Music Box - Pretty Little Freaks Interview

Lisa: Hey there. Welcome to another great show of the Music Box. I'm your host, Lisa, and today we really have a show for you all. Joining us today is up and coming girl band, Pretty Little Freaks. They'll be stopping by for some Q& A but that's not all. We also have the world premiere of Kato's new video to his new single, “Hurt Me Bad” coming up later in the show. Make sure you don't miss it but now without further adieu, lets give it up for Pretty Little Freaks!!!!!!

Lisa: Hey girls. You both look oh so lovely.

Mia: Thanks, we do try to look our best when we have to

Jade: Thank you Lisa you look great as well. (Smiles)

Lisa: No, thank you Jade. (Smiles) Just a few years ago, you two were attending college, working in your parent's pub back home and performing there as well. Now you're traveling and performing in a variety of locations, making hit singles, and well on your way to becoming the next big girl band. How has the transition been for you?

Mia: It’s been a really long road to be honest, I mean when you put it like that it seems like it’s been a pretty easy ride so far but we’ve worked hard for a really long time and it wasn’t until after college when I considered this as a possible career, we both studied fashion at college and wanted to go down that route initially. But we’ve spent the past couple of years falling in love with the art of music and we’ve somehow managed to get some sort of break, but we’ve definitely worked hard to get to where we are now.

Lisa: You both are from London, England. Do the people back at home support you?



Mia: Oh yeah! We’re totally just like The Beatles back home, nah we’ve got a little fanbase, nothing crazy or anything but we love going back home whenever we can.

Jade: There's definitely some amazing Freaks we have that have been supporting us since Day one so we want to do everything we can to make sure we don't disappoint.

Lisa: For those who aren't familiar with Pretty Little Freaks, how would you describe your sound?

Mia: I think it’s a mix of all kinds of music, I think pop-rock is the obvious genre that comes to mind but we like to change things up sometimes and because there’s two of us we’ve got different tastes and that sometimes comes across in our music.

Jade: It's really a blend of numerous genres. Pop-Rock, to me, is the base and then we extend it further with throwing in Electro or something similar to it. We're changing up styles all the time because of our own personal favorites.

Lisa: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Mia: I’ve always preferred rock music; I love Joan Jett and Blondie.

Jade: I've always loved Joan Jett, Johnny Cash, they've just about written songs that I can relate to or just love because of it's pure genuineness.

Lisa: What inspires you to do what you do?

Mia: I enjoy putting myself out there, writing things gives me perspective and helps me understand things around me a little better. Also I quite enjoy the lifestyle that comes with what we do, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t one of the perks.

Jade: My passion for music. It really keeps me going when I feel like I want to quit or whatever and I realize how lucky I am to have even been given the chance to be making music that everyone can hear.

Lisa: What advice would you give to fellow bands?



Mia: Go your own way, it’s as simple as that. Obviously you should be willing to listen to input from other people but every decision that you make should be your own decision and something that you’re comfortable with.

Jade: Yes, definitely find your own niche and stick with it. Don't make yourself suitable for the industry, make them suitable for yourself.

Lisa: Before you guys made it big, you promoted your music through videos on YouTube. How do you go about promoting it now?

Mia: I think it’s important to just keep your fans as updated as you can, sometimes you get side-tracked but they understand and if they enjoy your music then they’ll find it, that’s what I think anyway.

Lisa: You're signed to Chaos Records. What's it like having a label supporting you?

Mia: It’s great to be signed to a label, it definitely helps to get your work out into the public consciousness more than before we got signed, I wouldn’t say that it’s essential to sign to a label though but it definitely does help.

Jade: Yeah, we really love our label but we managed to do some things without one but we're grateful for the opportunity to be signed by such legends.

Lisa: If Chaos Records hadn't have taken interest in you, do you think you would have been as successful without a label as you are now?



