HAYDEN MERJOS ON THE MUSIC BOX TOP 10

Good evening everybody and welcome to this week’s Music Box Top10, tonight we have for you all not only the Top 10 videos of the week but an interview with a rising star. So throw on your PJ’s, wrap yourself up in your snuggie, make yourself a mug of hot chocolate and break out the chips, sit back, relax and enjoy your Friday night in the best way possible.

So without any more waiting let’s get onto this week’s show with our guest for this evening. He has been called many things since he broke out into the music industry last summer, proving his potential with his successful debut album ‘Perception’ and single’s including, ‘Connection To The Stars’, ‘Take Me On’ and ‘Criminal’ … he’s part of a family that clearly has music in its bloodline, ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the young talent that is … Hayden Merjos! *crowd applause*



Hayden, welcome to our humble show. It’s great to have you here, how are things going?

Hayden: Things are never better man. I'm glad to finally make it on the show, love it. I also love being this close to the fans, my beautiful fans. (Grins)

Your touring with Aaron Marks right now, how has that been?

Hayden: It's been amazing. We've gotten to talk a few times and I also got to hang out with him and Jason Thake. They are good people. I love the whole vibe of the tour and it's been fun so far.

Having seen your performance at TA5 recently, I was pleasantly surprised. It seems like the basis of your music is more rooted in a quite old school approach similar to many singer-songwriters of the past is that where you find most of your influence?

Hayden: Were you? Well thanks. Yeah I have this whole old school thing in my mind and it really speaks for itself in my music. I personally prefer to listen to old school music, classics if you will, than the music today. It just seems to speak more and have more meaning. It's what I'd call the basis of my style.

And are you missing any of your home comforts so far, or do you prefer the lonely life of touring?

Hayden: I actually prefer the lonely life of touring. It's kinda peaceful and comforting. I love to travel and see new places and people. I love home but the feeling of being out on the road with complete strangers and performing, it gives me a good feeling. (Smiles)

Your debut album was highly successful, selling over 2 million copies, for a debut album that is quite some achievement, did you think things would work out quite so well for you?

Hayden: Honestly? Yes and No. I felt like I would probably get overshadowed because I'm not as "interesting" enough to listen to but I'm glad to know that there's still people out there who wanna hear music and aren't just interested in my personal life. I think I speak for everyone when I say everyone was shocked by that.

Did you ever think that being the younger brother of Hannah Beth would have a slightly negative impact when you started out in the music industry? Perhaps some may have questioned whether it was your connection to someone already in the industry which helped you get the attention that you received early on?

Hayden: Not really. If anyone questions the attention I've gotten, it's usually because they don't think I deserve it but I do, honestly. I have talent so why not? Hannah has never helped me get into the business or anything. She taught me to be self-reliant and I like it that way. Each of us have worked hard to get where we are and the whole 'Merjos connection' idea is just crazy. Maybe people only listen to me because I'm related to Izzy and Hannah, maybe not. It doesn't really affect me, I'm still benefiting either way. (Laughs)

And of course the success of your debut album and subsequent singles have no doubt proved that you’re a talented young musician in your own right and that you would have made it whether you were part of a well-known family or not. Do you think that you’ve proven some people wrong along the way?

Hayden: I certainly do. If anything, I've proven that I'm a force to be reckoned with and that yes I talk a lot of crap but I've backed it up obviously. I just like to be seen as the underdog and then come out on top.

Ladies and gentlemen, we're gonna take a brief break from this interview to give you this weeks top 10 and without further ado, here are the top 10 videos of the week as voted for by you;



It’s no secret that your quite a vocal character unafraid to speak his mind, do you think that your personality may have had a negative effect, perhaps resulting in you losing fans?

Hayden: Not at all. My fans love that I'm quite vocal and I think it's more beneficial to not sugar coat things or lie. I just speak my mind the way others want to but are too afraid to say anything.

So for the many people out there wondering, what do people need to do in order to make Hayden Merjos respect you?

Hayden: Hmmm....(Laughs) Let's see....if you want my respect? Just be yourself and stop trying to fit in. I hate when people try to be like everyone around them. I also love a person who speaks their minds and on a musical note, I like talented people. Sure, I enjoy looks like any other straight man but I won't respect you if you think that you're better than everyone because you look good, that's just stupid.

