New Artist Spotlight: Maria Diebolt

Hey Everyone,

      I want you all to meet Maria Diebolt, a very talented young lady who contacted me on the road and shared a sneak  peek of her new song with me. Well, after hearing her, I simply had to let you all in on it because you know me – I don’t believe in keeping a good thing to myself for long. What is it about 16-year-old singer/songwriters? I think I must have a unique bond with them or something! Anyway, please welcome Maria to the blog and be sure to check her out soon!

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been performing?

My name is Maria Diebolt and I’m a 16 year old singer/songwriter from Fishers, IN. I’ve been performing onstage since I was 3 but my singing career started when I was about 8 and I started writing songs when I was 9 or 10.

2. Describe your music. R&B, pop, rock, folk, etc.

My music style is mainly pop. I love pop music because it’s always current and always changing. There are so many styles that go into making pop music and I love it!

3. Who were some of your early influences and who do you admire today?

I always have and always will look up to Selena Gomez. She’s my absolute favorite. She was the first artist that I ever really completely fell in love with and I love supporting her and watching her grow. I feel like I’ve grown up with her and I just adore her.
I look up to many other artists as well, such as Demi Lovato and Kelly Clarkson. I love music and discovering new artists and learning new stories. And I really admire Taylor Swift. I have a huge amount of respect for how she has handled herself while becoming one of the world’s biggest stars! In addition to her singing and songwriting, I really admire her business sense.

4. Did you ever crush over a guy in a band (can be a famous boy band…no judgement)? If so, who?

Oh my gosh of course! Everybody has at least once in their life!! Of course I have crushes on everybody in One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer. It was hard for me NOT to love them. They can sing, they’re gorgeous, they are the whole package!!

5. Who was your first concert?

I love concerts but of course nothing could ever top that first concert. I went to see Selena Gomez at the Indiana State Fair in 2010. I remember it so clearly – it was so hot out and I had a giant stuffed pig from a game that I won earlier that day. It was a great day!

6. Where do you find your inspiration for your lyrics?

The inspiration comes from every day life, really. Of course some inspiration is from boys and relationships. Some comes from the struggles that I’m going through that day. It really just depends what is going on that day when I write. It all dependson how I feel.

7. Who is your favorite female songwriter/artist (Other than MonAmi)?

I love so many but I’m going to have to keep Selena as my favorite!!

8. Can you tell us a little about your latest recording, album, or project you are working on?

My latest project started in November 2014. I went to LA to write and record 3 songs with an amazing producer, Alex Cantrall! The first of these songs is called “Shake Up The World” and is coming out May 5th so remember that date!! We are releasing both the song and music video that day!

9. Will you be playing publicly any time soon? If so, where can my fans find you?

My biggest gig that I have booked for this summer is Rock the Park Festival in New Castle, Indiana on July 5^th. I played this music festival last year and it was a great experience! I jump on a lot of gigs around the Indianapolis area during the summer months, so the best way to keep track of my schedule is through my website www.MariaDiebolt.com.

10. What is your favorite song by MonAmi? 

I would have to say “How Do You Like Me Now” is my favorite – I can relate to that!

11. How can MonAmi’s fans find you? (list all websites and social media links that you want publicized)

All of my social media sites can be accessed through my website www.MariaDiebolt.com – but I’ll list them here for everyone also:

www.Twitter.com/maria_diebolt

Instagram: mariadieboltofficial

www.Facebook.com/MariaDiebolt

www.YouTube.com/mariasmama

www.ReverbNation.com/MariaDiebolt

12. Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for this opportunity to share my music and my journey with you and your fans!

Want to hear more? (I know you do!) You know the drill, comment below or on the FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME Facebook page to be entered into a drawing for Maria’s new single “Shake Up The World.” Trust me…you don’t want to miss out on this one!

Until next time, Keep Rockin’

MonAmi

New Artist Spotlight: Chaz Robinson

Hey Everyone!

    I am so thrilled to introduce you to Chaz Robinson, a guy I’ve known for a long time and who I am super excited to see breaking onto the music scene. This is one guy you won’t want to miss! I recently caught up with him to find out how he is doing, what he’s been up to and what he has in store for the coming months. He is an awesome talent who I am very proud to call my friend!

