Interview: America’s Paradiso Girl is Ready for the World

They are energetic, sexy, fun, and – after a long two years in development – eager to share their music with audiences everywhere. Aria, Kelly, Lauren, Shar, and Chelsea are the Paradiso Girls. Hailing from five different countries (Barbados, England, France, Philippines, and the U.S.) and boasting three lead singers, a rapper, and a DJ this girl group is a unique new addition to the pop music industry and an entertaining act whenever they hit the stage. They have been compared to the Spice Girls and the Pussycat Dolls, but with their hit single “Patron Tequila” and collaborations with artists like Lil Jon, Eve, and Will-i-Am they are paving their own way to the top. With their upcoming performance at the lesbian event Club Skirts The Dinah 2010, we decided to get know more about the exciting quintet so talked to the American rep and “girl-next-door,” Chelsea.

Cherry Grrl (CG): First of all, congratulations on the success of “Patron Tequila.”

Chelsea: Thank you!

CG: What has the experience of having a hit single been like for you?

Chelsea: It’s still unbelievable! I still cry every time I hear it on the radio because it’s that life-long dream finally starting to come true. But, nothing compares to when we are performing “Patron Tequila” and the whole crowd is singing along with us. It’s really amazing!

CG: Your fans are eagerly awaiting your full debut album – when is that slotted to be released and what can you tell us about it?

Chelsea: Well, I don’t want to give anything away, but we have been working on the album for over 2 years and have just wanted to perfect every bit of it by working with some of the top producers in the world to make an album that everyone, no mater what you listen to, can relate to! So I guess, just keep your eyes and ears out for us!

CG: Do  you have any favorite tracks of the upcoming release?

Chelsea: YES!! “Down” is my favorite Paradiso Girls track! You see, the group was formed a year before I joined, while I was on Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search For The Next Doll, and the first song I ever heard from the group was “Down.” It was also the first time that I have ever been in a recording studio to record. When I heard “Down” though, that’s when I decided that I wanted to be a part of the group. The song is about heartbreak, but then finding new love by the end. When you hear it, I guarantee you will love it as much as I do. Then, of course, I love “Patron Tequila” and another song we have called “DJ.”

CG: You are a unique band in that all of you hail from different countries. What benefits do you think that brings to your group?

Chelsea: (singing) “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dan Dee!” (laughs) U.S.A. baby!! I really think that I am just that American girl that has been inspired by everything and everyone ever since I was little and now I have that hunger and that drive filled with a million ideas ready to BURST!  And that’s what I bring to the group along with my vocals, daring performance skills, and AWWE-SOME personality (laughs).

CG: You have been compared to the Spice Girls and Pussycat Dolls, but what do you think sets you apart?

Chelsea: Now, don’t get me wrong! It’s awesome to get compared to such successful groups, but just like you said in the previous question, we are a unique (that means original) group that hails from all parts around the world. Also, there is no lead singer or front man! We are a team! There is no “I” in team… But there is an “I” in pie…. mmmm, pie…

CG: How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

Chelsea: It’s like nothing you have ever heard before!

CG: You have each worked really hard to earn your spot in the group and get to where you are now as a whole. Is being a member of a group like Paradiso Girls something that you hoped for growing up?

Chelsea: This is just the beginning for all of us and our dreams. Being where we are with Interscope Records is exactly where I always hoped I would be, but now to get to where I really want to be, like winning a Grammy, is where all my work comes into play.

CG: When did you realize that the music industry was where you wanted to be?

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