By Imran Anwar   Mon, May 03, 2010

By Costas Koulis   Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Karen David is the hottest person in show business! The exotic beauty, the extreme talent, the extravaganza! She sings, she acts, she can make the difference! Theatre, stage, movies, lights, camera, action... Karen is so busy working on her debut album, making movies and being around the world. We got to talk to her about her future plans, her studies, her hopes and dreams. It was, with no doubt, a magic carpet ride for us...

Interview by Costas Koulis. Sincere thanks to Simon Long for the arrangement.

Your debut album is highly anticipated. Is the title going to be “Me vs. Me”, as we read about? When should we expect its release?

I’ve been in the studio writing new material for my album, so I have a feeling that a new title track may take the place of “Me vs Me” (laughs). The new songs coming in are getting better and better, so watch this space! I am prepping to shoot my new music video in a few weeks time, for my new single, “Hypnotize”. We’re aiming for a release in the early part of 2010, so it’s very busy at the moment!  
 
Is the music style going to be close to the one we’ve heard on “Magic carpet ride”? Do you have any surprises for us? 

My next single, “Hypnotize”, is a little bit different for me… More R’n’B, with an exotic kick to it, but I think the fans will be happy with the end results. We’ve got some great mixes to go with it, so there should be something to tick off the boxes for all my fans. My album is more of an extension of “Magic Carpet Ride”, and a bit of “Hypnotize”... kind of like a recipe! A bit              of      mainstream pop, mixed in with a bit of exotic flavours.
 
You have found the perfect way to mix Indian music elements with the “pop hybrid”. Would you say it’s your own style? How would you characterize it?

I call my music, “exotic pop”. It’s very much an extension of who I am, East meets West. Add some exotic sounds and some kicking beats, and you have Karen David music.
 

Movies, recording sessions, award presentations, song-writing... I guess there is time for everything, after all?

Ha ha! Well, I think it’s more of a balancing act. My acting and music careers keep me very busy, and productive, and they both feed me creatively, so to be able to do both, is really a wonderful gift that I am so grateful for!
 
You are starring in “Waterloo Road”. Would you like to give us a few details about it? And your part, of course.

I’ve started filming a lead role for a BBC1 primetime drama called “Waterloo Road”. I play the new Spanish teacher, Francesca Montoya. I’m really excited about it. I love my character. She is very relatable to the kids and dresses like Posh Spice or Cheryl Cole everyday. Lots of pencil skirts, and high heels! (laughs) There is never a dull moment playing Miss Montoya, that’s for sure!
 
Since you have done both theatre and cinema, which one is more intriguing? Or even, more demanding?

I think both genres can be very demanding. They are both different. With theatre, it’s live and present, and anything can happen from moment to moment, which can be very exciting. It keeps you on your toes, so to speak, and I think it’s always great to do some theatre in between. It keeps your acting skills fresh and it can be very challenging! :) With filming for TV or film, it can be challenging at how fast a pace everything is, your lines can change by the minute with revisions, and most of the time, your scenes are shot out of storyline sequence, so you really have to be on top of everything, and throw yourself into one scene from the next.
 
I read that you studied at Berklee. How did these studies affect the whole concept, regarding the way you feel music, the way you respond to it, the way you create music?

It was truly a gift to study at Berklee. Some of the best times of my life were my days as a Berklee student. I met so many talented musicians from all over the world, with different musical tastes, influences and inspirations, and to be a part of that energy and that creative community was incredible. It played a huge part in my development as a musician, and a creative person. The teachers were relatable to, talented and inspiring and they often brought in guest artists and musicians to the school, so you were constantly surrounded by inspiration. It was addictive – literally, you ate, slept and breathed music, 24/7. Bliss. (laughs)
 
What is the driving force behind you? What is the one thing which keeps you going and doing all these things? What’s your motto?

I affectionately call “the drive”, my chemical imbalance. (laughs) I’ve had it since I was a little girl. I just always wanted to sing and act. I think when a dream is that pure and genuine from such a young age, it sticks with you, and you can’t let go of that dream. Sure, there have been challenging times along the way, but it’s all part of the journey, and it’s those tests and trying times, which really define the kind of person you really are. And at the end of the day, I am just a girl who is determined to make her childhood dreams come true. I’m very lucky to have the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and my fans. They feed my energy and constantly give me strength to face anything. I’m so lucky for that!
 
You are such an influence to all the young girls out there, who are trying to make it happen in the show business. A piece of advice to them?

