rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH ELLEN KIM

Yee man, what's up? New interview with my girl from The Lost Kids, Ellen Kim! Check it out!

Ellen Kim (born April 24, 1985 in San Francisco, California) is a dancer/b-girl, most notably a part of The Lost Kids dance crew, NeverLand, and formerely with Funkanometry SF. As both a dancer and choreo teacher, she spends a lot of time developing new choreo and showing it to many classes she teaches around the world. She and The Lost Kids also audition for the current season of America's Best Dance Crew. She is currently in Germany, just having left London; she spared a few moments to answer some questions, so check it out!

How long have you been dancing for?
10 years

What style(s) of dance do you specialize in?
New style hip-hop, bit of jazz and modern

Your current dance crew is The Lost Kids, although you are involved with Neverland and Funkanometry SF in the past. How did you hookup with TLK originally?
Kyle Hanagami and I met in Funkanometry and I at that time of our lives...we wanted to move on :) We were asked to do World of Dance with Supreme Soul and so we called up some of our old friends!! We got together and decided on the name The Lost Kids because we all loved the movie Peter Pan and Hook!! Also, we were all lost kids at heart.

TLK also auditioned for season 4 of America's Best Dance Crew but didn't make it in. How was your first reaction, and is there hope for TLK to re-audition for the show later on?
Auditioning for ABDC Season 4 was a fun experience! We saw a lot of our friends, also, met really cool dancers and casts!! When we got the news, TLK were sad and disappointed BUT we didn't really mind only because we did it for fun anyways :) We just enjoyed the whole day and audition together as a team.

Are you working on any big projects or events right now, either by yourself or with TLK?
TLK have been busy with their lives (traveling and teaching on our own) and also concentrating more on NeverLand!! Their debut will be in Boston in November...so look out for them!! We invited a lot of our friends to join and perform in Boston. Check out our newest dancers in NeverLand...they are truly amazing!! Unfortunately, I won't be able to perform with NeverLand in November :( I have been in London for the past two weeks teaching and judging. I am currently in Germany right with Soreal Cru!! We are here for my friend's competition called The Soulplex Competition in Hannover, Germany. Then I will be on my way to Norway and Italy to teach.

What is your training schedule like?
Once I get back to the states, I will be moving to........secret. My first day working as a teacher in Studio 429 will be on December 3rd '09...so come!!

Who are your favorite dancers?
The Lost Kids and NeverLand - plus Mariel Martin, Jun Quemado, Keone Madrid, Lyle Beniga, April Rodriguez, Caramel in Boy Blue (London), Kristen Aguinaldo, Tracy Steller, Phillip Geniza, Dominic Byrd, Tessandra Chavez, Mia Michaels and Luam.

Who are your closest dance crew buddies?
TLK, Mariel Martin and Adela Vanikova

Which are some of your favorite dance moves/choreo of all time?
Mannn...that's too hard!! I love all kinds and forms of dancing!! BUT MY ULTIMATE INSPIRATION is Nick Wilson "Pump That Bass" back in 2006. The sickest piece EVER.

You went to Australia this year to teach some workshops. How was that experience?
The experience was definitely crazy!! I've always wanted to go to Sydney, Australia MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE!! When Kyle told me that we were going, I started crying!!! I was really excited and thankful that Kyle hooked me up with that job :) Thank you Kyle Hanagami!

What do you do in your spare time when not doing classes or practicing?
I love to spend time with myself when I'm not traveling. I go to the gym a lot and I try to read my books!! I'm reading Malcolm X right now....very sad and inspiring at the same time. Being in touch with yourself is the best way to get through life....trust me!

What is your current obsession at the moment, and it can be anything!
Sinagang. heehee... Food is always my obsession!!

Name one or more experiences that helped to shape you as both a person and a dancer, and briefly tell why they helped.
All my experiences that I have been through even til this day.My childhood wasn't so great, so when I found dance, I went for it. It definitely helped me get over my childhood memories. This is why I take dancing so serious. I don't do it so I can try to impress anyone, I do it truly because it brings me to a place that no or thing can hurt me. Teaching my choreography is a plus :)

When are you happiest the most?
In church or teaching!

