The Little Theater Of Dolls Interview

Raisa and Frida, two young Scandinavian artists and puppeters make up 'The Little Theater Of Dolls', a UK based theater company. Their puppets, costumes and productions  are quirky, dark and fairytale like. So I was obsessed immediatly and had to interview them!

1 - You met in London, but grew up in Scandinavia, what made you decide to move to the UK?

We both ended up in London by chance in a way. Raisa's intention was to come to London just for a few months before going back to Helsinki to study photography and Frida was on her way to study in Spain and had just come via London to visit a friend. I guess destiny had something else planned for us since we are still here after all these years, and working on something quite different to what we had initially planned.
 

2 - What inspired you both as children?

We were both very much inspired by nature. We both played a lot outside, making things from found objects from an early age. Raisa's most magical childhood memories are from her grandmother’s magical pink attic where she could spend hours playing and digging for weird old dusty objects from the past. And both of us were really inspired by fairytales that continue to enchant us to this very day. In fact our work now aspires to create the illusion that these old found objects carry those surreal and magical qualities in them, just as we believed as a children.
 

3 - How did you decide to start a puppets theater? Were you surprised by the amount of work it took?

We have both been fascinated by storytelling in art and that was the reason we ended up studying illustration. Frida started experimenting with animation while Raisa started making sculptural installation pieces. As our work took more three dimensional form, we both got a thought in our heads: What if you could make the artwork and its characters alive, in real time? We see puppetry as a tool to make our artwork alive and breathing and what is so amazing about it is that it has such a direct communication with the audience.

  As Raisa graduated from college, she decided to go to an art collective (Lower Bottom Gallery) in Oakland in California and Frida suggested to come with and we got a crazy idea of making a puppet show together. She had one more year of college left but decided to take a year out. We had never worked together or made maneuverable puppets, let alone made a whole puppet production! So we went to California in Spring 2006 where we made our first production. It has been such hard work ever since but we both love it. I guess we had no idea what massive life choice we made when we decided to embark on this project, it has really taken over our lives in many ways. But we love it so much we both have such passion for it since there are so many things one can do with this medium, only the sky is the limit.

4 - Your puppets can be both sweet yet dark - what inspires the stories and looks of the puppets?

The process is very visual; the story develops as we work on the elements and gradually the whole production starts making sense. It is hard to pinpoint where exactly the visual inspiration comes from; it is so many things: experimentation, things around us and things we find, artists who’s work we admire, myths and folk tales, nature, cities, books and films, music. Sometimes we don't even realise where the inspiration has come from until the work is complete. 

 

5 - What are your plans for the future?  Are there any plans for more productions or ventures?

 We are working on our new production at the moment. This will be the biggest production we have made so far, it is one hour in duration so it will be a lot of work, a truly epic process. We are hoping to finish the production by next Spring and then go on tour.

Pandora Boxx Interview

I was lucky enough to speak to famous drag star Pandora Boxx recently and just as expected,it was nothing but a pure delight. The star is best known for starring in Season 2 of Rupaul's Drag Race (which had the highest ratings the network had ever seen). Pandora has gone onto to star in a spin off show 'Rupaul's Drag U' and will also be the host of another show 'Dragtastic: NYC Stand Up Comedy Special'. 

I spoke to Pandora about her past,experience on the shows and her other successes as well as getting an insight into her future projects. 'Rupaul's Drag Race' will be airing here in the UK & Ireland after summer so don't read further to avoid spoilers.

1 - First of all congratulations on all your success so far! Now the show will be airing here in Europe just after September,so for those who have not seen Season 2 yet,what can they expect from the show and from Pandora Boxx?

Thank you so much Evin!  You never know what is lingering about in that Boxx of Pandora's!  I think you can expect flashy clothes, humor and a dash of sexy all rolled into one sassy Boxx. 

2 - Arguably yourself and Juju bee were the only...comedians when it came to drag,more so with yourself . . do you feel like being funny helps you stand out from,lets say performs who just mime to a song?

I think my comedy does make me stand out definitely.  Anyone can get up there and lip sync someone else's work.  Ok, well, not everyone can do it fabulously but you get the point.  I think being able to carry yourself with your own material, be it comedy, singing or synchronized swimming can help put you in a class by yourself. 

                                                  

3 - What were you like growing up . . . interests,school,hobbies,television etc?

I was a bit of a TV addict.  I think that helped cultivate my sense of humor.  I always liked creating characters whether it was playing with my sister's Barbies and Strawberry Shortcake dolls or writing my own play that I put on in fifth grade for my entire school.  I also used to make puppets and my sis and I would force my parents to watch our puppet shows. 

