Actress/ Singer-songwriter JACKIE TOHN represents the upbeat soul of showbiz, both musically and visually, breeding an adoration for her eclectic breeziness. Brightening up this Festive of months, JACKIE TOHN captivates as she ushers the Holiday Spirit with her deep, melodious voice in her Christmas tribute video (above) with fellow hotties Kristin Bell and Hannah Andersonn. She thrives on the distinctly, folksy oeuvre, getting us hooked on the timbre of her vocals as she has done before on American Idol and her album releases. No wonder TOHN sounds like ‘Tone’ and in her case, JACKIE is marvelously tone-rich. It’s great to see her passion for Colbie Caillat whom I was lucky to meet (she touched me on the butt…hehe) and whose music resonates with us. Wow! There could very well be 2 upcoming collaborations to look forward to; Colbie/Jackie as well as Jackie/Veronica Mars (Kristin’s quite the singing talent too)!
A visit to the colorful JACKIE TOHN OFFICAL SITE is a must and it’s no wonder her debut CD is titled ‘Beguiling’. In a time when spicy brunettes are being idolized (thanks to Dragon Tattoo Girl Rooney Mara), one can point at Miss JACKIE TOHN as an agent of flavorful talents. Reminiscent of Katy Perry, Zooey Deschanel and Juliette Lewis rolled into one, she’s most definitely an exciting prospect. Upcoming appearances include The Munsters meets The Office sitcom, Monster of the House or you can catch her in the web series For A Green Card on Blip.TV. Recognized for her wittiness be it onscreen or in her songwriting, she’ll enliven your days, nights and everything in between.
Give me an authentic songstress any day of the week instead of all the cookie cutter, one-dimensional auto-tune wannabes out there. Enter singer/songwriter RACHAEL OWENS who has an exceptional voice that resonates even when stripped down to the bare acoustic style. Sorry to say I’ve heard Ke$ha,Miley Cyrus,etc. perform live and they sound atrocious so I’m partial to the more credible sounds of say Sara Bareilles and Rachel Yamagata. When a singer appears to be polished on record but fails miserably outside of the studio, that’s how you tell that they are seriously lacking tune wise. RACHAEL on the other hand is legit all the way as can been seen from her remarkable vocal range on groovy self-penned “Everything Is Alright” (above). Check out RACHAEL OWENS ON REVERBNATION for the dynamic neo-soulfulness glittering her collection of original songs. Much Thanks to RACHAEL and her photographer Danya Morrison who have both graciously allowed me to use the gorgeous photos(above) adorning this article.
While she’s at the cusp of her blossoming music career, on the acting front, RACHAEL appears in the upcoming “Empress Vampire” as a gorgeous bloodsucker. First imagery from the movie sees RACHAEL baring her fangs and I must say you’ll be lusting after her as we so often do when getting seduced by these sexy vamps…hehe. With an ever increasing appeal in the music/film world as well as her beguiling personality, success is set to come quickly for such a beautiful soul.
1. Hi Rachael, you’re an accomplished singer,songwriter and actress currently based in Los Angeles. What have been the highlights of your career so far?
A: Well one of the biggest highlights for me is when I’ve finished recording and I hold the finished album in my hand. I’ve recorded 2 independent CD’s, one full length album in Canada and I’m about to release my new EP in the US and the world this summer. I’m very hands on with every aspect of the CD, from writing, to co-producing, recording and the artwork, so it’s very satisfying when it’s complete. I also love the collaborative process while recording. With regards to music, other highlights would probably be specific concerts and festivals I’ve been asked to perform at over the years.
With regards to my acting, I’ve been pretty busy with the music lately so I haven’t been acting that much in the past 2 years. But before that, I really enjoyed acting in 2 independent films called Empress Vampire and Hunting Grounds, where I played a singing Vampire and a College Professor who specializes in UFO’s. They weren’t lead roles or anything, but they were really fun to play.
2. Can you give us an insight into your musical style and what have been the major influences shaping the songs your write?
A: I have a pretty eclectic musical style. I would call it Pop/Rock/Soul but there are elements of Jazz in there as well. I’m influenced by many genres. If you love music, it doesn’t really have boundaries, in my opinion. It just has to be good. I grew up singing along to records by jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday and performed in alot of musical theatre. But when I started to play in bands and write music, I was influenced by U2, Michael Jackson, Sting, Lauryn Hill, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and Prince. When I started playing guitar, I would play songs by Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan.