I think it goes for anything in life...you really have to want something, to make it happen. The music and acting industries are constantly changing, and tough to break in, but nothing is impossible. It’s having undying faith and humility within yourself, which will see you through anything. I am always learning from others, always challenging myself, and passionate about the craft of acting... the craft of writing great songs and performing my music. Don’t do it for the fame or money... It’s not worth it. Do it because you love it. I think that can be applied to anything in life. If your passions come from the heart and soul, then you will make those dreams come true. 
 

How hard is it, for a beautiful woman, such as you, to show her talents and prove herself? Is it the “first impression” that counts?

I used to think I knew the answers to some of those questions. But there are no set rules. In Hollywood, presentation, and the way you look, counts for everything, but there are times when talent and hard work does mean something too! (laughs) It’s also a bit of luck on your side, and being at the right place, at the right time, and knowing some good people, having some advocates, and fans in the right places, and that all takes time to genuinely build up. I’m sure there are a lot of “nay sayers”, but I don’t pay attention to negativity. I only see what’s possible. For some people, it’s easy to pass judgement, and yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but we don’t always have to agree with them. I see beauty in everyone… inside and out... and we are all capable of greatness...it’s just up to us on what we want to make of ourselves, and what we want to stand for...the proof is in the pudding, right? 

Karen thank you so much for your time, we hope we have the chance to work with you again.

You’re very welcome and absolutely!

By KC   Thu, Sep 10, 2009

By Costas Koulis   Fri, Jun 04, 2010

Paul Di’Anno

Convixion

Friday May 21, 2010

Rodeo Club, Athens Greece

Okay, boyz and gals... How about some pure excitement based on the original Iron Maiden singer? Paul has been cruising the world for almost three decades now, playing some of our fav Maiden tunes (based on the first two albums he recorded with the Metal Emperors) and some cool stuff from his solo projects. The place is almost packed and I must say I have seen this artist performing live quite a few times. It’s always been a treat...

Greek Speed/Power/Thrash-ish Metal band Convixion is opening tonite. Fearsome riffing whilst rhythm section is tearing down dozens of towers. The boys totally own it and they nail it to the ground. They almost kill the stage and the peeps demand more and more. Featuring their own tracks and a fine cover, the gand is off and we are ready to see Paul.

The band enters twenty min before midnight and “The Ides of March” is the intro for an hour of Metal... well, not Metal really. The boys are playing awesomic music and they are very close, almost identical, to the original versions, however, Paul – who has declared in the past that he’s a Punk singer – is Punking over the mic and consequently bombards from a different point of view. Songs are being played two clicks faster and the voice is a sum of yelling, singing and growling. Very interesting, I must add...

Paul dedicated “Remember tomorrow” to huge Ronnie James Dio and the crowd bursts into applauds. A cover on Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” is up and it’s a total warzone. Paul is talking to the crowd, is playing to the crowd, is totally embraced by the pos aura of the audience. Must say it was live and loud and lots of congrats go to Alterground for the fab organizing. Well-done, mates, you made it happen!

Setlist : The Ides Of March, Wrathchild, Prowler, Marshall Lockjaw, Murders In The Rue Morgue, The Beast Arises, Children Of Madness, Remember Tomorrow, Faith Healer, A Song For You, Killers, Phantom Of The Opera, Running Free

Encore: Transylvania, Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones), Iron Maiden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ48hWyOBow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOXeD_nCzwA

By   Thu, Nov 05, 2009

By Kim Ashdown   Mon, Jan 04, 2010

Sea Lions are adorable, right? They have the reputation of being cute and funny but what most people don't realize is they can be very aggressive especially towards each other and especially during mating season. Lucky for other Sea Lions, it is easy to tell how aggressive your competition is just by looking at him- you see, size matters- the size of their forehead to be exact. The forehead size indicates how dominant they are prone to be. It is called their Sagital crest and it correlates to the testosterone levels in their body and how they fit into the social hierarchy. That being said, I have always thought it would be great if men came with a sagittal crest of sorts to warn us of testosterone levels or ego's we would want to avoid. Wouldn't it be great if guys had a sign that warned us of trouble- If anyone for that matter visually indicated how dishonest, unfaithful, selfish or egotistical they are. It would be easier to avoid a lot of disappointment.

By Kim Ashdown   Sun, Dec 13, 2009

Okay, even I am sick of hearing about Tiger Woods, as I am sure most of us are, but I must admit to being a little happy about the fact that cheating is still looked at as an immoral act for most of us. I am sure most of us have an opinion one way or the other, and I am sure we don't know the whole story, but there are certain social norms that we adhere to, and those "norms" are the very thread of sanity we all can hold on to. 