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been performing?

I’m from Indianapolis IN and I have been performing since the age of 3. I was professional and competitive jump roper for 15 years and have recently taken a big step in my recording career, signing my first record deal with the Spectra Music Group.

2. Describe your music. R&B, pop, rock, folk, etc.

I would describe my music as Pop.

3. Who were some of your early influences and who do you admire today?

My earliest influence was Christina Aguilera. I always admired how she could so effortlessly manipulate her voice and I wanted to be able to do that. To this day — I can sing along with any Christina song, note-for-note! haha

4. Did you ever crush over anyone in a band (no judgement)? If so, who?

I’ve never crushed over anyone in a band before.

5. Who was your first concert?
I really couldn’t tell you! Although one of my favorite concerts was the Katy Perry: Teenage Dream Tour.

6. Where do you find your inspiration for your lyrics?
I draw my inspiration from many things. Life, love, sadness, and overcoming adversity. You will find many of my songs would be first taken as a love song…which is not usually the actual meaning. I love using double entendres.

7. Who is your favorite female songwriter/artist (Other than MonAmi)?

I would probably have to say JessieJ. I’m absolutely obsessed with her style, vocal control, and talent.

8. Can you tell us a little about your latest recording, album, or project you are working on?

I’m currently working on my Debut Album to be released Fall 2015 on Spectra Records. We’re hard at work developing an “Acoustelectric Pop” sound that’s totally original! You won’t want to miss this — I promise!

9. Will you be playing publicly any time soon? If so, where can my fans find you?
I don’t currently have any live shows planned as we are hard at work on the album. As soon as the album is finished, we will begin the exciting process of promoting and performing!

10. What is your favorite song by MonAmi?

“How Do You Like Me Now?”

11. How can MonAmi’s fans find you? 

http://www.chazrobinson.com — be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for all the latest updates and news on the release of my album!

Want to win some free music from Chaz? Comment on this post or on the FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Fifteenminutesoffamebook to win TWO songs by Chaz!

Until next time, Keep Rockin’

MonAmi

Artist Spotlight: Haley Jonay

Hey Everyone!

     Today, I am pleased to introduce Haley Jonay, a very talented young singer/songwriter who you do NOT want to miss. I discovered this amazing artist last fall when I was visiting my hometown and I was blown away by her style. (In fact, she kind of reminded me of ME at that age!) I asked her if I could present her to my fans via my FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME Tour Diary and she jumped at the chance. So…here’s the 411 on Haley and don’t forget to read to the end for a special offer for blog readers!

1.Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been performing?

My name is Haley Jonay. I’m a seventeen year old singer/songwriter from Greenfield, IN. I’ve been performing since the age of fourteen.
2. Describe your music. R&B, pop, rock, folk, etc.

My music is a melting pot of genres; everything from pop to rock to country to folk.
3. Who were some of your early influences and who do you admire today?

One of my biggest influences as a child was Hannah Montana, also known as Miley Cyrus. I was totally inspired by her rock star lifestyle and sparkly outfits. Others include Johnny Cash, Demi Lovato, and Alanis Morissette. Currently I’m pulling a lot of inspiration from artists like Ed Sheeran, John Lennon, and Taylor Swift.

4. Did you ever crush over a guy in a band (can be a famous boy band…no judgement)? If so, who?

When I was about ten years old, I had the biggest crush on Joe Jonas from The Jonas Brothers.

5. Who was your first concert?

My first concert was Miley Cyrus on the Best of Both Worlds Tour in 2007. That concert definitely sparked my dream of being a performer

6.Where do you find your inspiration for your lyrics?

My inspiration comes from the world around me. That can be anything from heartbreak to dandelions. When I write songs, nothing is off limits.

7. Who is your favorite female songwriter/artist?

Other than MonAmi, Taylor Swift is definitely one of my favorite female artists/songwriters. Her lyrics are so clever and relevant, her stage presence is enchanting, and she is a beautiful person inside and out.

8. Can you tell us a little about your latest recording, album, or project you are working on?

I recently released my debut album ‘Haley Jonay’ which I wrote, composed, and produced. I’m insanely proud of it. The songs are all from my heart. With this album I’m essentially opening my diary for the world to read, and I couldn’t be more excited.

