Interview: Haley Reinhart – Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 06/18/2012

Long before Haley Reinhart made a name for herself as an American Idol finalist, she was performing on international stages. Haley’s pre-Idol participation in Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival and Italy’s Umbria Jazz Festival underpinned her dazzling soul-infused renditions that ultimately led to her third-place finish. Throughout the tenth season, Reinhart tackled several venerable classics: “God Bless the Child” (Billie Holiday), “Fallin’” (Alicia Keys), and “Rolling in the Deep” (Adele). Her debut album – Listen Up! – was released via 19 Recordings and Interscope Records on May 22, 2012 and received widespread critical acclaim.

In the midst of a promotional campaign for Listen Up, Haley Reinhart spoke with Clayton Perry about her upbringing in a “house of rock,” the catharsis she found in slam poetry, and the value of risk-taking.

Interview: Skylar Grey – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 01/19/2012 (Part 1) + 08/17/2011 (Part 2)

The non-conforming spirit of Skylar Grey may be the key to her musical genius. With five GRAMMY nominations secured over two productive years, it is easy to forget that Skylar’s songwriting talents have bolstered the careers of established acts, while crafting the blueprint for her “takeover” of the music establishment. Invinsible, a portmanteau of “invisible” and “invincible”, will serve as the singer-songwriters major label debut.

Prior to the album’s launch, KIDinaKORNER Records and Interscope Records released The Buried Sessions of Skylar Grey. The digital EP features raw cuts of her songs previously performed by Diddy-Dirty Money (“Coming Home”) and Lupe Fiasco (“Words I Never Said”), as well as Eminem and Rihanna (“Love the Way You Lie”). In support of the Buried Sessions and the highly-anticipated release of Invinsible, Skylar Grey squeezed some time out her busy schedule in order to settle down for a two-part interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on Kaskade’s “Room for Happiness” remixes, the quality time spent with Marilyn Manson, and self-discovery in the process of finding comfort in one’s skin.

Interview: Jaime “Taboo” Gomez – Founding Member of the Black Eyed Peas

Date of Interview: 02/17/2011

Jaime “Taboo” Gomez is one-fourth of America’s best-selling hip-hop collective, the Black Eyed Peas. Since 1995, the group has sold more than 27 million albums and 20 million singles in various international outlets. In February 2011, the Black Eyed Peas performed in-front of an audience of millions as the headliners of Super Bowl XLV’s halftime show.

With the assistance of Steve Dennis, Taboo has written a behind-the-scenes look at the phenomenal rise of the Black Eyed Peas, as well as the personal and professional demons that he has fought along the way. Appropriately titled, Fallin’ Up chronicles an amazing life story that will serve as an inspiration to any person in active pursuit of their dreams.

In the midst of a promotional campaign for Fallin’ Up [released February 8, 2011, via Touchstone, a division of Simon & Schuster], Jaime “Taboo” Gomez managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on the influence of Nanny Aurora, the challenges of marriage and fatherhood, and the cultural diversity of the Black Eyed Peas.

Interview: Bobby Brown – “The King of New Jack Swing”

Date of Interview: 02/15/2011

Bobby Brown has never been afraid to push the envelope – musically, artistically or socially. His sheer bravery and brash honesty are the very characteristics that make him “Bobby Brown” – a pioneering entertainer with over three decades of experience. From his successful debut in New Edition, the boy bad prototype for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men and the Backstreet Boys, to his multi-platinum career as a solo artist, Brown has left a mark on the music industry that can never be erased.

On May 10, 2011, Bobby Brown’s fifth solo studio album – The Masterpiece – will be released via Brownhouse Entertainment and Fontana Distribution, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. In the midst of a promotional campaign for the album, Bobby Brown managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on fatherhood, the rise of Atlanta’s music scene, and the profound influence of Louis Silas, Jr.

Interview: Greyson Chance – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 10/26/2010

Greyson Chance is the first artist to be signed to Ellen Degeneres’ new music label, “eleveneleven,” which was inspired by her love and admiration for the young Texas native, who she discovered on May 11, 2010. After a rousing performance of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” on the award-winning talk show, Chance’s star has been on the rise. And for the past few months, Greyson has been hard at work on his debut album – working closely with Ron Fair, who mentored and guided the careers of Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole and the Black Eyed Peas.

In support his debut single, “Waiting Outside the Lines,” which was released on October 26, 2010, Greyson Chance managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on the sacrifices that were necessary for success, the influence of John Lennon, and his favorite composition: “Purple Sky.”

