Fly Like Ms. Eagle - (And Vote for Her!!)

Hello, loves!

First, happy Friday!! Hope everyone is as lucky as I am and has summer Fridays!

Second, here is the exclusive interview I promised featuring Eleisha Eagle:

1. I’m reading over your EPK and I’ve got to say – you’ve done incredible things over the past few years. Which of your many accomplishments are you most proud of?

I'd have to say I am most proud of my benefit concerts. Every year in my hometown (Lake Charles, LA) I put on a concert to raise money for non-profit organizations that benefit children. In the four years of its existence, Eleisha Eagle in Concert has raised $90,000 -- the money has gone to building classrooms, helping children with special needs, teaching kids to read, etc. I am incredibly appreciative and humbled by the amount of support that Lake Charles has given me, and the concert allows me to give back.

2. I’m listening to Neither Here Nor There Right Now. What’s your favorite song on the album (mine are Hooked and Goodbye)?

Picking a favorite song is like picking a favorite child for me, because I write all of the songs myself. There are definitely some that I like to sing more than others, but I don't have a particular favorite.

3. I’ve seen this description of you quite a bit: “She plays her electric piano with the skill of Rufus Wainwright and the quirkiness of Feist. Her voice – which exudes Norah Jones’ clarity and rivals Pavarotti’s projection – hits the back of the wall when she sings.” For everyone out there that’s never heard your music, how accurate is that statement?

Everyone who sees me play has a difficult time describing my music. The one comment that I hear more than anything is, "It's so refreshing!" That and, "How does such a big voice come out of such a little person?" I guess the Pavarotti part of the description comes from the latter statement, and the other comparisons are a nod to original pianist/singer/songwriters who have their own unique sounds. I suppose the description is less about a specific sounding genre and more about artists who have paved their own ways by staying true to their vision.

4. Who are your musical influences?

I am a HUGE fan of Nina Simone, and find myself listening to a lot of music from the twenties and thirties . When I first started writing, I was influenced by Ben Folds and Fiona Apple. Now, I listen to everything that I possibly can and pay attention to what makes my soul stir.

5. You have 10 Steps to World Domination? Tell me about that.

I was asked to write an article for a small magazine a few years ago. At that point , the DYI approach was new to the music scene and educational resources were minimal. I saw it as an opportunity to share the lessons I had learned as an independent artist with other aspiring artists.

6. So you do it all: play instruments, sing, write your own music, and – rumor has it – all while wearing five inch heels. Why is that? Napoleon complex or just a big fan of shoes? And which pair of shoes is your favorite?

Well, I might absolutely love shoes. Just maybe. :) And my feet are the only thing you see when I'm sitting behind the keyboard, so I figured I'd go all out with the foot apparel. I think my favorite pairs of shoes are a bright yellow patent leather pair from ALDO and a turquoise suede pair from Steve Madden.


Hope you all know a little more now about this talented Louisiana songstress! Don't forget to vote for her (or GGG is you feel so inclined) in the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World contest (which ends TONIGHT at midnight): http://indierockvstheworld.sonicbids.com/UniversalHeadToHead.aspx?b=25


And so you know, Eleisha is working in Florida with a non-profit right now and is - unsurprisingly - extremely busy. Special thanks to her for offering to do the interview and for answering what questions she could!
@ClaireMBiggs

I do not own the rights to this picture - it is the one on Eleisha's Facebook profile homepage.

Spread the News, I'm Leaving Today (Well, Tomorrow, But You Get the Point)

Here it is, the moment I've been dreading. I'm slowly - but all too surely - approaching my last 24 hours in New York City before I return home to Louisiana.

Farewell, subways and taxis and reliable means of public transportation! Au revoir, pop-overs from David Burke's and Chinese sausage fried rice from Buddakan!

New York, you've been so good to me (minus that one purple gum on my white shorts incident, but I guess I can let that slide)! You might have been unbearably hot some days and annoyingly stormy on others, but it seems you were as happy to have me as I was to be here!

It's funny. Eight weeks ago when I moved here for an internship, I never thought I'd miss things like getting on the metro every morning (considering how disgusting I thought it was at first). I never thought I'd exhibit signs of a "real NY-er," but alas, people have come to find that they better not stop and gawk at landmarks when I'm on a mission. Like a true city-dweller, I huff impatiently, brush past them angrily, and glare over my shoulder threateningly - it's an art, really.

