Hey it's Jeremy Gloff here your OUTmusic interviewer! This time around
we have Dare 2 B Dif'rnt from NY! They are wonderful so make sure to
check out their music in our OUTmusic player. Here's what they had to
say when we sat down and emailed:
1) There are two members in Dare 2B Dif'rnt. Can you tell me about each member and the role you each play?
Paulie
- Debra and I work together as a team. Each decision is made as a group
effort, whether it be writing ,or deciding what song we would like to
cover. We always want what's best to properly execute the song and it's
message.
Debra - I feel the same way. I would also like to add that Paulie's strength is my inspiration.
2) When was Dare 2 B Dif'rnt formed?
Paulie - Dare 2B Dif'rnt was formed back in 1993. Our first release was "A World Of Love " in 1994.
Debra - Guess that says it all lol.
3) Reading your bio I saw the 9/11 attack played a role in the band reuniting.
Will you share that story with my readers?
Paulie
- Sure... Debra and I had split for awhile. We were upset with the lack
of promotion ZYX Music was committing to Us. Artist development is
crucial when breaking a new act. Once Harry Towers ( Who now runs Deet
Promotions) left the company the heart and soul seemed to have gone
with him. We decided to leave and peruse other things. Heart broken
Debra wanted to take a break and regroup. There is a great amount of
work, sacrifice, persistence and time one must commit to in order to
make some headway in this business of music.
Missing our fans and
performing live we felt the timing was right. We also felt like we
started something and never finished it. It was that emptiness which
drove our hearts. We were in the studio days before putting some
finishing touches on our next record when 9/11 hit. Debra working for
E.M.S. at the time, and was one of the early responders to the scene.
The devastation and loss left a great shock on the entire nation let
alone those who where at the scene day after day. Singing became a
healing mechanism. It was the suggestion of Harry Towers to re- record
"A World Of Love. " We were then informed that club DJ Marvin Collett
played the song as the last song of his set every night. He wanted the
message a world of love to be the last thing his patrons remembered.
We
also learned that WSIA DJ Raven, who was one of the few DJs's who
decided to play music on the radio after 9/11, and was the only DJ
playing music in NYC as all the other stations went all talk. She
wanted the world to know we were alive and New Yorkers were resilient.
She too played "A World Of Love as well as many other inspirational
tones to keep our spirit alive. Hats off to them. We then quickly
remixed, re mastered and never looked back.
Debra - After
working hundreds of hours at Ground Zero, I felt I had to put my
emotions aside. I had no choice and it was what I had to do to get
through it. Each day after my shift I felt a great loss, a loss of
living and when we were talking about music we felt we had to put out a
positive message through our music that life still goes on andwe can
still get up after we've been knocked down and appreciate life,love
& living.
4) What is your current project?
Paulie -
Our current project is "There's Something In The Air" which has been
doing extremely well for us and has been remixed by some of the best -
Josh Harris, Georgie Porgie, Chris "The Greek," Friscia and Lamboy and
DJ Giuseppe D amongst others. Right now we are in the studio now
getting our next two singles done and putting the finishing touches on
our album do out late spring early summer if everything goes right.
Debra - We're are in the studio working on a PRIDE song (hint,hint,it's a secret...)
5) Do you enjoy performing live or being in the studio more?
Paulie
- Both...There is nothing like a live audience. The excitement is
overwhelming especially when they sing your song back to you. The
studio bring accomplishment. The next level so to speak as you ready to
introduce something new.
Debra -Singing live or in the studio
are both awesome experiences. Singing live is an emotional experience
-feeling the crowd and reaching out to them with our music. Singing in
the studio is inspirational. We are all working together and bringing
out the best of each other.
6) Who are some artists that have inspired your work?
Paulie
- For me as a child it was the Osmonds and the Jacksons of which I'm
still a big fan of. There are so many artist just to name a few...
Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Georgie Porgie, Pepper MaShay,
Jacinta, Lady Ga Ga, Yaz, Kate Bush, Madonna Just to name a few...
Debra
- There are too many to say..I feel like I'm leaving so many behind
...so let say that I'm most inspired by Madonna, Annie Lennox, Kate
Bush and Melissa Etheridge.
7) What is your favorite venue to play in NY City??
Paulie
- I don''t necessarily have a favorite venue but the performances which
had the most impact on me were at the legendary Stone Wall and the NYC
Gay Pride Parade.. Just the history alone of the Stonewall was enough
to leave a lasting impression. It was the 30 anniversary celebration.
We must never forget the significance and importance of that day. We
must never forget those who stood up so we can stand proudly today. The
place was packed and we were one of the privileged artist to perform.
I'll never forget how everyone reacted to "Come To My Window" It sends
chills down my spine till this day. The second wasn't necessarily a
venue so to speak. We were also privileged to perform on the Deet
Promotions, Music Plant float for the gay pride parade in NYC. That day
will forever stay with me. To go down Christopher Street with thousands
of people looking back at you. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking
about it. I never felt such a scene of pride in all my life.
Debra
- Like Paulie said the Stonewall & the NYC Pride Float. I can't
even put into words the energy that is felt when that float turns that
final corner in the heart of NYC Pride....it's unbelievable..
8) What are the future plans of Dare 2 B Dif'rnt?.
Paulie
- Right now we are concentrating on getting the album done. We are very
active in giving back to the less fortunate. We will be participating
in a benefit for the Staten Island Hospice and will perform with other
Deet Promotion Artists at the Domestic Violence March in Washington DC
October 6th.
Debra - The sky's the limit. Like Paulie said, we
are dedicated to helping others and there are many causes which we
support. Dare 2B Dif'rnt will always help those who need it. After all.
We want to help make a world full of love.
9) Any advice for other out artists?
Paulie
- There is something that was told to me by my good friend Pepper
MaShay that has stayed with me and I'd like to pass on. In short "Never
Give Up." She has survived and has been in this business for a long
time. Her resume is too long and impressive to list. I will never
forget the conversation we had. How she told me to hold my head up
high. Every one has there turn and one must never give up. It's a rough
business you must have and develop a thick skin. Hard work and
determination will pay off in the end. Keep doing what your doing for
the love of the music. Remember "United As One In Dance." That's the
best advice I could give.
Debra - Be true to yourself,be loyal
to those who've been there supporting you and enjoy the ride. Also,
always show love and respect to your fans. Realize that your fans are
your backbone and they can hold you up when things get difficult.
10) What is Dare 2 B Dif'rnt's fave Madonna song?
Paulie
- There are too many to list. However the one we sort of agreed upon
was.... Like A Prayer. The video was groundbreaking and the song is
inspirational.There is so much I respect and admire her for. Her
business savvy, her constant reinventing her self. her songs ,her sense
of style and so on and so on. She has never forgotten the GLBT
community. We must always stand by and support her and all GLBT
artists. On a different note, I would like to add that I miss Jeremy
Hovies who had a top 20 music show on Sirius. He was very influential
and exposed so many new GLBT artist. Someone needs to hire him.
Debra - Same as Paulie, plus I love "Frozen"
Let's face it, these two are rad!!! Well thanks to JD Doyle for helping me with this! Find more out artists at
www.queermusicheritage.com and
www.outmusic.comTil next month!
Jeremy Gloff