The Voice – Battles Night Two

By starrymag | March 19, 2015

Q) I think that the battle round is probably the hardest thing that you can do on the show. Obviously you’re trying to basically eliminate someone and work with them at the same time. To the extent that you had seen the show before and you sort of knew what to expect, what sort of preparation went into what we saw last night and what did you do to make it stand out the way that it did?

India Carney: Oh, well, thank you for that. I am not exaggerating when I say Clinton and I were practicing every second of every day. And that’s really the -that’s really the practice that we needed to make it a battle that resonated with the both of us. We were always just finding areas that needed more work and worked together to fix them so that it was something that we were both really proud of. We took all of the critiques that Christina had to say and that Nick gave us and tried to incorporate that and, you know, our ideas what we thought the song needed to mold it into a performance piece.

Q) Clinton, how about you? What was your take on how that all came together?

Clinton Washington: Yes, I completely agree with India’s comments. And we were given a really strong song choice so, I mean, it was – it started out as a very unemotional arrangement so we had a, I felt like, a really strong ability to take that song and make it into something that would resonate and be memorable. But we also, I felt like, had a really strong affinity for being able to blend. I mean, India has spent countless, countless hours before even the Voice just working with other people and learning how to harmonize and give the counterpart ability to breathe and show their vocal presence. And so I felt like that made it a more relatable performance because we both had that blending ability to really let each other shine and make it, as they said, more a duet than a battle. So just, like, that skill set I feel like is what really pushed it over the edge.

Q) Lowell and Kim, that was a stunning performance, “Hound Dog.” I heard it done that way before but never that way. Tell me a little bit at first about the steal. Kim, once Lowell was named the winner of the round, did you kind of figure that you would be going with someone else are you we’re just hoping?

Kimberly Nicole: I didn’t know what was going to happen, actually. I kind of thought I would be off the show because who knows if anyone is going to steal you. I was very – I was very grateful and excited to be stolen and then be stolen by Christina.

Q) was Christina one of your picks of the judges going in that you thought you would want work with?

Kimberly Nichole: Pharrell was my number one pick but I’ve always loved Christina as a singer. I think she’s one of the greatest singers in our generation of singers in mainstream music. So she was always in my mind as a potential coach but Pharrell was my number one pick initially. But I’m super enthused and excited to be on her team. I’m excited about what you can offer me as a coach especially as a vocalist as she is.

Q) Lowell, you came into this and you came in with your own style and you just turned this – kind of blew up the stage with this whole performance especially your stage performance. When you all were practicing, I had no idea you were going to take the stage. I thought you were going to stand there and sing you just surprised everybody. Was that practice? Has that always been in you like that as a stage performer or did that just kind of pop out at the battle rounds?

Lowell Oakley: Well, it’s kind of a little bit – honestly, I’ve always been that kind of performer and I’ve talked to Kim about this, too. We’re performers, when it comes game time, we just turn it on. And I think that was something for me, is it just – the energy was just so surreal and because of that, I think subsequently just the performing aspect came out of me.

Q) We saw what Lionel spoke to the both of you about. What would you say was one thing that Lionel told you that really stuck with you the most out of all those sessions?

Kimberly Nichole: I think he – his emphasis on performing and making it a moment and being in tune with your duet partner. I think Lowell and I wanted to make it a duet rather than, like, a battle. I didn’t want to be in the mind frame of the battle, so Lionel put emphasis – you know that old-school style of performing when a lady and a gentleman are performing together, to interact with each other, to have energy towards each other.

Q) And Lowell?

Lowell Oakley: Yes, I totally agree. I think the biggest thing that Lionel told us was tell the story, really, and convey the message. And I think it really came through. I think that, again, once we got on stage, it just kind of came out. I really don’t know what to say really.

Q) Lowell, I wanted to get your reaction to being a part of the longest decision-making process ever on The Voice. It had everyone on the edge of their toilets

Lowell Oakley: I never heard that before. I really don’t even know what to say. I mean, it was a surreal moment. I mean, again, just standing up there – and I mean, my heart is pounding. I just – it’s like I didn’t necessarily choose to give a performance that was going to create such a stir in my coach’s mind. I mean, I was honored to be up there with Kim who just is this powerhouse and I thought it was I thought it was a testament to, you know, doing what Pharrell said, was to I think actually doing what he said about being the, you know, me being the ice to Kim’s fire. I think that was really cool. So yes, I don’t know. It was just – honestly just wild.

Q) Kimberly, just wondering, Christina had one steal left she chose to use that on you? So just personally how much does that mean to you?