I never thought I'd meet so many nice people - even though most still assure me I'm "too nice".(apparently New Yorkers stopped apologizing ages ago). Everyone I've met has never seem put off when I ask where a certain train or avenue or building is. And, as you know, I've had to ask often. (I still consider it a small, personal victory whenever guess the correct direction to head in after I get off the subway.)

Point being, New York, I'm going to miss you. Sure, your traffic is annoying and your cab drivers are kamikazes. And yes, Lebron did choose the Heat over the Knicks (which you'll never forgive, I'm sure). But, honestly, it's been a blast.

Have no fear, faithful readers! I'll still update regularly! I just wanted to brief you on the circumstances under which I'll be writing - just in case I throw you threw a loop if a "y'all" slips out every now and then.

Don't panic, I've just crossed the Mason-Dixon line...but I promise to come back soon.

So you know, here's what you can look forward to:
- an exclusive interview with Eleisha Eagle
- information on orGLAMic, so you know what products are the best - before anyone else
- fast-paced, punchy stories about what's going on in the world of fashion, PR, entertainment, world news, etc.
- including: Argentina's decision to legalize gay marriage; the oil spill supposedly being plugged; what charities your favorite celebs support

@ClaireMBiggs

I'm Only In It for the Cupcakes

There are two questions I get asked with annoying frequency:

1. Do you have anything to drink besides Dr Pepper?

and

2. Why are you on Twitter?

As you can imagine, the first question is usually asked by people who either a) don’t know me at all or b) or are having some kind of psychotic break with reality and are experiencing some kind of world where I would have something to drink other than Dr Pepper. (For those still trying to keep up, the short answer? No, I don’t have anything other than Dr Pepper).

The second, unfortunately, is usually asked by people by own age who could actually benefit by expanding their social media horizons – aka not just being on Facebook. It’s funny too, because you would think I wouldn’t have to twist peoples’ arms in the PR INDUSTRY to explore other facets of the media – crazy, I know.

The short version of my “Why You Should Be On Twitter” speech goes a little something like this:

“Twitter is better than Facebook because (NOTE: always start a speech like this; because now people are actually listening) there aren’t nearly the technical difficulties when you’re only dealing with 140 character updates. Also, Twitter actually cares about its users because tweets were made for the mobile age – 140 characters is the maximum for most phone companies for characters in a single text message – therefore saving your minutes and texts per month.

If you’re on Facebook to stalk (and let’s face it, you probably are), Twitter will open a whole new world to you. No longer are your favorite celebrities limited to fan pages and “likes.” No, you can “follow” them and read their tweets as they tweet them! Never again will you wonder what your favorite celeb is eating for lunch – oh no. You’ll know, and what’s better? They will probably be a twitpic too! Ever wonder what’s running through your celebs mind when he/she’s out partying or when he/she is about to go to bed (Kristin Chenoweth is particularly funny – especially when she takes Ambien)? Now. you’ll. know. Simple, yes?

Now for my less superficial, more philanthropic reasons: thankfully, non-profits are some of the most adept at adapting to new technologies. For example, To Write Love On Her Arms (@TWLOHA) and Invisible Children (@Invisible) are very active on Twitter. I follow the organizations, their founders, and the people they work with. It keeps me up to date on what’s going on, what they have coming up, etc.

Last, but certainly not least – actually, this is probably the most important reason – I’m only in it for the cupcakes.

Yep, you read that right – cupcakes. Thanks to a friend, I was introduced to Sweet Wishes Cafe (@SweetWishesCafe) on Twitter. It’s kind of sad, but there is nothing I love more than (no, not cupcakes) seeing local businesses using social networking. And other businesses need to take note and pay attention, because SWC is raising the bar – they just offered me cupcakes for free when I come by to visit.

Now if that’s not good PR, I don’t know what is.

Like I said, pay attention.

(And yes, that was the short version of my speech.)

Oh, what am I thinking? You’re probably still too busy trying to figure out why you only have so many fans on your business’ fan page or why Facebook chat keeps signing off on you to read this blog. Meanwhile, Sweet Wishes Cafe has a guaranteed new customer and a lifelong Twitter follower.

Your loss.

For more information on SWC, check out their web site here: http://www.sweetwishescafe.com/. Or send them a tweet - they'd be happy to talk to you!

@ClaireMBiggs

The Latest Details on Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out is coming up, and I could not be more excited!

Wait. That's a lie.

I would be so much more excited if I could turn into a socialite or A-list celeb for that one week in September. Ah, backstage access, designer previews, front row seats at the season's couture shows...what a life that would be!

Oh well, back to reality.