Mia: Yeah I think we would have, they’re not the only label out there for one and our debut E.P was released independently and sold a ridiculous amount, so yeah I think we would have been just as successful as we currently are.

Lisa: Your last single, “Little Heaven (Escape),” was a great track by you. What was it like working with Aaron Marks?

Mia: I think Jade had a crush on him, she kept stuttering whenever she spoke to him, it was so cute.

Jade: I did not Mia! (Laughs) He was really nice and polite when we all got together and met and recording was fun because he's a really unique person who brings a lot to the studio. It was a very fun experience.

Lisa: For the last couple of months or so, you two have been pretty quiet. It wasn't until recently that you made a blog telling us you had been working on your killer debut album in your downtime. How has it been recording it versus recording your EP?

Mia: It’s taken a lot more time recording this album compared to our E.P and that’s because there’s much more songs to record, it’s only natural for an album to take longer, it’s been stressful but I can’t wait to hit the road and tour in support of it.

Lisa: Tell us more about the album. Do you have a name picked out yet?

Mia: I’ll do the drum roll, you tell em’ Jade!

Jade: It's calllllled....Underneath The Blue Moonlight! (Laughs)

Lisa: Awesome name. Every album pretty much has a theme, what's yours?

Mia: It’s just songs inspired by what we’ve felt at some point. There’s happy songs that appear on the album and there’s quite a few more sad ones too. It’s just a complete mix of all kinds of feelings.

Jade: It's basically a kind of 'getting to know us' record where there's tons of different emotions on the songs about us or someone or a boy or a stranger, just a wide variety of songs.

Lisa: Any hot collaborations on this album?

Jade: We decided to not overshadow ourselves by letting everyone else come in on our record so we only have our one collaboration and that was with Mr. Aaron Marks.

Lisa: We have just two questions left. The first question comes from Nina and she ask, “Besides getting your debut album out, what else are you working on?”

Mia: Most of my focus has been on the album for the best part of the year, we’ll get a little downtime for a week or two once the album has been released but I won’t be planning anything else anytime soon.

Jade: Really just the album and trying to get it out so our fans wouldn't abandon us. (Laughs)

Lisa: Our last question comes from an audience member.
Audience member: “Jade, you were a victim of bullying. What advice would you give those still struggling with it?”

Jade: Yeah, well I think it's important to have someone or a group of people who are really there for you and can help you because my biggest helper has been my sister Mia, unfortunately not everyone has someone so I think it's best to just take one day at a time and not to let yourself get overwhelmed. It's hard to think about not getting so upset and angry but you will get become a better person and it'll always get better if you allow it to. I still get bullied till this day but I just know that you can't always listen to what someone says about you because they just wanna get you down and if you let them then you let them control you so have a lot of control and just have patience and faith. There's really no sure fire answer on how to deal with bullying because sadly, it's getting worse and bigger every year and I think if more people spoke out about it and could have confidence, the outcomes would be better.



Lisa: Thank you both for those great questions and thank you Pretty Little Freaks for stopping by the show today. We hope to have you back again someday. Its time for a quick break but up next we have the world premiere of Kato's new video to “Hurt Me Bad.” Don't touch that dial, we'll be right back.

*commercial break*

Music Box with special guest, Serenity Scott

Lisa: Hey hey. Welcome to another great episode of the Music Box. I'm your host Lisa and boy do we have a show for you all. Today we have up and coming artist, Serenity Scott. She'll be stopping by for the usual Q&A but that's not all. Later on in the show, Serenity will be premiering her brand new video. You don't want to miss it but for now its time to bring out our special guest. Please welcome Serenity Scott!!!!!

*audience applauds as Serenity walks onto the stage*

Lisa: Hi Serenity. It's a pleasure having you here today with us.



Serenity: Thank you so much Lisa. I feel so welcomed here by everyone who is here today. *She smiles and waves to the crowd and at the camera*

Lisa: You had a bit of a rough start in the beginning after having issues with record label, Imitation of Life, and splitting from 8 Mile Rock. Fortunately though you were able to start a promising solo career and land a deal with Liberation Records. What was it like having to experience those difficult obstacles so early on before your career even started?

