Interview: Julia Preotu (of MeTalkPretty) – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 08/10/2010

Since 2006, MeTalkPretty has “quietly” earned a reputation for their “alternative” approach to rock music. During this time, three of these years have been spent on the road – as participants on the Vans Warped Tour – which has allowed the band to showcase work from their debut album, We Are Strangers. On the strength of their music and growing fan-base, MeTalkPretty received a 2009 MTV VMA Award for New York City’s “Best Breakout Band.”

Following in the footsteps of Courtney Love (Hole) and Gwen Stefani (No Doubt), Julia Preotu joins a rare short-list of female leads that have fronted male-backed rock bands. In the midst of a promotional campaign for the We Are Strangers EP, the Romania-born singer managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on her move to New York City, the necessity of learning English, and the death of her mother.

Interview: Mickey Factz – Hip-Hop Artist

Date of Interview: 08/04/2010

Several years from now, when the world looks back on the evolution of Mickey Factz’s career, he will be credited for revolutionizing – if not completely jump-starting – the digital mixtape game.  Following a string of successful releases, which included his critically-acclaimed Leak series, and founding his own label, GFC New York, XXL honored the rapper with a coveted spot on the cover of its 2009 “Freshmen 10” issue. And in the wake of receiving widespread media attention, a year later, Mickey Factz made the inevitable transition to the “major leagues” – shedding his “independent” status and signing with Battery Records, which is owned by Sony Music Entertainment and distributed by Jive Label Group.

As Mickey Factz continues to put the finishing touches on The Achievement, his debut album, The Sims 3 will feature “Dreamland” on its highly-anticipated console release for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Nintendo DS. In order to whet the appetite of his fans, however, several buzz singles have been released in promotion of his forthcoming album. Upon review of “Paradise,” Mickey Factz managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on Kanye West, the evolution of the mixtape game, and his definition of real “hip-hop” music.