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September 22, 2009
Our Lengthy Island Idol
We sat down with Smithtown, Lengthy Island native Joe Murena, 29 an American Idol Season 4 finalist who’s debut album “If Ever” will likely be in shops, March 2010. Earlier than Idol, Joe was a studio singer who overcame stage fright to carry out on the notorious Apollo Theatre in Harlem. His Journey has been paved with the ups and downs of stardom. In Joe’s case…his journey continues.
Christine- Earlier than you graced the American Idol stage you had been a child rising up in Smithtown Lengthy Island. When did you understand you may sing?
Joe – Really I used to be at a good friend’s home. I used to be happening 16 and so they had a karaoke machine, I used to be simply enjoying round, and her sister in legislation heard me singing and, she got here as much as me and stated “I’ve acquired to take you to the studio to satisfy a good friend of mine!” It ended up being a part of C&C Music Manufacturing facility.
Christine – When did you begin songwriting?
Joe- I at all times sang on my own if I used to be alone. I believe I wrote songs previous to being 16. I began driving round 17, 18 and once you’re alone in your automotive, that is once I actually began writing.
Christine – What was your favourite track once you had been younger and who had been your musical influences?
Joe – Steve Perry I’ve to say is my largest affect by far. I like the Biggest Hits album of Journey. I like happening street journeys, and listening to Doo Wop and Frankie Valli.
Christine – You had been on Star Search and Showtime on the Apollo, inform us about these experiences?
Joe – That was truly the primary time I ever carried out reside in entrance of anybody; it was on the Apollo Stage. I used to be terribly stricken with stage fright and acquired hypnotized by a Physician named Dr. Besman, he is from Lengthy Island and I ship everybody to him as a result of I believe he is superb. He is into holistic stuff however he is one of the vital influential individuals I’ve had the chance of ever assembly.
A good friend of mine, a chiropractor, instructed me to go meet this man. I went to him and he hypnotized me to recover from it. After I awoke, and I am unsure I believed it on the time, however I awoke and he stated “who’s Amelia?” I stated that is my nanny, my mothers’ mother. Then he stated you used to observe Showtime on the Apollo along with her on TV…and I stated yea. He instructed me you are going to go tomorrow and you are going to audition as quickly as you may for the present. You gotta go on the present. I walked out of there frazzled, as a result of each time it was on we’d watch it collectively.
So I went to Harlem, I auditioned. I assumed the audition went properly. I acquired to satisfy Maxie Lewis, she was the producer for the present, I stepped off stage and I keep in mind her saying “that was superb!” I used to be like…actually? I used to be in awe with the actual fact I even carried out that and the truth that individuals favored it.
Christine – How about Star Search?
Joe – That was the brand new one with Arsenio Corridor. I went to New York. I auditioned, they eradicated everybody within the room I used to be in, however they stored me! There was one other woman they stored she was within the room subsequent to mine. Her title was Denise Hudson. They known as me again to do one other audition and I used to be late attempting to get there. I used to be like I am gonna be late! I gotta get there! I went down the improper street, a a technique street, and a cop jumped in entrance of me and begins screaming “the place the fuck are you going?” I say I am sorry I’ve an audition with Star Search. And he or she stated “proper this manner!” She let me reduce by way of all the way in which to the resort I pulled proper up and went proper into the room and I sang. Then they have you ever wait some time and inside per week they known as me and stated you made it on the present. We’re doing it once more! That is how my second audition went- I nearly acquired a site visitors ticket.
Christine – You had been on Season 4 of American Idol inside the High 12 of the Boys. Describe the sensation of performing to such a big TV viewers.
Joe – It is attention-grabbing usually because The Apollo is a big theatre when it is packed. While you’re on a present like Idol it is a studio viewers and there is cameras round, you sort of grasp the truth that everyone seems to be watching you reside, however to essentially get it whilst you’re doing it … you solely sort of can. What I like is that once you’re performing, California has the time distinction, so that you get to carry out after which you may watch it again. When it is the 12 of us, they tape the day earlier than the primary episode as a result of it is arduous to get all of it in. When it aired I keep in mind it like, “Oh my god that is loopy” however I my mother known as me to inform me Lengthy Island is flipping out that you are the first particular person from Lengthy Island that made it. You’ll be able to’t actually grasp that once you’re there as a result of they preserve you in a bubble. For so long as I used to be there, I used to be away from my family and friends. All you consider is the aim. The studio viewers was nice as a result of they’re ready all day to get inside to get a glimpse to see who the Idols will likely be. However that viewers wasn’t as intimidating as doing The Apollo for some motive. Perhaps as a result of it was historic, rubbing the stump there.
Christine – Apprehensive concerning the Sandman coming to take you off the stage?
