Kirk's Cleveland DDTTRH Flier Adventure with the Kids

So I went downtown with my kids to find places to post DDTTRH fliers. Our first stop was the library. After some hot dogs from a nearby stand (here is my son eating)...

[mmmmm...Snyder's potato chips!]

...we searched inside the library for places to put fliers. After not finding anything, we asked the security guard where to post them and he told us to go to the top floor (11) to talk to administration. There was a phone there in a large empty place with nice carpeting and locked doors. We told the lady who answered what we were doing and she came out to greet us. She said she was 'totally' a Duran Duran fan and that she would gladly send our flyer to be posted at all the libraries in their system all over the city (about 29 libraries). That was a great start to our day!

We then walked to city hall...


[can you tell how excited my teenage daughter is? lol!]

and we met a nice security guard who agreed with us that Duran Duran should be in the Rock Hall and let us place our flier at a table with a bunch of others.

On our way back towards Euclid Ave, we stopped at my favorite downtown coffee shop (where they sell Mate--a south american tea!) and they had a bulletin board to post the flier. I then gave a flier to the employees and they thought it was cool.

After this, we were close to the bank I used to work at and I ran into a personal banker friend I used to see there. He was excited to see me and very excited about the Duran Duran effort. He said he loves Duran Duran and has been looking for concert dates for them. We gave him a flier and he promised the sign the petition!

Then we walked back towards a restaurant district close to 6th and Euclid.


We stopped at one restaurant (that also has a bowling alley) and they let us place a bunch of our fliers at the main desk for people to pick up. Here is a picture outside...

[lol...there's that excited face again from my teenage daughter...and yes, my son always picks on his younger sister!]

We then went to a Louisiana-themed place called Fatfish Blue (one of my favorite downtown restaurants where they feature live bands every now and then) and we left a flier for the manager to check out.

Then we were hoping to have success at House of Blues, however they have a policy about fliers and we couldn't leave any.

Then it was back to our car by trolley...


and we were not done! Our next to last stop was the Rock Hall itself, all the way down 9th street by the lake and Browns stadium...




We gave our flier to the receptionist to give to the Rock Hall Administrators and we also stopped by the Fye store and left one for their manager.

Finally, we made our way up Cedar and stopped at the local Dave's market where we posted the flier on a community board. We tried Starbucks too, however they too had a policy about fliers so we left one with the manager to review.

And then we drove home...what an exciting day!

If you have a flier adventure you'd like to share with DDTTRH, please email it to ddttrh@gmail.com and we will post it as a blog! Thanks!

Kirk Harrington
Lead Effort Organizer
Duran Duran to the Rock Hall (DDTTRH)
www.ddttrh.info

Interview with Nylon Pink

Nylon Pink is a pop/punk band lead of singer Kaila Yu and bassist Katt Lee. We are one of the top artists on Myspace with over 10 million page views, and over 470,000 friends http://www.myspace.com/nylonpink

What is Nylon Pink? We are a brand encompassing music, jewelry, clothing and media. Make sure to check out our jewelry line, inspired by our music at www.hellodrama.net

Nylon Pink are a five piece band, vocals, 2 guitarists, bass and drums and we sometimes have a DJ

Kaila and her girls took time out of their crazy busy days to chat with Ladyaslan about their music and creative projects and their thoughts on Duran Duran to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame~

Ladyaslan Present: Nylon Pink

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: Yes Hungry like a wolf! They are one of the greatest bands of all time!

Kitt.E.Katt: Definitely! They are a legend!

DJ Shy: Yes. They made the 80s fun

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you all come up with the name Nylon Pink and how did you all meet?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: Oohhh how we came up with the name is top secret!

Kitt.E.Katt: Kaila and I met because we were dating the same guy a few years ago! We laugh about it now but we obviously didn't like each other in the beginning but we had so much in common we became really good friends/ business partners. I then met Karen through Kaila, Genn through our producer, Kristen was modeling for our jewelry line and we found out she played guitar! I then met Deb through the internet and saw she was an awesome drummer!

DJ Shy: I originally met Kaila on a movie set of Dark Blue which starred Kurt Russell and Scott Speedman. We both acted in the same scene and became friends since. She knew I deejay-ed and asked me to spin for Nylon Pink.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yo: Definitely Hungry like a wolf. Ordinary World is definitely a top contender! Duran Duran pioneered the epic music video and I am a huge fan of epic videos!!

Kitt.E.Katt: My favorite Duran Duran song is Ordinary World and my favorite video is "Girls On Film” They were ahead of their time musically and in their fashion sense.

DJ Shy: Don't have a single favorite song or video. They created several hits which are all great.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Nylon Pink to any New Wave/ Electro / Glam fans who hadn’t heard your band before?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yo: We are an all girl, pop rock electro band who sounds like Katy Perry mixed with The Shiny Toy Guns. Our music has been described as Hello Kitty on Acid because it has a bit of a punk edge!

DJ Shy: There aren't too many female Asian New Wave/Electro/Glam bands. I would say the style is Hello Kitty on Acid

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: They were so beautiful! They were so ahead of their own time and they weren’t afraid to express their own original style!

Kitt.E.Katt: Duran Duran was a band that brought forth the New Romantic fashion or "pretty boy" look to the scene.

DJ Shy: They definitely grabbed my attention - pretty boy band meets lady gaga.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans new and current who you are and why you are a part of

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: I am the lead singer of the Nylon Pink and I am the founder. I want the world to know that girls can be fashionable and rock out in stiletto heels while playing real live instruments!

Kitt.E.Katt: We are a pop rock electro band fronted by fashion forward female musicians.

DJ Shy: I DJ and I became a part of Nylon Pink for several reasons: the music is awesome, we have fun performing, travelling, meeting new people and even encouraging kids through music (via charity performances).

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: We were actually thinking of covering Girls on Film prior to this interview!

Kitt.E.Katt: I would love to remake Girls on Film and change it to a harder punk rock remix.

DJ Shy: Girls on Film. The original film was banned and they had to heavily edit it to be more TV friendly but it would be interesting to see the original and why it was banned to begin with.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like being part of the Van Warped Tour? What was your experience like?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: It was super hot and tiring! The crowd was the best though, everyone there is passionate about music and I love being surrounded by music enthusiasts!

Kitt.E.Katt: The Van's Warped Tour was a lot of fun but also a lot of work. We met a lot of new people and got to shoot a music video for the band White Tie Affair.

DJ Shy: Amazing. We performed along with great bands in front of thousands. We even got casted in a White Tie Affair music video. You can view the behind the scenes here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPXnMnKYuQU

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Who is Daisy Rock Girl Guitars?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: The most awesome guitar ever!!

Kitt.E.Katt: The Daisy Rock Girl is a strong, confident and powerful girl that can play just as hard as an all boy bands.

DJ Shy: I met the owner of Daisy Rock at NAMM. She was very encouraging, empowering and supports females through music.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Nylon Pink :
Kaila Yu: Simon Le Bon! He’s a lead singer like me and he was SUCH style, and great hair!

DJ Shy: John Taylor (bass) - mainly because he's hot and multi-talented expressing his creativity through acting and landing lead roles in film. The topic would be about the process and challenges of forming Duran Duran.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about Hello Drama Clothing; what is it and how did it come to full frutation?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: Katt can tell you all about it! She’s our super talented designer!

