M is for Music! The Pretty Reckless’ album “Light Me Up” is out!!

 

M Is For Music Interview with Taylor!

The Pretty Reckless fronted by Taylor Momsen have already received critical acclaim with their debut album “Light Me Up” being released in the UK and Europe back in Summer 2010 and show no signs of slowing down with Taylor and co. gaining more and more fans by the minute. Their debut single “Make Me Wanna Die” went to #1 in the UK Rock Chart and has also been used in Film and TV including ‘Gossip Girl' which Momsen stars in as the character Jenny Humphrey.M Is For Music caught up with Taylor ahead of the bands album being released in the US to talk about the record, what its like for a female fronting a Rock band, her influences and the forthcoming Pretty Reckless tour. It’s clear for anyone to see that Taylor has a real passion for music so have a read and enjoy!

Hi there Taylor, thanks for taking the time out to speak to M Is For Music. How are you today?
I’m great, how are you?

I’m brilliant thank you, it’s lovely to talk to you. Can you start off by telling us a little about The Pretty Reckless please?
Yeah, it’s my band and our first record is “Light Me Up” which is out in the UK right now.

The album, “Light Me Up” will be released in February in the US could you tell us a little bit about how the record came together?
Yeah I wrote the record for about a year… A very long process and recorded it whilst I was still in Gossip Girl but it was great, I’m very proud of it and its coming out in the US now so I’m very excited about that as well.

What has inspired you to write the album?
Everything! I mean inspiration comes from everywhere, it’s kind of hard to define it but yeah, everything. My life, my relationships, what I know.

How would you describe the albums sound to US fans that might not have heard it yet?
It’s a Rock n Roll record… I don’t know exactly how to describe it, the very songs in Rock n Roll, it’s very much about the song. The songs came first before the production and everything else.

Do you have a favourite track on “Light Me Up”?
It’s hard to pick a favourite song but “Make Me Wanna Die” was the first song written for the record so that holds a special place in my heart.

You will be touring the States in February, do you prefer touring to recording?
No, I love it all! I love writing, I love recording and I love playing the record it’s the whole process I love everything about it. Yeah, I can’t pick a favourite.

Have you got any funny or interesting tour stories?
A lot but I can’t tell you! [Laughs]

Are you sure?
Yeah I’m pretty sure! [Laughs]

Okay! You’ve been quoted as saying that all your Rock idols are men Do you feel there are not enough female Rock stars?
I think there are a lot of great female artists. I don’t think there are very many female fronted bands in Rock n Roll so I think there could be some more yeah… Like Janis Joplin is amazing and Joni Mitchell so there are definitely a lot of great female performers though.

Is there anything you would say to any female singers that want to start up a Rock band?
If there’s nothing else you can do [laughs] but if there is something else you can do, so it because it’s so difficult. It’s one of the hardest industries.

You have listed some of your favourite bands as The White Stripes, Oasis, Nirvana and The Who. If you could collaborate with just one of your idols who would it be and why?
Hmmm… I mean my all-time favourite band is The Beatles for their genius, I mean I guess I’d love to write with Paul McCartney that would be awesome, John Lennon’s not a possibility anymore but Paul McCartney would be amazing to collaborate with.

Would you ever try and contact Paul and see if there would be any chance of collaboration?
I don’t have his number but feel free to give it me if you have it! [Laughs]

Haha, I wish...
Or Noel Gallagher. I’d love to write with Noel Gallagher. I’d do a song with all of Oasis but I’d love to write a song with Noel.

You write all your own songs, how important is songwriting to you and would you ever release a track that you hadn’t written yourself?
I mean, it’s the most important thing. I’d sing a song if it was good but songwriting is so personal that I can’t imagine singing something apart from a cover that I didn’t write. It’s the most important thing to me, it’s why I love music and I love writing songs.

What do you think of artists that don’t write their own songs?

Well I mean, Elvis didn’t write his own songs y’know and that’s okay so I think there are still some great artists that don’t write their own songs but songwriting is so important I couldn’t ever eliminate it… I started writing songs very young and that’s what I love and I definitely have an appreciation for artists that write their own songs.

