Arjan Writes


Arjan Interviews Mika (+ Free MP3 Download)

June 27, 2007

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British pop phenom Mika, 23, is celebrating chart success around the world with his debut single "Grace Kelly." From Hong Kong to Berlin, and from Tokyo to New York, people are raving about his debut album "Life In Cartoon Motion" that is packed with sugar-sweet, frivolous and ultra-catchy pop tunes.

But even though Mika's music appears to be all about fun, the Lebanese-born singer doesn't shy away from discussing more serious topics in his songs. Take for example, "Billy Brown," which is about a married man falling in love with another man, or "Big Girl," which is about the beauty of plus-sized women.

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Pictured on the cover of OUT Magazine this month, Mika has kept mum about his personal life. He refuses to disclose his sexuality and rather lets his music speaks for itself. This has sparked a controversy among bloggers and fans about whether he has a duty to be more forward as a public role model or has a right to maintain his privacy regardless of his fame.

After meeting Mika late 2006, Arjan met up again with the singer recently during his U.S. tour to talk about his global success, feeling like an outcast and the media's fascination with his sexuality. If you're not familiar with the rising star that is Mika, you can download "Relax (Take It Easy)" totally guilt-free here.

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No Ordinary Girl

June 21, 2007

arjan_mandy01_320x240.jpgMandy Moore loves the gays. She practically grew up with them. When she was 6 years old, she saw her first musical and became obsessed with theatre and show tunes. She joined a local theatre troupe and was surrounded by gay culture: “I’ve been comfortable with it right from the bat,” the singer and actress tells OUTzoneTV’s Arjan Writes in exclusive interview.

And the gays love Mandy right back. Not only because they think she has a great taste in men (she dated tennis player Andy Roddick and NBC’s “Scrubs” star Zach Braff), but mostly because she has always publicly shown her support for gays. Whether it concerns speaking out about equal rights or her splendid performance in the gay-themed comedy Saved.

This summer, Moore is celebrating the release of her new album “Wild Hope,” her most personal effort to date. Tired of singing other people’s songs, she penned all the lyrics on this new disc. She also collaborated with an eclectic bunch of musicians such as Chantal Kreviazuk, The Weepies and Rachael Yamagata to create a unique pop-folk sound. The disc was produced by the famed John Alagia, the man behind the board on John Mayer's 2001 smash "Room for Squares.”

But as if summer wasn’t busy enough for Moore, she is also starring in two new motion pictures that hit the big screen later this season, License To Wed (July 3) and Dedication (August 24).

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On the Road with Ana Matronic

June 13, 2007

arjan_matronic_320x240.jpgScissor Sisters are just everywhere this summer! The mighty fun and gaylicious New York band was recently in Europe playing all the major festivals from Pinkpop in Holland to the Biennale in Italy with a little France, Austria and U.K. thrown in the tour mix as well. Oh la-la!

The group also participated in the 15th Annual Life Ball in Vienna, Austria last month together with Lance Bass, Heaterette, Alan Cumming, Amanda Lepore and many other celebs. This prestigious fashion and music extravaganza is aimed at raising money to fight AIDS.

The Europeans were in for a treat because, honestly, you don't know the Scissor Sisters until you see them climb the stage and do their rockin' thing. Especially, Jake's energetic delivery and Ana Matronic's banter make for a really fun concert experience.

I always wonder what it is like for a rock band to tour and tour and tour all around the globe dealing with different hotel beds, time zones and climates. Plus, when you're far from family and friends, I bet it gets lonely too. Especially when fans everywhere expect you to give it your best. There must be a few things rock stars need to keep ‘em sane and focused.

OUTzoneTV's Arjan caught up briefly with Ana Matronic, Scissor Sisters' sole female member, to ask her about three necessities she needs when touring the globe.

"The first is my pillow from my bed at home. It makes me feel like I'm sleeping at home, even though we may be on a tour bus or hotel," she tells OUTzoneTV.

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Erasure Never Grows Old

June 04, 2007

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Exclusive Interview with Andy Bell

After making records for over two decades, Erasure is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The ubiquitous duo of Andy Bell (vocals) and Vince Clarke (keys) keeps on cranking out new albums like hot cakes and continues to tour and meet fans around the world. Their newest album, titled "Light At The End of The World," hit stores last week and is a welcome throwback to their vintage upbeat, electro-driven sound from the '80s.

This summer, Erasure will be joining Cyndi Lauper, Rosie O'Donnell, Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip, The Misshapes, Margaret Cho and many others on the True Colors Tour. This national tour is intended to rally Americans all across the country to voice their solidarity against discrimination and raise public awareness about the issues confronting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. One dollar of every ticket sold will benefit the work of the Human Rights Campaign.

In an OutZoneTV exclusive, Arjan Writes spoke with Andy Bell about Erasure's new album and the True Colors tour. Bell, who came out as a HIV positive gay man a few years ago, even reveals to Arjan that he recently went to his first heavy metal concert that it inspired him for his next solo record.

You just keep cranking out albums. You and Vince never seem to grow tired of it.
We're just workaholics! [Laughs] We just love writing songs and have a really great time together. It is hard work especially with the touring involved. But we really like it when people love what we do. That makes it really all worthwhile to us.

So you're not tired of Erasure yet then?
Oh no. I wouldn't mind a little break I must admit. But I will never stop with Erasure. I just love working with Vince. It doesn't happen very often that you find a really good writing partner like that.

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