Michelle Rose Exclusive Interview

 





Q:  What's it like growing up in Mpls?  

Does the city have interesting stories about Prince?  

 

A:  I only lived in Minneapolis until I was three, but I have fond memories of it.  Even now that I live in a suburb of Minneapolis, I still feel like I'm a part of Minneapolis.  I think a lot of Minnesotans have "Minneapolis Pride", even if they don't live in Minneapolis.  Minneapolis has so many fun things to see and do, and the arts are very important here, with so many theaters and live shows.  

 

Prince put us on the map for music.  I hear Prince stories everywhere I go in Minnesota.  I've met so many people who were associated with Prince, including one of his dancers, and even a former Paisley Park employee working as a cashier at the local grocery store, so I've heard many Prince stories.  I wish I could've been a Chanhassen resident when Prince was still alive, because I know that many Chanhassen residents saw him casually riding his bike around town and driving his luxury cars. 

 

I'll share one of my favorite Prince stories.  I attended a family reunion a few summers ago, where I met his costume designer.  Her name is Francine, and she's from France.  She told me that one day, she was babysitting her eight-year-old grandson when she received a call from Prince's assistant.  His assistant told her that Prince wanted her to come in right away to work on a costume for him.  Francine told the assistant that she was very sorry, but that was impossible, because she had her grandson with her and had already promised to babysit him for the day.

 

A few minutes later, Prince's assistant called back told Francine that Prince REALLY wanted her to come in right away to work on the costume, and that she could bring her grandson along.  So, off they went.

 

Francine was having a difficult time keeping her very bored grandson out of things.  At one point, he started opening the door to Prince's closet.  Francine immediately told him to stay out of there.  Her grandson looked at her and said, "Why??"  Prince answered for her.  He looked at the grandson and said, "Because there's a BEAR in there!"  The grandson stopped and got very quiet and somber.  He looked up at Prince with big, serious eyes and said, "Is it a big bear, or a little bear?"   Prince cracked up laughing!


Q:  So how did you first meet Dr. Fink?  What was the experience like working with him? 

 

A:  I told a mutual acquaintance of Dr. Fink's that Prince & The Revolution was my favorite band, and she decided to send him my music.  I was ecstatic when he called me for the first time to tell me that he wanted to work with me.  I actually saw The Revolution perform live at First Avenue before I met Dr. Fink.  I clearly remember thinking to myself, "This is a once in a lifetime experience.  This might be my only chance to see this band".  It's crazy to think back to that memory, because now I gossip with Dr. Fink, attend parties with his family, and I feel like his friend.  It's really cool to be friends with someone you were a fan of before you met them.  Working with him has been great.  He listens to my ideas and gives me honest feedback.  He is one of the most talented musicians ever, and watching him improvise on the piano and create a full production out of thin air has been inspiring for me as I learn and grow as a musician.  


Q:  I have heard quite often from people who have graduated from music school that they wish they would've obtained hands on experience prior to going to school, because nothing beats getting active in the studio with a expert!  Was Berklee College a great experience?  Do you equate your skill level to being in college for music?  

 

A:  Berklee College of Music was a great experience.  I learned so much about music theory, songwriting, music production, and ear training, as well as singing.  The professors at Berklee really care about preparing the students for the real, harsh world that is the music industry, so it's really hard work, but enjoyable.  I do equate my skill level to being in college for music.  It taught me skills much faster than I would've learned on my own at home, and it was great to meet other musicians my age from around the world. 

 

 

Q:  I understand you have been working on music since you were 12 years old.  Where did you first obtain the inspiration?  

 

A:  I did pageants, and I actually wanted to dance for the talent portion of the local pageants.  However, I turned out to be a horrible dancer at the time, so my family encouraged me to try singing instead, so that I could still do pageant talent competitions.  I would often sing along to Sarah Brightman's CD's in the backseat of the car when I was little, and some people thought I had some natural talent and potential for success in singing.   So, my family had me try a few voice lessons.  I instantly fell in love and never looked back, and I started training classically in singing when I was six.   When I was 11, I started co-writing and recording songs with producers, and in my late teens, I started to really focus on Pop music and also Opera. 