Being judgmental is not what I am talking about, but I'd like to challenge you to consider having an opinion and knowing why you believe that way. If we go through life not believing in right and wrong and not caring about having some baseline of what that is, we risk losing identity to role models and who we are as an individual and eventually who we are as a society. Apathy can be our biggest downfall.

While I was living in Tokyo, I saw how social norm dictated a society and its effect on their culture. It is one of the greatest places I had ever experienced. It was a amazing place to live and learn. The Japanese have a strong sense of unity and culture. No one talks on their cell phone behind you in line, no one is eating on the subway getting crumbs in your lap, no-one pushes you out of the way to get ahead of you on the escalator. Heck, it is one of the most populated cities in the world as well as one of the safest! How is that possible? Are these "rules" inhibiting the Japanese from freedom- the freedom that we have to do whatever the hell we want whenever we want? I don't think so. Of course we have laws, but I am talking about beyond that. Doing what is right because it is right and not because some politician passed a law saying there will be consequences if we don't. The difference is the very thing we try to capture... respect. 

We are so focused on encouraging everyone to do, say or act any way they please that we have lost our empathy for the elderly woman who needs a seat, or the person next to us in line who is hearing our whole conversation about last night, or how we can order food at Chipotle and sell stock at the same time without even making eye contact with our cashier once.  Yes, I believe we are one of the greatest nations and I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be part of a culture where I am free to write this, free to say what is on my mind, free to eat next to you and free to talk on my phone right behind you in line...  But, I am also saying that if it wasn’t always all about me and was instead more often about you, we would prosper even more.

Thank God for social norms and reactions to the complete disregard of it. In my job, we have a key term we use called desensitization. We have to slowly take steps to acclimate an animal into a new environment so he doesn't notice the change. Kinda like the frog who doesn't jump out of the pot of water that heats up slowly, but he would if the temperature was too hot immediately. I am glad we are jumping out of the pot. I am glad we are not desensitized to immorality... at least not yet.

By Susie Wilson   Fri, Feb 20, 2009

By Jose (Joey)   Sat, Feb 06, 2010

So You Think YOU Got It BAD L

By: Joey M

So you think you got it bad, and you stupid schmucks probably do. If you want to make it better I'll show you how. If you don't wanna learn, then piss off you're on your own.

I am directing this particularly at models, but it can apply to all of you other low life no talent f*#k-heads as well. I’ve been in this business a long, long time; and I worked with more A Lister’s than you will ever get close too. So F*#kin’ pay attention, this is for your own good.

Over the past few years, when we are searching for a particular look, from time to time, we checked out modeling web sites. We found a few that may have had what we are looking for and offered to do an interview and test shoot. 99.9% of the f*#kin’ time the model asks how much are they getting paid. Do you know what we tell them? NOT A F*#KIN’ DIME! YOU LOUSY WHORE! AND WE DON’T WANNA TALK TO YOUR STINKIN’ WANNA BE EGO MANIAC MANAGER WHO’S TRYIN’ TO PIMP YOU OUT ALONG WITH THE REST OF HIS STABLE OF NO TALENT IDIOT WHORES!

When a client calls Ford or Elite and the agent calls the models for a casting, do you think the models ask how much they are getting paid? No you know-nothings. They are going to a casting, probably a test shoot and callbacks. Then one of the lucky ones will get the job and get paid.

When you watch popular talk shows or popular interviews with popular people, DO YOU HONESTLY THINK THEY GET PAID FOR THEIR APPEARANCES! WELL DO YA! HELL NO! The popular people on popular shows or publications for that matter do it for the press, the exposure; that means more people will see them, for you idiots. The popular people’s name is their business. This exposure is advertising. It’s even more important to get exposure now with the economy suckin’ the way it does and even more important because of the internet. Why the internet you silly little empty-heads ask? Now listen closely or you will miss it, which won’t be hard for you wannabes. EVERYTIME and I mean every time your name is used in an article, a video, a title, anywhere online, it improves search rankings for you name, your brand, and you move up in rank. What does that mean for you, greater exposure! So your brand (You) have a bigger chance of being seen, being discovered or selling your skills and talent, if you have any. Tyra Banks is the name of the model, but it is also her brand.

