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This Miami bred artist began cultivating her musical styling in grade school while studying voice and piano. Her musicianship varied from singing and playing in school assemblies, local television programs, the acclaimed Miami’s Children’s Chorus, playing guitar with an acoustic ensemble, singing in various plays and touring with a pop/rock ensemble. After attending Hollywood’s famed Musicians Institute of Technology, and a stint as a backing guitarist to some LA locals, Betty pressed pen to paper. This transition led to turning a thought into a chorus and melody from emotion into popular music.
Redefining her vision, her road to success has already begun as an artist writing/performing music for her own band, for the stage play Fine in Hollywood and independent film Chance (directed by Amber Benson of TV’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer). Diverse musical ability has also enabled her to sing in a commercial video and play a date with hardcore Warner Brothers outfit Heidi . This diversity culminates work that represents Betty Navas as a talent. Talent and the ability to transform life into music are the true window to Betty’s soul.
I recently was introduced to this incredibly beautiful singer, with a mystifying soul touching voice and would like the world to know more about her too!
TL: Tiffany when did you first realize you wanted to be a singer?
TA: Thank you Tracy! I think it’s safe to say since I was born. For as far back as I can remember I had a love more music and especially singing. There was a wide variety of music playing in the household and within the family; I really gravitated toward that and I was always singing along to something. I do recall being five years old, getting blank tapes, my Cabbage Patch tape recorder/player and sitting in my room for hours recording myself singing. I guess it was sort of my first ‘recording studio’ so to speak as I would also take these tapes and make ‘album covers’ with crayons and colored pencils. I would draw my likeness on the front (as best as a five year old could draw their likeness) and make a track listing on the back. I would make a few and sell them to family and friends for something like 0.25-1.00 apiece. I do wonder if anyone actually still has them (lol). But I did alot of talent shows, dance recitals, concert choirs and the like and it went from there.
TL: Who has influenced or inspired your style of music and singing the most?
TA: That’s a tough one to answer because there are many different influences in my style of music and singing. The first singers/performers I ever saw on television were Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson when I was really little (at probably about age 3 or 4). Seeing them for the first time as I sat in my living room truly excited me and fueled my energy and desire to be a performer. I still enjoy their music to this day. Cyndi Lauper really is a great singer and has a tremendous on-stage energy and I’ve always been extremely impressed by Michael Jackson’s visual creativity and ability to compose music. I also was very influenced by musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Jekyll and Hyde, and Martin Guerre. Throughout the years I’ve also been influenced by Sarah Brightman, Lea Salonga, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Loreena McKennitt, Enya, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Metallica, The Rat Pack (Sinatra, Martin, Davis Jr, Bishop), Heart, Pat Benatar, Tori Amos, the writings of Rod Serling, Judy Garland, The Cure, Patsy Cline to name a few. But I do have to say that my biggest influences have been my grandparents. They had a touring country/bluegrass/pop band back in 50s and early 60s. They were the first ones to encourage me to persue my passion for music. They put the first musical instruments into my hands including a guitar, violin and accoridan. Those who enjoy the song “Whispers” on my album “Poet” have my grandparents to thank for that song as they were the first ones to perform and record it.
TL: How would you describe your genre of music?
TA: My slogan is “Edginess with Elegance.” That pretty much sums it up. The Edginess is the alternative rock, gothic, progressive and heavy metal influences. The Elegance is the influences of classical music, opera, new age, celtic/world, and musical theatre. It’s been classified as Adult Alternative a few times and I’ve been listed on a few Female Metal sites as well. It’s also been getting a positive response in the Goth community and among fans of Celtic and World Music. I don’t really think there has been a definite ‘genre’ classification but many who have heard it all seem to agree that it is different from alot of what’s out there.
TL: Have you had any formal vocal training? If so, where and when?
TA: Yes, I began my formal vocal training at age 12 and continued my vocal training throughout high school with musical theatre and opera veteran, Eileen Hannish. I studied with Lynne Williams in college and currently study with Sofia Sunseri. Being a ‘choirgirl’ and learning classical piano also helped alot with vocal technique, reading music, and ear training for harmonies and such.
TL: Have you performed in any musicals or theater?
TA: Oh yeah. I’ve been doing theatre since I was 12. My favorite roles though have been Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Charlotte in Falsettos, and Free Style Jazz Singer (one of two) in the world premiere of Marta Effinger’s Whispers Want to Holler. The latter was an amazing experience as I met and worked with world renounced jazz musician Billy Harper who had written music for the production. It was also a great cast and all of the roles were wonderful roles for an actor.
TL: Have you won any awards?
TA: My acapella song “Lost Little Girl” (not on my album) was an American Finalist for the 2009 Best New Song in the World Contest. Over 400 songs from several countries around the world were submitted to the contest so it was an honor to make it that far especially with it being an acapella song (I actually wasn’t too sure of how it would do). The contest was also based on fan/listener votes. A listener at Music World Radio also nominated my song “Run Away and Hide” as a Bubbly Upcomer on Music World Radio’s Alternative Top 20. Just this passed Friday, the song was voted by listeners into the Top 20 debuting at number 17. The latter isn’t an award per se, but it is something I’m proud of as it shows people are enjoying what we do. That feeling is always very rewarding in itself. There may be a few more awards/nominations on the horizon. We’ll see;)
TL: I hear you have your own production company? Please tell us about it.
TA: Yes I do. I co-own it with my parter-in-crime, Jason English; we started it back in 2008 after the release of my debut album, “Poet.”. It’s called Poet’s Labyrinth Productions and we basically release alot of our projects through it. My second album, “Elements” and Jason’s debut album will be released through it as well as a few other projects we have up our sleeves. Stay tuned.
TL: Where can readers find out more about you and hear your music?
In fact right now, CDBaby is donating a dollar from each CD sale to benefit the victims of the Haiti Earthquake; so you can support the artists and help out people in need at the same time. Pretty good deal:) My second album “Elements” is currently in production so there isn’t a release date yet for it; but as soon as there is one it will be on my websites and such:)
TL: What would be the most memorable thing, performance or person you have worked with in your music career so far?
TA: I think it’s always memorable to collaborate with other bands and artists and I’ve had the opportunity to work with some good ones.
Jason and I will appear on Bonfire Night’s ( http://www.myspace.com/bonfirenightsband ) debut album, “Blood and Thunder”.
And we are having the tremendous opportunity to be working with the members of the internationally acclaimed progressive rock band, Persephone’s Dream (http://www.persephonesdream.net
and http://www.myspace.com/persephonedream ) on several songs on my second album.
I’ve also had songs appear on seven compilation CDs since the release of “Poet” in 2008. I’m also collaborating with some indie filmmakers on including songs from my album in their films. One is a film titled “The Girl” which stars Scott Cummings (Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard) and Lisa Neeld (Playboy Model). I also make an appearance in the film.
A link to the film’s site is http://www.thegirlmovie.com.
Another collaboration I’m looking forward to is with 72nd St Films.
Check them out at http://www.72ndstfilms.com.
TL: Where do you hope to see yourself say in about 5 years?
TA: Making music, doing more projects with film and theatre productions:)
TL: Any advice for other artists just starting out?
TA: Definitly follow your dreams, but don’t become so ’starry-eyed’ that you become oblivious to the fact that there are sharks out there looking to take advantage of the first young and hopeful performer that crosses their path. Try to do as much of it as you can yourself and do read books on the subject of building your own career yourself. There will be people/so-called management companies and agencies out there who will tell you things like “You are the next big thing! We’ll help you get your career going and become a star. Just pay us X amount of money and we’ll do the rest. You’re going to spend the money getting yourself off the ground anyway so why not just pay us a little and let us ‘professionals’ handle it?”. One golden rule of the entertainment industry is that if something seems too good to be true than it probably is. Listen to your gut; if you start to feel your BS radar going off, don’t ignore it. It’s probably going off for a reason. And there are people who are not who they say they are as well as those who mean well but aren’t very business or industry savvy. Unfortunatly, you probably will have to learn at least one lesson the hard way. If you do, don’t let it get you down. Learn from mistakes and keep going. The important thing is, do your homework and practice, practice, practice your craft. Every professional I know takes lessons pertaining to their craft regardless of how old or how far along he/she is into his/her career. There’s no shame in continuing to learn and grow.
For your viewing & listening pleasure, here is the video Ghost by Tiffany Apan
TL: Just who is Jonny Hands? Please tell us a little about yourself.
JH: I’m a 20 year old, acoustic singer/songwriter from Birmingham in the UK. I have been playing solo for around three years and have just self-released my first full length album, ‘Thoughts For Company’.
TL: When did you first become interested in becoming a musician?
JH: I became interested in music, and the guitar in particular, at the age of 10 after listening to my Dad playing his old acoustic guitars. I bought my first guitar and began playing at the age of 12 and then that was it, I was hooked. Soon after that I formed my first band with two friends and we began gigging around our hometown when I was 14. We stayed together for around four years.
