Interview: Hot Chelle Rae

The boys from Hot Chelle Rae are bringing their Whatever World tour to Wellington and Auckland in October and we couldn't be more excited. The boys play TSB Arena on Thursday 18 October in Wellington and Vector Arena on Saturday 20 October in Auckland.

Plus special guest Cher Lloyd will be joining them on tour. Tickets go on sale Friday (6 July) from Ticketek (Wellington) and Ticketmaster (Auckland). 

Check out Kimberley's interview below with Jamie Follese.

Jamie, are you excited about coming back to New Zealand?

Yes, to be honest New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places I have been and everyone is so nice.

Was there anything you missed out on doing that you are looking forward to doing on your next visit?

Yes, I went up the sky tower which freaked me out. I really wanted to bungee or sky dive and was too scared so I think I may have to do that this time.

Where are you at the moment?

Buffalo, NYC

You have been touring with Demi, how is that?

She is an inspiration. There are not many 19 year olds who can use their voice like that. I have been lucky to come across so many exceptionally talented people.

Like me, you also celebrate your half birthday, correct?

Yes, I didn’t even know it was my half birthday till a fan told me about it and I received hundreds of ½ birthday tweets it was very cool.

What other things do you celebrate with your family? Any traditions that are outside of the norm?

To be honest, anytime my family gets together it is a celebration. I was only home for three weeks last year. I would love to spend more time with my family.

Best advice you have been given?

I think you have to know that it takes time and hard work to achieve anything. If it happens over night you are not as grounded and you haven’t learnt the lessons that are vital for your survival and longevity as an artist. Our parents are both musicians and they have always been great at guiding us and keeping us grounded.

What was it like growing up for you?

My brother and I were home schooled and always around music. We didn’t have a “normal” upbringing but we were always surrounded by music and great people.

What are your personal goals?

I think to write some more songs. I don’t do a lot of my own songwriting but I want to. Also I am really looking forward to playing in NZ. It will be our first tour by ourselves and that is a huge achievement.

To write great songs, do you have to have experienced some heart break?

Ha ha, I personally have only had my heart broken once in the 8th grade I think, but I have witnessed some break ups and have enough to draw from to write.

Do you have a plan B?

No, I think if you are not focused 100% on what you are doing and have a back up, then you are already setting yourself up to not achieve what you are setting out to do. For me, there is no question, this is what I am doing.