4 - You shared a dark part of your like on the show - which many of us can relate to . . it was great to see 'real' moments like this because it made the stars more easy to connect with. Have many people reached out to you after this?

So many people have.  It really was astonishing to me.  I had no idea by talking about my attempted suicide that I would strike a cord in so many.  It didn't surprise me so many had been where I was but I just wasn't expecting the type of impact that I had.  I almost didn't talk about it but I'm so glad I did.  I've received a few emails from people telling me that they didn't go through with it because of what I said.  That is truly powerful and I feel blessed I could help someone in that way. 

 

5 - When did you first start experimenting with drag and what was your first show like?

I have a picture of me in drag when I was five years old!  My mom threw out the wig after she took the picture.  I was crushed.  I think with all the characters I was creating, Pandora was always bubbling up under the surface.  Right after I graduated high school is when I first did drag.  I went to a "drag party" where a few friends were getting in drag.  A drag queen put me in drag but made me look really hideous because I was dating her ex-boyfriend who come to find out wasn't really an "ex."  Bastard! 

6 - Tell me about the new show Drag U and your role on the show?

I am a drag professor on RuPaul's Drag U.  My job is to help biological women find their Inner Diva that has been lost for some reason.  By transforming these women into full on drag queens we help transform their lives and make them realize they are fabulous!

'Poster for Rupaul's Drag U on Logo TV'

7 - Now myself and many others were pretty annoyed with your placing on the show,especially as I thought you were a shoe in for the final - you still did quite well but were you annoyed at this too and did winning miss congeniality make you feel better because it was from the fans?

Winning Miss Congenialty, by a landslide they said, was amazing because yes it was voted on by the fans.  They spoke and they spoke loudly.  I know that Logo received quite a few angry emails.  I know I was flooded with emails and Facebook messages and Tweets.  It really made leaving when I did feel much better.  I have no complaints though.  RuPaul's Drag Race has done so much for me and without that show I wouldn't be doing the amazing things I am doing and I wouldn't be on RuPaul's Drag U!  I think being on Drag U is a great consolation prize. 

8 - The show will be airing in Europe and the UK soon,where the show is quite popular . . are you prepared for a whole new bunch of adoring young fans and whats it like knowing that millions across europe watching you?

I am so very excited for the show to air in Europe and the UK!  I have to admit I have never been to Europe before.  I have always wanted to go and I hope to soon.  There are so many countries and cities there I want to visit.  It's so exciting to think that people will see the show there!

9 - I have to say,your Carol Channing,for me was the funniest thing on the show . . are you asked to do this impression alot now? 

I do get asked a lot just to say, 'Raspberries," when I meet people.  It's funny.  I'm just so glad so many people enjoyed that!  I adore Carol Channing so I'm happy to bring her into the consciousness of the younger people watching the show who had no idea who she was.  She is one of a kind! 

'Pandora Boxx as Carol Channing' Comedy Gold.

10 - You've had great recognition after the show,and deservedly so . . what are your upcoming plans for the rest of the year?

I'm doing quite a lot of touring through the end of the year.  I'm also hosting a stand-up comedy special for Logo in NYC in a few weeks.  Hopefully they will play it in Europe!  I also wrote a play called "The Lipstick Massacre" that may just be on its way to NYC too!  I'm also working on some music and I'm so very excited to have my own material.  People can always find out what I'm doing on my websitewww.pandoraboxx.com.  The extra "X" in Boxx is for "X-factor!"  

Poster for 'The Lipstick Massacre' which won rave reviews and sold out shows.

Quick Fire Questions!

1 - Fav songs to perform to : Eight Miles Wide by Storm Large, All The Lovers by Kylie Minogue, Like a Prayer - Madonna (though my favs change all the time)

2 - Choice of drink? Absolut Berry Acai, Club Soda & Cranberry

3 - Fav television shows : RuPaul's Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag U of course!  And Doctor Who, Torchwood, 30 Rock, Battlestar Galactica, Ugly Betty

4 - Fav movies : SO many!  Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Color Purple, Steel Magnolias, Death Becomes Her, 9 to 5!

5 - Best style tips : Wear what makes you feel fabulous!  And you can never go wrong with the right pair of sassy black boots!

6 - Have you been to Ireland before? or plan to . . I have not and I would love to!

7 - Tips for an upcoming drag queen? Run!  Ha!  Just be fabulous and have fun.  You may not be the best at first but with a lot of hard work, duct tape and makeup you can be the fabulous self you long to be.