Q:  Who are some of the notable people that have added a boost to your musical wisdom and direction?  

 

A:  Dr. Fink, of course, as well as Chris Moon, who discovered and developed Prince here in Minnesota, and the many amazing teachers that I've worked with over the years to grow my singing and musicianship skills. 


Q:  Could you tell us about your latest projects?  

 

A:  My latest project is my song and music video called "Last First Kiss".  It's very romantic and has a 90's R&B/Pop crossover feel.  The song is about adoring your new love interest so much that you hope you will share your last "first kiss" with them.  It's about wanting to be with this person forever and being excited for your future with them.  The song was composed and produced by Dr. Fink and written by him and his wife, Andra.  They asked me to sing the song after waiting several years to find a singer they thought would fit the song the best.  I was very grateful that they wanted me to sing it.  Also, I recently released a cover video for "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". 


Q:  If you were not in the entertainment business what would you prefer to do?  

 

A:  I don't see myself doing anything other than the entertainment business, whether it be as a singer, songwriter, producer, actor, or TV news anchor.  I feel like I've been in the entertainment business since I was a child because of always performing in talent competitions, pageants, and musicals, or acting in movies, commercials, etc.  But, if I absolutely had to give up on the entertainment business, I think I would become a real estate agent or a lawyer.  I have an entrepreneurial mindset that I inherited from my parents, and I also love to be studious and learn.  I work hard at everything I set my mind to. 


What can we expect from you in the near future?  

 

A:  You can expect more songs and more videos.  I have some EDM/Dance Pop songs that I want to do, as well as some Country songs and more Christmas songs. 



Any last remarks?  

 

A:  Thank you so much for this interview!

 https://michellerose.com/


 

The April Fools | Wonderland | Music Review

 


The April Fools have released their fourth album entitled "Wonderland". The ten-track project shows the band’s growth within their musical style. Wonderland was composed by Brian Drake on vocals & guitar; Brad McLemore: vocals guitar along with harmonica; Terri Owens: vocals guitar & mandolin; Ben Kaplan: drums percussion and vocals; Nick Salisbury on bass. With these skills  at the forefront, The April Fools take listeners through a journey of love, heartbreak, loss and even voodoo with their unique blend of Classic Rock and Americana.


The overall album blends genres very well, while having different voices as the main narrator for each song.   Each song differs in tempo with unique styles, while presenting vivid stories to keep you entertained.   The project is well balanced and arranged in a manner that makes the project a thrilling ride.

“She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On)” is the shortest song on the album.  The track starts with indie rock instruments to set the tone for the simple lyrics and a straightforward narrative.  All the elements together convey the excitement at seeing his lover in her beautiful dress. 

 
“Isolation Blues” may catch you off guard with the title, but lyrics tell an even sadder story. This is another short song that packs a punch; being easy to listen to and clearly depicts the loss of a loved one. While the story is sad, there are moments of regret that are normal in these situations, along with longing for time with that person again.

The album as a whole, is an inspiring classic that should be recommended to fans of bands that enjoy the old school style. You’re guaranteed to find something you like after just one listen.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/DUsZYu1F8dY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaprilfoolsmn

EliasKwola Exclusive Interview!

 




Could you tell us what it's like being from Beaver Pennsylvania

Beaver is a small and quiet town.  I have not lived here my whole life but long enough now to call it home.  I am very blessed to be here.  Beaver is located about half an hour northwest of Pittsburgh.  


Having the city so close is great because there are so many different cultures represented in Pittsburgh.  The Strip District is one of the coolest places in the city.  You can find stores representing cultures from all over the world, great restaurants, wineries and breweries, cafes, fresh fish/meat markets, Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania themed stores, and the Heinz History Center which talks about the history of western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh.  


I go there as often as I can not only to get grape leaves imported from Greece at Stamoolis and to visit Salem's Halal Market and Grill to get lamb curry, but also just for the experience.  That part of the city feels alive.  I love being there.  


I am very proud to say I come from Pittsburgh.


Can you tell us about your latest project?


