Old Style Groove

Tonight was truly miraculous. With only 3 seats to take on, I never would've thought the road to the TOP 12 was going to continue for one of this season's underdogs, Kris Allen! By far, he was the only male singer who impressed me with his performance last night (aside from Adam's power vocals), and yet other contestants have had much more exposure and larger fanbases than him. But it was thrilling to know my 60+ votes for him paid off in the end, and I'm so grateful to my fellow Kris supporters as well. I've never been so appreciative of a contestant since Brooke White (by the way, it was refreshing to see Brooke back as a guest - her new song was simply unforgettable)! Every time I think of him, I always think of Brooke. It's just inspirational!

I'm all for artists who tell stories with their music, and that's exactly what Kris does. It felt like he was using "Man in the Mirror" as a vehicle to communicate a message of hope to today's society, and he did deliver it well. I was glad Simon, Paula and Randy believed in him and that Kara finally explained that behind her criticism towards him lies a desire to keep on motivating him to be better vocally.

Kris definitely has a unique vocal range and a humble personality to go along with. He and his wife are truly blessed. It would be more than a privilege for me to keep on supporting him in the TOP 12. People may love (or even hate) him for different reasons, but it was his talent that drew me into him in the first place.

He's really going to make a change :)

Congrats to Allison and Adam for making it as well!

About Kris's Fanbase ~ Most of'em are supporters of David Cook, David Archuleta & Brooke White. An interesting combination, don't you think?

For anyone who missed out on Kris's performance, here goes the video. Credits goes to KrisforAmericanIdol.

The long-awaited news has been delivered... straight from the judges' mansion! Here are the elite TOP 36 group from this season's American Idol. Those of you who have been tuning in might've found a number of singers who have stolen your attention right from the very beginning. Who are your favourites as of now? :)

These contestants have 'talent' written all over them, which makes it all the more difficult to pick which one to root for. I know I found it hard to decide, since everyone are equally amazing. But my major favourites have got to be:

* Jesse Langseth
* Alexis Grace
* Matt Giraud
* Kris Allen
* Anoop Desai
* Kristen McNamara
* Von Smith

 

How could I miss out on Jesse Langseth!? After re-watching Wednesday's episode of American Idol on the net, I'm now a supporter of my latest discovery. Being the sister to Grammy-award winning John Lang may have planted a thought in our minds that talent runs in the family. But Jesse's got her own. There's a bluesy tone to her voice and a cute personality to go along with. This girl gets my votes!

What a full-on week I've been having! Despite the exhaustion, it was exhilirating :)

* WEDNESDAY NIGHT ~ Watching my music friends Yoshi and Sylvia perform alongside Julia Jordan and other singer-songwriters at the homey Room 5 Lounge in La Brea + enjoying a sizzling hot pizza with Iberia, Yuki and Jonathan at Iberia and Jonathan's place

* THURSDAY NIGHT ~ FREE popcorn and screening of the Gershwin musical Porgy and Bess at Vintage Hollywood, a downtown LA private club that pretty much makes a worship altar for all things Old Hollywood (expect to see posters of classic movie/music icons everywhere on the wall - Lauren Bacall, Natalie Wood, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Dorothy Dandridge, James Dean, etc.)

* SATURDAY ~ Lunch at Luigi Ortega with my screenwriter/actor friend Carlos and his buddy Lance

Now it's definitely the right time for a lazy Sunday. Which American Idol (Season 8) singers have become early favorites of yours so far? :)

These are just 3 of the many contestants I've been rooting for:

KRIS ALLEN

ANOOP DESAI

JOANNA PACITTI

Mission accomplished! I finally did the rough recording of my very first demo track this morning at the studio. I may have written down the lyrics and melodies for this, but it wouldn't have been a possibility if it weren't for my mentor- the great producer/composer Yoel DeJesus. Remember- this is only a drafted recording. You won't find perfection in here. We'll be back at the studio next week to do another take. Comments/feedback are always welcome. Thanks in advance :)

The second one is an acoustic cover of Augustana's "Stars and Boulevards". Excuse my guitar-playing. LOL. This is my first experience of singing and playing at the same time.