A huge thank you to the brilliant Pandora Boxx. Information on the shows European air dates coming up.

In the meantime visit www.pandoraboxx.com for more details and be sure to become a follower of the blog.

Bitches With Wolves Interview

'Are you a bitch or a wolf?' sings James O'Neill,otherwise known as Dublin's own 'Bitches With Wolves' on his track 'Good As Gold'.The track,like his others,are full of smart lyrics,dark electro beats and a moody slightly new romantic mood. Just home from entertaining the troupes at Oxygen this year,I spoke to the man behind it all and to find out if he is indeed . . a bitch or a wolf.


GC : ''With a name like 'Bitches With Wolves' your naturally going to stand out from the pack of new acts on the scene - was this the intention or is there another reason behind the cool name?''


James : ''Well it was originally all a joke and it just popped into my head in the early morning of a party I was at, after this guy said that myself and my mates should be in a band, as we had a ‘really cool look, like Bananarama’. I made him give us a gig at his club and after my mates bailed out, I raced home, hooked up with two chaps called Robert Delaney and Darren Flynn and started making my first songs. So, no it ain’t a conceited thing, but rather a wonderful fluke.'' 

GC : What was your first live gig like and looking back what do you think of it now?


James : Oh JEYSUS. Looking back on it, it was so ropey. I had two backing dancers who didn’t bother to learn their routines and so laughed and rolled awkwardly about the stage. Needless to say, they didn’t last that long. That kind of made the whole thing a bit tough. I remember my language was appalling, which is saying something considering how bad it usually is. But, I do think that it was somewhat promising. If anything, the costumes were great – think Victorian disco goth, with black nails and lips. Looking back, I think a lot of it was very shambolic, but thank Christ it showed some promise. I don’t think that I still perform any of those songs anymore either. At least not in the form they were in back then.


GC : Has there been any gig or event since that,that you have loved?


James : There have been loads. Every time I get to step on stage, I have a riot. Initially, I was really nervous going on stage, but I think I’ve settled into it now and get to let loose. My string of shows in the Academy 2 were really great fun. We got to play with the set each week and I had till the cows came home, so I could tell stories and get people on stage etc. Other than that, some of the support slots I’ve got to do have been amazing. Especially when I got to play in the Olympia. It’s like a wall of people and they were all bopping along. Deadly. Oh and then there’s Oxegen….


GC : Yes, you’ve done Oxegen twice, what’s that been like?


James : Really amazing and I’ve been very lucky. The first year they just kind of plopped me onto the dance arena to see if I would sink or swim. At the start there were a few mouldy sessioners still going from the night before and then just my family and friends, but by the fourth track, there were loads of people and they were dancing around and everything. It was only my third or fourth show and I’d not really any idea what I was doing, or much stamina either, for that matter. Haha! This year was totally different. We had the place rammed when I arrived on stage and they weren’t only dancing along, but singing along too – which was totally mental, in a great way.

GC : Explain where your style comes from and how you put a stage outfit together . . is there a big difference from how you dress on and off stage?


James : I dress similarly off stage. When out, I often wear cycling shorts and I'm certainly partial to a sequin jacket. I find my style changes all the time though. Like, when I first started BWW, it was all about costumes. So, I would be a pierrot and then I was a galactic dancer and whatever. I guess that was because I wasn't as comfortable as I am now, so I just dressed up to mask myself, perhaps. Not for others to notice me, but for myself.


Now, I'm not saying that my clothes aren't still big and loud, but I think they're more relaxed. It's like I've found my own personal thing for what I wear: shorts to keep the heat to a minimum and jackets to keep the eyes occupied - and also because I love my jackets like a muthafucker. I just can't stop buying them.... Hup.


But in proper answer to your question, my style comes from anything and everything that catches my eye. I love borrowing from fashion, but am in no means regulated by it. I just really LOVE clothes and playing with them, which makes getting ready in the morning fun every day. God that sounds saccharine. But whatever.


GC : What was the first record you go and which bands did you listen to growing up?


James : The first CD I ever bought was Gangsta’s Paradise and the last tape I bought was the J.LO album. Both brilliant moments in pop music, if you ask me. I’ve always LOVED my pop music and growing up I quickly got a sense of what was good and what wasn’t. For example, N’Sync’s POP album was amazing and Backstreet Boys Millenium wasn’t. Baha! I also actually loved that J.Lo album. Some dirge on it, but some great pop songs too. Other than that, the Spice Girls. I. Was. Obsessed. Totally. Them at the Point is still the best concert I’ve ever been to. Melody is something that I always think is paramount when crafting songs and that’s something that I really took from them. I actually still listen to the Spice World album. It’s got some awesome pure pop moments on it.

