PLEASE MEET ACTOR AND MUSICIAN –

ASHA EDMUND

Introducing another amazingly talented young actor/musician and chef extraordinaire - Asha Edmund.  This young lady has been born into a talented family and has decided to make it her career choice.

Please read and enjoy:

1                   Please tell us a little about your background;

A:  I come from a musical family.  My grandfather, Edmund Appau, was a pioneering Indian musician in Singapore.  My Aunt Christina is pretty prominent in the Indian music scene in Singapore too.  My dad and Uncle Lawrence were phenomenal drummers and singers.

I grew up listening to very good live music.  There was always music in every home and our home included.  Jamming sessions were a constant.  Christmas was a big dance party, people would come from around the island to dance, drink and eat.

The mornings were also fun – we’d wake up and find the adults sleeping on the piano stool, floor or sofa in a symphony of snores.  The music never, ever died!

2                   Have you always wanted to be a singer?

A:   No.  I wanted to be a lawyer because on my mum’s side, most of them are lawyers.  I also wanted to be a fighter pilot and astronaut on delusional days.  Becoming a lawyer seemed more realistic and attainable.

I did study law at a family school for a bit and did not enjoy it.  I thought about it long and hard and decided that I did not want to spend my life arguing and sending people into cages.  I wanted to make people happy.  I didn’t know how I was going to do it but I knew that that was what I wanted to do.

3                   You are also a song writer.  Do you write your own songs?

A:  Yes, I write most of my songs.  I love writing and performing my own songs.  There is nothing like it, so I believe.

4                   You have studied drama.  Have you done a lot of acting?  Please tell us about that.

A:  I did study it and it’s my first love too!  I haven’t done as much as I would like to because music has been my focus.  Acting is something that requires more effort of my part than singing.  It requires study, focus and discipline.  Anything that requires the three, I enjoy immensely.

5                   What and/or who inspires you?

A:  Love or the lack of love.  Most of my songs are love songs.  Politics too and some social situations do inspire me.  I’m trying to write positive songs these days because the world has enough of the negative to deal with.

6                   What long term visions do you have for your career?

A:  That I will be considered a gem by the greats and collectors.  Any more will be a blessing.

7                   Are you the only one in your family in the entertainment industry?

A:  Professionally for now, yes.

8                   You are also an actor.  Can you tell us what you have acted in?

A:  I was in ‘Rent’ with the Singapore and Manila cast, a short film called ‘Brown is the New Black’, ‘The Vagina Monologues’, a couple of TV shows and a resident actor/singer at the now-defunct Igor’s, the cabaret theatre restaurant.

9                   You are also a vegan.  Can you tell us about that?  What caused you to become one?

A:  When my mother passed away, I started cooking for my father, just to bring him some peace and comfort.  My mother was a fantastic cook and she cooked for us every single day.  I wanted to fill that space for a little bit, just for him.

I was in the kitchen, about to cut some chicken; I place the chicken on the board and was going to cut it at the joints when the cold meat under my skin suddenly didn’t feel right.  The rawness hit me.  That’s when I realised I couldn’t do it any more and that it wasn’t natural for me and working against my nature.  All this time, my mother had done it, so I never knew.

I was also a vegetarian throughout my teenage years so the diet wasn’t entirely foreign to me.  Becoming a vegan was a smooth progression from that day on.

10              Do you invent your own recipes?

A:  Yes, I do!  I love creating my own recipes!  It’s so much fun!  I have a savoury chocolate soup everyone must try.  Just visit my blog (theedibleforest.tumblr.com for the recipe!

11              Do you enjoy cooking?

A:  Immensely!  I love cooking and taking care of the home!  It is the best way, to me, to demonstrate love and provide a sense of security to anyone who needs it at that point.

12              What’s next in the pipeline for Asha Edmund?

A:  My house album!  Yes, I’ve worked on it for a year and it will be released in January 2014!  I love making people dance so I can’t wait to see the responses on the dance floor everywhere!  And more recipes and information on my food blog for anyone who needs or wants it!

13              Do you have a message you would like to send to the world?

A:  Never harden or be too set in your ways because what you know today, may change tomorrow and you may have to change with it.

Links:                    Website
                                StarNow
                                The Edible Forest

Music Links:        Soundcloud
                                Reverbnation
                                YouTube

Images courtesy of Asha Edmund

PLEASE MEET ANOTHER DYNAMIC LADY

INTERVIEW WITH CAZ STEVENS

1          You appear to be a pretty multi-talented lady.  Please tell us about that. 

            A:  Well that’s a compliment - however I like to think I can handle almost anything and give it all 100%

2          Have you always had an interest in the entertainment industry? 

            A:   Yes always - my late Mum Eva and my late Dad Benjamin used to tell me I was born singing and that I used to do the Hand Jive in my pram. There was always music in the family home - we all sang and all doing our party pieces at family get togethers.