Joe – They’d carried out a taping for one more episode of Showtime on the Apollo and previous to me, this younger woman got here out, a white woman, and so they booed her the minute she walked out and I assumed “Oh my God, I am lifeless” I felt actually unhealthy for her however I felt worse for me. Everyone there was actually nice however the one producer stated the probability of the clown coming after you was actually excessive. It was like his phrases had been engraved in my head. He stated “The chances are actually excessive, so if he does, simply graciously stroll off stage” as he handed me the microphone. I stated if that clown comes after me “he can chase me the fuck round” If I am going on the market and begin singing he can come after me all he needs however I’m ending that track, and he laughed. He in all probability actually thought that I used to be going to be again in. So once I stepped out, Rudy Rush was the host, and he says to the viewers “who’s he remind you of?” and so they yell “Ricky Martin!” Abruptly I begin doing the Ricky Martin Dance like an fool and the viewers screamed! I am saying “I am sorry I am sorry. I set myself up!” I did Let’s Keep Collectively. You’ll be able to’t go improper with Al Greene however that was probably the most intimated I’ve felt, greater than Idol. Dwell I do not suppose is as scary when it is on TV as in live performance the place you may see the faces.
Christine – So I watched your model of Let’s Keep Collectively on American Idol. Randy stated “it was simply good”, Paula felt you “introduced it up from final week” and Simon agreed with Randy. I agreed with Paula. You stroll off the stage week after week after being judged, how do you’re feeling?
Joe – I used to be lucky on the present that I by no means had something unfavourable thrown at me earlier than that. I’ve watched them crush many individuals. It is a phenomenal present and brings rather a lot individuals collectively however the actuality is that they crush many goals to make one. I used to be lucky that I did not must cope with that the entire means by way of. When the unfavourable feedback began and so they inform you may’t say sure issues, I did not need to be that man that was disrespectful again and I perceive that they had a job to do. Simon known as me a Portuguese nightclub singer and I had a thousand issues I might have stated, however you simply attempt to take it as graciously as you may. Even the way in which you are introduced is manipulated; the collar being pulled out of my jacket and my shirt tucked in, that was not at all times the way in which I used to be initially popping out. They altered me rapidly and threw me on the market. I suppose you’re taking it, however at that second, on that day I felt that everyone’s watching this, however I do know my mother, my mother and father, and my household and buddies…they’re Italian and residential screaming on the TV! I am simply going “yea okay, thanks, thanks…” Criticism on any stage is tough.
Christine – You had been voted off American Idol, you arrive again to Lengthy Island and also you’re met with an enormous homecoming…do you’re feeling beat down right now or do you’re feeling like a rock star?
Joe – After I acquired voted off the present, you allow beautiful-ville to go to a different lovely resort. I stayed for an additional few days there. I truly had a good friend fly out to assist me take my stuff house. You pack 8 months of stuff plus the buying that you simply do whilst you’re there, and all of the stuff that was given to you. I had per week to nearly detoxify myself and I could not suppose that massive coming to Lengthy Island. I keep in mind I could not wait to get house to my household and what I assumed was going to be regular once more. I stepped off the airplane at Macarthur Airport and I hear screaming. I am like “what the hell is occurring?” My good friend that was with me instructed me that is for you. That is for me? What are you taking about? I see individuals, a whole lot of individuals, individuals I knew, individuals I did not know, indicators posters and I used to be like “Shit, that is nice, think about if I’d of gained?” Are you able to think about, I would not have been touchdown in Macarthur it will have been JFK! It is a world wind even at that time because the present nonetheless continues. I went again to the Finale, it was a complete 12 months of my life that was devoted to Idol, after which I used to be anticipated to return to regular, possibly again to my job. After I landed there and noticed what had taken place I knew it will by no means be that standard once more.
Christine – Do you continue to watch the present?
Joe – I do watch it, I did not watch it as a lot the next season as a result of I used to be so irritated about the entire Taylor Hicks factor. I used to be like come on now, that is the man? It is tough to know the method of one thing after which to observe it once more. I keep in mind I watched it prior and I keep in mind I used to be operating on the treadmill when Fantasia gained which was the 12 months earlier than mine. I keep in mind going to hit the button however I did not and I slid proper off the treadmill. My mother yells from upstairs “what is the matter?” and like “I am auditioning for Idol subsequent 12 months” whereas I used to be on my ass having flown off the treadmill.
Then the next 12 months got here, as a result of I had stated it, now my entire household was saying “you are going.” It is probably the most superb second in somebody’s life. After you understand what it is wish to be there, to observe different individuals undergo it, the criticism nearly cuts deeper than it did to me trigger I understand how they really feel and I do know that face in holding again when what you actually need to inform them off. How fortunate we had been to have Paula Abdul as a result of she was fantastic.
This 12 months will I watch it? I in all probability will not. I like Ellen however I simply do not suppose it is the fitting method anymore. The artist or singers that go on that present that do not have Paula, they will be lacking a component that they’re going to by no means get again once more. That was her child and he or she cradled each single singer that went on the present and was real about how she felt and he or she gave us all good luck charms from her jewellery firm. I simply can’t think about her not being there, she was only a fantastic particular person, and I am not saying Ellen is not. I needn’t watch it anymore its run its course with me anyway.
