank account. I almost didn’t notice it because the purchases were so negligible. By then, I was so deeply involved that there were greater issues than his using my credit card to buy a few things at Duane Reade. And in the greater picture, I think it was more important for me to be able to forgive, and for him to be forgiven.

 

DBB: You write Maurice was clinically bipolar. I sometimes think there's something a little schizophrenic about being able to create; to being artistic. I mean, I think you have to let yourself be a little crazy and "outside yourself" at times. Do you think there's a kinship, or at least a fine line, between the creative process and insanity?

 

KSH: I think he was bipolar. That was a guess later on, after discovering a bottle of pills he had. It made sense when I read up on the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Maurice was incredibly creative and gifted, much of which I didn’t discover until he was gone. But he was creative in the way he lived his life and experienced moments. Much more so than I was. I think insanity and creativity go hand in hand. I’m not saying we should strive for insanity in order to create—no! But I think when we, as creative people, are in our zone, it’s a pretty insane place to be. Beautiful, but hard to understand for the uninitiated.

 

DBB: A Quarter Inch from My Heart is, among other things, a story about faith in your fellow man, in God, in your spiritual beliefs and it's about your support network of family and friends. As with all good autobiographical writing, in the specific and personal, apart from the first-person point-of-view, there is a greater, universal epiphany all readers should be able to connect with. What do you think that might be in your memoir?

 

KSH:  Ooh, great question. First of all, I’m grateful that readers are finding things in this book that I had no idea were there. One epiphany might be that we should never count anybody out. Everybody has value, everybody needs love. Who knows—even the guy who stabbed me, although I have no interest in exploring that. The other might be—and I’m borrowing this from Mary Gulivindala, who wrote one of the Amazon reviews—that there is no road map to life. Things happen, and we negotiate the curves as best we can. I think the more we are armed with all of those things you mention in your question, the better we are able to deal with such things. But I don’t recommend people make the choices I made. It worked out for me, but it was high-risk behavior.

 

DBB: I know you to be a very devoted and caring friend, and I know how protective you are of the people in your life. In the book, you struggle with boundary issues regarding your protectiveness with Maurice and question your own motives regarding this. At what point, do you think, does Christian duty become more of a Christ complex, and where does one draw the line?

 

KSH:  Well, that was the problem. I was negotiating each turn as it came; I didn’t draw a line. I was not as perfect and loving as I thought I was, I had a lot of maturing to do. There’s a basic Biblical commandment that Jesus says: “Love others as you first love yourself.” I think people misunderstand that because most people do not love themselves. And so the love they give is full of conditions and inside—and sometimes outside—they are angry people. We’ve seen people like that in our churches, right? This is the good news? Look at the sour puss on your face! We need to learn to love ourselves first—and I don’t mean treating ourselves to material things or becoming a braggart (that’s insecurity, it’s not self-love)—but deeply and honorably taking care of ourselves. I did give love to Maurice that was beyond anything I could muster up on my own—I was trying to draw from the well of my faith—but I was often doing so at a cost to myself. I was not equipped to deal with his issues, really, and there was often a question as to whether I was going to save him or he was going to destroy me. Basically, humans should be in the business of helping, not saving (thank you again, Mary!), and we need to find where that boundary is.

 

DBB: Earlier this year, I interviewed Dr. Frank Spinelli about his memoir, Pee Shy, which, like yours, was a very dark and candid recounting. It must be very difficult to explore and re-live painful experiences. Why put yourself through that?

 

KSH: At first, I thought it would be easy. After all, I knew the story, I just had to tell it. However, when my publisher read my story, he came back with a lot of red marks and questions on the manuscript. Basically he asked, “Where are you in this?” In other words, I was telling it like a journalist, but with memoir you really have to put your heart and soul on the page. So each succeeding draft became more difficult. There were times when I was bawling my eyes out as I was writing, like that scene with Diane Keaton in “Something’s Gotta Give.”

 

I very much agree with that quote from Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” We don’t solve the problems of our past by choosing to turn our eyes away from them. To overcome them, we need to go all in.

