Shontelle and Beyonce - twitter.com/shontelle_layne

For many new artists, the first year after the release of their debut albums are filled with highlights. Getting into swanky parties, meeting some cool fellow artists, maybe flying first class for the first time.

One of the biggest highlights for Barbados-born beauty Shontelle, is getting to tour alongside one of music’s most adored superstars, and her idol, Beyonce. The 24-year-old singer, who found success with her irresistible single “T-Shirt,” opened for the Mighty B on her tour across Europe and the UK last spring.

“That changed my life,” Shontelle told Neon Limelight in a recent phone interview. “Just that feeling that you’ve been embraced by one of the biggest stars in the world, and not just her, but her entire team, that made me really feel like I’m [doing this] for a reason.

“Even when it feels like everything isn’t going the way you want, or it’s moving slow, or it’s come to a stop completely, you have an experience like touring with Beyonce and it reminds you of why you do this.”

Beyonce, who Shontelle describes as “an amazing human being,” made it a point to sit down and meet Shontelle to share some kind words. “She literally looked me in the eye and said ‘You are so beautiful. I see your videos on TV all the time… I hear your voice every night and [it's] incredible. I want you to work really hard because you’re gonna do so well.’ And I’m like ‘Beyonce is telling me this!? Are you serious right now?’”

She says touring with Beyonce was a once in a lifetime experience she made sure to pay close attention to in hopes of picking up some pointers. “I watched how she’s not afraid to experiment. She’s not afraid to try different types of music and different things, and I feel like that’s why her fanbase is so huge.

“I watched her perfectionism. She won’t even hide that. She’ll tell you ‘I am a perfectionist. You had better get this right or I will get mad.’ I watched her soundcheck, her rehearsals, hung out with all of the dancers, the stylists, and everybody has a story to tell about Beyonce.”

Being on the tour with Beyonce, she says, pushed her from just being a fan of the Grammy winning singer to “stan status.” “I can’t thank Beyonce enough. It really did change my life.”

Up next for Shontelle is a promo tour in support of her new single, “Licky,” which will lead her as-yet-untitled sophomore album, in stores spring of 2010.

Shontelle - shontelleonline.com

There are several things that made us fall in love with 24-year-old pop singer Shontelle Layne instantly. Last year, her hit single “T-Shirt” showcased her sweet voice and insatiable thirst for Jimmy Choos. Win! She comes from Barbados, and seeing how we’re freakishly in love with another talented Bajan (see here), this was a real selling point.

But the biggest reason we love Shontelle? She’s so damn down to earth. She’s an unapologetic twitter junkie, who’s flunked out of self-imposed “tweehab” too many times to count. She’s constantly offering inspiring words to her fans, and she’s quick to defend an artist she loves — and even admits to “stanning” for quite a few people, like the woman she opened for on tour last year: Beyonce.

As she prepares to hypnotize the clubs with her new single, “Licky,” we went on a quest to get to know more about her. Which rapper would be the Jay-Z to her B? Whose leading lady would she like to play in a music video? (You might be surprised!) And what would she call her reality dating show?

The answers to these questions and more can be found in Neon Limelight’s 12 random questions with Shontelle!

1. Beyonce and Jay-Z are an amazing couple. If you could pick any rapper for a husband, who would you pick?

[Large sigh] T.I.! I love him so much. Dear T.I., when you get out, please call me. We need to have a conversation. That is all. Drake is hot, too, though…

2. What’s one question you really hate answering in interviews?

That’s hard because there really isn’t any question I hate answering, cus like I’m the weirdest artist on earth. I love doing interviews. I would say…

Well, you mildly dislike?

Yeah. I would say the question that probably is the most, I don’t want to say irritating, but when people say — and this usually doesn’t come from international journalist or bloggers or what not, when I do interviews at home [in Barbados] I really hate it when people say “Are you gonna do like Rihanna and ditch your roots and stop doing reggae and soca?” I’m like I want to choke you for that! Like, what are you talking about? Have you ever heard a Rihanna album that she didn’t do at least one song or something that has [Caribbean influences]? Like, can’t you just be happy that people are repping for your country? Honestly, things hurt the most or become the most irritating when it comes from home. The drum beats loudest at home. As much as you want love from everywhere else, when it feels like there’s even one person from home that is saying something negative, it really hurts. I’m like, don’t say that. Just do not ask me that question. Do not ask me about the music I’m going to make. I just love music. I make all kinds of music. Do not try to make me feel like just because I don’t do the music you want me to do that I’m, like, ditching you or dissing you. They try to make it out like you got this get rich and switch sorta thing. That’s probably the question that I hate the most.

3. Who would you like to play in a biopic and who would you like to play you?

Hmm. Who would I want to play? I feel like…you know what, I thought about this before. Crap! Someone asked me this randomly and I was like…I said it the other day. What is it, man!? I was like I would love to play somebody, and I think I said it on twitter. Now I don’t remember! My brain is not working! But who would I like to play me in a movie? Well, a lot of people think that Megan Good looks like me. I don’t see it, but some people think that. So, maybe if there was someone who was going to play Shontelle, it would probably be her. She’s pretty good. Who the hell would I play? Like who, who, who would I play? It would have to be someone who could sing. Or would it be a singer? I don’t even know.

It could be anyone.

Yeah, it doesn’t have to be a singer, huh? I really wish I could remember who I was talking about on twitter the other day.

Was it Whitney Houston?

Dude! I would totally play Whitney! She would have to voice-over the singing, cus, like, I know I can’t sing like Whitney Houston, but I feel like — you know what, in my first [promo photo shoot], when I had shorter, curlier hair, a lot of people were saying you know you look like a young Whitney Houston. And I was like, I could totally play Whitney, man. I would play her in a movie. I would. Movie people of the world and Hollywood, when you’re ready to do the Whitney movie, please call me up. I would do it. I totally would.

That would be awesome!

I wonder who would be my Bobby [Brown].

Who would you cast to play Bobby?