My latest project, Frostbyte, is something I wrote in August 2020 when I got COVID.  This track has an interesting story because I recorded it two separate times.  I wanted to make a beat based off of the level "Ice Cap Zone" from Sonic 3 because I always loved the music that accompanied it.  I finished the beat in a couple hours and then waited until later to start recording it.  


During the first round of recording, I was on a bunch of steroids trying to fight off COVID and wasn't thinking well about the recording process.  It felt rushed, but I still sent it to a few people for their feedback.  One of them was my good friend and artist, Jaløn Tyler.  He said he liked the rap and the beat separately, but not together.  With Jaløn’s input, the new Frostbyte beat was born and it leveled up so much more than I ever imagined.  


At this point, I decided to wait until winter to release this record because of the ice theme in the music, lyrics, and cover art.  Through this project I found that waiting for the right time to release something is so important.  If I were to release Frostbyte in August, it would've seemed out of place and it wouldn't have been the quality I was looking for.  


One of the other reasons the timing and quality was better is I became a part of the producer/artist group founded by Ill Melley, Flood Season.  They have become a huge part of my artistic endeavours.  So a huge shout-out to Melley and Sorrow for helping me with the engineering side of things! I have learned that people who love you and support you have your best interest in mind.  Listen to them if they honestly say something doesn't sound as good as it should or if it doesn't fit together.  It may hurt a little bit at first, but it's for your own good and growth!


If music was not your only thing, what else would you see yourselves doing?


I've thought about this question a lot and honestly I'm not sure what else I would do except make music.  Music makes sense to me.  I understand it.  I've listened to every genre my whole life from rap to classical music and I love every single one.  For the longest time I stuck myself into the classical music bubble.  I majored in bassoon and clarinet at Youngstown State University.  I had an absolutely amazing experience and met so many lifelong friends. 


Overtime, I felt my creativity being sapped only by playing what was on the stand and not writing as much.  I always loved writing music.  During my time at YSU, I only told two people that I wanted to be an artist and they were Dr. Stephen Gage and my very good friend Emma Donkin, both of whom are great musicians and composers.  I didn’t tell any other people because I was embarrassed to mention it to anyone else.  Ultimately, I decided to stay in school and finish my degree. 


I found myself listening to music I enjoyed and only listening to the classical pieces I was playing to better learn it.  One day I decided I could do this myself.  I can create something that I like to listen to and perform as well!  I guess I got sick of playing other people's music.  Especially of people who aren't alive!  I want to be in the present and look to the future creating something special and different.  So the answer is no, I cannot see myself doing anything else other than music.


Can you give us a description of your song, "Frostbite"?


My latest project, Frostbyte, is something I wrote in August 2020 when I got COVID.  This track has an interesting story because I recorded it two separate times.  I wanted to make a beat based off of the level "Ice Cap Zone" from Sonic 3 because I always loved the music that accompanied it.  I finished the beat in a couple hours and then waited until later to start recording it.  


During the first round of recording, I was on a bunch of steroids trying to fight off COVID and wasn't thinking well about the recording process.  It felt rushed, but I still sent it to a few people for their feedback.  One of them was my good friend and artist, Jaløn Tyler.  He said he liked the rap and the beat separately, but not together.  With Jaløn’s input, the new Frostbyte beat was born and it leveled up so much more than I ever imagined.  


At this point, I decided to wait until winter to release this record because of the ice theme in the music, lyrics, and cover art.  Through this project I found that waiting for the right time to release something is so important.  If I were to release Frostbyte in August, it would've seemed out of place and it wouldn't have been the quality I was looking for.  


One of the other reasons the timing and quality was better is I became a part of the producer/artist group founded by Ill Melley, Flood Season.  They have become a huge part of my artistic endeavours.  So a huge shout-out to Melley and Sorrow for helping me with the engineering side of things! I have learned that people who love you and support you have your best interest in mind.  Listen to them if they honestly say something doesn't sound as good as it should or if it doesn't fit together.  It may hurt a little bit at first, but it's for your own good and growth!


Are there any other projects you have in the works?