You play Jenny in Gossip Girl, do you think you’re role in the show has been an advantage or disadvantage to The Pretty Reckless?
I think it’s probably both, you know it’s definitely a challenge to get people to listen to the music and see outside of my character. Jenny Humphrey is the character I play and I’m very different from her so it’s a challenge in that light for sure. But there are also people that know me from the show and gave the music a chance who are now fans of the band so it’s a catch 22 y’know?

I know that you had “Make Me Wanna Die” played on one of the episodes of Gossip Girl…?
Oh yeah, they played it on one of the scenes so that was fun!

So how would you feel if your music was used for a programme such as Glee and what do you think of them sort of shows?
Glee… I’ve never seen Glee but its doing really well so it would be an honour y’know.

You have also been quoted saying you would like to sing forever. Would you choose singing over acting and modelling?
Music is something I could never give up, I love all three of my careers I’ve been doing them a very long time but writing music and music in general is something that I couldn’t live without, so that I something that will never go away… Whereas with my other two careers I don’t know but my music is my focus, the one thing that will last forever for me.

Who are your favourite current bands or artists?
Let me think… I don’t listen to a lot of current music. The last record I go, not current but brought was a DMX record. The best of DMX. I listen to mostly a lot of old classics so… Soundgarden getting back together that’s cool, I’m excited for that.

Being an Oasis fan have you heard Liam Gallagher’s new band Beady Eye yet?
I haven’t heard it but I’m excited… Have you heard it?

I’ve heard little snippets of it, their really good.
Cool! Yeah I’m excited for that, I haven’t heard anything yet though.

Will The Pretty Reckless be performing at any festivals this Summer?
I hope so, yeah I think so… Not entirely confirmed yet so nothing I can say to print yet but we’ll definitely be coming back to the UK this Summer and hopefully playing some festivals for sure. We did V Festival last year so I’m excited to be coming back and to do some more.

How does the live crowd compare from the US to the UK and Europe?
Well, the UK crowd is amazing I mean it’s insane! Everytime we go out, all over Europe we have the best fans. I haven’t been in the US since “Warped” [2010 Tour] so ask me in 2 months how it compares! [Laughs]

Finally, if M didn’t stand for Music what would it stand for and why?
Erm… I don’t know. Momsen [laughs], I don’t know, I have no idea!!

Well, good luck with the tour and the album and the rest of 2011…
Thank you so much. Bye!

Twitterview with TAYLOR MOMSEN

By Rebecca Silverstein

Your teen years are always full of changes, and that couldn't be more true than for Taylor Momsen. Her metamorphosis from "Gossip Girl" teen queen to hardcore rocker chick has been quite a drastic, not to mention a public, one. Not that Taylor's had much time to ponder it all; she's been busy touring the world and

writing the debut album for her band, The Pretty Reckless. (Get "Light Me Up" in stores Feb. 8; preorder it here.) Luckily, Taylor did make time for a Twitchat with us, in which we talked about music, misconceptions, makeup and more. Keep clicking to read it, and when you're done, make sure you're following @WonderwallMSN and @taylormomsen on Twitter.

@WonderwallMSN: Hey Taylor! Ready for this twitterview?

@taylormomsen: ready

@WonderwallMSN: Sweet! So the album comes out on Feb. 8! Congrats! What are your plans for release day?

@taylormomsen: I barely know my plans for tomorrow! I know we'll be in L.A....

@WonderwallMSN: Haha! If we could only listen to one song on "Light Me Up," which do you think represents the album as a whole?

@taylormomsen: I don't know...they're all so different, but MMWD ["Make Me Wanna Die"] was the first song written for the record, so maybe that.

@WonderwallMSN: Here's a Q from @FearlessRiOT (we got TONS of fan Qs): What was the 1st album you ever bought with you own money?

@taylormomsen: magical mystery tour, because it had strawberry fields on it

@WonderwallMSN: Nice one. And here's a Q from @avrilsparamore: What's your favorite song to play live?

@taylormomsen: probably 'since you're gone'

@WonderwallMSN: Cool. @duruonver asks: Could you describe yourself in 3 words?

@taylormomsen: no...could you?

@WonderwallMSN: Haha, true. Well, what do you think is the biggest misconception people have about you?

@taylormomsen: I don't know people's conceptions of me...I do know what the press says is usually misleading, I think my fans see thru that.

@WonderwallMSN: You do have very loyal, kickass fans! @GeorgeNYC_ asked: Your style is very unique. Would you ever do your own fashion line?

@taylormomsen: I'd love to have my own line someday, when I get the time...

@WonderwallMSN: You ARE quite busy. Another fan Q: @Vicccky_ asked: Any makeup tips?

@taylormomsen: do whatever you want with it, have fun...just remember to wash it off before you go to sleep

@WonderwallMSN: Good tip! Any thoughts on doing a movie, perhaps one where you sing, like @ItsMeLeighton in "Country Strong"?

@taylormomsen: Not at the moment but who knows what the future holds, it's all touring now.

@WonderwallMSN: Looking forward to that! Last Q! Can you tweet us a pic of yourself right now?

@taylormomsen: I can't take a pic cause I'm on an iPad...but here's petal having a great hair day! 

"I probably am a bad influence.." Taylor in Grazia Magazine (February 2011)

Taylor Momsen Hates Being Compared to Miley F***ing Cyrus

 The ‘Gossip Girl’ star is now fronting her own band The Pretty Reckless and admits it makes her mad when people say she is the new Miley just because she acts and sings and is a teenager.

Taylor, 16, fumed: “I’m not looking to be Miley f***ing Cyrus. I don’t care about the fame. I do it because I love music. I like making records and if people like them, then we’ll go along for the ride.”

Although the blonde star wants to avoid comparisons with Miley, 17, she insists she doesn’t have a problem with her personally, just the Disney show ‘Hannah Montana’ that catapulted her to fame.

She added to this month’s UK issue of FHM magazine: “I’m not dissing Miley personally. However, I do think the Disney bubblegum s**t that the world is living right now is pathetic. I thought we passed that repression. I don’t know Miley, but musically we’re different. To compare us because of our age is silly.”

Taylor, who writes all her own songs and plays guitar, believes a lot of people will be shocked by her band’s album.

She said “People will be surprised by the record. I mean, it’s a rock record. I get that there is this blonde thing from ‘Gossip Girl’ and they’re expecting pop s**t, but it’s a rock band and its heavy. Our record is a life record. It confronts everything head on. It’s death, love, drugs, sex, religion, politics.”

source musicrooms.net



Mary-Kate Olsen: Boho-Chic

Boho-Chic is girls' fashion influences by the Bohemian and of course, Hippie.

Anyway, this entry is focused on Mary-Kate Olsen. Her clothes business with her twin sister Ashley is really cool, but I'm more interested in what she wears more than what she sells. These are some of my favorite photos of her. Let's take a look... 

what you wear is what you are...

Love the dress, the head-band and her blond hair.  

(Once or twice more than that I dyed my hair blond and it didn't look like blond AT ALL. It was ORANGE!!! Anyway, my hair is currently kind of light brown with pink streaks ;)

 

_____________________________________

  
more of Mary-Kate Olsen...

 

Interview with the Wild Child

From 'Kerrang' magazine (January 15, 2011 Issue) 
Taylor Momsen
WILD CHILD!

Since she decided to swap the screen for the stage, Taylor Momsen’s outrageous behavior has made her a tabloid fixture but is The Pretty Reckless’ 17-year-old front woman as crazy as she seems?

Diva. Brat. Pyromaniac. Poseur. These are just some of the accusations that have been levelled at Taylor Momsen by the tabloid press since she left hit U.S. TV show Gossip Girl just under a year ago to front New York rockers The Pretty Reckless full-time. If it’s not what she’s wearing (or rather not wearing) it’s the outrageous things that come out of her mouth that have made gossip columnists the world over frantically blog in mock outrage about her antics. But, to quote the old adage, all press is good press, and claims that Taylor “dressed like a prostitute”, “carries a flick knife” or once “set her neutered dog’s testicles on fire” haven’t damaged her band’s career in the slightest. On the contrary, when The Pretty Reckless’ debut album Light Me Up was released last August it entered the British album chart at number six, the album’s lead single Make Me Wanna Die featured on the soundtrack to Hollywood blockbuster Kick-Ass, and The Pretty Reckless’ recent UK headline tour was completely sold out. But if you’re still left wondering if the 5’ 8’’, smokey eyed, peroxide blonde 17-year-old leading this band is as OTT as the tabloids would have you believe, then think again.

“I’ll admit that I’m a little crazy”, Taylor says with a grin. “But let’s put it this way, I have a female dog named Petal and she does not have, nor has ever had, any balls!”

