Shane Harper’s Self-Titled Debut Album Out Today – Interview

Shane Harper is celebrating both Valentine’s Day and his 19th Birthday today with the official release of his self-titled debut album. The young star recently unveiled the music video for his latest single, “Rocketship,” which is featured on the new album along with “One Step Closer” and 10 other tracks.

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New Music Friday – Shane Harper

2010 will be quite a year for 17-year-old Shane Harper! A passionate entertainer with a love of music and dance, Shane is an energetic singer-songwriter with explosive talent that has already been featured on stage, television, and film, including a role in the upcoming Rob Reiner-directed film “Flipped,” in theaters August 6th.

With a strong background in professional dancing as well as acting, Shane became a principal dancer at the age of 14 in the wildly popular 2007 movie, “High School Musical 2,” and currently has a recurring guest star role on the Disney original TV series “Good Luck Charlie.” Now, Shane is adding musician to his resume as he records his debut EP with industry hit-maker Adam Anders, the renowned musical producer for the hit TV show, “Glee.”

Shane specializes in acoustic guitar and piano and writes his own music and lyrics, citing pop and R&B influences like Justin Timberlake, John Mayer and Jason Mraz. Shane’s first upbeat pop single, “Dance With Me” is currently available on iTunes, but fans can grab his song “Just Friends” for free at shaneharper.bandcamp.com. For additional information and updates from this multi-talented new star, visit ShaneHarperOnline.com or find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Exciting news for Shane – his song “Dance With Me” was chosen this week for Radio Disney’s Music Mailbag. The program features one new song every week, and from Wednesday through Saturday morning fans can vote on the Radio Disney website to “Pick It” or “Kick It.” On Saturday morning at 11 am PST, the station will play “Dance With Me” on air and fans can vote one last time to keep the song in rotation. The results will be announced immediately after.

Visit the Music Mailbag site now to hear the song and cast your vote for Shane (and don’t forget to show him the love in the comments box). RSVP on Facebook and invite friends! You can also check out Shane’s exclusive Hollywood Dame Interview here!

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Images Via: TotalAssault

ZacPoor ‘She’ll Be Breaking Hearts’ Video

In 2004, ZacPoor made the move from his hometown of Fairfield, Montana to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer-songwriter. Now, after years of hard work and commitment, his dream is finally coming true. Swedish hit-maker and music producer of Fox’s hit show “Glee” Adam Anders took note of the young songwriter – who has already collaborated on projects with the likes of Nick Jonas, Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon, Samantha Jade and more – and is now working closely with him on his debut EP.

Citing the influence of singer-songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, Richard Marx and Bryan Adams, Zac’s music combines pop with rock roots to establish a unique sound. The first single “She’ll Be Breaking Hearts” showcases his ability to create authentic and emotional pop music with universal themes of love, loss, and hope. “My songs are both inspired by my own life experiences and those of others around me … For a songwriter, everything must inspire you so your life is not the only thing on display. If it was, not everyone could relate.

ZacPoor has just released a music video for his debut single “She’ll Be Breaking Hearts.” Created by Zac, his brother and a few friends, the video pays homage to film noir and is definitely worth a watch. Check it out now.

ZacPoor’s debut EP “Let’s Just Call It Heartbreak” was produced by Anders and will be released on August 24th. Until then, visit ZacPoor.com for a free download of “She’ll Be Breaking Hearts” and all the latest information about this multi-talented new artist.

Check out ZacPoor’s exclusive Hollywood Dame interview here!

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Hollywood Dame Exclusive Interview – The McClymonts

The McClymonts have arrived in the US with their Australian Gold debut album, “Chaos and Bright Lights,” an Executive Music Group release to come Summer of 2010. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, the girls- Brooke, Sam and Mollie – had the privilege of flying from Australia to work with some of Nashville’s finest musicians and hit record producer Adam Anders (Music Producer for Fox TV’s Glee, Nick Lachey, Backstreet Boys, Shania Twain, Sinead O’Connor, Hannah Montana, Nick Jonas). All 12 tracks were co-written by the sisters with both Australian and American writers. The US debut single, “My Life Again,” was co-written with Adam Anders and hit producer/writer Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift). Smash hits include “My Life Again,” “Save Yourself,” and “Favorite Boyfriend of The Year,” which saw the girls walk away with 4 CMAA ‘Best New Talent‘ and ‘Group Of The Year’ Golden Guitar Awards three years in a row in Tamworth, Australia. The single “Finally Over Blue” tipped The Eagles 10-month run off the top of the Australian radio airplay charts.