 

It was very difficult and I never want to write a memoir again. However, it was like six years of therapy. In the end, I did put the grief behind me and, having revealed so much about myself here, I now feel quite strong, even fearless.

 

DBB: So, God sounds like Darth Vader you say?

 

KSH: [Laughs] Now that I think about it, it could have been Kathleen Turner. I don’t believe God has a gender.

 

DBB: Can you give us further details about the Quarter Inch from My Heart book launch?

 

KSH: Yes, I’ll be doing the launch at Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village. This has been a place I’ve called home for the last 15 years, and it figures very prominently in the story. So if people come to the party, when they read the book they’ll have an exact picture in their mind. Jacqui Lewis, the senior minister, who also played a significant role in the book, will also be there and she’s going to talk with me for a few minutes about the book. So you’ll get to meet the real Jacqui too. And I’m going to sing a couple of songs. In the last few years, people have only known me for writing, but I had a long career as a singer/songwriter. I have to warm up my voice, though! It is out of shape!

 

DBB: Congratulations, Kevin, on a job well done. I highly recommend A Quarter Inch from My Heart to everyone as a rivetingly good read they should add to their book list. And thank you so much for doing this Q&A with me.

 

KSH:  Thank you. These were wonderful questions and got me thinking more about the book as well.

 

Exclusive Q&A with Xavier Toscano

Xavier Toscano is a talented, young, rising dance-music artist whose songs are pure pop. He has an upcoming new album, Feels So Good, that is lively, fun and will make you want to dance. "Never Wanna Leave" is the currently available single from that highly anticipated album. It was a pleasure to talk with the California singer in an interview that was arranged for me by Sobel Nation's Barbara Sobel. (Many thanks, Barbara.) I highly recommend Xavier's Feels So Good and hope you will enjoy our chance to chat.


Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Welcome, Xavier and thank you for doing this interview with us. I saw news, recently, that you'll be performing at both Santa Cruz and Sacramento Pride in June, as well as Pride in Olympia, Washington. What can audiences expect at those events?

Xavier Toscano: I think they can expect what other venues and people can expect from me. I am energetic, love to have fun, and really like it when I'm able to connect with the crowd. All out fun! [Grins.]

DBB: You live in San Jose, born in Guadalajara. At what time in your life did you make this move?

XT: I was five when this happened. I suppose I embrace both cultures as much as I can. I certainly appreciate being bi-lingual. 

DBB: In your bio, you write "pop music is the soundtrack to our lives. It etches powerful memories in our minds. When you hear a song from your past, it immediately takes you back." What pop music influenced you throughout your life?

XT: Where do I start? I suppose the best answer is top 40 radio. To this day, if it's on the pop charts, I tend to gravitate towards it. 

DBB: You have a brand new album, Feels So Good. What would you like to tell us about it?

XT: I'm really excited about this album. In more ways than one. Sure, releasing your record should be an exciting moment, but these songs are different. I wrote them all in connection to real life experiences. In fact, some of the songs are about people in my life. Some gone, and some still here. But, that's all I will say about that. 

DBB: Xavier, what would you say are the advantages and disadvantages of being an independent artist?

XT: [Laughs.] Well, this is simple; it's like being left alone when you're 13. You can do whatever you want! But you don't have any "grown-ups" around with money to help you do it.... You face the challenge of promotion head-on with your own budget, which more often than not is nowhere near the millions of dollars you could have from a major. On the other hand, you answer to only yourself. I think that may be the biggest thing. 

DBB: Feels So Good is a very upbeat electro album. I felt good, I felt like dancing hearing the tracks. Do you write your own songs?

XT: Thanks! Then, I must have done a good job. I did not compose, but I did write all the lyrics. 

DBB: You're a triple threat. You sing, dance and act. What is your background in those three areas?

XT: I've had a well-rounded experience as a performer. The only thing I have not been able to do yet is really work with any major artist. But who is to say that I may become the major artist I had been seeking to work with. Anyway, I love performing, period, so it is a blessing to be able to do it when I am able. The goal, of course, is to earn a living from it as I continue to grow and move forward. 

