WE ARE NOW ON WORDPRESS!

To those of you still roaming this page,

Our sincerest apologies for not having gotten this notice up sooner! We were on hiatus for a couple of years, and when we decided to come back, we moved over to Wordpress. The link is below!

http://rconyourdial.wordpress.com

We still check this page here and there, but we no longer update it (except for this long overdue moving notice). Sorry T.T


Jorge,
rhythm.connection

2011

Hey guys! Yes I know it's been a hella long while since I updated this blog. All I can say is - there will be a major overhaul as well as some long overdue interviews to be posted in the coming weeks. School's kept me way busy but rest assured r.c is NOT over!

J~

rhythm.connection presents EXCLUSIVE: A look Into the world of a trainee

Hey guys, what's up? So here is that exclusive I've been talking about for the last few weeks now - my chance to look into the world of the Korean entertainment industry through the eyes of a trainee of a major agency. Due to conditions of anonymity, I am not allowed to name the trainee or the company he's with, but rest assured this interview is 100% legit. Through this interview, I hope to give you future trainee hopefuls a better look into the world of trainees just so you know what to expect on a realistic basis. So enjoy!

How long have you been a trainee for?

Since March of 2007, so about 3 and a half years. But for me, up until May 2009, I only trained over winter and summer break so that I could attend university for 2 years. Starting last year, I took a break from school and have been in Korea full time.

What was your first reaction when you found out you had been accepted as a trainee?

Like anyone would imagine, at first I was surprised, excited, every good emotion you can think of.

Had you applied to other agencies at the time you were accepted?

Nope. One time just for this agency, and bang - I got picked.

What influenced your decision to become a trainee, and how did your family feel about it?

I've always wanted to become an artist ever since I was young, but to go audition for this particular agency was due to the influence of a friend who told me I'd probably make it if I went. My family was against it like most others would be, but as they found out that it was a artist I wanted to become and not a celebrity, they started to seeing the depth in music and supported me.

Please briefly tell me about your training/exercise regime and what you have to do to stay in shape.

For me, this question doesn't apply, haha. I have what doctors call a fast metabolism, so I just eat and do whatever. But an average day includes at least 4-6 hours of dancing, so I guess that helps. Other then that though, I like to workout in the morning and night.

What kind of nutrition requirements are in place for you based on your physical training and what not?

Nothing. But I've seen others eat a lot of chicken breast, sweet potato, salad, stuff like that.

How many hours of vocal and/or dance training do you do per day?

Depends on the trainee but for me it was probably 4-6 hours of dance and around 3-5 hours of singing.

Do you get any time to attend to other things? (ex: contact friends/family, go out)

Yes and no. Sometimes we'll get a day of the weekend off. On those free days I can do what I want.

What's been one positive thing about your experience so far?

Connection. No matter what, I'm going to become an artist and being a trainee has helped me meet other artists and producers, etc.

Is there anything that maybe surprised you when you first got to Korea to train?

What the public sees and what really goes on is different.

Was there anything that met or failed your expectations as far as the training process?

Nope. I must admit that although the training process is tough, it's flawless. If you've got the potential, you'll make it.

To conclude, what is one thing you'd like to tell potential trainee applicants to keep in mind when thinking about applying and the actual training?

Don't try to become a trainee if you're just wanting to become a celebrity/public figure. Have a goal that you want to accomplish and if that goal requires you to become a trainee then go for it. I've seen too many "fans" wanting to become a trainee and they can't stand how hard the life of a trainee is. If you don't have the desire to succeed in this line of work then don't even try.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Hope this helped. And please, support hip hop music! Some of Korea's most talented artists are hip hop artists, not boy bands. Of course support the boy bands too, but hip hop artists need more love here!

So what did you guys think? Albeit it was a short chat, but hopefully this gives you more of an idea of how things work once you get accepted to a major entertainment agency in Korea. Thank you very much to the trainee himself for this interview, and thanks for reading once again, until next time, saiyounara!~

J~

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH TIANDA FLEGEL

Hey guys, here's the other overdue interview, with The Next Star season 2 winner - Tianda Flegel!

Tianda Flegel (born December 23, 1994 in Medicine Hat, Alberta) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and winner of season 2 of YTV's hit talent show The Next Star.

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently? How did you first get your start in music?

I started singing when I was three or four, I started writing at around age seven, and I started performing at around age 10. I started out doing local talent shows and competitions, and performing for family and friends. I got my first real exposure opportunity on YTV's reality tv series "The Next Star," which opened a lot of doors for me. I write all styles of music, but I put a real focus on country pop. My roots always go back to country music.

