Hey Guys, i had the opportunity to do an interview with an all round amazing guy and artist, you would agree with me that through this interview, you get to see how cool he is and how hard he has worked to get to where he is.

Victor Kim shares some of his experiences with me, and i have to tell, it’s simply inspirational, if you’re looking for that something, to give a kick up your backside, then this interview is for you.

Hey Victor, Thanks for doing this interview with me on YHP, How are you doing?

My pleasure! and im doing excellent, thank you for asking.

Can you quickly give some brief background information about yourself?

Absolutely! My name is victor kim and i was born and raised in Sacramento. I moved to southern california to go to college at UC Irvine where i graduated with a degree in Economics, through a series of amazing and unexpected events, i am currently a professional dancer and musician.

How did you get started online, posting videos on YouTube and sharing your hobbies with the world?

I was inspired to post videos online by people such as Passion, AJ Rafael, David Choi and many other artists that i admire. I loved the idea of sharing something you love with the world. also, as soon as we got off ABDC, the first thing i did with the prize money was to buy a macbook! ever since then i’ve had the chance to meet and become good friends with many of the artists i look up to.

What has been the most memorable experience so far?

It’s hard to choose a specific moment as the most memorable, but one experience that i vividly remember is a memory from hawaii.

I was laying down at one of the most beautiful beaches i have ever seen in my life, and realized how blessed i am to be doing what i love, with the people i love. it was a very surreal moment, where i had the sensation that i was living a dream.

How did you join Quest Crew and why?

I met the guys of Quest through the hip hop dance community in southern california when i was in college. My two best friends in school were both on collegiate hip hop teams (Mike Song was in Kaba Modern and Anthony Lee was in CADC), and as much as i loved watching these teams, the style of dance wasn’t my particular brand, then i met the guys of Quest and things just clicked.

I joined with them because they inspire me not as just dancers, but as people as well.

How does it feel to win the MTV’S Season 3 of the American best dance crew?

The most honest way that i can describe winning ABDC, is that thats how i imagine heaven to be. there was so much leading up to that moment where mario lopez announced our names as the champions, and when he did the first thing that i did, (after having a mild heart attack on stage) was to get on my knees and thank God.
I felt so close to Him in that moment, and it was a huge affirmation that i am doing what He wants me to be doing with my life.

Share with us one of the most difficult time in your life and how you handled it?

The most difficult moment of my life was during my freshman year of high school. back then, i had very little ambition in my life, and all i wanted to do was skateboard and do graffiti. I dont know what sparked this rebellious nature in me, but it all stopped when i got arrested for vandalism.

The specific moment that changed my life was when i saw my mom’s eyes looking at her son in the back of a police car. from then on i made a promise to myself that i would never make her cry again, and that i would do everything i can to make her proud. from then on, i started working harder in school and eventually got transferred to the honors and AP classes.

I became more active in church, and picked up playing the guitar and starting dancing.

You pretty much do everything, dancing, singing, playing instruments, arts..What can’t you do
(LAUGHTER?)

haha thank you ! there are definitely many many things that i cannot do, but i try to focus my time and energy on the things that i am very passionate about. but i must admit, im not the best in the world with driving directions !

Haha..Finally something you’re not good at, I’m only joking..

How the hell did you learn how to do all of this, and to do it properly as well, it’s totally crazy?

Well, i suppose there is a slightly obsessive tendency when it comes to things that i enjoy. when i first started breakin, i would spend hours and hours every day in my living room trying to do windmills. then after that, i would lock myself away in my room (not literally) with my guitar and practice till my fingers couldnt take it anymore. perhaps its just the attitude that if you truly want something, you have to be willing to work harder than everyone else to achieve it.

Who/what has been your inspiration to keep going even when things aren’t going well?

There have definitely been times where things werent going as successfully as they are now. towards the end of my time at UC Irvine, i was very lost with what i wanted to do with my life post-college. but one thing that provided strength and hope in those times, was the belief that God is in complete control.

I firmly believe that God has written out the story of my life long before i was even born, and that i am simply living out the motion picture that He has already created for me.