Interview: Justin Tranter (of Semi Precious Weapons)

Date of Interview: 02/05/2010

Justin Tranter is the lead singer of the provocative glam rock outfit Semi Precious Weapons.  Classically-trained, yet socially-deviant, Tranter and company have quickly emerged as the faces of an international movement to resuscitate rock and roll—by telling the world to “put a diamond in it and bite down.”

As the opening act for the North American, European, Oceanic and Asian legs of Lady GaGa’s critically-acclaimed Monster Ball Tour, “S.P.W.” has skyrocketed out of the underground scene and landed smack-dab into mainstream music culture. So, if Cole Whittle, Dan Crean, and Stevy Pyne have their way, Semi Precious Weapons will carve a sizable niche in the musical landscape, with Justin Tranter as their guide, while Geffen Records tirelessly promotes their self-titled EP.

After a four-night stint at Radio Music Hall, Justin Tranter managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on the band’s greatest “rock and roll” moment, the inspiration behind “Magnetic Baby,” and the lasting influence of his Berklee experience.

Interview: Sean “The Pen” Garrett – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 11/12/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Although Sean Garrett is one of the most respected songwriters within the music industry, he has yet to become a household name.  Even so, it would be safe to bet that every American has come into contact with one or more songs from his music catalog.  Inside Garrett’s discography, one will find: “Yeah” (Usher), “Lose My Breathe” (Destiny’s Child), “Run It!” (Chris Brown), “London Bridge” (Fergie) and “Break Up” (Mario).

In 2008, Sean Garrett transitioned to the public spotlight, when he released Turbo 919 in Japan, which featured collaborations with Akon, Lil’ Wayne, Ludacris, and Pharrell.  The following year, he took his performance on the road – touring with Mario, Trey Songz and Day26 on BET’s 106 & Park Tour – and further established himself as a solo artist.

Fresh off the heels of a successful tour, Garrett received a GRAMMY nomination for his contributions to Beyonce’s I Am…Sasha Fierce!  After the first leg wrapped, Sean Garrett managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on his admiration of Lionel Richie, his nine contributions on Destiny Fulfilled and the story behind Jay-Z dubbing him “The Pen.”

Interview: DJ Space Cowboy – Internationally Renowned Deejay

Date of Interview: 10/14/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Nick Dresti is known throughout the world as “Space Cowboy,” the official DJ of Lady GaGa.  He is also the protégé of Norman Cook, the illustrious “Fatboy Slim.”

After spending the bulk of 2009 on the road, Nick Dresti found inspiration from the sights and sounds he encountered as a performer on Lady GaGa’s Fame Ball Tour.  The resulting byproduct, Digital Rock Star, is his fourth studio album, which captures the essence of these experiences. “Falling Down” serves as the lead single.

Upon review of Digital Rock Star, DJ Space Cowboy managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Norman Cook, the origin of his futuristic moniker, and the loyalty of his Japanese fan base.

Interview: Ester Dean – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Date of Interview: 09/18/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Ester Dean is the mastermind behind some of 2009’s memorable R&B songs: “The One” (Mary J. Blige), “Never Ever” (Ciara), “Make Me Over” (Keyshia Cole), and “Make Love” (Keri Hilson).  And as she transitioned into becoming a performer in her own right, her debut video, “Drop It Low,” generated over one million views on YouTube.  The energetic, care-free party track features an introduction from Lebron James, due to its inclusion on the More Than a Game soundtrack, as well as cameos from Chris Brown, Keri Hilson. SouljaBoy Tell ‘Em, Nelly and a host of other artists.

As the protégé of super-producer Polow da Don, expectations are running high for Ester Dean, whose debut album is set for release in 2010 under the Zone 4 imprint.  During a promotional radio tour for More Than a Game, Ester Dean managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Mary J. Blige, “Stronger,” and her humble beginnings in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Interview: Keke Palmer – Actress, Singer and Songwriter

Date of Interview: 08/06/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

At the age of 16, Keke Palmer’s resume reflects that of someone twice her age.  As the breakout star of her generation, Palmer’s film and TV credits include: Barbershop 2: Back in Business, “ER,” Akeelah and the Bee, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” Madea’s Family Reunion, “House of Payne,” Shrink, and her very own headlining sitcom, Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP.”

The multi-talented, award-winning actress has occasionally showcased her vocal prowess as well.   In addition to release of So Uncool, her 2007 solo debut, she has also made contributions to soundtracks for Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, Make It Happen, Jump In!, Night at the Museum, and Akeelah and the Bee.  In 2010, KeKe will release her highly-anticipated sophomore effort on Interscope Records.

In the midst of writing and recording for her forthcoming project, Keke Palmer managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Brandy, “Super Jerkin’,” and the trick to juggling two professional careers.