Yes I have three other projects I'm working on all of which I am really excited about.  Kwola King (I don't play around), Love Is Slow, and Honey Bee.  


I'm working with producer Jboi from Youngstown, Ohio on Kwola King.  This Collab is very special for me because I went to Youngstown State University for both of my degrees.  The city of Youngstown may be small but the people there are great.  I always felt comfortable there and made so many life long friends.  Jboi is a great engineer and producer so I am super pumped about "Kwola King" releasing and that connection with Youngstown Ohio makes it all the better.  Kwola King features one of my alter egos, Kwola King, who is the leader of his kwola tribe.  He is sure of himself and doesn't give into any hate.  He is a boss and doesn't take no for an answer.  You don't mess with him.  The song is a play on words about how Kwola King don't play around... when in reality I play around with the wordplay, flow, and beat.  Also, I'm playing as Kwola King saying I don't play around all the while letting people know I am serious about what I'm doing.  The song is kind of a paradox.  


Love Is Slow is a project that should release in March in collaboration with producer lost.mindd, a producer from Sweden!  She is a super talented musician.  This song is much more vulnerable.  It's about how I go slow with love because I am always unsure how the other person feels.  Does she feel the same way I do?  Am I rushing things? Does she want me to do this or not?  These recurring thoughts always happen to me in every relationship I've had.  Everything I've ever done with music always made sense to me but when it comes to love, I have no idea what I'm doing.  That's what this song is about.  The cover art will have a cartoon drawing of me walking in a dark city in the distance.  I will have the Kwola King logo on the back of my shirt to show that even though I'm exposing myself, I'm still going to be strong and keep moving forward. 


Honey Bee, planned to release in April, is in collaboration with producer VicTheMonster from Florida.  I just met him but I instantly loved his beats.  He likes to experiment with different sounds and vibes.  When I heard this beat, I instantly started writing to it.  So far, I think it's my favorite song I've written.  This song features my alter egos, Tigris and Bee Major, a pair of best friends that stick by each other through everything.  Tigris is a very powerful tiger but was born blind.  Bee Major helps him and leads the way by the loud buzzing.  Tigris, in return, protects Bee Major from getting attacked by anyone.  They have somewhat of a symbiotic relationship.  The song talks about a different kind of love.  A genuine love between two people based on their needs whether it be emotionally, spiritually, physically, or all of the above.


With having multiple voices for personas, are there any of them that is a favorite to you? 


My favorite voice to perform right now is Tigris'.  You will hear it on Honey Bee.  He has a nice lower tone, but unlike Kwola King, he is a lot smoother.  He also likes to talk a little higher sometimes in a more nasal tone which happens to be my favorite sound so far.  I like how it captures the listeners attention.  Whether they hate it or love it, they notice it.  But honestly, my voice changes often because it also depends on what mood I'm in.  If I'm feeling kind of psycho, I'll pull out Rooster Ben just like you heard on Frostbyte!  It just depends on the feeling of the song.


I like hip hop many other genre’s!  If you could make changes to the music industry what would it be and why?



The only change I would make to the music industry is the type of music that "blows up".  It's usually always about the same themes; sex, drugs, partying etc.  While I respect the art and the work behind these songs and a songwriter may choose to write about whatever he or she wants, I wish that other topics were played more often.  


On a rare occasion, I'll hear a song on the radio and think "Oh that was different".  I want every song I hear to be different.  We need to normalize unique music made by independent artists or even signed artists playing on the main stream radio.  Radio stations should branch out and look for more variation in the music played.


CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC AND FOLLOW HIM ON SOCIAL MEDIA



Exclusive Interview with Cookie





 Could you tell us what it was like Growing up in Erie Penn?  

I actually grew up in Spring Creek Pennsylvania and currently reside in Erie. I honestly felt Spring Creek was the best place to experience my beginnings at. It is very small and country but a pretty tight knit community. Everyone knows EVERYTHING about everybody which at times can be suffocating, but when it matters most the people there have each other's backs and will help out in anyway they can in times of need. There's alot of farm grounds out where I grew up, and though that may not seem fun or exciting to some something about that type of upbringing humbles you. 




