Definitely Amazing Lady: Talented, Beautiful Bridget Barkan

I'm Definitely Amazing Because...

BB: I am a wild woman howling at the moon, laughing at myself, singing for my soul, for the broken hearted, for the people, for love


What does it take for someone to be considered Definitely Amazing?

BB: I think it's about, not just being good or even great, or even masterful at what you do but about how you connect to other people, about what you really believe in and what you are truly living for. You are definitely amazing when there is no line, no boundary between you and the audience, between you and the world. When your art doesn't separate you but brings you closer together. When it’s ego less and free.

Bridget you are a Multi talented woman, you act, sing, write, and Play Guitar. What are some of your other Definitely Amazing Talents?

BB: Well...I love kids. They are so important to me and I'm proud to say they really love me too. So I see that as a talent, a gift. I'm a big kid and I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself just hear them laugh. My day job, actually can't even call it a job is...playing music for kids. I am the resident music teacher at a school for children with special needs. Some of them are autistic, others have some learning and physical disabilities. They bring me so much joy.

I am also a dancer. I started taking ballet at 3 years old and have danced on and off for years from tap, musical theatre, jazz to samba, break-dancing and African dance. I recently started dancing again after 6 years and I love it. It's my meditation. I also went to film school for 2 years and I love screenwriting and directing. Huge fan of documentaries and look forward to making my own films someday too.


Your songs are diverse in where they also incorporate comedy blended with Heartache. Why do you choose to write like this, and how do you manage to create such diverse tracks?

BB: Well...that's my thing, I guess. Like Billie Holiday's song "A Fine Romance," it's called a sarcastic love song. I have some of those. Sarcasm and humor is a big part of my personality and it comes through in my music. Maybe cuz I'm a born and raised New Yorker, Hip-hop lover which I feel influences me with the cleverness and wordology or being half Jewish or my acting and improv background, or my parents who are both nuts, having always said the one thing they had in common was sex and humor. Haha...so combing the humor and my experiences of intimacy seems natural. Releasing the spectrum of emotions through music is very healing. I do songs like that with my kids at school. We laugh and then we pretend cry, which of course leads to more laughing. This is the kind of journey I want to bring people on with me. That it's only emotions and they pass and there's beauty in the sadness. Billie Holiday said "The blues to me is when you're sad, when you're sick, going to church, being very happy, there are two kinds of blues happy blues and sad blues..."

Heartbreak Lane is one of my favorite songs, how did that song come about?

BB: I was talking to a friend of mine on instant message, she lives in London. I asked her how she was doing, she said in heartbreak lane and that phrase stayed with me throughout the day. It was a lazy one. I didn't leave the house, just played music and talked on the phone. The seasons were changing. I learned this song by Joni Mitchell called "Both sides now" and the chord fingering she used was really challenging and I got inspired to use them. I played a couple chords and literally prayed to the universe, to God, for a new song. A song that wasn't word for word about my last relationship but about something bigger than me, bigger than my heartbreak. And I was reminded of Heartbreak Lane and then it just happened to me. The story unfolded. My own heartbreak really connected me to everyone, like the song says, "This is the place where we all feel the same pain."

I recently got the opportunity to see you perform live at BK's Rock The Block concert. What was your favorite experience of that event and who was your favorite performer?

BB: I loved being apart of that line-up. The Amazing Honey La Rochelle and Jesse Boykins III actually sang back up for me in my old band "Addictive Mama." And seeing an old high school friend who sang back-up for Yazarah was really dope. But I have to say my favorite performance was HEAVY. Sick music, sick vocals...vibe, everything. Love them.

All this month on DA, the theme is "Stand up 4 something Don't fall For anything" we are showcasing causes dear to our hearts. What's one organization or cause that you would love to spotlight and why?