Kitt.E.Katt: Hello Drama is a brand that is heavily influenced by Harajuku Fashion, 80's Club Kids’, avant guard and the sounds of Nylon Pink. The designs of Hello Drama are bold, loud, and proud. When wearing Hello Drama you will stand out in the crowd.

DJ Shy: I'm really a big fan of Hello Drama Jewelry. I, personally, dress down a lot and wear casual stuff, but when I add on Hello Drama, it takes my plain Jane outfit to a completely different level.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there a specific theme or story to the lyrics on your album?

Nylon Pink:
Kaila Yu: It’s just all about life, and drama and relationships with heightened passions!

Kitt.E.Katt: The lyrics behind the songs of Nylon Pink are all based on personal experiences in life. It encompasses the full range of human emotions; they are songs that everybody can relate to.

DJ Shy: There is definitely a story. It varies from song to song but it mainly talks about guys.

FOLLOW NYLON PINK:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30967550757

http://www.myspace.com/nylonpink

http://twitter.com/nylonpink

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with Enochian Sun

Enochian Sun 2010

ENOCHIAN SUN was born out of the need to do things by one's self. This was a desire to create music not bound by a democracy, but yet by a personal one man dictatorship to his craft. It is only under these wide open conditions that you are able to develop and manifest the most expansive thoughts possible in order to fill the music with the truest of notes and lyrics. Enochian Sun is pronounced like - ee-Knock-ian sun

The Hidden sucked Ladyaslan into this wormhole of sight and sound and she was never right again…but was she ever~

“A” sat with Ladyaslan and chatted about his new project and his thoughts on Duran Duran to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame~

Ladyaslan presents: Enochian Sun~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Enochian Sun: Absolutely. Duran Duran had a huge relevant impact on music in the 80's and without a doubt they stood out. I really believe that they have the staying power to continue to be relevant today. Their music has longevity for sure. You can't say that about most bands from the 80's.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you come up with the name Enochian Sun? Who is Enochian Sun?

Enochian Sun: I have been dabbling in many different studies for many years and the Enochian quotient has always lingered. As artist's always do, we have visions and dreams that inspire us to create and my vision happened to be that of the Enochian Sun logo that I've designed. The name Enochian Sun (pronounced: ee - knock - ian sun) is somewhat illusive but like all of the art that I find interesting and inspiring, it allows you to take from it what you will. The figure in the logo is androgynous and therefore lies the questions that arise from the project that is Enochian Sun.

As far as "Who is Enochian Sun?" It is just I. I have had different creative talent in the past help me with a number of things involved with Enochian Sun, but it has always been just me writing the music, singing, creating the graphic design, conceptualizing the videos and now I have since built my own studio and am now mixing, recording and engineering my own music for the NEW album. At this point in my life I would not have it any other way. Not because I'm a control freak, but because I know what I see and hear and it's best that I get that out in to a presentation that best represents those thoughts and creativity.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Enochian Sun: I liked all of their commercial tunes. I was especially hooked on "The Reflex" and for some reason I wanted that jacket that he was wearing in the video. *My friend and I used to ride around in the car singing "The Reflex." Of course we'd change the words and dirty them up. hehehe

*Please note* I was not old enough to drive a car when the reflex came out. We did however sit in the back seat of one of our moms cars and sing this special tune. And yes, we did sing the naughty parts that we made up with the song in front of the parent, but we creatively mixed them in so that the mom would not understand (making it our own inside joke) so we thought.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Enochian Sun to any New Wave/ Electro/Industrial fans who hadn't heard your band before?

Enochian Sun: It's definitely Electronica by definition but obviously with many many influences. The sound of Enochian Sun is always progressing. My new material is getting closer to what I've envisioned and that is; very focused in its anger/sadness and message.

It's dark with tonal highlights that cast you up and out in to a hazy sun drenched field that's slightly out of focus, only to suddenly reach up, grab you by the ankles and violently pull you back down in to a deep murky undertone that reminds you of how good the sex is, but at the same time makes you feel guilty but you can't stop. You keep moving to the idea of hedonism as your minds naked body drifts off in to the elsewhere of no wear. It's too good to quit and you do wonder if you'll pay for it later.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the inspiration behind the hit song "Harlot?"

Enochian Sun: "Harlot" was cast from a broken mold, so to speak. It is about a personal story/tragedy that eventually led to my own hell and heartache. At the time I wrote the song I had no idea what was to come in my life as a result of the past event I wrote about, but it did and so I sit here today, poised to take from that what I've learned. We each have the ability to control the world as we see it and unfortunately those "talents" can be turned on people. Hypnotizing someone into your life sexually when committed to someone else is not always the best way to help yourself or the others involved. So Harlot is about choices, as we see the girl in my video for Harlot making a choice in her life with temptation on her heels. In the end you see the glaring smile on her face as she sits up. She's made a choice but we don't know if it's for the good. You can find the lyrics to the song on my face book page. www.facebook.com/enochian.sun . Read along as you watch the video. I promise it makes sense. :)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Enochian Sun: I would love to do a down and dirty version of "Ordinary World," without losing the melody and essence of the original of course. It's a great song by Duran Duran.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What does the saying: "A man is only as good as his word" mean to you?

Enochian Sun: Well, I started using that phrase many years ago when I ran into a string of life instances that saw me dealing with a lot of "flaky" people. You know the type and unfortunately there are more of them than needs to be. I can spot these psychic vampires from a great distance and I give them very little of my time. Its empty promises and much about nothing. These people procrastinate in life and by the time they do something, no one cares.

Hence the saying "A man is as only as good as his word." If you don't do what you say you're going to do..... what good are you? And this goes for the habitual offenders before you start wrinkling your nose...........

LadyaslanDDTTRH: On your Facebook page, when asked about your religion you responded with a "Sexual Religion" ooh please tell us more...

Enochian Sun: How I see it; Enochian Sun by default was born out of sexual deviance and seduction. The sexual experience is religious.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Enochian Sun: I met Simon Lebon years ago in an Atlanta club (Karma) when he was here on his solo gig. We were in the VIP area when in walks Simon Lebon with his body guard. He was d.r.u.n.k. off his ass, but he was very cool when I approached him and started talking to him. I didn't ask him anything about Duran Duran as I'm sure he was tired of the typical DD questions. We just shot the shit. My friend (a local DJ) walked up to him (like an idiot) and said "Yo kid! Peep my new CD!!" and tried to hand a staggering Simon his little mix CD. Simon acted like it had cooties on it and "shewed" it off to his body guard with a disgusted snarled look on his face and his body guard told my friend "Thanks, he'll listen to it later." hahaha.... It was kind of funny then, but got funnier with time as we re-told the story. It was cool meeting him and he was more than inviting and gracious.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the debut album...any tours/concert dates...

Enochian Sun: Lately, I have undergone many major personal changes in the past few years that have taken me on and off the music writing process more times than I can count. I have a gaggle (did I say gaggle?) of songs I've written and it is a matter of me, now, going back threw them to separate the good from the best.

I am however already scripting the NEW video. I just started the process last week as a matter of fact. The song for this video is written and awaiting some final instrumentation, recording, mixing, mastering etc... The new song is a far cry from what I've been doing, as in; it is much much more aggressive, harder and darker. I've been through a lot this pas t year and this will make for a very controlled rage and anger that stirs from the inner red. This song just happened to be "that song" that inspired the rest of the album. I can't wait to get it out there with the new video.

