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.

Lisa D'Amato Interview

Model,Reality TV star and singer Lisa D'Amato has always been a performer.Growing up in LA D'Amato always sang,attended acting lessons and began modelling at the young age of twelve. 


Appearing in advertisments for Barney's New York,Teen Magazine,Seventeen,Guess and Dragonfly to name but a few,Lisa has travelled all over the world modelling for Diane Von Furstenberg,Levi's,H&M,Guess,Jared Gold and the list just goes on and on.D'Amato then went on to become the star of Cycle 5 of 'America's Next Top Model'.Known for her loud personality and stunning photos,D'Amato was the frunt runner from the beginning.


After a top 5 placing, D'Amato went onto sign with L.A. Models and L.A. Talent and also star in Season 3 of 'Celebrity Rehab'.

But singing and performing has always been her main passion and D'Amato has been working her ass off on getting her career going.


Working with a list of producers and showcasing her talents in every club in L.A. for years,her hard hard work is paying off.In 2007 her first video, 'Ace of Spades' recieved over 200,000 views in its first day [and went onto over a million] and she released her first album 'La Puchinetta' on itunes in 2010.Now,her new single,'Surrender' shows Lisa's voice off and is a change from the usual rap songs. Here, I speak to Lisa about music,modelling and everything in between . . .
 

1 - Your new track ,'Surrender' is really impressive.Your singing voice is suprising after hearing you rap for so long - was the transition natural and did you surprise yourself?

Well, the whole 'music' thing started with me and karaoke. I've always been a bit of a clown or ham lol so I'd always sing at karaoke bars, parties, etc. Anytime I can get in front of people and perform, that is usually where I am. hahaha So, singing happened first (secretly) Although, I can hold notes, I am no Mariah Carey if you know what I mean?.....So rapping was cool and just as fun. :)Not to mention, I was first going to be signed to Madonna's record label Maverick Records when I was 17. All they knew of me was singing...well,.....and dancing. My modeling agency at the time was handling the business side cuz I was so young and had no "stage parents". It fell apart, tho. You really need the right people to protect you in this town.

2 - Growing up what music did you listen to and what was your first record?

Growing up, I really loved EVERYTHING! I was listening to Aerosmith, Radiohead, TLC, Salt n' Pepper, Mariah Carey, Madonna, U2, Biggie, 2pac, Run Dmc, Grand masterflash, Weird AL, Fresh Prince, Prince, Micheal Jackson, Janet Jackson, Ace of Base, Beatles, Pink Floyd.

Music is the best form of escape when you living in a broken fucked up house & poor.Thats the damn truth. Without music I don't wanna live! (drama) hahahaah

3 - I can see you doing well with European producers - would you ever think about working with acts or releasing over here?

abso-FUCKING-lutelyI want so bad to get out of LA. I want to be in Europe. It'll happen. I've been performing my music in Hollywood at every venue for YEARS!!! Nobody cares about the music here, they care about the hype. They see that you are on to something cool and then they steal your shit!! I feel like I have been busting my ass in this town just so that record exec's can cop my shit! I'm over this town. I hope it drowns in its sex tapes and scandal. The art is getting lost.....the beauty in music art is everywhere else because it's about the love for it and not the marketing/money making machine.I wanna dance!!! 

4 - You have worked all over the world as a model - what countries do you love?

Ireland!! (I didn't go there for modeling, but I have been) it is GORGEOUS!!! Everyone is so nice.New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Rome, France......I have never modeled in South America or Asia, but I've always wanted to go. I guess music will have to take me everywhere. Let me wish on a WORLD tour!!

5 - What designers are you into at the moment?

I've always loved Betsy Johnson. She's so crazy and off the wall. I love her colors and concepts. She just gets it! I also have always loved Dolce & Gabana. I'm not one that wears designer things, but I definitely appreciate the visions and the love for art and design. I'm usually wearing my own shit. (shh) I am a seamstress. I make all mine and my dancers outfits. Its pretty fun. I got a merch. store on my site with cool shit I make to order. www.lisadamato.com

6 - Do you have a style icon?

I don't. Should I?? :/

7 - After top model you seemed to make a much bigger impression than the other girls . . whats your secret?

Hmm......well, I was myself. Be YOUR SELF! I have a lot of guts and I speak my mind. I've always been one that wanted to change the world ever since I was a kid, so I usually speak up! I have an eagerness to make an impression that takes over me. I am so driven that sometimes I want to drive over myself! hahahaa I am a person that needs to express oneself all the time otherwise I'd go nuts!! I am a true artist in every form of the word. I paint, I sew, I draw, I write poetry and my songs, I do choreography for my dancers, I'm an extreme performer and dancer and I just can't stop!!!(screaming!!!!!) hahahahaa Just kidding......kinda. :p

8 - What are your plans for your next record and anything exciting happening?

Well, since I have yet to be signed (again) since the last with Suretone/ Interscope which was an imprint through Bananbeat Records. I might think about just putting out singles. We live in a computer generation and as much as I love albums, it just doesn't really work that way anymore unless you are a signed artist. I have the freedom to do what I want, which is cool! I have just recorded a few songs on Fernando Garibay's beats (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears) and I am working with Warner Chappell to get signed again, but in the meantime, I'll always be pumping out new songs/ video's of cool shit! I have a dope music video coming out called "SEXTAPE" that is a comedy spin-off of sex tapes and I just couldn't help myself. The song is hysterical. SHould be classiC! ALso, my video for my song 'Surrender' was just recently released......it's complete opposite, tho.

9 - Is modelling still one of your main objectives at the moment?

No. I've always modeled since I was a kid to escape my life! I wanted to make money and travel....that is it. I'm strictly music & TV. Music is where my heart is though. Nothing I love more then performing my songs on stage. I am a crazy performer, too! You should see me dance and rap. My nic-name is D-Batteryhahahaa

10 - Have you ever been to Ireland or plan to?

I want too!Let's do it!!

11 - If you have not been here whats your impression of the country?

I have and I love it!!! SO fucking green!!!The air is so crisp and the people are so amazing!!!

12 - As a model and celebrity you are known by a lot of the younger crowd here . . . does this surprise you?

Maybe a little. It makes me want to pop my collar! ;PThat is awesome. It makes me feel like I'm not just working like a mouse on a mouse wheel but that maybe I'm slowly creating a wider audience. Thanks for sharing that. :D

13 - Summer style tips?

Go naked. Tell your boyfriend/ girlfriend to beat it and get totally fucked up!hahahaa just kidddddiiiing.Have fun!!! Life is so short so take a lot of pictures, smile a lot, and.......wear sunblock.This summer I will be wearing a lot of high waisted mini skirts with 80's bathing suit tops and strappy sandals. Don't forget your one of a kind cool shades, either. ;)

14 - What are your plans for the summer?

Well, I'm planning to perform all over. I just got a new Euro booking agent called the CGM Agency and we are hoping to get me booked for all the fun music festivals in Europe. That would be a dream come true. I also plan to get tan :pI plan to have fun!

Well,there you have it . . Lisa D'Amato is one to watch out for.Her ambition and goals are powerfully strong and her talent and aura cannot be denied.She is also heartwarmingly down to earth and the way things are going its only up from here for the young star.

Visit www.lisadamato.com for details,music and news. Her singles and albums are available to buy on itunes and from her offical site now.

Watch 'Surrender' Now : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTNQNBUDrB4