Nobody’s Angel – Interview

Ali’s answers.

What are you ladies up to these days?

Well, the last two weeks we’ve had off for the holiday season, which was very nice. I got to relax and hang out with my family and friends. Now we’re getting ready to go back on the road to do the Queen Latifah show and to start rehearsing for our huge show coming up February 6th at the Palace in Hollywood.

Was joining a group and performing music something you’ve always wanted to do or did it just happen?

Being a part of the music industry is something that I’ve been pursuing since I was twelve and a half years old. Being a part of Nobody’s Angel was a dream come true. We met, became friends, so it only seemed natural to form a group and pursue our lifelong dream.

I know with speaking with you before that you said you talk with fans after shows and on occasion they ask for advice. What sort of things do they ask and how do you answer them?

The most common question is, ‘How did you get started?’ and ‘How do you go about it?’ I usually just say if it’s something you truly want to do, take lots of classes, get involved in choir or drama at school, community theater, and practice! Practice! Practice!

How did you get signed to hollywood records?

We did a five song demo which got our foot in the door. They called us in for a meeting to meet the A&R guys. We did one of our songs and answered a million questions. Then they told us they were bringing us back to meet the prez. We came back, rearranged the furniture in the prez’s office, and did a medley of our songs we had put together with choreography. We finished our number, sat on his couch nervous, but bubbling with excitement. He looked at us, smiled and said, ‘Welcome to the Disney family.’

What is the biggest misconception about being signed to a record label? What was the thing that surprised you most?

I think the biggest misconception about being signed to a record label is the fact you might have to sign your life away. The thing that has been totally cool is that we all collaborate in everything, from the creative side to the business side.

How did you get together? And where did the name come from? Am I boring you yet?

We met three years ago in LA. Amy Sue and I had done tons of musical theater together. Sarah and Stacey were on dance scholarships together. I met Sarah at various dance auditions. We all met, became friends, and the rest is history. We were all at Stacey’s house coming up with names when Sarah said, ‘Guys, we should do something like Charlie’s Angels.’ Then Stacey said, ‘Sarah, you are nobody’s angel.’ The we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s it!’

You keep in touch with fans which is weird in this day and age. How important is it to keep in touch with them?

I think it’s extremely important keeping in touch with our fans. We’ve been very fortunate to have the kind of fans we have. They’ve been there from the start and have been very loyal and supported us in making our dream come true. I don’t have a computer but I always write. It may take a bit longer but I always respond back. I love receiving letters!

One reader wanted to know if you had to make up a name for yourselves like the Spice Girls what would your names be?

Well, I would definitely say that I’m Spunky Angel. I’m pretty hyper, a bit crazy with my clothing choices, bubbly, and always talking a mile a minute. And it was me that said Amy Sue is the Worry Angel. She worries about everything and thinks about everything. It’s one of those qualities you just gotta love about her.

Now that you are away from home more and more how do you deal with it? What or who do you miss most?

I actually deal with being on the road pretty well. I love traveling and meeting new people, but my phone bill is astronomical. I’m always on the phone. I bet the phone company loves me. (laughs) Of course, I miss my family and friends, but sometimes they surprise me and show up at some of our shows across country. I also miss my cat, Mystic, dearly.

You’ve done Boy Meets World and a movie. How has that hepled you?

Being on TV has helped us a great deal. Boy Meets World was our TV debut and we got such great response even in Canada from that one episode. It’s pretty amazing, the power of TV. We had a wonderful experience working on Boy Meets World and Cover Girls . Every day on Boy Meets World was so nice. The cast is like a huge family. Ben was always cracking jokes. Let me tell you, he does a rendition of our song with moves and all. That’s quite amazing. (laughs)

Your record label is owned by Disney so my question is will there be Disney specials in your future?

Actually, we’re doing a Disney Channel show called The 7th Hour. It’s going to be so cool. It’ll be at the Palace in Hollywood. We’ll be performing with a live band and about six hot guy dancers. Yeah!

Who did you listen to growing up? Is anyone in your family in the business?