DBB: You've recorded commercials for Nextel, NASCAR, Sony PlayStation and other products. What's that part of the business like?
XT: In one word: FUN! Time flies on the set, you get to break your routine for a little while and meet great people. However, I think that dancers are, by far, the best people to be around. They are SO much fun. Really playful people.

DBB: Your press bio also tells us you blend your "love of disco, rap, rock, reggae, and R&B with [your] dancing ability to create a dynamic stage show." What do you enjoy most? Performing live or studio recording?

XT: I enjoy nothing as much as performing live. It like better than anything else in the world.

DBB: If you could describe Feels So Good in a single sentence, what would that be?

XT: It feels so good to be alive! 

DBB: This album's now being promoted by Sobel Promotions and we wish you much success with it. Xavier, thank you so very much for your time and effort. My blog, Leave It to Beaverhausen, and Dance World Radio both attract a very global audience. What last shout-outs do you have for your international fans?

XT: Obviously, GO SOBEL NATION! AND, thank you! Also, I'm quoting my album notes here: "I want to dedicate this album to all of the people, who throughout my short music career, have ever clapped for me. You make me feel so good! My heart goes to you, with the hope that many awesome memories are created with my music for you, and for many other people. It would be the only way that I would feel that there is some value in what I do." Much love!

Visit Xavier:
Xavier's website

on Facebook

on Youtube

www.xaviertoscano.com

Exclusive Q&A with LaLa Brooks of The Crystals

Delores "LaLa" Brooks possesses an amazing voice and the versatility of it is evident on her terrific new solo album on the independent Norton Records release, All or Nothing. I recently reviewed it on this blog: http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/11/all-or-nothing-la-la-brooks-gets-her.html

When you're listening to Phil Spector's pop classics with The Crystals, like "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," you are listening to LaLa.

LaLa now resides in the East Village and still performs live. (She has a dynamic on-stage presence.) Time has only strengthened and brought new shading, richness and style to her voice.

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen:  LaLa, this is truly a pleasure and a privilege to interview you. You have been an  iconic voice since I was a kid growing up in Paterson, NJ (and you  weren't much older than me at the time, actually). Where did your amazing voice come from? I mean, was it raw talent or did you have any formal singing lessons?  
LaLa Brooks: No, it's just raw talent. No singing lessons.

DBB: You began your professional career with The Crystals. How did you come together as a group? 
LLB: Barbara Alston's cousin, Benny Wells started the group. The Crystals came from Patsy Wright's neice. Patsy was an original member. I was asked to join the group.

DBB: Let's discuss your new album, All or Nothing, on Norton Records, if you don't mind. I was blown away by it. Obviously a labor of love. How does it feel to have a new solo album released? 
LLB: It feels great having a solo album after all this time. The greatest reward is that everyone has accepted it so well.

DBB: You just got back from touring in Spain. What was that experience like? 
LLB: Spain was wonderful. They really cherish older music and appreciate the older artists.

DBB: Your mom was Native American, your dad African-American. Did you feel  "different" growing up in the 1950s and '60s? And did that affect you as a singer in any way? 
LLB: No, not really. My mom made it a point to raise us without any prejudice.

DBB: All or Nothing displays your range and your vocal diversity. How involved were you in the selection of songs?  
LLB: I wasn't involved in the selection of the songs. I was more involved in how they were recorded and how I wanted  my voice to sound on each of the songs.

DBB:  I'm very excited you're coming back to The Cutting Room in February.  Five years ago, I saw you at its old location and you were amazing. I hope you will be doing live versions of the songs from All or Nothing. And, by the way, we bumped into each other at the old Cutting Room when  I stepped out of the men's room & you came out from the dressing  room (or backstage) and I gushed. I was just so excited you were back on  the scene. How do you deal with fawning fans? 
LLB: I try to make the fans feel as relaxed as possible. The main thing is, I'm sort of overwhelmed that they accept me and so I try to be as humble as possible. And I'm so glad that they appreciate me. I want them to know that they're special to me.

DBB: You were in the original cast of Hair. We'd love to hair -- I mean, hear -- about what that experience was like for you.  
LLB: It was crazy in a good way. The story of Hair opened my eyes to not judge people by the way that they look. It also made me feel more comfortable in my skin because I always liked to dress different, not traditional. It taught me to be a free spirit.

DBB: You got married, lived in Germany and London, and basically left the music industry for a while. What were those years like? 
LLB: Actually it was England first and then Austria. My years in Europe were a learning experience and I was introduced to other cultures and languages. I learned that Europeans are not as uptight as some of the Americans are.

DBB:  Phil Spector. We all want to know what it was like working with him. And were you shocked or surprised when he ended up in prison? 
LLB: It was a pleasure to work with Phil. I was a child who introduced to great music and great musicians who played in the studio with me. Yes, I was shocked when he ended up in prison.

DBB: La La, you were stupendous at that girl group fest at Damrosch Park at  Lincoln Center a couple of summers ago. You really rocked "River Deep,  Mountain High." Have you ever considered recording it, because it was so  outstanding?  
LLB: No, I never thought about recording it. I was frightened to death about doing it. People don't know that Darlene Love was supposed to have been on that show. The producer was trying to have her, Ronnie Spector and me as the show's headliners. I was supposed to do my songs only. But when Darlene canceled, the producer called and asked if I would do "River Deep." I asked that if I were to mess the song up during rehearsals, would they eliminate it from the show. But when the rehearsal went well, and I had some encouragement from the band, I just went for it! I'm glad I got through it.

DBB: As the dance music Promoter at Queens Our City internet radio, it behooves me to ask you how is it that your fabulous diva vocals never fronted a disco or dance music number. Would you consider it if the right  producer were to ask you? 
LLB: I sure would!

DBB: La La, it is truly special to be doing this interview with you. Happy New Year to you and your family.  Any last shout outs to your fans? 
LLB: I shout out to all my fans, "I'm for real and love all of you. Have a blessed and Happy New Year."

An ICONic Club Comes to Queens!

It is again my pleasure to interview Nick Lion, this time to promote the opening of his fabulous new club, ICON. I will be in attendance on opening night, covering this really huge event for Queens Our City Radio along with QOC Station Manager, Barbara Sobel. Astoria, Queens has truly become Hollywood on the Hudson and Icon will certainly be a major part of that. I very much look forward to being part of the excitement this Saturday night, December 28.

 

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Hi, Nick. We're so excited about the opening of your club, ICON, on December 28th, and can't wait to be there! How are you feeling right now?

Nick Lion: Besides my music, this is the realization of another great passion of mine. I've always enjoyed entertaining guests and hosting parties at my home, now I have a larger, much more luxurious playground to do it in. It truly is a dream come true for me.

DBB: Your club opening is really a b.f.d. (as Joe Biden might put it) for Queens and for the City of New York overall. What's involved in getting this to happen?
NL: It takes a village! [laughs] It's a huge undertaking, but along with the talent, dedication and love of a lot of individuals who believed in the vision and concept, we made it a reality. And it is a "b.f.d." for a venue of this type for Queens (Astoria) or anywhere. I don't think there is anything quite like it.

DBB: The club is located in Astoria, just over the bridge from the Bloomingdale's Belt in Manhattan. How easy is it for Manhattanites to get there?
NL: I lived in Astoria all my life and love it. It's the closest borough to Manhattan with the easiest most direct access. If you want to live somewhere other than Manhattan, yet be the closest to it, that's Astoria. Its a 15 minute train or bus ride over the bridge or a 10 minute car ride. That's why so many of our brothers and sisters are discovering it and making the move I think it going to be the next Gay Mecca, besides the Village.

DBB: Obviously, you're going for glamour, you're going for class, you're going for major excitement and entertainment. In your own press release, you are "taking the NYC dance club scene to a new level." What inspired you to do this, Nick?
NL: I just felt there was a lot missing from the current club scene these days. They've become repetitious and lackluster. I'm bringing back the classic "old school" days when clubbing was at its peak. When folks got dressed to "be seen" when they went out.You could go out and make new friends, talk, dance and even get lucky. Socialization is what's missing big time from the club scene. Except for special performances and occasions, you won't find t.v or video screens stealing the scene. They can watch T.V. or Music Videos at home anytime. I want my patrons to look at each other, talk to each other, not be hypnotized by the movie screen. At ICON, my patrons are the features, and the stars; not a Ke$ha video.  Also important to me, no plastic glasses. Only real glassware and crystal, just as I'd serve my guests in my home.

DBB: You're near the Astoria movie studio that's opened a major new sound stage for film and tv. And you have claimed your club is about the "luxury & glamor of Rodeo Drive without the attitude." It's suddenly seems like Queens is the new Tinsel Town East, no? Do you feel there's a convergence of attitude and energy there?
NL: Definitely, with the great influx of gays and lesbians moving to Astoria, the tone, attitude and energy is becoming more colorful & progressive. It certainly could be the new Tinsel Town. I think today, with all the horrible events we're faced with day to day, we all need a luxurious, safe and super-friendly place to escape reality. When the world outside gets lonely and cold, ICON will be the place where you can get a hug with your cocktail if needed.

DBB: You've got hosts Sherry Vine and Laritza Dumont, Dj Amoroso, paparazzi are promised as are celebrity guests, all on opening night. This is really going to be a major happening, isn't it?
NL: The combination of all that talent and glamour, combined with the popping of flashbulbs, is sure to make for a combustible, memorable night of fireworks.

DBB:  Nick, I imagine that opening a club in the City of New York is a Herculian effort, especially legally and financially. What is the reality of pulling this off in the City?
NL: It's a painstaking process in many ways, a lot of legal red tape, but the end result makes it all worthwhile. It was a year in the making, and I can't wait to kick open the doors on December 28th.

DBB: I know you'll have a whole Marilyn theme we can expect with ICON's artwork especially. Please fill us in about the Marilyn connection.
NL: Marilyn was always one of my fabulous obsessions and inspirations. Her beauty is timeless. She was an orphan that became an unforgettable legend. She was one of a kind and ICON, which was named in her honor, is also one of a kind. ICON is esthetically beautiful, and glamorous, yet like Marilyn, has a lot of heart. If given the choice to go out with friends to have a cocktail in a place that looks like a bowling alley or a place that shines bright like a diamond, I think and hope they'd choose the latter. I know I would! We're honored to have ICON chosen by Celebrity Portraiture,Tim Otte to premiere his fabulous Marilyn Monroe exhibit. Tims work will have a prominent spot on our red sequined wall. I'm a big fan and proud owner of his work. It's an honor to have him join us and an exciting addition to the festivities. It seems no matter what I do in my life, Marilyn seems to find her way in it, one way or another. And I love it!

DBB: This is obviously a labor of love, the realization of a dream and a fulfillment of ambition. How did you pull this all together and make it happen? And how long has it been from the inception of your dream to the reality of all this?
NL:  As I mentioned earlier, it was a year in the making, but actually it has taken almost a lifetime to get it exactly how I imagined it to be.

DBB: Can you tell us about what you have planned for ICON for New Year's Eve? 
NL: For our NYE Gala, I have legendary glamazon hostesses Amanda Lepore and Carmen Carerra in the house. There'll be lots of surprises, special guests, sexy dancers, surprise show, food, lots of champagne, and the greatest music by Mix Master Amoroso to dance us into the next year. 

DBB: What do you feel will set ICON apart from other current clubs in NYC?
NL: Clubs have used every gimmick invented throughout the years.  The most important difference between ICON and other clubs is the way our patrons will be treated.  ICON is a place where you can expect a smile and feel like you belong. This will be a place where you will feel appreciated and know that we will always be happy to see you. I think that's the real difference I'm striving for. A place where you can lift your spirits along with your cocktail.

DBB: Nick, lots of love, luck and the success that you deserve. This is truly an electric moment for gay nightlife in Manhattan! Any final shout-outs to our readers?
NL:  I know the social climate has changed out there today with all the technology, and they may feel its not necessary to go out to socialize and meet people anymore. But I believe human beings still need physical contact with each other, beyond all the texting and emailing. And I hope that ICON can motivate that type of socializing again and make us enjoy going night clubbing again. And we'll be there to greet them when they do.