Fashion's Night Out just announced via Facebook that their FNO gear will be available to purchase online and in stores on August 16. You're going to have to check out their web site (www.fashionsnightout.com) for the locations, but let's face it, we'll all pretty much do anything to feel like a part of the biggest shopping event of the year.

Although only in its second year, FNO - in my opinion - has already been a wild success. Yes, it combines my two favorite things, fashion and charity work, and turns the NYC shopping scene into a big party. But really, what's not to love?

How about that all the fashion heavyweights are full-force behind it? From Anna Wintour to Diane von Furstenberg to Michael Kors, everyone is rallying behind the industry for a good cause.

Be sure to tune in to your Facebook news feed and Twitter profile for any updates on FNO - which is slated for September 10 - and make sure you "shop for something good."

@ClaireMBiggs

Penelope: Living La Vie Bardem

Since yesterday's posts were entertainment-heavy, I'll try to lay off that tonight. But just so you know what's going on:

As I'm sure most of you know, Wednesdays mean one thing: weeklies. Before you grabbed your morning coffee, you probably stopped off at Hudson News in the Grand Central terminal to sneak a peak at which celeb was on the cover of People (Carrie Underwood) or US Weekly (Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston).

Wait, who am I kidding? NOTHING comes before caffeine in the morning.

Point being, there was some fairly interesting celebrity news breaking today. Did you know Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are now Mr. and Mrs? Or that Bristol and Levi are apparently going to give an engagement another go?

I'm sure you've heard of the many stars who tied the knot this weekend - LaLa and Carmelo, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, and Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher.

But did you hear that the leaked Mel Gibson tapes were supposedly tampered with? That's the story according to HollywoodLife.com. Or that Lindsay Lohan is apparently trying to find a new lawyer - for free (credit goes to Perez for that one)?

Well, now you know. I'll keep this specific post short so you can go drool over your Elle (kudos to @ErinKaplan and the Elle team on the gorgeous Drew shoot) and skim your Vogue (have to admit, not a fan that Gwyneth is on the cover - I mean, she was just on British Vogue a few months ago).

@ClaireMBiggs

Because Hollywood Isn't Always Where It's At...

Sometimes you have to move out of California and get some perspective on the rest of the world once in a while.

I know, shocking, no? Coming from the girl who just uploaded a whole post dedicated to two Hollywood troublemakers.

But seriously, there is more going on this week than just that.

For example, how many of you are excited for Michael Cera's new movie coming out in August: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World? (Raises hand, bounces up and down wildly).

Why, yes, I am highly anticipating the film...but not for reasons you might think.

I'll be honest with you, friends, I have no idea what the movie is about - but that's ok, because I never claimed to know anything about it. What I do know, however, is that there is a contest going on right now involving the home video release that is rocking the online community.

For the past few weeks, talented bands and singer/songwriters have been calling their fan bases into action to vote them into the finals of the contest - and now only two remain: Eleisha Eagle and Gorgeous Get a Gun.

The prize, you ask?

The Grand Prize shall consist of a trip ("Trip") for up to four (4) band members to California (actual city to be determined) during the month of July, 2010 to play a show (or shows) at an event in support of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ("Movie"). The Trip includes the following: (i) roundtrip ("R/T") economy class airfare for four (4) from the major U.S. gateway airport nearest the winner’s hometown, (ii) three (3) consecutive nights hotel accommodations (standard room, quad occupancy) at a area hotel ("Hotel"), (iii) R/T ground transfers between airport and Hotel. The winning band’s music video may also appear as a bonus feature on the Home Entertainment release of the Movie.

Now you see why there's been a buzzing in the music underground lately - this is a major opportunity, one that could potentially "make" the winner.

And, in my opinion, the winner should be Eleisha Eagle.

Let me backtrack really quick and say: Yes, I did listen to both the songs submitted. I also watched the music videos Eleisha and GGG submitted. In my honest opinion, Eleisha should have this in. the. bag. It seems, though, that this is a classic case of LA versus LA - small town girl versus big town band.

Come on, people, this is a Disney movie waiting to happen!!

Anyway, head over to http://indierockvstheworld.sonicbids.com/UniversalHeadToHead.aspx?b=25 to cast your vote - but do it BEFORE Friday, July 16 at midnight.

Stay tuned, because I've reached out to Eleisha for a Q&A session before the contest ends - let's see if we can get an exclusive with the artist you're all going to wish you had heard about earlier when she makes it big.

For more on Eleisha Eagle, check out her web site at http://eleishaeagle.com.

For more on GGG, check out theirs at www.gorgeousgotagun.com.

