Scoops Mangum

Interview with the talented musician Danielle Barbe

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:38:00 +0000

I first discovered the music of Danielle Barbe (Pronounced Barb) in the summer of 2010, when it was announced she would be an opening act for "The Gracious Few" on their nationwide tour. Normally I don't care about who an opening band is, let alone seek out their music before the show, but for some reason I found myself searching for Danielle Barbe on i-Tunes. After listening to the 30 second samples, I was interested enough to download the full album. It quickly became one of my favorites and I would find myself listening to it over and over during the work day.

Lisa and I saw Danielle open for "The Gracious Few" at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. As good as her CD is, she was that much better live. From her captivating stage presence, to her soaring vocals, she wowed the crowd and was warmly received. Lisa and I met Danielle after the show and were able to express our appreciation of her music, and got a CD signed.

In the summer of 2011, Lisa and I were in New York City, and saw Danielle preform at the Rockwood Music Hall. It's a intimate little club in the lower east side, and after her one hour performance, Danielle was gracious enough to chat with us, and take a few photos with her.

She is an amazing vocalist and a very kind and fun loving individual. She agreed to allow me to interview her, and I have posted it below. Check out her music at www.daniellebarbe.com/

Let’s start off with a little background information. How did you get your start?

I started singing in church around the age of 6. I’d perform little songs for the holidays and my grandma, also a singer, would get me some performances in her church. I eventually joined school choir and started singing in musicals and plays. Then, my brother formed a band in high school and asked me to sing. That’s how I ended up, finally, singing rock music. I loved it so much that I never looked back…

How would you describe your music for those that haven't heard you before?

Catchy rock 'n roll. I really think my album has something for everyone, though.

Where do you draw your influences from?

When I was little, my dad put a lot of tapes in my hands. Because of him, I grew up listening to The Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow, Alanis, and a lot of other artists. I loved the male front people – like Steven Tyler, Mick Jagger, Marc Bolan… I just thought it was the coolest thing. We’d watch videos of those guys performing. I was pretty little, but I’m sure that influenced me. Nowadays I try to stay inspired. Whether it’s through music, fashion, art, anything. People are so creative! It’s pretty easy to stay inspired.

What genre of music is your least favorite?

Screamo. Sometimes I can appreciate it, but for the most part it just makes me nervous. I feel like the people are personally screaming at me. Gives me anxiety.

What music have you been listening to lately?

Lots of female artists I've loved for quite awhile and am now revisiting. A lot of Fiona Apple, Alanis, Feist, Sharon Jones, Sheryl Crow… It feels good to get back in touch with my ladies!

What is your favorite track off the album and why?

This varies from day to day. Today is an Explosive Minute day. I got into the car with one of my best friends and she was blasting it. It’s a good car jam.

What dream tour would you love to be on with any past or present bands?

Probably Foo Fighters. In my dreams, Dave Grohl is my husband. So talented and they put on an amazing live show.

The Future Mr. Danielle Barbe?

What do you feel has been your biggest break or greatest opportunity?

There have been a lot of great breaks and thankfully things just keep rolling in. I'm so grateful! Getting my song on the television show "Ghost Whisperer" and the "Vampires Suck" soundtrack was amazing. MTV picking up the video for "Ghost Town" was thrilling. And now playing Warped Tour…

Speaking of the Warped Tour, how is that going?

It was an amazing opportunity to be selected for. There were so many people at the event, out in the extreme heat, just because they love music and wanted to see bands.

How would you rate your live performance ability? Do you feel more comfortable live or in the studio?

I truly love performing live. I don’t think that could ever get old for me. I still get jitters right before, but it’s a good thing. Maybe this is weird, but I don’t want to ever get too comfortable. I’m afraid if I get too comfortable it means I’ve stopped pushing myself and stepping out of the box.

Your music seems very personal, and deals with subjects close to you. Is it difficult or scary sharing yourself in song and on stage?

It is very personal! It was incredibly scary for a long time... There are still certain moments where I feel very vulnerable writing about difficult experiences and about certain people. It's terrifying to put yourself out there! Once you take the first leap it gets easier and easier.

Why have you succeeded in an industry where so many others fail?

Perseverance. I believe that you have to have talent, but the ones who can really stick it out, and wait it out, are the ones who can make it.

What has been your favorite on stage moment?

Sharing the stage with Kevin Martin (Candlebox and The Gracious Few) was amazing. Love him! Warped Tour was very cool too. A very different experience.

What is the funniest/weirdest thing that has happened on the road?

There are a lot of great stories... One time we broke down near a small town in CA called Yreka. We couldn’t leave the van on so we were all freezing on the side of the dark road, hoping that AAA showed up. They never did. Finally the cops had to come get us and take us to a Best Western. Nobody in town could repair the van right away, so we ended up having to take a U-Haul to our next show. I’ll never forget the look on everyone’s faces when we pulled up in a U-Haul and I stepped out in my 4 inch heels and walked into the club.

What has been your favorite city to perform in and why?

