Val Halla
Story and interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Val Halla

Val conquered the musical territory from her hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of 17, Val’s determination led her to Vancouver, British Columbia. For this time period, she was in hot pursuit of getting her music next level. Val’s incredible talent was printed in several well known music magazines. Endorsed by hard-hitting, high-velocity success, she continued her way and opted to return to Regina – where she started touring all over Canada and the United States.

Val is that kind of a musician who actually lives, in that case, her latest release ‘No Place’ – she is constantly on the road or being on stage – for her fans and for her music. Val is an authentic and frisky young lady with a passionate thrill to perform her music. 

She embodies two genres: Grunge and Country. Her style may invented the new vernacular

a la “Gruntry”.

Val had some time for an interview for crankbox-music.

Your guitar teacher had a huge impact regarding your musical skills. How was it, back in the days, when you were taught to play guitar?

Carly Jo Jackson

Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Carly Jo Jackson

Dedicated to music? The full program? Songs with the whole range of emotions? Your choice should be Carly Jo with her passionate music. 

Carly Jo tells us about her thoughts behind the songs she composes, she reveals what she likes most when entering the stage, and what destination she opts for time traveling - no worries, there is more to tell. This interview covers it all.

Can you tell us somewhat about your songs "wildflower" and "just another game"?
What are stories behind them (composing lyrics, the making of process, etc.)?

The whole creation process of my two songs Just Another Game and Wildflower were so different and as a result they have a completely different feel.

Lauren Lucas
Interview by Chris Koppers/image courtesy of Lauren Lucas

I noticed Lauren and her exceptional talent on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXffMexkKA

My short 5-question-interview should provide you all the essential information about her remarkable music. 

What are you working on right now?

At the moment, I am concentrating on writing for other artists and touring to support my latest project, On With the Show. I am a staff writer for a publishing company called Eleven Eleven Music Group, so I feel really lucky to have a day job where I get to write songs.

Your voice is pretty remarkable. I would say block-busting. How would you define your music? What are the key elements?

Shastina Eloff

Interview by Chris Koppers

Please welcome one of Hollywood's shooting stars on crankbox-music - Shastina.

Please ensure you get the hottest news on your plate by reading the interview: 

"Boy toy" is your first single. Can you tell us somewhat about the making of?
Was it a thrilling moment for you seeing it available for everyone?

The making of Boy Toy was difficult. This was my very first time being in a studio. I didn’t know the language I didn’t understand the difference between live singing and studio singing. And I didn’t like resigning the same line over and over. I was very frustrated. Studio Timing was difficult for me to pick up on. All in all I was excited when I was done and the song was finished. Then I waited weeks for it to be on iTunes, and then it was…and just like every artist you think BAM its iTunes watch it sell. It was then I realized all the hard work I had in front of me…

What is your current project?

Darling Parade

Interview by Chris Koppers/image courtesy of Darling Parade

Pop/Rock from Nashville, TN?
A female fronted group with cool sounds? Your quest will end here.
Darling Parade got what you need to please your music player and the folks around it. 

Kristin of Darling Parade had some moments for us:

Darling Parade, a Rock/Pop band from Nashville, TN. What can I expect from you as soon as I participate one of your gigs? 

Kristy Lynn

Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Kristy Lynn

Determined to make her dreams come true, Kristy simply converts her dreams into reality. The physical outcome is "Dream" - a dreamy album.

Please learn more about her mission, her first music video, and what might happen in 2015 with her: 
Can you tell us somewhat about your recent release 'Dream'? How much fun was involved?

The recent "Dream" Album was a demo CD made in Nashville TN at Omnisound studio in the year 2009, My most recent is a single that my mom and I wrote about my. Uncle Doug he is an amazing man who survived a 18 wheeler wreck . He lost his eyes and 1 leg also hearing in 1 ear . This is a man I look up to he is a star in my eyes.

Mila Falls
Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Mila Falls

Mila comes up with some fresh air for the music industry. She was the one who supported Ringo Starr and his tour. She is the one who is ready to be the first musician performing on the moon. Please welcome Mila on crankbox-music and please learn more about the phenomenal Mila:

What is it that you are working on right now? Please tell us something about the essentials of your debut album. What can we expect?

The album is going to be MAGIC! The album takes you on journey through POP, from dance floor hits to pop-stompers. The producers I’ve worked with on the project have previously worked alongside some pop legends including Tinie Tempah, Britney Spears and Outkast! As an aside (just so you know) all the producers on the album have earned themselves Grammies for their previous work...here’s hoping ;)!