BB: There are too many causes to say one. But I would have to say health care for all is a major one for me and the state of our planet. But in general I also I have a huge problem with capitalism and our consumer culture. Don't know if communism is a possibility in our lifetime or ever. But I believe there must be a better way to live than this without the greed and selfishness, where everyone can be taken care of equally. Here are a couple of websites that talk about things that are important to me and people should really check out.

www.notstupid.orgwww.michaelmoore.comwww.healthcare-now.org/

What's harder performing in front of crowds or Acting?

BB: Well they both have their difficulties. People always say when you act you can hide behind the role but sometimes I can hide behind the guitar and feel free in a different reality as an actress. I am exposed and vulnerable in both areas but being yourself and sharing your music is definitely on a whole other level. I struggle with myself up there. Lots of voices. Like, you really want to hear what I have to say? And it seems people do and I love putting on a show and connecting.

What's next for you in the divine 09 and beyond?

BB: I will be finishing up my album Heartbreak Lane. Working on a film in the winter and preparing for my Jan 15th show at the Blue Note. And doing what I can for my community and environment of course. I am looking forward to touring around the country and the world. My goal is to make sure whatever city, state or country I am in, to service the people of that place in anyway possible. I want my life to be dedicated to music, to laughter and to the people.

Anything else you would like to say to the fans and the DA Audience?

BB: Stay true to yourself and your vision. If you want to join my team, holler! bridgetolove6@gmail.com I am finding new family members everyday and its a beautiful thing. Peace

Betty's Battle: Do your part to stop ALS

ALS destroys the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles (including those used for breathing and swallowing), causing extreme muscle weakness and ultimately paralysis, while leaving mental function intact.

Striking healthy, fit adults in the prime of life, ALS usually is fatal within three to five years after diagnosis, without the use of mechanical ventilation.

Nancy O’Dell, longtime co-host of the entertainment newsmagazine “Access Hollywood” and author of the book Full of Life, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) have founded Betty’s Battle in honor of O’Dell’s mother who died of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, last year.

Last Night on WWE's Monday Night Raw Nancy O'Dell was the guest-host and she teamed up with the WWE to support the organization of "Betty's Battle" ALS is something many Americans battle with each day and if you would like to help in the battle go to The Donation page

FRESH N DEF 2: Bigger, Fresher, & Deffer

Now accepting Track submissions for Fresh N Def 2 so if ya want to be apart of the latest Fresh N Def hit me up send all tracks 2 Definitelyamazing@gmail.com

DA Lady of the week: The Gorgeous Montana Deleon

1900Montana.com is a site fellas out there should know very well, because it's The site of Author, Mother, Sex Guru, and Internet model sensation Montana Deleon. Montana Deleon is a fan favorite among the men and women who know her and love her work. With her long awaited book (How to treat your man like a King) almost done and her videos on Youtube making waves, she is on task to be bigger than she probably imagined.

Finish this Sentence I'm Definitely Amazing Because.....

Md: I'm not only beautiful and sexy, I have so many other talents that create substance behind my looks.

What does it take for someone to be considered Definitely Amazing?

Md: To display some kind of talent that keeps you coming back for more.

What do you consider F'N Fantastic Fashion?

Md: Whatever Rihanna wears, lol!

You are no novice when it comes to sex appeal and sex advice, what are some of the tips and advice ladies will find in your Upcoming book "How to treat your man like a King" ?

Md: Cooking skills, massaging, communication, how to cater to your man and be his sanctuary.

What's next for 1900Montana.com?

Md: I'm in the process of producing a love, sex and relationship talk show.

We all know your Definitely Amazing, but are there any other woman or man you would categorize as Definitely Amazing?

Md: Oprah is oh so Amazing to me to keep reinventing herself and coming up with new avenues of reaching the public


Anything else you want the DA readers to know about you?

Md: Please stay tuned for big things from me.