When the band broke up I felt something was missing in my life and I really missed writing and performing so I started writing music again on the acoustic guitar. I then starting performing at local open mic nights and from there starting booking acoustic gigs in Birmingham and now I play all over the UK.
TL: What and who has influenced your style of music the most?
JH: I’m very open minded with music and I find inspiration from anyone who has a genuine passion for the music they make regardless of the genre. I think this has helped to influence that music I make as I can take inspiration from all different styles of music.
One artist who I always look to for inspiration is Damien Rice. I love his simple, honest songs and his live performances are always so passionate and emotional.
I also feel that my writing is influenced by things that happen from day to day. When I write a song it is often very reflective of whats happening around me at that time.
TL: What would you say is the most memorable event in your music so far?
JH: I have played so many amazing gigs and met so many amazing people over the last three years. One of the most memorable gigs was when I played in Liverpool at The Jacaranda Club which is the venue where The Beatles played their very first gig. I love getting the chance to play at venues that have some great musical history, its creates a great atmosphere.
Another memorable gig was last year when I got the chance to play to a packed out venue supporting the front man of UK band ‘InMe’ (a band which I have been a fan of for many years) at a special acoustic show. That was a one of my favorite gigs.
Releasing my first full length album recently has also been a big event for me as it is something that I worked extremely hard on and I am very proud of. Its a great feeling to finally have it finished and releaed.
TL: Where does the inspiration for the lyrics of your songs come from?
JH: My lyrics are mainly influenced by things that have happened in my life or things that I have experienced. I feel that writing lyrics this way allows my lyrics to mean something when I sing them, it gives them honesty.
TL: What one impression/inspiration would you hope for listeners to get from your music?
JH: I hope that when people listen to my music they can relate to the songs in some way, whether thats the lyrics or just the music in general.
I try not to make my lyrics too obvious as I like to think that the listener can make up their own mind as to what the lyrics are about.
TL: Where can our readers find out more about you online?
JH: My album can be downloaded from www.cdbaby.com/JonnyHandsMusic
and it can also be found on iTunes.
Anyone who would like a physical copy of the album can get in touch with me though my website.
TL: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?
JH: With the music industry as it is today it is important to keep supporting independant musicians. There is so much great music out there that deserves recognition and its thanks to sites such as Flip Side to Music that these musicians and their music can get the exposure they deserve.
We at Flip Side to Music want to thank you jonny for the interview, and we wish you much success!
Singer-songwriter, Chris Towzey’s unique interpretation of common situations are both compelling and humorous, adding dimension to his lyric writing and soulful vocal delivery. Add to that many years of guitar playing experience, starting around age eleven, acoustic and electric playing styles, and formidable soloing ability, you start to get a picture of who he is on a musical level.
Born in California, Chris spent several of his formative years in Europe where his father was stationed, and where he first developed an appreciation for history and the arts. After taking up orchestral instruments, guitar, and voice, while in Italy, he later entered a music degree program at the local J.C. in Sonoma County, California. Upon transferring to Sonoma State University he specialized in jazz arranging.
Chris developed an interest in recording and production during his senior year at SSU, when he, along with a friend and fellow band member at that time, built an analog-based commercial recording studio, tying it into his senior project teaching a class in recording engineering. This class was the first of its kind at SSU- a forerunner to the course later offered in the curriculum.
In 2005, determined to further his understanding of songwriting, Chris began studying with platinum songwriter/teacher, Harriet Schock. He completed his debut record, Rockin’ at the Stoplight, released in 2007, with help from producer and engineer, Travis Allen. The record was pronounced “a journey through blues, classic R&B, rock, and world styles, bound by clever and spiritually enlightened lyrics”. Music Connection magazine wrote of the title track, “…a familiar blues rocker that benefits from confident performances, a beefy arrangement, and good production.”
Chris recently completed a five-track EP titled, Same Dirt, released November, ’09. Calling in Jeanie Cunningham to co-produce and Stephen Marsh for mastering, the record mixes radio-friendly song formats with progressive, thought-provoking lyrics. This EP was inspired by the title track, “Same Dirt”, and dedicated to the idea of seeking out and cultivating common ground (aka “dirt”), whether it be on a country’s border or a life/love situation.
As a Buddhist and perpetual student of music and life, Chris Towzey offers amusing, insightful lyrics, stylized musical themes and passionate songwriting, to touch and inspire the listener.
