VIP EXCLUSIVE: K-Drew Talks Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine and “Free”

KDrew is a fiercely talented singer/songwriter/producer who instantly reminded me of Adam Levine and Justin Timberlake when I heard him sing. But, he does have his own style to bring to the industry. The guy recently put together his debut EP, “Free” and made it available as a free download. In addition to “Free”, KDrew will release SIX more self-produced EPs on the first of every month through the month of May! Saweet! Celebrity VIP Lounge sat down with KDrew to discuss his background, music, the Justin Timberlake comparisons and more.

DANITY (DD): So excited to chat with you KDrew and I know a lot of my fabulous VIP ladies will be thrilled to get to know you a little bit better.

KDREW: I’m excited as well and really appreciate the time!

DD: SO tell me a little bit about how you grew up, where you grew up and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

KDREW: I grew up in Howell, NJ in a house surrounded by music. My dad DJ’d and was in a few bands. So growing up, music was pretty much all I knew besides sports. Career wise it was just the passion I had for music that made me wanna peruse a career in it. My dad always told me, “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

DD: Who or what inspires you musically?

KDREW: What’s cool about the way I work is that I can be anywhere when inspiration hits and I can break out my laptop and just start working right then and there. A lot of times being on the road, I’ll get a coffee from starbucks and get all hyped up then I’ll just start working right in the shoppe. It’s funny because people around me are working on thesis papers or reading and I’m sitting there jamming out on my headphones. It’s a lot of fun.

DD: You have been a busy guy. While you hear of many peeps putting out a mix tape, you are putting out SEVEN. Why seven?

KDREW: Nowadays there’s so much content out there where it’s easy for your stuff to go unheard. People are putting out new music every single second. So I feel like putting that much material out there will at least keep the movement going. Plus my fans have been waiting very patiently for original releases. So they really deserve it!

DD: So not only do you write, record and produce, you also co-founded Indie Music Group, your very own label. First of all it is refreshing to see more talented individuals like you entering the music business rather than the manufactured studio artists. What is your favorite part of the industry, the behind the scenes or being front and center (performing)?

KDREW: It’s everything really. You sign up for all that stuff when you take on the roll that I’m taking on. I really love every aspect of what I do. If there was one thing tho it’d have to be making the music. It’s the root of what everything revolves around in the business. Without music there would be no music industry.

DD: Of all of the songs you have created, what is your favorite and why?

KDREW: I really don’t have a favorite. A lot of time and passion goes into each and every song. They’re like my children lol. So to pick a favorite is just way too hard!

DD: What was the last concert you attended?

KDREW: The last concert I attended was Chris Browns F.A.M.E tour. I really don’t have a ton of time to go to concerts but whenever I get a chance I try to catch one here and there.

DD: After the release of all of the mix tapes, what are your plans? Any touring in the near future?

KDREW: It’s definitely going to be touring. I also have a couple other tricks up my sleeve but everyone is just gonna have to wait and see what they are!

DD: What has been the biggest challenge for you thus far in your musical journey?

KDREW: It’s gotta be just doing everything yourself. IMG (Indie Music Group) has no help from any labels or anything of that nature. So every step we take is in the shoes that we made ourselves. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we plan and we could have been working on that particular thing for months. But as a team and company you have to be strong and continue to move forward.

DD: Many are comparing you to the likes of Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine, what do you have to bring to the industry that these guys haven’t already brought?

KDREW: I’m bringing music that comes solely from me. I don’t have any grammy winning producers or grammy winning engineers working on my music. It’s just me, my laptop and home studio. So hopefully I bring a little light to the industry for artists that are being held back because they don’t have someone pressing record or playing them a track. I hope they feel empowered to get up and go learn it all so they can be who they want to be!

Check out KDrew’s Facebook here.

VIP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ginuwine, confirms new album Old School Young!

Ginuwine may no longer be The Bachelor, but he still has a way with making lyrics sound smooth and making the ladies swoon. Fifteen years ago Ginuwine was singing about grinding ala Pony, trying to fit in “those jeans” and teaming up with Timberland and the Crew to make hits. He went on to stay true to his R&B roots, but music evolved pushing R&B heavy hitters (and my personal faves) like Silk, Shai, SWV, En Vogue, Next, 112, New Edition and more out of the limelight. The industry soon became a place where even the non-talented could get signed to a record label and it wasn’t long before the teen pop stars rolled into town.

But the evolution of the industry wasn’t the only difficult obstacle that would challenge Ginuwine. After years of partying and living it up like a rock star, heart ache and pain would find him. After losing his father to suicide and his mother to cancer just a year later, Ginuwine found himself in a deep dark place and contemplated his purpose in life.