Who would be Bobby? It would have to be someone hot if I’m going to be hanging around this dude a lot. He needs to be hot. Would it be fair to let Tyson Beckford just stand there and be Bobby? Like, he doesn’t have to say anything.

Totally! He can be Bobby.

[Laughs] He can just be like, “I’m Bobby.” This movie is not really about Bobby anyway, so you would just see a random shot and it would be Tyson Beckford. Maybe Tyrese! Tyrese would probably be a good Bobby. He acts and sings, so that would be cool. [Laughs]

4. What’s one thing you think people would be shocked to learn about you?

People usually assume that because you’re an artist that you’re out there and you party a lot and stuff like that, but you’d realize you’ve never really seen that many pics of me anywhere. I think I like burned out my clubbing days between the ages of 16 and 21. So, as much as I love making music for the clubs, I really don’t party that much. It’s so weird. I’m such a social creature but I tend to prefer just sitting at home and chilling with friends, or going to a movie, or the beach, or something rather than clubbing. You spend a lot of money and you see the same people all the time and it’s like the same music. It’s not really that much different every time you go, so I think a lot of people would be surprised to find out I’m not into clubbing or the party scene as much as they think.

It’s so much fun when you don’t do it all the time. It’s more fun because you’re like, yeah! I’m about to wild out right now! You know, it’s like a release. When you let everything build up and then you go to the club, you’re like AAAAAAAHHH! You’re on the tables and you’re like I don’t even care if a picture of me on this table gets out, cus you know what, your ass is on the table when you’re in the club too! So stop it! Stop acting like you don’t party too. If you catch me happen to walk out once and I stumble, like, act like you don’t stumble out of the club too! You know you went to the club to have fun and so did I.

So, yeah. I think it would surprise people to know I’m actually much more of a home mouse than they think. I actually spend a lot of time at home. When I’m not working, I’m home.

5. If your CD player got stuck playing the same song over and over for the rest of your life, what song would you hope to get stuck on?

That’s hard. If I wanna keep it G, it would be “Run This Town.” I still can not get past that song. I can not get past it. It is still the most played song in my playlist. It has three of the most incredible artists and it’s just such a power song. It gets me — I’m like ready to go every time I hear it. Other than that, I think Donny Hathaway’s voice is like magic, and if I could just hear “A Song For You” everyday for the rest of my life, and hear that piano, it would not bother me one bit. I would love that.

But you have to pick just one. It can’t get stuck on two songs.

GOSH! OK fine! I’ll pick Donny Hathaway. You can’t always by hyped. Sometimes you gotta soothe the soul.

6. In whose video would you love to play the leading lady?

Um, whose video??? [long pause] I would totally…totally…like, play…because if I ever…you know what, who makes me tingle and I don’t know if it would be wise for me to play the leading lady but I so would…I really, really like — why do I like these young ones? They’re too young. I’m not gonna say it. Let me think of someone else.

No! Come on!

[Laughs] Cus the young ones are too hot and it’s not fair!

How young? Are you going to get in trouble with the Feds or will you be looked at as a cougar?

You know what? It’s not that bad. You could pick any of the Jonas Brothers and I would totally be their chick.

Not Nick! He’s only 17.

God! Do you have to remind me?! Why do these stylists have to make them look so, you know, hot!? It’s not right. It’s not right at all. And sometimes you forget that they’re only 17.

Well, Joe is 20.

[Sigh] I guess so. You know what, it’s just acting. I can pretend that I’m 17, too. They can make me look much younger. That’s one of the good things about me. I’m versatile. You can make me look 12 or 30. Dear Jonas Brothers fans, please do not attack me on twitter. [Laughs]

7. So, you were Snoop Dogg this year for Halloween–

Yeah! I was keeping it G!

What’s the weirdest Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?

I’ve never worn a weird one. Funny, like in Barbados, Halloween has only recently become a big deal. I guess Barbados is definitely becoming a lot more Westernized, for lack of a better word, or Americanized even more so. One year I did Halloween as G.I. Jane. I don’t really go that crazy. I think the craziest thing I did was the Snoop Dogg one. Normally, I just pick a character and go with it. Like, one year I was Laura Croft. I like to be the sexy, tough females. So, I pick a super hero and go with it. I’m gonna do Catwoman one of these days.

8. If you had a VH1 dating show — like Ray J has “For The Love of Ray J,” then there’s Flavor Flav’s “Flavor of Love” — what would the name of your show be?

Hmmm! That’s interesting! It can’t be Shon of Love. I don’t know! My name isn’t Tila Tequila so it can’t be like a shot of love. How would you get clever with my name?

Dude, I totally have one, but I’m going to let you pick.

[Laughs] You got one!? Maybe it could be like “Love Layne” or something like that. I don’t know! What is yours?

Mine is “Heart DominaShon.”

OH MY GOD! YOU’RE THE SH*T! And I’m so lame! I would totally go with that! I would so totally go with that! That is so tight! You are so creative. Heart DominaShon. I love it! That’s hot. They would probably make me really sexy and put me in black leather. As long as I don’t have to wear one of those scary little balls in my mouth, I’m cool.

9. Who would you love to see cover one of your songs and which song would they cover?

That’s interesting. I’ve never thought of that. You know what, it would be really cool just because Lady GaGa is so freakin’ cool and she is so versatile herself, it would be really amazing to hear Lady GaGa do a song like “Life Is Not An Easy Road” or like a reggae song. That would be really awesome. That would be so cool. And to see her sit and play it on the piano, that would be really, really interesting. I don’t think there’s anything Lady GaGa can’t do.

10. Do you have a girl crush?

Like if I had to be lesbian for a day, who would be my chick? Hmmm. Who do I think is just so hot? That’s hard. It would be a toss up between Alicia Keys and freakin’…shoot. I hope Brad Pitt doesn’t get mad. Angelina Jolie is so hot. It would probably be Alicia, because, you know what, she’s musical. We would just sit there and talk about songs. And then she could just play the piano for me and I would just cry and sit there. She wouldn’t even have to touch me. I would just be like I love you. I’m in love. [Laughs]

11. What’s the best purchase you’ve made all year?

I haven’t done that much shopping! I would have to say my new Macbook cus I really can’t work without it. I really, really can’t. It really isn’t that deep at all.

