Schooled Party

Last night Candy's friend Brian invited us to the premiere of his movie "Schooled", and the party that followed.

It was an interesting night of chit chatting with different cast and crew members, getting little insights into their crafts.

The movie itself was okay. Not exactly my normal subject matter choice, but good for what it was. It could have used a bit more of a musical score to help with some of the scene transitions, and a little more character developement would have made some aspects of the plot a little clearer. There were some stinky acting moments here and there and some really phenomenal acting moments here and there. Over all though what was very cool was seeing the early work of what I'm sure will be several future stars and movie bigwigs.

Check it out if you happen to find it in some video store or happen upon it at some kind of film festival, and let me know what you think of it.

Inside Carmen: Part Two of my conversation with Carmen Hillary

In part one of my interview with Carmen we discussed her thoughts not just on the journey to completing her new CD but the journey to fame as well. In part two we'll touch on her thoughts on others in the business, and learn some juicy bits about the woman herself. So jump in, and read on...

[Linton] Your song "Watching you Dance" is about longing for someone from a distance. If there were one person out there you could have a dream date with who would it be?

[Carmen]Hmm…that song is about extreme obsession. But for just a dream date, Ryan Reynolds or Jack Black. Looks aren't a defining characteristic for me. I love talented, charismatic and funny men with a good heart.

[Linton] Now that we have some celebrities defining your dream date, what sort of celebrities would you use to describe your own personality?

[Carmen] Just going on the vibe and what I know of them, I'd say I'm a lot like Shakira personality wise and how the music drives me. My passion for it. I have Stevie Nicks self-respect and strong feminine presence. I have a lot of the same values as Jewel. I have a love for mystical and metaphysical things like Tori, Enya and Stevie and I am extremely goofy like Alanis Morissette sprinkled with a little of Madonna's love for embodying different characters on stage. Well I guess I should also admit that I have that guy from Sesame Street (the puppet who is always working on a song at the piano and then inevitably bangs his head on the piano in frustration) I have his insecurity. That's how I see myself.

[Linton] Well, you seem to have concealed the bruises on your forehead quite nicely. Okay, I'm going to shift gears here a little bit, but on the topic of other celebrities what do you make of the Paris Hiltons or Kevin Federlines of the world essentially buying themselves a music career?

[Carmen] Obviously, it's very superficial. But in another way, I'm happy to at least see Paris doing something that might build her confidence with something she contributed to the creation of. I think expression stimulates growth. Maybe I am being too hopeful to think this way, but this might give her something of her own to pursue outside of "the girl famous for being rich" label and maybe she'll do something good with her life and money one day. I don't really want to cast any negative light other than to say I am glad I am not them and I am definitely glad I don't have to go through what they may have to in twenty years.

[Linton] But do you think it helps or hurts the industry and do you think it takes opportunities away from others from breaking into the business on their own merits?

[Carmen] I think it used to hurt the industry, definitely. But with the internet there is more room for everyone now. Thank you Myspace! It also exposes talent and depth with it's contrasting lack of depth (for those who are listening for it).

[Linton] I'm just going to throw out some other names now and you can give me your thoughts and opinions of each.

First off Kevin's wife, Britney Spears...

[Carmen]Distraught and tired. Will make a come back at some point in some capacity. Lionesses never permanently give up the hunt.

[Linton] Christina Aguilera

[Carmen]The new Madonna. She is strong. She is controversial. She's the one out there who gives you knots in your stomach sometimes because you don't know what to think. She also pulls in genres and images as Madonna did. Britney was never the new Madonna in my mind because she never had enough of a bone to pick. Christina has a lot more to offer than we have seen yet. I just wish she'd start using more vocal dynamics sometimes than just constantly over pushing her voice live.

[Linton] The Pussycat Dolls or Danity Kane

[Carmen] Fun! We all need some sexiness now and then. Don't know much about Danity Kane sorry.

[Linton] I'm sure there's a large number of guys that would agree with you that both the Pussy Cat Dolls and Danity Kane are "Fun". Chantal Kreviazuk

[Carmen] Mixed bag. So talented. I have heard some surprising comments she's made and I just got the sense that she is a little bitter or unsatisfied with something. Wish I knew what it was. I just crave more from her somehow. More of a Gwen Stefani type theatrical high profile image or something?? Beautiful woman and songwriter. Love that voice!