Oh, I can’t pick just one! I loved Seattle and Portland. I had never been. The venues were very cool. In Seattle I got to play at Showbox, where so many well-known bands have performed in the past, and in Portland we performed in this place called The Wonder Ballroom. It really looked like an old ballroom or gym. Very unique.

What is the most unusal place you have ever played a show or made a recording?

I played a lot of funny places when I was starting out. Some grad parties… a motorcycle event… We pretty much recorded in garages. I think you have to do this kind of stuff. It teaches you how to perform under any conditions. Our old rehearsal space was in a big plant and had no air conditioning or heating. We’d have to rehearse in snowsuits in the wintertime. It was hilarious.

Check out Danielle's latest video "Wango Tango" here

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I feel like the industry is really changing at the moment... I'm just interested to see what happens. I'm along for the ride. I feel like artists can have a lot more control than they used to, and can do so many things independently, but we’re all just kind of figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years as an artist? What are your long term goals?

I have to tell you that I’m very much the type of person who lives day-to-day. I’m impulsive and I like to enjoy all the little moments and I try not worry too much. I’m trying to make music that I truly believe in. I just want to keep growing as an artist and be able to do this every day. It’s a lot of work but it’s incredibly fun and rewarding.

How do you feel about file sharing or people recording your shows?

I'm fine with people recording the shows. I think it's amazing that people love the show enough to record it and take the time to upload it and share it with others. I do hope that people will buy my CD... You know, I have to make a living too. However, I'm glad it's reaching new ears everyday and that people are sharing it with others.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Oh, I’ve been given a lot of good advice… A well-known singer told me to learn as much as I can, practice as much as I can, and then when I hit the stage, to just forget about it all. I feel that’s very true. You learn as much as you can until it’s ingrained in your memory and then you just let go.

If you were not a singer, what would you be doing?

I’d probably be a psychologist. That’s what I studied in college. Either that or designing. Interior design, graphic design, fashion design.. I love it all.

The video for Danielle's hit single "Ghost Town

Where would you like to visit on your next tour?

I’d love to go to the UK and play some dates.

When can fans expect new music or be able to see you on tour?

I’d say late fall. I’m always writing and working on new things, so we’ll see.

What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?

The promotion of my music is becoming very exciting. I love meeting all these new fans online and hearing their thoughts on my music.

What is your pet peeve and why?

About five minutes ago, I was wondering why so many people on Facebook badly crop someone next to them out of their profile picture and use it. I’d feel bad if I was that person’s friend and they cut half my face off.

One last question: Rock, Paper or Scissors and why?

Paper. So I could write. Sometimes words are the best, and wisest, weapon.

Thanks to the amazing Danielle Barbe for this interview! Check her out at www.DanielleBarbe.com and pick up her CD at iTunes

A few things that made my day

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Full Trailer for The Muppets

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:04:00 +0000

DeathStarPR tweets a statment about the birth of Natalie Portman‘s son.

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:52:00 +0000

When Dog Grooming Goes Terribly, Terribly Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:39:00 +0000

New Muppets Teaser Trailer is the Best One Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:31:00 +0000

I absolutely cannot wait for the new Muppet Movie.

Awesome Baby Magneto Illustration

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Brazilian artist Victor Hugo Queiroz created the awesome baby Magneto illustration. Absolutely love it.

Miami Newspaper Fail: Prints ad for NBA Champions Miami Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:43:00 +0000

Poster for "The Case" a Charles Kaznyk film

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:44:00 +0000

Yehudi Mercado created a poster for The Case, the Super 8 zombie movie written and directed by Charles Kaznyk within the JJ Abrams’ movie Super 8.

Is their anything wrong with this?

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Sinclair gasoline is a local chain in Salt Lake City that has a clown for their mascot. This is the new shirt employees are wearing.

First Look at Tom Hardy as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Sat, 21 May 2011 06:46:00 +0000

Like anyone had any doubt that Nolan's Bane wouldn't be amazing.

Art Makes Me Hungry

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Stay Puft Smore made out of clay. Found here

Starry Night made in Bacon

Game of Thrones Theme Song on Electric Guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Movie Flowcharts

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Click on the image to get a larger version.

Movie Theater Marriage Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:17:00 +0000

Memo to Taylor Swift - This is how you sing this song

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:21:00 +0000

Monday Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:04:00 +0000

HCG Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:46:00 +0000

I used the HCG diet last year and lost 32 pounds. I am currently doing the diet for a second time and hope to lose another 30-40 pounds. You take six drops of HCG, six times a day and follow the diet plan. These guys are offering free shipping on your order, plus 20% off any order! They offer live chat assistance and you can get all the details of the diet and a free recipe guide from them too! Follow the link below and check it out. It's the only diet that has really worked for me.

20% off the HCG diet

What To Expect

Day 1 and 2:

You’ll start taking your HCG drops on day 1, 6 drops 6 times per day. During these 2 days you will want to eat everything and anything! The more fat, the better. I know it sounds crazy, but the drops take 48 hours to ‘kick in’ and this will help significantly with hunger during the next week. Eat foods saturated in fat i.e. whipping cream, butter soaked eggs, bacon, sausage, pizza, etc.