To vintagevixen:
After surfing through random records from the net, I got my list of tracks that begin with the letter "E":

* "Entertainer" ~ Billy Joel
* "Easy" ~ Lionel Richie
* "East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)" ~ Jazz Standard
* "Eternity" ~ Robbie Williams
* "Every Breath You Take" ~ The Police/Brooke White ;)

~ HOW TO BE A ROCK STAR ~
The Lyrics

I used to know this girl at my school
She knew that she’s got her own cool
Singing songs she heard every time she walked into class
She brought this guide book with her
It’s called “How to Be a Rock Star”

She never liked to wear skirts
She said to me “I’m all about jeans”
She stood out and I was proud of her
All she ever wanted in her life was to be a …

CHORUS
Rock star (Rock star, rock star)
Just be a rock star (Rock star, rock star)
Sing in the wrong bar (Rock star, rock star)
She’s still a rock star

Even if fame catches up with her
She never styled her hair up
She just changed her name into something unforgettable
Boy, you should really learn from her
She’ll teach you how to be a...
CHORUS

You think a rock star has a pair of silver hands
But a rock star herself just got a lot to learn to be a…
BACK TO CHORUS

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the NEXT button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from. ~ Just do it if you feel like it ;)


IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Cold Air" ~ Natalie Imbruglia
Like air...

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Midnight Bottle" ~ Colbie Caillat
I've got a midnight bottle/Gonna drink it down

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"On an Evening in Roma" ~ Dean Martin
Though there's grining and mandolining in sunny Italy/The beginning has just begun when the sun goes down/So please meet me in the plaza near your casa/I am only one and one is much too few/On an evening in Roma

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"When the Stars Go Blue" ~ Tyler Hilton & Bethany Joy Lenz
Dancing out on 7th Street/Dancing through the undercrowd

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Every Breath You Take" ~ Brooke White
Every bond you break/Every step you take/I'll be watching you (Okay, doesn't this sound stalker-ish? LOL)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Wonderful World" ~ James Morrison
Well, I know that it's a wonderful world/From the sky down to the sea/But I can only see it when you're here/Here with me (I guess that's what they might say)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
"La Vie En Rose" ~ Edith Piaf
Viva la vie en rose! (*Grins*)

WHAT IS 2+2?
"Magic Man" ~ Heart
I cast my spell of love on you

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"Catch My Disease" ~ Ben Lee
She drank beer with Coca Cola/And that's the way I like it

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Before He Cheats" ~ Carrie Underwood
I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up 4 wheel drive/Carved my name into his leather seat/I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights/Slashed a hole in all 4 tires/Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"You'll Never Know" ~ Nat King Cole
The stars refuse to shine

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Maybe I'm Amazed" ~ Jem
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Ocean City Girl" ~ Ivy
Moving slowly into the setting sun/Keeping secrets away from everyone/Staring out into another world/Tide is rising/And time is standing still/Ocean city girl is smiling/Ocean city girl is flying

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Fever" ~ Rose McGowan
Fever in the morning/Fever all through the night

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Warwick Avenue" ~ Duffy
When I get to Warwick Avenue/Meet me by the entrance of the tube

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Moonglow" ~ Artie Shaw
It must've been moonglow

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Stars and Boulevards" ~ Augustana
Seems like I'm never coming home

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"The Letter" ~ Michael Johns & Carly Smithson
You wrote me a letter ;)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"Cruisin'" ~ Huey Lewis & Gwyneth Paltrow
Let the music take your mind (It's supposed to be the *BEST* thing. LOL)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Makin' Whoopee" ~ Dr. John
Another bride/Another groom/Another sunny honeywoon/Another season/And that's the reason for makin' whoopee (Right, it's supposed to be about a jazzy wedding! xD)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"It's Too Late" ~ Carol King
You were light and breezy/And I knew just what to do/Now you look so unhappy/And I feel like a fool

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Little Miss Obsessive" ~ Ashlee Simpson
That side of your bed is still mine

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Trouble Sleeping" ~ Corrine Bailey Rae
Some kind of therapy is all I need

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" ~ Billy Joel
Hot/Funk/Cool/Punk/Even if it's old junk/It's still rock and roll to me! ;)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Di Sole E D'azzurro" ~ Giorgia
Voglio parlare al tuo cuore/come acqua fresca d'estate/fare fiorire quel buono di noi/anche se tu/tu non lo sai

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Love on the Rocks" ~ Sara Bareilles
My friends said I look better without you

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Witchcraft" ~ Frank Sinatra
And I've got no defense for it/The heat is too intense for it

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Ain't That a Shame" ~ Fats Domino
Ain't that a shame/You're the one to blame