Do you have any advice for people who want to pursue dancing?
DREAM BIG. DON'T GIVE UP. TRAIN IN ALL FORMS OF DANCE AND BE OPEN MINDED

And finally, after everything you’ve accomplished or done, is there one thing you haven’t done yet that you want to accomplish, something very important, very ‘epic’ as I phrase things like that, what would it be?
I want to have my own boutique one day. Also become a fashion designer!

Do you have any final words for the readers?
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME AND TLK!! Can't even express to everyone how much it motivates me. You guys are letting me live my ultimate dream...to teach and meet amazing people. I LOVE YOU GUYS <3


Brraaaapppp. That's a wrap (no pun intended). Thank you to Ellen for this interview, and thank you guys for reading, and until next time, I'm out, chyeah!

J~


Ellen Kim

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH LANA MCKISSACK

Double whammy for October 21st, enter Lana McKissack!

Lana McKissack (born June 5, 1984 in Los Angeles, California) is a Cali-based YouTube musician. Apart from an impressive resume already, she's a graduate of UCLA's Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program, she is a actress/singer/songwriter who is currently unsigned, but was with Sony Music Japan when she was younger, she performed at the Sydney Opera House for the 2000 Olympics, and more recently, most people these days will recognize her as the girl in the music video for David Choi's hit song "Won't Even Start". She answered a few questions I had for her, so enjoy!

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently?
I have been singing since I was 2 years old. I signed a recording contract with Sony Records in Japan when I was 15, then moved to an independent label called Harlem Records a few years later. I'm a free agent now.

What style of music do you generally play?
I sing pop, R&B, jazz and musical theater. When no one is listening, I also rap.

How did you first get involved in music?
My parents put me in singing, acting and dancing classes when I was a little kid. I fell in love with it right away. I learned guitar and piano, but I HATED practicing so I never really advanced in those areas. I'm re-teaching myself now. =)

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?
My friend Chester and I made a video together and he suggested that I start a channel of my own. It has served as a great creative outlet for me when I am feeling overwhelmed by life.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Mariah Carey is biggest musical influence. I have loved her from day one. I have every song she has ever released. Don't tell anyone.

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?
Terrible. I hate support. Just kidding. It feels great! I haven't been actively seeking subscribers. I just enjoy making videos and people seem to be enjoying watching them.

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?
Have I mentioned that I love Mariah Carey?

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?
My Umbrella cover is my most viewed video, but that may be because people are confused by the caption of the girl holding an umbrella inside her room with a fan blowing in her face.
In Your Arms is my most popular original. People keep asking when I'm going to make an official recording of that song. The answer is...as soon as possible. I just haven't had the time yet. I apologize for my procrastination.

I heard you were on the Sony Music Japan label. How was that experience?
It was a great learning experience. I felt a little like a piece of meat at the time, but looking back I was very lucky to have released songs and gone on tour. I wouldn't suggest that lifestyle to anyone under the age of 18, but it'd be fun now that I'm older and wiser. Chester and I were talking about going on a European tour together. That'd be great too.

I saw you in the music video for David Choi's song "Won't Even Start". Tell me about that experience.
We had a blast! I met David through Chester. One day, he called me and asked if I'd like to be in his first music video. I said no, but he wouldn't leave me alone. That's a lie. I was thrilled! He's such a talented singer and songwriter. I'm so happy that his career is taking off. And the Wong Fu boys are amazing. They were very professional, and so much fun to work with.

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
I listen to a lot of music made by my insanely gifted friends: Chester See, David Choi, Andy Lange, Sonos. I love Coldplay, The Streets, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Fergie, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Sara Bareilles, Paramore and Mariah. There is also an embarrassingly large portion of my iPod devoted to musical theater.

Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
Hm...there's not really a place I go. In fact, when I think of video concepts or lyrics, I'm usually in the middle of doing something else and my sudden bursts of inspiration are incredibly inconvenient.

Who is your closest musician friend, and how did you two meet?
Chester. We met in college. We also used to live 30 seconds from each other. He's a very talented and motivated guy, and a great friend. More importantly, he has amazing abs.

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing music?
I am actually spending most of my time working on my acting career at the moment. When I'm not doing that, I like to have jam sessions with friends, play pranks on people, and watch The Office.