12. If you could write a how-to book, what would the subject of your book be?

I love inspiring people. I love motivating people, so it would have to be something along those lines. It would have to be an inspirational book really. I think I would just write a book on how to be happy. A lot of people really don’t know how to be happy and it’s really easy. Like that guy that wrote the book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” — it’s just that simple. I would totally call up Rev. Run and be like, yo, lets write this book together. I would definitely want to motivate and inspire. That’s something I’m very passionate about. I love giving people hope. It would be “Hold On To Hope” or “How To Be Happy,” definitely.

—–

More on Shontelle: www.shontelleonline.com – twitter.com/shontelle_layne

LIGHTS and Owl City - Warner Bros. Records/Pamela Littky.

Electro-pop star LIGHTS is enjoying the release of her first ever full length album, The Listening, which hit stores in the beginning of October to critical acclaim, and with the release, she’s been hard at work touring.

The 22-year-old Canadian keytar chick is close to wrapping her first headlining tour which hit cities like Baltimore (see our exclusive Live Shots gallery from the show), New York, and Salt Lake City, but she’s already thinking about her upcoming tour with fellow synth lover Owl City who is currently enjoying a No. 1 record with his hit “Fireflies.”

“It seems like it’s been a long time coming,” LIGHTS told Neon Limelight by phone Saturday (October 30) while stranded in her hotel room outside of Denver due to a snowstorm. She says the two of them have followed each other’s careers since they were still building their fanbases from the ground up on Myspace. “I knew he had something really special and now he’s just skyrocketed and I’m so happy to the point where I feel invested because I’ve been watching him from the start.”

“I couldn’t think of better person for me to tour with as far as even positivity and vibe and sound and energy,” she continued. “There’s just so many things that make sense.”

Since they mesh together so well sonically, it’s only natural to assume that maybe they’d get together and blend that positive energy in the studio. LIGHTS says she’s definitely not ruling it out. “I’d love to do something like that. I’ll play that one by ear.”

Besides looking forward to seeing Owl City perform every night on the tour (”I love his music!”), she says she can’t wait to make her sister jealous. “She emailed me and told me she recently went to his show in Vancouver, and she’s like ‘It made me cry!’ I got like a little wave of jealousy and wrote her back like ‘How come my shows don’t make you cry!?’” “This will make her jealous. She loves him, too,” she laughed.

LIGHTS’s tour with Owl City and Deas Vail kicks off January 21 in Kansas City, MO (see full tour itinerary here).

Mr. Hudson - Wireimage

A few years ago, hip hop stars like Jay-Z and Kanye West were scrambling to get Chris Martin to appear on their tracks. Both succeeded with the Coldplay frontman being featured on Jay’s “Beach Chair” from his album, Kingdom Come, and Ye’s “Homecoming” from his smash album Graduation.

Fast forward to now and it seems the new go-to British bloke is London-based singer/songwriter/producer extraordinaire Mr. Hudson, who’s already landed cameos on Jay and Kanye’s most recent albums, The Blueprint 3 and 808s and Heartbreak, respectively.

Not surprisingly, the features have garnered quite a few comparisons between the two musicians. Comparisons Hudson tells Neon Limelight aren’t exactly fair at this point. “I kind of see him as being a few laps ahead,” he told us. “He’s a massive star in his own right with his band. They’re like U2 or something, aren’t they? Whereas I’m that street level guy you’ll find in the club, or trying to get into the club!”

Hudson says hip hop artists might relate with him more because unlike him, Martin was “never on that scene.” “You’re not going to find Chris Martin…outside a club flyering my own [show], trying to shop my beats, trying to give you a copy of my mixtape.

We might be two skinny white guys from London and we might sound vaguely similar, but we’re from two very, very different places musically.”

With the release of his album, Straight No Chaser, on the horizon this October, comparisons and competition are the last things on Hudson’s mind. His main concern is trying to deliver music as great as the artists who’s paved the way. “You know how people are like ‘Oh no, someone is putting an album out the same week as us,’” he said. “It’s like, you know there are already a ton of great albums that are already out in the stores that you’re up against.”

“They get excited like ‘oh Asher Roth and Kid Cudi are out the same week’ — it’s like no, you’re up against Biggie Smalls. You’re up against Rakim. You’re up against Michael Jackson. That, for me, is the competition. David Bowie and the Beatles.”

“I’ll be in the studio and I’ll play some Bowie to inspire myself and it’s kind of depressing,” he continued. “It’s like, I’m never going to be as good as this, but lets try and get halfway there.”

Walt Disney Records' KSM

It’s been awhile since the music scene has had an all female band–not one of those prissy, just-stand-there-and-look-cute bands but one that could sing, dance and play their own instruments. Then in walks Walt Disney Records’ KSM.

These girls may just be teens but Shelby (lead vocals & guitar), Katie (guitar & vocals) Shae (lead guitar), Sophia (bass) and Kate (drums) are ready to prove they’re a talented force to be reckoned with on their debut album Read Between The Lines.

Learn more about this rocking five-some in this Neon Limelight Q&A!

1. You girls wrapped the Demi Lovato tour and you’re going to hop on the Mitchel Musso tour. Having a busy summer is kind of an understatement! Do you like to have a packed schedule?

We actually prefer that it stays busy. It keeps us focused and inspired. It is nice though, having a day off to sleep every once in while!

2. David Archuleta: One of the best teen male singers, right?!

We LOVE David! We had such a great time with him on tour. He’s one of the sweetest and most talented guys we know.

3. Any crazy tour stories from the Demi/David tour?

Well, our last day of the tour Demi, David, and their bands pulled the greatest prank on us. They had put powder on Kate’s drum kit so that when she played it would get all over her and they slowly started taking her cymbals off during our set. Finally, at the end of our performance they all came out on stage and wrapped our set in toilet paper and danced to our last song wearing KSM shirts. It was the best!