Since the Australian release of their album, “Chaos and Bright Lights,” the media quickly recognized their increasing popularity. They appeared numerous times on popular Australian television shows including “Sunrise,” “The Today Show,” “Mornings with Kerri-Anne,” and the high-rated lifestyle show, “Getaway,” where the girls presented their hometown of Grafton (NSW) to the nation. They also appeared on the Australian Series, “Neighbors,” in 2008.

Recently, I had the chance to ask Brooke McClymont about things such as their music, goals, and pet-peeves. You can read about it below.

When did you first realize you had an interest in music, and what sparked that interest? How did you guys come together as a group?

I first realized i had an interest in music was when i was about 11 yrs old. I loved Dolly Parton and ABBA and would sing their songs non stop around the house. Sam and Mollie would follow me around and sing as my back up girls but we seriously formed the group in 2006.

How would you describe the sound of your music, and how do you feel your music is different from others in your genre?

Its always hard to describe your music, but I’ve always thought of it this way – if you were to put the 3 of our musical influences in a blending machine and turn on the button, shake it up, the contents you will pour out is us… The McClymonts. I guess the one thing that would stand us out from others in our genre is we are 3 sisters from Australia who sing 3 part harmony.

Who are some of your musical influences, and who are some artists you would love to work with?

I love Dolly Parton and ABBA as well as Heart, Roxette, alot of the 80′s music I grew up listening too as well as the older stuff in the 60′s and 70′s like the Eagles, Iris Dement and Don Williams. I would love to work with any of the above I’ve mentioned. They are all so talented, it would be a dream come true.

What are some of your short term and long term goals? What is your plans for promoting your music in the US?

The short term goals are to just stay positive and really take in every moment we are having with our music. All the experience we are getting from being here in the states is so mind blowing we really are lucky girls to be given this opportunity. Our plans for our music in the US is hopefully a long career. We don’t expect anything but if we can have a long career and keep doing what we’re doing then we’re really happy with that.

Was there ever a time where you felt like giving up music or quitting on your way to where you are now?

Not really!!! Because there’s the 3 of us we always help each other through the difficult times and reassure each other its okay and its worth it.

How do you keep the balance in your group, when it can be overwhelming at times trying to please everyone?

The 3 of us each know what one anothers strengths and weakness’s are so when it comes to keeping a balance it kind of just works. We really don’t stress over what people think of us because you can’t ever please everybody so we make sure that the 3 of us treat each other with respect and when we do that everyone gets along nicely.

Do you have any musical pet-peeves?

Yes – rhyming ‘girl’ with ‘world.’ I’m not going to lie, Ive done it but I don’t like it.

Besides music, what are some of your hobbies? What do you do to keep yourself grounded?

I love hanging out at my home. It sounds strange but I’m never there, so when I am I love getting into the garden and doing little projects around the house. When I’m not doing that, I love catching up with friends and family because I never get to see them.

What do you miss most, besides family and friends, when you are out traveling?

I miss home cooked meals. It’s so hard to eat healthy on the road. We try but the temptation of fast food sometimes wins because its so quick.

What is one accomplishment you hope to make above all others in your life and your career?

I would like to feel contentment and know that every decision I’ve made has been the right one for that time. I’m almost there!

Hollywood Dame Exclusive Interview – Zac Poor

Zac Poor is an American pop singer-songwriter who grew up in the small town of Fairfield, Montana. In 2004, Zac made the move to Los Angeles, California to further pursue his dreams of being a professional singer-songwriter. After years of hard work and commitment he caught the attention of Swedish hit-maker and producer Adam Anders, the highly acclaimed musical producer for the hit TV show “Glee,” and music industry veteran Alan Melina. He is currently working closely with Anders and producer Peer Astrom on his debut album due out this summer. Zac crafts rich songs by reaching into the past without fear and also stimulates musical contact with his fans by seeking out the universal truths of past experience, those elements of life common to all people regardless of the difference in experiential details. “My songs are both inspired by my own life experiences and those of others around me … For a songwriter, everything must inspire you so your life is not the only thing on display. If it was, not everyone could relate.” Recently, I had the chance to ask Zac about his music, his inspirations, and the direction he’s hoping to go in. You can read about it below.

