BUY A YOUNG CELEBRITY NEWS TSHIRT THE FLIGHT ACADEMY: “WATCHING DREAMS TAKE OFF AND NEVER LAND” 2. | Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | V.2 Issue 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FEATURES Editor’s Note pg. 4 Astronomical Kid pg. 6 Darla Beaux pg. 8 The Artist’s Dilemma by Tom Stein pg. 10 Boo Spence pg. 12 Charley & Jesi pg. 16
Young Celebrity News April 2013 V. 2 Issue 4
Publisher/ Editor-In-Chief Lisa Wilson Managing Editor Michelle Tuyub Contributing Writers Auxaviar Carter, Rikki Gonzalez,Tom Stein Photography Anthony Desangles
The IM5 contest pg . 17
Advertising Sales Tony Wilson
Rockin 4 A Cure pg. 18
Media Director Rene Fisher V.2 Issue 3| Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | 3.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
JUMP IN AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS By Lisa Wilson
I
f you can go back into your memory bank and remember the first time you tried to learn how to swim, you probably can recall how scary it was for you. I took my nieces swimming this last summer and they were both four and five at the time. They were having a great time in the shallow end, (super shallow end for them because they are so small). During our fun time in the pool they were both faced with the same situation but they each responded differently. One of my nieces, Asia, wanted to go towards the deeper end with no floaters on. I told her what would happen if she did so and still she would try and push the limits until her floaters came off and she was stuck in a situation where she didn’t know how to swim and had to come up at top. Of course I immediately got her and told her that would happen. Thinking this experience would scare her from going back to the pool she continued to splash and swim around in the area she could she tolerate. She didn’t just get back into the water she JUMPED back in. But I was impressed with her “Leap Of Faith” to try and go in the deep end. However, Shannon, my other niece had a different situation. 4. | Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | V.2 Issue 3
Shannon was scared from the very beginning to go anywhere near where she couldn’t swim and didn’t want to take her floaters off for one second. As she began to swim and laugh more and more, something happened where her floaters slipped off and she was faced with the same situation of trying to get back to the top of the water. Of course, I immediately got her as well and I assured her it was okay. But that was it, Shannon refused to go back in and sat out of the pool and just put her feet in the water. It’s funny that I learned so much from a four and five year old but I did. I realized that we are still like that today. Some of us take that big leap of faith and jump into the pool with no floaters to see what will happen. Those are the dreamers, the innovators the people that end up changing the world. And then there’s another side of us that are frightened, we believe that we know exactly what’s going to happen if we jump in with no floaters, we’re going to drown! So we play it safe, we want to jump in the deep end but we’re too scared. The biggest fundamental difference between my two nieces is that one succeeded and one failed. Who failed you ask? The one who quit, and didn’t get back in the pool! Failing isn’t when we don’t succeed. Failing is when we don’t even try, where we quit the race before we even run. If you have a dream today to be an athlete, to be a firefighter, a doctor, a singer or anything else, then I say this to you, JUMP, I dare you. Take the leap of faith and go for it!
Lisa Wilson Editor-In-Chief youngcelebritynews@gmail.com @youngcelebnews3
YCN: We know you did your thing on Xfactor! What’s one thing that you learned about yourself that you never knew before going on that show? ASTRO: That I could get “Brooklyn” unintentionally. Lol YCN: How did you get the name the Astronomical Kid? ASTRO: I was writing a song, and looking in the Dictionary, I didn’t have an official name at the time, so when I seen the word Astronomical, I was Like THIS IS PERFECT and just ran with it.
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Bringing Back The Hip Hop Vibe By Lisa Wilson
While many people remember Astro debuting
on the big stage of the hit television show, X-Factor, performing was nothing new for this young star. Astro opens up to Young Celebrity News about what he’s learned from the experience, and since then, how much he has grown as an artist. We were happy to get the chance to talk to the superstar in the making and ask him about his latest mixtape, “Deadbeats and Lazy Lyrics.” And if you were thinking this young artist was sticking to only music, guess again. Astro just landed a co-starring role this year with the established veteran actor, Liam Neeson. Check out the interview with Astro below!