What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?
I hope to keep learning, evolving and finding new styles of music to get excited about. I don't ever want to get to the point where singing isn't fun for me anymore. That's kind of what happened in Japan, so I removed myself from that situation. I'm a much happier person now. =)

Do you have any final words for the readers?
Thank you all for your support and kind words. (Most of) your messages and comments are very touching and much appreciated.


Voila...another awesome blurb from another awesome artist; thank you to Lana for doing the interview. Until next time, expect some huge interviews along the way - ciao!

J~


Lana McKissack

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH ESNA YOON

Hey guys, what's up? New interview with YouTubing musician Esna Yoon, enjoy!

Esna Yoon (born Esther Yoon on November 7, 1987) is a California-based YouTube musician. She has garnered much attention for her soulful voice, her dancing skills and her impressive songwriting skills. As a UCLA alumni, she got a degree in Ethnomusicology with a concentration in Jazz Voice. Also, she was just recently inducted as a AFTRA member (for all you actors out there, you probably know what this is). With a busy schedule in hand, she wrote me back recently on this interview and it's now here for viewing!

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently?
I've been singing since I was 4. I played piano for about 6 years altogether. I'm pursuing the music industry professionally but I guess I'm independent right now.

What style of music do you generally play?
My music can be soul, folk, R&B, or Jazz or sometimes they're just all mixed together so it's hard to put a genre on my music.

How did you first get involved in music?
I always loved it. I never had an interest in anything else other than performing arts.

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?
I realized I needed an outlet to share my music and needed people who will support my music and Youtube was a good option.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Anita O'day, Ella Fitzgerald, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Corinne Bailey Rae, Adele.

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?
I can't be more thankful. I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for all the support people give me.

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?
I would love to do collaborations with anyone who's willing to do them with haha. But I think at this point they're already so good and established I have a lot of catching up to do before other people would consider doing collaborations with me.

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?
My most popular cover??? I think right now is 'Poker Face'...maybe 'Gentlemen don't' by Gabe Bondoc

What was your inspiration behind the "Catch Esna Project"?
Nothing inspired me...I'm just wild. I just started jumping on people at this one rehearsal haha.

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
You know, ironically I don't listen to a lot of music. I rarely listen to any music.

Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
It's just usually in my house. I'll wake up sometimes not being able to sleep and write on my bed or just sit in front of my friend piano and clunk out notes.

Who is your closest musician friend, and how did you two meet?
I don't know!! I guess I could say out of all the youtube stars I'm most closest to AJ Rafael. We actually met through youtube. I covered the first song I ever heard of his "Those Lips" and he saw, commented, and we met up at his house to jam once and ever since then we just became good friends.

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing music?
I'm also getting into acting so recently I've been doing some background work for TV shows like Flash Forward, Bones, NCIS and Three Rivers.

What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?
I just want to be able to help people through my music. I write all my music through experiences I've been through or experiences that my friends have been through. I hope that my music can bring peace to people and ultimately just be enjoyed by my audience.

Do you have any final words for the readers?
Thank you for taking the time to read this interview and listen/watch my videos on youtube. I'm always so humbled by every comment I get. I really wouldn't have the strength to carry out my dreams if people weren't supporting me. Thank you so much!


Whoop, there it is (lame I know! lol). Thank you to Esna for the interview, and until next time, saiyounara!

J~


Esna Yoon

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH SORA AN

Ayooooo. What's good? New interview for you guys today, with NYC-based rocker Sora An...please enjoy!

Sora An (born August 18, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Korean-American indie rock singer-songwriter based in New York City. As part of two bands (Girls Don't Cry, Hooray for Goodbye) and running her own solo act, Sora is an accomplished musician way beyond her years, and her daily life fuels the fire to write her music, she says. She has just gotten back into NYC, and before heading off again to Florida to open for the Vivian Girls, she spared some time to answer a few questions!