Serenity: Well, it was a tough choice leaving the band, but I felt like deep down inside, I wanted to pursue my own solo career, so I made my departure. It wasn't anything personal though.

Lisa: How has Liberation Records helped with your career since signing with them?

Serenity: Liberation Records is doing a fantastic job so far! I think Liberation is THE best label in the world. From the first day I signed with them, they were already beginning to promote my music. And at the time I had already released 'Wonderland'.



Lisa: “Wonderland” was your debut into the music industry. How did you come upon choosing this song as the one the world would be introduce to you by?

Serenity: Well, I just wanted to release something that everyone can relate too when you have a crush on someone, and I felt that 'Wonderland' fitted the bill perfectly.

Lisa: Do you feel that it was as successful as you wanted it to be?

Serenity: To be honest Lisa, I never really payed any thought into that. To me, it doesn't really matter how much an album sells, or how much a single sells. I know a lot of other artists say this, but I really feel like the quality of your music is all that matters.

Lisa: Your latest single, “Escape From the Back,” comes from your debut album, “Teenage Era.” Can you tell a little bit more about the album?

Serenity: The first thing I would like to say about the album is that it is EPIC! The album is finished and will be out on the 28th of next month. There will be 2 editions of the album, one: the standard edition, and two: the deluxe edition. The standard edition will have 13 songs while the deluxe edition has 16.

Lisa: How did you go about picking the name for it?

Serenity: I got the name for it because when I was writing songs for the album it kind of reminded me of my teenage days.

Lisa: What are your predictions as for how well it will do on the charts?

Serenity: I think the album will do just fine. I'm not saying that it will go straight to number one, but if it does than that would just be marvelous! *She grinned*

Lisa: Many may not be acquainted just yet with you so we've put together a few questions to help people get to know you better. I'll ask you ten questions and you give the first answer that comes to mind. Sound fair?

*The audience applauded*

Serenity: Fair and square Lisa.

Lisa: Great, here we go. What's the weirdest thing that ever happened to you with a fan?

Serenity: Uh, I don't know. I mean between a man asking me to colour his nipples or another woman asking me for my panties, I just can't choose. *The audience (including Lisa) started to laugh*

Lisa: When did you discover that you had a talent for singing?

Serenity: I realised that when I was 12.

Lisa: How would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?

Serenity: I would describe my music to that person as something that can relate to anyone.

Lisa: What would you like to have accomplished in ten years?

Serenity: My only goal is to just make people smile with my music. Nothing else really.

Lisa: What's your favorite song at the moment?



Serenity: I have to give it to Nadia Berry's 'Records On'. I played that song a gazillion times on my iPod (she grins).

Lisa: Who or what inspires you?

Serenity: I am really inspired by Madonna. She has always been my idol. I have quite a few others who I'm inspired by as well like Lily, Abie Lena, and more. Oh and please Lisa, don't ask me who I despise in this industry (she winks then laughs). *the audience and Lisa starts laughing*

Lisa: Do you have any celeb crushes?

Serenity: Of coarse! I always had a crush on Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys.

Lisa: If you could go on tour with anyone, who would you want it to be and why?

Serenity: If I could go on tour with Anna Villiot someday, that would be awesome because I seen her perform recently at the Field Trip Festival and I thought she did great! She seems like the 'cool' type of person. But she's really talented. Also, I'd love to go on tour with Nadia Berry one day. She is a great lyricist and a great performer from what I heard. So touring with her would one day would be something I look forward too.

Lisa: What's the very first song you ever sung?

Serenity: I can't remember that (she grinned).

Lisa: Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Serenity: Uh, maybe Vanity or Stephanie Fierce. Isabel maybe.

Lisa: That's the end of our questions and now its time to get into some of the fan's questions. The first one comes from Mary and she asks, “What advice would you give someone trying to become a singer like you?”

