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Carmel Helene - singer

Carmel Helene is a singer/songwriter/guitarist whose talented musical ranges from heavy metal, jazz, folk, and everything in between. She has sung for numerous commercials film and television shows, such as C.S.I., Jimmy Kimmel Live, National Lampoon’s "Golddiggers", Iomega, Dr. Pepper, Perrier and more.
Carmel worked the Vegas circuit in the late 90’s, and was cast as the lead vocalist in the Las Vegas show, "Le Follies Bergere", as well as performing her original works in several other venues. She was a back-up singer for Michael Bolton during an East Coast promotional tour, appearing on shows such as The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, Rosie O’Donnell, Vibe, and The Larry Sanders Show.
As a talented songwriter in her own right, with several songs placed in television and film, Carmel has worked with multi-platinum songwriters Andy Goldmark and Kashif, and Grammy Award winning producers Danny Sembello, and Narada Michael Walden. She was nominated for "Independent Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year" and "Music Video of the Year" by the L.A. Music Awards in 2005.
In May of 2006, she shared the main stage with John Novello as a guest artist, along side Al Green, Seal, Babyface, Rihanna and more, at the 15th annual St. Lucia Jazz festival. The St. Lucia Jazz Festival is the premier and largest jazz festival in the Caribbean, and is currently being televised on BET to millions of viewers.
Writing and performing most of her life, Carmel is now going "unplugged" and taking her acoustic show on the road, while also in the studio finishing up her debut album. Whether she’s jumping off drum risers with the high energy of her rock band, or in a simple acoustic setting, she proves to be an artist who cannot be ignored.

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Accademia Apulia UK has asked Carmel Helene the following questions:

When and how did your passion for music begin?
From about 5 years old. I’ve always loved music. Always. It does something to me.

Is there a special artist that you draw inspiration from?

Well, that’s a tough question. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Blondie, disco & funk, and then went on to Madonna and Whitney Houston and of course some cheesy 80’s one hit wonders. When I was a teenager I got into bands like Motley Crue, Metallica and Pantera and even some pretty hardcore metal & punk. I love Alanis Morissette, Aretha Franklin, Prince, No Doubt, Beth Hart, Ani Defranco and anything funky. I literally listen to everything.

In 2005 the L.A. Music Awards nominated you for "Independent Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year" and "Music Video of the Year". What do these nominations mean to you? Did you ever dream or think that your artistic endeavors would achieve such popularity?

I’m very pleased that people appreciate my music and I love when people come up to me and tell me how they love my songs, my voice, or how it inspires them. I never get tired of hearing it. I had always hoped to do what I’m doing, although it never happens in the way you expect.

Singers such as Elton John, Celine Dion, Madonna, Michael Bolton and many other international stars, including you, have performed in Las Vegas - why is this destination a Mecca for performers these days?

Personally, I ended up in Vegas as a complete accident. I auditioned for fun while I was there for another job and got the lead role in The Folies Bergere show at the Tropicana. Subsequently, I had to move and live there for a couple years. I think international stars perform there because of the booming tourist industry and because they can make a lot of money from a residency there where people can come from all over to see you, and you can’t really do that anywhere else.

You will soon be touring with Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus. How did this work relationship begin?

I’ve been working with the Cyrus camp for about a year and a half now. The audition was by referral only and I heard about it through a friend I had toured with before. I actually knew a lot of the girls at the audition and had sung with some of them before. We each sang separately on the four songs they told us to learn. The call-back’s were the next day and I was asked to sing with several other girls to see who blended and sounded best together. I got the gig just in time to jump on a plane to Columbia for some other shows I had booked out there!

Which international audience has given you the warmest welcome so far? Which city in the world would you like to reach with your music next?
Every city has been amazing, and I have awesome friends and fans all over the world.

You are a singer and a music/song writer. Which of these skills come first into play when you feel inspired?

It’s never the same, but usually I think of the lyrics first, but sometimes it’s the melody, and sometimes a cool guitar riff.

Of the songs that you have written so far, is there one closest to your heart?
They are all close to my heart because they are all personal. There is usually a story behind each one. But sometimes I do get bored of hearing one song so often and have to pick another favorite for a while.

Your music embraces jazz, rock and pop rhythms - which of these genres moves your soul the most?
I truly love all music but I probably gravitate mostly to pop and rock in my own music.

You are involved with several charities, including The Red Cross, as well as many Human Rights associations - what is the most rewarding aspect of the support you show these groups?
I just feel like there are many aspects to life in order to have balance and helping others is a huge part of that. It’s one of the best feelings in the world when you truly have made a difference in someone’s life for the better.

What is your next dream to realise?
I just want to continue writing and recording and traveling to all parts of the world sharing my music with people who enjoy it. I especially love live performing and connecting with the crowd. I’d love to bring my family on the road and have some fun!

What is your message for aspiring young artists in search of affirmation?
Number one: Be true to your own goals. It takes a lot hard work, organization, practice and a plan. So visualize the success you want, and step-by-step, if you persist with the intention to do something, you really can do anything. It is your INTENTION that makes it happen.
Number two: Don’t get too serious. You may notice sometimes when people get real serious about an issue and it starts to work in the exact opposite of what they had hoped for. Or if you HAVE to have something, you don’t get it. And when you really DON’T want something, you can’t get rid of it? Keep a more playful attitude towards achieving your goals and good luck!

Accademia Apulia UK suggests the following links for a career in Music and Entertainment

Music Directory

Broadcasting School

Central School of Speech and Drama

Carmel Helene

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