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Easy" ~ Alexz Johnson
Counting the shots/And buying another round! :)
 

 

Talent, hard work, charisma and neverending passion for acting. That’s what this guy is truly made of! It's refreshing to find an actor who is clearly focused on the work instead of getting caught up in the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world itself. His down-to-earth personality plus easygoing nature made me admire him even more, not to mention he has such a unique speaking voice. I just wish his talent is more recognized, as he’s so underrated. Clearly, his love towards acting really shows every time I see him on screen. If that's not enough charm for you, then how about the fact that he married the girl he grew up with? Lovely, isn't it? ;)

No doubt Michael Cassidy is a versatile actor who can take on a variety of roles:

~ Super-sensitive sweet boyfriend (Zach Stevens from The OC)
~ Mysterious bad boy with a soft side (Cliff Wyatt from Hidden Palms)
~ Lex Luthor’s betrayed cloned brother (Julian Luthor from Smallville)
~ Loyal surfer best friend (Charlie Hogan from Privileged)

Here’s Michael answering 4 of my questions on CW Connect’s interview session for Privileged (October 2008)! The questions I asked were: * His dream role *His most embarrassing moment as an actor *His relationship with Brian Hallisay (the other actor who plays Megan’s beau) *His favorite artists/bands

Now this is his latest interview bit, and probably my most favorite Michael interview ever! He seemed very gracious and humble, don’t you think? :)
 

"It's always been you, Summer." ~ Seth Cohen
 

Believe me when I say I never tuned in to The OC. I remember the time when my friends were raving about the hit show back in its glory days. They were either obsessed over Ben McKenzie's poster boy looks or charmed by the adorable Adam Brody. But never in my life have I ever touched on The OC...... until 3 nights ago. All Season 1 episodes are posted on WB Online so I figured I might as well take advantage of them. To my surprise, this show really delivers! Now I completely understand the hype everybody was making during its original air dates.

Behind the soap opera-style drama lies a message that even the riches have their flaws. Nobody's perfect. I was immediately drawn to the warmth of the Cohens as they took troubled Ryan into their house and gave him a chance to live right. Seth and his parents (Sandy and Kirsten) truly represent a blessed family. Whenever something goes wrong, they always try to find a way to fix whatever is broken, unlike the disastrous Coopers. This reminds me how lucky I am to have understanding folks like them in real life.

I must say I instantly got caught up in the magic that is 'Seth and Summer'. It didn't take long for them to earn a spot as my favorite OC couple. Of course, I love Anna Stern too! She's just quirky! Too bad she had to leave Newport Beach. Now that I've finished Season 1, I can't wait to continue my OC experience soon. 

The video above was wonderfully created by a Seth-Summer fan on YouTube. Truly engaging, wouldn't you agree? Ryan Adams's hauntingly beautiful version of "Wonderwall" is just the right tune to go along with.
 

 A rocky city vibe is what this song has. I just love the blend of mystery and hope that Natalie poured into the lyrics. "City" totally delivers! It makes me feel bad for never giving her music a shot when her debut album was released back in 1998. She truly is a gifted singer-songwriter/actress. Her CDs are all treasures in a chest.

On a side note, I'm so happy to have a brand new president like Barrack Obama. Well, he's technically my first US president, since I haven't even lasted a year here, but I already know that things are going to be right this time around. 

One thing I learned about the music industry from my Music Business class: "It's no different than any other business."

As I was working on my songwriting exercises from the Berklee textbook, I stumbled upon this interview snippet with the main cast of My Bloody Valentine 3-D. Jensen Ackles and Kerr Smith together in one movie? Who would want to miss that? Now I remember they used to work on Dawson's Creek (a show I never watched but I know it was one of the pioneers of teen dramas).

I've always wanted Kerr to do another horror/suspense project. He was awesome in Final Destination and made Agent Kyle Brody's character believeable on Season 7 of Charmed. Finally, we get to see him and Jensen on the big screen! Looks like this horror film has class.