Serenity: I'd just tell that person to stay original, practice, since practice makes perfect, and to never let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

Lisa: Our very last question comes from an audience member.
Audience member: “Do you have any other loves besides music?”

Serenity: Yes, I do. I love singing the songs that... Oh wait, that's not besides music. *the audience laughs, as well as Serenity*. Yeah, I like watching romance movies, I love hanging out and getting fresh air, and I love making new friends.

Lisa: Thanks guys for those wonderful questions. We have to take a commercial break when we get back Serenity will be premiering her brand new video. Don't touch that dial.

*commercial break*

Lisa: Welcome back you guys. I'm here with Serenity Scott and its time to get into our brand new video for today. Here's the world premiere of "Escape To The Back" by Serenity Scott!



As the first few seconds of the video is played, there is a black screen saying "A RockHard Production" to "Starring Serenity Scott". Before the song is played, Serenity is seen dancing with a man at a club. In the video, it is taking place in the 1940's in a average sized bar. After another few seconds, the instrumental of the song is heard and the first lines of the first verse is played, followed by the chorus (hook) part of the song.



Remember when I'd try so hard to sleep at night
And I had a problem of knowing when to fight
And telling the difference between wrong and right
Because for me it's not black and white (But more like)
Trying to tell the difference from darkness and light
One draws you in,surrounds you,in an embrace so tight
And the other helps you to see what's all ready insight
But I still feel like I'm still blind
I can't face foreword without looking behind (trying to find)
Some closure and put some peace in my mind
But I felt so lost going round and around
But then I found someone who thinks like I do
His words are in my head
He looked me straight in the eyes
And this is what he said



Escape from the back
When they turn they're back
And hope you're in their prayers
Cause the worst thing that can happen with something like this
Is to find out nobody cares

Escape from the back
When they turn they're back
And hope you're in their prayers
Cause the worst thing that can happen with something like this
Is to find out nobody cares



The video is showing a flashback with her and a guy riding a bicycle. Afterwards, they are both seen on the grass on a red blanket.



We haven't spoken in a long time
But his words still plays in the back of my mind
Like when he said
Life is like a game you win and you lose
Somethings you don't control others you do
The penalty's and rewords that lie on the paths we choose
Unravel to us that truth
So it's all in the way you play
You got to let your life grow
You be the mold
You can't refuse to play you're hand and always fold
But sometimes the cards pile up
And when they crash down there's no way to pick em up

Escape from the back
When they turn they're back
And hope you're in their prayers
Cause the worst thing that can happen with something like this
Is to find out nobody cares

Escape from the back
When they turn they're back
And hope you're in their prayers
Cause the worst thing that can happen with something like this
Is to find out nobody cares



And it wasn't my time to go
so to make things faster I pressed fast forward
Somethings in life you can't control,this one I do
But I spent over an hour trying to think of a way to explain to you
Because I know after all that we've been through
This whole thing seems so unfair
But all I got to say,
Now that I've gone away
Is I hope that I'm in you're prayers

As the chorus (hook) part of the song plays again for the last time, Serenity is seen standing on steps outside remembering all the memories she had with a man. She was thinking of all the good times before they had separated.



Escape from the back
When they turn they're back
And hope you're in their prayers
Cause the worst thing that can happen with something like this
Is to find out nobody cares

Lisa: Whoa terrific video. Wouldn't you say so guys?

*audience applauds*

Lisa: Seems to be a hit with them Serenity! Thank you for joining us today, we loved to have you back again in the near future. (looks to camera) I'm afraid that's the end of our show guys but tune in next week for another great show. Peace!

Music Box with Special Guest, Luke Striker

[commercial break free]

Welcome to another episode of the Music Box. Today Luke Striker is stopping by for some Q&A. Awesome I know! Anyway without further adieu, ladies and gentleman please welcome Luke Striker!!!!!

