Neon Trees Create a Buzz in the Music Scene

By Alison Sikes NYU

Utah. A state known for its outdoor activities and scenic views, not for flash and bright colors. Alternative band Neon Trees hopes to electrify their home state’s reputation.  Self-described as post-pop punk, Neon Trees’ sound is infectious, entertaining, and dance-worthy.  Lead singer Tyler Glenn accredits bands like Passion Pit and The Big Pink as well as French DJs to their enthralling music. These influences are apparent in their first single “Animal.” The catchy song is a solid debut about comparing the start of a relationship to…well, to an animal. The upcoming video for “Animal” also takes from an interesting source of influence—Batman. As a teenager, Glenn loved superheroes like X-Men and of course, The Dark Knight. The band drew from their love of the Tim-Burton-directed Batman and paid homage to the Joker scene in which he and his cronies wreak havoc in an art gallery. Whether inspired by caped-crusaders or by electronic tastemakers, prepare for Neon Trees’ forthcoming album, Habits, to be filled with seductive vocals and hard-edged tracks about the habits of a relationship. Be sure to give Habits a listen when it is released on March 23!

Fefe Dobson Interview

Fefe Dobson Watch me Move Video

by Alison Sikes NYU

Alison Sikes: How is it going? How were the VMAs?

Fefe Dobson:  I’m doing great. The VMAs were great. It was fabulous. I did a MTV pre-VMA show with Cobra Starship. We judged a couple bands. Cobra guys were really nice and super chill. They seem like they have a good time.

AS: It’s really funny because I went to Fashion’s Night Out the other night (http://www.fashionsnightout.com/) and I saw both you and Gabe Saporta (of Cobra Starship) that night. What events did you go to?

FD: I went to Kiehls. It was awesome. Everyone was doing karaoke. So much cool energy. People were dancing. “Single Ladies” came on and everyone was on the floor, doing the dance, getting down on the ground. I was like “I love Kiehls. This is great.”

AS: Going with the whole fashion thing, how would you describe your style?

FD: I would describe my style as whatever I see and tickles my fancy, I put it on and go. I’m a vintage gal. I really love finding special little pieces and rummaging. In Toronto, we have a huge vintage/thrift store scene. I got a faux-fur jacket for ten bucks and that is what it’s like in Toronto. Vintage is vintage and that’s what I love about it.

AS: Do you think you’ll visit any thrift stores in New York City during your free time here?

FD: I am going to try to for sue. I love street shopping in New York because people make original pieces like jewelry. I find it really pretty.

AS: You new album, Joy, comes out in the upcoming months. How is it different than your previous albums in terms of your sound, inspiration, etc?

FD: As persons, we all grow. If you stay the same person, you have to worry. When I made the first record entitled Fefe Dobson,- very creative name- I was just hitting my teens and now, I am in my early twenties and have evolved from that point. I have gone through different experiences and so, my writing is going to come from a different place. I’m going to feel differently, dress differently, and look at people differently. That comes across [in my music] because that is your art and just like a painter or a poet, they grow and their work becomes a little bit more of a picture.  I think that there is more beauty when things get older and things grow up like my work. I feel like it’s becoming more beautiful to me because it’s growing up for me.

AS: What parts of your life did you draw inspiration from for this particular album?

FD: I drew a lot from love. I always do. I love love. All you need is love. I draw a lot from love and loss. For some songs, like there is a song called “Paranoia” on the record now and that was me being bit paranoid over odd things. I love this song “People are Strange” by The Doors and he describes how he feels how people are always lurking around. I kind of feel that way with cameras. I always think when you’re changing in the changing room that there is going to be a camera in the room. I heard a story about a man that used to put a camera on the tip of his boot and when he walked, he’d look under girls’ dresses. I kind of went there a little bit on that a paranoid feeling as being a women and never really knowing what is lurking behind you or in the changing room. I write about things I’m feeling.

AS: I have to ask the corny question, what kinds of things bring joy to Fefe Dobson?

FD: What brings joy to me? Some good food. I love a good meal. I dance when I eat. I’ll be on the street and if I eat something that is good, I’ll say “Oh” and my foot starts to twitch. Just some good food and I’m in heaven.

AS: It just so happens that Mike Myers is also from your hometown of Scarborough, Ontario. Seeing that he is a funny guy, do you consider yourself to be a funny person?

FD: I try to be. I can make my friends laugh. I can make my best friend crack up. I think she is lying to me. She laughs at everything I say.

AS: When you first came out, I can remember your music being all over the Disney Channel. Now, current Disney stars like Miley Cyrus and Jordin Sparks are all covering your songs. What is that like for you?

FD: It’s pretty wild. It’s hard to describe because they’re not songs that have been out for year and I’m like 55 years of age.  I just made theses gonad n they were on the record, it’s pretty crazy.

AS: What are your plans for the future?

FD: Making more records, making more music, producing. I hope one day I can be like Tina Turner. Be 60 years old, still rocking out with great legs and not feeling like I’m going to fall apart or break.

Alison’s Interview with Kristinia DeBarge

In 2003, Kristinia DeBarge made it to the finals in the short-lived signing competition American Juniors. Though she did not win the coveted recording contract, DeBarge is now proving that you don’t have to finish first to make it to the top. With herBillboard Top 20 hit “Goodbye,” DeBarge is now on tour with Britney Spears playing to sold out arenas every night.

Recently, she got the chance of a lifetime to perform two sets at the famous Madison Square Garden. “It has been an amazing experience,” she said. Though the crowds she currently performs to are in the thousands, DeBarge tries to create an intimate show. “I like to connect with my audience. I want them to have fun no matter where they’re sitting.”

Despite being only 19, DeBarge has experienced a lot for her age and she chooses to talk about her past through her songs. On her debut album Exposed, she sings about everything from breakups to maturation. “I would describe my music as fun and relatable. There is a song for everyone.” It looks like DeBarge won’t be saying “Goodbye” to her career anytime soon.

Check out Kristinia DeBarge in Britney Spear’s Circus. She will be performing at the American Airlines Arena on September 2.

Off the Bus and On the Record-A Review

Off the Bus and On the Record Available Now!

Before they graced the covers of magazines, adorned the bedroom walls of fans, and played sold out arenas, they were interviewed by The Rock Star Stories. For nine seasons, television show The Rock Star Stories has interviewed over 200 of the biggest names in the music industry. After a decade of crazy encounters and experiences, it’s the cast’s turn to tell their rock star stories.

Off the Bus and On the Record is a compilation of 22 interviews conducted over the past seasons, told from fresh perspective of the teens who encountered these musicians first-hand. Off the Bus gives readers a candid look into beloved bands, both on and off the camera. The book features interviews from everyone, including My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Jack’s Mannequin, and Maroon 5. With a foreword written by famed editor Aaron Burgess, Off the Bus and On the Record is a must for any true music lover.

BY Alison Sikes