Soul searching and positive thinking got him through and so did meeting his beautiful wife Sole. Together they are raising nine children together and they have given him a new outlook on life.

With Ginuwine’s new album Old School Young coming out this year, it will be interesting to see if he can one day say that he helped bring real R&B back to the forefront. Here’s hoping he’ll bring back the bright long-tailed suits as well. Come on, you know what I’m talking about!

Check out the interview we did with Ginuwine below.

VIP EXCLUSIVE: Project Runway’s Christopher Straub Interview

Project Runway star Christopher Straub has teamed up with maurices to judge the maurices Main Street Model Search, and they’re looking for 12 real girls in all sizes from across America who embody what the company is all about: fashion, fun and giving back.

We had the chance to chat with Straub about his experience on Project Runway, his own fashion line for maurices AND the great model search. Check out our chat below!

DANITY (DD): Christopher, it is a pleasure to finally chat with you. A lot has happened since your appearances on Project Runway, season five and Models of the Runway, season one. Even though you didn’t win, you have already jump-started a fabulous career. Can you tell me what it was like to do these shows, the feelings that you felt after being sent home and when you got started on your first project?

CHRISTOPHER STRAUB (CS):
It was such a surreal experience to be part of the competition. I went into it just wanting to showcase my talents and to utilize the exposure from the show to turn it into a business. I’m a self-taught designer, without any formal training, so it was an honor to be on Project Runway. I was so motivated that once filming was complete I got home and got back to sewing right away. I know some of the other designers took some time-off but I just kept designing.

DD: And now you have collaborated with maurices to launch your own line there as well. What attracted you to the opportunity to work with this particular company?

CS: I was a TRUE gift to be approached by maurices! They are a small-town specialty store and I’m a small-town designer. It’s a great partnership…I launched a holiday collection in November 2011 at maurices and it was a big success. This March will see my second collection at maurices complete with dresses, suiting separates, and jewelry.

DD: What sets your design taste apart from other fashion designers out there?

CS: Women are always telling me what they want: feminine details, joyous prints, and to show-off their favorite parts of their bodies like shoulders and legs. I hear them in my head when designing these collections.

DD: What or who inspires you? Who are some of your favorite designers?

CS: Texture and natural elements inspire me and I like to incorporate those themes in all of my designs. I’m fond of the iconic works of Balenciaga, McQueen, and Givenchy.

DD: What are your favorite pieces that you designed for maurices?

CS: In this, upcoming, spring collection I worked really hard to design a turtle shell element for the jewelry. It was important that it looked realistic and not cartoon-y. I’m so happy with how it turned out so we used it in a ring, necklace, cuff and earrings. In the holiday 2011 collection I was so proud of the dresses in the line. Each one was a signature silhouette that incorporates print or texture.

DD: Since your involvement with maurices you not only have launched your own line, but are now involved with this year’s maurices main street model search. I read about this contest and absolutely love the message it presents. You are a judge for this contest! So what are you are looking for in a maurices model?

CS: I am so happy to be a part of maurices Main Street Model Search 2012!!! I’m looking for genuine, authentic women who embrace themselves and have a connection to her community. Confidence is, also, a great asset in this competition.

DD: What’s next for Christopher Straub?

CS: 2012 is all about maurices and the Main Street Model Search. I want keep providing great fashion to folks everywhere at affordable prices.

Check out Christopher’s line for maurices here.

His design is fierce! LOVEEEEEEE it!

VIP EXCLUSIVE: Backstreet Boys’ Howie D. talks new album, BSB and YOU

Backstreet Boys Howie D. interview

As a young girl, I remember my mother taking me and my three sisters to wait in line at wee hours in the morning just to purchase Backstreet Boys concert tickets. But we weren’t the only ones there waiting four hours before the tickets actually went on sale. It was a phenomenon and craze that my mother compared to that of the Beatles.

We’d annoy her with our constant blasting of “I Want It That Way” over and over and over on our mini boom boxes (which I am surprised we didn’t blow the speakers out of), hanging up the phone line because we had to call radio stations to make our requests and putting numerous nail holes in our walls to hang up posters of our favorite member (mine was AJ, for those of you dying to know).

But we were just four fans (five counting my mother, who I’m pretty sure had a soft spot for former Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson) from the Midwest. The Backstreet Boys were a hot commodity and were loved in every major city (and then some) by millions of (mostly) girls around the world.

After selling millions of records and reigning pop music for years, Backstreet Boys member Howie D. is still the reserved one, the humble one or as fans refer to him as…the “sweet” one. Though the group consisting of Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Dorough have been through up’s and down’s throughout their music career of 18 years, including a lawsuit with shady impresario Lou Pearlman, AJ’s struggle with addiction and Kevin’s decision in 2006 to “retire” from the group, Howie credits the fans for never abandoning them.

