Interview: DJ Chachi – New York’s #1 Deejay

Date of Interview: 03/17/2010

Few deejays ever become as popular as the artists they spin on their turntables.  DJ Chachi has gained notoriety in celebrity circles, however, as the hand-picked “master of (musical) ceremonies” in some of the United States’ hottest upscale clubs. As New York’s hottest deejay, Chachi currently enjoys residencies at Tenjune and Simyone Lounge in Manhattan, along with several other venues across the nation.

Upon the release of his Split Personalities mixtape, DJ Chachi managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on his early years at No Exit, his personal strategy for “reading” a crowd, and his thoughts about deejaying in the “Serato age.”

Interview: Suzette Quintanilla – Sister of Selena, the “Queen of Tejano Music”

Date of Interview: 03/12/2010

When Tom Brokaw referred to Selena Quintanilla as the “Mexican Madonna” in 1997, his comment not only highlighted the notoriety she had gained outside the confines of mainstream pop music, but also alluded to the influence her career would eventually have on a generation of Latino superstars.  From Jennifer Lopez to Shakira, the professional trajectories of their musical careers owe a debt of gratitude to Selena’s legacy. And fifteen years after Selena’s untimely death, she still reigns supreme as the “Queen of Tejano Music.”

On March 9, 2010, EMI released La Leyenda, a commemorative box set of Selena’s work, in collaboration with the Quintanilla family.  Spanning four CDs, La Leyenda gathers 82 tracks and groups them by musical style and language.  As part of the promotional campaign for EMI’s special release, Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, squeezed some time out of her busy schedule to settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on Selena’s attachment to white roses, behind-the-scenes schooling, and alternative recording of “Where Did the Feeling Go?”

Interview: Tiny & Toya – B.E.T.’s Beloved Reality Stars

Date of Interview: 03/10/2010

In the midst of television’s “reality series” craze, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonia “Toya” Carter have garnered a loyal fanbase on BET.  Last season, the duo was followed by 3 million viewers, who laughed, cried and learned some serious lessons from their day-to-day experiences.

As Tiny and Toya prepared for the launch of Season Two, the ladies managed to squeeze some time out of their busy schedules and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on highlights from Season One, as well as the struggles and triumphs within their personal lives.

Interview: Jennie Vicious (of The Vicious Guns)

Date of Interview: 03/08/2010

For the past few years, America has set it sights on Britain for the latest musical trends. But Canada has much to offer as well.  Toronto’s VICIOUS GUNS, in particular, is a diamond in the proverbial rough.

Fusing the sounds of punk and pop, Jennie and Richey Vicious, along with Ana DeVee, have traveled extensively to promote their self-titled and self-produced EP.  This past May, the independent outfit enjoyed a five-day stint at SXSW [South by Southwest] in Austin, Texas, in preparation for a full North American tour, which will run through August.

Right before the band’s departure to Austin, Jennie Vicious managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on guerrilla marketing, networking, and her guide to healthy living on the road.

Interview: Corinne Bailey Rae – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 03/05/2010

After the massive, slow-burning success of Corinne Bailey Rae in 2006, there is no denying the singer’s influence on the current crop of British chanteuses. As the recipient of GRAMMY nominations for “Best New Artist,” “Song of the Year,” “Record of the Year” and “Album of the Year,” she blazed a musical trail in America that has been well-traveled by several of her contemporaries: Amy Winehouse (2008), Adele (2009) and Estelle (2009), in particular.

Four years later, with international sales hovering above four million, Corinne Bailey Rae has returned to the music scene with her sophomore project, The Sea.  In support of the album, Corinne will begin her North American Tour in Los Angeles, California, on April 6, 2010.

Upon the release of The Sea, Corinne Bailey Rae managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on her recording experience at Limefield Studios, her classical music background and her love of “the blues.”