*audience applauds*



Luke, you were born in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1991, away from the bright lights of common playgrounds for the superstars of entertainment like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Vegas and Los Angeles, do you think the nature of where you have grown up has shaped who you are as a person in a positive way?

Luke: *Laughs* In a sense I do believe that it has shaped up the type of person I am now, but I couldn't say in a positive or a negative way because every person grows up accordingly to their setting. I may be different from a person who grew up in New York, or LA... but it doesn't make them lesser of a person, you know what I mean? I certainly wasn't used to all the big cities I've seen so far and at the beginning of my career and it took some getting used to... but I eventually got used to everything.

What were the benefits of growing up in North Carolina, did you ever feel like a career in music wasn’t a likely option because of where you were from?

Luke: I do. People always told me I needed to go to "bigger cities" to be able to have a chance at the big time, and I always felt they were sort trying to kill my hopes... even though they were giving their opinions. Just because I'm not from one of those cities doesn't mean I don't have a chance, it just might mean I may have a harder time getting up the ladder. I moved to Los Angeles to further my career and in turn it became one of the best decision of my life.


You first started to gain attention around May 2011 at the same time as a group of young musicians that were coming onto the scene with the likes of Mandy Williams, Dominic Brown, Isabel Merjos and Hayden Merjos, did you ever feel pressure to compete against their own achievements?

Luke: Absolutely not. I never feel like there's any type of pressure because I'm not here to compete with others. I'm here to be a musician and to make music for all my amazing fans out there. To feel pressure competing against others is just pointless in my opinion. What I will say is that each of the people you stated are very accomplished and talented artists. In stead of me going " Aw man I gotta do better than them", I rather root them on because we're all here making it in this tough business, so there's really a respective type of spirit, not really a competitive one. We all have a bit of competitiveness, it's just in our human nature but it's not like I'm destined to be more successful then them *laughs*. I'm my own biggest competitor.


You made no secret later in 2011 about the difficulties that you’ve had with regards to really establishing yourself but you independently released ‘Come Back Home Someday’ to massive success, it’s fair to say that with that song you finally found your niche and claimed your first moments of real glory with the song, how did you feel after the reception was so positive?

Luke: It was very overwhelming. I remember, the song was a last minute thing. We were initially going to go with a different song to you know, just put on the internet for the fans to stream and listen to. But when Come Back Home Someday literally took of like a rocket, I was so surprised. I was kind of like, "wow, this is really happening and I just got my first taste of success.....this sure tastes good". *laughs* I was just really excited to really start stepping up my game, since I got noticed in such a surprising way.


Did you feel as soon as the song had the success that it had that a label would sign you up rather quickly?

Luke: I was thinking hopefully! *Laughs* I didn't exactly NEED a label, but the support is always a big help, but if I garnered success independently with Come Back Home Someday, I figured, if a deal didn't come along then that obviously wouldn't stop me. But soon enough, a label approached me.


The label of course being Studio60 which also happens to be the home of Isabel, Hayden, Mandy Williams, Jennifer Armstrong, Ellie-Grace Summers and a whole host of talented youngsters, did you think that they were the ideal fit for you?

Luke: I feel like Studio60 was the perfect place for me. They have a great foundation of artists and their artists also have freedom on their projects and what not. I just feel like they were one of the best out of the major labels that are out there. It was essential that I sign to Studio60 and I felt as if they were the best place for me. They also seem great in finding a good place for younger musicians like myself and others to sign to. So trusted the label, and I'm happy I've signed there.


You then marked your signing to the label with ‘Your Conflicted Heart’ which featured Jennifer Armstrong, what was it like to work alongside someone that is also part of this young group of successful musicians?

Luke: Jennifer is an incredibly talented musician and it was really a blast working with her. She may be young but she certainly knows what she's doing and I had a really good time working with her. She's and when we came together, Your Conflicted Heart, was born and I also gained a new friend. I always appreciate working with good because not only does the music turn out to be stellar, but you also form a friendship, and in that case Jen and I became good friends.