I am stepping the quality of everything up 1,000 % and it's worth the wait for those who've been waiting.

I will be playing shows for sure. I imagine within a year’s time (from now) I will be out on the road. I will be posting new information on SuckBook (did I say that too?) and my website as well as things start to happen.

Speaking of my website.... I would like to invite everyone to exercise their mice and check it out at www.enochiansun.com.

There are some behind the scenes pics from the two video's "Harlot" and "Idolater" and some Q&A's with some of the girls that were in the two videos. Melissa M. being the main Harlot is the one to be thanked for all of her efforts from those two shoots. Melissa had never done any sort of "pretending" on a live moving picture show before but she did a helluva job. She's got the best damn "O" face too I think. Go check it out guys. Pause the video at 4:01 then start paying attention at 4:12 when she briefly gets "crazy sexy tiger." Nice work, and actually here's a little secret......my favorite part starts at exactly 3:17 and finishes at 3:22..... I LOVE IT!!! Beautiful!!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there a specific theme or story to the lyrics on the debut album?

Enochian Sun:

There is a specific "idea" for the album. But I'm not at liberty to say just yet. Not because I'm trying to be all cliché with secrecy (as every fucking body does these days) but only because that single idea is still in development and maturing. So for me to tell you that idea or theme as of right now would only be making it not true later.

FOLLOW Enochian Sun:

http://www.myspace.com/enochiansun

http://www.enochiansun.com/

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=1393654050#!/enochian.sun

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

BONUS Interview--80's Underground

Truly a lost genre of radio programming until now...the 80’s Underground resurrects the best in 80’s indie, college, punk, post-punk, new wave, and modern rock every Wednesday morning 9-11am(PST) on 103.3fm in Santa Clara, CA and online at www.kscu.org. No other radio show in the Bay Area (or perhaps the state) devotes such a concentrated two hours to the best in completely underground 80’s rock
Check out my Podcast page at: http://www.midwestusergroup.org/KSCU_Podcasts.htm where you can download MP3s of recent shows. Please tune in - and send me your comments! Thanks for listening,
- Jeff Shelton (your host)
Jeff took time aside to chat with me a little bit on the Duran Duran to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…Ladyaslan Presents The 80’s Underground~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

80's Underground: Yes

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Have you ever seen Duran Duran live?

80's Underground: No

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How old where you when you first heard Duran Duran? Did you like what you heard?

80's Underground: 1982. I WAS TWELVE. "HUNGRY LIKE A WOLF" YES...I LOVED IT!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

80's Underground: "RIO" GREAT VIDEO.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

80's Underground: SYNTH POP AND SPORT COATS!! :)

FOLLOW THE 80’s UNDERGROUND

http://www.myspace.com/80sunderground

http://www.midwestusergroup.org/KSCU_Podcasts.htm

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with bigfix music

bigfix-music.com is a new local (Toronto and GTA), independent record label. We specialize in music recording, production and promotion services and are also available for contract work, live/studio sound engineering and songwriting workshops.
We feature a new digital home recording studio for solo artists and small projects, a larger recording space encoremusicexchange incorporating: live room and isolation booth for drum kit and band recording, a fully-equipped digital studio morrevzrecording incorporating: live room, control room & isolation booth, and offer mobile recording in Toronto and the GTA. We also provide music promotional services via the internet and bigfix record label.
Stuart J Wilson is…..
bigfix is vibrations
as music is sonic art
a constant of the human condition
as art imitating life

bigfix is a pulse
a feeling & emotion
a collection of raw energies
of disparate musical forms & visions
Ladyaslan Presents…BigFix Music; Stuart J Wilson…

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

bigfix: without a doubt!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about bigfix...what makes you tick? How long have you been involved in music? How did you come up with the name bigfix?

bigfix: bigfix is vibrations

as music is sonic art

a constant of the human condition

as art imitating life

bigfix is a pulse
a feeling & emotion

a collection of raw energies
of disparate musical forms & visions

bigfix produces music

bigfix is
music has been the only constant in my life
on my 15th birthday I chose a jen sx1000 synth & dr rhythm dr-55 drum machine over a provisional driving license & lessons, & set-about emulating my heroes of the day: Gary Numan, Japan, The Human League, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran …albeit in a teenage-angst kind of way, with minimal technology…you can guess the longevity!
the name bigfix came to me whilst studying @ music college, 2005, it simply refers to ‘fixing the mix’ with regards to production values & the finished product, and certain projects required more attention than others resulting in a ‘big fix’, ergo: bigfix

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

bigfix: planet earth…so much energy!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Why did you start bigfix Music?

bigfix: to promote bigfix the band & connect with other musicians/bands, to capture & document the Toronto music scene, to provide affordable music recording & production services to unsigned artists, tagline: ‘your music & song is our passion’, to go international: ’go bigfix or go home!’

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

bigfix: immeasurable!, they are the epitome of music & fashion

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to work with Attrition on Dante's Kitchen (was it shot live by bigfix or did you re-master a live show )

bigfix: ace!...martin (attrition) was my ‘sound creation & manipulation’ lecturer @ music college, 2005, this year was the first time I’d seen his live show…got an 8-channel feed off the desk, eq’d, mixed & mastered the recording & synced dmj’s visuals…stunning performance!...more vids to follow

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What made you want to take on the Earth Day project with Craig Stewart/Clear Cut?

bigfix: Craig Stewart is a good friend of mine who wrote the song ‘clear cut’ back in the day, the lyrics seemed extremely appropriate to the current global-warming epidemic, so I updated & remixed the track & coupled it with suitable imagery to drive the message home…hoping to raise consciousness

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the genesis of bigfix Music?

bigfix: completion of music college 2005 & immigrating to Toronto, up until that point I’d spent most of my life doing what I perceived others thought was admirable…guess I lost my path for a while!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What made you want to move from the UK to Canada?

bigfix: I visited Toronto for the first time ’97, met some great folks & submerged myself in the arts & culture …8 years later it became my chosen home & bigfix was born, London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Toronto!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

bigfix: nick: ‘what was your first synth?’

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you want to speak about or share with us?

bigfix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIx--Y3V6CM thank you!



TO FOLLOW BigFix Music:
http://www.facebook.com/bigfix?v=wall&ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/bigfix?v=wall&ref=ts#!/pages/bigfix/193835032585?ref=ts
http://www.bigfix-music.com/
http://www.myspace.com/bigfix
To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with Shapes of Race Cars

Shapes of Race Cars 2010

Shapes of Race Cars is an indie rock band based out of Silverlake, CA. The heart of SRC is the best friend duo, singer/songwriter Dylan Champion and bass player Dale Zyla. The two mid-western transplants became pals on the East side music scene around the turn of the millennium. With their drummer Kaumyar they just completed their stunning new record Beauty Beat – the follow up to their critically lauded indie rock debut, Power, in ’07.

Read more: http://messaging.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=mail.readmessageV3&userID=530286607&type=Inbox&messageID=16441588#ixzz0xA7FO5Iy

Ladyaslan presents Shapes of Race Cars~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Dylan Champion: Hungry Like the Wolf changed modern music. I'm serious. It was the first song to combine primal, animal elements and imagery with the shinny, yachting world of modern glam-pop.