I grew up listening to Judy Garland, Barbara Striesand. I wanted to do Broadway shows. My idols are Madonna, Gloria Estefan, and the late Selena. I love Christina Aguilera, No Doubt, and Shania Twain. I got involved in showbiz when I was about six and got started off with musical theater, Annie, Fiddler [On The Roof], Gypsy, etc. I did lots of commercials, voice-overs, and lots of episodic work on TV shows. My parents are not in showbiz at all. They are teachers, but my brother, Josh Keaton, was the former lead singer of No Authority, now solo on RCA. He’s done the voice of Hercules in the Disney movie and has a reoccurring roll on the Young & The Restless. My sisters, Sabrina and Danielle, do lots of commercials and episodic work on TV, and my little sister Danielle will be in the new Beethoven 3 movie and was in the LA production of the musical Ragtime. I’m totally proud of all of them.

You’ve all been performing before Nobody’s Angel so for those who don’t know what are some of the things you have done?

Before joining or forming Nobody’s Angel, I reoccurred on NBC’s My Two Dads, had a TV show called Sanchez of Bel-Air, did jingles for commercials like Jello, Captain Crunch cereal, Barbie commercials, and lots of musicals. I did a Backstreet Boys video. I actually did that when Nobody’s Angel had just started. The things that sucked? Well, I was a perfume spritz girl for two weeks at Norstrum and I waited tables in Bennigan’s, Antartica, and Gaucho Grill. I quit the day we got our record contract.

Is it tough waiting for you album to come out since its been done for a year? Is it crazy to even think about new material?

It’s been absolutely crazy waiting for the album to come out. They kept telling us the release dates, then pushing them back. I was starting to think it was never going to happen. Now we know for sure it’s February 1st. Yeah. I totally can’t wait. I think it would be a little crazy to start thinking about new material, especially because it was just one month ago our first single got released. I’d say though, come summertime, that’s when we will start brainstorming and putting together ideas for the second album.

What can we expect from Nobody’s Angel in 2000 and beyond?

You can expect fun! Fun! Fun! Some awesome videos, an amazing tour, and possibly the Nobody’s Angel TV show! Oh, it’s so good to dream. (smile)

Sarah’s answers.

What are you ladies up to these days?

We’re just about to leave for New York to do some photo shoots and other fun stuff.

Was joining a group and performing music something you’ve always wanted to do or did it just happen?

Well, kind of both. I really moved to L.A. from Michigan to dance and just sang on the side. But when I met the girls, I was able to do both.

I know with speaking with you before that you said you talk with fans after shows and on occasion they ask for advice. What sort of things do they ask and how do you answer them?

Well, most ask, ‘How can we get started in doing what you are?’ and my response is to just practice and believe in yourself. And it doesn’t hurt to know the right people.

How did you get signed to hollywood records?

We went in with a demo tape the first time and didn’t ever perform. And then they called us back for another meeting with Bob Cavallo. At that meeting, things got a bit crazy in a good way. We ended up dancing on his table and he loved it.

What is the biggest misconception about being signed to a record label? What was the thing that surprised you most?

It’s not all fun and games. There’s a lot of hard work involved, and just because you’re on a label does not mean you’re rich.

How did you get together? And where did the name come from? Am I boring you yet?

All the angels met in LA and became friends first. We met at auditions for dance and theater jobs mostly. And we came up with the idea when Stacey said to me, ‘You’re nobody’s angel.’

You keep in touch with fans which is weird in this day and age. How important is it to keep in touch with them?

It’s very important. We have so much fun with our fans. They’re the ones that make this so exciting.

One reader wanted to know if you had to make up a name for yourselves like the Spice Girls what would your names be?

Amy Sue would be Worry Angel, Stacy would be Outspoken Angel, Ali would be Hyper Angel, and I would be Free Spirit Angel.

Now that you are away from home more and more how do you deal with it? What or who do you miss most?

It’s pretty hard to be away for long periods of time, but we keep ourselves busy to keep our minds off of home. And the person who I miss the most is my best friend.

You’ve done Boy Meets World and a movie. How has that hepled you?

I had such a wonderful time doing both Boy Meets World and Cover Girls. Ben was so funny and we actually keep running into him at different events, so we keep in touch. I think I can speak for all of us and say we’d love to do more things like that on TV.

Your record label is owned by Disney so my question is will there be Disney specials in your future?

I know we’re doing a show for them in February and it will be aired later, and we’ve been doing a lot of other things with Disney, too, like Disney Land and World shows, Disney radio, and other videos playing on Disney channel right now.

Who did you listen to growing up? Is anyone in your family in the business?

I grew up listening to Madonna, Michael and Janet Jackson, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, just to name a few. Now I listen to a big variety, from the Beatles to the Backstreet Boys, and from the Steve Miller Band to Ginuwine. Nobody from my family is in the industry, but my sister Angie and I started taking dance when I was four so I guess that’s when it started.

You’ve all been performing before Nobody’s Angel so for those who don’t know what are some of the things you have done?

My first performing job was Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery, working with Mike Myers, so it was a blast. I also did the second Austin Powers, Batman & Robin, Scream 2, She’s All That, Why Fools Fall In Love, and worked with Julio Iglesias and Britney Spears.

Is it tough waiting for you album to come out since its been done for a year? Is it crazy to even think about new material?

I’m so excited about the album coming out. I love the end result so I can’t wait for other people to hear it. We’ve all been going crazy for a year for it to come out. And we’re all constantly writing, but we’re not going in the studio for a while.

What can we expect from Nobody’s Angel in 2000 and beyond?

Just expect to see us a lot and be ready to dance, party, and have fun.

Stacey’s answers.

What are you ladies up to these days?

Doing a lot of promotional shows and getting ready for our first Disney concert.

Was joining a group and performing music something you’ve always wanted to do or did it just happen?

For me, it kinda just happened. I’ve always loved singing, but I never really thought I’d do anything with it. Guess I was wrong!

I know with speaking with you before that you said you talk with fans after shows and on occasion they ask for advice. What sort of things do they ask and how do you answer them?

We always tell them to practice a lot and really make sure this is what you want to do. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment.

How did you get signed to hollywood records?

We actually performed in the office of the president of Hollywood Records. I mean, I actually danced on his table. He had no choice but to sign us or call security. (laughs)

What is the biggest misconception about being signed to a record label? What was the thing that surprised you most?

N/a

How did you get together? And where did the name come from? Am I boring you yet?

(laughs) You’re not boring me, this is just the one question we get asked all the time. We were at my house trying to come up with names and Sarah said she wanted to do something like Charlie’s Angels and I said to her she was nobody’s angel. And it just stuck.

You keep in touch with fans which is weird in this day and age. How important is it to keep in touch with them?

I think it is very important because they are the ones that make you or break you. Plus, our fans are awesome. They make shirts and bring us the cutest gifts and stuff. How could you not want to talk to them?

One reader wanted to know if you had to make up a name for yourselves like the Spice Girls what would your names be?

I think everyone would agree that mine would be Diva Angel or Messy Angel, but I prefer the first.

Now that you are away from home more and more how do you deal with it? What or who do you miss most?

I really miss my family and my dog, Missy. But I carry a picture of her and put it by my bed. Plus, I talk to my mom and dad like every other day. You wouldn’t believe my phone bill. I’m taking any offers to pay it.

You’ve done Boy Meets World and a movie. How has that hepled you?

Let me say Ben is the goofiest guy out there and we love him to death. Boy Meets World was a great thing because it gave us so much exposure. When we went to Canada to do the movie, people knew us from Boy Meets World . We really enjoy doing television and one of our goals is to have our own show one day.

Your record label is owned by Disney so my question is will there be Disney specials in your future?

Yes! Yes! Yes! I love that mouse!

Who did you listen to growing up? Is anyone in your family in the business?

Growing up, I listened to lots of different of music, from New Edition to New Kids to good old Motown. Now I listen to rap, hip-hop, and pop music. But Elvis Presley is my favorite. Don’t ask me why, but I love him and his movies. You got to admit he was a babe back in the day.

You’ve all been performing before Nobody’s Angel so for those who don’t know what are some of the things you have done?

I’ve done tons and tons of videos for people like LL Cool J, Will Smith, Offspring, Smash Mouth, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, and many others. I was one of the dancers with Ricky Martin last year at the Grammy’s and I’ve done a couple of movies.

Is it tough waiting for you album to come out since its been done for a year? Is it crazy to even think about new material?

It’s tough, but cool too because sometimes I’ve gone three months without hearing a song. Then I hear it again and I’m like, ‘Wow, we did that? That’s kinda tight.’ And I start liking our music all over again.

What can we expect from Nobody’s Angel in 2000 and beyond?

To take over, baby!

Amy Sue’s answers.

What are you ladies up to these days?

We are enjoying the traveling and trying to make Nobody’s Angel a household name.

Was joining a group and performing music something you’ve always wanted to do or did it just happen?

I have always wanted to be a singer. When we formed the group, I felt like we had the perfect combination to really make it. We really need each other.

I know with speaking with you before that you said you talk with fans after shows and on occasion they ask for advice. What sort of things do they ask and how do you answer them?

My advice to developing pop groups out there is to get as much performance experience as possible: school talent shows, church, retirement homes, etc.

How did you get signed to hollywood records?

We put together a five song demo tape and our producer knew the right people and we got a meeting with the president. We knocked him dead when we took over his office and put on a full on production with singing and dancing on his furniture.

What is the biggest misconception about being signed to a record label? What was the thing that surprised you most?

The biggest misconception is that you’re rich. We’re not. You don’t actually start making money until you sell millions of records. I was surprised by all the free gifts and clothes. That is the awesome thing.

How did you get together? And where did the name come from? Am I boring you yet?

We all became friends in LA and knew if we pooled our talents together we would make it. We were at Stacey’s house trying to come up with a name and Sarah said, ‘We should do something like Charlie’s Angel’s,’ because she loves them, and Stacey said, ‘Sarah, you’re nobody’s angel,’ and there it was… poof!

You keep in touch with fans which is weird in this day and age. How important is it to keep in touch with them?

We consider our fans friends and they are so important because they keep this whole thing fun. It is great to have familiar faces in the audience who support what you’re doing.

One reader wanted to know if you had to make up a name for yourselves like the Spice Girls what would your names be?

I’m also Goofy Angel or Serious Angel.

Now that you are away from home more and more how do you deal with it? What or who do you miss most?

I travel with my stuffed cow, Moo-Moo, to ward off the homesick blues. I really miss my bed when I’m on the road.

You’ve done Boy Meets World and a movie. How has that hepled you?

We received wonderful fans from our Boy Meets World experience last year. The experience was very special because it brought us closer to our goal, the goal being the four of us singing, dancing, and acting together. We got very close to Ben and Rider during our week there and we are still friends to this day. They made being on the set a blast!

Your record label is owned by Disney so my question is will there be Disney specials in your future?

We are working on it.

Who did you listen to growing up? Is anyone in your family in the business?

I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, and Kenny Loggins. Today I listen to Lauryn Hill, Backstreet Boys, and Barenaked Ladies. My father has been singing and playing bass in a ’50’s/’60’s rock band since high school and still gets groovy with the best of ’em. I started singing with him really early on.

You’ve all been performing before Nobody’s Angel so for those who don’t know what are some of the things you have done?

I started performance in high school. I sang country music at Six Flags in St. Louis. I have done loads of musical theatre and reviews.

Is it tough waiting for you album to come out since its been done for a year? Is it crazy to even think about new material?

We think we have been ready for a year, but the extra preparation and persistence has made us stronger and more powerful as a group. We are gonna knock ’em dead in 2000!

What can we expect from Nobody’s Angel in 2000 and beyond?

A number one record and album. Sold out world tours! Fun!

+ charlie craine