3          Please tell us a little about your background.  Are or were your parents in the entertainment industry?  Siblings? 

            A:   My Mum Eva was a great writer - she wrote poetry but not what you would expect; she wrote poetry in a way that a regular person would speak and always with a lot of comedy and emotion.  My Dad Benjamin, no, he was a London Taxi Driver.  My maternal grand parents were very musical and my papa Sam was from America and his family were in the entertainment business.  In fact my great uncle Joe Harris, was an Artist's Agent, and he looked after Jimmy Durante, Al Jolson and many more. My grandmother Sarah used to sing and her sister Esther used to play and sing jazz - she was great and entertained all the British and American soldiers stationed here during WW2. So I guess you could say my path was destined. I was the youngest child - I had 4 brothers who all loved music. One of my brothers was also in the music industry - he was head of promotions at 'EMI' and later went on to run 'Rocket Records' for Elton John.  On my Dad's side, all the men were boxers - one a professional boxer called Pedlar Palmer, a world champion.

4          You have spent many years doing background vocals for other artists world wide.  Please tell us more.  

            A:   Well I was 16 or 17 when I started doing session work - I loved it - in studios and on stage; it was a great experience for a young girl - it taught me the ropes for the rest of my pro career.

5          You now own two music companies.  Please tell us how and why that has happened.

            A:   With my husband David Stevens, we decided to start a production company a few years back; we do our own projects plus for major labels and indie clients, we used to have to hire other recording studios - and then we decided to open our own studio.  It was really easy, as David was a great musician, arranger and producer, having also toured all over the world with a band called The Foundations, who had huge hits with “Build Me Up Buttercup”, “Baby Now That I Found You” and “In the Bad Bad Old Days”.  He had also had a lot of success with Big Up Jazz and another band called Bogaz.  So we knew what we were doing - it's not like we were entering into a business that we knew nothing about.

6          You are also a wife and mum and your husband is also in the entertainment industry.   As such, he is helping you to set out on your own?

            A:  No, I don’t think he is helping me - more encouraging me.  I have spent the last few years building our business and singing for other artists and doing productions with David.  I kinda left my own singing for me - on the sidelines.  It was actually David’s idea that I should make another record - he said:   “Why don't we make an album of all our favourite songs and you sing them”. To be honest I didn’t want to at first - I didn’t see a purpose, but David said:  “ You're crazy thinking like that - you’re a great singer.  We have the studio and the musicians - lets do it, even if it's only for us”.   So with that philosophy I agreed…

7          How were you ‘discovered’ and who discovered you? 

            A:   Well, I wouldn’t say I was discovered - but Mum took me for an audition - I was 12 years of age, and it was for husband and wife team Phil and Dorothy Solomans.  They were just starting the first indie record company in the UK called Major Minor Records and they were looking for artists to sign. They only signed 3 artists - one was Tom Jones, along with  Johnny Nash - and me.  That was my first record deal and I went on to have many more, with Decca, CBS, Carerra and lots more…

8.        While your current songs are covers, do you have aspirations to write your own lyrics eventually?

           A:  I have always composed music and written lyrics for myself and other artists - I also write jingles for TV adverts and radio stations.  I have had quite a few of my songs sung by others in shows and on their albums. In 2000 I also had a self penned top twenty hit in the club charts called “You're Givin' Me”.  I went under the name of “Priva”.

9          Who and what are your inspirations?

            A:   My Mum and Dad - they raised me with love and music, great food and music, great family life and music (ha ha).  Being serious, Mum, Dad, my children, nature and the human race.  I think it's important to any human being in any any walk of life, to have been lucky enough, like me, to have come from such a strong family, who taught me such great morals and principles - and more than that, taught me to love and respect every human being and treat everyone in a way that I would want to be treated. Musically I was inspired by Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Dusty Springfield, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Bee Gees.

10       Both your businesses handle some very well known names in the industry.  How does it feel to work with such people?

          A:   Its great, it makes me feel that I have respect from my peers, for them to want me to work with them.  It means I have done my homework and got my Gold Stars. However it doesn’t matter to me whether a client is famous or a newcomer, they all get my experience and talent and of course my respect.

11       You have also lived all over the world.  Please tell us more about that.

            A:  Well - don’t know about lived, but I have toured all over the place, which has taken me to many places around the world; however I have lived in Paris, France and in Spain - and stayed a long time in Nashville when I worked for CBS.

12       At one stage you were signed to the BBC as one of a three piece girl backing group – one of the other members being Miriam Stockley.  How did you enjoy that?