That is seriously and important change - animals were always the exclusive territory of earthy, rootsy, loud rock bands like Led Zep, The Stones and Warren Zevon. Le Bon and co. married the two. If Adam Ant paved the way with tribal drums and war paint, Duran Duran took it all the way into the steamy, post-imperialist wilds of the jungle.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you all come up with the name Shapes of Race Cars and how did you all meet?

Dylan Champion: We were all sitting around late one night at my place and this girl was on my bed eating a bag of Honey BBQ Fritos that were sponsored by NASCAR at the time. As she's snackin' away, she says "look, these are in the shapes of race cars".....boom, there's the name! We all met here in the Easy L.A. music scene - Silverlake, Spaceland - home of Beck and the Silversun Pickups and all that. We bonded over how much we wanted to challenge this scene's self-conscious, desperate to be cool, shoe gazer tendencies.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Dylan Champion: Favorite song: Ordinary World. Favorite Vid: really impossible, but it has to be a classic like Rio, hungry like the wolf or wild boys.... it's just madness!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Shapes of Race Cars to any Indie/ Rock / fans who hadn't’ heard your band before?

Dylan Champion:
It's epic, smart indie rock with big radio melodies. We can be just fun, party rock, like on track like Get Melted!!, but even that references Streetcar Named Desire and has a kind of tragic twist to it. Songs like Bigger Than Sin, Boring Villains and World's End on our new record, Beauty Beat, are grander themes and emotion, hopefully done in a way that strikes the heart of listeners.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Dylan Champion: As I said, they too fancy boys and great glam punk into the tribal jungle. They somehow made safari gear seem glam.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans; new and current, who you are and why you are a part of Shapes of Race Cars:

Dylan Champion: Well, HI GUYS!!! To any of our fans out there - I know it sounds cornball, but really, we are so lucky and have AMAZING fans. I think true music attracts the right peeps!! But I’m Dylan - I sing, play guitar and write these here songs!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Dylan Champion: I think we may have actually tried Wild Boys once, just because, well, HAVE U HEARD THAT SONG?!?!?! But Save a Prayer and Ordinary World would be really cool to cover... and maybe A View to A Kill - acoustic.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the NEW album Beauty Beat...?

Dylan Champion: It's the best thing we've ever done, by far. We opened things up, brought in piano, strings and let the melodies, the words, K's drums and Dale's super-melodic bass work do their magic. It's more musical in the sense that these songs were really well developed and then we just kind of trusted them instead of doing what a lot of bands do, which is overcrowding their songs with layers of instruments cuz they're not sure.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Who is Antony and the Johnsons and how did they influence your band?

Dylan Champion: OMG - he is a New York singer songwriter and piano player that you MUST check out. YouTube the song "Hope There's Someone". it speaks for itself.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Dylan Champion: Well, I guess for me it would be Mr. LeBon - I would ask him about singing, if it's true that he shuts off air-conditioners in hotels when on tour to save his voice. lead singer stuff.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there a specific theme or story to the lyrics on your album?

Dylan Champion: It is about the loss of love and beauty and if, at the end of everything, it goes on.



TO FOLLOW Shapes of Race Cars:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/shapesofracecars?v=wall&ref=ts

http://srcallaroundtheworld.com/

http://www.youtube.com/shapesofracecars

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with David Jonson

David is about to take the world by storm. David is to release his debut double a side single Killer/Rebel Yell this summer. Killer is a cover of the original Seal track and has been revamped and pumped and produced by Massimo paramour and remixed by none other than 7Th heaven and electric all-stars. Rebel Yell has been completely revamped and has also been beefed up and primed to get dance floors moving with remixes by 7Th heaven, electric all-stars and paramour.

These two tracks are a real taste of what’s to come from David. Both tracks have been receiving huge support from clubs up and down the country. David has been touring and promoting the track at pride events in the UK and is building up quiet a following especially amongst the bear scene and has had a few offers from aspiring goldilocks’

Looking to meet DJ's, producers, artists for collaborations For P.a. bookings, Collaborations, or any other enquiries please contact: Info@Love-nation.co.uk

David sat and chatted with Ladyaslan about his music and thoughts on Duran Duran….Ladyaslan presents David Jonson~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

David Jonson: Definitely, Duran Duran have stood the test of time so should definitely be in there, There are not many bands around today with the fashion sense and music styling that could last the way Duran Duran have.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about David Jonson...what makes you tick? How long have you been involved in music?

David Jonson: I have been involved in music for about 14 years in one way or another, I was originally involved in musicals Music makes me tick, I have to have music everywhere I go, and it is an amazing tool and can really keep me in a good mood.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

David Jonson: I think my favourite video would have to be Wild boys, it was an amazing video and still looks great now

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of your music to any New Wave/ Electro fans who hadn’t heard of you before?

David Jonson: I think there are various genres it fits into but I would say dance/pop/electro

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

David Jonson: I think Duran Duran have made a massive contribution with amazingly written songs that as I say have stood the test of time and their fashion sense also give a lot of people confidence to be who they wanted and dress how they wanted,

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us are you involved with any other bands outside of what you are doing at the moment?

David Jonson: At the moment I am concentrating on my solo work as there is an album planned for next year, which is taking up most of my time. I have just started working with a producer called Laz harry and got some exciting projects coming up.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

David Jonson: I think wild boys or ordinary world, as they remind me of certain points in my life.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: When did you decide to re-make Billy Idol's Rebel Yell and why? ( IT KICKS SOME ASS!! )

David Jonson: It was about 2 years ago and wanted a track that was not originally a dance track and always liked Billy Idol (must be the Rebel in me) I suggested it to Massimo (my Producer) and he worked on it. It is completely different to the original and actually had to be slowed down as the original was 156bpm and my version is only 128bpm . I think it worked well and love seeing the reaction when people recognise the lyrics.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the EP Killer/Rebel Yell single that was released this summer. What was the public reaction?

David Jonson: Killer is due to be released on September 13th, it achieved a DJ chart position of 14 so it seems to be going well. Have had some great support from DJ's and fans and have been touring the Europe to promote it.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

David Jonson: Where to start?? mmmmmmm. I think it would have to be Simon le Bon. I think the topic of conversation would have to be song writing and the tours they have done.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Who is 7th Heaven & Electro All-Stars? What was it like to work with them?

David Jonson: 7Th Heaven are a production and remix team in the UK who are massive, they have just been chosen to remix Kylie’s next track and Electric All stars are based in Manchester and have a massive history of mixes. They were all so easy to work with and even if I do say so myself, did an amazing job.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you hook up and meet Paramour aka Massimo Braghieri?

David Jonson: I met Massimo a few years ago and we have been saying since then that we would work together, and managed to get around to it when I started Killer, Massimo is a great producer and a nice guy, I am back in the studio with him next week to start work on my next Single.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: As of 11th June 2010, Killer made it to #24 on the Music Week Club Charts, how did that make you feel?

David Jonson: It achieved a peak position of 14 which was amazing, I could not be happier with the reaction killer has been receiving and the massive support from DJ’s

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about Love Nation, who are they?

David Jonson: Love nation are the company that manages me, they tell me where to be and when as I would probably forget. LOL they also deal with all my bookings and collaborations. But then again probably nothing my iPhone can’t do lol only joking Love Nation!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you want to speak about or share with the fans?

David Jonson: I would like to invite the fans to come by and hear my music on MySpace and Killer will be in ALL online music stores on 13th September….