Do you think it takes a lot of discipline and also sacrifice to make it to the top? What has been the toughest decision you’ve had to make?

There is definitely a lot of discipline involved in achieving any goal that is worthwhile. like i mentioned earlier, you must be willing to work harder than everyone else. but discipline isnt solely dependent on what you physically do but what you do with your mind and soul is also equally as important, and the thoughts that you carry with you everyday are crucial in determining the course of your life.

Who are your musical, artistic, dance inspirations?

Anyone who is truly passionate about what they do. they are my inspirations.

If you had to choose one of the things you, to pick one as a career, which one would it have to be?

I would probably choose music. as much as i love to dance, i might be less inclined to do hollowbacks when im 60!

Haha! You just never know…

Is it ever overwhelming, you know, the support from people, realising that people on the other side of the world are inspired by you?

It is definitely a blessing. if i were to go back in time and tell myself that there was people in Australia that enjoy my music and dancing, i wouldnt even believe it. when i first started out doing these things, i did them simply because it made me happy to do them. now that i find other people finding happiness in what i do, it is incredibly encouraging to work even harder.

How do you keep your humility and focus?

My parents. as long as i can remember, and even to this day my mom and dad told me how important it was to be humble. i am very thankful for the values that my parents have instilled in me and my brothers. as far as focus, i guess its just good genes !

If you could go back in time, what person would you like to have a chat with or hang with and why?

I would love to hang out with Jesus. He just seems like a really good guy you know?

What are your thoughts on the internet, websites such as YouTube, its advantages, the benefits it has given you?

I was watching an interview on Conan O’Brien and he was talking about the power of the internet, and how we are living in a new generation where things are now possible that weren’t in the past. instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars marketing his personal tour across America, he simply twittered about it. the tour was sold out in a matter of hours.

I believe that this generation is extremely blessed to have resources such as the internet because through these vehicles we can share with each other so easily, and have the capability to reaching a mass audience. just like the dawn of the industrial age and information age, new opportunities are presenting themselves for those who believe.

What should we be expecting from you in the future?

Definitely more things with my brothers of Quest Crew. we have a lot of big dreams and i know that together we can accomplish anything. i am also planning on writing more original music, and possibly some more performances with the YoMama Crew (Mike Song and Anthony Lee). i have a lot of dreams yet to achieve !

What advice would you like to give anyone looking to follow in your footstep?

“Ask and it will be give to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7)

Thanks for your time Victor!

Anytime :]

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Hi Guys, check out this interview with wade johnston.

Wade is a young singer/songwriter, guitarist, one of the very many that have really benefited from youtube.
After creating his youtube channel in summer 2008, posting original songs and covers he was able to reach a large audience, creating a fanbase online and performing in various events and concerts.

One cover that got him noticed was Julia Nunes’ song, “Regrets.” the video response ended up catching Nunes’s attention. Soon after, in October, Wade was invited to perform at her side at the first ever YouTube Live in San Francisco, CA.

He is also in a band called Wade Johnston and the Navigators

Hi Wade, How are you doing?

Staying busy…very busy.

So quickly give us some background information about you?

Well, I’m a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio. I like to make music—I make videos on YouTube, and I’m the front man of my band “Wade Johnston & The Navigators.” On the side (ha), I’m a full-time Urban Planning student at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning at the University of Cincinnati and I have a job.

How did you get into music?

I’ve grown up in a fairly musical family –I started off singing in a chorus at 9, played piano from about 11-13, and ended up choosing guitar around age 14. I began to experiment with writing music/lyrics soon after, and I’ve loved doing it ever since.

What is your favourite aspect of your own playing style?

I’m a sucker for harmony-driven music. More importantly, I love my band’s unique setup with me singing and playing guitar/ukulele accompanied by two other voices, steady hand percussion, and rocking electric bass.

What are you doing at this moment to keep things fresh for you and your audiences?