9. Will you be playing publicly any time soon? If so, where can my fans find you?

I have tons of exciting shows coming up in 2015. On July 2, 2015 I’m playing on the Plaza Stage at Klipsch Music Center right before Ed Sheeran hits the main stage. This is a dream come true for me, because Ed is one of my idols, and Klipsch Music Center is my dream venue. It’s going to be amazing! All of my dates can be found at http://www.haleyjonay.com/shows.

10. What is your favorite song by MonAmi? My favorite song by MonAmi is definitely “How Do You Like Me Now?” 
11. How can MonAmi’s fans find you?www.HaleyJonay.comwww.twitter.com/haleyjonaywww.facebook.com/haleyjonay

    iTunes: Haley Jonay

    Instagram: @HaleyJonay

12. Anything else you would like to add? I’m a huge fan of MonAmi, and I’m so incredibly excited to be interviewed for this blog! It’s a dream come true.

***SPECIAL GIVEAWAY*** Post comment to this thread and be entered to win an MP3 of Haley’s song “Like We’ve Never Met” from the album Haley Jonay!

Thanks Haley for joining us on our Artist Spotlight!

Do you know of a hot new artist I should feature? Tell me about them in the comments, send them to this blog and I will try and feature them on an upcoming edition!

Until next time, KEEP ROCKIN’

MonAmi

Julie Young answers your questions about FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME plus GIVEAWAY!!!

     Recently, I attended a special event when a dear friend of mine came up to me and said, “We need to talk.”

Although I was pretty sure that I hadn’t done anything wrong, when I hear a statement like that, I tend to get nervous. Maybe it’s the Catholic guilt setting in, but I never know if what will follow will be a good thing or a bad thing. Hoping for the former, I offered a nervous laugh and asked what she wanted to talk about.

“I’ve read FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME,” she replied. “I have questions.”

A few minutes later, we were huddled at a table where we talked about my characters as if they were real people, which after a while they become. She asked me questions that I get from a lot of people at signings and personal appearances and I decided what better way to begin this one year anniversary celebration of FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME than by answering some of these questions I am often asked? So…for everyone who has wanted to know the backstory behind the novel, here’s hoping this provides a few answers!

    1. Was FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME based on Hannah Montana? 

No. In fact, I had the idea for FMOF at least 15 years before Hannah Montana came out and when it did, I nearly scrapped the whole project! I often joke that Disney stole my idea and I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t see the similarities, but actually FMOF came from a couple of different sources. The first was a cartoon I watched as a kid (and one which is getting the Hollywood treatment as we speak) Jem and the Holograms. I loved the idea of an ordinary person transforming into a rock and roll superstar as well as the potential pitfalls leading a double life could bring. It seemed to me that trying to hold down two identities would be very isolating and that it would be next-to-impossible to be true to either one.

The second source for FMOF was a Disney Sunday Night Movie I saw at some point called Rock and Roll Mom. I can’t even remember who was in it other than Thelma Hopkins of Tony Orlando and Dawn, if that tells you anything, but I loved the plot line of this middle-aged women accidentally becoming the biggest thing in rock and roll. They give her the full makeover treatment to the point that her kids don’t even recognize her and when she sings a song she wrote back in school, her friends think that this diva stole her song. (I really wish I could find that movie on YouTube or that Disney would release it on their App…I’d love to see it again!)

   2. Is the character of MonAmi based on you? 

I’m never quite sure how to answer this question because it is not something that can be answered with a straight “yes” or “no.” Although I am a musician and many of my friends refer to me as “the rockstar” I never reached the same super stratified level of fame that MonAmi does. However, I often wished that one day I would wake up and someone would offer to make all of my rock and roll dreams come true. When I wrote FMOF, I decided to explore what that might have been like if it had actually happened, but no…the book is not based on my life per se.

When it came to finding a personality to base MonAmi on, I drew on a lot of people who experienced the insanity that comes with “first fame” such as Michael Jackson, Jon Bon Jovi, David Cassidy, and others. I watched and read a LOT of rock and roll biographies to get a sense of the pattern that occurs when a record label throws all of their muscle behind a young artist. Typically, they explode onto the scene, believe their own hype and by the time they are 18 or 21, they are a walking case of burnout. I didn’t want MonAmi to become a train wreck. I wanted her to be smarter than that, but she had to make mistakes as well. Nobody’s perfect and there is always a price to pay when you sell your soul to rock and roll.