FOLLOW DAVID JONSON

www.myspace.com/davidjonsonmusic

www.davidjonsonmusic.moonfruit.com/#

www.love-nation.co.uk


To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with Blue October

Blue October (UK) play emotionally fuelled, synth electro pop. Fusing electronic wizardry and wild guitar with cool, underlying dance grooves. A diverse repertoire of songs charged with melody, harmony and rhythm. Deep, meaningful lyrics tinged with sadness, but always full of hope. Songwriting of the highest quality stands out like a warning beacon in the roughest of oceans.

Signed to A Different Drum ( USA ) . Three full length albums under their belt and inclusions on several compilations have attracted fans from every corner of the globe that have fallen in love with their unique style of incandescent, constantly evolving, dream pop. Contrasting sonics and dynamics, galvanized with tunes from heaven produce a live set riddled with edge and aggression. Nic Johnston superbly flushes out every ounce of angst with his cutting, precision guitar work.

They guys of Blue October (UK) took time out of their busy schedule to chat with their old mate Ladyaslan~ So…(drum roll ) Ladyaslan presents BLUE OCTOBER (UK)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Blue October (UK): Definitely, Duran Duran is pioneering bands that have over the years have influenced many bands not only with their music but also the work with videos as well.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you all come up with the name Blue October (UK )?

Blue October (UK): The name of the band was thought of by someone I used to work with, the band had just been formed and we were looking for a name for the band and we had loads of names written down and we were trying to decide the best one out the bunch we had when Blue October was suggested and we just knew it was a great name so our list was thrown away Blue October was born. The UK bit has been added as there is another band from Texas with the same name.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Blue October (UK): My favourite song is Planet Earth and Rio is my favourite video.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Blue October (UK) to any New Wave/ Electro fans who hadn’t heard your band before?

Blue October (UK): I have never been good at answering this type as each person hears the sound and songs differently, but if I was a listener I would say the sound was mixture of good electro with a strong focus on great songs and strong melodies.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Blue October (UK): I think if Duran Duran had not been around there would be something lacking in the style of some of the bands around now, this is both in a musical sense as well as a fashion sense.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Have you and will you tour the United States...any dates in mind?

Blue October (UK): Touring America is a place on our countries to play list, we also would like to play dates in Europe as well, we have no dates planned yet but once the new album is out we will be working on getting out and about to let people here us live.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Blue October (UK): Careless Memories would be a song I would like to remake, it’s a great song with those great synth sweeps and pads. We did a cover version of Planet Earth for a gig back in 1999 which went down very well.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Having been in the business for over ten years what have you learned ( as a band ) and evolved into?

Blue October (UK): We have learned to become a self sufficient unit in terms of music production, promotion etc. As the internet has made the world smaller and with the demise of the traditional record label bands have had to evolve into more than just the band they have to run websites, promote material, organise gigs and produce music.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Blue October (UK) lost a member a while back. What prompted the split and has the lineup change affected the sound of the band?

Blue October (UK): Ross left the band this year after being with us since 1999, issues outside of the band meant that he was not able to commit time to the band and chose to leave the band. The line up of the band with a new singer will make a change to the sound and lyrical style as like Ross and Barney, Chris Beecham is writing the lyrics to the music. The sound will still be Blue October, but as with all new albums we like to take a new route with the sound and production.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Blue October (UK): Would have to be Nick Rhodes and the topic would be how he created the keyboard sounds on the early DD albums, the pads, sweeps and arpeggios in those songs are sounds I love about those albums.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about "A Different Drum" who are they?

Blue October (UK): a Different Drum are an independent record label based in Utah, we have been working with them since 1996 and have released all our albums and singles to date through them.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What can the fans expect of the new studio album, is there a name for the album yet?

Blue October (UK): The bands last album "Walk Amongst the Living" took the band on an electro / rock feel, with the new album we are going with a total electronic sound with lots of analog keyboards and probably not as much guitar as the previous album. We do have a working title for the new album, it’s called The................

FOLLOW BLUE OCTOBER (UK)

http://www.blueoctober.co.uk/

http://www.myspace.com/blueoctoberuk1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_October_UK

http://www.youtube.com/blueoctoberuk#p/a


To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site at http:\\ddttrh.info.

Entretien avec Neil Carlill du groupe Chicanery

Chicanery : Warren Cuccurullo (Frank Zappa/Missing Persons/Duran Duran) et Neil Carlill (Delicatessen/Lodger/Me Me The Moth), viennent de lancer leur premier projet pop depuis leur collaboration avec Nick Rhodes dans les années 90 (TV Mania). Chicanery fusionne son riche paysage musical diversifié en soudant le jeu de guitare légendaire de Cuccurullo avec la poésie abstraite de Carlill.

Voici l'entrevue DDTTRH avec Neil.

Anitra [DDTTRH]: Comment était-ce de travailler avec Warren Cuccurullo et Nick Rhodes pour leur projet TV Mania? [Neil]: J’étais nerveux au premier abord et intimidé d’entrer dans la maison de Warren, qui servait aussi de studio d’enregistrement pour Duran Duran à l’époque (nommé Privacy). Une fois à l'intérieur j'ai rencontré Warren et Nick qui ont été vraiment très sympathiques et rassurants avec moi . J'ai ensuite écouté quelques-unes des pistes pour avoir une idée du projet. J'étais très excité parce que le plan initial était d'avoir Iggy Pop et Debbie Harry pour jouer mes parents dans l’opéra qu’ils voulait créer avec TV Mania.

Au début j’ai ajouté ma touche au projet en enregistrant et improvisant des bouts de paroles et des mélodies vocales. Mark Tinley était l'ingénieur du son et tout s'est déroulé dans une seule pièce avec Nick et Warren sur le canapé et moi debout avec un casque d’écoute...ensuite je suis allé à l'extérieur dans le jardin pour fumer une cigarette. J’avais aussi apporter un peu d'alcool sur moi afin de me donner un petit extra de confiance! Nous avons eu quelques séances de ce genre et avons travaillé sur plusieurs pistes.

J'ai reçu un appel une fois de venir dans des délais très courts pour travailler sur un morceau qui s'appelle “Abducted”. Nous avons beaucoup parlé de la musique, des influences musicales,etc...l’atmosphère était très détendue et agréable.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Qu'est ce que Chicanery représente? Est-ce ce que TV Mania s'est transformé en Chicanery? [Neil]: Je crois que ça représente un combat humain entre les qualités qui existent en chaque personne, et de manière plus destructrice dans les groupes et les sociétés. L'art de la tromperie, de la trahison, de la manipulation et de la ruse. Cette “Chicanery” existe tout autour de nous, souvent,elle cache les moyens détournés que certains ont de manipuler les situations et les gens à leur profit. C'est une façon très séduisante et terriblement dévastatrice de diriger le monde ou sa propre vie. Chicanery exprime la complexité et les multiples couches de la musique et également tous les aléas de ma vie et de celle de Warren depuis que nous avons commencé à collaborer à temps partiel ensemble il y a plus de 12 ans,et finalement plus profondément avec Chicanery.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Qu'est-ce que Warren Cuccurullo apporte à la musique de Chicanery? Que pensez-vous apporter à la musique du groupe? Et qu'est-ce que la musique vous apporte à la fois? [Neil]: Warren apporte d'abord son originalité, sa connaissance de la musique, sa virtuosité et ses compétences en écriture en sa propre musique, qui est spirituelle et dévouée. Il improvise et me permet de puiser dans ce qu'il fait et c'est cette combinaison qui produit notre son. L’écriture commence généralement de façon instrumentale et je travaille ensuite sur des mots et mélodies, il ya quelques chansons comme par exemple “Midnight Owl”, où je commençais la musique et Warren ajoutais ensuite sa touche magique. C'est une belle chose à voir et à entendre de le voir créer. Chicanery représente notre voyage des 12 dernières années avec la musique qui nous a connecté même lorsque nous étions à des milliers de km de distance.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Dans quel contexte avez vous fait votre premier album?