When did you first realize you had an interest in music and what sparked that interest?
Loved music ever since I was a kid. I received a Play School microphone/recorder when I was 3 and I have a pic of me singing my heart out even at that young of an age. I think I’ve just always had a love for music!

How did you break into the music industry?
I performed a lot when I was younger and caught the attention of many talent scouts booking State Fairs. After I exhausted my go at Mid West Fair’s, Carnival’s and Festivals I moved to LA. I broke into the industry by doing free demos for established songwriters. I would come in, sing the song, always tell them their bridge sucked and re-write it for no credit and eventually people started to recognize me as a writer and would ask me to co-write on projects! Publishing deal came a couple years later.

How would you describe the sound of your music, and what makes you feel like your album is different from the other artists in your genre?
Pop music for sure. Loved pop ever since I was a kid but growing up in Montana I had an a appreciation for country music as well. So I feel that what I focus on a lot as a singer/songwriter is real life stories/situations. Raw emotions. So even though, I may write and sing guilty pleasure Pop hooks, they are always accompanied by solid country love long lyrics. I feel like it’s what a lot of my 80s and 90s influences did. Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Phil Collins etc…

What are some of your plans for promoting your music – do you plan on doing some touring?
Can’t wait to be performing locally in Southern California with my ZACPOOR bandmates, and out on tour in the near future. I am also directing 5 viral music video’s, one for each song on my soon to be released EP entitled “Let’s Just Call It Heartbreak”. My Lead off single and video is called “She’ll Be Breaking Hearts”. A modern day “Maneater”! Sooooo stoked. Im also very focused on all viral aspects of promotion as my ZACPOOR team works closely with marketing and promotions team EMG.

Musically speaking, what are some of your short term and long term goals you have lined out for yourself? What are your hopes for the upcoming year?

Long term goals have always stayed the same for me. I want to make great music that people can listen and relate to. I do music because it makes others feel good; not because it makes me happy. I want to be a longevity artist that makes a stamp on the music industry as opposed to being just another passing fad. Short term goals would be to book a tour as the “opening act” with a popular artist, and finish my full length album.

Lyrically speaking, where do your song inspirations come from? Is it easy for you to sit down and write lyrics, or is it a bit of a challenge sometimes?
The lyrics of a song are what comes easiest to me actually. I find inspiration is all sorts of things; friendship, family, love, loss, heartbreak, fear, happiness, challenges etc… I also have so many incredible memories of the place I grew up. I truly believe I could write and endless catalog of songs simply inspired by my love for Montana. And the memories I made there!

Who are some of your musical interests and influences?
I loved the 80s! Though I only lived during the 80s for a brief moment I am so inspired by the music that came out of that era! The music of the 90s is also a big influence on me. The attention to detail, and carful crafting of lyrics! Loved it back then! I feel like music is really missing quality lyrics/stories as of lately. I love the work of Phil Collins, Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, George Michael, Cindy Lauper, and a lil’ Ace Of Base action…. that’s right I said it, freaking love me some Ace Of Base.

Who are some artists you’d like to work with?
Would be so stoked to work with Richard Marx, Ryan Tedder, Kelly Clarkson, Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Adele, Taylor Swift, Eminem etc… A diverse amount of peeps I know, but I think I could write a hit with each one. Such talented peeps out there!

What is the experience like to be out somewhere and be recognized by a fan?
Happens rarely…. but it is always flattering.

Besides music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
I really enjoy photography. I always like to have a creative outlet. Even when I need a breather from music, which usually lasts only a few hours, I like to take pictures. I also really enjoy writing. Not a big reader tho? Never read an entire book in my life. Tried…but never can seem to do it?

To find out more information on Zac and to hear some of his music, check out his official Myspace page here.

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