TI Exclusive: Interview With Alec Chambers — Read Here!!

Meet Alec Chambers, the virtuosic 19-year-old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who could understand chord charts well before he could operate a motor vehicle. Chambers recently released his much-anticipated first single “Whole Again.” Below is our exclusive interview with Alec!

Hi Alec, it’s nice to talk to you how are you doing?

Heyyyyyyy. I’m doing great! working on a lot of cool things. Excited that the EP is finally out. 🙂

What was the process to get your new ep all together?

I’ve been writing for this EP for about 2 years. After gathering about 40 or so songs, my manager and I sat down and chose the 4 that we thought really represented who I want to be as an artist. The kind of music I want to make. We recorded the EP in Brooklyn with Rob Guariglia. It was 8 hours days, 4 days a week for about 2 months straight. it was awesome.

How has the reaction of your EP been? Is it what you expect or better?

It’s been really great. It was exactly what I expected. A lot of people really don’t know who I am yet, but this record definitely allowed me to get to the next stage of my career. Really pleased with the response.

We see you have a few shows coming up, what are you looking forward to the most?

I’m looking forward to playing out, and getting myself in front of people and singing from my heart.

Have you had any weird or odd fan experiences?

Haha. Uh. No

Is there one thing that you have to bring with you when going away for shows? 

Not really. Just my guitar. I need that….

Being that you just released your EP can we expect an album next?

Probably another EP! I have no plans to record one yet, but I’m hoping soon.

What are the next things you will be working on being that you just finished your EP?

Playing more shows, working to get my music heard, writing. Everything. Everything that I was still doing before the ep was out…. 🙂

Thanks so much Alec for taking the time to chat with TeenInfoNet!

TI Exclusive: Interview With Jilly Anais

R&B/Pop artist Jilly Anais has recently released her debut EP “The Juice” produced by LA Production duo The Invaders (Blake McGrath, Ashley Roberts, Josh Levi). The Houston native is currently residing in Los Angeles already working on new music along with some film and modeling projects as well.

TeenInfoNet got the opportunity to interview Jilly where she explained the message behind “The Juice”, her transition from Houston to Los Angeles and much more! Be sure to check out the interview and keep up with Jilly at JillyAnais.com!

Photo Credits: Blair Caldwell

TI Exclusive: Interview With Jayne Ava

Canadian singer/songwriter, Jayne Ava, is ready to take on the US charts as she finishes her upcoming EP, March. From a young age, she threw herself into the world of musical theatre and attended a performing arts school from 6th grade on. After high school, Jayne moved to LA to pursue her dreams of writing and performing alternative-pop music. Her electric sound can be described as soulful, electric pop fueled by a large range of emotions.

TeenInfoNet sat down with the rising star for an exclusive interview where she explained to us her musical influences, inspirations behind her music, life in Los Angeles and much more! Be sure to check out the interview and learn more about Jayne Ava at JayneAva.com.

R5 Talks “Let’s Not Be Alone Tonight” With Radio Disney Insider!

The R5 gang – Rocky, Ross, Riker and Rydel – stopped by the Radio Disney studios to chat about their new hit song “Let’s Not Be Alone Tonight” for an all new Radio Disney Insider. Ratliff, according to the rest of the members, was not able to attend due to having to serve jury duty.

Be sure to check out everything R5 had to say by watching the video below!

TI Exclusive: Interview With Mimi Kirkland

TeenInfoNet recently had the opportunity to interview upcoming actress Mimi Kirkland. Those of you who may not be familiar with the young actress may have seen her as Lily in Austin And Ally starring Ross Lynch and Laura Morano or on the hit blockbuster film Safe Haven alongside Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough.

We sat down with Mimi in LA and talked about her role as Lily in Austin and Ally, her favorite onset and behind the scenes moments and many more.

For more information on all things Mimi Kirkland follow her at her social medias below:

Twitter.com/MimiKirkland
Instagram.com/MimiKirkland
Facebook.com/MimiKirklan

Bella Thorne On Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Watch Here!

Bella Thorne was on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for the first time last night, February 24th. She was there to promote her new movie “The Duff.” It was actually her 2nd time on the set, but her first time meeting Jimmy and getting interviewed.

You can watch some clips of Bella on the show below!