[Neil]: Il a été écrit et enregistré dans des endroits différents sur de longues périodes de temps. L'album représente l'histoire de nos connexions,nos déconnexions, et comment nous avons toujours réussi à y revenir, malgré de nombreux bouleversements personnels pendant ces intervalles. Nous avons tous deux commencé l'album en Angleterre et il a été terminé aux Etats-Unis. Évidemment,sur une période 12 ans,plusieurs choses changent... : Modes de vie,nos âges,et bien sur,l’industrie de la musique, qui à été complètement transformée depuis notre première rencontre. C'est incroyable pour moi de constater que Chicanery existe maintenant sur dPulse Records,a maintenant sa propre vie,et est prêt à prendre son envol.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Quelle est la signification quand on se réfère à vous comme étant un “tone poet”?

[Neil]: Je pense que la façon dont j'écris les paroles ressemble beaucoup à la façon dont Warren joue de la guitare, c'est une façon pour le subconscient d’esquiver la partie rationnelle du cerveau et de laisser ce qui est en nous spirituellement se manifester par le biais de la création. Je jongle avec les mots comme ils se manifestent dans ma tête sans y être invités. Je pense que c'est plus comme de la prose, de la poésie à la structure apparemment abstraite. Cela peut être un peu déroutant, mais il y a effectivement un récit,un sens, mais pas au sens littéral auquel nous sommes habitués ... Vous avez à absorber les paroles pour les comprendre.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Comment avez-vous évolué en tant qu'artiste depuis la fin de cet album incroyable?

[Neil]: Je pense que le temps plonge toujours ses dents dans vos goûts. J’écoute de la musique maintenant que jamais je n’aurais écouter étant gamin. C’est drôle comment la musique va et vient par cycles. Les groupes New Wave d'aujourd'hui sont tous des versions originales et nouvelles de ceux d’il y a vingt, trente ans. J'aime faire de la musique et m'amuser avec les mots. Travailler avec Warren se fait dans un véritable esprit créatif et non mercantile.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Croyez vous que Duran Duran mérite d'être intronisé au Temple De La Renommé Du rock?

[Neil]: Il est facile de constater qu’il n'y a pas de groupe ayant marqué cette époque musicale particulière des années quatre vingt mieux que Duran Duran l’a fait. Certes, ils sont des pionniers du vidéoclip, de la mode et du parfait mélange danse/rock durable. Ils ont vendu plus de 100 millions d'albums et ont survécu au temps contrairement à bien d’autres groupes de cette époque. Je pense que tous ces éléments combinés en font l'un des groupes les plus pertinents de leur génération sur plusieurs points. Ainsi, dignes, ils continuent d’enregistrer du nouveau matériel et de donner des concerts sans uniquement jouer leurs vieux tubes comme le font beaucoup d’autres,et ça ,c'est tout à leur avantage.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Quelles contribution pensez-vous que Duran Duran a offert la musique et à l'industrie de la mode au cours des dernières 30 années?

[Neil]: Ils ont une oeuvre dont l’ensemble est très particulière. Un énorme succès commercial et une place durable dans le cœur des mélomanes du monde entier. Dans leurs premiers jours ils ont mis les nouvelles tendances de l’époque à la mode et se sont fait une image de marque. Plus tard leur son a mûri et acquis une complexité qui fait en sorte qu'ils ont beaucoup mieux évolués que la plupart des anciens combattants du pop. Ma femme (Gwen) fait également valoir qu'elle n’aurait jamais porté rayures tigrées, collants et chaussures de jazz dans les années 80 si cela n’avait pas été de Duran Duran. (mdr)

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Quelle est votre chanson favorite et votre vidéo préféré de Duran Duran?

[Neil]: Je dois dire “Come Undone” comme chanson favorite et “Planet Earth” comme vidéo. Ce clip a une innocence avec laquelle de grandes quantités d'argent ne peuvent rivaliser.

[Anitra, DDTTRH]: Que peuvent espérer les fans de Chicanery dans les prochains mois ... années? Une tourné de spectacles?

[Neil]: Oui! Les prestations en concert seront la prochaine étape du groupe,aussi nous avons déjà 4 chansons en cours pour le prochain album.

HYPERLINK
www.chicanerymusic.com
Amazon.com: Amazon.com
http://www.dpulse-america.info/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicanerymusic

Duran Duran Appreciation Day, a DDTTRH look

Just for fun, DDTTRH did some online research (so you don't have to) on Duran Duran
Appreciation Day (August 10).

According to Holidaypedia.com it is an official holiday and "A day to remember and appreciate the “rock icons” of the 80’s - Duran Duran"
http://history.holidays.net/index.php?title=National_Duran_Duran_Appreciation_Day

Entertainment Weekly has recognized this day...check out this article...
http://popwatch.ew.com/2008/08/08/duran-duran-app/

What can you do to celebrate today? YELP gives some great ideas...check out this article:
http://www.yelp.com/weekly?editorial_id=lWuV8kGTe06KrvKHHs4Taw

If you live in Missouri and eat S'mores while listening to 'Hungry Like the Wolf', you'd be triple celebrating today!!!
August 10 is also National S'Mores and Missouri day.
http://halife.com/daily/trivia/august/10.html

And believe it our not, there are even sites that recommend gift ideas for today! Check out this one at Giftypedia.com...
http://www.giftypedia.com/National_Duran_Duran_Appreciation_Day

So, from DDTTRH, we invite you to give your special someone a Duran Duran poster, while singing Rio or Come Undone (oooohhh baby!) and while you're at it, you might enjoy a s'mores together in front of the fire while watching Barbarella or View to a Kill.

Happy Duran Duran Appreciation Day everyone!!!!

Notorious-ly Yours,
Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort
www.ddttrh.info

Interview with Ron Yousha

…and Ladyaslan quotes Mr. Yousha:

“THERE IS NO CONCEIVEABLE WAY FOR ME TO DESCRIBE MYSELF IN ONE SHOT. I ENJOY MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH. I LOVE TO LEARN NEW THINGS, BE CHALLENGED, AND PUSH MYSELF; BUT ABOVE ALL I NEED TO EXPRESS MYSELF IN MY OWN UNIQUE WAY WHAT EXACTLY IS IN MY HEART, MIND, AND SOUL TIME AND AGAIN...”

Ron is an actor…singer…guitar player and a true artist~ he is surreal and deep and very funny and sarcastic~ I have known Ron for a very long time and in all these years he has always brought a smile to my face with his views and love of music and Duran Duran~here is the interview~

Ladyaslan DDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and why?

Ron Yousha: Yes, definitely! You couldn’t get away from Duran Duran in the 80′s. They were everywhere, MTV, radio, on t-shirts, and posters. They were the band that brought the new sound to the mainstream and made it popular. More importantly than that, their music was a mix of many different influences. They had rock 'n' roll riffs within their music; especially Bass and Guitar.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: When did you start to play guitar? What make and model?