Future Jailbirds of a Feather?

That wasn't too long of a wait, was it?

As promised, here is the latest on what's going on right. this. second.

Unless you've been chomping on macarons in Paris like the cast of Gossip Girl or been too busy dehydrating from this heatwave in NYC, it's clear Hollywood has been rocked by a series of celebrity scandals this week.

First, Lindsay. Oh, Lindsay. You couldn't just stay a cute little red-headed faux-twin forever, could you? This past week, Ms. Lohan was sentenced to 90 days in the slammer - a sentence she is hoping to stall, overturn, appeal (basically, she pretty much would like to do anything with the sentence than serve it...unless it was on the rocks. Ouch, that was low. I digress).

While Lindsay is currently interviewing lawyers to help her fight this supposed injustice of the court system, another former A-lister is facing legal woes of his own.

Mel Gibson, more famous for his anti-Semitic and racist rants than his many movie and directorial roles, is facing major media backlash now that certain tapes are hitting the gossip blogs. What kind of tapes, you ask? Well, romantic ones - ones where he threatens to bury the mother of his child in a rose garden.

Over the past few weeks Mel and Oksana have been trading barbs - each accusing the other of terrible, shocking things. Today, an announcement was made that Oksana's dentist is going to testify that Mel is a domestic abuser and was - in fact - beating the woman he claimed to love.

Sheesh. Where have all the goody-two shoes gone? Where are our Dianna Argon's? Where are our Jonas Brothers? Where have - thank you, Pink - the SMART people gone.

The lesson for today, kids? Don't do drugs, miss your alcohol-related probation classes, then tamper with your SCRAM bracelet...for all our sakes.

Only time will tell what will happen to two of our former Hollywood favorites, but only one thing is sure for now: the gossip mongers couldn't be happier!



NOTE: Domestic violence is nothing to take lightly. It has been found that it takes up to seven times for a woman to leave a spouse/partner after he first hits her. If you or someone you know if being abused, please get help. You can find resources here:http://www.ndvh.org/ (the National Domestic Violence Hotline).

They add:
Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

@ClaireMBiggs

Guess Who's Back (Back Again...)

The wait is over.

No, Gossip Girl hasn't returned to grace our airwaves. And wrong again, Lindsay hasn't been locked up yet. The correct answer?

I'm back.

Miss me? No doubt you've been poring over the latest post's from MSMPR 24/7 hoping to see the tell-tale signs of my return. (Where is the overwhelming sarcasm? Where is the snippy wit? Where are all those typos?...Kidding on that last one, folks).

But, seriously. I hope you all are as excited as I am that I'll be blogging here again! And get ready, because this blog is about to be taken to the next level.

We promised you non-stop coverage of all things fashionable, charitable, laughable, PR-able, etc. - and we're going to deliver on that promise. Be sure to bookmark this page as a favorite, because with all the news I'm going to bringing you, you're going to have to try to keep up.

And without further ado (and a tiny bit less good-natured pomp), I bring you: The Return.

And for those of you who now have vintage Eminem playing in your head thanks to the title of this post - you're welcome ;) bet you didn't see THAT one coming, huh?

@ClaireMBiggs

Can You Pitch Me Now? There's A Photo For That!

It doesn't take a public relations professional to understand the power of product placement. It's often silly, it's sometimes ridiculous but it almost always gets the job done. Miami based watch designer "Glam Rock" has coursed recent Miami Heat addition Lebron James into hawking it's new collection of "waterfront-lifestyle-inspired" watches. A pitch letter was blasted from the company for editorial placement and it spent a lot of space explaining who Lebron James is and why he is important. If you have to explain who your celebrity endorser is, doesn't that defeat the entire purpose of product placement with a celebrity endorser? Two words, bad pitch. The included photo of Lebron with the product, posing to show it off is the double cherry on the banana split. See the pitch.

How To Spin Public Relations Entirely:

How many different ways can one say "Public Relations"... here's one way, "Media Strategy Firm". NBC Chief legal analyst, Dan Abrams of Abrams Research recently sat down with CNN's "Reliable Sources" host Howard Kurtz and one of the many topics discussed was the nature of business for Abrams Research. Abrams insists that what his firm does is not Public Relations.

You want to build traffic on your website? You want to keep people there? Here are some things that we think you should do

To Dan Abrams brand management is not public relations. What Abrams Research does very much falls under the Marketing/PR umbrella. Those who do PR are usually proud to say just that, they do "PR". It is what you accomplish that separates you from the pack. Not what you call yourself.