My band and I just released our first EP, so I’m transitioning back to song writing mode so I can get some new videos posted to YouTube this summer.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

That’s a really tough question because YouTube has presented me with so many rewarding experiences. YouTube LIVE! was an amazing event, but I’ve also had some other unreal opportunities to travel and play over the past 2 years. Not to mention I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of YouTube’s finest, including Pomplamoose, Julia Nunes, and Danielle Ate The Sandwich. However, when I’m sixty, I think that having 20,000 fans across the world that enjoyed listening to my music will be the most memorable experience.

If you had to choose one, playing instruments or singing?

Hmm, another toughie. Probably singing. Sometimes I go a week without playing because I get so wrapped up in school and work, but I can’t go a day without singing. Or even an hour…

What has been the most challenging part of your career so far and what did you do to remain focused?

The most challenging part of my music career so far has been balancing my YouTube persona with that of my band. On YouTube, I make most of my videos all by myself, but in life performances I rely on my bandmates to help me create a unique sound. My goal for this summer is to integrate the two in order to allow viewers to get a better idea for my vision as a songwriter.

You keep picking up musical instruments and exceeding in it, which one out of all the instruments you play, is your favourite and why?

Although I love the island-like, upbeat feel of the ukulele, I think guitar is my favorite because 1) I’m better at it, and 2) I think it’s a more versatile instrument to perform with. The ukulele has just four strings and a few octaves to work with, but a guitar has many more options.

Are you looking to pick up another instrument anytime soon?

I’m always looking to pick up new instrument! Actually, I recently just picked up the juice harp. I’m really excited to have my own house next year so I can setup a drum kit and maybe get an upright piano. I’m also interested in learning banjo and mandolin when I can find the time.

Many people who are picking up the ukulele for the first time want to play like you. What advice can you give to aspiring musicians about music and creating their own style?

No matter what other people think, be true to yourself as a musician. If you’re already doing that, all you need to do is post some videos on YouTube and maybe you’ll get lucky like I did! (ha)

What do you think is the most important thing you have practiced, and how has it improved your playing?

Hands down, finger picking (pun intended, ha). Taking the time early in my guitar training to discipline myself has helped me write new songs and made me a more versatile musician overall.

Do you think YouTube and the internet in general has helped you taking your music career to the next level?

Let me put it this way: without YouTube and the internet, no one outside of Cincinnati would know who I am. YouTube and the internet have changed the way people listen to music, and I’m just happy that I was born into the right place at the right time.

What inspires you to learn instruments and make music?

Learning a new instrument is like exploring a new room in some crazy musical mansion. It feeds the indecisive composer in me who is constantly searching for new music. Music is a way for me to make the intangible in my life tangible. I love the feeling of creating something that I’m proud of. It’s almost therapeutic in the sense that it allows me to say what I otherwise might not be able to say with words.

What should be expecting from you in the future?

Lots of new videos, a new CD in the distant future, and maybe some US touring. Your guess is as good as mine for what opportunity YouTube will present for me next.

Thanks for your time Wade

Thanks Joseph!

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As i announced on my facebook page a while ago that i will be interviewing the top music artists/YouTube stars, stars that have started merely by putting up covers of their favourite songs online.
I hope this encourages and inspires you to make a start, take the first step.
I really thank Ana for opening up to us and sharing such a wonderful story/journey with us.

I would also like to thank her manager Blake Brandes for giving me the opportunity to do this wonderful interview with Ana.

Ana has over 50,000 Subscribers on her youtube channel with over 18,000,000 Hits..
Enjoy the interview

Hello Ana, Welcome to YHP, Thank you for taking the time to do this with me, how are you doing?

I’m great, thank you. It’s nice to be here!

Can you tell our readers a little bit about how you became involved with music to begin with? Did you always know that you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?

Music is something I have always gravitated towards, be it for the purpose of listening or creating. I’ve been singing ever since I can remember and my mother tells me I used to sing in my crib. I learnt to play guitar with my father when I was 8 years old, and he taught me my first chords on my brother’s guitar. Since then, I’ve realised that no matter what I do, this combination of passions will never drift away from me.

