JER BER JONES - THE INTERVIEW

Jer Ber Jones

When I hear  Model 4 Me the first thing that comes to mind is, when I first saw Jer Ber Jones perform live at the Key Club along with Dirty Sanchez and Avenue D. Ever since that night I was hooked, and have not stopped playing her music. Many may not understand her artistic and Tranimal ways, but it works for her. Without a doubt the music and lyrics are incredible, and who wouldn't want to be a model or have telepathic powers? I recommend to listen and buy Jer Ber Jones - Greatest Hits Volume 2, and her latest project called Push My Button (Feat. Jer Ber Jones) - Berdache.

For contact info, purchase and streaming music:

ITUNES

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jer-bers-greatest-hits-volume/id365843461

MYSPACE

http://www.myspace.com/jerberjones

WEBSITE

http://robbied.com

FACEBOOK

http://facebook.com/jerberjones

Interview

Raven: Hi JerBer, thank you for doing this interview, how are you?


Jerber Jones: I am doing great. Thank you. 

 Raven: The first thing I have to ask is where did you come up with the term tranimal, and what is a tranimal for those who don't know?

Jerber Jones: Tranimal popped out of my head when I was looking around for a word as an alternative to "drag queen", I have never really considered myself a drag queen. The word Tranimal seemed to fit what I was going through at the time. As per usual, I am a trend setter and everyone has since adapted the word from me. A "tranimal" would be someone who dresses in drag, but perhaps a bit more artistic, or street-urchinly, or performance artsy than your regular, tired, drag queen. 






Raven: For those who are just discovering Jerber Jones, who is Jerber Jones?


Jerber Jones: She is America's favorite Mormon polygamist, fashion/runway model/singer, and single-mom.

Raven: What inspires you to write the lyrics that you do and do you produce your own music?


Jerber Jones: Making music that pushes the boundries of tried and true pop. I always have some lyric popping into my head, it's been that way since I was a tiny kid. 






Raven: You have a remakable and unique sound, do you think you will change your style to adapt to an ever-changing world of music?


Jerber Jones: My music is always changing. In fact, people are always amazed at how many different styles I seem to fly in and out of.  Adapt is a word I would use cautiously. I find my music has, unfortunately, been ahead of the trends. So perhaps you would ask "Will the ever changing world of music adapt to Jer Ber's style?"






Raven: Is there an artist you would like to work with?


Jerber Jones: Many. I always welcome collaborations with truly talented musicians. I'd love to sing & make music with Royksopp, Karin Dreijer Andersson, Yoko Ono, Dieter Meier & Boris Blank, Brendan Perry, Millionyoung, Jack White...just to name a few.







Raven: What kind of following do you have? Meaning people and with your music.


Jerber Jones: On a global scale, my following is small. I have about 2,500+ active fans on facebook. They all help me in creating the myth that is Jerilyn Jones. 






Raven: Do you have any up coming event?


Jerber Jones: I have been turning down gigs left and right in order to record new music. I am also tired of singing in big discos and clubs with sub-standard sound systems and tiny budgets. My preference is to perform for a sit-down theatre/cabaret type audience. My work is layered with multi-media, dance, word, costumes and scenery.  I am currently looking for a new theatre residency.






Raven: It's been a while since you came out with a full LP, will we be seeing one soon?


Jerber Jones: Yes. I have an album of over 15 cover songs coming out this summer, it's a groundbreaking album. It's the first time anyone has ever released a collection of songs to have 2 (or more) versions of the same song, sung by the same person, in a mans voice and in a woman's voice. It's called "Berdache - Covered". It's inspired by the "two-spirit" Native American Indian community.  I am also trying to finish up some various new original songs that I have been working on. I always have a lot of songs brewing on the burners. The music industry is in shambles right now. It's been tough finding funding for my "trranimal" music. So it takes a long time when I am doing everything all by myself. 






Raven: Well Jerber time to say good bye to the kids ;) Thank you again for your time, and I hope to chat with you soon, best of luck with all your projects and future events. 