Ron Yousha: 12 years old when I started playing guitar...I had started seeing an old Spanish acoustic guitar around the house and started plucking away on the huge, rusty nylon strings...then I bought a Lotus electric guitar, followed by the Esquire - Fender's first electric/Spanish guitar, then I got a Peavey T-60.

Ladyaslan DDTRH: What contributions and influences do you feel Duran Duran contributed to the world of music and fashion and social awareness over the past 30 yrs?

Ron Yousha: Duran Duran brought an infectious Pop-Rock sound mixed with New Wave elements to their music...in a sense they were avant-garde, just like the Police were...and their fashion sense conveyed that all around the world. They definitely brought a social awareness exemplified for what the 80's rock 'n' roll and pop lifestyle and culture were all about. In an essence, they were at the forefront.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Why did you choose the guitar as your instrument of choice?

Ron Yousha: With the guitar, I was able to express everything in my being (soul, heart, & mind) and it was also directly an instrument that was played by my musical influences, inspirations, and icons...such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy, and all the great bluesman and rock guitarists of all time

Ladyaslan DDTTRH: What are your favorite Duran Duran song(s) and / or video(s)?

Ron Yousha: Hungry Like the Wolf, Notorious, Rio, Save a Prayer and A View To A Kill.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the most exciting acting job you ever had?

Ron Yousha: Playing a crazy-hearted L.A. misfit named Zachary Taylor with nothing left to lose in a play called "The Missing Bullet"

Ladyaslan DDTTRH: If you could remake a Duran Duran song, which one would it be?

Ron Yousha: A View to a Kill

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is the best music gig you preformed at and why?

Ron Yousha: Playing as a back-up vocalist and guitarist for an artist named Lelia Broussard when she was just starting out in a Blues-Rock band at the Bitter End in NYC's Greenwich Village in July 2006.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Which member of Duran Duran influenced you and your music the most?

Ron Yousha: I would say Simon LeBon with his energy and soul-baring performances! That, to me, is the essence of what Rock 'n' Roll should be...baring your soul.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Who is your favorite author? Who is your favorite Poet?

Ron Yousha: William Blake because of his credo of “The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom". Also, Anitra DeLorenzo aka Ladyaslan shares the top spot with William Blake because her writings/poetry take me to some very deep and dark areas of the human existence and beyond that is so rare and unique in itself.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the last book you read?

Ron Yousha: "Dark Rivers of the Heart" by Dean Koontz

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What do you look for in a woman?

Ron Yousha: A soul, someone not flaky; but with a sense of humour, intelligent, and independent.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favourite song to play live & why?

Ron Yousha: "Spanish Castle Magic" by Jimi Hendrix because it has so many musical styles mixed into one sound; and I can stretch out musically while playing that song because of that fact.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the craziest "thing" ever to happen at a live gig?

Ron Yousha: I saw a couple get up on stage and have full-on sex while I was attending a Danzig concert back in 1988 in California

LadyaslanDDTTRH: You come from a musical family, your mother is a star in her own right, tell us a bit about that and how that effected your drive in the music industry?

Ron Yousha: Well, I had many musical influences from every genre in my house during my childhood. My mother was always an emotional person; and she was always singing; but she has a terrible, chaotic marriage and a lot of heartbreak and a tortured soul is what I constantly heard in her singing style and musical influences of Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, to the amazing Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What are your views about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Ron Yousha: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame needs to pay attention especially to what other musicians, Rock 'n' Roll musicians already inducted are saying about bands such as Duran Duran who have yet to be inducted. Many of these musicians have mentioned being influenced by Duran Duran on many occasions.

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

FOLLOW RON YOUSHA:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=793633064

Interview with T1 Australia Music

T1 was formed by Peter Wilson and Chris Richards in January 2007 they provide : Songwriting, Lyrics, Production, and Track Mastering. T1 tracks can be found on the following releases Follow Me : Peter Wilson (Klone Records) Mad About the Boy 15 (Klone Records) Mad About the Boy 16 (Klone Records) New single by Carol Jiani & Evelyn Thomas "Are You Man Enough" out now in Germany (Dancestreet/ZYX), New T1 songs available soon on upcoming releases by Haywoode (TBC), Massive Ego (Klone) and Amanda Lear (Edina Music). The latest talent(s) they have produced is the Blondie song “Call Me” remake sung by Samantha Fox and Sabrina climbing the European charts~

Writing and producing tracks for:
Amanda Lear
Haywoode
Nicki French
Ainslie
Carol Jiani
Pamala Stanley
David Christopher
Massive Ego
Samantha Fox
Sabrina
Tabitha Turlington

Associate collaborators:
Matt Pop

T1 took time out of a hectic schedule to chat with me about who they are and what they do and of course their opinion on the DDTTRH campaign~

( Chris )

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran should be entered into the rock n roll Hall Of Fame?
CR: Not only the Rock Hall of Fame, but also the Electro Music Hall of Fame, the Greatest Haircuts Hall of Fame, and of course the Greatest Girls on Film Hall of Fame

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Has Duran Duran inspired you and any of your music talent(s)? In which areas have they influenced you?
CR: I got a Duran Duran tattoo at the age of 12, I imprinted myself with a ball point pen and the sharp end of a compass. Unfortunately my mother had it removed as she thought I had contracted a rare skin disorder. Since then I have distanced myself from Duran Duran, but their recent re-emergence has once again reminded me of the power of laser removal

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to collaborate with Nicki French?
CR: Nicki French is great. You give her something to sing, and she sends it back with attitude, and multiple part harmonies with good timing tuning (any producer reading this will be on the phone to Nicki in the very near future)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could remake one?
CR: Girls on Film of course!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How exciting was it to collaborate with number #1 Italian singer Sabrina and Samantha Fox ( 80's chart topper with Touch Me circa 1986 and Naughty Girls ( Need Love Too ) 1987 ) for the remake of Blondie's Call Me? How did you get those two talents together?
CR: From my side, it was fun to do a cover that had a swing beat and allowed some of my "fabulous" guitar playing. Pete just love's it when I rip out some rock chords, he's smiling just thinking about it...

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there any particular member of Duran Duran you would like to work with?
CR: All of them

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you come to work on collaborations with Dutch super talent Matt Pop?
CR: Matt Pop is a "Production Angel" as we like to call them in the industry, he helps us a lot when we need it, what a legend!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What has been the most rewarding project you have worked on thus far?
CR: I'd say Amanda Lear, and our current solo project

(Pete)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
PW: Absolutely. They certainly influenced pop music and pop culture at the time and are remembered now, so a definite yes!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about T1...what was the genesis? Who is T1?
PW: T1 is Peter Wilson & Chris Richards. We got together 4 years ago when working on vocals for my own solo album released in 2007. Since then we've written and produced for many artists starting with Carol Jiani and Tabitha Turlington, to Nicki French, Haywoode, David Christopher, Pamala Stanley, Sam Fox, Sabrina and the legendary Amanda Lear. We are so lucky.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Has Duran Duran inspired you and any of your music talent(s)? In which areas have they influenced you?
PW: I think most 80s music influenced me, and there are flavours of new wave in Duran Duran which we also do. Duran Duran had great hooks, which influenced a lot of music. And we too took that influence.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to have a chart success in the 90's with the song(s) I Wanna Dance, Move, and In to the Night?
PW: You have really done your homework I'm impressed. It was a fun time, always on the road promoting and performing. I was never a born performer, I much prefer writing and producing behind the scenes. But I had a great time. I've even done a new one off solo song.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?
PW: Wild Boys