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?I started youtubing a couple years ago to show my videos to my family and friends, and then after I appeared on 'The Next Star,' youtube became a good outlet for me to use to reach out and interact with my fans.

Who are your biggest musical influences?I am influenced a lot by country music. Taylor Swift, Michelle Branch, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood. I really love what they're doing and I also really look up to them.

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?It's amazing. Getting support for doing something you love is all one can really hope for. So it's just been extremely great.

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?There are so many. I would love to work with Taylor Swift, Chris Daughtry, or Keith Urban.

Most people who know your music know how you got big; the second season of the hit YTV show 'The Next Star'. In brief words, explain how that experience helped to shape you as a musician and what some of your favorite moments were.Being on the show really gave me my first sense of what being in the business was like. Suddenly I was doing interviews, and had fans, it was all really new to me, but I learned a lot. I think my favorite moment was when we got to bring YTV back to my hometown and film a homecoming. It was amazing watching all of my friends and family on TV supporting me.

Recently, you released a single called 'Liar Liar'. What was the theme behind this song?Liar Liar was basically written about a boy who was lying to my best friend about me and just... causing drama. It was kind of my way of getting back at him.

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?My most popular cover on youtube was definitely "One Time" by Justin Bieber, which I sang with Wren Kelly, another contestant on the show. So far, Liar Liar has been my most popular original song, which is great, because it has a music video. =]

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 country music. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Miranda Lambert. I've also been listening to Bon Jovi and Tyler Hilton recently.

Where's the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?I write 99% of my songs on my bedroom floor, which is totally random, but true. It seems to work for some reason so I just go with it.

Who are closest musician friends, and how did you meet?I play a lot of music with my friends from Fraser Lake; there's a lot of talent here for a small town. I couldn't really tell you how we met... I guess it's just pretty hard NOT to meet when your town only has 1,500 people in it. Haha.

What do you do in your spare time when you're not playing music?I really like to paint and draw and do pretty much all things creative. I write a lot, too. Songs, poetry, stories, journals, you name it.

What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?I eventually just want to establish myself and have a steady career. I just want to make a living doing what I love, whether it be behind the scenes as a songwriter or a producer, or on stage as a singer and a performer.

Do you have any final words for the readers?Buying my songs on itunes is good for your health. No, haha, but feel free to grab a copy. Thanks for reading. : )

Thanks to Tianda for the interview, and thanks for reading :)

J~

Tianda Flegel

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH YouTube MUSICIANS - OLIVIA THAI

Hey guys! Yes I'm back now, and here for my return is one of two long overdue interviews that were supposed to be posted before my hiatus for the summer. Here is my chat with Olivia Thai!

Olivia Thai (born December 20) is a YouTube singer based out of San Gabriel, California. She has partaken in many singing competitions in California and already boasts a large fan/subscriber base on YouTube. She took some time to answer a few questions for me!

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently? How did you first get your start in music?

I have loved music since birth, and I've had quite a long journey with music since then. It's been about six years since I began pursuing a career in music. My first encounter with music began with singing, piano, and violin at a very young age, but I later moved on to teaching myself how to play the guitar.

What style of music do you generally perform?

I like to bring a soul-touch to every song I sing.

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?

My former roommates at UCLA inspired me to start posting videos, and it was probably the bravest thing I've ever done in my career.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

In no particular order: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Ray Charles.... I could go on for years.

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?

It's amazing to know that so many people are supporting me for who I am and the music that I share. My journey in pursuing music has been bumpy at times, but at the end of the day, I can turn to my viewers for moral support.

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?

Wouldn't it be awesome if Aretha Franklin and I did a duet?!

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?

Cover: "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga

Original: "We All Look the Same" by me

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you're at home?

My preferences change from time to time, but here's what's spinning in my car: the new Sade album, Best of Anita Baker, Mariah Carey's new album, Faye Wong, and a bunch of CDs from my voice lessons. Haha

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

My teaching studio :)

Who are your closest musician friends, and how did you meet?

Unfortunately, none of my close friends are musicians, but if any of my musician-acquaintances ever become close friends, I'll let you know!

What do you do in your spare time when you're not playing music?

I really don't have too much spare time because I teach music full-time and I am still going to school. With the very little spare time I do have, I like to hang out with my family and I have tea with friends and cousins.

What do you hope to accomplish as a musician?

I would like to inspire people all over the world through music. It is important for me to be a good role model by making a difference.

Do you have any final words for the readers?

After all of these questions, I never even had the chance to say, "hello." So, hello there! :)

There's that, thanks to Olivia for the time, and thanks for reading, ciao!