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YCN: When did you start getting into rapping and writing rhymes? ASTRO: When I was young, like 3, that’s when I started to really love rap, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was like 9 years old. YCN: Clearly from your music, you really set apart from other hip-hop artists your age today? How do you continue to stay true to who you are and not be who people want you to be? ASTRO: That’s the art of hip-hop, being you. That’s what made 2pac, 2pac. He did him and didn’t try to “APPEAL” to anyone. My Job is to create music, if you can relate, you can relate.
YCN: Tell us about your newest mixtape that came out, “Deadbeat and Lazy Lyrics,” and what you wanted your fans to get from listening to it? ASTRO: Well I wanted to bring the hip hop vibe back into peoples ears and just supply my supporters with more music. My sound transformed completely from my old stuff, so I know it caught people off guard. It’s whatever though, lol, it got the response I wanted it to. YCN: What new projects are you working on right now? ASTRO: Another mixtape, then maybe an album. My goal is to just put out more music in general. But other than music, I’m doing movies, currently shooting something with Liam Neeson and just finished shooting another movie I can’t speak about right now. But they might hit theaters at the same time. Lol YCN: What’s the best advice you’ve gotten while being in the industry? And what advice can you give to up and coming young artists today? ASTRO: Best advice I’ve gotten, “Never let me see you sweat”. And to all the cats coming up, DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. Don’t let anyone around you control your art. Be open minded, but don’t let anybody try to change what you love into what they love. FOLLOW ASTRO’S JOURNEY: https://www.facebook.com/Theastronomicalkid Twitter: @AstronomicalKid www.theastronomicalkid.com
FUN FACTS ABOUT astro 1. Favorite Place Traveled to: Other than Dumbo in Brooklyn, Probably Cali, Cali is chill 2. Favorite song you’ve ever written? Can’t choose, every song has meaning, I could say my favorite project I ever put out is Deadbeats and Lazy Lyrics. 3. Favorite Restaurant? Probably Footprints. This spot in Flatbush, they got the good Jamaican food.
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DARLA BEAUX Powerhouse singer Darla Beaux is making her way
through the front entrance of the music industry. With the release of her new EP, “Rebel Soul,” the young up and coming teen star is attracting quite the attention. With comparisons to power voices such Adele, Amy Winehouse and Etta James, Darla sets the tone high for other artists her age. We were able to get an exclusive interview with the teen about the work of her latest project. Check it out! Tell what it was like recording your latest EP? How long were your studio sessions? The whole recording process was so smooth; working with my producer K.C. Price was great. We spent about three weeks in the studio together last summer molding and recording the songs. How do you feel about the final result? I’m thrilled with what we created, the EP has an indie pop, alternative soul and RnB feel. I especially love the fresh retro vibe and the hints of Reggae beats that were thrown into the mix. The songs are all a little different, but compliment one another. Some artist have a repeated theme in their albums, love, break ups, etc…Do you have a repeated theme in this particular project? Each song represents a page from my life. What do you want your fans to get from listening to your music? I want the lyrics to give them a connection, to understand that we all go thru the same stuff. I want the music to move them emotionally, either by making them get up, move, feel empowered, or by touching their heart with simple love.
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Can you take us into the writing process of the songs of your EP? My producer K.C. and I sat down and put situations from my life into song. Yes, there was love for the “Bad Boy,” I was betrayed by someone who meant the world to me. I also finally realized that you have to be true to yourself and not try to be what other people want you to be. Do you have a favorite song on the EP? If I had to pick, the title track “Rebel Soul” is probably my favorite. It’s about my first boyfriend. Okay, the music in your EP is AMAZING. And your voice goes perfectly to it! How did you go about choosing the music for your EP? Thank you. The music is just an extension of who I am and what I grew up listening to. My producer knew how to weave the richness of my voice perfectly with the different styles of music that have really influenced me growing up. What’s the next step for you now? Going on tour soon? I am going to be doing some live shows to promote my EP and I can’t wait to get back in the studio to make some more music. Yes, I will be playing some music festivals this summer, I hope everyone will come out and catch me live. Get all the info at www.DarlaBeaux.com Photo by Marcel Vocino
TWEET OF THE MONTH @YCN: “If you could be a superhero what would your name be and what would be your power?” @cian_a: “My name would be honey and my power would be to make all things possible ... :D ... Peace” V.2 Issue 3| Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | 9.