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently?
I have been playing off an on my whole life until recently in 2004 when i first joined an all girls pop-rock band Girls Don't Cry that was formed by 2 producers here in NYC. Before that i would play at random open mics and had a few shows i booked myself in Nyc. I am working towards this becoming a profession where i can make a fine income and continue doing what i was born to do...writing, playing, and performing! I have a band called Hooray For Goodbye (myspace.com/hoorayforgood

bye) and i play lead guitar in ....actuallly there's only one and its me:) I love my band and the woman i play with are such great souls and i feel really blessed to be a part of this musical excursion. I also do my own solo acts as Sora An (myspace.com/soraan) I write all the music and lyrics to my songs as well as record them. I use my Mac without a mic..you know that little whole on the top right corner...yeah that is what i use, and the drums loops so that i stay in perfect rhythm. It's hard for me to record with a click a beat symplifies that for me...doesn't make sense but i need the snare, top hat , and kick drum...you know it's like the heart, lungs, and breath...it works for me:) I have had a couple of friends record me with there nice programs and i am just doing as much as i can to keep myself moving forward and learning as i go. OF COURSE I WOULDN"T MIND IF SOMEONE WANTED TO WORK WITH ME IN A STUDIO SETTING;)

What style of music do you generally play?
Gosh that is kind of hard to answer...really my music ranges it can be punk pop, pop rock, to folkish alt rock to indie rock...my music defines me i dont' define my music...whatever comes out of me and depending where i am at in my life spiritually makes a huge impact on the outcome of my songs and lyrics.

How did you first get involved in music?
I grew up in Houston, Tx ...northwest Houston in a suburban area called Spring..church...my mom said when i was 3 i sang in front of the church some Gospel hyme song but i dont' remember that ....that was a LONG LONG time ago! LOL!! I used to hitthe bowls and cups with my chopsticks, and play on the piano. I felt so unenamored with the lifestlyes down in Tx that i would just play my dads guitar to fiddle around...and 5 minutes would turn into 5 hrs as the years went by. I was a binge playing guitar junkie...i would go years without picking up the guitar, and then out of nowhere i would pick it back up and play it everyday for hours for a month straight...then play here and there.

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?
I didn't. My first You Tube exp was when the producers of Girls Don't Cry posted us up there. Then when i made my first music video my friend Roger who actually was in the video and also played bass on the song and added some nice spice to the song "Reciprocate" posted it. Then i posted it as well:)

Who are your biggest musical influences?
The Cure, Sunny Day Real Estate, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Face to Face, Jane's Addiction, Elliot Smith etc...the list can go on...Church Praise and Worship Music, Piano concertos my mom made me listen too which i really appreciate now, and yes some country songs...i love it all!!

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?
FANTASTIC...you know words can't really explain how it feels...gosh it's like when you find out that your crush has a crush on you...all gushy inside and i feel like my cheeks are about to crack because my smile is so wide like the great divide! I just really feel so blessed and grateful:)

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?
Robert Smith:) I also want to play guitar with Madonna as well as Norah Jones:) Other than that there are so many great indie artists out there that i would love to collaborate with:)

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?
"Reciprocate"...it's the only song i have on YouTube.

Have you ever considered writing purely Korean music for your fans?
Oh absolutely...my father told me a few months ago that if i were to write a song in Korean or even half english half Korean they would go crazy and the market there is on top...you know us Asians we are really good at supporting music and artists:

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
Itunes shuffle...so it ranges from my own songs, MGMT, Coldplay, Jets To Brazil, Hooray For Goodbye, Ten Minute Turns, Paris Can Wait, Bjork, Cocteau Twins, Damien Rice, De La Soul, Norah Jones, Chopin Piano Concertos, Death Cab, The SHins, David Gray, Imogean Heap, Sonic Youth, The Cure, Mogwai....it goes on and on!

Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
Anywhere as well as away from NYC...it could be a simple train ride upstate, but mainly nature/new city out of state:)

Who is your closest musician friend, and how did you two meet?
My closest musician friend is Liz Kelly of Paris Can Wait! She is off the hook! GENIUS!! Not only that she is a beautiful person inside and out and a great friend!! I met her when we got rid of our first drummer in Girls Don't Cry, and Liz came in and replaced her...and i still remember when i first saw her in her cute ponytail sitting at her drums:) She tore some shit up on that set and her voice oh her voice is so beautiful!!

