Dez Cleo, is a California Girl graduated from the Groundlings School of Improvisation. Dez Cleo Interview February 25, 2012
Dez Cleo Interview
1. What are your current projects for 2012?
My current goal for 2012 is to put all the molding and creativity from the past year to life. I am ready to shop for a deal and then tour hard internationally and nationally. I have an albums worth of music and it’s now time to find someone to represent me so I can be placed in incredible opportunities that will fit my style & path. There is a spot up there right next to Gaga & Katy Perry…waiting for me. I can fill it, but most important – I will handle it.
2. How was the process for participating in the Vixens vol.1 compilation by
HRX Records?
The process was great. I am a hard rock/punk rocker at heart…so working with these fine gentlemen of rock was not only a pleasure – but a blessing. Whisky and music nights with the boys is what any girl dreams of ; )
3. What are you currently endorsing?
Right now I am working on endorsements for myself & my music placement. Being at NAMM a month ago really opened up doors for equipment & touring deals.
4. Dez Cleo what’s your take on the sex appeal in the music industry, etc?
I am the newest addition of sex appeal in this industry. My genre and aura is very Madonna – Gaga…but with MY own twist. I am a very sexual girl…I just chose to take it out on my music instead of a man. The women who have the most sex appeal in this industry are the women who are born with it. It should be something natural, not forced.
5. What’s your vision of the Internet as a tool to promote and get your
music out?
I think that’s the only way now. The internet is the fastest way to connect with new people globally, and create a huge fan base. Sometimes I wish I could have been born in the 70’s because I am all about the “live” aspect of entertainment. I definitely gain fans anytime I perform live…that’s how people know I will last – I will never be just a “recording artist.”
6. How is the current Music Scene in your area doing?
I live in Santa Monica…there are some cool places around, but mostly I travel to Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood, The Valley, OC, and San Diego to see great music ; ) and to play.
7. Could you tell us about your main influences as a singer, etc?
My main influences are mostly strong female performers who do there thing. I am a very high energy singer/performer, and I definitely look up to artists who got/get down like that! My main influences growing up were: Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Doris Day, Pat Benatar, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and No Doubt. I took all the aspects I loved from each entertainer and created my own style. I can remember being 3 years old and doing shows for my family with 5 or 6 costume changes in each set…very Diana ; )
8. What could we find interesting in your Music collection?
EVERYTHING! I’m a woman of a very wide variety. I love everything from pop, to hip hop, to rap, to jazz, to classical, to opera, to industrial, to any kind of rock – back to mainstream! It’s a full circle really – If you love music…you just love music.
9. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life?
Well…daily life is usually a hustle from morning to LATE night – aka early morning to early morning haha! Over the past year I have been creating new music, image and videos – hammering out the direction I see myself going to a perfect T. I make all my own business moves – and have been my own manager, writer, booking agent, PR, A&R, producer, business management, and Director for quite sometime now. I basically have been formulating this plan so I can take it to a team who see’s my direction and can bring out the better in me – as opposed to working with a team that needs to “create” aka Artist Development me. I dance, workout, sing and write on the daily! I’m a self made artist, and I think those should be the only kind out there. I see so many “artists” out there with such great opportunity and they blow it – they get a great song…and suck performing it live! I’m not in this for a one hit wonder, or 5 seconds of fame. This is what I will do till I die. I am making a name for myself – NOW. Daily goal for me is TO INSPIRE THE INSPIRED – sing and create for every single person who has ever felt like I have in any situation…and believe me, I gotta lot of situations to sing about!!!
10. Are there any tour dates lined-up for in the near future?
Yes…booking them now ; ) My goal is to tour international by the end of summer. Next stop for CLEO -Europebaby!!!
11. Are there any more products or projects we can see from you in the future?
Yes! SO many products and projects coming from me! This is just the beginning…Please check out my website – www.dezcleo.com – and – twitter/dezcleo – for all updates on tour, music, and videos! The CLEONATION is just getting started!