Jerber Jones: Thanks loverhole. Please visit my website http://robbied.com or http://facebook.com/jerberjones for up to date information. 

LADYLUXE - INTERVIEW

LadyLuxe

Move over Pete Burns I think we got a new artist rising from the fire. Androgynous artists are in the rise, and LadyLuxe is one of them without a doubt.  He's been wowing the audience where ever he goes. If you are a fan of the 80's era and a electro freak, theres no need to look any further LadyLuxe is here. Each song has a good story to tell, and my favorite tracks right now from his album HUMAN TOUCH are Don't Delete Me, Human Touch, Changed, & Sex Mission. As soon as his music hit my ears I fell in love with it. It has this mainstream but underground feel to it, which is what I love, something different and not commercial. LadyLuxe is defiantly one of my top artist I'm listening to right now. 

To listen & buy music:

www.Ladyluxe.Bandcamp.com

Info & live show updates:

www.facebook.com/Ladyluxe.LosAngeles

LadyLuxe The Interview

Raven: Ladyluxe, how are you darling? 

Ladyluxe: I’m doing amazingly well, thanks.

Raven: I have to start by saying, once I heard your album I became a fan of yours. So 80's, electro, new wave, very sexy and def can't stop listening to the album.

Ladyluxe: That’s so great to hear. 80’s, electro, new wave and sexy were EXACTLY what I was going for. I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much. I enjoy making it.

Raven: For those who are just discovering you, in 3 words how would you describe yourself?

Ladyluxe: One to watch

Raven: How long have you been in the music biz, and what inspired you to do music?

Ladyluxe: I started writing and recording music as “Ladyluxe” about 6 years ago. I was approached to be a front man in a band. The band didn’t work out but that’s when I discovered that I could write, compose, arrange and record music digitally. As a child, I would save my money to buy little keyboards and teach myself how to play songs on them by ear. I couldn’t record anything on them otherwise I would have. I’ve grown up and so has the technology to create and record music.

Raven: So what is the process of creating your music, and where do the lyrics come from when writing?

Ladyluxe: Sometimes the music comes first, and sometimes it’s the lyrics. The lyrics can be inspired by conversations, observations, my stories, other people’s stories or straight up fiction. I don’t have a strict process when it comes to writing the songs. I’ll compose the track and record the vocals as a demo. Then I wrap up each song with my producer Christian James-Hand aka “Producer Babes”.

Raven: Have you worked with other artists and who would you like to work with?

Ladyluxe: I assembled a troupe of ladies called “The ChoirDeLuxe” who perform background vocals on my songs “Hot Day” and “Sasquatch Woman”. The lead “Miss Saki” and I have performed live together a few times. Other than them, I’ve been solo. I’ve talked to a couple of artists about collaborating and I’m sure it will happen sooner than later. I’ve always thought it would be amazing to collaborate with classic pop artists like Madonna or Prince. And I think RuPaul is very talented and would be a lot of fun to work with.

Raven: Where can people usually see you perform live?

Ladyluxe: I recently performed at Jasten King’s “Headphone” Boylesque Cabaret, which was a great time. I’ve performed here in L.A. at clubs including Eleven, Here Lounge, Fubar, The Standard, The Rainbow and The Dragonfly for different club nights and events. I’m currently working on a live set with my new single “Sister With A Bad Habit” for new performances. I always post show dates on my Facebook page.

Raven: What has been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

Ladyluxe: Honestly the biggest moments have been the little things. Like noticing that someone is singing along to one of my songs at a club. Or hearing my song played live on internet radio – having a great album review published. They’re all the parts that create the bigger picture – that I’m accomplishing my dream and making it a hot reality.

Raven: Ten years from now you will be...

Ladyluxe: I think I will be enjoying a successful career in the music / entertainment business in one form or another. I think the next ten years is going to be one hell of a good ride.

Raven: What sets you apart from all of the other electronica artists?

Ladyluxe: I make it a point to infuse soul and emotion into my music, which can be overlooked in this genre. I try to paint a picture of the stories I’m telling through the lyrics as well as the music. And I like to turn up the drama. If you take the dance beat out of the mix, you’ve essentially got a bunch of ballads.

Raven: When it comes to the stage and fashion, how do you know what you will be putting together?

Ladyluxe: It’s often inspired by what song I’ll be performing and the venue it’s at. Though I always stay true to my core “look” with a super long braid or a lot of hair, smokey eyes, and stiletto boots. Everything else varies. My look and persona is androgynous and that’s what I portray on stage.

Raven: Do you think that your music will change as you grow as an artist?

Ladyluxe: Absolutely. It already is changing. I’m growing as an artist, a musician and an individual all at the same time which naturally impacts what I do. And I like where it’s going.

Raven: Is there a date when we can expect your album to be released?

Ladyluxe: I’m working on new music and will probably release another single or two before I put out another full album. 

Raven: What kind of following do you have? Like what’s the kind of crowd you bring to the dance floor...

Ladyluxe: Honestly, my fans come in all ages, shapes and sizes. 

Raven: Is there anything you would like to add or say to your fans and the people just discovering you?

Ladyluxe: I’d have to say “Thank You” for all of the amazing support and appreciation for my music and performances. And get ready for more new music. If you’re a new listener, check out my music at www.ladyluxe.bandcamp.com

Raven: Well Ladyluxe it has been a pleasure and thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me. I will be following you and keeping up with your projects and hopefully we can have another interview in the near future.

Ladyluxe: You’re welcome and thanking you for the great interview!

ROSES FOR THE MADMAN (R4TM) - INTERVIEW

R4TM

 UK artist in the rise to fame, with killing lyrics, amazing beats, and sure to make you dance. I had the pleasure to interview him, thanks through the power of the internet. I remember looking for new music on MySpace, and I came across Roses For The Madman. What caught my eye first was his profile picture, almost having this club kid look. Once I hit the play bottom on the music player I was hooked. 

His music has this electro club house feel, I have to say that right now my favorite songs are Love Of Your Life (Mnsr G's Global Art Mix), Spellbound (Karrade's Full Sorcery Mix), Fade Away (Karrade's Epic Disco Mix), & The Way You Do (Karrade's Backroom Blue Mix) from his album ANARCHY IN THE DISCOTHEQUE. There is no reason not to listen to his music, his album should be a must on your playlist. 

His album and single Fade Away is out on Itunes

Here are some links:

www.myspace.com/rosesforthemadman

www.facebook.com/rosesforthemadman

www.last.fm/music/R4TM

The Interview

Raven: Hi R4TM (Roses 4 The Madman) thank you for doing this interview with me, it's a great pleasure. 

R4TM: You’re welcome. It’s an absolute pleasure for me to know that my music is reaching people outside of the U.K. and to be talking to you about it. I’ve had a lot of interest from the U.S. and it’s great to have the opportunity to have some dialogue with you guys. 


Raven: So let’s start with your name, how did you come up with your name?

R4TM: There’s no big mystery or secret about it. It was going to be an album name when I was in an acoustic band called ‘Blue Angels’. The title just popped into my head, but it kind of suits the fact that I’m neither a solo artist nor a band – It’s just an ongoing project name, for my musical and visual adventures. Plus the fact I am quite clearly mad as a hatter! – And roses are my favourite flower. 


Raven: In the 90's you where a pop artist, why did you go that route and not the dance scene? 

R4TM: I was too young and I was just running after fame and money! A truly horrible experience. I was the original candidate for the whole Pop Idol / Factor thing. I was told what to wear, what to say, how to sing, how to write. I was packaged beyond belief, and then in my own time I was going to illegal raves and mixing with DJs who were playing all the newest sounds in House, Garage and Hip Hop. I was living a double life to a certain extent. It’s not in my nature to go against what I feel in my gut and my heart and so I stopped. The good thing about it was that Karrade (He wrote my first single in 1990) and I formed this incredible writing and production partnership. Then after it all went sour, we re-ignited that working relationship when I started writing as Roses For The Madman. 

Raven: Well now that dance music has become the biggest thing worldwide, are you happy that you're doing what you love now?

R4TM: I don’t think an artist is ever totally happy with their output, but I’m certainly going in the direction I want to. There is still a ‘pop’ element to what I do as I feel it has to have some kind of formula to be accessible and recognisable, but that doesn’t mean that the songs have to be meaningless and without content. I’m pleased that an equal amount of people say they love the energy and vibe of the music, but then also find the lyrics interesting to listen to. So in that respect I’m happy with the effect I have on a listener.   



Raven: What is the process of creating your music, and do you have total control of what you create?

R4TM:  It’s actually written in my agreements with the label, Virtual Lighthouse, that I have total artistic control of what goes out. That doesn’t mean I live in a bubble or an ivory tower where only my opinion matters. I purposely ask friends and colleagues who don’t like dance or electronic music to listen to my stuff, for an opinion on the songs, the melodies and the lyrics. The songs have to stand up on their own and not just be a flavour of the season. The ability to write and to sing is a gift, and the production and visuals is the wrapping around it. I write on my own in my little makeshift home studio and I produce a demo of the track – It’s very organic in that respect, almost like a guitarist who writes a song and then takes it to the rest of the band members to fill out the sound. I let the producers I work with (Karrade, Monsieur G on this album) listen to the songs and the tracks are then re- recorded from scratch using the
original demo as a template of ideas. There’s lots of MP3 files and long emails regarding production, going back and forth. 

Raven: Where do you get your inspiration from when writing your lyrics?

R4TM: LIFE! – Everything inspires me. I carry a note pad and voice recording device everywhere I go, a melody or a stream of words can appear at any given moment. I’m never ‘off duty’ in that respect. I write about human relationships. I do tend to be quite socially political with my lyrics. Human rights, freedom of speech, respect for people and their choices – Then personal stuff like sex, faith, regret, hope.  It’s all in there. 
I always try to write with a vibe of positivity too; ‘Aggressively Positive’ is my thing. Not being passive or a victim of circumstance. Just getting up and on with life.

Raven: Let’s talk a little about your fashion; do you do your own make up? Is the wardrobe created by you? On an everyday bases when not performing, or making a music video, what do you usually wear?

R4TM: The music and fashion industries are intertwined and I am working on my own clothing label. I do paint my own face. I have been a stylist on and off for different bands and photographers and I’ve picked up a lot of tips from Actors, Drag artists, and other performers.
I customise and create my own clothes. I like a D.I.Y look, one off’s, but more punk than couture. And movement is a big thing with me. I’m very physical, and like to be able to move comfortably. When I’m not ‘on’ you can usually find me in sweatpants, t-shirts, sandals, with a full beard and a rucksack full of CDs, stuff for the gym, and my trusty hand written calendar diary. It’s not that the R4TM you see in the videos is an act, it’s very much a part of me, but it is very time consuming and I have a lot to do.  

Raven: I know you're a big house head, is there an artist you're really into right now? 

R4TM: I tend to listen to DJ set mixes rather than albums by artists these days. I feel like I’m covering more ground by listening to a mix of different artists. But my favourite artists at the moment are Hard Ton, Billie Ray Martin, Lady Ga Ga, Amanda Ghost and there’s this guy called ‘Raven’? He’s very cool. (Ha-ha) My favourite D.J.s are Chauncey D and Tatu Vuolteenaho. Work out music. 

Raven: Why thank you for your support in my music ;)


Raven: Do you think that your music will change as you grow as an artist?

R4TM: I hope so. Complacency is not an option. I have to draw myself back sometimes and remember what I’m trying to focus on. I tend to go off on a tangent; I get so excited by a new sound or particular genre. Then I have to remember I’m a songwriter and my fear of mediocrity shouldn’t make me pursue something that’s so avant garde it won’t interpret well.



Raven: A lot of people think that all electronica music sounds the same, so what sets you apart from other artists? What make you different so to speak?

R4TM: Songs, I think. I try to write songs so that they stand alone, that they would be good enough to do acoustic versions, if the setting was right. Also people don’t expect Electronic music artists to be relevant or credible as a live performer. 
I think I come into my own when performing live. 



Raven: In your music career where do you see yourself in 10 years?

R4TM: Doing what I’m doing now but with a larger budget hopefully! I want to continue in music, video, performance, design. Build up a body of work that means something and ensuring that I’m pushing myself and learning all the time. I’d also like to write and make videos for other artists. Also, I’d love to live in Paris and New York.
 

Raven: Was there a point in time when you hit the lowest part in life and how did you over come that?

R4TM: Well, I don’t really put my private and personal life out there for public consumption. I think it’s tacky, people looking for sympathy in a public domain. But I will say thank God for my family and music. They’ve saved my life more than once. 


Raven: Is there a big moment in your music career that you look back and you say wow I’ve made it and I’m doing what I love?

R4TM: I think that depends on what your expectations are. I’m not putting myself out there as a ‘celebrity’ – I guess awards and magazine covers are some people’s aims. I’m doing what I love now; people are getting into it, and wanting more. So that in itself is a reward.
I had tears in my eyes the first time I heard the final mastered album, I’m so proud of it.
There have been particular gigs when I’ve been amazed by the reaction of the crowd and some people who I’ve always considered hero’s of mine have made favourable comments, so that’s a buzz. 


Raven: Where can people go see you perform and will there be a tour anytime soon? 

R4TM:I’m playing a set in my home city, Birmingham, June 11th that’s also a night when Sigue Sigue Sputnik are playing It’s a friend’s birthday party actually but it’s kind of become an ‘event’. I’m also booked to play The Salford Music festival in Manchester this September, which is a huge musical event all over the city. There will also be P.A.s around the UK. I would love to tour but I guess I’ll need an agent or manager to help with that – Logistically it wouldn’t be possible to organise it myself. But if there is anyone reading who can put up the price of a few air tickets and hotel – Just holler! 

Raven: So early April 2011 you came out with your first full LP of remix songs, followed by a new single with a music video to go with it. Are we going to see another album this year?

R4TM: Anarchy In the Discotheque took five years to make, but that was just because we were testing the waters with the first few singles and then decided to do the album. I’m not in any hurry to make a second full studio album immediately. I am writing constantly and I have thought about doing an EP of four or five new songs this year, and then maybe a full album for next year. I hope people are pleasantly surprised with what comes next; it’s going to be more eclectic and varied.  

Raven: What kind of following do you have in the dance scene?

R4TM: It varies hugely – with the immense possibilities that the internet offers, support and feedback comes from many different quarters, which is a positive as it shows I’m not being categorised too much. I get followed by industrial Goth’s, the Gay scene, Trance lovers, retro electro fans,  House D.J.’s and the Bear scene. All sorts of people, and that’s the way I like it.  

Raven: What’s the one thing a lot of fans or people don't know about you?

R4TM: I can be incredibly shy, which can be awkward as it can come across as arrogance.
And I’m a control freak workaholic.


Raven: What's the one thing you have learned in life coming into the music biz and what advice do you have for other artists out there who are trying to make it?

R4TM: If you don’t believe 150 percent in what you are doing – don’t do it. Never change yourself for someone else. With labels and management, never sign anything unless they’ve proved to you that they are good enough, because they’ll be making money from you. 
And don’t stress, enjoy it. I’d rather 10,000 people bought my music and really got into it, than 1,000,000 just buy it because its force fed to them on national TV.



Raven: Well thank you so much for your time and I wish you the best of luck with everything and I hope we can do this again real soon.

R4TM: You’re more than welcome and thank you. I hope we can meet in person someday soon. And thanks to all the fans and friends in the US who have shown such massive interest. 

R4TM xx