 What’s the best rumor you’ve heard about yourself?

“There have been some fairly repetitive ones like ‘Her eyes are as black as her soul’ and ‘She worships the Devil’. One gossip magazine even interviewed a girl who claimed to have gone to school with me and she was like, ‘I saw her house and she has an altar to Satan in her closet’ (laughs). A lot of people try and make out like I’m this crazy psycho, but I’m, like, ‘Where are you getting this from? I have never met you’,”

How do you cope with being in the spotlight and all the negativity that can come with that?“Well, I don’t own a computer, so the most I see is when people tell me about it. I just ignore it and try to live my own life. If you think about it like high school or college then you’ve got your circle of friends – my band [guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perkins] are my friends – then outside of that there’s going to be people that don’t like you, there’s going to be people that talk about you, and there’s going to be people that go, ‘Wow! Look how big her shoes are!’ no matter where you are. This is just high school on a massive, massive scale. So I ignore what people say and focus on my music and doing what I do.”

There are quotes floating around the internet where you slam your parents for forcing you into show business at a very young age. Were they taken out of context?“Yeah, [the magazine] changed the question when they wrote it up. I was asked why I started doing this, and I said, ‘Well, I didn’t chose to do this’ because I didn’t. I was put into it at two years old, and you don’t know what you’re doing when you’re that age. When I signed on to do Gossip Girl I was 12, and I had no idea how it would impact my life and change it. And when I realized what everything was I kind went, ‘I don’t like this. I wanna do what I wanna do’. I wanted to make music and play in a band. I was trying to explain the difference between music and acting to [the magazine] and why live music is so much more important to me, but they were like, ‘You’ve been doing it forever’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, but I didn’t pick it”

(behind Gossip Girl)

How did your parents feel when they read the article?“Horrible! I love my mom and dad. Maybe I didn’t have the childhood people think you should have, but I still went though the ages, I was still a child. Maybe it wasn’t a conventional one, but you know, whatever… I like where I am now so it’s okay. I think my parents have learned by this point that none of [what they read] is probably true, and words can be put in your mouth.”

Where does the darkness in your lyrics come from it it’s not a reaction against your upbringing?
“I don’t know. The one thing that has to be said about my family is, yeah, I was put into this industry incredibly young, and I saw a lot of shit; it wasn’t a normal childhood in terms of going to school everyday. I was in and out [of school] all the time. When I did [2000 film] How The Grinch Stole Christmas I was in first grade, and I missed most of the year. And then I came back the next year for six months, and then I was gone again. I guess I didn’t have a ‘normal’ childhood, but it was what it was. I write about what I know from experiences and from things I’ve learned and things I’ve seen. Let’s just say I’m not one for advice, I’m one for mistakes.”

Seeing as you’re 17, do your parents have to go on tour with you?“No, I’m a legal adult. Whatever that means! (Laughs) I graduated high school two years early, so I’m responsible for myself under some weird New York state law.”

Who were your musical heroes when you were growing up?“The Beatles and a lot of the classics. I played a lot of old records growing up. Stuff like Bob Dylan… I grew up listening to a lot of old vinyl and then my dad would record them onto cassette tapes for me, I was about 10 when I got my first CD player.”

Now that you’ve left acting behind, what are your ambitions?
 “I want to make great records. I want to write great songs. I want to do this for the rest of my life. I want to make records for the rest of my life and have each one better than the last, and making myself better at what I do. I’m my own harshest critic, I’m always telling myself I’m shit, it’s the only way to get better and better. I’m a perfectionist and so is Ben and our producer Kato [Khandwala] who I wrote the record with.”

What do you have to say to Kerrang! Readers who think you’re an actress playing at being in a rock band?
“If people know me from the show or don’t like me because of the show, or don’t like the way I look or the way I dress, then all I ask is don’t left that affect you listening to the record. At least give it a chance. And then feel free to hate it. I hate a lot of shit, believe me, but don’t hate it before you’ve heard it because that’s not fair. You never know, you might be surprised.”

_________________________

I can give up EVERYTHING to be 17 again. I adore her abilities in both singing and acting as Jenny in Gossip Girl. I understand why some people don't like the way she dresses or says some outraged words. She's just 17 and living her life. We all have moments in life when things aren't all satisfy and Taylor just doesn't care at all. She knows how to cope with it.