Category Archives: Interviews

Lightning In A Bottle: DeFY. New York Interviews American Rag “It Girl” & Host Of MTV’s 10 On Top Lenay Dunn 2012

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Twenty six year old Lenay Dunn has accomplished more in the past 6 years than many could hope to achieve in a lifetime. From her stints at Red Bull that included hosting: “Red Bull First person” (where she did everything from Rallying with Travis Pastrana to stunt flying with Kirby Chamblis),“Red Bull Roadies”(a series of webisodes that followed Lenay on a road trip to the Red Bull Flugtag events in Tampa Bay, Portland, OR and Chicago.) and a European event titled “Can You Make It”, to a gig at dirtbag.com and on to her current position as host of MTV’s 10 on top; Lenay has paid her dues and continues to climb the ladder of success.

Most recently, Lenay was crowned American Rag’s “It Girl”. To kick off the campaign, VIPs Dia Frampton, Alex Winston, Cory Kennedy, Chelsea Leyland, Hannah Bronfman and Tracy Antonopoulous (along with Lenay) took over the underground venue W.I.P. (Work In Progress) to celebrate her new role. Music and fashion insiders, trendsetters and style bloggers got a preview of Spring 2012 American Rag music tour looks (via some very lovely models) before dancing the night away to music by famed electro-pop DJ duo Holy Ghost and sipping festival-inspired cocktails (like South by Southwestern Peach, Bamboozle Sunrise and Warped Punch). As the official American Rag brand ambassador, Lenay will be reporting backstage from the hottest music festivals including: SXSW (check out her recent coverage here), Bamboozle, Warped and Lollapalooza Brazil.

With an undying love of music, a passion for band culture and the wanderlust to be everywhere in order to score the scoop, Lenay is the perfect American Rag correspondent. As an insider source, Lenay will be the brand’s backstage pass to festivals and behind-the-scenes roving reporter interviewing bands, scoping the latest trends and more. Lenay will be blogging about her experiences interactively every step of the way via American Rag’s Raggedmag.com.

DeFY. was fortunate to catch up to Lenay.

What’s up Lenay?! I know your super busy, so I’d like to thank you for sitting down with DeFY.

DeFY: When did your passion for making/editing video’s start?

LD: When I was in middle school I found my parents VHS video camera (old school!!!), I started video taping me and my friends.. and my cat… and then editing the videos on the VCR. One time my dad taped my school play (of me as a singing tree), right over a video I made of my cat Tasha poking a stuffed animal with his paw. I was really upset. I may or may not still be super mad. ok I’m not.

DeFY: Good Ol’ Dad lol. Word on the “Internetz” (as Dallas Penn would say) is that, usted habla español and you even hold a degree in Spanish education. What drew you to the language and has it helped your career in anyway? Might we find you hosting a show on MTV’s Tr3’s someday gettin’ down to Omega & Don Omar?

LD: I love languages!!! & different cultures. If I had the time I would learn French next. & then every language in the world after that. I speak Spanish fluently but don’t know if I would ever use it in a full time TV gig since my Spanish accent is very ‘gringa’ (white girl), but I love speaking to anyone I can in Spanish!! I sleep walk a lot and when I lived in South America my friends said I slept talked in Spanish. Spanish is the best.

DeFY: Wepa! How did your career path go from Spanish teacher to host of MTV’s top 10?

LD: I was in college when I got a call from Red Bull HQ in LA one day wondering if I would host shows for them because they had seen my youtube videos. I didn’t quite know what that meant at the time, but it rocked my world and changed my life! It turned my passion and hobby into a career.

DeFY: During your childhood you moved around quite a bit. You went from Africa to Chicago, then to Wisconsin before settling in Minnesota. Do you feel that travel early on in life has better prepared you for your career?

LD: I have a mental list of the most ‘magical’ moments in my mind from traveling. Most of these are sights I have seen. Sometimes when I’m having a bad day or need some inspiration/motivation at work I remember one of them and it takes me to a far away place in my mind and it makes the problem I’m dealing with seem much smaller, and really inspires me!

DeFY: I caught a picture of you and your families “Emo Christmas card” on Twitter (it was so funny and unexpected I almost spit my drink out!). You stated it was your dad’s idea, was this type of creative humor typical in the Dunn household?


LD: Ha! Yes my dad is just like me if not even goofier. We both have crazy ideas. Sometimes he’ll call me and be like… hey Lenay … I have an idea for your show. And then I hear it, and it’s super weird. And then I know for sure I am his daughter lol. Then about a year ago, my mom tried figuring out good times to say ‘that’s what she said’, so that was pretty awesome.

DeFY: American Rag recently named you as there It-girl (Congrats btw!). How did the relationship start?

LD: Why thank you! Macy’s reached out to me and said they knew I loved music & fashion and they loved the way I dressed, and asked if I could represent them and be the new face of their brand. I was like oh my gosh wow thank you so much and YES! (That’s a huge compliment when Macy’s says they like the way you dress!). I was a fan of American Rag already and loved their clothes, so it’s like a partnership made in heaven :) xo

DeFY: How was the celebration at W.I.P.? See anything from the American Rag spring collection 2012 you just had to have?

LD: The launch party in NYC for me being the face of American Rag was so awesome! I didn’t know what to expect but I walked in and my face was wallpapered everywhere, models were posing all around in the Spring collection clothes, and the place was packed! Dia Frampton and Chelsea Leyland among others came to hang out and it was super fun. The dress I wore to the party isn’t even out yet but I had worn it to a photoshoot a few months ago, fell in love, and requested it for the party :p

DeFY: I understand you’ll be blogging about all your experiences as American Rags correspondent interactively on Raggedmag.com. Will readers be able to ask questions and or interact with you through a real time video feed like Ustream at any point (possibly backstage at a live event)?

LD: Yes, I’ll be going to all the summer music festivals (with my video camera of course), and interviewing/blogging from backstage! So I’m kind of like your backstage pass :) I’m always checking my twitter so I always answer fans’ questions on there! I do a live Stickam.com chat online every Friday night 10pm EST from wherever I am (usually at MTV in NYC, or at home in TN). But haven’t tried doing that from a festival yet… not a bad idea though!

DeFY: Always happy to help ;) . Is there any one event you’ll be covering for Raggedmag.com that you’re particularly excited about?

LD: I’m going to Lollapalooza Brazil in a few weeks and I’m pumped! I’ve never been to Brazil… or Lollapalooza :p So it’ll be fun. Plus we get body guards so I can’t wait to ask them to tell me their life story on my video camera.

DeFY: Are there any artists/bands/celebs that you’re really looking forward to interviewing?

LD: Mariana’s Trench will be at one of the festivals this summer, they are one of my favorite bands from Canada. The singer Josh Ramsay produced their entire last record himself and had a live orchestra on some parts. So if I get to interview them I’d ask him about that. And about Tim Hortons. I’m also excited to meet everyone else.

DeFY: DeFY. New York is a sneaker heavy site and I’ve read that you ran track in highschool, so I have to ask, what’s your favorite sneaker/brand?

LD: I don’t know if I have a favorite per se, but just bought a new pair of sneakers in Tennessee from New Balance! They are comfy. I tie them to my suitcase so I have them traveling back and forth to NYC. I like to jog in Central Park and get lost.

DeFY: What advice can you give to someone that’s trying to break into television, possibly to host his or her own TV show on a major network one day?

LD: Have fun, be creative, and be different! Growing up people all try to be the same and fit in (like in school), then in the real world everybody realizes it’s cool to be different. Like suddenly in college wearing my cat shirt became cool again. Ok maybe not, but other unique personality traits could be just what a TV show is looking for in someone they cast. So don’t try and be the same as everyone else, because then you won’t stand out.

DeFY: This question is for all the nosey people out there, is there a significant other in the picture?

LD: Yes he’s really hot, he’s from Canada, and his name is Jason :p

DeFY: With everything going on this question may seem far away, but how do you spend your down time?

LD: Scootering, jogging, editing videos, thinking of ideas, writing to-do lists in my notebook, buying new notebooks, watching ‘Modern Family’… drinking tea.

DeFY: Where do you see yourself in five years?

LD: Executive producer of shows that I am on, and that I am not on. Hopefully still at MTV (I love MTV).

DeFY: Are there any other projects in the works?

LD: Yes… ‘MTV Sleepover’!! I helped make a sizzle reel for my friend’s show idea (here: https://vimeo.com/39129213), and helped her pitch it to MTV, and now it’s getting picked up for 1 trial weekend (April 27, April 28th)!! MTV already airs movies on Friday/Saturday nights. So ‘MTV Sleepover’ would be 2 half hour shows cut up around each of the 2 movies on a weekend. I’m hosting it and we have 8-10 girl extras each day, we are all in PJ’s like its a PJ party. It’s kind of like… “Hey you guys are already watching these movies at home having PJ parties so we are going to throw one here at MTV and watch it with you!” Complete with special guests, maybe performances, and Skyping with other people have sleepovers. So everybody watch it and think it’s awesome so it keeps going past the trial weekend :) .

DeFY: Where can everyone go to follow everything Lenay Dunn?

LD: Be my friend on twitter!! @lenaydunn

Make sure and check out Lenay’s track “Daylight” below and follow her at RaggedMag.com!

Nothing but a G(ee) thang: Larry g(ee) DeFY. New York Interview 2011

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Larry Gayao, better know by his stage name Larry g(EE) is an American singer-songwriter from Dallas, TX. Raised by strict religious, yet musical parents, g(EE) began writing music at an early age. Influenced by mavericks like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, he is most closely associated with Soul music but considers himself a musical free spirit.

DeFY. New York recently caught up with Larry.

Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to sit with us Larry.

DeFY: What does the (EE) in “Larry g(EE) stand for?

L: Actually the name was created because of a few things. 1) my last name is Gayao, which isn’t an easy name to pronounce (for some). 2) I didn’t want to go with the easy Larry ‘G’ moniker (Kenny G. claimed that years ago). I wanted to go with something that was different that would get attention (hence: g(EE)). So far it’s worked. Good or bad people can’t help but notice it.

DeFY: You were raised by strict religious parents, did your upbringing influence your music?

L: Definitely. I was brought up singing in the church at a very young age. Without that education and discipline I don’t think I’d be doing music today. I may not have ended up doing gospel music, but there’s great deal of respect I have for it. I used gospel music to teach myself how to sing. I really learned how to feel songs, and really feel what I was singing.

DeFY: You say your a music freespirit, does that mean we will hear you making music across a broad spectrum of genres (Rap, R&B, Synth Pop etc.)?

L: Yes. I hope so. Right now I’m in a good lane musically with this project, but my door is always open to collab with artists of various genres. The music field is wide open today with so many artist’s coming together from different spaces creating good music. Its a beautiful thing. As long as it makes sense and it sounds good, I’m down with it.

DeFY: I’ve read that your upcoming debut EP titled “Weekends” is influenced by sounds of the 60′s/70′s era group harmonies. Who are some of your favorite artists from that time period and why?

L: Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, Leroy Hutson, Curtis Mayfield, Sly Stone & the Family Stone. I was introduced to this music at an early age. It just felt natural for me to connect with. I would however like to add that while the EP is influenced by those sounds, I’m not trying to replicate that sound entirely. Yes the music draws from that period, but I’m not going to adhere to the exact form.

DeFY: Where was the video for “Yo Mama” filmed? Who’s idea was it?