4. What are you looking forward to on the Mitchel tour?

Our fans! We love touring because we get to see our fans all across the country. We get to meet so many people that we’ve only known via Twitter/Myspace.  And everyone knows KSM fans are absolutely the best!

5. How’d you land the “10 Things I Hate About You” theme song gig?

ABC Family came to Walt Disney Records and asked if we would do a cover of the song for their new tv show. We were so stoked! It’s one of our favorites to perform and it’s great because everyone knows the song, young and old.

6. Things are happening so fast for you girls. What’s your best memory so far this year?

Our best memory is probably the show we did at The Prudential Center in New Jersey on the Demi Lovato tour.  It was just one of those nights that made you so proud and so humbled all at the same time.

7. Artists associated with Disney sometimes face a lot of scrutiny. Is it hard getting people to realize you’re more than your average teen group?

It’s probably our biggest challenge actually. One thing we’ve learned though, is that we don’t have to try to prove ourselves to anyone. We need to simply be us and people will see that we are real musicians and real vocalists who just happen to be teenage girls.

8. How are you girls going to celebrate the release of your album?

We’re going to celebrate our album by doing a show at the House of Blues in Dallas on September 22nd! We are so excited about that show. And we just might throw a big party afterwards!

—–

KSM’s debut album Read Between The Lines is available now on Walt Disney Records

More on KSM: www.ksmofficial.com www.twitter.com/ksmofficial

The Canadian singer/songwriter received a nomination for Breakthrough video for her single, “Boom.” One look at the video and you’ll know exactly why she got the nom even without the star power of a major record label and previous hit records.  The video, directed by Andria Petty,  is dark, it’s animated, it’s emotional.

Anjulie as an artist is as captivating as the visuals in her video. She leaves her heart and soul in her music. No topic is safe from the strike of her pen and pad, no experience is too small to turn into a record.

Her self-titled debut album arrived in stores in August to sweeping acclaim. Critics praised the openness of her lyrics and swooned for her Nelly Furtado-ish voice.

We chatted with Anjulie soon after the release of her album to get the scoop on her debut, how she felt about her surprising VMA nomination, her secret career as a songwriter, her need to meet Russel Brand, and how she’s just a bit crazy.

Neon Limelight: Your album is finally out. That has to be exciting!

Anjulie: It’s really exciting for me. This record has taken my whole life really to make. I’ve been thinking about my first record since I was like 12 years old, so it’s a relief and it’s great to finally have it out there.

NL: What does release week look like for you? What’s your schedule like and how is it different than before?

A: It’s the same, you know, I hang out. [laughs] No, it’s been kind of hectic but it’s good. It’s been a lot of press, especially with the whole MTV [VMA] nomination. That’s kind of raised the profile a lot which is good.

NL: That’s huge! When you found out your video was nominated for a VMA, what did you do? Who told you first?

A: I got a voice mail from the director and she was like, “Hey, you got nominated for an MTV Video Music Award,” and I deleted the message because I thought it was a joke. I told my manager and he thought the same thing, so we looked online and it was true!

NL: The video is incredible! What was the process of making such a video because it’s not like the cookie-cutter, first for an artist type of video. It’s really creative and it pretty much lays out the roadmap saying, “I’m here. This is how awesome I’m going to be.”

A: Yeah, totally! It was really Adria Petty, the director of the video, who came up with it. We had a bunch of video treatments submitted and there was talk of maybe doing something with Michel Gondry and all this stuff. And then [Petty] sent the treatment in and I was in love. As soon as I read it I was like this is the video. We ended up shooting it in the backyard of her house.

NL: Wow! She must have a huge backyard!

A: She doesn’t even. She just put up all these green screens. She’s just really amazing.

NL: You said it took your whole life to think up this record, but when did you actually sit down and start working on it and how long did that process actually take?

A: Probably about three years ago. I wrote this song called “Jamba,” that isn’t on the record but it kind of started the whole process of the record. Then I moved to Toronto and started working on the production and developing the sound with Jon Levine, who is one of the producers on the record. Then we came down to [Los Angeles] to finish up. So, it took the span of three cities — New York, Toronto, and LA — and a lot of years and a lot of heartache.

NL: Did the direction of the album ever shift while working on it through these three cities and three years or was it pretty much the same thing from start to finish?

A: No, it definitely changed. It morphed. I have a really small attention span, so if I’m working on even a genre of music, I get really bored of it quickly. So it kind of is a little bit schizophrenic of a record but it works.

NL: A lot of new artists don’t really start out with the self-titled thing. What made you decide against an actual title?

A: It wasn’t so much of as me not wanting to have a title. I actually did try to think of titles. I spent like a really long time going through every lyric trying to think about what would be a really cool title for this record and it ended up that I just couldn’t think of anything. [laughs] That’s the truth. I couldn’t think of anything all encompassing because it does go all over the place emotionally, lyrically, conceptually. So this is the only title that really encompassed all these things.

NL: So no huge spiritual meaning. You just couldn’t think of anything.

A: Yeah. [laughs]

NL: You cultural background can be heard a lot throughout your music. Was it important for you to capture that in your sound?

A: No, and actually, I wasn’t even aware that it was incorporated into my music until people started saying that.

NL: Wow, really?

A: Yeah, I really wasn’t thinking about it at all. It wasn’t a conscious decision. I guess I do love live instrumentation. I do like percussion and horns and strings and beautiful instruments, so I guess that kind of added to these multi-cultural aspect of the record.

NL: Oh, OK. You said once that if people wanted to get to know you, they should just listen to the album. Do you still believe that?

A: Yes, absolutely. I mean, it makes it difficult for me to date, though, because everyone thinks I’m a freak. [laughs]

NL: [laughs] Why would they say that?

A: Because if you listen to my lyrics, I’m a little bit scary. In “Fatal Attraction” I’m writing this suicide note to this dude and I’m saying to him I’m gonna kill your girl and then I’m gonna kill myself.