She’s a talented and beautiful young woman, it would be foolish of me to ask, did anything happen between the two of you, did sparks fly?


Luke: Ah *laughs*, I wouldn't push my luck. She is beautiful but she's engaged. It may come as a total bummer but I'm a respectable type of guy and all we did was talk, on a friendly level.


The difficulties that many artists have is remaining consistent, it’s a constant burden for musicians to have continued success, is that something you worry about?


Luke: No, if a particular artist lives that way then I feel bad for them. Always pressuring yourself just to be successful could be really draining and stressful. All I care about is continually pleasing my fans and outdoing myself as a musician, success is always great but if your pleasing your fans and their behind you, you shouldn't have to worry about having it or not. As long as your doing what you have to do as a musician, that should be a really light burden, if any type of weight at all *laughs*

You enlisted the help of your label for ‘Everybody Wants You’ as it was written and produced by Julian Morello, who has slowly been making a name for himself recently, did you enjoy the collaborative situation or do you prefer to work independently?

Luke: Collaborations are always fun and interesting. Two ideas coming together to make one product. It really doesn't matter to be.. Julian and I had very similar ideas so it was a breeze working with him, I told him what I needed and he just did it perfectly, with his ideas spreading across it as well, it worked really well. Working independently is always your own thoughts and ideas and when its a final product, you tend to appreciate the work you've done solely or by yourself, a bit more. I'm not saying I don't appreciate the final product of Everybody Wants You because it's an excellent piece of work but you always feel that much more proud of the work you've done alone as to with a barrage of people behind it, that's why I swayed away from too many people being on my album. It's not really needed.


He was also listed as a producer for your album, what did your production team bring to the table when it came down to recording your debut album?


Luke: Aside from myself being one of the producers, I have three others that I'm working with. Like I said before, I really didn't feel the need to enlist a large group of producers because their not exactly needed. I just wanted authentic, legit material. With instruments and clean vocals, mixed with real situations that were written for this album. I wanted a very natural sound...I wanted it to be raw and truthful. It has a very alternative rock core, but really sways into a pop/rock territory.


It has been a very long-awaited debut album, what can you tell us about the album, what sort of theme’s occur throughout your first full-length release?

Luke: It has been very long awaited! But I think it well worth the weight. The album is very truthful, I think I dug deep to talk about the things us young guys talk about. I speak about growing up in a small town like Jacksonville, North Carolina and the transition from back then until now. I have a track call "The Best That I Can Be" that conveys that message perfectly and is one of my favorites on the album. Another theme on this album is love and heartbreak. I've run into so many types of loves and heartbreaks in my lifetime that really pumped out amazing song writing, and tracks. So Love & Heartbreak really plays a huge part on the album and I know many people will be able to relate to this album and that's why I'm so proud of that. There's nothing worse then making music that your fans cannot connect with, and with this album the connection between listener and musician is very strong. So expect to be taken on a journey with I, Luke Striker on the "Your Conflicted Heart" album! *laughs*


Is there anybody in the industry that you’d like to work with in the future?

Luke: One day I'd like to work with Ellie Grace Summers, I don't know, she has a really great voice and I certainly think we can make something excellent in the studio if we did come together. I hope Ellie's watching *smiles*. And maybe when I really get up there, I'd like to work with Katie Coyle. Such an incredible artist, I doubt she even knows who I am... *laughs*


And finally, when can we expect to see Luke Striker on tour?

Luke: I'll be heading on tour with Vanity in August for her Good Mourning Tour! But after I do the European Dates as apart of her tour, I'll be heading on a headlining tour of my own. So expect plenty of touring in the following months after the album is release, I'm very excited.

Well thank you Luke for stopping by today, it was a great pleasure. Hope to see back again in the near future. That's our show for today but tune in next week for another great episode of the Music Box. Until then, see ya!