If any good photographer asks you to do a shoot and you ask him how much he’s gonna pay you, don’t expect a callback. Good photographers DON’T pay models. If a photographers tells you he is going to pay you for nudie shots, to build his or her port; RUN! They just want to get in your pants or for some other perverted reason. How many of you have been flown from PoDunk, Iowa to Miami or L.A. for a nudie shoot, you end up going out partying, getting’ laid or worse and never get any work from the wannabe schmuck photographer again? He just paid you to be a whore and he got some pics to show to his buddies and beat his pud to. There are lots of you. Now of course there are exceptions to this. A student photographer may have to pay talent to do specific shoots, but this is extremely rare, there are plenty of models to go around, and a student is never gonna fly you anywhere. Or a GOOD to GREAT photographer, may offer to do a revenue share or pay a minimal amount for a personal project, such as calendar, gallery project or stock photos. Or a GOOD to GREAT photographer may have a budget from a client that allows for talent, but usually the client has their own talent, and if you are good and follow good guidance that talent could be you. Also, a GOOD to GREAT photographer is not gonna fly little ol’ you across the country for a shoot and pay you for it. Unless your name is Kate, Adriana or Gisele, the only person that’s gonna fly you anywhere is a perv or a porn photographer or porn producer.

So stop pimpin’ yourselves out. Stop blaming the modeling sites for lack of work. You have to learn how to properly network with people who can make a difference. You have to learn that building connections, and I mean F*#kin’ GOOD professional connections can make a tremendous difference in your lousy careers’.

A Good photographer has connections. A Good photographer or for that matter producer, publisher, manager or agent is basically in the same business you are, which is, the talent/entertainment industry. These people make their living from clients who pay big bucks for their knowledge, skills, connections, which is their talent, and access to talent (YOU). Do you honestly believe that they are going to pay you, unless it is something they are going to make a lot of money from? Get your head outta your ASS and smell the f*#kin’ coffee.

Getting good at what you do, understanding the business and knowing people who know the right people are, knowing how to work with multiple people, knowing how to market you, is where it’s at. How many of you have multiple talents? Are you getting exposure in a broad range of categories? How many of you stupid wannabe models have a photographer/manager who forbids you to shoot with someone else unless they pay you? DON”T BE F*#KIN’ IDIOTS! You have to INVEST in yourself. That investment can be time or money or both. But don’t expect to get paid until you are someone and have paid the dues and are working for a client. Don’t expect to get paid just for showing up. Don’t expect to get paid by someone who can help you advance your career. You are a business, your name as a talent is the brand. You have to market that brand just like McDonalds advertises hamburgers, they pay for the advertising to sell the hamburgers. GET IT?

If you still like the partying and attention from all the pervs, and gettin’ paid like a whore, get in the PORN business, because you are part of the worlds oldest profession, so stay away from me. You’ll die by the time you’re 35 from STD’s or a Crack induced heart attack. Good Luck with your short lousy life.

Hope you learned something.

Joey

By Imran Anwar   Wed, Jan 06, 2010

There are fewer topics that can get people riled up more than religion. I generally avoid getting into religious discussions, as I am hardly the image of a religious scholar. But, when I see something totally stupid or retarded or bigoted, against my better judgement, I will comment on it.

A FaceBook connection of mine, Leroy Hite (a right-wing Bush-loving Bible-thumping conservative but still overall nice guy) posted a comment which I had to respond to.

That there is a "Minister" and others posting as if in the throes of some orgasmic rapture while typing their bigoted responses dooming others to hell or worse, made this even more entertaining.

It may also be mildly disconcerting for you to see that supposedly educated people can look upon other faiths with such intolerance. They appear to be no different than Taliban In Trousers.

Since FaceBook is not open to non-members, I am posting here the recent (ongoing) "discussion". It has been a while since I posted something like the good old newsgroup "debates" of 2 decades ago. If you're Christian, especially Catholic, or Muslim, or Jew, etc. surely something will amuse and surely something will aggravate you. What better way to enjoy religion in the new year? :-)

Happy New Year, 2010.

Imran

---

Leroy Hite * Muslims can proclaim their hatred for Jews & Chrisians which is a standard teaching in the Middle East, in all mosques, yet most in the West believe that we all pray to the same God? The Muslims themselves state that Allah is only applicable to them.
Tue at 8:30am

1 Comments:

 Jeff said...

Now how come the things your interlocutors say about Islam are "bigotry" but the things you say about Christianity aren't?

Don't get me wrong: I am a Christian but I have no objection to your saying them. I think you honestly believe them. God bless you.

But I don't myself believe they are accurate. There are many brilliant Christians who are deeply versed in history, for example, who are not at all persuaded that a simple study of history shows that Christian teaching was "invented" centuries after the fact.

After a great deal of historical and theological reading *I* am not persuaded of that.