J~

Olivia Thai

rhythm.connection presents HOMETOWN SERIES: PULSE N LIMITED dance crew

Hey guys, sorry this is late, and yeah I lied, one last post for tonight cuz I just remembered this. Check out on my YT channel - my interview with Pulse N Limited, a dance crew based in Ottawa. Speaking on behalf of this 20-member crew is NT Ng, Curtis Alvaro and Linh Le!

[PART 1/2]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnjXN77iB_8

[PART 2/2]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB57ErJuE0w&feature=related


Stay tuned as I will soon be posting footage I took from their rehearsal the same day I interviewed them!

J~

Pulse N Limited

rhythm.connection presents A MOMENT WITH YouTube MUSICIANS - EVELYN LEUNG

Hey guys, my last post for tonight, with another Brand New Star contestant, Evelyn Leung!

Evelyn Leung (born December 20, 1992 in Hong Kong) is a HK-based YouTube singer. Also a contestant in the recent Hummingbird Music Brand New Star contest, her fanbase has grown much bigger and her vocal talents keep getting better! Keeping busy as always, Eve stopped by to answer some quick questions!

How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently?
I've been singing at a very young age, but I wasn't as passionate for it as I am now. I guess you can say I'm doing it independently at this moment, but I would love to do it professionally, since the equipments I have are still quite limited.

What style of music do you generally perform?
Most of the videos I've put up on youtube is only me singing along to instrumentals, but lately I've been playing my guitar more and I think my viewers will be seeing a lot of the acoustic side of me. But generally I enjoy all styles of music because I think every genre has something special and great about it.

How did you first get involved in music?
I was first involved in music when I was joining a children's choir in HK. It made me realize how awesome it can be to perform in front of people and how much I enjoy doing it. Then as time goes by I just eventually found the type of music that I like to sing to.

What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?
It was kind of awkward in the beginning, cause I've never sung in front of the camera before. But then when I know about YouTube I was fairly excited about it because I wanted to share what I have with other people around the entire world. Honestly, when I look back to a few years ago I think I sounded quite bad, but the more I keep recording and getting comments from youtubers- no matter if it's good or bad, I've learned so much and gained more confidence every single time. And I'm not gonna stop making YouTube vids :)

Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influences are Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne. I would say Taylor Swift comes first, because she inspired me to write my own songs, and just be who I am. Avril is one of my biggest influence as well because she was the first English artist I've ever listened to, and she made me want to discover more and more singers out there and fall in love with music. :)

How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?
It makes me feel so blessed inside and happy. It really is an AMAZING feeling to have people support you and agree that what you're doing is something you should never stop doing, and it reassures me that I'm never gonna stop singing no matter what.

Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?
Yes there is, in fact there is a million of them I would like to collaborate with :) I'm a small girl with a BIG dream after all haha. I will collaborate with anyone, really. No matter if they're famous or not, as long as they love music I'm in.

You took part in the recent 'Brand New Star' contest run by Hummingbird Music in HK, how was that experience?
IT WAS AMAZING. I was so excited to meet the directors of Hummingbird and the HK artist GEM and to talk to them just totally made my day. It was even better because I met all the other HK You Tubers that day and we're all good friends now! We even jammed so it was just awesome :), it's a day I'll never forget.

What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?
My most popular cover was Love Story by Taylor Swift. I recorded that right before I went to bed, and i never expected that to get a lot of views, so it was really great. I was super happy when someone told me they found that video in the Grammy's We're All Fans Taylor Swift category, cause I'm a HUGE taylor swift fan! I haven't posted any original songs out yet, but hopefully it will be out in a few weeks :)

I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
Yeah, I'm a music addict :D! I listen to everything really, so normally I just play something that suits my mood of the day. Lately I've been listening to lots of Gaga songs though, am I having gaga fever?...

Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
I would say, somewhere quiet and peaceful. Sometimes it just comes when I'm riding on a bus or in the shower, but it gets forgotten easily so I always keep a pen and paper nearby.

Who is your closest musician friend, and how did you two meet?
My closest musician friends will have to be the contestants of Brand New Star Final! They're all amazing people and I'm so glad I met them all. We'll be collaborating soon :)

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing music?
When I'm not playing music, I go on facebook a lot haha xD. I read, watch movies, go shopping, YouTube, and do homework, just things that a normal 17-year-old would do :)

What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?
I hope to have my songs published and become a singer-songwriter someday. It's a big dream but at least you'll have to dream about it before it happens right? :)

Do you have any final words for the readers?
If you've read this far, thank you so much because you're awesome! And thank you Jorge for having me in this interview. :)
If you would like to support and stay tuned to my original, please check out the following links!
http://www.youtube.com/evieevelyn
http://www.facebook.com/evelynleungmusic


Thank you to Eve for the interview, and thanks for reading once again! :)

J~

Evelyn Leung