Christine – Do you be in contact with any of the opposite contestants?
Joe – Virtually all of them, if I can. I believe that our 12 months as a result of it was the highest 12 guys and prime 12 women it was completely different, we acquired an opportunity to know one another. I nonetheless speak to Anthony Federov, and Mikalah Gordon continues to be a superb good friend of mine. She’s like my child sister. I want I acquired to talk to Carrie extra however I perceive she’s a diva, a famous person.
Christine – Your debut album “If Ever” will likely be in shops this winter? I used to be listening to some tracks in your web site, do you write these superb hooks?
Joe – Yea, do you want them?
Christine – I like them.
Joe -Thanks!
Christine – Will there be a tour supporting the album?
Joe – I hope so. That might be our aim. I’d like to do something I might. I like to get the music out to the plenty as a lot as I might.
Christine – “Entrance Row” has a terrific hook and most of the people with a dream can relate to this track…what recommendation would you give a brand new artist or anybody with a “pipe dream”.
Joe – That is a humorous line, that line was truly used to me as a good friend in highschool. Simply to not act too fast, to not take criticism to coronary heart and be open to criticism on the identical time. All the pieces occurs for a motive and I believe all singers ought to know that. Who I used to be on the time of Idol and who I’m now may be very completely different. I would not have been as proud to face behind a product that I’d have put out then as I’m now….simply do not quit.
Christine – You’re extraordinarily Charity pushed. Inform us together with your affiliation with the Wealthy Cronin Basis.
Joe – I had a greatest good friend rising up. Her title was Chrissy Pallazolo and he or she sadly handed away from Leukemia in 2006. Paradoxically it’s extremely bizarre how this entire factor labored out as a result of once I first put the band collectively, Melissa (Joe’s supervisor) was doing one thing for the Hope Basis. I actually did not know Melissa, I knew her by way of my keyboard participant and so they requested us to be part of it. This was previous to my good friend having any sickness in any respect. We went and carried out, I suppose possibly a 12 months or so later my good friend was recognized with it. I reached out to Melissa to assist me put collectively a fundraiser for her. At that time that was all I might do was do a fundraiser, individuals love music and so they help it. Sadly the week that we picked to do a fundraiser for her, Chrissy misplaced her battle with Leukemia. So the primary single that is popping out known as “If Ever” the title of the album will in all probability be known as “If Ever” and it is written for Chrissy. So it is simply bizarre how issues all work its means full circle. I believe that being on a present like Idol I used to be blessed with being needed at fundraisers. My mother is an 8 years going robust breast most cancers survivor, so I did many breast most cancers walks and I at all times will as a result of I believe it is so essential. I did Autism consciousness at Shea Stadium, I acquired to sing the anthem. The stadium was packed that day and the supervisor of the Mets stated it was superb to see so many individuals, that I needs to be actually be comfortable and I used to be like “This has to do with me?” As a result of they heard an individual from Idol was coming to do the anthem, if that is what I can do to assist, I will at all times try this. I believe it is essential.
What I discovered attention-grabbing truly, doing the fundraisers and getting concerned with Wealthy and Melissa is how many individuals do not know the right way to become involved. They need to however they do not know how. The fantastic thing about Wealthy Cronin’s Hope Basis is that it is laid out and easy for individuals to grow to be donors of bone marrow or simply to even get examined to be a match. It is so easy and it has saved so many lives that is it is fantastic. Wealthy is a survivor and God Bless him, he did not simply survive and neglect about it. He survived with Melissa and created this automobile for different individuals to become involved and actually assist different individuals, which is actually what it is all about.
Christine – While you’re just isn’t writing, singing or recording. What does Joe love to do?
Joe – I like to spend time with my nephews and my niece. I am very household oriented. I hang around with my mother rather a lot and my buddies. I may be very juvenile. I like to curve up on a sofa and watch cartoons on Saturday.
Christine – Are you a sportsfan?
Joe – Considerably, I do not get into the entire scream on the TV like my dad however I can recognize it. I like going to the health club, I like operating as a result of it makes me clear my head. On the subject of writing music it is one thing I at all times do, I can by no means shut off, it is my very own private turrets it is occurs on a regular basis on a regular basis, irrespective of the place I’m.
We went to go see LFO in live performance, they had been phenomenal! We had been sitting there ready for them to return out, I requested Melissa to offer me her cellphone for a minute and I jotted down an concept. It’ll in all probability be one of many singles on the album. I similar to to be regular. I’ve a terrific job, I like that a part of my life too. I really feel like I get to reside nearly like Hannah Montana.
by Christine Gerani
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#Lengthy #Island #Idol #Joe #Murena
