This week in Xclusive! I caught up with rising singing star; 21 year old Cypriot, Despina Pilavakis from North London, to find out about her experience on last years instalment of the hugely popular TV talent show Xfactor and reaching the final 24, what she’s been up to since,and the latest news on her upcoming debut album!
Despina, when did you first get started in music?
I first started singing when I was 5 years old, I sang with the Chicken Shed Theatre School when they came to my primary school and it has been my passion ever since.
Who inspires you musically
Everything around me inspires me. From what is happening in my life to what is happening around the world. I have a number of favourite artists, one in particular is Celine Dion, however I listen to all genres of music and I am open minded to what I listen to.
You are currently studying music at Hertfordshire University what does that involve?
I am currently in my last year at university studying music, commercial composition and technology studies. It is as hard as it sounds! It involves producing, composing, orchestrating and performing. I just love music and I love a challenge, I think there is always space to improve and that’s why I took this course.
You competed in the XFACTOR in 2009 and made it to the final 24 with Danni Minogue as your mentor in Dubai - an amazing achievement - What did you take away from that experience?
I took a lot from it, most importantly it built up my confidence and I gained experience, whilst building up my fan base. Although I didn’t get past the last 6 girls, I’m glad I have those fans and they can now see how much potential I have!
Is Simon Cowell as scary and intimidating as he can appear on TV?
No Simons’ a softy, as long as you are nice to him he will be nice to you!
What was the best piece of advice that you were given on the show?
To just give 100% every time.
Would you consider entering XFactor again or competing in any other similar competitions?
I would never say never, but at the moment I am concentrating on me as an artist and I feel it is important for me to try and break into this industry on my own!
You are now working on your debut album - do you write and / or produce your own music?
I have been writing my own music since I was 10 years old, I love writing! I also play the piano which is helpful! I have recently had a couple of songs written for me which has also been great, as it’s good to combine your talent with others! At the moment I am learning how to produce so I will hopefully be doing that in the future.
How would you describe your sound in 5 words?
Fresh, soulful, emotional, happy and meaningful.
When will it be released?
No release date yet, hopefully within a year it will be out there.
You’ve taken a very proactive approach to your music and are going to release the album independently- how important do you think taking control of your own music is in today’s’ music industry?
It is so, so important! You have to take matters in your own hands and not wait for a major label to come looking for you because chances are it isn’t going to happen, it is all about building your fan base up and showing them what they are missing out on, you need to sell yourself as an artist!
What is your favourite part of performing?
It is indescribable, the adrenaline of people listening to me do what I love to do I guess.
Any upcoming gigs or performances?
There are plenty coming up, in the next month my website will be up so look out for it, www.despinasworld.com
What is playing on your iPod at the moment?
Eminem’s new album, recovery, its brilliant!
For more info on Despina and her music you can check out these links:
www.despinasworld.com/ www.facebook.com/despinapilavakis
www.twitter.com/despina289 www.youtube.com/desm289
That’s all for now! More entertainment Xclusives next week! x Mwah
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Catch all the latest music Xclusives on Katerina’s Live DJ Show:
‘Young & Connected - Scandalous!’ Every Wednesday, 8-10pm on LGR 103.3fm and online at www.lgr.co.uk
If you would like your CD or event featured or reviewed in Xclusive! Contact Katerina: Email: katsmusiq@gmail.com Website: www.myspace.com/katzmusic
[Published in the Parikiaki Newspaper on the 15th June 2010]
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