Per Pounds and Inches, One cannot keep a patient comfortably on 500 Calories unless his normal fat reserves are reasonably well stocked. It is for this reason also that every case, even those that are actually gaining must eat to capacity of the most fattening food they can get down until they have had the third dose.

Day 3 – 21+:

During this time you will continue to take the drops a minimum of 21 days. You’ll want to take the drops a minimum of 23 days total (2 loading days + 21 low calorie days). During this time you must follow Dr. Simeons original diet protocol. If during this time, you stray from the diet, there is a risk of weight gain or a stall. These stalls can take anywhere from 3-6 days to break each time. Continue to take the drops consistently each day. You’ll continue the 6 drops 6 times per day. Hold them under your tongue for approximately 15-20 seconds, then don’t eat or drink anything for up to 20 minutes. During this phase, you’ll want to weigh yourself every morning after you wake up and go to the bathroom. To get the most accurate weight, you’ll want to disrobe as well.

Maintenance Phase:

This portion of the diet is equally as important as the weight loss period. For 72 hours after your last dose of HCG, you will continue the 500-calorie diet. This is how long it will take for the HCG to be eliminated from your system. For 3-6 weeks after your last dose, follow the maintenance protocol. During this part, you will avoid all sugars and starches. You can slowly reintroduce proteins, fruits and vegetables not allowed on the 500-calorie diet. Watch out for foods that contain too much sugar and starch. You’ll be provided with a list with your purchase. After the first 3-6 weeks of maintenance are over, you can start to slowly reintroduce sugars and starches. During this phase, you’ll want to continue to weight yourself every morning to ensure you are still within 2.0lbs from your last dose weight. If you go over 2.0lbs, you will need to complete a steak day.

Sample Meal Day

What will you eat?

Breakfast:

Tea or Coffee in any quantity

Lunch:

3.5 oz of approved protein
1 serving of approved vegetables
1 serving of approved fruits
1 piece of Melba Toast or 1 Grissini breadstick

Dinner:

3.5 oz of approved protein
1 serving of approved vegetables
1 serving of approved fruits
1 piece of Melba Toast or 1 Grissini breadstick

While on the diet, you’ll want to ensure you are getting plenty of water. Dr. Simeons recommends 2 liters of water per day. YourHCG.com recommends that you drink at least half your weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 200lbs, you’ll want to drink a minimum of 100oz of water per day. Staying hydrated will help metabolize the fat your body is burning while using HCG.

Allowed Seasonings:

Salt, pepper, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram, etc. Spices should be in their natural form for best results. Watch out for sugar, artificial sweeteners, mixed veggies or foods not allowed on the diet (i.e. carrots) in your spices.

Approved Foods List

Approved Proteins:

100 grams (3.5oz) of the following proteins:

Veal
Beef (This is not an ideal choice of protein. If you have do have beef, limit it to a lean cut like Round Roast or London Broil. Also for best results, only eat beef 2-3 times per week.
Fresh White Fish (should not be frozen) – Ayr, Catfish, Cod, Coley, Dover Sole, Flounder, Flying Fish, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Hoki, John Dory, Kalabasu, Lemon Sole, Ling, Monk Fish, Orange Rough, Parrot Fish, Plaice, Pollack, Pomfret, Red & Grey Mullet, Red Fish, Red Snapper, Rohu, Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Shark, Skate, Tilapia, Turbot and Whiting. ** The best place to buy FRESH fish would be a local health food store if you live in a land-locked state.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Shellfish (shrimp, crab, prawn, lobster)
Very occasionally we allow eggs – boiled, poached or raw – to people who develop an aversion to meat, but in this case they must add the white of three eggs to the one they eat whole.

** We also provide a vegan and vegetarian protocol with your purchase.

Approved Vegetables:

One large handful of one type of vegetable per meal:

Spinach
Chard
Chicory
Beet Greens
Lettuce of any kind
Tomatoes
Celery
Fennel
White, yellow or red onions
Red radishes
Cucumbers
Asparagus
Cabbage

These can be eaten raw, steamed, grilled or boiled. Do not mix vegetables in the same meal.

Approved Fruits:

May eat one fruit serving with a meal or between meals:

1 apple
1 orange
1/2 grapefruit
1 handful of strawberries

Shoveled Walk = Star Wars = Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:04:00 +0000

Snowy trench run from Aaron Dabelow on Vimeo.

The Frontier is Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:02:00 +0000

Gimli Destroys the Ring

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:41:00 +0000

I need 10 CC's of Punctuation STAT!

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:43:00 +0000

KUTV in Salt Lake City, Utah. Spelling fail.

Man makes a flamethrower out of a watergun

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:12:00 +0000

Day Jobs Shift Two

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:03:00 +0000

C-3PO Tape Dispenser Fail

noreply@blogger.com (Scoops Mangum) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:36:00 +0000

On sale at Ebay for only $149.99! :)