[Linton] Since you mentioned her, Gwen Stefani

[Carmen]Wish I had her vibe!! Amazing videos!!

[Linton] Fergie (from the Black Eyed Peas)

[Carmen] Hot voice! I'm not always into the lyrical content but she's very cool and shows you can still pull it off when you're no longer 21!

[Linton] Sarah McLachlan

[Carmen] A gift to the world. Her music however, has not always been as much of an inspiration to me as most people might think. I've always been more into Tori and Peter Gabriel. But I think she has influenced me in a subliminal way and I definitely have my annual Sarah season. I love the smoothness of her voice and Afterglow is amazing!! I'm more into her now than ever before.

[Linton] Tegan and Sara

[Carmen] Talented. Born with it. Driven. That's my impression. They seem to be doing well with things.

[Linton] You're a very attractive woman yourself, how do you feel about using a sexy image to sell your music? Is it necessary in the present market and is there a line you won't cross?

[Carmen] Thank you. I hope you'd still say that if you saw me walking to the grocery store with no make-up and wearing my jogging suit?? (laughs). I'm making my own market so I'm ignoring the womanizing that goes on in most Hip Hop/Rap/R&B videos (thank God for K-OS – he's hope). I used to be venimently opposed to any use of looks to achieve success until I noticed that I had a few shows where I was having a bit of an off night but I thought I looked good, you know dressed up, but people didn't get into what I was doing. Then I realized it's still more about the energy you give off. You can catch someone's attention with glitz but you can only keep it with charisma and personality. I'd much rather be Barbara Streisand or Oprah (who are very beautiful) than Jessica Simpson or Rachel McAdams. Although Rachel is pretty hot I have to say. I want to look good. Beauty is nice to look at. But I won't do blatant sexuality unless I personally want to or the song directly calls for it.

[Linton] What do you think "sells" a song?

[Carmen] Depending who your audience is. In once sentence, mainstream – a good repetative hook and a solid beat….alternative – depth of feeling, confident artist and good universal songwriting.

[Linton] What sort of music are you listening to these days, who are you listening to?

[Carmen] Kate Havnevik. She is fantastic and so originally herself while being reminiscent of the wonderful familiar. I like an artist who take that same amazing back massage and make it even better using the same stylistic structures. Her Producer is a genius also. That helps.

[Linton] What attracts you to another person's song or a performance, and what scares you off?

[Carmen] Owning their voice and songwriting captures me. Jessica Simpson scares me off as one example. She is a warm-hearted good and talented person who utilizes her talent in a soulless way and totally takes her gifts for granted. But she was raised that way so I bet she doesn't know any better.

Okay let me change that, it's her Dad who scares me off. I just want to see her really get into the music and at least feel the words a little (I'm loving angels instead) I think she was thinking about her hairstyle for the night. Okay that is my one really mean set of comments today. Chantal I am catching your drift now. I've been watching too much Jon Stewart.

[Linton] If you could cover any one particular song on a future album what would it be?

[Carmen] Hmm…well my good friend Charmaine wants me to post a cover of Teen Spirit by Nirvana that I did. I've also done a cover of Coldplay's Clocks. Who knows, we might put those out sometime. I've been playing around with a totally different version of Zombie (Cranberries) lately. I might perform that at my cd release. We'll see.

[Linton] Well Carmen, we're just about done here, and you've been great, but before we finish up I have just a few quick hard hitting questions; the stuff the public really wants to know, a list that your über fans out there can add to the candle-lit photo shrines dedicated to you hidden in their closets. Ready?

[Carmen] Yes, I think so. A little tired…this is a marathon interview but I am glad that people might get a chance to know me better through this.

[Linton] Where were you born?

Innisfail, Alberta, Canada

[Linton] First album you ever bought?

Samantha Fox (I Wanna Have Some Fun).

[Linton] Your favorite song?

[Carmen] Name one? Can't be done. Fav's are Tori Amos "Horses" Peter Gabriel "Red Rain", "Here That Voice Again" Sinead O'Connor "Jealous"….You know what I can't do this because I have favorite songs per artist per year and per decade. We'll be here all night.

[Linton] Worst group ever?

[Carmen]Gwar and Wave. Not a fan. Just not a fan.

[Linton] Least Favorite Music Genre?

