The Next American Stars Female finalist Britney Christian and Sammy & Sasha (Interview)
Hot Zone had a chance to interview members from two of the female fronted The Next American Star finalist; Britney Christian and Damon Ranger guitarist from Sammy and Sasha. With the contest wrapping up we will know soon if one of these two artist are The Next American Star. Untill then check out what the artist had to say about the contest, their careers and what’s next for them.
BRITNEY CHRISTIAN INTERVIEW
Hot Zone: How do you feel you performance at The Next American Star finals went?
Britney: I feel like it went great! I have to admit I was not use to the cold weather so playing guitar when you hands are numb, was definitely a new experience!
Britney Christian - Photo Credit: HZO/Jessica Hollenbach
What do you feel sets you apart from the rest of the bands/artists?
I do have a ton of touring experience since i have been touring into schools all over the United States for the last 3 years and I’ve found that the stage is really where you grow as an artist and discover what kind of music you want to be making.
Why do you feel you should be The Next American Star?
I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am now and I believe that any artist who deserves to win a contest like “The Next American Star” should have great music, hard work, solid morals and a desire to succeed!
What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with The Next American Star?
At the Chicago show, a lot of the kids from the Starlight Foundation came out to watch the show. To see how much fun they were having during the show and how excited they were at the meet and greets with my band afterwards was really the most rewarding part of the competition. For me, music is all about making other people happy. The minute it becomes about yourself is when you really lose yourself.
If you win the title of The Next American Star what will you do with the prize money?
First I’d thank my awesome band for all the hard work they put into the show, we only started playing together a month before the finals so they all worked so hard without knowing whether or not they’d make a dime. Then I’d put the rest of it into recording new songs for an album I hope to have out early next year and I think it would be sweet to do a music video because I haven’t gotten to do one before. If there is money left after that, I’m getting a car!!
Do you have any advice for next seasons The Next American Star contestants?
Promote the contest to all your fans, family and friends! In a competition where you advance the early rounds only by fan votes, it obviously makes all the difference in the world. And the live shows are so worth advancing to!
Why are contest like The Next American Star are so important in advancing an artists career?
The way the music industry is now, you really have to do all the work in promoting. So a competition like “The Next American Star” really gives artist the platform that they need to reach more fans around the world and participate in something that really makes a difference.
Social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter etc have changed the face of the music industry – how do you feel this helps or hinders an artist?
I see all of those things as a huge help! Thanks to Myspace, i have over 87,000 fans and over half a million song plays. But even more than that, it gives me a chance to really connect with all my fans. I have so many fans writing to me after my shows and to have the chance to talk with them online, post pictures and videos that they are in, and update them about every single thing I am doing through Twitter is just amazing. I just started my facebook page recently and what I love about that is how easily you can invite people to all of your shows. The first show I invited people to on facebook was completely packed out and most of them drove a couple hours just to see it!
Your music is featured on MTV’s House of Jazmin – how did you get involved with MTV and has it opened any other doors for you?
One writer producer that I’ve been working with since the beginning of my career got several of our songs on 3 different episodes of “House of Jazmin” and they recently contacted me about licensing all of my music for them to use in further projects. Its been amazing exposure so far and I know they are already looking to place my brand new song on one of their shows!
What can we expect to see from you in the coming months?
I am releasing a new EP called “Long Way” in December which I am really excited about! Its going to be available on Itunes, Napster, Rapsody, Amazon and several other stores in 5 different countries! I’m also touring a ton and writing even more new music:)
SAMMY AND SASHA – Interview with guitarist Damon Ranger
Hot Zone: What do you feel sets Sammy & Sasha apart from the rest of the artists?
Damon Ranger: Weeellll…they are twin platinum blondes….I didn’t see any other ones in this contest…and I look like I spilled a bunch of paint on my head…we have a drummer who looks like a girl…once again, the only ones…and Timmy has more tattoos then anyone….so…that sets us apart pretty darn good…..Really tho’ Sammy & Sasha are the “real deal” when there are so many put together artists these days, who don’t write their own songs, don’t make any decisions for themselves, and have plastic personalitIes….Sammy & Sasha isn’t that! They really write their songs, we really collaborate on writing, we really practice, we go out and street promote, we really email you back….there’s nothing fake about it….yeah we have an impressive band…but that’s what happens when real musicians get together and make it happen!!
Why do you feel you should be The Next American Star?
Because we’re tired of going around saying we’re the next Chicago stars, suburban stars, teen sensation stars, we need to be the next “American” star….then we can start taking on other countries…but really…I think it boils down to this….every finalist has something to offer….but, since there has to be a winner….I think our songs set us apart, the whole package is ready to go, this is a hot band, most of us have endorsements…which you don’t find in most unsigned bands, plus we are tv ready…already in this band there are a combined 8 Emmy awards between us bandmates (2 of us are Emmy winners…myself and Gregg), and all of us have different tv shows/segments that we are either doing, or want us to be a part of…you don’t find this stuff in most bands…and once again, we have hit worthy songs.
What has been the most rewarding part of being Involved with The Next American Star?
Well it’s made me more patriotic…every day I now say the pledge of allegiance, sing “America the Beautiful”, and I’m in the process of learning “God Bless America”…..For me personally…meeting new people, i’ve made some new friends that I know i’ll have for a long time…and playing for the Starlight Foundation…that was a fun and amazing day! Making one persons day better…is all you can ask for…that made this whole thing worth it!
If you win the title of The Next American Star what will you do with the prize money?
Which story do you reeeeaaallly want? the R rated, PG rated, or G rated? I talk big, but it will really go to something that “I really need” like a KISS stage used Gene Simmons Boot…(wait I have that) or a 48×64 Giant Texas Chainsaw Massacre Original French Movie Poster…(wait I have that)….or a Giant Pee Wee’s Playhouse Chairry Chair (wait I have that too)….I think you get the point….
Do you have any advice for next seasons The Next American Star contestants?
Say your prayers, train, eat your vitamins…..wait that’s what Hulk Hogan would say…..ummm I pity the fool who don’t stay in school…..no that was Mr T…..Hit me baby one more time….nope Brittany…..
Damon Ranger - Photo Credit: HZO/Jessica Hollenbach
Why are contest like The Next American Star are so Important In advancing an artists career?
Cuz with a title like that….at the very least….you’ll never work at Burger King! So you can jump that hurdle right away!!! But getting anyone to believe in you is the hardest thing in this biz….so if you get someone like TNAS into your band and working on your behalf…that def helps!!
Social networking sItes like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter etc have changed the face of the music Industry – how do you feel this helps or hinders an artist?
It helps and hurts….It’s so overwhelming, now you can spend all day just trying to tell your fan base something….and hope they read it….there’s too many social network sites now…it kinda kills the “rockstar” mystique of a band in a way….everyone knows everything about you…and they need to know what your doing every 4.2 seconds of your life…granted…it’s GREAT that they want to know this about you…But they loose interest just as quickly if your not on there every 4.2 seconds…..do I really give a sh*t that Zac Effron just ate a cheeseburger? No…Do I care that Misha Barton dropped her poodle…No (poor poodle)….Do I care that Carrie Underwood and Damon Ranger were spotted making out In Wicker Park…hmmmm…mayyyybe.
What can we expect to see from Sammy & Sasha In the coming months?
Well if we are the Next American Star then you can expect world domination….followed by a line of toys that will outdo KISS and the Jonas Brothers and Barbie combined. If we come in 2nd or 3rd….I’ll still feel bad for the winner, cuz we’re going to keep the game plan going!!!! just remember S+S = Badass!!!!!
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