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Why did you take such a long break from the industry?
PW: Even though I had a small amount of success with my early singles they were not big hits, and probably made some bad decisions being so young. Like I said before I just wasn't so comfortable being the performer, being told what to do or say. It's so ridiculous when a label or manager tells you which artists to say influence you to sound cool, or what to wear to an interview. I am not a person that can be told what to do. Anyway I realized I wanted to write, that was what I started doing at 14 but it was pushed aside in the 90s and was given songs. I also lost the confidence as I didn't become the success I had hoped to be. Then in 2001I started writing again, got a new record deal and it was all going to happen again. But then of course it never came to plan, and finally in 2007 I released an album but by this time with hopes of being recognized as a songwriter.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?
PW: They influenced a lot of 80s pop records, pop bands and in some ways still do.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to collaborate with Nicki French ( 1995 dance-club fave remake of Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart )?
PW: Nicki is a true professional and such a sweetheart. Her vocals were just perfect and she really pushes herself. We've done 2 tracks with her, one of which is the next single. Nicki is great I love her.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could remake one?
PW: None. I don't think anyone could do a better job than them. Some songs you should just not touch.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How exciting was it to collaborate with number #1 Italian singer Sabrina and Samantha Fox ( 80's chart topper with Touch Me circa 1986 and Naughty Girls ( Need Love Too ) 1987 ) for the remake of Blondie's Call Me? how did you get those two talents together?
PW: It was an honour. Though we did not bring them together, that was done by the girls themselves.

We were in contact with Samantha's management as we had submitted some songs to her which they liked. Then the offer of producing a version of "Call Me" came along and we did it. There was already a great radio mix, so we wanted to do another radio mix which sounded very different to this version. And we based it a lot closer to the Blondie version, Chris played some great guitar on it and we both sang the male "Call Me" on the track. I think they were surprised that we didn't deliver a more dance styled production but in the end the loved it and it made its way to the CD. We are very happy and the fans seem to love what we did.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there any particular member of Duran Duran you would like to work with?
PW: Maybe the band as a whole!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What does T1 expect to accomplish for the remainder of 2010? What should we expect from T1 in 2011?
PW: We have current dance hits for Amanda Lear and Sam & Sabrina. Next up is an album by Carol Jiani which includes material from us, new albums by Haywoode which we are just so proud of, releases by Pamala Stanley, Nicki French, and David Christopher. We have my solo track with Matt Pop, but also a T1 single feat a hot new singer Ainslie, and have started writing again for Amanda Lear!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you come to work on collaborations with Dutch super talent Matt Pop?
PW: I contacted Matt on YouTube actually when I heard his work. I didn't know what to expect, but Matt is one the nicest and most down to earth people you will ever talk too!! So he did first, a mix for Haywoode for us. And then when it came to doing the album he ended up mixing many of the tracks and co-producing some too. He was a very big part in this album, and love working with him so much. Then Matt sent me some instrumental songs, and I heard one in particular which I became obsessed with. I asked him to let me write lyrics and a melody, he agreed and suddenly we had "Intoxicated". I love it so much, and the single is now coming out this year, with remixes by Dave Ford & Ian Curnow from PWL. A DREAM COME TRUE!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What has been the most rewarding project you have worked on thus far?
PW: Too hard to say really. The first time I heard someone else sing our song was Carol Jiani on "I Don't Wanna Talk About Love". That almost brought chills!! But then there is working with Amanda Lear, one of my all time fave singers, then Haywoode who I've become very close to since. Then there is Pamala, Nicki, Dave, I really can't choose.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Sid Haywode's biggest hit Roses ( number #11 on the UK charts ) and Getting Closer was an international hit ( reaching number #1 in NZ ) and then to be covered by Kylie Minogue...what was it like to work and collaborate with such a diverse and high profile talent?
PW: Sid is the best. She really is. We weren't entirely sure about where the sound of the album was going about half way through, then it just started to take shape. Matt came on board, and then we all just seemed to click and work towards a really cohesive album. Sid had a pretty good idea of what she did and didn't like. We threw around demos and ideas until we reached something comfortable. We wrote 5 songs together, and there are songs she wrote with Matt too. But music aside, Sid and I get along very well indeed, and you should hear (actually maybe you shouldn't lol!!) our conversations. There are a lot of laughs shall we say.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What would you like to share with current and new fans?
PW: Well I'd like to say thanks to those who are loving our music, and we are hoping to release the T1 single and album soon with Ainslie and a couple of special guests you will definitely know!! And also look out for "Unprotectable", the new single for UK singer David Christopher. It's maybe the best thing we have done, keep a close eye on it coming soon!!

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH), please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.TO FOLLOW T1: http://www.t1music.net/

Anitra's Recent Flyer Success

To include with my invitation to fans to post DDTTRH flyers EVERYWHERE, check out this recent success story from our very own Anitra...related to you word for word from an email to me...

Last night was a success in handing out flyer's I had those bad boys EVERYWHERE!! LOL even in the bathroom stalls and YES I did run QUICKLY through the men's bathroom to drop some off~ LOL LOL and then I was talking ALL night about the petition and everyone ( and bartenders ) all where like "what do you mean they are not in the Hall....lol if I had a dollar for the statement alone I would be RICH~ LOL but most ppl thought they WERE inducted already....I found that interesting....cause I lost my voice talking to ppl and explaining our plight~ LOL LOL really lost my voice~I sound like Bonnie Tyler now~ LOL LOL LOL

So last night was good and those flyer's worked like a charm....ppl liked being able to have something tangible in their hands....so I was thinking.....a mass mailing...........I am going to go to my local post office and ask how one can do a mass mailing.....I know you can ask for any type of demographic.....a co I use to work for a LONG time ago did a mass mailing of their product and she just went the local post office and talked to the ppl their.....it cost some money BUT I don't think its that much~ so this week I will inquire about that and see what can be done.....cause ppl where like oooh look at this........and where reading at the bar....outside at the smoking tables...LOL in the bathroom stalls....let's face we ALL need some good reading material in there~ LOL

xoxo
Anitra

Great job Anitra for getting the word out about DDTTRH! That is the kind of spirit we need! If you (who are reading this) would like a flyer to post EVERYWHERE (we recommend libraries, grocery stores, bars and pubs (particularly those that play music), please email me at ddttrh@gmail.com and I will hook you up!

If anyone else has a success story spreading the word about our effort, please share with me at ddttrh@gmail.com and I will post it to share!

Notorious-ly Yours,
Kirk at DDTTRH

Our Winning Logo!!!

Thanks everyone for waiting patiently for the release of our official logo. Here is the winner...


The winning artist is Nabeel Shahid...


Here is a link to his Myspace profile...click here

Here is the statement he gave DDTTRH about his win...

"First off I would like to thank all who voted for my designs. I have been a huge fan of Duran Duran since 1982.

I truly hope that this effort to get them inducted into the Hall of Fame is successful. Now that the campaign to get Duran Duran inducted has a face (So to speak) I am very grateful that I was able to play a part. I really believe that if momentum continues to grow, we all should have cause to celebrate in the near future.

I am looking forward to the new album with much anticipation. And with the 30th anniversary of their first album happening next year, there is a lot to look forward to."

~Nabeel