[Carmen] Particular thrasher heavy metal (early Korn)
But I like Metallica, some Pantera etc…

[Linton]Favorite pizza?

[Carmen] As a five year old kid I used to say my dream food would be abalongne pizza (they are sort of like an oyster…my Dad was a diver). Not a normal child. Now's it's Mediterranean.

[Linton] Favorite time of the year?

[Carmen] Summer. Love the heat.

[Linton] Favorite movie of all time?

[Carmen] For a long time it was Power of One. Love the Soundtrack. Now too many to mention. But I liked Contact, K-Pax, Just Friends, Final Fantasy, Memento, Lord of the Rings. I love movies so again we'd be here all night.

[Linton] Favorite TV show?

[Carmen] The Cosmos – Carl Sagan.

[Linton] Favroite Books?

[Carmen] Conversations with God, Illusions, Celestine Prophecy, The Davinci Code

[Linton] The person in your own secret closet shrine?
Gaven Lee


[Linton] Who was your first kiss?

[Carmen] Jessie Belanger.

[Linton] Ever been arrested?

[Carmen] Only in my fantasies (winks).

[Linton] Yikes! Coolest Canadian ever?

[Carmen] Jim Carrey.

[Linton] Three things you'd like to do for sure in your life-time?

[Carmen] See the pyramids in Egypt. Connect with people through my music and other creations on a mass scale. Develop and maintain a program which helps a large group of people (possibly generating educational and financial opportunities for native women on reserves).

[Linton] Wow, talented, beautiful, and a humanitarian. Impressive. Well that's it. Anything else you'd like to add for the fans?

[Carmen] First and foremost, I am so happy that something I have expelled into the world, my songs, may have touched or helped you in some way. That is all that really matters to me. It is the only reason I really want to share my music publicly. Otherwise, I would just be a creative bubble making things in my bedroom that don't leave the house. Also, thank you so much for supporting me by enjoying my music and helping me to keep my head above water at this stage through your encouragement.

[Linton]Can't wait to hear the new album. That's "Window Seat" and it comes out when again?

[Carmen] This Fall. Any new info will be posted on my internet sites.

[Linton] And where can we see you live next?

[Carmen] My cd release party is being held in Victoria, BC at the Black Stilt on December 9th. The cd will likely be available before that, but that is the next show.

[Linton] Okay Carmen thanks for your time.

[Carmen] Thank you, for yours.

Fin.

A Chat with Carmen Hillary (Part One)

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Carmen Hillary for my blog...so here goes...

PART ONE

[Linton] Hi Carmen, welcome to the interview. Are you excited?

[Carmen] Yes, I am very happy to do this.

[Linton]Great, so speaking of being excited, you've got a new full CD release coming up called "Window Seat". Are you pumped?

[Carmen] Pumped and excited to pump out the music that I have been so excited to share for so long.

[Linton] When is it going to be available and where do we buy it?

[Carmen]We are still in the process of recording. These things always take much longer than you anticipate. We are hoping for a fall release at this point. Definitely by December. We just (my producer and I) want [the CD] to be great, you know? Don't want to rush it. It will be available through my website, Itunes, Myspace and in stores, and of course at live shows. We will always keep the fans up to date on the "What's New" sections of my sites.

[Linton] Can't wait!
So what does this CD represent for you, not just lyrically but artistically? What are people going to get out this album?

[Carmen]For me artistically it represents freedom. I am so tired of people telling me what "an artist" needs to do to be successful. Forget that! In the end, deep down I think industry types want you to tell them they are probably right but you are going to do it your way anyway because that is what feels right for you. If you own that, then the tables are turned and excitement about what you might do next starts to generate. I think fundamentally everyone prefers and/or seeks out something original or unique and you can't deeply and truly attain that kind of individuality without being and living it - A.K.A. by being yourself. So yes, freedom!!

[Linton] So you're not just going to be playing it safe then with a pop album?

[Carmen] I'm doing what I want and I don't care if each song does or doesn't fit into an exact genre or mold. I'm aiming more for a mood and vibe. I think the marketing world often underestimates the audiences ability to mold to different styles of music that are still within the same vibe or style overall on a feeling level. Looks like you've opened a can of worms here. I like to talk about things can you tell?

[Linton] Yes and its okay, it makes my job here easier. Did you have something more to add to that?