Kimberly Nichole: I mean, it was a humbling experience that she saw something special in me and deserving in me that she thought that I would be an asset to her team. So I was just, I’m beyond grateful to her for making me a part of her group of amazing vocalists on the show. I was just grateful. I’m like, oh, my God. Thank God I’m still the show. I’m, like, thank you Christina. Like, it really – I’m really, truly grateful for her for that.

Q) India, can you tell me a little bit about how your UCLA training or the experiences and opportunities you’ve had as a UCLA student have prepared you for this competition?

India Carney: Okay, so at UCLA I’m a voice student so I’m studying a lot of opera and just learning how to use my voice, condition it and just understand how works. And in high-pressure situations like this, that training is very helpful because I kind of know when to take a break. I know how to use it in different ways and I have my training to thank for that in this performance, especially because it was a duet.So in addition to me trying to show myself off, I also have to show off my partner. I’m also a part of the a cappella groups at UCLA and that’s helped me out a lot in terms of understanding how to blend with people, how to sing together and make music more of a collaborative effort than just a solo thing. So UCLA my training there has helped me a whole lot especially during this battle round.

Q) Kelsie, you sang Reba’s song, Fancy and then you actually got a tweet from her last night saying you did a great job. How does it feel to see something like that straight from a country music icon, especially when you’re singing her song?

Kelsie May: Oh, my gosh, I was really pressured at first because everybody knows that song and everybody knows who Reba is. So I was kind of nervous about performing it, but to see that, like, she said that me and Brenna did a great job with it, that meant everything to me because she’s always been like an idol to me and to have them validation from her was literally such an honor.

Q) Adam said you did really well with stage presence, but you said you were shaking in your boots. Talk about performance and just going for it. How did that feel?

Kelsie May: It felt really good once I got up there. Behind the scenes, I was very, very nervous, but as soon as they called my name and I came out of the tunnel, I kind of, like, flip the switch, I guess. I didn’t really know what exactly I was doing until I was doing it, I guess. I just gave it all I had because I knew that this was it. Like, everything I have been practicing for was going to be shown on America – or to America, I mean. So I was very nervous about it but I knew what I had to do I had the fire under me so I just thought I’d let it all out.

Q) I thought you were very much improved from the blind audition. How much of that would you say was working with Blake and Megan and how much of that was maybe being a little bit more comfortable the second time on that stage?

Kelsie May: In my blind audition I was probably the most nervous I had ever been before because this is totally different experience. But after having Meghan and Blake critique me and just give me a big boost of self-confidence, it definitely helped with my performance aspect because I felt like I had this validation, like, that they both really believed in me. So I just felt a lot more comfortable on the stage. And, plus, it was easier because you have someone up there with you at the same time. And me and Brenna are like best friends, so it was a lot easier to be able to perform with her.

Q) India, I’m wondering, we know you spent a lot of time working with groups. If you were to win the show, presumably you would be a solo artist. And I’m wondering what would that be like for you and what could we expect from you in that regard?

India Carney: Oh, cool. Yes, that would be an entirely new direction for me because I haven’t actually spent a lot of time thinking about myself as an artist. I’ve just been working in groups and loving that so much. But sometimes I forget that I really do want to do this is a solo career at some point. So if I’m fortunate enough to win, I’ll definitely take that time to figure out exactly where I want to go as an artist, which is definitely going to be in, like, the pop and R&B field. But at some point I would love to get back into musical theater. So it’s just going to be – it’s going to be – I don’t know, just a lot of emotions going on because I’m also still finding myself as an artist and figuring out exactly what direction I’m going in.

Q) Clinton, you had Pharrell standing up as well but you mentioned afterwards that you – Adam seemed to have more in line with you in terms of that. In what ways? I mean, what kind of artist – along the same lines of India’s question, what kind of artist at the always imagined yourself becoming?

Clinton Washington: Yes, so I’ve admittedly and honestly have fluctuated between what my eventual aspirations are. I’ve done the whole singer/songwriter thing in New York for the past couple of years and have actually been in the country crossover band.So I’ve kind of been riding this very fine line between a lot of different genres and trying to find where I would like to end up. And I think it will always be an evolution. But hopefully my next move will be something in the pop – like experimental pop thing. But I’m still trying to figure out what that is. So just trying to use my soulfulness to my voice and work it into a pop, like, kind of thing. I don’t know. I’m all over the place with it.

Q) Some group loses their lead singer, a group that you really want to be in. What group would you want to be in if they needed to for a week to sing lead in their band?