You guys and gals can find out more about Ms. Montana Deleon at these links:

1900Montana.com
DailyMotion:Montana
Montana's Youtube
Montana's facebook
Twiiter

Domestic Violence Prevention Awarness month

It is October and It is important to remember it is Breast Cancer Awarness Month but it is also Domestic Violence Month. I wanted to put the spotlight on this cause because it holds a personal place in my heart for me. My Mother was a victim of Domestic Violence and she left my father in order for me not to grow up in that violent houshold. Love shouldnt hurt isnt just a statement it is the truth women and men should know that it is never alright for a spouse, significant other, girlfriend, or boyfriend to hit you. It is a natural right to be safe, and feel safe in our lives, so we should never think it is alright for anyone to take this natural right away from us. Remember No One should EVER put their hands on you.

F'N Fantastic Fashion: The Hundreds

Today I'm Spotlighting West Coast clothing company "The Hundreds".
I'm pretty sure you've seen their clothes or fitteed hats somewhere in a vidoe or even on the subway worn by a skater kid or maybe even a hot looking girl. Either way I know you'll love it because it's unique and fresh. These guys from The Hundreds not only sell fitted caps but they sell Kicks, T-Shirts and even Button ups. They recently released thier new magazine with everyone's favorite co-host G4's own Olivia Munn From Attack Of The Show. This is a must have if ya like creativity and dope freshness.

Spotlight on Artist :Oddessey

Oddessey aka The Prince
Direct Download link : http://www.mediafire..com/download.php?dtmmh5zolzy

http://www.myspace.com/oddessey2010

Booking/Info Manager: Rita Ousley (901) 438 – 0331

Tavaris Lundy a.k.a. Oddessey was born Dec. 31st 1982 in Jackson Mississippi; he was raised in many different states due to his father serving in the military. While growing up he faced many issues due to his parents splitting up such as him and his siblings having to be in and out of shelter homes in Anniston, AL. Though many of life’s challenges presented itself he always knew he was special and had a deep passion for God and music. While attending school in Jacksonville, AL it was then he discovered that he had the ability to write songs. As more issues took place causing him to move once again to Lineville, AL with his father it was here were he continued to grow both as a man and artist and cut his first song entitled “Round for Round”. After gaining confidence and making more songs Oddessey quickly learned that his talent could go farther than he had ever imagined putting each song out for his entire neighborhood to listen to. Soon after he linked up with local artist J-Roc and became ½ of the duo Kudzu Boys under the management of Victor Mclain. Kudzu Boys recorded and released their 1st single entitled “Break Em Off” around the summer of ‘05.

As time went by Oddessey began to follow his heart and go back to his first passion and love which was God. He continued to make music but started leaning towards the inspirational side which would cause Kudzu Boys to split 2 years later. In the summer of 2007 Oddessey released his 1st studio album entitled “Gospel Music 2010”. He continued to inspire youth in both the street and church realm, while gaining more experience by performing at neighborhood functions, churches, and even bigger events such as the Holy Hip-Hop Awards in 2008. Now with his career looking as promising as ever he has teamed with Musik Mogul, Inc. founded by Ricko aka No.1 Draft Pick, to drop his most recent mixtape “The Preparation”, which features blazing’ tracks Musik Mogul Incorporated, Swagga Like Us (Mogul Mixx) and Like Christ. In March of 2009, while deployed to Kuwait, serving in the US Army, he opened for Fabo of D4L. Although deployed, he continued to sharpen his craft by performing weekly at open mic nights and other events. In addition to being featured on collaboration tracks “Let Me Know” and “The Realists” with artists Lil 40, McFly and J Soul.

Oddessey continues to be an active leader and voice to the youth around the country. Many ask where does the name Oddessey come from?, as told best by this talented artist himself, the name Oddessey stems from a dream he had in 7th grade where he heard thousands chanting “Oddessey” while cheering him on stage. He immediately looked up the word to find its meaning which is an epic journey written long ago and thus was born Oddessey, the artist. “Everyone’s life is a journey but now the Oddessey begins…”