3. “Dear Friend Of Mine” is your maiden music video that made its debut just a few weeks ago and I must say there’s a feel good vibe throughout touching on love and friendship. Do you believe in the notion of friends with benefits, mixing intimacy between good pals?
A: Friends with Benefits..hmm. Well I think it can work in some situations as long as there is communication about what’s going on. But it’s tricky cause you don’t want to ruin a friendship. That song can be interpreted in many ways, the music video is just one interpretation.
4. I’m not the type to mince my words so here goes. No matter what people say because there was no Simon Cowell to harshly critique the contestants, the standard on American Idol was particularly substandard. What’s your opinion on this and what does it take to be a success in the music industry?
A: Well I actually enjoy watching American Idol and I do think there are some very talented singers on there. When it comes to artistry though, that takes time to develop..so by the end of the show, it might not have fully developed yet for some. There were artists on the show and Idol really just gave them a platform. In this day and age with the music industry struggling with selling records and less artists getting signed, you really have to be open to any avenue to get heard. I know I have to use the internet more to my advantage when it comes to getting my music out there.
5. Your voice has an impeccable mutli-layered soulfulness. Tell us how you consistently reach those powerful high notes and how difficult is it for performers?
A: Thank you so much Haren. When it comes to reaching high notes, it’s a lot about control, rest the night before and having an ear for the note. I think the most difficulty in singing happens when you haven’t warmed up your voice, if you’re nervous or tired. Also, I love dance and I’ve tried to sing and do choreography at the same time…wow that is really hard! lol
6. Recently, I came across a pic of you with pointy fangs for your role as a seductive vampire in the upcoming indie horror flick “Empress Vampire”. Can you tell us a little about your role and was it like to go all vamped up?
A: Well I had a blast playing vampire Candace for the film. It’s a Sci Fi, Musical, Comedy Horror flick kind of in the vein of Rocky Horror Picture Show or any B movie Horror film out there with a twist. I actually haven’t seen the final version of the movie, so I don’t know how much I’m in it. I’m not one of the lead characters. I play one of the Vampire assistants to the lead Vampire. My main scene is when me and another Vampire seduce these FBI agents.
We sing and waltz with them before we kill them..lol. The funny thing is I sang in the studio recording the voice that the other Vampire lip synchs to. So I’m actually lip synching to another singers voice. It’s cool though… it was a casting decision that happened after the recording. The whole crew were great on set. It was fun putting on fangs and playing an evil character. We laughed alot during this shoot.
7. Just like the majority of actresses I’ve had the pleasure to befriend, you’re undeniably one of the nicest ladies in the industry. Why is it important to treat people well no matter where they’re from or whatever their stature may be?
A: Thanks Haren. I do believe you should treat people the way you’d like to be treated. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you do in my mind. I believe in Karma as well.
8. You were born in Central Africa, spent your formative years in Canada and now pursue artistic endeavors in LA, embodying the spirit of global citizenship. What would be your ideal getaway in future and can I be your tag-along?
A: Well I do love to travel. My favorite get away right now would probably be Hawaii. I would love to take a week off and just relax and meditate by the beach. So I hope I can do that soon. I’m flattered that you’d like to come along:)
9. What does the lovely and talented Rachael Owens have in store for her fans in the latter part of 2011 and beyond?
A: Well, I will be releasing my music on Itunes, Amazon and CD Baby very soon.. I will also be filming more original videos and covers for youtube. I have a few directors who are also interested in making a few more music videos for me as well. I don’t know when that will happen though. Also my CD Release Party is on August 12, Friday night at 10 pm at Room 5 in Hollywood. I haven’t played my own show for a really long time, as I’ve been recording. So come on out!
Thanks Haren for being such a supporter of my music! I really appreciate it and hope to meet you one day!