           A:   I was under contract to the BBC as part of the BBC Orchestra for 3 years - I loved it and of course loved Miriam, it was Miriam who got me the gig - she was the best there ever was,and always booked all the session singers for everything.  We met when I was 18 at a recording session; she liked my vocals and we got on like a house on fire - from that day forward I worked with Miriam all the time….. Miriam lives in Florida now with her husband Rod.  A lovely couple - and their children.

13       What was your very first hit?  How old were you when you had this?

           A:  Well, as a solo artist I never had a top twenty hit record till I was a mother of two, that was the club hit as “Priva” - and also I had a hit album in the French charts - no 5 when I was signed to 'Carrera' records.  BUT my voice is on over 1000s of other hit records….

14       What are your aspirations for the future?

           A:  To be healthy and happy for all my family to be well, because without our health we cannot do anything. Once we have good health, we can then have dreams and goals that we can achieve.

15       What is next in the pipeline for Caz Stevens?


           A:  David and I have a couple of new projects we're working on with new artists and of course finishing my own album.  I just hope that I always have the desire to make great music.

16       Do you have a message that you would like to reach to the world with?

            A:  Just to believe in yourself - nothing's impossible as long as you believe.


Links:      'Down Down Down' - lyrics and music by Caz for band Amariah;
                 'Heaven' - lyrics and music written and sung by Caz for band Amariah;
                 'Holding on for Spring' - first song with lyrics and music written by Caz for                       Portugese Richard Valentine for his album - backing vocals by Caz;                               '  Holding on for Spring' - second song with lyrics and music written by Caz for                  Portugese Richard Valentine for his album - backing vocals by Caz;
               'Let it Shine' - lyrics and music written by Caz for Amariah - they then asked                   her to become part of the band as lead vocalist.

                Website:  Lemon Soda Music                
                Website:  Giant Step Productions

                                                                                

JACKEE  MINELLI  -

INITIAL  INTERVIEW

1                        Please tell us a little about your family and background;

          A:          I have three brothers, two sisters, three nieces and three nephews.  I have a puppy name 'Bentely'.  My parents own personal care homes and we all work there as a family.   

2                   Your story mentions that you have suffered badly from bullying.  Did this occur throughout your entire school life?

           A:           Yes, I was bullied all the way up til my senior year.

3                        Do you have any idea why you were picked on?

           A:           Honestly, I don't know why I was picked on at all.

4                How were you chosen for the part in the anti-bullying film, ‘Red Head Randy’?

           A:        The way I was chosen for 'Red Head Randy' was - I got picked to go to an audition in NYC and a couple of days later they told us I was picked to be in 'Red Head Randy'.

5                   How would you see the film having an effect on people who are both bullies and being bullied?

           A:          I think 'Red Head Randy' will affect a lot of people when they watch it.  One way is the people being bullied will see they aren't alone and will overcome all the pain and be strong.  Second way is the bullies - they will, hopefully, get scared and realise that what they're doing is wrong - and stop.

6                   You are an actor – as your career progresses, would you like to add modelling, singing etc to your talents?

          A:          I would love to add modelling to my career.  I don't know how to sing or dance though.

7                       Why do you feel people should support the film?

            A:         I feel like people should support the film because it will get out there to all the kids that are bullied to let them know they aren't alone and to stand up for themselves to show them that they are just like everyone else.  Also to stop the bullies bullying people.

8                       What are your goals for the future?

            A:         My goals for my future are to inspire all the kids and help them overcome being bullied - to show them suicide isn't the way to go.

9                       What inspires you?

            A:         My biggest inspiration is GOD.  He has always been there for me and He's the one I always turn to.

10                 This is probably a ‘heavy’ question, but do you feel the government or the schools are mainly to blame for the bullying epidemic?

            A:         I honestly feel that school and government do not handle this at all.  If they did handle this it wouldn't be going on still and kids wouldn't be taking their own lives because of this.

11                    You have met some very famous people.  Please tell us about that.

            A:         I have met a lot of celebrities in my life time.  I am not going to name them all but here are a few.  I liked the Jonas Brothers since I was twelve - I saw them over fifteen times in concert and met them once.  I was recently going to see them and meet them on October 13th but the tour got cancelled.  It upset me very badly but looking to future to see them again.  Ian Somerhalder from 'Vampire Diaries' - my favorite actor ever.  Paul Wesley - 'Vampire Diaries' - a lot of other cast from 'Vampire Diaries' also.  Henry Winkler from 'Happy Days'.  Garry Allen, a country singer.  Tracy Byrd, a country singer.  Justin Beiber.  I was also recently picked to be in a movie with Victoria Justice from 'Victorious' on Nickleodeon.

12              Do you feel enough is being done to try to control this?  At least, to try to raise awareness?

            A:    I think the 'Red Head Randy' cast and crew are doing a lot for this awareness.

