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!!

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