With more and more egging me on to feature more Luscious Latinas, it is a pleasure to have the Sizzler Of Summer LIANA MENDOZA be marveled at today. She’s famed for steaming up late nights on TV in “Zane’s Sex Chronicles” as the man eater Trinity; Intoxicating men and leaving a trail of broken hearts, LIANA was massively beguiling…would have love to see her in more than just the 10 racy episodes! She was playing against type of course, having affirmed that she adores men and that us guys were born to please women…Nice!! Oh by the way, she’s a certified hypnotherapist but I get a feeling we’re the one being hypnotized by her desirability. Guest starring as Marie Galasso on “Bones”, LIANA had a tete-a-tete with David Boreanaz’s Booth who tries to push her buttons. She was excellent as Marie, the petite firecracker giving as good as she got! From TV to Indie Babe, her dramedy “From The Head” with Matthew Lillard of “Scream” Fame is an official selection at the 4th Annual Philadelphia Independant Film Festival running from 22-26th June and the chance to watch the bootylicious LIANA on the big screen is reason enough to attend this event. This Hispanic Hottie is rapidly making headway and moving on up to major studio pictures.
In case you thought LIANA was only heating up film features, she’s currently shooting a music video with her mentor Mr Sleepy from Outkast who has a fab new single “You’re My Lady” in anticipation of his upcoming album Sex, Drugs & Soul. It’s stripped down smoothness reminiscent of the funkiness of Curtis Mayfield. Christened as Roxxy (her alter-ego), LIANA is under Sleepy’s label 13 Black Records, has performed live on stage with him and it would be a triumphant trifecta to see them collaborate on a music video…I’m betting LIANA will exude full on sensuality. Most significantly she’s been called super nice in person and the show of tremendous support for everything she does grows by the day. She’s clearly one of the most enticing ladies on the planet not just in terms of outer beauty but her passion for her craft and well-known warm-hearted personality would surely have her in high demand.
It’s such a pleasure to write about the stunning HAVILAND STILLWELL as she’s a cascade of absorbing buzz. From her recent appearance in ‘CSI:NEW YORK’ last week to co-starring with Jennifer Love Hewitt on her escort drama ‘THE CLIENT LIST’ and being a dear friend of “GLEE” vixen Lea Michele, she’s a treasure trove of infotainment all on her own. With her being openly a lesbian, the fascination for this very special lady keeps growing tenfold and i predict she’s going to be newsworthy for a long time to come. I know fans can’t get enough of her Southern comfort…come to think of it why isn’t HAVILAND in “TRUE BLOOD”. Being a fabulous singer as well, she also contributed the catchy tune Hurts So Good/I Like It Rough from her debut album How I Role for a parody of ‘THE L WORD’. Go to itunes and get the album and this comes direct from Haviland herself so show your support for her….:) I’m only just discovering her wealth of talent and HAVILAND has already got me all shook up. Get yourselves up-to-date on this honey at the HAVILAND STILLWELL OFFICIAL SITE
Heavily compared with a certain starlet of yesteryear Olivia de Havilland, she herself has an exuberant aura that’s a fabulous extension to the photogenic beauty that she is. Always banking on the positives in life, Haviland is a cavalcade of spunk which in turn maximizes her rapidly multiplying appeal. This cutie from Savannah, Georgia is entrancing us with her bubbly, charm offensive and striking a chord with viewers worldwide.
The heart-pounding indie film “CALL BACK” was when i first discovered singer/songwriter and actress CHANTELLE BERRY. It’s always fascinating to watch the ladies gain the upper hand as they transform from victims to purveyors of torture. In “CALL BACK”, there’s tons of girl-on-girl action and abuse via a blender that’s not for the squeamish. CHANTELLE is excellent as the predatory femme fatale who in tandem with her aspiring actress girlfriend dishes out gruesome punishment to the unfortunate sleazy director. Embodying the spirit of perseverance to achieve one’s dreams, Chantalle’s move to LA from Australia has seen a sustained period of success for this gorgeous brunette. An appearance in hit series ‘ENTOURAGE’ and a recurring role role on “90210″ installed her as a TV Vixen. On the music front, she launched her debut album “Simple Things” in 2009 and is finishing up on her brand new single “Take A Walk With Me”. Check out the making of video (above) as she takes you behind the scenes of the recording process. You can also sample the song at the CHANTELLE BERRY REVERBNATION site as this sparkling lady enthralls you with her rosy vocals that are exquisitely layered in every tune.
If you need even more info on this cutie, you can still visit the CHANTELLE BERRY MUSIC SITE for photos, videos and even a sexy FHM Magazine Spread…..This girl is every bit a pin-up goddess…:) Invigorating in every way, the multi-talented CHANTELLE has a vivaciousness that’s as addictive as the stylish music she creates.
Photo By Danya Morrison© 