Art Versus Commerce, Musician Or Merchant? -The Artist’s Dilemma by Tom Stein, Professor of Professional Music, Berklee College of Music
A
ndy Warhol maintained that the business side of art was also a form of art. He died one of the richest artists in history, and started a movement that sharply altered the visual landscape to this day: Pop Art. He got his start as an illustrator for department store catalogues in the 1950’s, he then went on to revolutionize the world of art in the 1960’s. To do music as an art requires a certain amount of craft, or technique. One should be able to play in tune, for example, or execute rhythms with some precision. This is usually referred to as “technique,” and musical artists typically devote a large amount of time to developing it. Mature artists also concentrate on the emotions contained in music; we call this “expressiveness.” Another way to view this (metaphorically) is that how we say something can be distinct from what we have to say. We can analyze each separately. How we choose to express something is the “medium,” and what we are expressing is the “content.” It is certainly possible, even advisable, to focus on both these aspects of our creative endeavor in order to develop further as an artist. Warhol’s insight was a valid one, and it certainly worked for him. He looked at the business of doing art as an integral part of the art itself. He made sure he was always in the news. He sold magnificently, and lived the lifestyle of the rich and famous. He realized that his artistic technique could encompass his business dealings, and that each was integral to the other. I’ve noticed a certain cognitive dissonance when it comes to musical artists in training, especially young people who tend to be idealistic to the extreme in their views. There is a view that they should just create good art, and the recognition will come. They feel that engaging in the business of music somehow cheapens their art. That somebody else should handle the business for them. These young artists tend to resist learning about the music business, as if it somehow will hurt them. The opposite couldn’t be truer. 10. | Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | V.2 Issue 3
I believed the same when I was a young artist, so I fully understand this sentiment. I felt certain that if I attempted to market myself (or heaven forbid, became successful), that I would be “selling-out.” This is actually a totally misdirected view of reality, I later learned. Before I could create good music, I needed to learn ALL the aspects of creative performing, composing, arranging and recording, including the business aspect. I came to realize that the business side of music could also be approached as a form of art, and that it actually WAS a part of the art itself. I learned to apply the same techniques I had developed doing music (e.g. improvisation, quick decision-making, creative thinking, disciplined work habits, etc.) to the business side of my career. I came to see that doing the business was really no different than making the music. It took me a little while, but I’m glad I finally woke up to this. The best part of this was, that when I became more adept at handling the business part of being an artist my artistic (musical) values also improved progressively. I was able to play with better musicians, at better venues, performing to better audiences, while making more money. The money relieved pressures of time spent working jobs outside of music to support my living
costs, so that in the end I could devote myself more fully to music. These were all good things. I became a much better musician, and more confident in everything I was doing. The same concept applies to teaching for me. Teaching (or writing) is no different than creating music, in my mind. I approach everything I do in exactly the same way. I would encourage young musicians to keep their mind open to learning about the business side of music. Don’t buy into the myth that great artists need to be poor and hungry. History has shown that this is not true. Picasso was also a wealthy man, and very shrewd with his business. I would encourage young artists to study what other successful artists do and have done, read their interviews, and learn best practices in business. Read any books you can find about the business of music, and business in general. Find areas in business that interest you, and investigate them further. Talk to other business people to see how they think about their business. There are some very good programs of study in the music and entertainment business, and there is no logical reason why a great musician can’t be good at the business of music as well. Many of them are. Young musicians should not be afraid of the business, especially if they want to do music professionally, as a career. I would encourage you to study marketing psychology, and learn about the history of economic trends. Get to know about demographics, finance, and organizational behavior. These are subjects that pertain to musicians and bands in a very direct way. A band is also a business. There is no way to avoid that if you want to be well-known for what you do. Fully embrace this component of your music. If you apply to your music business the same motivation, attention, perseverance, ambition, meticulousness, creativity and love (yes, love) that you bring to your music-making, this will almost certainly revolutionize your musical success and bring you to a higher plane in your artistic musical endeavors. Treat your business as if it is a part of your art, because it is. (Tom Stein is a visionary musical entrepreneur, music producer, artist development consultant, arranger, and performer on electric bass, voice and guitar. He is also a professional educator; he teaches at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. He frequently holds workshops and master classes at Modern Muzik Akademisi and Robert College, both in Istanbul, Turkey)
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM? BE MOTIVATED. TAKE RISKS. AND GO LIVE IT. “I’m telling you, people. Everyday we wake up is another blessing. Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you. Never say never.” -Justin Bieber
“This year I am choosing to live beyond my wildest dreams. I wonder where they’ll take me.” -Oprah
“There are a lot of things that are personally uncomfortable to show, especially me without makeup and completely bloated or crying. But I’ve realized that it’s time for me to show my audience that you don’t have to be perfect to achieve your dreams. Because nobody relates to being perfect.” -Katy Perry
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Just A Country Girl Living In A City World by Michelle Tuyub
Boo Spence is a country
Do you often get compared to Taylor Swift because you play guitar and do country music? I do! I think it probably has to do with the blonde hair! I love Taylor, so it’s an honor to be compared to someone who is so successful! What inspires you to write so many songs? Life :) haha I like to write about what is going on in my own life, as well as in my friends and family’s lives. I write about anything from boys to airplanes! (My dad is a pilot and I’m currently learning to fly also! I love it!) How long have you been going after a career in music? I started out as an actor about 5 years ago. I soon realized that in order to make it in the entertainment industry, I needed to be able to sing as well. My problem was that I had no natural singing ability whatsoever! 12. | Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | V.2 Issue 3
girl living in a city world. Formerly from a small town in Texas, she is now living in LA to pursue her dream. Although only fifteen, this up and coming star is already considered a triple because of the talent she possesses in singing, dancing and acting. Boo’s persistent spirit continues to drive her in improving as an artist. She even writes her own songs! Check out what this artist had to say about her music below.
My friends and family actually thought that I was tone deaf! However, when I set my mind to something, I won’t stop until I achieve my goal. So I started taking voice lessons and I fell in love with music! Now you can’t get me to be quiet! Can you tell us about the very first time you performed on stage? Were you nervous? When I was 13 I was in a music group, and our first performance was at my church. I was SUPER nervous about the performance, but I knew that my best friends were there on stage backing me up, and no matter what, we were in it together. They always encouraged me, and gave me confidence to sing in public. The show ended up going really well, and the audience really liked our songs! Do you have any embarrassing moments while performing? I ALMOST FELL ON STAGE! I performed at the Taste of Soul Music Festival this past year, and I was wearing these really cute black boots. The only problem with these boots was that the rubber had worn off the heel of the boot and they were really slippery. Fortunately I caught myself before I hit the ground! Otherwise I would have been SO embarrassed! Are you working on any new projects for this year? Album? I actually just got back from Nashville! I recorded 3 new songs! I finally have enough songs for my EPK, so hopefully I will be releasing that soon! What advice do you have for other artists today? I would say follow your dreams and never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough. If I would have quit singing just because I wasn’t “naturally” talented, and not many people thought that I would have a future in the music industry, then I wouldn’t be where I am today. Finally, I would tell them to surround themselves with a great team. My team is so supportive, and they always have my best interest at heart. At the end of the day, they are more concerned about my personal well being rather than how many records I sell. However, they are fully committed to helping me achieve my goals, so let’s just hope that my well being AND my record sales will BOTH be great! :)
FOLLOW BOO: www.facebook.com/boospence www.twitter.com/boospence
V.2 Issue 3| Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | 13.
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Some songs are instantaneous and just come out of nowhere. Other songs, Jesi will write a poem and Charley separately has some music that just works when it comes together. Who are some of your influences today? We like Bruno Mars, Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson.
MUSIC WITH THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE by Michelle Tuyub
C
J
harley and esi are a musical duo going after their dreams instead of waiting around for someone else to do it. This is a belief that they hold on to, while going after their music career wholeheartedly. These two talented artists met at an open mic and began their friendship with music. Now married, the two have continued to further their musical dreams. Along with sharing a passion in music, they also share the same passion for justice in today’s world. Their newest upcoming album, “Circus,” will be dedicated to raise awareness of unethical treatment of circus animals. Check out their interview below. How does it feel to do music with the love of your life? It feels amazing to have found someone who is just as passionate about music and life as we are. We’ve been performing music together since the moment we met, it’s in our relationship’s foundation and it’s all we know. When we sing in harmony, it’s like making love! Do you have any traditions that you do before you perform on stage? We always like to clear our minds before we go onstage. There can be a lot going on before a show, so we try to block it out and visualize a successful show beforehand. Do you have any favorite venues that you’ve performed at? Jesi’s favorite venues are the San Diego Fair & OC Fair. Charley’s favorite venue is always the one we haven’t done yet. How do you guys create songs? Do you start with the music first then lyrics? There are many different formulas and ways we have come up with songs. Sometimes we come up with music first and just hear a melody and work with it. 16. | Young Celebrity News | www.youngcelebritynews.com | V.2 Issue 3
Tell us about your new album “Circus” and how it differs from your previous albums? This album Circus has more of a variety of textures. This was the first album that we both had equal input as far as the production goes. Charley wanted to do some songs electric. Jesi wanted to do some songs acoustically. So we got to do some separate production sounds. We also tracked and mixed mostly at the Village Recorder in Los Angeles. We were fortunate enough to have a lot of special guests musicians on this alum, just to name a few: Johnny Echols of the band LOVE on lead guitar for a few tracks; Padre Andre Holmes of Fishbone perform trumpet and euphonium on a few tracks; Kimberly Lola on background vocals for a few tracks; Voodoo Woman tracking was recorded at Little Dog Records with Grammy Award Winner Pete Anderson and he performed lead guitar, bass and banjo on that track. What do you want your fans to get out of listening to your new album? We want them to get a smile on their face and to brighten their day when they listen to our new album. We want people to feel our love through their speakers! What advice would you offer to other up and coming artists today? Follow your dreams and passions. Keep learning, growing, practicing your art. Don’t wait for someone to make your dreams come true, you make it a reality! www.charleyandjesi.com
THE IM5 CONTEST 1. Who is the oldest Im5 member in the band? A. Will B. Dalton C. Dana D. Cole E. Gabe 2. What was the name of the song that Im5 and Bella Thorne colloborated on together? A. Go B. Me and You C. Can’t Stay Away D. Boyfriend
SO I HEARD THAT YOU WERE A BIG IM5 FAN AND WANTED TO WIN THIS AUTOGRAPH POSTER (MINUS DALTON’S SIGNATURE HE WASN’T THERE THAT DAY) T-SHIRT AND COOL IM5 STICKER. SURE YOU CAN HAVE IT, YES YOU. THE ONE WHO CORRECTLY ANSWERS THIS QUIZ AND TWEET US THE ANSWERS MAY JUST WIN! GOOD LUCK!!
3. In an interview Will tells the interviewer that at a show once, they were introduced with the wrong name and not IM5. What was that Name? A. IM4 B. Cool Kids Band C. Dana and Friends D. The Candy Boys 4. IM5 was asked which Disney character would they be if they could? Who did Cole choose? A. Aladdin B. Tarzan C. Simba D. Dopey from Snow White 5. Hey _____ and _____were not looking at our camera during the Valentine’s Bash! Hint: (Answer found on our facebook page) Need more clues? Subscribe!
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“ROCKIN A CURE 4 CF” P
arimore Management and Tony Smith teamed up this past Sunday to put on the event, “Rockin A Cure 4 CF,” which was dedicated to Tony Smith’s daughter and everyone affected with the disease of Cystic Fibrosis. “I made a promise to my daughter and to all of the others that are stricken with this horrible illness that we would never stop...not until there is no more suffering and this disease is irradiated,” is what Tony said about this event on the event page. Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the gene. Typically someone who has CF can suffer with lung problems, pancreas, liver and intestine problems. Many young musical groups came out to support this cause including, IM5, Brooklyn Haley, L2, Bittersweet, Katia Nicole and more. For more information about Cystic Fibrosis please go to: www.cff.org and see how you can make a difference today! Take a look at the pictures below.
ROCKIN A CURE
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4 CF
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