[Carmen] Back to your original question, I hope that people who like several different styles of music get into what I am doing because there will be a lot of variety on my album and I think it will all appeal to the same vibe of other artists like Tori, Imogen, Annie L, Sarah M., Enya and Bjork etc…I'm interested in connecting with those audiences. Luckily, I seem to be doing that so far.

[Linton] Did you have a complete vision of what you wanted before going into the studio?

[Carmen] Again, just the overall vibe. Some more electronic influences. Beautiful, enchanting, dark yet inspiring. One radio announcer called it the "noir magical" genre. I think that describes it in a sense. I think something can be dark without being negative. It can be powerful. I don't want to think about it too much. I don't want to censor my direction or be too contrived. I'm just making sure that everything fits into that spectrum of feeling.

[Linton] Have there been any unexpected pitfalls or surprises during the recording?

[Carmen]Usually if anything is important, you end up having to make important decisions. I had to make some really difficult decisions to get this project where I wanted it to go with the means I have access to. I had to let go of something that really matters to me for now in a certain way. I stress, for now. Painting with new brushes for something new for this project.

[Linton] Any advice to give someone going into a studio to make a complete album for the first time?

[Carmen]There are so many different areas I could go into..hmm…well my first suggestions would be to find a producer that loves and produces the exact same style of music you are trying to aim for. Listen to other artists that they have recorded and make sure you're happy with it. That greatly increases the likelihood you'll get what you wanted in your finished product. And make sure the bed track instruments (Drums, bass, guitar, piano) are as tight and grooving as possible before and when recorded because usually, everything else is built up on top of that. You don't want any weak links in the chain there. But keep in mind that the right feel and vibe is way more important than a mechanical tightness.

[Linton] How has the journey been to becoming a successful female Canadian singer/songwriter?

[Carmen]So far? So much work and so much more to do. 90% business 10% talent they say. Seems to be true. Hard. Hard. Hard. Depressingly arduous and then finally enlightening thanks to my fan base!!! They rock!! So loyal. Loyal fans are so wonderful. I feel like I attract people who listen to themselves when it comes to what they like and they don't just go with the flow. Also, my new Marketing and Promotions Manager Melanie Tromp is fantastic!! She is a Godsend because now I can focus more on the music and even occasionally have a bit of a personal life!

[Linton] Do you think it would have been any different had you started off in the U.S., Europe, or the U.K?

[Carmen]Yes. I think I connect more with the UK sound and there are more people in those places.

[Linton] Well I understand your song "After" has already had some international airplay recently. Do you have a battle plan if you happen to become a big sensation in the U.K.?

[Carmen]You'll have to ask Melanie about that. Feels good to delegate (laughs). But yes, I am building some connections in the UK. I've even got a friend shopping my music around by hand, thanks Mark D.!

[Linton] What have been your biggest obstacles toward success so far?

[Carmen] The ever so common yet as sure as death and taxes…time and money. When I've had the time I haven't had the money and vice versa. I still perform additional work to contribute to the cost of my career. The juggle sometimes brings me to the brink of insanity but I have discovered that you get farther with the more money option. So it's worth it even though it slows things down sometimes.

[Linton] Is there anything you would have done differently looking back on your career up to this point?

[Carmen] No. I am where I need to be for me. I had some major potential opportunities a while ago and I am very glad that I did not take them. I was not ready. I am ready now.

[Linton] I'm sure the audiences are ready for you too. Do you enjoy the work in the studio more, or performing live?

[Carmen] I always used to love performing live more and was never nervous, and though in the past I had severe studio fright, I am slowly developing more of a love for the studio. There are things you can do creatively in the studio that you can't play around with live and vice versa.

I've played a lot of bars in the past few years and so I am excited when I can get out of that circuit now. It's impacted my enjoyment of live performance a bit. That's why we're now finally building things more around the cd releases…so there is more purposeful momentum.

[Linton] Is there going to be a tour to accompany the new CD?

[Carmen] Yes, dates will be announced on the sites near the cd release date.

[Linton] What is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about you when they first meet you or see you live?

[Carmen] That I am a snob and come from a wealthy background. I am the polar opposite. As soon as people get to know me they realize that. I am very accepting of people and I don't subscribe to social structures at all. I completely embody the principle that everyone is equal on a fundamental level and I don't feel like I am any better than anyone else. Although on a bad day, sometimes I feel like I am worse than other people…but that is just the evil inner beast talking. I believe that everyone is fully entitled to what they are passionate about and I can't bear to see people unjustly discriminated against. I have a lot in common with the singer Jewel in this area. Why should I sometimes get special treatment just because I can sing, when this man next to me has no food to eat..something like that she said.

[Linton] How do you feel then about the extra attention these days?

[Carmen] Off the stage I am introverted. I don't normally like to be the focus. I don't feel like I deserve it and I don't understand why anyone would be interested in hearing me do, what I feel like, is just normal.

Also, I don't want anyone to use my perceived success as a reason to judge themselves if they are not feeling successful. I have shrinking violet tendencies, but I am enjoying the positive feedback and connecting with my fans. Connecting with people and sharing something together is way more fun than attention. Although, who knows maybe in time that will change and you won't be able to get me off the podium!

[Linton] Do you think that has something to do with your age? Now in your late twenties do you wish sometimes that you had achieved success when you were younger?

[Carmen] No. Only in a small way. Some doors close with age. I was offered to be on Canadian Idol until they found out my age. But I think Oprah, the modern age and internet are changing our perception of age and I have so much more to offer now than I did then.

[Linton] You don't sound particularly hungry for over-the-top-paparazzi-chasing-your-car fame. Some artists would like the recognition for their work but not the crazy fame that comes with it. How will you handle it, or could you handle it?. Or is the media game something you'll try to avoid all together?

[Carmen] I like the Tori Amos or Sarah M. roads or I'd even be happy with the Lisa Gerrard/Enya paths. Don't give me a Britney life please!!! (I used to want that way back before I knew what was involved in that). I think the audience that I attract is strong and independent and I doubt the media would have much to work with. Critisism and scrutiny can be a hard thing, but by the time most people make it (around fifteen years to accomplish high level success apparently) you've probably been so beaten and bloody that a razor couldn't cut your skin.

[Linton] I remember an interview on CBC radio with Chantal Kreviazuk at the beginning of her career, just when things were taking off, and she hoped at that time that fame wouldn't change her. Do you think that it's inevitable that fame makes a person a little jaded, or skews their sense of reality?

[Carmen] Yes. I think everyone must be affected by that at least for awhile in some capacity. Unless maybe they were born into that lifestyle and they don't know any different. Otherwise, we're talking realization of dreams here. That's no small thing. But I feel badly for really young artists who don't seem to realize they are in an illusion. As long as you know none of it is real then I think you keep your feet on the ground ultimately.

Apparently the Dalai Lama said that you can't have something until you don't want it anymore. That is true for sure in my experience. As I move further on my path I definitely feel more like the little Oz behind the curtain than the one on the big screen. I don't get to enjoy the fun of illusion as much as most people because I can see through it so easily. That's a little sad, like a loss of innocence, but it also opens other doors for me.

[Linton] Deep and you managed to squeeze in a W of O reference, and right next to the big DL too. Always good. You seem to have a thoughtful side to you. Many of your lyrics seem incredibly heart-felt and personal, where do you draw the inspiration for your songs and this new album in general?

[Carmen] My personal feelings, observations and experiences. How selfish (chuckles). I guess I feel like if I can understand the reasoning of the inside world I can use it to understand the outside world?

[Linton] Sounds to me like the Dalai Lama might have some competition. Maybe he'd do a duet with you some day. He seems pretty hip, he's even got a website, have you seen it?

[Carmen] Really? Will have to check it out.

{Linton] Ya, it's pretty cool. So with your inspiration being so internal at times does it take a long time to put a song together, or does it all just pop into your head? What is your actual song writing process?

[Carmen] Yes. To finish it completely, yes. Most of it pops into my head but then I have to weed through the ideas and pull out the strengths. Sometimes even throwing out favorite ideas for the betterment of the whole song. Melodies come to me. Lyrics are my struggle. It's very scary to be that honest outloud. It's much easier to carry it in the feeling of the music. I have to constantly bounce my lyrics back to myself and say is this the truth of what I want to say with this song? I often try to cover too many ideas in a song. I constantly have to remind myself to simplify my meaning.

END OF PART I - Pop in again next week for the second part where we'll delve into Carmens opinions of the state of the music industry and get some inside info on Carmen herself just for her fans, well, and you too.