    3. Who inspired the character of Denim Rhodes? 

I’ll never tell! LOL Look, every fantasy guy is a composite of several different people and Denim is no different. Denim is as exasperating as he is irresistible and I think all women have a guy like that in their lives. He’s the one who doesn’t follow the script, who will rub the stardust out of your eyes a little, but always makes you think. Denim is the guy who catches every detail. He points out the red flags that MonAmi can’t see. He sees her career for what it is and although she doesn’t always listen to him, she can’t ignore him either. He’s the one person in her all-too-crazy world that she would like to get close to, but can’t out for fear that even if one person finds out the truth about her, the clock will strike midnight and everything she’s worked for will come to an unceremonious end.

   4. Who were your influences as a writer? 

All of the rock and roll heroes. My personal favorites are people like Lennon and McCartney, Plant and Page and the Wilson sisters of Heart. When I was a kid, I loved to read but I never thought I could write a story the way Judy Blume, Ellen Conford, or Betty Miles could. That seemed like it took talent on another level and because I wanted to be a musician, I focused on the poetry and symbolism contained in lyrics. I had notebooks filled with little songs that I just knew would become my hit singles in time. (God, I was so cheesy back then!) Eventually those lyrics and poems progressed into prose and here we are today. I’ve discovered that it’s not all that different really. It’s all self-expression and getting your truth out there. So no matter if it is a poem backed up by a la la la or telling a story that you have in your head, it’s all about sharing what you have to say with others and hoping it resonates with them as well.

    5. What has the reaction to FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME been like? 

Quite surprising, really. I wrote the book for younger readers who repeatedly asked, “When are you going to write something for us?” However, I have been amazed at the wide range of ages that seem to respond to this story. I have had people call me and say “I didn’t expect to like it, but I did!” or “I thought it was going to be a rock and roll book but it was something else as well.” I attended a book signing of another author and a woman in her 50s who happened to be there said “I read FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME and I loved it. How did you come up with the character? Did you write all the songs?”…It was awesome to learn that not only the young but the young at heart love this character!

6. Did you write all of the songs in the book?

Yes. It wasn’t easy to write lyrics that fit the storyline, seemed believable and made musical “sense” in my head. I couldn’t write a bunch of words that rhymed and be done. I had to think about what they would sound like if played with a band, how you would choreograph a production, etc…so I used a lot of real songs as inspirations for them. (Note: Check back later for a complete list of songs that inspired MonAmi’s tunes.)

    7. Do you have any signings coming up in conjunction with FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME?

I sure do! I will be at the Wheeler Arts Theater in Fountain Square (Indianapolis) tonight at 6 p.m. I will have gifts for everyone who purchases a copy of FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME and will personalize each book. I am one of the special guests at the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana’s Author Breakfast on 4/18, I will be at the Pendleton, Indiana library on 5/2, Barnes & Noble in Greenwood, Indiana on 5/3 and I will also be appearing at various book clubs this summer!

 

 

***FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME FANS*** Here’s your chance to win a Fifteen Minutes of Fame Tour pack from MonAmi herself.  Post “Rock On” on the official FMOF Facebook page to be entered in the giveaway. One lucky winner will receive music from one of MonAmi’s featured artists, a guitar pick, backstage pass and bookmark autographed by MonAmi: https://www.facebook.com/Fifteenminutesoffamebook?ref=hl

 

 

 

Happy One Year Anniversary FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME!

    Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my debut YA novel FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME and in order to celebrate this momentous occasion (and give readers a chance to see some new material I am working on) I am having a month long party full of new music, prizes, giveaways, and exclusive material that cannot be found in the book!

MonAmi herself will be introducing readers to some new artists that you will be able to catch all around the country this summer and she is always on the lookout for new talent. If you know of a band or act who may want to be featured on MonAmi’s Tour Diary, be sure to let us know in the comments or on the official FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Fifteenminutesoffamebook

Stay tuned and keep rockin’

Julie Young

Author of FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME