Up-and-Coming Singers to Release New Hits at Winter Music Conference

SOBEGAYINFO.COM recently had the pleasure to ask two such up-and-comers about their new singles that will be released during the 23rd Winter Music Conference. Christian George brings his success as a dancer for the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Beyonce and directs his passion into his new single "Strangers". Jamie Jo, a Florida native, began her singing and songwriting career in high school, after discovering a true passion for the power of music. Her love of music led to one of her jingles being featured in an ad for Burdines and her teaming up with John Merchant, producer for Barry Gibb (Bee Gees). From that point, she has never looked back.

Christian George

Christian tells us about his transformation from dancer to singer...

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Who were your musical influences?

Christian - There are so many, but the main two artists that had a huge impact on me and my music were Elvis Presley and George Michael. Reason being is that they are white acts that did soul and R&B music. Now although the first release on my album is a dance song, the rest of my album is predominantly soul and R&B.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - The jump from dancer to singer can be a big leap. Do you think your work as a dancer/choreographer for other artists has helped you with your singing endeavor? What challenges have you had to overcome to make the transition successfully?

Christian - Although I did choreograph a handful of national commercials and was a guest celebrity choreographer on a few television shows, the majority of the work that I did was as a dancer and stylist, and to answer your question, yes it helped tremendously with my singing endeavor. Reason being that I had the opportunity to see what the artist in my eyes was doing right and also see what the artist was not doing so right. I would then, of course, apply the right things to me and my music and be very aware I didn't make the same mistakes I would see the artist I was working for make.

A lot of dancers try to make the transition into music after they feel like they've done enough dancing. The problem a lot of them face is that they have done so much dancing and have been seen so much as a dancer that they are looked at only as that... a dancer who now wants to sing. I, on the other hand, did work a lot as a dancer but made sure I was never that visible. I was more about making the money and not so much about getting a shot on television because I never wanted to be recognized as another dancer trying to sing. Only as a singer who danced.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Do you have any formal musical training?

Christian - The only formal training I've had is with my voice coach Nick Cooper.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Could you describe the musical style of your upcoming album?

Christian - The musical style of my album is a blend of 80's R&B/pop with my own twist. I worked very hard on this album and I am very excited that it finally came to fruition.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - When will your album be released?

Christian - We haven't quite set a date for the full-length release, but it should happen later this summer.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - I've listened to your new release "Strangers". I was particularly impressed with the Funk Generation Club Mix and can see how this song could become popular with the dance crowd. Will you be looking to get other DJs and/or producers to remix your music? Do you feel remixing changes the meaning or interpretation of your work?

Christian - Thank you. That's one of my favorite remixes as well. We already have had a handful of the world's top re-mixers doing versions of "STRANGERS" that came out amazing... I couldn't be happier with the remixes. If other DJs and re-mixers feel compelled to do a version, by all means feel free. But since the promo disc has already been pressed, probably not.

I feel that remixing gives the song a whole new life and potentially makes more people fall in love with the song that might not have liked the original.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - What's in your Ipod right now?

Christian - Hmmm... What's in my Ipod now? A lot of 80's music... George Michael, Genesis, Morris Day, Prince to name a few.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - What are you most looking forward to while in Miami Beach for Winter Music Conference?

Christian - My parents stay most of the year in South Florida so its going to be nice to spend a few days with them.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Winter Music Conference is such a huge event. It is easy for DJs and performing artists to get lost in the shuffle of all the events that are going on. Can you tell us where and when will you be performing while in town for Winter Music Conference?

Christian - I don't have any performances planned for this conference outside of in the shower... I'm an amazing shower singer.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Can you tell us about any big projects you're working on for the future? What can your fans look forward to for the remainder of 2008?

Christian - Outside of the release of this record and touring, I'm set to star in the comedy "Last Hurrah" which I will start shooting later this year.

Jamie Jo [web site]

Jamie Jo is excited about the release of her new single and follow-on full-length album...

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Who were your musical influences?

Jamie Jo - The Bee Gees, Sade, U2, David Bowie, Madonna, Everything But The Girl, Astrud Gilberto, Global Soul, Buddha Bar, Luffkastellef 2, Frank Sinatra.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - What was your inspiration for your new album?

Jamie Jo - At first, it was enjoying life and love. Through that it evolved into a journey to beautiful places, art, and culture in a sultry, sensual experience of the senses.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Do you have any formal musical training?

Jamie Jo - I've played the piano since I was six, and have had the pleasure of working with one of the world's best songwriters, Barry Gibb.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Listening to your new single "You Turn Me On", I'm reminded of a sultry Deborah Harry. Could you describe the musical style of your upcoming album?

Jamie Jo - Deborah Harry is a great example; international pop and dance with sultry mood music.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - When will your new album "In Violet" be released? Will it be available on Itunes or other popular online music sources?

Jamie Jo - It will be released digitally in the spring on my web page, and through other digital distribution outlets that sell music.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - How do you feel about your music being remixed? Do you feel that remixes change the vision or meaning of how the song is supposed to be interpreted?

Jamie Jo - Both remixes and originals hold exciting and sultry qualities. It is all about fast and slow.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - What's in your Ipod right now?

Jamie Jo - Many of the influences I listed.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - What are you most looking forward to while in Miami Beach for Winter Music Conference?

Jamie Jo - Just experiencing the WMC itself.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Winter Music Conference is such a huge event. It is easy for DJs and performing artists to get lost in the shuffle of all the events that are going on. Can you tell us where and when will you be performing while in town for Winter Music Conference?

Jamie Jo - I'll be doing press at the WMC, no performances have been scheduled at this time.

SOBEGAYINFO.COM - Can you tell us about any big projects you’re working on for the future? What can your fans look forward to for the remainder of 2008?

Jamie Jo - My album!