NL: Wow…

A: It gets pretty crazy. But it’s all fun. Well for me it’s like making a movie and why not make it as intense and as dramatic… I was actually reading this letter I had written — sorry, I have like no media training, so I’m completely random in interviews. [laughs]

NL: [laughs] Don’t worry. I love that the most. The cookie-cutter answers are so oh God you’re boring, please stop! So go ahead and be yourself.

A: Oh, good! I was reading this email I have saved after this really bad relationship I had with this guy. You know how you write those letters and you’re like, “Dear so and so…” I did that and the letter was so insane. I knew when I started writing it that I was never going to send it. I was going off. It was so filled with jealousy and anger and obsession. I went back and read it and was like ‘Oh, now I get why that record is so crazy.’

NL: What song would you say is your most personal?

A: They’re all very personal. The one I would say is the most vulnerable is “Crazy That Way.”

NL: Love that one! How did that record come about? What was the experience like that made you write that record?

A: This guy I was seeing left town and he let me stay at his place and when he left, I was just so into everything in his apartment. It became like really crazy because I could feel his presence there, so that’s kind of where it stems from.

NL: Lets get a little personal really quickly since you are a new artist and many people don’t know a lot about you. What was your childhood like?

A: It was great. I grew up in a complete and total suburb outside Toronto called Oaksville. But I grew up feeling a little bit isolated because it was completely white, like the area that I lived in and I’m Guyanese and that was really different. I was definitely an ugly duckling. I wasn’t that pretty to look at. I was overweight, had glasses and braces, and the whole thing. So, I always felt like a bit of an outcast. The only place that I really had to feel good was when I was singing songs or dancing to music or just through expressing myself. I developed a total infatuation with the arts scene. I started writing a lot all the time and started dancing and doing acting lessons — anything to just become someone else and escape on stage is where I wanted to be. That’s how the obsession started.

NL: How old were you when you reach that turning point where you kind of found your own thing?

A: I was really young. I’d say around 10 or 11.

NL: So, you’ve performed a few places already and had a big showcase at Joe’s Pub. That’s kind of the place singer/songwriters go to break their music. What was it like performing there?

A: It was amazing. My last show there was unbelievable. I remember playing a show there when I was first starting out and there was like one person in the audience so it was really cool to play there and have the show so well received.

NL: What was the response like?

A: It was love. It was total love. It was just amazing for me to like experience. People were just really accepting of the music and really feeling it, so it was great. It was definitely a successful night.

NL: Have you’ve run into a frustrating comparison that makes you just want to say stop it, this is me? I’ve read a lot on you and the first thing that comes to mind for critics to compare you to is an Amy Winehouse or Nelly Furtado. Are those comparisons frustrating or do you welcome them?

A: I don’t mind the comparisons because it’s not like they’re comparing me to Paris Hilton. They’re comparing me to people who are fucking dope. Like Amy Winehouse and [Nelly Furtado], I totally respect them as artists and as songwriters and singers, so yeah. I’m not offended by those comparisons. It could be much worse.

NL: You mentioned Paris Hilton. Do you pay attention to blogs and the whole gossip scene or is that something you really want to stay away from?

A: I think they’re funny. I think it’s like kind of a different industry. I know that those girls kind of do music, but it’s kind of a different thing. For me, it’s more entertaining like American Idol.

NL: We already talked about your VMA nomination, but are you attending the show?

A: Oh yeah. Definitely.

NL: What are you looking forward to seeing? Is this your first big, huge event?

A: Yeah! I don’t even go to parties! I get like really nervous before I go out and I get a lot of social anxiety, so like even talking about it I’m feeling kind of…slutty. [laughs]

NL: [Laughs]

A: So, I think it’s going to be kind of difficult for me. I might have to have a glass of red wine before I go. But I’m looking forward to meeting [VMA host] Russel Brand. I think he’s so fucking gorgeous and hilarious.

NL: [Laughs] Are you looking forward to anyone who’s performing or meeting a lot of people?

A: No. I’m really just like forward to Russel Brand. [laughs]

NL: [Laughs] Are you hoping for a love connection — or is he married?

A: I don’t know. I don’t want a love connect. I don’t know what’s going on. You know how you know people and you kind of idolize them, but then you also respect them like they’re a really cool person to hang out with or they’re really smart, that kind of respect?

NL: Totally. That’s like my Gavin DeGraw moment.

A: Ooooh yes! He’s very sexy! Is he straight?

NL: Oh my gosh! Are you serious?

A: I don’t know!

NL: He’s completely straight!

A: Oh! He’s has this style and he’s cute so you never know! [laughs]

NL: [Laughs] That’s hilarious! So, I really wanted to ask you about this: you said in a video interview with MTV that you never had a boyfriend. Why is that?

A: I don’t know! Maybe I freak people out too much! I’m really like…I’m really focused on music and that’s like a difficult thing for a guy. I think it’s much easier when — I think it’s much easier for dude who are like rock stars to date chicks and stuff, because for me I find it so difficult. I’m really, really ambitious and my focus is constantly on my career, so if like I’m hanging out with someone and I get a call to be in the studio, I’m like ‘OK, I gotta go.’ So, it’s really difficult for guys to be in a relationship with me I think.

NL: Just a little music talk… What kind of music are you listening to currently?

A: I just got Crystal Castles’ record. I am looking forward to Fefe Dobson’s new record because I wrote five songs on it.

NL: Really?

A: Yeah, I wrote the first single and a bunch of others for the record. She’s an awesome artist, so I’m looking forward to that, her doing her thing. And, yeah. I’ve been writing a lot. I’ve been writing with Chris Brown and Lil Jon and Christina Aguilera… That’s definitely something that’s a huge part of what I do. In terms of writing, I kind of keep that more anonymous. I don’t think anyone would know I wrote the Fefe Dobson record or this song for Canadian artist Kreesha Turner who has a huge international hit called “Don’t Call Me Baby.” It was originally called “Don’t Call Me Anjie” but I changed it for her to sing it. I don’t think anyone sees me as being a songwriter other than writing my own stuff.