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing music?
Grocery store, and preparing foods and cooking some foods:)

What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?
Heal through the power of music:) Travel around the world and experience the people, places, things, culture, GOOD FOOD. The experiences that will conduct my creative symphonies to write more songs and collaborate with other brilliant musicians as well. Donations and supporting all the non-profit organizations my mother has been in since she was in her mid 20's. Spoil my family and friends:)

Do you have any final words for the readers?
I have a new music video coming soon for "Oh it's so nice" Stay tuned!
You can check out my show listings at my MYSPACE.COM/SORAAN or WWW.SORAAN.COM
My band is opening up for the Vivian Girls October 21.2009 in Lake Worth, FL with Pretty please:)
AND.......Just in case no one told you that they loved you today ..."I LOVE YOU!!!"
You can also buy my songs on ITUNES!!


Yay, another wonderful interview done. Merci beaucoup to Sora for the interview. Keep your eyes open for new interviews soon...with Lana McKissack, Kina Grannis, Far East Movement, Esna Yoon, Mike Isberto, Clara Chung, Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, and more! :)

J~


Sora An

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH GROUP 1 CREW

Hey folks, back again, but with my first group interview...behold, G1C! Manwell Reyes, the frontman, speaks on behalf of the group...please enjoy!

Group 1 Crew (comprised of Manwell Reyes, Blanca Reyes, and Pablo Villatoro) is a Christian hip-hop/pop/R&B group based out of Orlando, Florida. This group is one of the many groundbreaking acts to hit the mainstream Christian music market, but also bring a fresh attitude to the scene. With a new album in the works, as well as continuous touring, Manwell, the frontman for the group, spared some time to speak with me about G1C's story and what goes on now!

How long have you guys been doing music professionally for?
10 YEARS

How long has Group 1 Crew been together?
6 YEARS

What style of music does G1C generally play, and which musicians provide inspiration for your sound?
HIP HOP/FUNK/SOUL..EVERYONE FROM MICHAEL BUBLE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON

Recently, you guys wrote on your website that you were back in the studio recording. What is in the works now, and what can we expect?
ALBUM OUT BY APRIL AND ITS GOING TO BE A NEW SOUND FOR US BUT SO MUCH MORE PROGRESSIVE. A TRULY CREDIBLE MAINSTREAM ALBUM WITH AMAZING CONTENT

I’m not sure if you guys have done any collaboration work with other artist, but is there any chances of seeing that happen in the future?
YA I'M SURE THERE IS. WE JUST DID SOMETHING WITH KJ 52 AND I'M SURE THERE ARE MORE TO COME

Are you guys doing any projects and/or campaigning for anything right now aside from your music career?
YUP I AM DOING A NONPROFIT CALLED REVOLUTION ONE (REV1.ORG) AS WELL AS STARTING A POP/URBAN LABEL

How did you guys react when you found out that you won the award for Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year at last year’s Dove Awards?
WELL IT WAS DOPE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE JUST REALIZED THAT THERES STILL SO MUCH TO DO

This question is for Blanca. You recently announced that you got engaged. How does it feel? And do you think you can manage both the “married” life and your music career?
Blanca was unavailable to comment.

This question is for Pablo. How did you get that crazy hairstyle of yours?
Pablo was unavailable to comment.

This question is for Manwell. I know a lot of people ask this, but for those who don’t know, you have a lot of tattoos. What do they all mean?
ONE SAYS HOTEES WORLD (HO-T) AND ITS A NICKNAME I GOT IN BIBLE COLLEGE. THERES AN "M" ON MY LEFT HAND AND TWO ON MY BACK OF SUNS SYMBOLICALLY REPRESENTING THE SON OF GOD

Back to all of you now. Can you name any one moment in your life that defined who God wanted you to be, and how that desire came about to pursue music as a career?
WELL I GUESS IT WOULD BE THE FIRST TIME I WAS CALLED TO MUSIC. IT WAS PRETTY EVIDENT THAT GOD WANTED ME TO DO THIS

What’s the one thing that God is constantly reminding you of or challenging you each to live out in your daily lives?
FOR ME TO BE A MAN OF CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY. WHERE I WANT TO GO REQUIRES A HUGE DEAL OF CHARACTER

You guys have probably played a lot of gigs by now. What has been your favorite gig by far, and why?
I'VE HAD A LOT OF FAVORITE. PROBABLY AMSTERDAM CAUSE IT WAS WITH THE BAND AND WE GOT TO TRAVEL. AUSTRALIA WAS COOL TOO.