And I don't have any difficulty believing in the Trinity, which is not a question of "three entities", but of the single fount of all existence in the form of three persons. That's odd and mysterious, but not any more odd and mysterious than flat things being round (the earth) or straight lines in space being curved or many other things modern science proposes for our belief.

My point is just this:

Muslims often see Christianity and Christians too often see Islam in ways that believers in those religions find baffling. And sometimes offensive or hurtful. That's not "bigoted", it's just a difference in opinion.

7:58 AM  

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Labels: Christianity, Christians, Facebook, Imran, ImranAnwar, Islam, Jews, Muslims, Religion

posted by IMRAN at 6:03 PM

By Sonia Souza   Tue, Dec 01, 2009

ASPIRING!

Don't you know who I am? Wouldn't that be fun to say? I've always thought that
was a funny line!
Don't worry I would never really say that to anyone.

Well hello!!! I'm Sonia. Acting, Modeling,Hosting and gaining more experience
in all aspects of the business....
These are the things I've always aspired to do. But how does a small town girl
who growing up was so shy and not too confident follow her dream? I always
wanted to work in this business but was way too scared! Scared? Scared of what? I
guess rejection which is a huge part of this crazy world. As I got older I got
more confident to finally get off my scaredy cat butt and get started. I
realized this is what I want to do. No one was going to knock on the front door
and hand it to me. I was going to have to work and continue to work.
I decided to take an Acting class at a reputable school. This helped me
practice in front of the camera to get out there and audition. Beware though I
found out the hard way school is not an agency or one of those cheesy places
that claims to be a Agent/Photographer/Casting Company/School that promises
"you'll become a star" when your done spending thousands of dollars. You may
know the place? I suggest you get your fancy sneakers on and run the other way!
Trust me I have been a sucker and it got me no where. Pick a school that will
give you the skills and tools to start your business. A business it is and that
is how you should treat it. Its not easy.... you have to market yourself. Make
calls, Email, Snail mail, search the web, and travel to castings to be
successful. Remember it should not cost you to audition. Do your homework.
Research Talent Agencies before you commit to one. Real agents do not take your
money. Their should be no sign up fee. When you book a job your agent will take
a percentage that's how they get paid. Don't worry as you start working you will
experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you make it through and don't
give up it will all be worth it.
I have found my passion! I am actively a Virtual Webhost and starting to
work with FDTV and International Model and Musician as a talent as well as a Creative Producer. It is so exciting
when your able to do what you love. If this is what you love and your aspiring
like me quick tips are get a good Headshot, an Agent you trust, and Network like
their is no tomorrow!
Stay positive and keep on truckin'!!!

By KC   Mon, May 03, 2010

Thanks for you interest in being featured in International Model and Musician!

International Model and Musician is a new online magazine that is By, For and About Models and Musicians, and the entertainment business in general. It’s your intention to make this a career and it’s our intention to help you accomplish this.

Inside International Model and Musician you will find, columns, articles, interviews and blogs about many areas of the business that you are experiencing right now, and how to possibly overcome some of those obstacles and advance your career. You will meet industry insiders, everyday people and experts who are involved in the fields of modeling, fashion, beauty, deportment, music executives, journalists and many others. Just like your career, IMM is and will be continuing to evolve, always striving to bring you the very best information and entertainment. As a featured talent you will be part of this evolution.

We want to bring the indy performing artist and aspiring model to the forefront of their given field. By providing YOU additional exposure, you gain, for models and photographers, a tear sheet and real published photos and bio, you will gain information on who to contact and interested clients may contact you. For the indy artist, you will gain media exposure, and we will put you and your music and the ideas behind your music in front of an entirely new audience.

If you are not a member of One Model Place we encourage you to join, as this is the only site we will use for online submission consideration.

TO BE CONSIDERED:

Models and Photographers, please submit your link to your One Model Place page, along with a brief (50 words or less) bio and one photo (150kb or smaller) to our OMP email. Our intention is to select most submissions. We will contact you when you have been selected for more info.

Performing Artists, please submit your link to your One Model Place page, if you do not have one, you may join under the OTHERS category. Also, please include a recent photo, and bio, link to your music and other pertinent info. We will contact you when you have been selected for more info.

Other Talent, Actors, Actresses, please submit your link to One Model Place, along with a brief bio and headshot (150kb or smaller) to our OMP email. Again as with models and photographers we intend to select most submissions. We will contact you when you have been selected for more information, which will be very soon.

Thanks for your interest in International Model and Musician,

Kevin

Publisher

If you would like to contribute as a guest author or learn how to make extra money with IMM, drop us a note.