How did you find each other? How did the group form?
-Jimmy Lovine, the head of Interscope, found me at a show in Paris and decided to build a group around me. We went to London with will.i.am and Robin Antin and auditioned 500 girls … from there we found Lauren, Shar and Kelly. Then auditioned 200 more girls in L.A., but didn’t find anyone. So Robin Antin suggested Chelsea and she fit in perfectly.
Using one word, describe the personalities of each member of the group.
-Aria: unique
Chelsea: cute
Kelly: fashionable
Lauren: funny
Shar: sexy
Explain the origin of the group’s name, Paradiso Girls.
-The name came from a musical venue in Amsterdam called Paradiso. We were supposed to be called “Crazy Horse” after the cabaret in Paris, but couldn’t have the same name so we went with Paradiso Girls.
Who’s the leader of this pack?
-Well, the group was built around me but we have no leader. We all bring something different to the group. Lauren, Chelsea and I are the three singers. Shar is a rapper and Kelly is a DJ
Your music is described as an “edgy, left-of-center mix of pop, rock, R&Band hip\-hop.” Expand on “left of center” and give an example of an artist who might be considered ‘right-of-center”?
-Haha … that’s funny I think we’re “right on center.” We just bring a different style of music.
What will you be bringing to the girls of The Dinah? What can they expect from your performance?
-PARTY TIME! A lot of fun and party all night
Anyone in the group ever been to Dinah just as a participant, apart from the band?
-No … It is the first time for all of us. Can’t wait.
How important was it to actually live together in achieving cohesiveness?
-Well, it wasn’t that important but it was cool. Now we know each other so well and we never really fight
Who’s the messy one, the Oscar of the group?
-We don’t live together anymore, but in the tour bus there is a different story.
Who’s the Felix, or the neat-freak?
-None of us are neat freaks. I don’t think so, or maybe some days.
What’s the difference performing for an almost exclusively all-girl audience versus a mixed audience?
-We performed before for a female audience so let’s see who’s the best.They better go crazy for us! hahahaha
Are you flirts?
-We all have partners.But on stage it is different … you play a character.
What or who serves as your inspiration?
-I’m talking for myself—Madonna. All of us have different inspirations; it’s what makes the group unique. And with all the different cultures.
What’s the most challenging thing about being in an all-girl group?
-The most challenging for me is to find the same work rhythm and go in the same direction.
The most rewarding?
-We have so much fun together on stage—its so much better than being by yourself.