Celebrity VIP Lounge’s Danity Donnaly had the chance to chat with Howie about being in THE most popular and most successful boy bands of our time, why he waited until now to release a solo album and that wild and wicked hip shaker in his new video “100″.

Check out the interview below.

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VIP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Singers Rob Gonzalez and Kevin Richardson Team Up For Home for The Holidays Concert

Multi-talented Montage house singer Rob Gonzalez and Former BSB member and Broadway-experienced Kevin Richardson have partnered up to perform a holiday concert that will benefit the Angeles Clinic, one of the leading non-profit cancer treatment centers in the world. Get into the holiday spirit with a festive variety show of sorts (Rat Pack style) put together by Gonzalez and friends. The festivities are set to take place at the Montage Beverly Hills on Sunday, December 18th, 2011.

Bring your family, friends, neighbors, etc to see this family friendly show to enjoy:

*a full band (and by FULL we mean strings, horns, keys, etc)
*dance choreography produced by acclaimed film choreographer Tara Nicole Hughes, best known for Chicago, Nine, Burlesque and Rent
*holiday classics sung by Gonzalez and Richardson
*surprise guests (but we can’t say who…sorry)
*festive ambiance sure to make for a memorable evening!

Celebrityviplounge.com had the chance to chat with Kevin and Rob about how the show came to fruition, the charity the concert supports and more!

Check out our exclusive below!
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VIP EXCLUSIVE: The Sing-Off’s Nick Lachey says new album is in the works

Midwestern bred (and we love our fellow Midwestern boys) Nick Lachey has been busy back in the entertainment scene as host of NBC’s The Sing-Off and he is enjoying every minute of it. But is there new music for him in the future? You bet your booties. And what about other side projects? Mmhmmm.

We’ve got the dirt!

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VIP EXCLUSIVE: Shawn Stockman talks new Boyz II Men album, being bitten by the “TV bug”

I grew up listening to Boyz II Men on my mini boombox up in my room on the daily and making up my own dances to Motown Philly. Not only that but “End of the Road” was a favorite at my high school dances. It was “Water Runs Dry” that I cried to after some loser bag chose to go out with my friend instead of me. And then there was “Doin’ Just Fine” later on in my life when I went through a massive breakup that should have happened way long before it did. You get the picture. Boyz II Men, along with Mariah Carey, had a big part in my coping with life’s big fat let downs, crisis and even the fun times.

Oh man, where oh where have the days gone where music lyrically and emotionally taught men how to love and treat a lady like Boyz II Men did. You know, REAL baby making music, not the stupid music today that calls women “hoes” and “tricks” lyrics. Yeah Weezy I’m talking about you.

At any rate, to chat with one of the guys from the group was beyond surreal. I have interviewed several big stars and never felt the amount of nerves I had when speaking with Shawn Stockman, one-fourth of the Grammy Award winning group Boyz II Men.

Stockman, now a judge on The Sing-Off, again is influencing the lives of others by making people’s dreams come true. I had the chance to chat about Boyz II Men and future projects and I’m excited to share this with you.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Awkward’s Jillian Rose Reed

The first time I saw the new series, Awkward., on MTV, it caught me by surprise. Initially, I hadn’t planned on watching the show, but had tuned in for the sake of curiosity. Needless to say I am glad I did. Not only did I find myself pleasantly surprised, I found myself literally laughing out loud.

As is often the case with a hit series, the writing is hilarious, but most importantly, the cast is epic. I quickly become enthralled with the tale of the awesomely awkward teen, and I was instantly drawn to her trusty sidekick- best friend Tamara, played by actress Jillian Rose Reed.

I recently had the chance to sit down with Jillian and talk about the show and her role on Awkward. Read what she had to say after the jump!

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VIP EXCLUSIVE: “Whitney”‘s Whitney Cummings and Chris D’Elia interview

They go together like peanut butter and jelly. He is the yin to her yang. He’s the socks to her sandals…or not really, but for some people…yeah…whatever…you get the picture. Whitney’s Whitney Cummings and Chris D’Elia, both stand-up comedians, are capturing the attention of viewers (and NBC network execs) with their undeniable chemistry and will get the chance at a full season of “Whitney” to show off what they’ve got. And from what I hear, Cummings, executive producer and creator of the show, has a lot more sassy (but clean) material to bring to the table. The show brings a whole new edge to NBC’s already strong fall lineup and I knew I’d love this girl considering she is a pal of one of my faves Chelsea Handler.