So how was your adventure throughout 2008? Any highlights and things you regretted not doing? What are your aspirations for the brand new year? Feel free to share your thoughts if you want to. I'd be delighted to read your post. The mic is yours. :)

Overall, I have to say it hasn't really been a year to beat compared to the others. It was pretty wasted. Career-wise, that is. I walked out of a job interview opportunity from a local Hard Rock radio station, I've been moving out a lot (from Melbourne to San Fran and now LA) and wasn't consistent with my goals. There have been way too many chances I didn't take, which was technically my fault. But I am glad I've met an eclectic group of people who I can call my new friends (including *you*) that reminded me to go after my passion and that I'm still in touch with my high school buddies. At 20 years of age, I know I should be doing heaps of fun stuff and explore the world even more. So hopefully 2009 will be more productive for me. I need to set myself on fire once again. :)

For those of you who haven't seen it, here is the music video for Brooke White's fun single "Free" from her 2006 album Songs from the Attic. Hope it brings inspiration your way. For a low-budget production, the video surely leaves me impressed with her raw, authentic voice. Without a doubt, it truly shows her ongoing love for music. If I can pick one song that defines my life story as of now, this is the one. Brooke and I really have something in common, except she's a beauty school dropout, while I'm an ad school dropout, though I did finish my Film/TV Screenwriting diploma. But at least music saved our lives.

Hope you have a fresh start of the new year. ;)


 

 

Buy Brooke White's CD from:
Brooke's OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Amazon.com

Nothing could be more inspiring than strolling through a school hallway filled with posters of music sensations like Ella Fitzgerald, Dolly Parton and Nat King Cole. That's what you get when you go to a music academy like the California College of Music. Pasadena really bewitched me with its old town charm and welcoming environment. The 3-month Development program I signed up for will start on January 7, and I couldn't have been more excited to meet fellow music people. The first time I dropped by, I was taken on a tour inside the classrooms in which some of them resembled recording studios with their mixing machines. Aside from vocal lessons, I will be taking classes in songwriting and recording. My friends were right all along- it wouldn't help me much if I can only sing and have zero skills in writing songs and mixing beats. Hopefully I'll learn a lot from this intensive course. I have yet to find my musical style, be it jazz, blues or country rock.

Carrie Underwood is now a Grammy-winning contemporary artist with 2 chart-topping albums launched out in stores everywhere. Let's take a brief look into her journey back on Season 4 of American Idol. The following videos are my favorite Carrie performances that justified the strength of her voice. I honestly wasn't a self-converted Carebear until these 2 songs came about. That was the moment I knew this girl is in it to win it. I love Carrie's music. :) 

Thanks to DustyEddy for posting these on YouTube.

JASON CASTRO - "White Christmas"

~ CHRISTMAS SURVEY ~

What's your name?
Jules

How old are you?
20

Where do you live?
San Francisco (Los Angeles in 5 days)

What's your favorite thing about Christmas?
The warm and fuzzy feeling in the air, the colorful decorations everywhere + the music

How soon do you start decorating?
Mid-November, but this is probably my first year without decorations. While I'm still on the hunt for apartments, I'm going to be stuck at my cousin's place.

What's your favorite holiday food?
Grilled salmon/tenderloin steak, chicken cream soup + chocolate milkshake.

When do you start buying presents?
Normally after Halloween is over.

What's your favorite Christmas Carol?
Here Comes Santa Claus, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

How soon do you start listening to Christmas music?
As early as November. =)

What's on your Christmas list this year?
For everyone I know (including YOU) to fulfill their life goals.

Do you still play in the snow?
I've never lived in a snow-friendly place. But I used to create artificial snows out of cutout papers back in elementary school.

When was your last white Christmas?
I can't remember the exact year.

Do you travel on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day?
Even if I do, I would usually be home at least a week before December 24. 2008 will officially be my first year away from my hometown.

What was the best present you ever got?
Every present has its own uniqueness, but my most memorable one has got to be my first walkman from a meet & greet session with Santa! ;) Awesome.

If you send out Christmas cards, do you buy them or make them? How soon do you send them out?
At times I buy them, but if I have extra time on my hands, I print them out myself.

Do you have any traditions?
Family dinner over at the Marche Movenpick restaurant.

Do you celebrate on New Years Eve?
For sure. No doom and gloom for me. ;)

Do you make New Years Resolutions?
Not really.

If you do, what are they this year?
Just so I can make better music.

Do you usually stick with them or give up?
Neither, but my laziness usually gets in the way of fulfilling them.

I got this from vintagevixen

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your friends! Try not to be lame and spoil the fun! If you get tagged, copy this entire survey and paste into your own blog, change all of the answers so that they apply to you. Then visit the profiles of some of your friends and “Tag” them by simply leaving a comment, asking them to visit your blog, and state that they have been Tagged! The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known! Some of you may get tagged several times, so they can always refer back to your blog for your answers.