Is there anywhere you haven’t played in yet that you’d like to?
YUP! ASIA!!

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
JOHN MAYER, NE YO, ASCENSION, THE SCRIPT, WORSHIP MUSIC

Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
THE STUDIO

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not recording or touring?
GYM AND MOVIES BABY! THE BEST

To the critical question now. You guys have been involved in music for some time now, and music tastes and styles are changing quickly in this day and age. Where do you see music in the US/Canada going in the future, in the sense of changing tastes, and will this allow you continued creativity down the road?
WELL TO BE HONEST THERES NO TELLING WHERE MUSICS GOING..I FEEL WE'RE DEFINITELY GOING BACK TO A "SINGLE" SOCIETY LIKE IN THE OLD RECORD DAYS, BUT THATS COOL. AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE MUSIC, THE WORLD IS GOING TO REMAIN INSPIRED REGARDLESS THE MEDIUM IN WHICH ITS PRESENTED

Do you feel you’ve contributed to the advancement of music in the US & Canada as a Christian hip-hop unit? And is there anything you’d like to see done in this whole genre of music in the US/Canada?
SURE...BUT THERE'S STILL SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE. I'D LOVE TO SEE OUR INDUSTRY EMBRACE URBAN POP A LOT MORE


There you go, G1C in a nutshell, thanks to Manwell for this interview, and until next time, au revoir!

J~


Group 1 Crew

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH YouTube MUSICIANS - EDELEN ANGELES

Yo! Been a while since I posted an interview with a musicians...but this interview was long overdue to be posted...so here it is, my chat with Edelen Angeles!

Edelen Angeles (born October 17, 1989 in Chula Vista, California) is a Cali-based YouTube acoustic musician who got attention with her songs like "Smile" and "Catch of My Day". She isn't as active these days, but she spoke with me a few weeks ago in mid-September to chat about what's up with her!

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently?
I've been writing since i was like...12? But got pretty serious when i was around 16 or 17. I kinda just do it independently - when I was on YouTube and all that I had a couple offers to have my songs used for a couple indie films but i always lagged on getting them a sample haha.

What style of music do you generally play?
Lots of acoustic. Stuff from the heart.

How did you first get involved in music?
My dad played music his whole life, so I guess it's in the genes, kinda?

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?
I kinda just wanted to see if people could relate, whether they were feeling happy or sad (unfortunately I found more people could relate to my sad songs haha) and even if they could relate to my sad stuff more, at least they could be sad and not alone.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
The beatles, prettyman, branch, mraz, mayer, some city in colour, you know, kids who can pick up a guitar and write their own stuff.

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?
It felt pretty cool, I always thought my stuff was shit but people on youtube seem to think otherwise.

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?
I'd kind of like to sing with my good friend jeffery vanwinkle. jason mraz would be pretty sick too.

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?
hahah I did a cover of 'better together' that got like 15,000 views. my most popular original song probably has to be Catch of my Day, or Smile.

Can fans expect another cover or original song from you soon?
hahah yeah man i've got tons of new stuff. im kind of trying to stray away from covers, but songs are so damn catchy i can't really help but wanna learn them. haha but yeah ive got some new stuff on the way, i just need to find myself a camera or something :]

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
I dig a lot of classic rock. a lot of paul and lennon. i like a lot of hardcore and the occasional african beats.

Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
Anywhere i'm alone. like a garage or a closet haha

Who is your closest musician friend, and how did you two meet?
I'd probably have to say all the boys in Macguyver. they're a local San Diego band that'll make it big real soon. I met them in college, a great band of boys. I love you guys!!

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing music?
Shower, collect sponges.

What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?
Music is everyone's soundtrack, I just want to write something and have it able to take you some place nice, or some place not so nice. as long as it makes people feel something, feel human, then that in itself is a huge accomplishment for me.


Waah, there it is peeps. Those are some inspiring words from Edelen, muchas gracias to her for this interview, and thanks for reading. Till next, cheers!

J~


Edelen Angeles