Danity had the chance to chat with Cummings and D’Elia about the relief of their full season pickup, their move from stage to the small screen and how Chris landed his co-star gig alongside Whitney. In one of Celebrity VIP’s most hilarious interviews yet, Danity is lucky to get her questions in between the couple’s rants. There were too many fab quotes for me to highlight, so you’ll have to check out the ENTIRE interview below.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lily Halpern

As a self-described “every day girl”, 18-year-old Lily Halpern is a fresh new face on the music scene.  But don’t let that label fool you, because Lily not only an impressive, powerful songstress, but she has the drive and ambition to make the move to New York in order to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. With her debut EP Not Gonna Cry, available on iTunes NOW, Lily Halpern takes her dream and makes it into a reality.

I recently had the chance to chat with Lily about her “everyday girl” persona and her new EP. Take a read after the jump!

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VIP EXCLUSIVE: Shane Harper’s Top 10 Reading List

Hottie McTottie Shane Harper, also known for his role as Spencer Walsh on Disney’s Good Luck Charlie, is definitely a musical artist to watch. Since his debut on the pop music scene last summer with “Dance With Me”, Harper is proving that he is a triple threat in the industry with his acting, dancing and musical talents.

When Shane isn’t busy with his acting gig and making music, Harper enjoys reading and he delivered his Top 10 Reading list to Celebrity VIP Lounge exclusively. So what made Harper’s list? Peep the list below.
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EXCLUSIVE: A Good Old Fashioned Orgy Q&A with Tyler Labine, Lake Bell, Lindsay Sloane, and Angela Sarafyan


VIP Exclusive: Good Old Fashioned Orgy Q&A

No, we didn’t have a good old fashioned orgy with the said names in our title, but rather we DO have a pretty effing sweet Q&A with the cast members of the twisted and kooky comedy. If you have a good sense of humor and love Jason Sudeikis you will more than likely enjoy this one. Peep the exclusive Q&A session below.

But first…here’s the lowdown on the flick:
Brief Synopsis: Jason Sudeikis is Eric, a thirtysomething party animal famous among his close circle of friends for his lavish summer theme parties at his father’s swanky Hamptons pad. But when members of the crew start settling down, and Eric’s dad announces plans to sell the beach house, Eric decides it’s time for one last bash to go out with a proverbial bang—a good old-fashioned orgy. The only obstacles to overcome are actually convincing each of his reluctant friends to join in on the bacchanal, and an inconveniently blossoming romance with the real estate agent threatening to sell the house out from under him before the main event can even take place.

Written and Directed By: Alex Gregory & Peter Huyck
Check out the fun exclusive Q&A with the cast of A Good Old Fashioned Orgy below.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction

Having been on the music scene for over twenty-three years, Jane’s Addiction has become an alternative rock icon, and for good reason.

I hesitate to use phrases like “in their time” because in no way are these guys simply a part of rock history. Experienced? Influential? Pioneers? Yes, yes and hell yes, but Jane’s Addiction isn’t finished yet- not by a long shot. In fact, with their latest album, The Great Escape Artist, and upcoming world tour, Jane’s Addiction is paying homage to their past, while looking forward to their future- and taking fans along for the ride.

Let’s just say that when I had the opportunity to talk to Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction recently, it was a little surreal…. Read what Dave has to say about their latest album after the jump!

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VIP EXCLUSIVE: American Idol’s Pia Toscano Interview

VIP Exclusive: American Idol’s Pia Toscano interview

You guys all know how much I complained, bitched and moaned about Pia Toscano’s too-early Idol exit. It was a tantrum that lasted for weeks. But hey, I wasn’t the only one.

The amazingly gorgeous and humble American Idol alum Pia Toscano may have gotten a swift kick in the pants a tad too soon from American Idol season 10, but she didn’t seem phased. Sure there was disappointment. Gawd, I was crying and whining for days. Sure, there was sadness. I almost quit watching the rest of the season. I placed my bets on Pia in the beginning. But, it wasn’t that long after Pia made her unexpected exit from the Idol stage that the opportunities started rolling in. Surprisingly that big fat record deal with Interscope Records didn’t happen until much later.

I recently chatted it up with one of my favorite American Idol contestants ever and we discussed her American Idol exit, her new single “This Time” and her new album (how’s it gonna sound?). Oh. Yeah. I also asked her about Mark Ballas. Yep, I got the dirt.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Gregg Sulkin

As Mason Greybeck on Disney Channel’s Wizard’s of Waverly Place, Gregg Sulkin cemented his teen heartthrob status. Now that the show has come to an end, the actor has moved on, currently hard at work on the set of his new movie, White Frog.

But if you think that Gregg is merely just an actor, think again, because he’s also passionate about the more important things in life- like giving back. In doing so, Gregg is auctioning up an opportunity to have lunch with him, with proceeds going to Oxfam International.

I recently had the chance to chat with Gregg to ask him about the auction, his new movie, and the Wizards of Waverly Place. I also asked him a few burning fan questions …

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