Clinton Washington: Well, one, it would be amazing. So, it would probably be, “The Killers.” I really love what they’re doing with their music right now. It’s a very, like, (anthemic) or anthem-type of pop and I feel like I would do really well there and that’s the kind of music I want to make. But it’s hard to kind of pin that down because, again, they’re a very – they’re constantly changing their musical sound. But yes, for right now, it would probably be, “The Killers.”

Q) Barry, another Team Adam man. Gosh, that was another great performance. Obviously you are familiar with the song. Can you remember, like, the first time remember (feeling all right) and whose version did you hear first back in the day?

Barry Minniefield: Joe Cocker’s version. I learned that song. I never sang that song before. I’ve heard of it but I never sang it so I had to learn it. I’ve heard that song by I never sang the song so I had to learn it, you know, from the beginning.

Q) And so much like the other coaches, what was it about Ellie that it really kind of prompted you to keep excelling in your performance?

Barry Minniefield: Just, you know, not rushing the song. She said because I have a tendency to, you know, rush my songs. She just said, “Just take it easy and take it slow. Be in the pocket,” and basically that’s what I did. Listened to her and it just felt good. And performing with Jack was just – man, we had so much fun doing that song. It’s a fun song to do.

Q) So, now is the singing career now kind of kicking the chef thing in the butt?

Barry Minniefield: Yes, it is. I’ve been singing, you know, for 25 years but I’m just kind of, like, throwing them  knives away right now.

Q) Clinton, you talked a little bit about this, but could you just elaborate a little bit on the experience of having a double steal? How did that make you feel and what was going through your head?

Clinton Washington: So that whole experience was – that was a little bit mind clearing. It’s like a different type of experience when you’re on stage and the lights are on you and you have all these people looking at you and you’ve just gone through a very, like, emotional experience with India. I mean, who else wouldn’t have their mind blown from experience like that? But it was so much fun. And, honestly, we were both going into it hoping to win but also hoping for the other person that, if it did come down to it, that, you know, the other one would get stolen. So it was really exciting and it was really humbling to have both of them positioning themselves to steal me was – it felt really gratifying. It felt, like, after my blind audition with only one chair turning, it felt a little bit like I had rectified that situation and had finally proven myself and my worth in the competition.

Q) Caitlin, how did it make you feel when you heard Adam say that you could win?

Caitlin Caporale: Yes, it was amazing to hear Adam say that; especially since I’ve listened to him since he started in Maroon 5. So to hear that, it was awesome especially him not being my coach, to say that was a real validation for me.

Q) India, with the demands of the show, the amount of time that is required of you, you know, to be in rehearsals and things like that, how are you balancing your coursework? Are you still enrolled this semester or are you coming back next semester? How is that going to work for you?

India Carney: Yes, I’m enrolled. I’ve been doing my homework during my over – while I’m over with The Voice and my teachers have been very understanding about this and allowing me to stay enrolled and do my homework and also compete.

Q) And are you able to come to campus for classes, as well, or are you working around that?

India Carney: No, we’re working around that. I’m not able to commute so – but I’m back on campus now and just catching up and getting ready for finals.

Q) I know that Adam Levine is also UCLA Bruin and he started a band here and you started a band while at UCLA. And you both have performed in Spring Sing and things like that. Have you had any time to talk to him about his experience during college here and maybe compare notes and things like that about your times at UCLA?

India Carney: Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to talk to him about UCLA but it certainly an honor being in the same room as him because he’s a very encouraging person and coach, although he’s not my coach. I still feel those vibes and it’s just an incredible honor to be standing in front of him.

Q) You opened with, “New York State of Mind. “ And I believe that really blew away people and Twitter is going absolutely insane. People are in tears, they’re, like, dying. So what song would you look forward to, to show off, like, your versatility as a singer? You’ve had, like, the New York staple in the, “New York State of Mind,” and a pop ballad. What would you look forward to singing next?

India Carney: Oh, okay, there are two songs that jump out. One is, “I Found a Boy,” by Adele. I would absolutely love to sing that. And, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” is my absolute favorite song. So if I was able to sing that, oh my gosh, I’d be forever grateful.

Q) How has it been training with Christina? She was your first choice after turning four chairs. How has that experience been so far?

India Carney: It’s been amazing. Like I’ve been saying, I grew up with her music and to be able to learn from someone that I admire is an honor and a blessing. So she’s a great coach. She always has great things to say and I’m very lucky to be learning from her.

Q) Caitlin, obviously we know that you are a talented singer. Pharrell’s been talking a lot this season about putting on a show and I’m wondering, what have you learned from him as far as the other elements of performing go?