L: The video was filmed at a lounge in Dallas that is no longer in business. My friend owned the place and allowed me to use it for the shoot. The idea of the video was a collective concept developed by the director Mark Hanson and my friends Andres Cordova, Ric, Bowden, and Vicky Sanz. They along with video’s producer Joshua Wethington of Broken Peanut Media, did a great job of matching sight and sound to the song. We only had one day to shoot and they made sure we got it done.

DeFY: Is there ever a time you feel discouraged as an artist?
If so, what keeps you motivated?

L: As far as being discouraged as an artist, I haven’t felt that way in while (I’ll explain with the next question). With the music industry changing and the vast amount of resources available to independent artists it’s easy stay motivated. It’s just a strong mindset.

DeFY: You and your band broke up after 5 years. How did that unfold and what advice can you give to others?

L: The band had some great moments of local and regional success, which only fueled my desire to land a record deal. Fast forward 5 years later and we found ourselves in the same place which was very frustrating for a band that worked as hard as we did. I think we just hit a wall and knew it was time for a change. As far as advice goes, I’d say make sure your focused with your goals, but don’t stress about the journey.

DeFY: How do you prepare yourself for a performance?

L: I try to get a lot of rest (which never happens), vocal exercises, and lots of ‘Throat Coat’ tea with honey. I also do this thing where I visualize the entire set in my head before I even set foot on stage. If I can do that I’m good to go.

DeFY: Sneaker culture is huge now and DeFY. is a sneaker heavy site. We always ask everyone we interview, whats your favorite sneaker/brand and why?

L: Nike Air Force 1′s, now unfortunately I don’t rock sneakers that often anymore (usually I’m on stage in suit with dress shoes), but growing up I was all about them. I used to have an orange and white pair that I loved to rock (thanks to Derrick Coleman and the Syracuse Orange Men). But really anything Nike is good with me. I’m also into Adidas, Converse (Jack Purcell), and PF Flyers.

DeFY: Who would you like to work with going forward?

L: Man the wish list is crazy but I’d love to work with Salaam Remi, Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow), and Pharrell Williams. Just to name a few…

DeFY: Has anyone from the industry reached out to yet?

L: I’ve met with a few labels and management teams, but nothing other than just a brief introduction. With the EP finished we’ll see what happens. It’s all about the hustle at this point. While I am open to signing with management and booking I refuse to sign with just any label. I’d hold out until I found the right one. There’s a ceiling with independent music where you can only go so high where the help of a label wouldn’t hurt. I’m just getting started with this project so I’m not even worried nor thinking about that just yet.

DeFY: Any upcoming performances?

L: Yes I’m playing a big NYE show with Eric McFadden of the famed P’funk All-Stars at The Prophet Bar in Dallas. He’s an amazing artist and the Prophet Bar is a great venue Next year we look to hit up both coasts with some small runs in to the big markets. I’m really excited with that the most.

DeFY: Whats the five year plan?

L: First things first, with the EP I’m going to get out and do some independent touring. Establish the booking and management end and hopefully release a full-length album. I’m really just trying to grow a strong following that artist’s get through people discovering them on their own. Right now its just about getting the EP some exposure, getting in front of people and just playing as many shows possible. Like I said I love to perform. If I could play 87 percent of the year and make a decent living from it, I’d be set for life.

DeFY: Where can everyone go to follow everything Larry g(EE)?

L: They can go to my website at www.larry-gee.com but honestly the fun stuff can be found on my facebook page www.facebook.com/larrygeemusic

To all that would like to download the latest Larry g(EE) EP visit iTunes

If you haven’t heard”Yo Mama”, make sure and check it out below!

Creepin’ On A Come Up: DeFY. New York Interviews Artist Singer/Rapper Barbare Mchedlishvilli AKA Bakko

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Barbare Mchedlishvili AKA Bakko, was born February 4th 1993 in Tbilisi, Georgia (located in Eastern Europe). She came to America at age 6 and grew up in central Virginia. Her singing career started at the age of 12 (to date she has had no vocal lessons) and she learned to play the guitar during visits to her native country (it only took her 2 months to learn how to play chords). She has attended an art school her freshman and sophomore year called CAPA (where she majored in visual arts) as well as Taylor Allderdice her junior year. During her enrollment at Taylor Allderdice she began writing hip hop and rapping on her guitar. She recently moved from Pittsburgh to Atlantic City where she currently resides. Barely old enough to vote, best believe Bakko’s creepin’ on a come up.

DeFY. New York recently caught up with Bakko

DeFY: Where did the name “Bakko” come from? How is it pronounced?

B: The name bakko has been my nickname since I was born. Everyone in my native country calls me that…making “bakko” my stage name is kind of my way of not forgetting where I came from. It’s pronounced how it’s spelled.

DeFY: What made you want to get involved with music?

B: Ever since I was young I have always had a passion for music…especially soul music. When I realized that I actually had a voice and that people enjoyed listening to me, I decided it was what I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. I had many hobbies as a young girl and they all dealt with art..but music has defiantly stuck with me.

DeFY: Do you ever feel discouraged, and if so what keeps you motivated?

B: Of course I’m not perfect so when I feel discouraged, sometimes I shut down but most of the time I just write. In a sense I take advantage of my sadness…I believe that sadness brings masterpieces. I try my best to turn the negative into something positive because through every bad thing there is something good. In the ugly there is beauty and vice versa.

DeFY: The video showcasing you rhyming and singing compares you to the likes of Kreayshawn, what are your thoughts on that?

B: The guy that filmed me rapping actually decided to give it that title. I didn’t even know about my video until a friend sent me the link. I personally have nothing against kreayshawn..in all honesty it does get aggravating constantly getting compared to her but in the end of the day, she is a completely different artist with a completely different style. I don’t see her as competition..In fact I’m happy for her success and I hope one day I can be as successful as her. The direction I plan on taking my music is a lot different than the direction she took hers.

DeFY: How do you prepare yourself for a performance?

B: Before I perform I sip a little whiskey haha. It opens up my voice and gives me that emotion that I need. Each time I perform its different, it always depends on my mood.

DeFY: Who or what influences your music?

B: I have many influences…I remember when i was about 12 I would fall asleep to Otis Redding “A change is gonna come” on my mp3…every time that song plays, I get a tad bit emotional. I guess you could say I was an old soul trapped in a young body. I listen to a mix of everything…artists like Gill Scott-Heron, Al green, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Bob Marley, Ray Charles Erykah Badu, Smokey Robinson, Roy Ayers, Amy Winehouse, and Etta James have really inspired me growing up and still inspire me today. I could go on and on about musicians that influence me but I don’t think I could ever finish the list!

DeFY: Who would you like to work with?

B: I would honestly love to work with common someday…It would be an honor considering he is one of my favorite rappers. His lyrics and his voice really move me. I’ve also always wanted to do a song with miss Erykah Badu, her voice is so smooth and funky and her lyrics move me as well.

DeFY: What’s your favorite time period for music and why?

I would have to say the 70’s is my favorite period for music mainly because it was the highlight of some of my favorite artists. (Marvin Gaye, Roy Ayers, Gil Scott Heron, Bill Withers, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jackson 5, etc..) Everything seemed more alive and passionate. In my opinion, music had so much more meaning and creativity back then.

DeFY: Will we get the Lauryn Hill treatment (a little singing a little rhyming?)

B: YES. Trust and believe people will defiantly get the Lauryn Hill treatment! haha.

DeFY: Has anyone from the industry reached out to you?

B: Nope unfortunately nobody from the industry has reached out to me yet.

DeFY: Since DeFY. is a sneaker heavy site I ask everyone that I interview, whats your favorite sneakers and why?

B: I’m a big fan of Converse All Star sneakers (the ones that are all black) and I also love adidas. I’m a big fan of simple colors…I find beauty in simplicity.