GC : What acts are listening to now on and off the charts?


James : I have a huge iPod and am always getting bored with what’s on it, but right now I’m loving the Scissor Sisters new album. Holy fuck, Invisible Light reminds me of the first time I stepped onto a proper dancefloor. Goldfrapp’s Head First is a total winner too. I think she is absolutely amazing. Also, I know this may be controversial, but I think everyone’s been way too harsh on Christina Aguilera’s new album. Sure, it’s no Blackout, but I think she’s done a good job. It’s a pity that her A&R got so over involved, as you can really tell where she wanted to take it and where she was made take it (such as that awful lead single and her new one, which is boring). There are two duo’s that I love at the moment too, Monarchy and Hurts. Emotional pop at it’s Black and Gold best. One song I’d recommend you to certainly check out is Shanell’s song ‘It’s the Beat, which samples Simian Mobile Disco and is nothing short of WHOPPER. I could talk forever about music, but fear I may bore you.


GC : You host WAR which is currently in ALT,Dublin . . what other nights/clubs do you enjoy heading to?


James : Well I don’t get to go out nearly as often as I’d like to, but I love heading to Mother on a Saturday, Partie Monster, when it doesn’t clash and for a bit of midweek action, Cunt and the Panti and Bunny show. I thought that WERK in the Abbey was really special also.


GC :  What are your plans for the next year?


James : Well I really wanna finally release an EP! I’m going to be bopping over to the UK soon for some more recording and have loads of songs already that I don’t want to lose, so I think it might be time to release a little EP on itunes. Nice and small. A dip if you will. Baha! I’m thinking of names for it and think that MEGA would be gas, but am afraid people might think I was a total wanker if I released something called MEGA. Perhaps TURBO? What do you think?


GC :Finally, your song 'Good as Gold' asks are you a bitch or a wolf? which are you? 


James : How about I show you?


Well,its clear to me that James is clearly a wolf and leading the pack in the new UK electro/dance scene. With his EP coming out next year,a successful gig background with more dates to follow and an already adoring fan base, James / Bitches With Wolves has the drive,ambition and talent to go on to bigger and better things after an already hugely successful year and we cant wait to see whats in store for the young star.


To listen to more tracks and follow details : 


http://www.myspace.com/bitcheswithwolves
http://twitter.com/BWWMUSIC
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bitches-With-Wolves/278809028574?ref=ts

Jessie & The Toy Boys Interview

Please welcome Jessie & The Toy Boys. This new band is about to storm the charts with their infectious 80's inspired synth pop hooks,catchy melodies and smarter than your average grade A student lyrics. Formed by former solo singer Jessie Malakouti, this new group is being touted as the next big thing and I can see why. Today I spoke to lead singer Jessie about touring,recording,her boys and what we should expect from this sparkling pop star.

As Jessie Malakouti you had already begun a successful start in the music industry. Explain your decision to form Jessie and the toy boys?

I'm very visual as an artist, especially when writing songs. I try to visualize the music, and one day while writing a song I was imagining a video for it and saw the ToyBoys in my head... I made mood boards filled with ideas and details from how they would dress to what their favorite colors were... It all started spiraling from there and I got to work on creating the concept for the band photos with my good friend and photographer Maria Carmel.

Is there a big change in the music and peformances now that you are in a band?

I am already toying (No pun intended ) with all kinds of wild ideas for the live show incorporating my new band mates.  It's gonna be bananas! Lots and lots of dancing for sure.

Your songs have appeared in The Hills and your song 'Standing Up For The Lonely' has appeared on various albums - what is like  hearing your music on such recgonised outlets?

It's the most amazing feeling ever. I want to share all of my songs with my fans, there is no point in writing them to just let them sit in your computer.

How was writing with the famous Xenomania ?

Writing with Xenomania was a wonderful experience. I grew tremendously as a writer and learned a lot about who I am as a person. The best part was being able to live in London for a year and take in a completely different culture. 

Tell me about your experience touring with The Saturdays?

The tour was so much fun. It was actually the first time I had ever played live as a solo artist. I'm happy my show was so well received and thrilled that I got to meet some of my fans in person :) The Sats are also really lovely girls. 

Your new songs are fantastic . . there is a strong 80's electro feel to them . . where do you get your inspiration?

