Starry Constellation Magazine
  

CARMIT BACHAR

ALL DOLLED UPp:
by: Lisa Steinberg

Featured Music
Q

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you've been working on?

A.  Well, right now we just finished a month of touring, our first headline tour in Europe, which was incredible.  We sold out Wembley stadium and we really had a successful run which is incredible for having one record and about five singles out.  So, it's been an incredible success off of its first one.  It's really incredible and kind of overwhelming at times.  Now, we're going to go on our Christmas radio run in the states for all the Jingle Balls and then we have the holidays off.  In the New Year we're going to be touring opening up for Christina Aguilera.  After that is our second album, they have our schedule lined up for us.

Q.  The group is still on the search for a brand new Pussycat Doll, is that correct?

A.  We did a reality show with The CW with was a search for a Pussycat Doll.  It airs in February and you have to check out to see what the premise will be.  Some of it has been shot but the full completion airs in February. 

Q.  You're founding a charity called Smile With Me, why is this charity so important to you?

A.  Right now I'm lending my name to Operation Smile which is the organization that goes to third world countries that performs reconstructive surgery and repairs for cleft pallets.  So, initially I started a day that was what the gist of what my non-profit will be about and I called it Smile With Me.  I was born with a cleft lip and cleft pallet and I think growing up in this industry and especially in the picture perfect image world.  I just want to be able to let people know that it is possible to live your dreams even if you are different.  Growing up people always told me that I was different and I really learned to embrace my differences and that's what made me unique.  I hope to relate to a lot of people out there who don't see themselves as picture perfect. 

Q.  What is it about your role in the Pussycat Dolls that continues to challenge you?

A.  That's a great question, for me, I am an original Doll.  I have been in the group almost eleven years now.  It's really changed from what it used to be, a cabaret inspired show, it's geared towards a theatrical edge.  I think we brought that into our performances now but being that music today is mixed with a little bit of our flavor from the old school.  It's a different ball game now as far as live performances . We get to mix in fashion and all the things that girls like to do like makeup and hair.  It's been a challenge to maintain who I am in the situation.  Sometimes people don't necessarily get to see you in a group of six girls.  We each are really individual, we have our own different personality and character on stage.  I've been in this industry for a while and I've danced with everyone from Michael to Janet and I was Ricky Martin's "La Vida Loca" girl.  I choreographed for Macy Gray and Gwen Stefani.  That's actually how we got with the label, I was choreographing for No Doubt and I met Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope, and he's like "What do you do?"  I said, "I'm a Pussycat Doll!"  I asked Gwen if she wanted to be in the show and she saw it once and she fell in love with it.  She performed and Jimmy loved the concept decided to turn it into a recording group.  The group reformed and I'm pretty much the only original member in the group still.  It's been a challenge to really find my journey in the situation but I love it, it's a dream come true. 

Q.  You've done dancing and choreographing, is there anything else that you'd like to try your hand at?

A.  You know what I would never cut myself off to anything.  I grew up in the musical theater world and I studied piano and viola.  I would love to do some more collaborations music wise and eventually get a shot at acting.  I think there are so many things that can be done, I would never limit myself.  Whatever opportunity comes my way I kind of jump on it and go with the flow.  That's how my career has been, it's been amazing, I've had the opportunity to use all the different gifts that I have and it's incredible really. 

Q.  Do you have a memorable moment from your time working with the Dolls?

A.  I think thus far I have had a couple of months and one of them was definitely winning the Moon Man at the MTV Awards, that was awesome, it was like validity.  We were screaming so loud and then recently the AMAs.  We were nominated for like three awards, that alone was an honor, really.  Then I'll never forget we did this insane show in this arena in the Philippines and there was a moment on stage where we all just ended up crying.  It was so overwhelming and emotional.  To really take that in with this moment and time is pretty cool.

Q.  What will viewers get to see in a live concert from the Dolls?

A.  Wow, I think you really have to see pretty much the show to get the gist of what the Pussycat Dolls are about.  It's full performance, full singing, full dancing.  You have to see it to know what it is.  There is something for everyone and all the girls are different flavors.  We give you a bit of individual personalities, the way we dance, our styles are all different.  You get to see each of our role in the group, some people dance more then others and some people sing more then others.  Obviously Nicole is the lead singer and Melanie and I do other background vocals.  It's been quite a challenge for me and an awesome. 

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A.  I have two dogs and I live on the beach so I love to be by the ocean.  Family time, that is probably the hardest thing about this job, you miss your friends and family.  You really get to appreciate everything and having time on your hands.  We're running with it right now, and I don't really want it to stop!

Q.  What would you like to say to the fans and supporters?

A.  I always say thank you for believing in the project because we believe.  It's like here we are win this place where we can get out there and do what we love and actually reach people.  The support has been unconditional and it's pretty awesome.  Please continue to support each and every one of us in our endeavors and our future because we're going to go out there and do the best we can always.


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