From my understanding, you have been active in music since age 5, where do you find the inspiration? 

From a very young age I just always remember music being played around the house, on car rides, and when visiting my grandmother and grandfather's farm. I always loved it and just began singing and dancing along to the various types of music that were played. At about five I had my own record player and would dance and sing with my Dad to Chubby checker, Sam Cooke, bobby McFerrin and many more of the greats. I also enjoy listening to Tammy Wynette, Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Parker McCollum, Miranda Lambert, and so many more. 




Do you come from a music family?  

I wouldn't say entirely. My family enjoys listening to music but no one else in the family sang or played instruments. I myself didn't play any instruments until more recent years. I've taught myself how to play acoustic guitar (enough to follow the songs I write), know a little keyboard, and am now trying to learn the banjo.



Do you remember your first gig? Were you nervous? I had small singing solos when in my elementary and highschool choruses, but my first actual gig I would have to say would have been when I was 15. There was just a small band that I was a part of back home that would come together to put a set list of Christmas music together. We would practice for 2-3 months and then when we sounded performance ready would travel to all the nursing homes around the area and spread the Christmas cheer for those who couldn't be home with their loved ones. I was nervous (and still get nervous to this day everytime I perform), but once I saw how much joy it brought to the residents faces to see and hear us, it eased up my nerves. 




Opening for Lil Scrappy is huge! What was that experience like?  Did you get a chance to talk to Lil Scrappy? 

That was a great yet disappointing experience. I was at a local open mic night and after performing was approached by his agent. I was 17 then. Of course I jumped at the chance to open for him when presented the opportunity. There was a local college he was to perform at but on the day of the event him and his team switched venues. Because of the last minute change not as many people showed as they were expecting (naturally; they didn't get the memo). Due to this he was on stage no longer than 10 minutes. I would say myself and the other opening artist of the night were on stage longer than he was. Then he just left. I never got to speak to him and there was never an after party as promised on the tickets after the show. Of course I didn't have to pay being an opening act, but felt badly for those who paid for the tickets and needless to say didn't get their money's worth. My performance was great along with the other act. I truly had fun, but was just expecting more from him as a pretty big artist at that time. 




Could you tell us about your latest single?  

Rugged Cowboy is not the usual type of song I would do. But when I heard the beat of the song I thought I have just the lyrics for it! It was serendipity working at its finest because the beat had a voiceover previously recorded in it that spoke about being a rough around the edges type of character and basically how they had no time for anyone or anything. I had a different rendition of Rugged Cowboy already written, but knew it needed to go on that beat after hearing the theme of the voiceover. So after adjusting the lyrics a little bit, I got it so it fit perfectly with the already estranged, cold nature of the song. It is simply about the life of a cowboy and how they are their own keepers and answer to no one. Their freedom is always going to be leaving instead of loving. It also reminds one to not get too involved with them romantically, and if you do, be ready for heartbreak.




What is the typical day of creation like for Cookie?

I feel when I'm creating how it comes about is never really typical. When that writer's spark hits it comes to be in many different formats. I've dreamt of some of the songs I've written and remembered every part and composed it after waking. I've drank a few and have spontaneously written, and I've heard lines or phrases that sound catchy or see expressions on people's faces and see a phrase in my mind that gives me inspiration to write. 





What do you have plan for the near future?

I will be performing at a poetry event here in town, three months from now at a friend's wedding, and hopefully soon will produce to the best of my ability, my next single. 





If you could do anything else what would it be? 

Well since I'm a struggling artist and have to have steady income to pay the bills, I am currently a teacher's aide working alongside children on the autism spectrum.

 


Any last remarks

I would love love love to meet and perform with Shania Twain! I love her music and love how she's always fought for her dreams even in the bleakest of times. She is true to who she is and gives no bones about what others have to say in regards to her being "country enough." She is beautiful, bold and just who she is and 


I absolutely love and adore her for that. 


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofcj48Tc1LTozKyF38x6kg


                          https://open.spotify.com/track/6gXi0GW2yng2jqYySMBalx