Renée Wahl - Wild Living

Interview by Chris Koppers

Renée follows an unconventional and powerful path of Alternative Country/Roots music. 

Renée shared some of her thoughts with crankbox-music:

You are currently working on your latest and greatest album "Wild Living" and we would like to learn more about it. Are you able to tell us about the songs, the making of process, and your personal impressions?Why did you name your upcoming album Wild Living?

Jasmine Cain - "Modern Day Gypsy" out now!
Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Jasmine Cain

Jasmine is a true talent, but moreover, she got the "never stop" attitude. 
She provides "Rock 'n' Roll for the gypsy soul" on the highest level. 

Learn more about her style, her outstanding music, and her mission: 

So far, you have released three albums. Is there a particular album you love most?
What can we expect in the near future?

The NowhereNauts
Interview by Chris Koppers/images and video courtesy of The NowhereNauts

Another gem from New York City: The NowhereNauts are about to launch their latest release "Warned you". 

Get the full story here and learn more about the magic behind the amazing band:

How would you describe your upcoming release "Warned you"? What are the specials?

Anders: Our upcoming release is loud, fast, and raw, yet melodic, lush, and sweet all at the same time. The album really came together; we had an awesome team working with us to gather everything sounding exactly the way we wanted it to. 

Becky Kelley
Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Becky Kelly

Slamming into the music scene, Becky pleased millions of youtube viewers with her song "Where's the line to see Jesus".

Please learn more about Becky, the exceptional music artist:

Can you tell us something about your new release? I was told you would like to produce some music videos pretty soon. What can we expect?

Yes, we are in the beginning talks of shooting a video for "Send an Angel". It's definitely one of my favorites off the new album. We will be using the same team who shot "Where's the Line to See Jesus", so I'm excited to see what they come up with.

How would you describe your style from the early beginning until now?

Cassandra Kubinski - new releases!
Special announcement by Chris Koppers

Our lovely Cassandra is known for composing stunning tracks for your home entertainment system  - I am very pleased to proclaim the latest news of her upcoming album (it will be out in a couple of weeks):

The single "Just being myself" is available now. 

JBM single: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/just-being-myself-single/id560150881

Moreover, there is a remix of that song, too. 

JBM remix: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/just-being-myself-irresistible/id560363745

Do not hesitate and treat yourself like royalty by getting a copy of her single. 

C Donte - the interview

by Chris Koppers

Who is that energic guy with a guitar? There can be just one answer. It is C Donte with the ability to mesmerize his audience. The New Jersey native can be seen on stages and in some major TV commercials. 

Please visit http://www.bigmountainentertainment.com/

for more imformation.

C Donte had some moments for an interview

You have been performing your music for a while now. What was the "trigger" for your career? Who supported you?

My trigger was definitely just the love for the "arts." I grew up around it with my dad, Ted Wizard Mills, lead singer of "Blue Magic." The biggest supporters have been my mom and Ted Wizard Mills, hands down! They put me in this industry at a very young age and I embraced it.

What do you like best about being a musician?

Ashley Forrest
Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of Ashley Forrest

Please welcome Ashley with her latest release "Pourin' over me".
The charismatic young lady comes along with brand-new material that will beguile your senses. 

Ashley tells us about her current projects, her sweetest moments on stage, and she talks about what will occur in 2014.

What is your current project?

I’m busy working with my band leader Lee Jordan as we prepare for our premiere band performance in November. Plus, I’m in the middle of the national release for my single Pourin’ Over Me, that is being distributed by GMV Nashville on the Truro Entertainment Group label.

What is your favorite song you have performed so far?

The attic ends

Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy of The Attic Ends

Samantha, Pete, Jan, and Bob built up an Indie Rock formation from Brooklyn, NY.

They produce a soulful/genuine vibe and you should not wonder yourself listening to that great music for numerous hours a day. 

Please enjoy the interview with the entire band:

Your music video "Home" rocks. How was the processing for the video making? How much fun was involved?

Love Assassin 

Interview by Chris Koppers/images courtesy by Love Assassin

Love Assassin is a frolic rock band from NJ and one of the coolest live acts in town. 

Dan Avery, the lead singer of Love Assassin, had some moments to share his thoughts. 

He tells us why sweat-proof suits are wanted, why the song "Mr. Carsons" is that important, and why Love Assassin falls in love with standing rooms.

How would you describe your last gigs?