NL: Is that something you want to continue to grow or is your career as an artist top priority?

A: Simultaneously, because I really like to be in the studio and I can do that all the time. Like, I don’t have to be in the studio just working on my own record. I find it a lot of fun to write for other people, because like, I’m not a dance artist but if I’m writing a song for Lady GaGa, I can live vicariously through that. I don’t have to wear a one piece body suit. I can just write it and be done with it. [laughs] It’s kind of fun.

NL: That’s awesome! When people listen to the record, what’s the one thing you hope people take away from it when they’re done?

A: The realness that it has. You know, I think… I remember when I first heard “Jagged Little Pill” by Alanis Morrisette and I just thought, like, it was so refreshing to hear a girl speak so truthfully. Even with Fiona Apple, I was just watching the video for “Criminal” last night, and it was just…It’s liberating when you see women kind of acting in a really kind of real way with their emotions as opposed to…there’s a lot of artists that come off like they’re super sexy and they’re super swag and confident and independent and strong and that’s great, but I also feel there’s a whole underbelly. There’s a passionate, feminine, vulnerable side that is not really glorified. That’s what I’m trying to do, just kinda keep it real.

—–

More on Anjulie: www.anjuliemusic.com www.twitter.com/anjulierocks

Jeremih - Island Def Jam

The success of Jeremih’s debut single, “Birthday Sex,” is sort of a double-edged sword. On one side, the catchy track was hard to forget this summer. The simple two-word chorus made the song so irresistible it was almost an instant chart-topper. On the other side, a breakout song so catchy will almost always overshadow each subsequent single.

With singles “I’mma Star” and “Make Up To Break Up” rising up the charts, Jeremih is determined to let fans know who he is musically even after the “Birthday Sex” is over.

So the new singles have the music side covered, but we decided to get to know the man behind the music by asking the Chicago native some of the most random questions like who would he date for publicity, does he have any weird talents, and what his sexiest birthday gift ever was.

The answers to these questions and more can be found in Neon Limelight’s 12 random questions with Jeremih!

1. What is the sexiest birthday gift you’ve ever received?

Probably my woman wrapped up in nothing but birthday cake essentials: whipped cream, toppings, cherries… I don’t think anything else I’ve gotten I could make sexier.

2. You last relationship ended because…

Wow. My last relationship ended because…actually her. There was a time I was actually at my family reunion and everybody else saw [she had problems] but I just didn’t really get it. She just had a lot of issues. Personal issues, family issues in which I felt at that time was taking a toll on me. I’d be like why won’t you do this to get help, and she never really took that advice, so it died down on it’s own along with my pursuit of music and my time spent in the studio.

3. If you could date any female celebrity strictly for publicity, who would you date and why?

Oh wow! Can I pick two?

Sure! Why not!

I’d probably go with Keri Hilson, and either Cassie or Alicia Keys.

That’s three!

[Laughs] Maybe that’s three.

Why would you pick them?

They’re some of the sexiest women in the game right now. I just got a thing for musicians and other artists who are like myself, especially Keri with her writing ability and her sex appeal. Then you have Alicia Keys who’s also a pianist which I’d really probably go crazy about. She’s just real. She can sing her heart out. I feel like — I wouldn’t say she’s underrated, but people say the Beyonces or the Rihannas and Alicia Keys I feel like is right there. And Cassie, she’s just sexy to me. I actually ran into her out there in LA and even with the hair chopped off and everything I’d still give it to her.

4. You’re on the tour bus headed to the next city. How do you entertain yourself?

I got this wireless card so I stay surfing on the internet every now and then. I also bought me a PS3 and got me a couple games. I wouldn’t call myself a gamer, but when we get bored, we do play some games, like 2K9 or the new Madden football game. I don’t know. We just get into a little sing-a-long. [laughs] Me and my dancers over here so it’s bonding time on the bus. It kind of makes time fly. And for the most part, I just sleep.

5. The highlight of your career so far is what?

The highlight of my career so far has been not actually attending the BET Awards for the first time but performing on national television at the BET Awards. That’s been the highlight so far of my career. Obviously every TV [performance] is great but that day… I didn’t get to actually perform at the [actual awards show] but I was on the pre-show. It was a great experience out there in LA. For the years in which I watched it on TV growing up and actually to be a part of it was an unforgettable experience, especially with the whole Michael Jackson [tribute] and that whole week being just crazy.

6. What’s the last album you purchased?

Trey Songz. As an artist now and understanding how the industry is and how record sales have declined, I hope people support me as I support them. So, the last album I bought — which I was told I should probably listen to other — not competition — but other R&B male artists that are out there — was Trey Songz’s.

Did you listen to it yet? Do you like it?

Yeah, I heard a couple joints on there. Actually, I’ve become more of a fan of his now than before based off of his mixtape music, but his album is pretty cool. I ride to his mixtape more though.

7. If we listened to your iPod, what would we be most surprised to hear?

I don’t know. I got a lot of old school songs on there. I some got Plain White Ts on there. It’s versatile. I wouldn’t say it’s just all hip hop and R&B on my iPod.

8. Do you have any weird talents?

Uhh, none that I can think of off the top.

Can you crack your knuckles really loudly?

Actually, not my knuckles, but my thumb. I can crack it all day. It’s weird.

9. Rumors really suck, but they come with the territory. What’s the funniest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?

The funniest rumor about myself? Hmm, I don’t know. You know Media Take Out likes to make a big deal out of a lot of false accusations. But I wouldn’t say it’s funny.

What’s one that sticks out the most that was just not true?

If anything, all people have to base off of is my album and songs, but I once took a picture with Rihanna and some people were saying we were the next couple LA Reid and Def Jam were trying hook up. I’ve heard all types of sh*t. These bloggers I feel like don’t have nothing else to do but assume, but it’s all good.