13              Has your self-confidence grown since you acted in this film?

           A:    Yes, my confidence has grown a lot after this movie - it has given me the ability to be around people.

14              How does your family feel?  Extremely proud, I would imagine?

        A:    My family is very proud of me in what I am doing and have become as a person.  They are always there by my side through everything - supporting me.

15          What else would you like to do to help in the fight against this hideous phenomenon?

            A:    I would like for 'Red Head Randy' to kick off (well) and have everyone dying to want to see it and have more fundraisers for bullying.

16              Do you have a message for other victims of bullying around the world?

           A:   My message for all the victims is stay strong, pray to God every day - if you're being bullied tell someone and you will get through it.  Trust in God.

         

“The End of Revolution Coming”

The Great American Robber Barons (305am)

This one will reach into your heart.  I was warned – there’s no denying it.  I was told that this song would bring tears to my eyes.  And I’m not an emotional person – but, believe me, this did it.   It is about a race horse and its first and last race – and its death while in action - on the track. 

            ‘The End of Revolution Comin’’ is one of the latest compositions coming from ‘The Great American Robber Barons’ – with Keith Dion being the lead vocalist – along with playing the acoustic guitar and bass. Accompanied by Mike Wilhelm – Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and original member of The Charlatans and The Flamin’ Groovies from San Francisco.  The background music provided by the rest of the band is never overpowering, nor is Keith’s guitar – but all remain subtle and complements the lyrics perfectly. 

            But even that warning – even then in all honesty I was in no way prepared for the immense feeling of sadness and nostalgia that overpowered me as I listened.  Keith’s amazing talent for true narrative song writing really does get the message across perfectly.  Even if you have never been to the races in any way, shape or form, most of us have seen racing in movies or on TV, or both – Keith’s song writing has such power and combined with the equally amazing power of the accompanying music – I closed my eyes and was immediately transported – and could see everything with amazing clarity.  Probably too much clarity, given the subject and the intense sadness delivered by the lyrics.

            The ‘folksy’ introduction immediately reminded me of the music of the 1960s and 70s.  The folk music of that era.  Keith is a true expert with whatever form of guitar he chooses and his voice delivering this message is full of emotion.  Even if it wasn’t based on a true story, you would be forgiven for thinking that it was.  Either that or Keith has the most amazing and vivid imagination to go with an extremely convincing voice.

Still at the ‘demo’ stage as far as the recording process goes, this one will be completed with full vocal and instrumental overdubs and mixed by early November 2013. Lyrics and more on the background below including the race track betting stub from this fateful day.

The End of Revolution Coming

Words and Music by Keith Dion August 27^th, 2013

It was Golden Gate Fields in race number five

She was nervous as hell but really alive

Revolution’s Coming racing round the track

Making her move to the head of the pack

Making her move to the head of the pack

She’d just started out at the starting gate

Not too early and not too late

Number 8 in pink on both of her sides

She was bred for all this and this her first ride

She was bred for all this and this her first ride

This sport now of kings sometimes does not bring

Very much luck or forgiveness 

As there in the grass and the four leaf clover

The race was now done the new one begun

Hopes now to her the first time she’d race

Wouldn’t have mattered to win show or place

The roar of the crowd was deaf to her ears

She looked straight ahead and never showed fear

She looked straight ahead and never showed fear

What happened next no one could explain

And the tears of all there fell down like hard rain

She only made it round ‘bout half way

As there in a field in the track she did lay

As there in a field in the track she did lay

This sport now of kings sometimes does not bring

Very much luck or forgiveness 

As there in the grass and the four leaf clover

The race was now done the new one begun

The end of Revolution was now right before us

As her long leg was shattered as well as her pelvis

It was surely all over before it had started

No more were her dreams for now she’s departed

No more were her dreams for now she’s departed

Alone in her stall her owners now mourn her

While back on the track the 6^th race had started  

They call it just sport and entertainment and fun

But I’ll never go back there now away I will run

But I’ll never go back there now away I will run

This sport now of kings sometimes does not bring

Very much luck or forgiveness 

As there in the grass and the four leaf clover

Her race was now done and the next one begun

They call it just sport and entertainment and fun

But I’ll never go back there away I will run

As there in the grass and the four leaf clover

Revolution was done her race had been run

C + P 3:05 AM Music BMI International

All rights reserved

Keith Dion:  We Went with some friends on Sunday to Golden Gate Fields for some horse racing to celebrate one of their birthdays - All was swell until the 5th Race. I bet $5 to win, show and place on a brand new horse called Revolution Coming ! Great name for a new 

horse. Sadly she broke her hip half way through her first race and died right there 

on the track on her very first race ! What a tragic end to a beautiful animal ! RIP Revolution Coming !   Another true story .