WW: Hello Alden! How are you? Keeping busy I'm sure!
AW: It has been CRAZY lately!! I'm doing a People magazine interview
tomorrow and I'm in the studio all the time, So, Yes things are very
busy!!
WW: Where did you grow up? How was your childhood?
AW: I grew up spending my time between Buckroe Beach, VA and
Roanoke, VA, where I currently reside now. My childhood was great!!
I have always loved performing on stage for my friends and family, even
since childhood. I lost my father when I was 7 but, I never really knew
him. My step-father Robert became my role model and came into my life and taught me how to dream!
WW: When did you decide you wanted become a singer?
AW: The first time I stepped off the stage to a standing ovation at my 4th grade talent show after singing Huey Lewis and the News' "Heart of Rock and Roll" I knew the stage was for me! I know it sounds cliché , However I was truly Born to do this! Music is a soul provider it feeds your spirit and it can lift you when your down!
WW: Do you come from a music-oriented family?
AW: No, not at all, My family members couldn't carry a tune in a bucket!
WW: Were you a fan of American Idol, the first season?
AW: Yes, I watched it religiously! I wasn't a big fan of the talent but I loved the concept!
WW: When you heard there would be an audition for American Idol II, what were your first thoughts?
AW: I'm already there! Just show me where to sign up J.
WW: To those of us who aren't familiar with American Idol, or live under a rock, could you explain the
process you went though to get on the show?
AW: You go to an open audition in 1 of 7 cities across the nation I chose Nashville, TN (even though I won a local radio contest to audition in Pasadena, CA). I waited in line outside in the cold (20 degrees) for a grand total of about 30 hours to get inside for 4 rounds of competition over 6 days! If you progress past your individual city (5 rounds) then you get an all-expenses paid trip to Hollywood for the next rounds of competition.
WW: What are your thoughts on Randy, Simon, and Paula?
AW: People make Simon out to be a monster but he's a big teddy bear! If you listen to his comments he's usually right on! Paula is just as sweet and genuine in person as she is on TV and very soft spoken and supportive not to mention "easy on the eyess." Randy is kind of a hermit he's only there as long as the taping for the show and then he's gone! But he's an music industry veteran who (generally) knows a good act when he sees one!
WW: Was your experience at American Idol a good one?
AW: I wouldn't trade my time on Idol for anything It's has given my career the swift kick in the butt that It needed!
WW: Do you keep in contact with some other contestants that were on American Idol?
AW: Yes, I know all the top 12 except Carmen Rasmussen and I stay in touch with Ruben, Frenchie, Bettis, Corey, Josh, Kimberly,etc.
WW: Now that the top 8 are chosen for American Idol, who are you rooting for?
AW: My three picks from the top 12 are as follows Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and Kimberly Caldwell!
WW: What do you plan to do with your future music career?
AW: I'm recording my first full length CD right now and plan to get airplay by spring 2004, I'm Hella Busy!
WW: Have you been pursuing a record deal?
AW: Yes, it seems like forever, But I had always performed and sent record labels Cover tunes (other peoples music). I wasn't comfortable writing music until about a year and a half ago. Now that I'm comfortable writing, I have the two main components ( The right connections in the Music Industry and my
own original music) to be a successful artist. I am having a lot more success!
WW: What's in your CD player now?
AW: I'm all about Daniel Bedingfield, he's an awesome producer/songwriter/vocalist and I love the arrangements of his songs!
WW: What artists really influence you?
AW: Artists who give back to the community. Those artists who not only give their money, but their time and compassion through contributing to charities. Celebrities have a responsibility to their fans to return that love that got them to where they are now!
WW: And for our signature Wild Writings Question - If you could perform with anyone in the music business, who would it be?
AW: I would love to sing a duet w/ Whitney Houston and collaborate with Bono from U2! I would also Really, Really like to produce some phat tracks with Timbaland and Missy Elliott (Both from Virginia).