TI Exclusive: Interview With Ashley Brinton

With a newly released single and music video titled “You’ll know”, 13 year old singer/songwriter and actress Ashley Brinton is ready to take the world by storm. In just a year’s time, Brinton has launched an impressive acting career, landing high-profile roles in national television commercials, major motion pictures and music videos. Her latest video also features Disney Channel star Jake Short.

Ashley will make her big screen debut in the thriller Broken Vows, a psychological thriller starring Wes Bentley and Jaimie Alexander scheduled for release later this year, where she plays the role of Daisy, who is the flower girl and sister of the film’s bride-to-be. The South Florida native has also appeared in Animal Planet’s World of Dogs.

Ashley’s extraordinary vibrant stage presence, coupled with her lively “girl-next-door” personality have all enabled Brinton become one of the most sought after teens in the acting world. At a very young age, Ashley developed a love for acting. Inspired by her idol Natalie Portman, she played the role of Lucy in West Palm Beach’s prestigious BAK Middle School of the Arts’ production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Among many lead roles in the Boca Raton Theater Company’s productions throughout her early childhood, she landed the role of Christine in the Boca Raton Children’s Theater production of Phantom of the Opera, where she garnered the audiences’ acclaim for her flawless vocals and performance. It was crystal clear to her parents, her peers and her various audiences….this girl had a gift, and it was time to begin her professional training.

TeenInfoNet got an exclusive interview with the rising where she explained to us all about her new single, working with Jake Short, upcoming projects and much more! Be sure to check out the interview below and learn more about Ashley at AshleyBrinton.com.

-We love your new single “You’ll Know”, what was the message behind the song?

The song is about three boys who are trying to get my attention for all the wrong reasons. They are superficial. But I want a good, nice wholesome down to earth guy that I can relate to. That’s Jake. The song’s message is “you’ll know when it is right. You feel it in your heart. All for the right reasons.”

-How did you come up with the concept behind your music video? And how was it working with Jake Short?

The video’s concept came up when we wrote the lyrics for the song. The song has a swag that reminded me of a cool NYC vibe. Also, I wanted the video to be my own private love note to NYC, which I love! The video tells the rest of the story…

Working with Jake was amazing. He is the sweetest, most polite guy on the planet and is really funny. We had a blast working together, and I won’t forget this experience any time soon!

-You’re also a singer/songwriter and actress, which one came first?

Everyone thinks of me as an actress first, but songwriting was always my true passion. It came way before. However it’s hard to become public with it, so I’ve pursued acting to get in the public eye and then be able to make my music known.

-Do you find it difficult writing music many of your fans can relate to being that you’re only 13?

No. Being 13 actually helps me write music that teenage girls can relate to. My music is real because it comes from personal experience. Every teen girl has the wrong guys that they have crushes on. “You’ll Know” is relatable because all of us girls want a down-to-earth guy who likes us for who we truly are. Someone we can be ourselves with.

-What has been the most difficult song for you to write or which one is the most personal to you?

In every song I write I share a little piece of myself, so they’re all personal.

-Is it harder filming show/movie or a music video? What are the main differenced?

Movies and music videos are a lot of fun to work on! TV shows and movies are exciting and challenging because you’re playing a part or a character different than yourself.

Working on my music video was even more exciting because I’m not playing a role or character. I can totally be myself. And because I get to perform what I’ve written, I could feel it and really get to express myself.

-We’ll also be seeing you on the big screen soon, can you tell us about your new film ‘Broken Vows’?

“Broken Vows” is an amazing psycho thriller. I don’t think my parents will let me see the final version. Lol Jamie Alexander and Wes Bentley rock. I was lucky to work with such professionals. My part of Daisy is small, but I’m happy. You have to start somewhere!

-It might be February already, but the year’s still new, what do you hope to accomplish in 2015?

2015 is gonna rock! I’ll be graduating from 8th grade and getting ready to go to high school. I’ll also be working on my EP which is so cool. During my downtime I’ll be playing with my dogs and I’m going to Maine this summer… where I just know I’ll be inspired to write so many new killer songs!

-Besides your new film, you’ll also working on an EP…what can fans expect to hear?

Expect to hear more songs from my heart with a variety of beats: from kick-back cool to downtown tempos.

-What’s the process like to record an EP? How do you choose which songs to put on and which ones to save for later?

It’s super fun to record because I get to spend hours and hours with some super cool people in the recording studio. I don’t consider it work because it’s way too much fun and I love singing. We record a lot of songs and then we listen to them and like I always say, “you’ll know” when the right song comes along. It comes from my heart.