DeFY: For those nosey ass people wondering, are you single?

B: Haha no actually I’m taken.

DeFY: What’s the five year plan?

B: I’m hoping that within the next five years I will have a lot of success and hopefully a record deal.

DeFY: Where can everyone go to follow your work?

B: Everyone can follow my music at Youtube.com/itsbakko

If you haven’t heard Bakko yet, be sure and check out one of her tracks below.

Life In The Fitz Lane: Fitz & The Tantrums Noelle Scaggs | DeFY. New York Interview 2011

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Founded by Michael Fitzpatrick in 2008, Fitz & The Tantrums have been riding a rocket to superstardom. A $50.00 vintage organ, 6 uber talented musicians and a chance to open for Maroon 5 have led to appearances on Conan, Jimmy Kimmel and the Tonight Show as well as a tour that includes 19 upcoming concerts.

Most recently, lead singers of Fitz & The Tantrums, Fitz and Noelle, and drummer John Wicks formed like Voltron with California staple American Rag, to celebrate style and music with the release of the holiday issue of RAGGED MAG (a magazine published quarterly by FILTER Magazine and powered by American Rag clothing that features full-length articles and photo spreads of today’s hottest artists). The Fitz crew hosted the release party where music notables, fashionistas, and socials alike partied at downtown hotspot the Jane Hotel (yes, the same spot mentioned frequently in How To Make It In America) sipping cocktails, posing for branded Polaroids, and getting “inked” with airbrush tattoos all while previewing the Holiday 2011 American Rag collection.

DeFY. was able to catch up with Noelle Scaggs to talk all things Fitz

What’s up Noelle? I appreciate you taking time out of your hectic schedule to chat it up with DeFY. New York.

 

DeFY: With all you’ve got going on (I’m exhausted just reading about your schedule this past year), how do you guys stay focused mentally and maintain that great energy for all your performances?

NS: Lots of Caffeine for the Guys and lots of Fruit Smoothies for me

 

DeFY: How did Fitz & The Tantrums come about?

NS: As you know Fitz came into possession of a vintage Conn Organ when his X girl called him up to tell him it was available. He later wrote the first song on our EP called, Breakin The Chains of Love. He Reconnected with our Sax player James King who helped him finish the rest of the tunes on that EP and they thought it would be great to put together a show. I received a text from James saying that his friend would be calling me up about singing with them for the show, I later spoke to Fitz over the phone and a couple weeks later after listening to the tunes told him that I would do it. We had one rehearsal the day before the gig and it was magic. We all sort of knew each other around the LA music Scene and it just Gelled. Bada Boom Bada Bing we have been together for close to 3 years.

 

DeFY: What about the name? We get the Fitz part, but how about the Tantrums?

NS: It was something that ended up being a toss in the hat situation. Fitz wanted to come up with a name that kept the integrity of the inspirations that were coming through the music. Being that his last name is Fitzpatrick, Fitz made sense and the Tantrums came about through a friend that had seen us perform, she thought the energy was like having a tantrum in stage. It clicked so we became Fitz And The Tantrums.

 

DeFY: What artists inspire your music?

NS: We are inspired by the music we all grew up listening to, the music of the 60s Motown Sax period, the 80′s British invasion etc. we just wanted to put a modern spin on it. Definitely not a revival band you hear the influences but we didn’t want to be a pastiche; we shot for making our own thing within these inspirations. Luckily playing together so early in the process made this easier to accomplish.

 

DeFY: I’ve read that you guys started recording in Fitz’s living room due to lack of funds, resources etc. A lot of artists today are facing the same situation or worse. What advice can you give to struggling artists/bands that are trying to balance their music career with paying the bills?

NS: First thing I would say is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a record. Technology has made it easier and cheaper for us struggling artists. Nowadays all u need is a computer, a good software program with a great library of sounds, a midi keyboard and the talent and drive to make it happen. Everything else will fall into place. My first studio cost me $300 total.