The realisation that I wanted to be in music was very natural, and I think that was necessary because I had to grow into the realisation rather than be hit by it. I am in a constant mode of creation, and so it was only a matter of time before I fell into this world.

Do you write most of your songs?

Yes, I write all of my songs. I love doing covers because I find that I can still express my musicality through existing works and I enjoy playing with that realm. There is something very satisfying, of course, about writing my own material. It’s nice to create something that you can call your own out of thin air and thoughts.

What are your immediate music career goals?

I definitely want to finish recording the debut album as soon as possible. It takes a lot of time though, you can’t force creativity. Thankfully, I have all the songs that are going on the album, so that really helps. I’ve found that travel and work can interfere with the creative flow and so I’ve been making an artistic effort to keep inspired and on my toes with writing songs! I’m in the process of shooting my next video-clip for the latest single, “Questions In My Mind”, off the new EP “Radian”. My main priority is to keep putting music out, playing live shows and expanding the Free World with my amazing fans.

How would you define the word “success”?

I think a huge part of being successful is being happy with where you are and what you’re doing with your life. I once read that “the road to success is always under construction”, and I pretty much live by that dictum.

What is the message behind your EP (mini-album) called “Radian”, and what can we expect from it?

“Radian” is a collection of stories. Each song on the record was written at a different time in my life, so they embody different states and phases. I wrote “Questions In My Mind” when I was 16 and went on to write “Child” when I was 20, two very different and important times in my life. The feel of the record is still a mash-up of acoustic and pop/rock.

I also wanted to record some of the YouTube “hits” so that my fans could have them everywhere they went, in high quality. EP’s are really attractive to me because they are a smaller collection of songs, and as such, can accommodate the ever-changing artistic world I live in. They take less time to record and so when I feel like taking a different or new direction, I have the EP’s there for the making to express it. I feel like full 10+ song albums require more precision and planning, which is why recording them is more of a long-term experience. I enjoy them in different ways.

Which artists can be found on your mp3 player?

I love so many types of music. The artists on my mp3 player vary every so often. You’ll find artists like John Mayer, Ellie Goulding, Kings of Leon, Evanescence, Nickelback, David Guetta, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and Mozart mingling with Chillout artists, Hip-Hop greats and Rock legends. Believe me, it’s a party!

What do you think you’d be doing if you were not a singer?

I like to think that I’d be doing something interesting in Economics (which is why I took a degree in it)! Perhaps I’d be working for the European Union or the United Nations. I’m not sure, but travelling and finding ways to improve the world around us has always been a passion of mine, so I could see myself in anything that fulfilled those criteria.

Which artist would you love to work with that you haven’t already?

I’d love to work with John Mayer, Ellie Goulding and Timbaland (so that I could secretly satisfy my pop soft spot). Having said that, I think I could make some epic tunes with Linkin Park!

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not singing?

I love spending my time with my friends and family. I don’t get to see them very often, so whenever I get the chance I’m usually flying somewhere to see them. I’ve become more accustomed to being away from them (on tour, travelling etc.), so I cherish every moment I can hug the people who love me.

Share with us, the moment that you think changed everything?

I think it was in my second year at university. Shortly after the YouTube boom, I was on campus with friends, shopping for food. I was wearing a red hoodie (hood up!), jeans and trainers, and I don’t think I had worried about looking half-decent at all. I was blindsided by a girl, with what I perceived to be a look of panic across her face. She stood half a metre from me, and it crossed my mind that maybe I had something offensive written on my forehead, or had unknowingly done something to annoy her! She asked, “Is your name Ana”? I thought about saying, “No, my name is Caroline”, because I hadn’t the faintest idea what was going on and considered avoiding it altogether. I said, “Yes, my name is Ana”. She smiled and said, “Oh my God, are you Ana Free”? I breathed a sigh of relief and it all made sense. It was an epic moment for me.

How effective do you think doing covers on YouTube are?

