"EVERYONE HAS A DARK SIDE..."
she whispers. Those words take you by surprise even if they are true.
Especially when they come from an artist who's barely old enough to
drive, yet packs L.A. clubs on a regular basis, has a long and
distinguished acting career, co-stars on a hit TV show, and is slated
as the lead in a film about a young rock band. But, Scarlett Pomers is
not your typical celebrity musician indulging in teen angst or some
rock-star fantasy – she's a real rocker at heart. Acting may pay the
bills, but music fills her soul. And, by the way, she's just sixteen
years old.
Though Scarlett seems to
live a charmed life, she's driven to be a musician. She's paying the
same dues as every other artist in the music scene. Her celebrity
status may give her a slight advantage, but she realizes that her
credibility as a musician must stand on its own. Because of that, she's
turned down major record execs who wanted to make her the next “pop
star” ala Lindsey Loham and Hilary Duff. “I've got to be myself,” she
insists. “I don't want to be a cookie-cutter artist, and compromise my
vision.”
That sort of resolve has
become Scarlett's mantra. She refuses to be swayed by people who want
to mold her into “their” vision. On the contrary, she knows exactly
what she wants, and that attitude attracts fans and industry as well.
Producers and promoters, bookers and label execs have all come calling.
In fact, just over the past couple of months, Scarlett was offered
residencies at The Roxy, BB King's and The Knitting Factory. Not bad,
for an artist who formed her band only about a year ago.
This
determined young lady is, indeed, a force to be reckoned with. She
started her acting career when she was only three years old, and has
garnered an impressive resume that includes stints in Miramax's Happy Texas , Universal's Erin Brockovich , Michael Jackson's Heal The World video, and three seasons of Star Trek Voyager . Currently, she plays Reba McEntire's daughter on WB'S highest rated comedy, REBA .
Catching up with this whirlwind isn't easy. But, All Access
managed to sit down and talk with Scarlett in a wide-ranging interview
during a break in her schedule. She comes across not only wise beyond
her years, but also as an inspiration to every artist pursuing dream.”
AAM: How do you find the time to fit all these different activities into your life?
SP:
I know it's a lot, but it doesn't feel like work. Everything I do is
fun. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it. And when you like
what you're doing, you find the time.
AAM: You're very successful as an actress. Why do you want to be a musician?
SP:
I love music and it's something I have to do. It's a way for me to
express my passion, joy, and pain. I've always kept a journal and found
that the entries could be used as song ideas and lyrics. I'm always
writing things down on anything I can find - napkins, scraps of paper,
whatever. Then when something really moves me, I'll pick up a guitar
and try to work out the melodies.
AAM: Do you write your own songs?
SP:
I write some and co-write others. I like collaborating with other
artists, as long as they have an open mind. Sometimes problems come up
when they think they know better just because they're older. But, my
songs are part of me and the whole point is to express who you are. You
can't force feelings just because someone says you should. I have to be
real or it's not going to work.
AAM: Who are your musical influences?
SP:
I love Stevie Nicks. She's such a cool chick and a fantastic lyricist.
I pay close attention to lyrics and hers are some of the best. I also
like heavier rock acts like Metallica, Evanescence and Lacuna Coil. I'd
like my music to be a combination of all those artists.
AAM: You do seem to write some pretty serious stuff. Are you really a goth-chick in disguise?
SP:
(laughs) I don't think you should avoid dark feelings – we all have
them - and as a teenager I may have more than most. They're part of
life. I just happen to like exploring darker themes with my music. I
love that feeling. You know, I even collect shrunken heads.
AAM: What do you think of the music nowadays?
SP:
I like all kinds of music, and think some pop songs are great, but my
personal preference leans towards edgier stuff with crunchy guitars. I
like rock that comes across big and hard and unique. Sometimes the
music today sounds too much the same, and that's not for me. I like to
explore and experiment with sounds and ideas.
AAM: What's the biggest difference between your work as an actor and what you do as a musician?
SP:
Actually, for me, music is a little more dramatic than acting. You
often have to go over the top to get your point across. You can be much
more subtle when you're playing a part.
AAM: If you had to make a choice between the two careers, which would you choose?
SP:
I hope I never have to make that decision, because I love doing both of
them. But, if I had to answer that question right now… I would choose
music. As much as I love acting - and it's a great job – music is my
passion.
AAM:
You've had quite an exciting year. Guitar companies are giving you
instruments, industry has noticed you and you've even been offered
residencies after playing just a few times. What's your perspective on
all that attention?
SP:
It's crazy… and, so cool I can't believe it. I got guitars from Gibson
and Minarik. I've been in ads in this magazine and got to record in
some great studios like Cherokee and Westlake. It's a dream come true –
any artist would love it.
AAM: Do you think your celebrity had anything to do with all that?
SP:
I'm sure, to a certain extent, it's opened some doors. But, once you're
inside, you have to prove yourself. An opportunity is only as good as
you make it.
AAM: What is this movie you're going to be doing?
SP: The working title is Sing Softly Stella ,
and it's about a kid with punk–rocker parents. My character forms her
own band and tries to find her way through her music. It's scheduled
for release next year.
AAM: Are you writing any songs for the film?
SP:
Yes. In fact, I performed them for the producers at a Roxy show I did
about a month ago. They seem to like them, and I hope they'll be used.
That would be so cool.
AAM: What's on your wish list for your music career?
SP:
I'd like to do songs that people can relate to. I'd like to write with
more artists and work with producers who will help me express myself,
and not try to form me into something they want.
AAM: That seems to be a recurring theme – people trying to mold you. Is that a big problem?
SP:
It is when they try. They just treat me like a kid and think they can
do whatever they want. I realize that I have to grow and develop as an
artist. But, I've got my own ideas too. And I think they're just as
valid as anyone else's – maybe more so, because it's my music and my
career.
AAM: It's early in your musical career, yet you've already gotten industry attention. Would you like to be signed?
SP:
It would be nice… but, only if it means I get to do what I want. I've
noticed that some industry people don't have much imagination. They
want you to do what already works. They're not always willing to take a
chance on something new or different. The problem is that I don't want
to be like anyone else. I want to be myself.
With
that parting thought, Scarlett had to leave for another engagement. The
overwhelming sense one gets when talking with her is that this young
lady has a mind of her own. She may be young, but that doesn't mean
she's clueless. Indeed, her determination will, most likely, take her
far.
Scarlett Pomers could very
well be one of those crossover stars – the kind that bounce between
movies and music. She certainly has the talent and the ambition.
And
if her strong will is any indication, nothing is going to stop her. If
you'd like to find out more about this up and coming artist, visit
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