10. If you could have a starring role in any movie that already exists, what role would you play?

I probably would have played…what’s that movie with Terrence Howard? It’s hard out here for a pimp… Hustle and Flow! I probably would have played that role.

11. If you could have a Best of Both Worlds album with anyone, who would you make it with?

Keri Hilson. I feel like she’s dope. She’s a dope writer. She’s been out here. Her voice is very instrumental like mine. I feel like she can do a lot with hers, and she’s sexy. Her wordplay and her lyrical content I feel would go hand-in-hand with mine. She’s like a female swag version of me I would say right now just thinking about the women in the game next to Ciara. But I’d rather get Keri over Ciara any day.

12. What makes you a star?

The ice and the cars. [laughs] No, I don’t know. I feel like I am… my music. My music makes me a star. My talent. My gift.

—–

More on Jeremih: www.jeremihmusic.com www.twitter.com/jeremih

Day26 - Forever in Your Eyes

Day26’s brand new digital video album, Forever In Your Eyes,  is kind of like their gift to their fans. The guys — Willie, Que, Mike, Brian, and Robert — made music videos for six of the songs from their sizzling album, Forever and a Day. How generous!

To keep with the generous theme, Neon Limelight decided to get in on the action. We opened up our interview with the guys to fans and let you guys take full control of the questions. Brian was more than excited to answer all of your burning questions that included everything from how he feels about girls with shaved heads, his relationship with the now-kaput Danity Kane, if Diddy is around more or less now that Making the Band is over, and what he think about Que’s relationship with Dawn Richard.

Enjoy! And thank Brian by buying Forever In Your Eyes, in digital stores now.

What is your relationship with the ex-members of Danity Kane? – Alysha

Brian: Yeah. I still talk to D. Woods. That’s like my little sister. I talk to Aubrey every once in a while. I even talk to Shannon. Of course you know Dawn is always around. That’s like my sister. I always see her. The only one I haven’t really spoken with is Aundrea. I think Aundrea was really hurt about the whole situation and how everything went down. I don’t really blame her for kind of going into seclusion, but I love Aundrea. She’s a very talented young lady. I wish nothing but the best for her. If she happens to see this interview, holla at your big bro!

Are there any plans for Que and Dawn to record music together? – Tyesha

Que and Dawn are always recording music together. I mean, they write together — they record together all the time. They have a beautiful relationship. I think they’re a match made in heaven. Dawn really supports everything that Que does, and Que really does the same. They have a beautiful relationship. I’ve had the opportunity to hear some of the music they’ve done together and I might say they make quite a great writing team.

Do you guys ever miss the cameras? – Amber

From time to time, yes. I definitely miss the cameras not because of the television show — I just miss the people behind the cameras because we got the opportunity to build a relationship with some of the people that were actually working in production. So I really miss some of my friends.

Does it bother you guys that Bad Boy has a bad rep with new artists and artists in general? – Devin

No, not at all, because at the end of the day everybody’s situation is different as far as record deals and so on and so forth. I was saying something earlier that there is no such thing as the Bad Boy curse, there is no such thing as Diddy messing up his artists. Diddy is a very, very humble guy, a very, very nice guy. A lot of people don’t get to see that side of him just because on television he definitely has to put on this — I don’t want to say facade — but he has to put on somewhat of a role to kind of make the show interesting, but he’s definitely not in the business of screwing folks over or giving out bad record deals. It’s just like any other artist. You have to be smart when it comes to your business and a lot of artists, they get tied up in the name. “Oh my God! That’s Diddy!” And they automatically sign whatever not knowing that the music industry is designed for the labels to win. A lot of artists don’t know about that. Take your paperwork to your attorney. You have the right to negotiate. That’s where a lot of artists mess up and tend to run into problems. Day26, we definitely do not fall into that category.

Have you seen Making His Band? What do you think of it? – Audrey

I actually got to catch a couple of the shows, but I haven’t been able to watch as much as I would love to because we’ve been really working a whole lot by the grace of God — thank you Jesus! [laughs] But so far from what I’ve seen, I think it’s a great show.

Fans want to see “Perfectly Blind” as a single. Will this happen? – Chelsea

You never ever ever know. That’s definitely a possibility. I wouldn’t be mad. I’d definitely be cool with “Perfectly Blind” being a single. Matter of fact, Que and Dawn, they wrote that. We came in on the tail-end of [the song being written] and finished it up as a whole, but for the most part, Que and Dawn penned “Perfectly Blind.” See. They make great music together.

Do you see Diddy more or less now that Making the Band is over? – Kiara

A little bit less because of course he’s been locking himself away in the studio working on his Last Train to Paris, Dirty Money album. So I can’t be upset with him cus he is working, but had he not been working, I’d probably be upset. He could holla at me from time to time and let me know what’s going on. [laughs] I’m just playin’.

What do you think of this women shaving their heads trend? – Deajah

You know what… I am…hey…to each his own. [laughs] I can’t really get into it. I love women with long beautiful hair, but shaving your hair, uh, it’s different. It’s taking me a little bit of time to adjust to it but… I mean, the ladies that are doing it, they’re all very beautiful young ladies and they’re definitely able to pull it off. My favorite is Keyshia Cole. Hers is really dope.

Are you guys attending the VMAs this year? – Sierra

We definitely plan on attending the VMAs. Hopefully we’re invited. [laughs] We’re definitely planning on attending. Hopefully we can be nominated for something! Can y’all give us like a viewer’s choice award or something? Can Day26 win a VMA? I want a moon man! I got a BET award and now I need a moon man!

What did you think of Chris Brown’s apology? – CB_Day26_lover

You know what, I know Chris personally and I got the opportunity to meet Rihanna and it’s very unfortunate what’s happened. But, you know, Chris really loves that girl. I can honestly say he’s deeply, deeply, deeply sorry for what’s happened. He’s a good dude. I don’t think the world should come down on him the way they have come down on him. I’m not condoning what he did or saying what’s right — I won’t even say what he did — what’s happened was right on both parties. They’re both great people. At the end of the day, we’re all humans. We all make mistakes. It’s just unfortunate theirs were in the media and it was blown up to its extent. Chris really means everything he says. He’s a good dude and hopefully the world can see that dude is very sincere, he’s very serious, and he’s very hurt by the whole situation.