I love doing covers because I enjoy reinventing songs. Sometimes I change them up and make medleys out of them, and other times I’ll just stick to the originals and just add my flavour. I always pick songs that speak to me, songs I like. I won’t cover a song just because it’s a hit single, or currently in the charts. I feel like if I don’t connect with the song somehow, then I won’t do the cover justice. There are bands I’d like to cover, like Pearl Jam for example, but I just haven’t figured out the right song for me, the one that speaks to me the most and that I can deliver in just the right way.

Thankfully however, I’m not the worst perfectionist, and genre doesn’t matter to me. I think that a lot of fans find my music through cover searches. In that respect, covers can be useful for exposure. I don’t really think of them as a ‘tool’; to me, covers are effective in so far as they make me happy to play and upload to my fanbase.

Why did you decide to start putting covers and your songs on YouTube?

The first song I ever uploaded to YouTube was a Sheryl Crow cover, and it just seemed to be the natural thing to do; bring together my to-be artist and an extremely talented musician like Sheryl Crow. It was like my stepping-stone. Immediately after that, I decided to put up my original, “Questions In My Mind”. Going back and revisiting those videos is a love/hate experience.

I love it because I can see how far I’ve come, and I can laugh at the clothes I chose to wear and how I chose to edit things back then. I hate it because I didn’t have the experience to know not to chop half my head off and post the video! That’s just me, you have to start somewhere!

What are some of your musical influences? Right now and growing up?

I grew up listening to many different genres of music. As a child I’d listen to Sam Cooke, Eric Claption, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Mama’s and the Papa’s, and The Beach Boys. Then I hooked on to the rock bands of the 90’s and began to follow classics like Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Nirvana, Sheryl Crow, 4 Non Blondes, The Offspring and Guns’n’Roses. I used to steal their albums from my older brother’s room.

Nowadays I still go back and listen to the classics as well as adding to my favourite artists with John Mayer, Colbie Callait, Christina Aguilera, Kings of Leon among other genres like HipHop, Soul, Ambient and a little French, Greek and Spanish music

What is it like to have the opportunity to record songs that you’ve written for mass consumption by the public?

I’m used to recording music, and being in the studio. The process is very familiar. I love the idea that I can share my music with the public in a more permanent way. I’m very lucky to have this opportunity and I don’t take it for granted. That said, I realise that my artistry is not entirely based on recorded music.

The live shows really bring another dimension to my music, as do the little things like staying after gigs to sign autographs and spend some time saying hi to my audience. That is the opportunity I am thankful for the most.

What advice would you give to other aspiring singer/songwriters?

I think the trick is to be yourself and make the music you really believe in because if you don’t believe in what you’re putting out, people will notice immediately and react accordingly. If you create, don’t expect to stand still. Creation means learning, and learning means growing. Try not to confuse ‘growing’ with ‘selling-out’.

Treat everyone you meet with respect, and give the fans priority. In no way should you consider putting your fans on the backburner. When they buy your music and they come out and watch you perform, you have to realise that in a sense, you answer to them. They give to you, and you should give even more back. I always think to myself, “this is a privilege, not a right”. Avoid being confined to one genre of music just because your fanbase follow that side of you; it just means you have to know your market. Don’t be afraid of results, even if you worry they are mixed up, wacky and different.

What has been your most memorable music experience so far in your career?

I have tons. One of them is playing my first ever concert as Ana Free. It was a small venue in Lisbon, packed out. I was backstage and there was no bathroom. I was so anxious that I was sure I was going to pass out! I walked onstage and all of the anxiety vanished. That’s when I knew that I was born to do this.

Is there anything else you will like to say to your fans?

There are a million things I’d like to say to them! Mainly, I hope that they continue to connect to the Free World and listen to the music that makes them happy. I want them to realise that nothing would be possible without them, and the stage wouldn’t be worth walking onto without the energy bouncing off the walls between us all. My music will be there, as long as want to hear it, and they always come first.

Thanks for your time Ana.

Thank you!

Don’t forget to check out Ana free on:
Her Facebook Fanpage
Her Youtube Channel
Follow her on twitter
Ana’s Official Website
Ana’s Myspace

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