Different things really, Robots, red lipstick, neon lights, conversation with strangers, love, war, books, 80's icons like Debbie Harry and Dale Bozzio...

What music did you listen to growing up?

A little bit of everything, I was really into Mariah Carey's early stuff, songs like "Dream Lover" and "Always Be My Baby" for their big pop hooks... But loved the lyrical honesty of artists like Alanis Morissette and the attitude of bands like Letters to Cleo and Nirvana. 

Explain your style and fashion . . .

I love mixing classy with trashy. Pearls with sneakers, Red lipstick with shredded denim... I would say the best way to describe my style is Marilyn Monroe meets Grand Master Flash. 

Brilliant. Jessie and her boys are busy working on their new album and have songs available to listen on their new website - www.jessieandthetoyboys.com  Stay tuned for more news on the group.

Top Model : Laura Kirkpatrick

American model Laura Kirkpatrick's career is on the rise.She stood out in cycle 13 of,'America's Next Top Model' and made it all the way to final finishing in second place to her friend Nicole Fox.After the show she was voted favorite amongst the fans [and in return won a New York apartment for six months],has continued to model and has set her sights on ruling the runway.


Today I spoke to her about her career as a model,charity spokesperson and everything in between!


1 - You were well know on the show for being family orientated and for your grandmother making some of your clothes . . was your family an influence on you when it came to being interested in fashion?


Me and my Grandma Sue would always make clothes together and people would say that I was wearing things before they arrived in the town. Comfort was also important, living in a farm!


2 - Growing up,who inspired you?
My grandmother and mom. I always went to one of them when I needed advice they are both strong independent women.


3 - When you finished the show was getting work as easy or difficult as you thought it would be?
Well as a model it will always be a struggle especially being a short model. But top model definitely has helped me. I'm a working model now, but I know I haven't risen to the peak of my carer. But I will one day.


4 - Do you think taking part in the show helped or made if difficult when doing castings and if so why?

Well it's a little bit of both ,'what if your a girl that had a bad rep'?. .I can imagine that it could hurt them. As for me I haven't had it hurt me. People that haven't seen Americas Next Top Model just think it's a reality show, they don't know how hard us girls try to grow as models and how bad we want those contracts.


5 - Who would you love to work with and why?

RALPH LAUREN I love him! I think my look is perfect for him and It would make my life to model for a man so wonderful and classy. Also there are so many more it's impossible to name them all!


7 - What does it feel like to know that millions around the world know your name and rerecognizeour face?

At first it didn't sink in in till I suddenly I was surrounded by a ton of fans. I went into a store and was in there for over an hour singing auotographs. It realy sunk in when I won fan favorite because people around the world voted for me!

8 - Do you have any upcoming projects or plans for the summer and future?

Oh yes, I'm starting my own foundation it's called Kirkpatrick and Burton Bluegrass Dyslexic Foundation, or The KBBD foundation for short. KBBD is about fouceing on spreading awearness and haveing suport groups for dyslexic students and keeping them in school. It's going to help so many students be able to secussed in their life. You can learn more at the fan page or my blog laurasmodellife.com And of course there will be lots of modeling!

9 - Was it difficult being filmed 24/7 and trying to look the part all the time?

At first yes, it was so weird, im thinking "oh my gosh im just doing my thing and these people are filming it." after awile you forget their even there and you go on like its normal. You forget to put make-up on or dress up because in your head " its just a casual day eating cereal in pj's" when I went home it felt weird not having the cameras on me it felt to quite and cut off from the world.



10 - Who do you still have contact with from the show if any?
I talk to Jenn nearly every day but I keep in contact with about all the girls and a month ago nicole stayed with me for a mounth it was nice to have her in my home!


11 - Where is your favourite destination and do you have plans to work abroad?

I have a current offer for fashion week abroad, but I dont want to jinx it because the details are not worked out but ill keep you posted ;) I love to travel and see myself doing a lot of it in the future.


12 - Would you like to come to Ireland and what is your idea of the country?

I would love to! I'm part Irish and the country is so beautiful, I would love to explore it and I have acualy been thinking about planing a trip.So send some travelling suggestions my way! I picture Ireland as a lush land - so cute!


13 - Song / Album for the summer playlist?

Lady Gaga so we can dance all night!


14 - Favourite summer drink : alcholic and non alcholic?

well I just got back from hawaii so I had many fruity summer drinks but my favorite is a mojito non alcholic drink is a milk shake they are my forever favorite!




Visit Laura's blog for more information and updates! http://www.laurasmodellife.com/