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"C.A.R.M.E.N.” - “C.A.R.M.E.N.”
By: Jillina Baxter
Baltimore, Maryland has been known for its annual Baltimore Music Crab Fest Weekend, HBO’s The Wire, and the Fox sitcom, "Roc" amongst other things. Now Baltimore brings together the new singing sensation called C.A.R.M.E.N. (Chasing Aspirations Redefining Music while Enticing the Nation). C.A.R.M.E.N. is comprised of Brittaney, Lana and Roxie. The trio has been together for 3 years and has performed at various colleges and nite clubs in and around the Baltimore-DC area and most recently at The Black Family Reunion, Sony/Gig America Music Showcase and The Soul Café in NYC. This gutsy girl group is taking on the task of changing the mindset of how women are perceived especially in the music industry. C.A.R.M.E.N. combines R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop coming up with concepts to compliment their strong vocals and empowering lyrics. The trio is managed by Kellie Williams Productions, Inc. Ms. Williams was known for her role as Laura Winslow on the T.V. Sitcom “Family Matters” and also starred in the movie “Ride”.
The ladies of C.A.R.M.E.N. took time out of their schedule to conduct a brief interview:
JB: How did U get your start?
C: We started singing together as friends for fun
JB: Where did your name derive from?
C: The name C.A.R.M.E.N is an acronym. It stand for Chasing Aspirations Redefining Music while, Enticing the Nation
JB: How do you describe your vibe (your style)?
C: We all have very different voices and we can all sing lead
JB: What’s going on w/the music scene in Baltimore?
C: There are a lot of undiscovered talent in Baltimore, but we were lucky enough to meet our management, Kellie Williams Productions Inc./KWP Music Group
JB: What do you think about the mainstream artists whose songs inundate the airwaves?
C: The industry is ready for a change and that's C.A.R.M.E.N
JB: What do you think it is about your own music that is going to make it stand out from the rest?
Roxie: Vocally we all have different voices, but our music range from hip-hop to Rock/Pop and R&B with a lot of energy
JB: Talk about some of your material (use a song or 2 as an example) and what inspired you to write about your subject matter?
C: "Can't Do That" is one of our favorites track, It has a positive message for young teenage girls that it's ok to say no and still be friends
JB: If you have a favorite song on the CD, what is it and why?
Roxie: “Green Eyes”, because it has a lot of energy
Brittaney: “No One” - I enjoy listening to ballads
Lana: “No One” when you listen to it, paints a mental picture
JB: If there is one message you would like for someone to take with them when they hear your CD what would it be?
C: Our message would be that everyone is human, you may have your ups and downs but in the end you will get though it.
JB: Who inspires you musically?
C: We are musically inspired by Prince, Tina Turner and Destiny's Child
JB: Is there a certain ritual or something special that you do before you prepare to go into the studio or before you perform?
C: We always give ourselves time before a performance or studio to pray and mentally prepare ourselves for greatness.
JB: Who was involved w/the production of the CD? Other artists you worked w/?
C: Jerome Jefferson-Big3 Records/Laface, Sherrod Molock-Monkey Boys Productions
JB: What do you like to do in your downtime (hobbies, activities, etc.)?
Roxie: Relax, whenever I find the time
Lana: Writing songs and becoming a better performer
Brittaney: Going to movies and hanging out with my friends
JB: Who is the artist(s) you would like to work w/in the future and why?
Roxie: Michael Jackson, because he is the greatest entertainer in the world and that's what I want to become
Lana: Mariah Carey, because she can sing anything and we would be a good team
Brittaney: Whiteny Houston, she is truly talented
JB: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an artist in this industry?
C: Our advice would be the 3 D's - Determination, Dedication and Discipline
JB: Give me a quote from something you wrote or one that you apply to your daily living
CL Think about the difference 1% makes if 99% was good enough, always strive for perfection
If you like girl groups like Destiny’s Child, TLC, Blaque, 702 or Total, you will be captivated by the catchy themes and cutting edge choruses that C.A.R.M.E.N. conjures up.
- THE HIVE
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Breaking Me
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CARMEN
Chasing Aspirations Redefining Music while Enticing a Nation is a tall order but the ladies of CARMEN are up to the task. This sexy, sassy, and classy trio is poised to take the music industry by storm. CARMEN boasts the talents of three young ladies, BRITTANEY, LANA, and ROXIE.
The group's founders, childhood friends from Baltimore, MD., BRITTANEY & ROXIE searched nationwide for a third member. LANA, on a dare from friends came up from Beaumont, Texas, met with the girls, and as they say, the rest is history.
CARMEN'S sound is an infused R&B, hip hop, and pop with an urban flair. These ladies aren't just pretty faces but three very talented ladies with a sound of their own. CARMEN has performed on SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, as well as toured with platinum recording artist MYA in St Lucia, West Indies. The ladies opened for BAD BOY recording artist B5 and ROC-A-FELLA recording artist TIERRA MARIE at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD. On their European tour, the tour promoter, Juergen Sauer nicknamed the ladies "CARMEN ELECTRIC" because of their electrifying and high energy performances.
All of the ladies are songwriters and wrote all of the songs on their demo. "We like the idea of being involved in all phases of the business" said ROXIE. "But our strong point is our harmonizing" added LANA.
At one of their early performances, the ladies met Christal McLendon of CJ Productions. Recognizing unique talent, Ms. McLendon partnered with KELLIE WILLIAMS, best known as URKEL'S true love, LAURA WINSLOW on the ABC sitcom "FAMILY MATTERS" to become CARMEN'S managers. Amazed by the ladies talent, KELLIE commented "You ladies must have done nothing all your lives except think of ways to shake up the world".
Indeed, Indeed, CARMEN is that rare true thing that comes along once in a lifetime
YES, A RARE TRUE THING INDEED
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