And what are the things people should avoid doing in order to gain your respect?

Hayden: Don't annoy me, don't act like you love me when you can't stand me, simple things. I don't need to be surrounded by a ton of Yes men and women to be happy. I'm happy now and most people can barely stand me. Doesn't affect my sleep at night. See ladies? Sexy face. (Grins)

Which musicians, past and present would you consider your biggest influences?

Hayden: I don't have many influences actually but if I had to pick some..I'd say I like people along the lines of Phil Collins, Johnny Cash, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Justin Nozuka, Norah Jones, Colbie Callait, these are just people who inspired me in some way and I hope one day someone can name them and put my name beside one of them. I think they are all what a true artist is all about.

And which current musicians do you think the industry could easily go without?



Hayden: Well, I don't want them to gain any fame by me saying their name because you know I'm just that awesome but I'm gonna have to go with, glad you asked me this, people like Buzz and Hype, I don't think they even do anything but make beats right? Doesn't take a genius to do that and there's plenty of others so they wouldn't be missed, umm Raven is it? Yeah she just sucks. I'm on the fence about the Weekend boys. I don't think them being around causes much anyway. I'd say Suzie but we need to be entertained comically somehow.

Your part of a group of friends, sometimes known as F.Y.T and your all of a similar age group, whenever you all get the chance to spent time together are their ever any major fall outs?

Hayden: I can't even remember the last time we were all together, being all busy and stuff. We've never really had any fall outs at all really. I don't think we take arguments seriously anyway, we're all too silly. When you have friends you've known almost forever or you trust them then there's not much tension at all. We all just click really well together.

Do you think having a close group of friends is very important for young artists attempting to break out into the music industry?

Hayden: I think it definitely helps to keep you sane. (Laughs) It's tough being new and alone, not knowing anyone but you'll always find those true, great friends who make the journey a little more pleasant and easier. I recommend it but it's not exactly...needed.

We’re sure to disappoint the many female’s in the audience with the next question, your dating fellow musician Ellie-Grace Summers, how are things going?

Hayden: Sorry ladies, the ship has sailed. Yes, we've been dating for a while now and everything's great. I don't think we've ever had an argument, we talk frequently, she's just a joy to talk to and be around. I promise to not try and screw this one up on purpose like with that past exes. (Laughs)

Is it more difficult dating someone in the industry than it would be dating someone not connected to that celebrity status?

Hayden: I say it would be equally annoying. Even when I dated someone not connected, I was still being followed and annoyed so either way sucks but I don't let it get to me that much. I enjoy having my picture taken actually. (He gives a big cheesy grin to the camera.)

The industry is known as a fickle business, Are you ever worried about not lasting very long in the music industry, or do you expect to have a very long and successful career?

Hayden: I expect to always be successful in whatever it is I'm doing in life. If God allows me to still have sense on what I'm doing with music then yeah, I'll still be successful. If not then I'll retire and be an old man living on a farm in Puerto Rico with an awesome beard. Maybe I'll raise some cattle....get a steak business...have a slaughter house....strip club. (Laughs) I'll just say yes.

And finally, what does the next few months hold in store for Hayden Merjos?

Hayden: Expect me to be on tour and recording again. I'm planning on maybe an EP towards the end of the year or sometime before then. I plan on giving myself a break first then wowing everyone again. I don't wanna overload you guys with all this sexy talent, it would be too much. (Grins, then laughs) But just expect me to be better than last year.

Lisa: Hey hey, welcome to a very special episode of the Music Box. We have a special surprise for you all and I know you're just going to love it. Today Tisha Jackson will be joining us with her presence and she's even going to premiere her video to “Curtain Call” right here. Sweet right? Without further ado please welcome the lady of R&B, Tisha Jackson!

*audience applauds*

Lisa: Hey Tisha, welcome to the show. You are looking fabulous as usual. What have you been doing to keep yourself in such great shape?

Tisha: Wow! Haha, thank you. That’s very sweet. I just try to move my body whenever I could. I used to think exercise was a punishment, but I’ve learned from experience with myself that exercise doesn’t have to be as awful as people make it. So my new thing is walking now, I walk everywhere, like literally everywhere. I walk and occasionally jog for about 3 to 4 miles a day. And it’s fun getting some fresh air, do it with family or friends. I’m talking so much about it because I want to encourage the youth to move around so…

Lisa: Lets catch everyone up on what you've been up to because like many musicians, you have been one busy person. Okay so first up you released your last album, “Reveal”, and it did incredibly well selling over 5 million copies. Proving to you and many others that you have some great fans supporting you. That must make everything you do and work hard for seem so worthwhile when you have such greats fans like the ones you have correct?