Have you started the next album yet? – Darnell

Yes. We actually got started with the third album right after we finished the second album. The work never stops. We’re definitely writing and recording, making contacts with producers, networking, doing whatever we gotta do to make Day26 the super-group that it needs to be.

If a member left the group, would he be replaced or would Day26 be over? – Keith

Wow… If a member left… We definitely wouldn’t replace him. It’s just according to the reason of him leaving. I don’t think Day26 would be over. I think we’d definitely still be doing music, but… I don’t even wanna think about that. Day26 will never lose a member. Day26 will be forever and that’s why we named our album ‘Forever and a Day’ because Day26 will be together forever. Day26 will never lose a member, nor will we ever break up. So there you have it! Day26 forever!

You were on Twitter but you don’t participate anymore —

You know what, I kinda had like a stalker. This person, someway, somehow was finding out where I was staying and where I was living and things like that, and I just kinda had to fall back. Apparently there’s some sort of, I don’t want to say tracking, but apparently there’s something on Twitter where someone can pin point exactly where you’re at and at what moment in time. I just felt like that was kind of weird, because to have somebody come knock on my front door, it’s just kind of scary.

What has been the hardest struggle? – David

Just being away from family. I would definitely have to say that’s the hardest thing. The hardest struggle is just being away from family, because being home for like three or four days then you’re like — Willie and I, we have kids, so like being there for a couple of days and playing with them  and loving on them then you have to go, it’s like breaking your kids’ heart all over again every time you have to leave. It hurts. It hurts like hell to see them cry and be like, “No daddy, no daddy.” That’s one of the hardest things for me.

How does Day26 stay connected as a group? – Real from Day26VIP.com

One of the problems we had in the beginning was we weren’t really listening to each other. But I think a big reason why Day26 has reconnected now and we understand each other so much is we take the time out to listen and try to understand one another. I think that’s one of the main things that keeps Day26 connected. Not to mention we all love chicken and waffles! Not to mention we all love long walks on the beach! [laughs] I’m just playin’!

By the way, Day26 ‘Forever and a Day’ is in stores now. If you don’t got it, go get it. If you got it, go get it again!

Mr. Hudson carries "Rihanna" umbrella - WENN

One of the biggest perks to come with being down with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music crew is getting to meet some incredible people, says the label’s new crowning British jewel, singer/songwriter/producer Mr. Hudson.

He’s already gotten to meet and work with West and Jay-Z, but he’s certainly not shy about his admiration for another member of “the gang”: uber-pop star Rihanna.

“She’s one of the people that I’ve met on this crazy little rollercoaster over the last year or so,” he told Neon Limelight by phone last Thursday (August 27). But they didn’t just meet, they’ve become pretty good friends. In July, the two were spotted attending the London premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s new flick Inglourious Basterds.

He says the night out wasn’t a big deal at all. “She was hanging out in London at the studio and we just went to the pictures.”

He laughs at how “out of hand” the coverage of the outing got in the British press, but says they’d make an “amazing R&B power-couple.” “We’re just pals and I’m afraid that’s the extent of it, [but] I think she’s amazing.”

More amazing is the possibility that the British bloke and the Bajan beauty will team up for her as-yet-untitled fourth album. “It hasn’t happened yet,” he said of their studio session, “but I’d love to work with Rihanna. I’m gonna have to chuck a couple of beats at her and see what she thinks.

“I don’t get the impression she’s in any sort of rush to make a record and stick it out. I think she wants to make something that’s going to be really important and talked about. I think it’s going to be a really special album.”

When asked about working with another Barbados-native, “T-Shirt” singer Shontelle, Hudson cited time constraints as the reason behind them not being able to pair up. “It’s kind of just a rumor, but like Lil Wayne wants to f-ck every girl in the world, I want to work with every girl in the world.”

Mr. Hudson is busy promoting his new album, Straight No Chaser, which will land in stores stateside October 20.

Day26 - Forever in Your Eyes

When Neon Limelight opened up our interview with R&B group Day26 for fans to submit questions, the response was overwhelmingly one note. One question appeared over and over: Are Day26 breaking up?

The group — which was formed on MTV’s popular Diddy-produced series Making The Band 4 and consists of members Willie, Que, Mike, Robert, and Brian Angel — have been plagued by break-up rumors recently, many of which were fueled by a Neon Limelight interview with one of their mentors, choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson.

After lamenting the break-up of Day26’s female counterparts, Danity Kane, which Gibson blamed on the girls “choosing the hype train” and “losing their grounding,” the subject changed to her predictions for the guys. What she would say did not bode well for their future as a group. “I think they survived, but there’s an element of that that’s growing, yes, absolutely. I’m not sure how long Will… I mean, I love the boys,” Laurie Ann said in the interview.

We put the question in front of Brian Angel and, believe it or not, Laurie Ann’s response caught him off guard. “I didn’t know there was a division going on. [That's] news to me,” he told us by phone.

He was quick to admit that they do indeed have their differences, but said it’s because they’re like brothers. “We’re able to work past those differences, because at the end of the day we all have a common goal which is Day26.”

“There are no solo aspirations from anyone,” he continued. “Forget what the media is saying. They’re just mad… We’ve never had any problems where our fans would have to worry.”

He summed up his answer in more simple, concrete terms: “Whoever is saying [we're breaking up] is lying. Day26 is forever.”

Day26 just released their digital video album, Forever in Your Eyes, which features music videos for six of the songs on their latest album, Forever in a Day.

Stay tuned for our full interview with Brian where he will answer fan questions that include how he feels about girls shaving their heads, how involved Diddy has or hasn’t been since MTB cameras stopped rolling, and what he thinks of that infamous Chris Brown apology video.