-Do you have a message for all your friends, family and fans?

Live, love and laugh a lot. I thank my fans and family for believing in me and I won’t disappoint.

-Finally, can you share with us your social medias and also where people can find your music?

Website: ashleybrinton.com
Twitter: ashleybrinton1
Instagram: ashleybrinton
Facebook: ashleybrintonmusic
YouTube: AshleyBrintonMusic
Tumblr: ashleybrintonmusic

Olivia Holt Talks Disney Channel’s ‘I Didn’t Do It’ With Disney Playlist! – Watch Here!

Disney Channel star Olivia Holt sat down with Disney Playlist on the set of Disney Channel’s I Didn’t Do It to talk about Olivia’s character, Lindy, in the show. Olivia also shared some similarities and differences she has with her character.

Be sure to take a listen to what Olivia had to say by watching the video below! Be sure to tune to Disney Channel on Sunday, March 1 to catch a new episode of I Didn’t Do It!

TI Exclusive: Tinker Bell & The Lengend Of The Neverbeast Global Junket

Return to Pixie Hollow for the heartwarming and humorous adventure “Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast”! An ancient myth of a fabled creature sparks the curiosity of Tinker Bell and her good friend Fawn, an animal fairy who’s not afraid to break the rules to help an animal in need. But this creature- massive and wondrous with glowing been eyes- is not welcome in Pixie Hollow-and the scout fairies are determined to capture the mysterious beast, who they fear will destroy their home. Fawn, who sees a tender heart beneath his gruff exterior, must convince Think and her fairy friends to risk everything to rescue the Neverbeast.

TeenInfoNet was invited to a global junket for the new Disney film and were joined by director Steve Loter, producer Michael Wigert, animation supervisor Mike Greenholt, director and music production Brett Swain, instrumentalist and score production BLEU, and Once Upon A Time’s Ginnifer Goodwin.

The film, which took four years to complete, is based off director Steve Loter’s daughter. Loter explains he wanted to, “make a film for the whole family” and the main character, Fawn, is much like his daughter who “see’s the world with an open heart.” The voice of Fawn, Ginnifer Goodwin, also goes on to say. “Disney creates films with a lot of heart.”

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 3, 2015.

TI Exclusive: Interview With Meredith O’Connor — Read Here!

Eighteen-year-old Meredith O’Connor is an upcoming singing sensation that debuted her first hit single “Celebrity” just a couple years ago in 2013. She has come a long way since then creating hit singles such as “The Game” and “Just The Thing”, the inspiration coming from her own experiences as a bullied teen. Currently, she’s finished her first part of a UK tour!

TeenInfoNet was lucky to get a chance to speak to Meredith about her music, anti-bullying, what we can see from her and more! Check out what she had to say below!

TI:  Everybody gets to a point in their life when they realize there is one thing they want to do. How did you realize that music would become a part of yours?

Meredith: I discovered that I loved performing, in general, at a very young age, maybe 7 or 8. I initially loved to dance, but the only problem is I was not very good at it. My first time singing in public was in a local community production of Little Shop Of Horrors, I played the dynamic role of Plant number one. However, I enjoyed it so much that I literally begged my parents to let me audition for a theatre company in New York City. I was then cast in the company of “Turtle Shell Productions” and one show led to another. It became my life. I loved to sing and wanted to get really good at it, in the hopes of landing lead roles within the company’s productions.

TI: How did you feel when your debut single “Celebrity” became a great hit?

Meredith: Since “Celebrity” was the first song I have ever written, it was intended as just a fun experiment. After being scouted to model (by an agent during one of the matinees) I met Rick Galvin, the owner of CG talent management while I was modeling at a benefit fashion show for Bright Pink and the foundation he ran (The Carol Galvin Foundation). I told him I had one song written about my first breakup (I was fourteen at the time) and he introduced me to my first recording contract. It was experimental, so when it reached over two million views and was on rotation for radio stations all around New York, I had this incredible boost of confidence. I was overwhelmed at first, because I really didn’t expect the attention I got from it, but now I see it as something that led to so much more!

TI: Being a songwriter, as well as a singer, do you write all your own music? How about writing  for other artists? 

Meredith: My first EP (including “Celebrity”) was written by me entirely. After that they paired me up with Heather Holley and we wrote “Just The Thing”. She is the co-writer of many of Christina Aguilera’s songs and her music also has an empowering message behind it that can be found in “Just The Thing” and the rest of my songs on my upcoming album.