Tisha: I cannot say this enough, I LOVE MY FANS! I love them so much. They are the most supportive bad ass group of people I know. They rep me so hard and to the fullest, and I will continue representing them as well. I couldn’t do this without them, I don’t think of them as my fans, I think of them as my friends.

Lisa: Do you ever find yourself staying in the studio until your music is perfected enough to be up to the standards of you and your fans?
Tisha: Of course! I am a perfectionist to the core. If I don’t love something I don’t record it because if I don’t love it most likely the fans won’t love it also.

Lisa: What advice would you give an up and coming artist that is trying to develop a fan base as strong as yours?

Tisha: Ummmm, I would just tell them that you have to remember they don’t work for you, you work for them. They are keeping us employed so we have to show them love. One thing I was taught, especially by my mom, but learned as well in this business, is that these people come out here to see you therefore you have to give them their monies worth because they play a major factor in your career and life.

Lisa: Your “Revealing Tisha Jackson: The Past, The Present, & The Future of History World Tour” kicked off back in November of last year. The tour started with the North America Leg which included opening acts, Chloe, Jake Wilson, and Dominic Brown. What was it like being on the road with these three stars?

Tisha: Simply amazing. I’ve worked with a lot of people and I take artistry as a whole really seriously, and some people can sell and record but they aren’t true artist, it’s like they sell off their popularity and not their work, but when I tell you that each person who I worked with on this tour is a true artist I mean it. Dominic, Chloe and Jake who is just an outstanding comedian are just a true form of individuality and their own artistry.

Lisa: After this leg, there are still three legs remaining and all of them are already sold out. Are you excited about going to Asia, Africa, and Canada?

Tisha: Super excited! I love everywhere I travel to. But I have to say I am mostly excited about going to Africa. I cannot wait because I’ve never been there before, and I am not there for long but I do plan on doing a lot the time I am there, from mingling with the people to sightseeing. I am just excited!!

Lisa: Would you say that you love performing here in the US, overseas, or both?

Tisha: You know that’s a hard question. But they both have pros and cons so I couldn’t choose where I’d rather perform because in the U.S I travel but I know I am in the same country as my family and you get homesick but it’s not as worse as it when you’re overseas because you know anyone, sometimes you might not speak the language. Then you look and you see all the people who know you’re music and singing the lyrics to your songs and it makes you feel even closer with them, so I couldn’t choose, love them both.

Lisa: Recently you dropped some amazing news about a re-release of “Reveal.” How exactly did you come to this decision?

Tisha: Well, I wanted to extend the era of Reveal. I don’t feel like we are finished just quite yet with this era of Reveal so I wanted to record some new tracks and give the fans some extra music to listen to.

Lisa: You haven't confirmed a title for the album but are there any possible titles you are considering at the moment?

Tisha: There are, but I don’t know if I could say, I’ll put it like this. By the end of week you will know.

Lisa: Not only did you announced the re-release of “Reveal” but we can also expect a remix to your single, “Curtain Call.” Which Dominic Brown is featured on the single, no surprise there. You seem to love you some Dominic these days. (laughs) Anyways can you tell us why you chose to remix the single?

Tisha: Haha, you’re funny Lisa. Well I wanted to remix the single because we always hear stories from one point of view. There’s a saying “There’s my side, your side, and the truth” and I wanted to kinda play into that because you guys just heard the female point of view on my version of Curtain Call, so I thought it would be interesting to hear the man’s, which in this case is Domo.

Lisa: The original “Curtain Call” has a video now and in just a few we'll get to see it right here. First though can you tell us more about the video and what we can expect?

Tisha: Well you know, the video is just about a woman who’s fed up with not being treated right. You know, her man comes in all kinds of hours of the night and morning and it’s getting tiresome, so she just basically calls him out and tells it like it is to him, and the entire neighborhood. Hahaha!

Lisa: Before we get into Tisha's new video, we have to take a short break. Don't touch that dial, we'll be right back.

*commercial break*