Caitlin Caporale: Yes, I mean, Pharrell really gets deep down inside. He has these one-liners that really stick in your mind. And he just wants us to be the best version of ourselves. He wants to pull out everything that we’ve got. So he’s really helping me to gain more confidence on that stage and to not be in my head so much and to just go for it. So I’m really grateful to have Pharrell to grow as an artist and a person.

Q) I’m wondering, you’ve had to really solid performances. You’ve had the coaches tell you both times that they think that you can win the show. Where do you sort of go from here? Is there another level we have yet to see from you? Is there an even better performance that we can expect to see from you next?

Caitlin Caporale: I think that us, as artists, we can always do better so I’m striving to just work on my voice and my performances and make sure that the one is better than the next and really show America what I’ve got. I’ve been waiting to do this type of show before and I’m so grateful that I have this opportunity to grow. And, yes, I’ll just take it to the next level. There’s always something to learn.

Q) Caitlin, along those same lines, what is the best advice would you give someone who wants to be on The Voice someday how to get there? Of course practice and audition but what was the one thing that you’ve gone through that you would tell them you really need to make sure you do this?

Caitlin Caporale: Well, of course, you have to just put that work in and really practice;  not only on your vocals but on your confidence in yourself. I mean, going into that audition, you could be the best singer but if your nerves take over minutes not going to show through. So really just continue to practice; practice for friends, practice for family go out there and really put yourself on the line and take that chance. I mean, that’s what I’ve done and I’m so grateful now that I’m at this point in the competition. So, really, just believe in yourself is what I would say.

Q) Lowell, was there ever a plan B in case this music thing didn’t work out? I mean, were you going to be a doctor or a lawyer someday if this and work out or was there never a plan B?

Lowell Oakley: I mean, honestly I mean, I’m 19. I’m trying to figure out what the heck I’m doing with my life and again, I’m trying not to think too much about things. I think that was – and Pharrell’s been saying that, I mean, way back in my blind. That’s kind of my downfall almost. If I think too deeply about something. And honestly, I’ve just been, throughout the so process, just kind of riding and just trying to have the time of my life and I have been. So I guess, to answer the question there – I could – the plan B, yes, is to go back to school, but in a sense I’m not even really thinking about that right now.

Q) So your parents are pretty supportive about this then?

Lowell Oakley: Yes, yes, definitely. They’re definitely supportive. They want me to get an education, though. They are, again, still pushing for that but if something comes out of The Voice with music, then they’re all for it.

Q) Clinton, you’ve been writing a lot of material. Can we hear any of it online anywhere besides buying it from iTunes for The Voice?

Clinton Washington: Of course. I’ve got a Facebook, a You Tube, Sound Cloud. All of that crazy stuff. And, yes, I’ve got a lot of originals and things on there.

Q) Okay, pick one song that you’re the most proud of that you really want us all to listen to.

Clinton Washington: That’s a great question because they’re all pretty terrible. I’m kidding. I’m kidding. Let’s go with, “Moving On.” I’m pretty – and it was one of my first and it has kind of evolved since I put it up there but I’m very proud of it. Yes, “Moving On.”

Q) Treeva, I wanted to talk to you a little bit about the experience of having to scream in front of Christina. Did that actually enhance the performance? You guys looked kind of uncomfortable doing it. That’s why I asked the question.

Treeva Gibson: We were a little, like, put off by the whole screaming thing but, like, when Christina Aguilera tells you to scream, you don’t say no. So it really did help, though, because at that point, we really just understood the kind of message – not the screaming when we were performing but she but she wanted us to take on the whole, like, just feeling insane kind of, more so  that the song can kind of bring. And so I think, like, the whole screaming thing really just got us into that mindset and it, like, click and made us realize what she wants and what she’s looking for.

Q) Do you think you’ll incorporate that to warm-ups in upcoming episodes of the show?

Treeva Gibson: No, I don’t think I’m going to scream. I don’t think that would be great for my voice.

Q) Barry, being the elder statesman of the group, what is the best advice you give all your other teammates and all the other people on the voice this year? I mean, I imagine you’re a pretty encouraging guide to them. What is the one thing you try to impart upon them?

Barry: Just to believe in themselves and to apply that just to everyday living. I mean, just to be themselves, be the best you can be and there is no such word as I can’t. Just be yourselves and just enjoy your lives while you’re young and you never – I mean, just enjoy life. Enjoy this ride. I mean, what a great opportunity for all of us. And for me to be the oldest to be 53 and be able to do this, I mean, this is a gift. I mean, I’m having the time of my life.

 

 

*CONFERENCE CALL*