1. What time did you get up this morning?
10.09 am. It’s my last Sunday before I move out of town next week.

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Neither. How about a kryptonite? LOL. Not that I’m against Clark Kent, but there’s something about the rock that intrigues me, especially the red one.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
I just saw The Day the Earth Stood Still last night, along with Bolt. At last, I get to catch up on Twilight 4 days ago when a friend decided to take a break from her final projects. We went for a midnight session. Go Jasper and Alice!

4. What is your favorite TV show?
The existing ones: Supernatural, Smallville, One Tree Hill & Privileged. My other favorites include: Charmed, Angel and Bewitched. I’m a sucker for genre shows with a supernatural twist.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Hot chocolate and cereal. Sometimes I switch to Krispy Kreme doughnuts plus fresh OJ.

6. What are your favorite shoes?
Boots. Love’em! ;)

7. What food do you dislike?
Anything that has a bitter taste.

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
James Morrison’s new album “Songs for You, Truths for Me” + Brooke White’s “Songs from the Attic” that she released back in 2006.

9. What kind of car do you drive?
While I don’t have a car, I’m planning to get one soon.

10. Favorite sandwich?
Tuna sandwich. Talking about extreme delicacy!

11. What characteristic do you despise?
Sarcasm.

12. Favourite item of clothing?
My ash blue jeans.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
All the places in Europe – Prague, Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, Russia, you name it.

14. Favourite brand of clothing?
While I’m not dependant on brands, Banana Republic and Boden often have stuff that suits my style.

15. Where would you retire to?
I’d say Vancouver. ;)

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
My music night back in my Melbourne apartment. Everyone seemed to enjoy the pizza I ordered.

17. Favourite sport to watch?
Ice skating, basketball and golf.

18. Furthest place you are “tagging” this?
Well, it’s never going to reach Santa Fe, right?

19. Person you expect to send it back first?
Y-O-U.

20. When is your birthday?
July 18^th, 1988

21. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Definitely a night person. That’s the ideal time for jazz and coffee.

22. What is your shoe size?
6 ½ - 7.

23. Pets?
My perky Pomeranian dog Simba passed away 10 years ago.

24. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us?
Well, I’m about to start a 3-month program at the California College of Music in Pasadena, where I’ll be honing my songwriting and recording skills. Even if I have often filled in for b'day parties, I still know very little about the way the music industry works. Let this be a guide to help me navigate through it.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?
A vet.

26. How are you today?
I’m in the mood for retro stuff. How about you?

27. What is your favourite candy?
As surprising as it may be, candies are not my thing. I’d rather have chocolates.

28. What is your favourite flower?
I’m not a “girly” girl, but tulips always remind me of the splendor of Holland.

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
January 13^th – the premiere of American Idol’s new season!

30. What music genre do you enjoy?
Jazz, blues, southern rock, 80’s

31. What are you listening to right now?
“Why Wait” (Kristy Lee Cook)

32. What was the last thing you ate?
Red hot beef burrito and some juicy Mama Lucia meatballs.

33. Do you wish on stars?
Not really.

34. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
Light brown.

35. How is the weather right now?
A little windy here and there.

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
My friend.

37. Favourite soft drink?
Sprite.

38. Favourite restaurant?
Nando’s! Portugese-style grilled chicken and chips have never tasted better.

39. Real hair colour?
Black.

40. What was your favourite toy as a child?
Plastic dinosaurs. Haha.

41. Hugs or kisses?
Hugs from my friends!

42. Chocolate or Vanilla?
A mixture of both. ;)

43. Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

44. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Feel free to shoot me one if you want.

45. When was the last time you cried?
I can’t remember the exact day.

46. What is under your bed?
My carpet.

47. What did you do last night?
Hitting the cinema.

48. What are you afraid of?
Abandonment.

49. Salty or sweet?
A little bit of both.

50. How many keys on your key ring?
Two.

51. Favorite day of the week?
Friday.

52. If you can choose your talent, what would it be?
It’d still be singing, along with guitar and drum-playing skills. I still regret the moment I bailed out of my guitar lesson.

53. Do you make friends easily?
Absolutely.

54. How many people will you tag this to?
Everyone.

55. How many will respond?
The power of premonition isn’t something I’m blessed with, honey. =)