TI: We understand that most of your music is in dedication to the cause of anti-bullying. When did you first come to the conclusion that music would be your platform to help spread awareness? 

Meredith: I wrote “The Game” right after “Celebrity” found its viral success. Growing up as a victim of bullying, I often wished there were a teen out there that I could look up to.  I spoke about bullying because I knew that there were people listening to the song “Celebrity” that were the same age I was when I was bullied.  I felt that I owed it to myself, to them, and to my own conscience to put out a song that I wished I heard when I was bullied. So that is really what the message behind “The Game” is.

TI: You have an anti-bullying anthem known as “The Game” that came out in 2013. How do you feel this song differs from any other that may have been written on, or hinting, at the subject?

Meredith: The song “The Game” was written to my younger self. I was bullied maliciously for reasons that are so silly, and thought I did something to deserve it. The Game basically says everything I needed to hear to not feel the pain I did. Hearing about bullying from someone who hasn’t gone through it themselves will never carry the same amount of weight. Because it is easy to feel alone when you are being picked on. But, hearing that someone they look up to was also bullied is sometimes all they need to feel like they aren’t the only one who has fought the battle.

TI: With your dedication to anti-bullying, you not only perform your music but take the time to speak out to your fans about the issue. How does it make you feel knowing that you are helping to make a difference in their lives?

Meredith: Before I released “The Game” I was terrified honestly. I hadn’t told or talked about being bullied to anyone. Not even my parents, because of how ashamed I felt of myself. I knew that millions were listening, and to say it to that big of an audience was a huge leap of faith, being that I still wasn’t convinced that the terrible things they called me weren’t true. Once it came out, and after seeing thousands of messages to my email, my managers’ email, Facebook, etc- hearing stories of how the listeners related, are going through bullying, have confidence issues and what have you, I was amazed. I genuinely thought I was the only one who could be such an outcast- but my fans taught ME something. And they still do, at every concert, and through each message. I feel and felt so much more confidence in myself once I learned that it wasn’t my fault for the harassment I faced, and honestly I just want to give that feeling to everyone who hears my music, and everyone who’s suffering.

TI: Another hit single of yours called “Just The Thing” has an absolutely fantastic music video to bring it to life. 

a. How long did it take to make the video?

Meredith: The filming of “Just The Thing actually only took 12 hours! My manager was the producer for it and he made sure all the actors, MUA’s camera crew and the staff stayed on schedule. It was hectic, but fun filming with my backup singers, my band (they played some of the characters in the video) the students and fans (who won a contest to be in it) and Luke Bilyk from Teen Nick’s Degrassi, who played the boyfriend in it.

b. Where did the idea come from to create these different student “characters”? 

Meredith: In the preproduction phase, my manager thought of this idea and worked with the video team to make it come to life, demonstrating that there really is no distinction between what’s weird and what’s normal.

c. What was your favorite part of filming the video?

Meredith: Seeing the ideas come to life, and the makeup! Tawni Mitchell (owner of Dramatization makeup) came on board and handled the makeup of over 30 kids.

TI: Currently, you finished the first part of your world tour in the UK. What was it like performing your music overseas and knowing you have so many fans around the globe?

Meredith: It’s really amazing to see that even in different countries and cultures, the same issues of excluding and bullying still happen. The fans were an amazing audience out there, and I am so excited for the next stop, Australia!

TI: Is there anything new you are currently working on that you can give us a hint about?

Meredith: The people who made the anti bullying hit film and novel “The Fat Boy Chronicles” are in the process of making a sequel. What I can say about it, besides being super excited to play one of my favorite characters in literature, is that there will be a song I’m writing too for the film, and it will have a lot to do with mental health. Something that I have personal experience with, and learned a lot about from overcoming my problems with OCD and anxiety. A lot of my fans write me about depression, anxiety and eating disorders. These are all things the film will cover, and just like the first movie, kids will love and relate to it.

TI: Where can fans find you on Social Media? Any specific sites to keep up on all things Meredith?

Meredith: The only handle I run entirely on my own is Instagram and that’s @meredithoconnor and my Youtube is @meredithter, Facebook is @meredithoconnor and Twitter is @meredithter

We’re extremely thrilled we got a chance to get the inside scoop with Meredith and we’re looking forward to more in the future!

Make sure you tell us what you think of the interview with Meredith!