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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.
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.
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!!!
When I first heard "Dive" (Chris Cox remix) in a club eight years ago, I had to know who this diva was! Thus began my love affair, dj-wise, with Debby Holiday. Mention "Joyous Sound" to most gay men and they kvell! The Tony Moran/Warren Rigg mix of "Surrender Me" still sends chills up my spine. So it is a special pleasure to interview the one, the only, the fabulous ... Ms Debby Holiday!
Dj Buddy B: Debby, I've been such a big fan of yours since I first heard "Dive," so
it's particularly sweet that you would do a Q and A for my blog in
time for Pride. Thank you so very much!
Debby Holiday: Aww, my pleasure!
DBB: What are your Pride plans, with so many Pride celebrations around the world? Will you be performing?
DH: Oh, yes indeed! I'll be at Seattle Pride this weekend! Can't Wait! Lots of friends there AND I'll have a chance
to hug Phil B,who's spinning!
DBB: You and Dj Phil are a winning couple, musically. Love out to you both!
Debby, we adore you in NYC! Will you be doing a show here any time soon?
DH: Oh, bless you -- I tell ya, I am WAY overdue for a NY show! Hmmm - gotta ask one of my agents about that. [laughs.] I will however, be performing
at Cobalt in DC on July 14th and Rehoboth Beach at the Blue Moon on July 15th. Both
venues are new to me, so definitely looking forward!
DBB: We will so be loving you once you get here!
It's so great to see you on the Billboard dance chart so frequently
lately! You just had a top-ten charter with producer Phil B ("Never Give
Up") and, now, your song with John LePage, "Key to Your Soul" is climbing
up. You actually had two numbers on Billboard at once. How did that feel? And
to what do you attribute this recent Billboard boost?
DH: Well, it took me about two weeks to even remember that! "Hey, wait a minute, is my name on two singles at once?" [laughs.]
Definitely a pretty cool feeling. I've been very blessed so
far. Eleven singles all in the top 25! I attribute that to a lot of hard
work AND working with great people! "Never Give Up"and all !! :)
DBB: Billboard said you straddle the fence between soul, rock and disco, yet you always seem outside the box. Could you tell us a little about your musical influences and background?
DH: Oh, very eclectic. From David Bowie and AC/DC, Janis Joplin
to Tina Turner, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Aretha Franklin ... and ...
Chopin. My father had every possible kind of musician traipsing
through our home as a child so I learned to appreciate and love a lot of
different styles of music. Oh... and the first live show I saw ... Bette
Midler!
DBB: It is the rare dance diva who writes or co-writes most of her material, but you are one of them. How do you feel about that?
DH: My father [soul legend Jimmy Holiday who co-wrote "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" amongst others] wrote a few huge hits, so song writing is an honored
art form in my heart and mind. It means a great deal to me -- to have
the pleasure/honor of sharing thoughts -- especially the uplifting songs
because I know music saved my life many times. [Mine, too, Debby. ~ Dj Buddy B] When I felt no one
understood, music was my constant solace.
DBB: You did a fabulous, blow-the-roof-off cover of "Heaven," produced by
LePage and LFB, a classic 1990's club hit originally recorded by Sarah
Washington. What was it like to tackle something that already had the
status of this sort?
DH: Well, it was very
odd at first. I mean, come on, Sarah Washington is amazing! So, I tried
to stay true to her passion while making it my own. I had a blast and
am really thankful John suggested the whole idea.
DBB: It turned out wonderfully!
I'll ask you about other disco divas, now, if you don't mind. For
example, Cyndi Lauper is NYC's grand marshal in our march this year. In July, I have the opportunity to see Nona Hendryx (of Labelle). Like
you, she definitely is on the edge of the soul/rock/dance scene. In
August, Martha Wash. I wanted to get your take on these women with
powerful voices who, like you, have guided us to the dance floor and
made us wanna sweat.
DH: Not much I can say except: all hail those beautiful women! Strength,
grit, tenacity ~ adore each and every one of them!! It's a good thang
to sweat! Ohhh, yes!!
DBB: The club world has had some terrible losses recently; I'm referring
especially to the deaths of Whitney Houston and Donna Summer. What
effect did these events have on you?
DH: The loss of such powerful voices and spirits always makes
me reflect on why we are here, how short our journey is and that we
MUST try to cherish every minute. The ups -- the downs -- all of it! I
will be forever in awe and grateful to the musical voices that were
here with us ... lifted us up, gave us hope, made us dance, smile, FEEL Life.
DBB: Last questions. Care to comment on the President's stance on marriage
equality? And anything special you'd like to shout out to your gay fans
all over the world?
DH: I am SO proud of our President. It took a great deal of
courage to be the first American President to say it! I know he lost a
lotta Bible Belt folks over speakin' his truth. To my gay fans/friends, I
say ... I love you! We are all equal, PERIOD! We will continue to spread
a message of love and equality and strength and unity. One mind,
one open heart at a time ... we Belong! Each and every one of us!
DBB: We
love you, Debby. And thanks so much for your time and for sharing your
thoughts and feelings with us. Happy Pride and have a great summertime! You are beautiful, inside and out!
DH: Thank you for having me! I feel very fortunate to know some delicious beings like yourself. Big ol' hug to ya!
Debby Holiday, available on iTunes. Support our artists that support us. Happy Pride to all! Good luck, Debby, in Seattle! xxxx!