 

DeFY: Has there ever been a point where you guys were discouraged? If so what kept you going?

NS: It started to become a tough thing for us all financially to really keep things moving the way we needed to. We were getting these amazing offers that we couldn’t pass up on (like the Maroon 5 tour for instance) and Fitz was backing the project with his own money. Our last try before we were going to reassess, was when we played that 1st year at SXSW. Had we decided not to do it we wouldn’t be here right now. Our fans really keep us going as well. They are as big a part of our success as our management team and our work ethic.

 

DeFY: I came across an interview of you and Fitz at the IFC Cross Roads House in Austin Texas where Fitz stated he wanted hip-hop artists to sample the band’s music. Are there any artists in particular that you had in mind when you made that statement?

NS: I am a big fan of the Dilated People’s Crew, they are all fans of the band, Evidence is a good friend of mine I may be able to harass him enough to use one of our songs in his beats lol

 

DeFY: Are there any artists or bands from any other genres of music that you would like to work with as well?

NS: Would love to work with Thom York and Bjork.

 

DeFY: I know your schedule is hectic right now (filled with performances rehearsals, and interviews) but when you finally have free time, how would you like to spend it?

NS: In Bed.

 

DeFY: The record industry has been experiencing some trying times in the digital age. How do you feel about some artists giving their music away for free?

NS: It’s sort of become a necessary calling card to get the word out about our music. It’s like when you go to a grocery store and they offer u free samples of a new food item. If it is good enough you buy it. We have been fortunate enough to offer a good product that people want to support. It is a catch 22 however because this new thinking in music lovers knowing that they don’t have to pay for music anymore forces you to really be creative in dealing with fans and obtaining new fans. The more you motivate people to spread the word about you using free song methods the better it is for you and the longer it takes to really sell a good number of LP’s, which is why Concerts have become such a vital part of the business.

 

DeFY: The band has a unique style (sort of Information Society meets Buddy Holly meets the Four Tops). What is the inspiration behind your look?

NS: Since day one we knew that the clothing we wore on stage was as important as the music. Fitz is a half French guy so his standards and taste in attire are already high. Lol and I come from a pretty crazy fashion background so I am always shopping and finding ways to update my style. We knew we were not a jeans and tee shirt band so we outfit accordingly.

 

DeFY: American Rag recently asked you guys to host a party that showcased their holiday 2011 collection as well as their holiday issue of Ragged Mag. How was the party and how did the Manhattanites treat you guys?

NS: The party was fun. Fitz, John and I were asked to do a short DJ set. It’s always nice to be wanted especially when it involves a party where we can take a break from just playing our own tunes. Everyone was great to us.

 

DeFY: Sneaker culture is big, and DeFY. New York is a footwear-dominated site. What is everyone’s favorite sneaker?

NS: K-Swiss, I also like a good pair of converse. I own a lot of sneakers as do the guys.

 

DeFY: This question is for all the “groupies” you have out there or “soon to be groupies”, what’s everyone’s status? (Single, Married, in a relationship, it’s complicated?)

NS: John and James are the only two that are married. Joe is taken, the rest of us are up for grabs. Lol

 

DeFY: When can we expect a second studio album?

NS: Hopefully by the spring early summer. We have already started creating new tunes and plan to take a break from touring in February to get back in the lab.

 

DeFY: Fitz & The Tantrums 5 years from now?

NS: Can’t say too focused on the next few months. Hopefully we have taken over the world by then.

 

DeFY: Where can your fans go to stay on top of all things Fitz and the Tantrums?

NS: Our website of course at www.fitzandthetantrums.com is a good way to stay in the know. We are also on Facebook under Fitz & The Tantrums and twitter @fitzandtantrums. Fitz and I run those ourselves

Be sure and check out the latest track from Fitz & The Tantrums below titled “Don’t Gotta Work It Out.” To download this track for free, don’t forget to visit fitzandthetantrums.com