 The Wilkinsons’ new hit single, "Jimmy’s Got a
Girlfriend," will make you smile until the very last note. The
rest of their new album is a winner, filled with a truck load of catchy tunes that
everyone will enjoy. Here and Now, their sophomore CD, is a real milestone for the family
act. The talented musical trio includes brother and sister Tyler (16) and Amanda (18), and
proud dad, Steven.
 They’ve been singing and making music together for
years,
yet they’ve only been basking in the
limelight for two years. They have received countless awards for their contemporary brand
of country music. They’ve also made appearances on popular television shows like Good
Morning America, Access Hollywood, The Donny and Marie Show, and many more!
 Amanda
has been the main vocal talent from the very start. She
had the knockout voice on their debut album, Nothing But Love.
 Tyler
While she took center stage, Tyler was crooning in the
background, but not for long.
That’s
all changed
on their new album!
He’s been brought into sharp focus on
Here and Now. Their second album is a real milestone, because he shares the spotlight with
his big sis in a collection of wonderful songs. They even co-wrote a song together (along
with N’SYNC pop writer, Robin Wiley) called It was Only a Kiss.
This new
CD is far from being just strictly country fare.
It has a contemporary pop beat woven into the
roots of country, a very potent mix. Here and Now will satisfy any kind of taste, with its
lively backbeat and singable lyrics.
Joanne:
I had the pleasure to talk with Amanda and Tyler, about everything from how they got
started, and what everyone thinks about Tyler becoming an instant heartthrob!
I’d like to welcome Amanda and Tyler Wilkinson to the interview.
You're deep appreciation for life, living in the moment and family is
refreshingly evident in all of your songs. There's a variety of fresh, distinctive sounds
on each of the tracks.
How do you keep your spirit alive every day, and how to
you channel it into your music?
Amanda:
We
truly enjoy the gift of music. If we didn't we wouldn't be in this business. We enjoy
being able to make music, and be creative. We'd do it for free! We HAVE done it for
free...ha! ha! The recording process keeps getting better and better, and more inspiring.
Life is so much fun for us right now, and that can't help but become evident in our music.
Joanne:
What's a typical day at your house like when you're
touring, and when you're not?
 Amanda:
Basically when we are on the road our days are very routine oriented.
I usually get up at around noon. Hey, I'm a teenager! Then I get ready for the
day at whatever hotel we may be at that day. After that I grab some lunch, then I have
some time to check out the town. Which usually means I get to do some shopping, even if
it's just to look. What can I say? I love it! Prior to the concert we do any prearranged
media whether it's TV, radio or magazine interviews. Then right before the show we do a
radio meet and greet with contest winners. After that - it's show time! That's the fun
part! It's my favorite part of the day. After the concert we see our fans and sign some
autographs. It's always a blast to meet our fans. They are the whole reason we do what we
do. Once we are loaded up and ready for the road it is about midnight. Then we are on our
way to the next city and I'm ready for bed!
Tyler:
Usually when we are home we do typical teenage stuff. We hang out with our friends. We
go to the mall. We go to the movies (we see a lot of movies!!!!!!) And we do a lot of
outdoor stuff - like roller blading. But of course there is a pause in amongst all of that
where mom kicks my butt and makes me do schoolwork. Yeah, you heard me right.
Joanne:
What was is like to shoot your new music video for
"Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend" outside of a sound-stage, for the first time?
 Amanda:
Shooting "Jimmy" was crazy!
We had so much fun.
It was shot in a really urban part of Los Angeles. The buildings looked like they
should have been in "West Side Story". It was shot in January, so it was really
cold outside. I know it looks like it was warm, but it really wasn't. Between each take we
had to put coats on - because it was freezing!
Tyler:
We started shooting at 5:00am Talk about early! But, the cool thing was, eventually it
did warm up in the afternoon. The extras were so much fun. There were about 45-50 extras.
They really added to the energy of the set.
Amanda:
It was the first time I have ever attempted to do some acting. Let me tell you, it was
a really unusual experience. One I will never forget. I had a really fun time with it. I'd
do it again for sure.
Joanne:
I've heard there's a funny story to go along with the
making of your new single "Jimmy's Got a Girlfriend." Could you please share it?
Tyler:
Oh yeah!
The actor that played Jimmy in the video (Scott Bailey) was picking up Amanda in one of
the shots in the video and his khakis split right up the back. Well....we didn't have
enough time for him to change, and he didn't have another pair of khakis. So, the director
basically told the people in wardrobe to tape him up and carry on. Scott was really good
about the whole thing. Needless to say it 'cracked' us up the entire day!
Joanne:
Who's idea was it to start a band? Did you ever expect
to go on television shows, win countless awards, and be so popular on the radio? Why or
why not?
Amanda:
 I don't think it was this huge cosmic epiphany where we said,
"hey we sound awesome together. We should take this show on the road".. ha, ha.
We've just always been singing together. We just have a lot of fun with it. It was
something we could do as a family. We are still having a blast! I hope it never gets old.
 Tyler:
In our wildest dreams we never expected any of this. I don't think you can expect
something like this to happen. We are so excited to see what is in store for us next. We
most definitely have to thank our fans for embracing our music, and us. Also other artists
in the country music industry and outside the country music industry have really been
supportive. We really appreciate all of it.
Joanne:
I can imagine how being on a tour bus together for days
on end could strain your family ties. How do you nurture your close relationship and
handle being irritated with each other?
 Amanda:
You definitely have to be patient, because everyone gets into their little mood
occasionally. If one of us is having a bad day we just know enough to give each other some
space. It's not that we don't love each others company. It's just that, sometimes we have
to respect each other's privacy. One thing I have to work on is to stop hogging the
bathroom. The guys hate that!
Joanne:
How has Tyler being a new heartthrob affected the whole
family?
Amanda:
We think it's funny.
We just see him as "Tyler" but girls go crazy!
Tyler:
I don't get it.
Don't get me wrong, it's really flattering!
But I look in the mirror and I think I look like every other teenage guy out there.
I just don't get it!
Amanda:
That's OK Ty! We don't get it either!!! ha, ha
|
article
& music cuts
The
"Latin Explosion" seemed to happen overnight. It was like a sizzling heat wave
of exciting new sounds that swept across America last summer. But Latin music has actually
been around for years! Find out more as we explore the music of Santana, Gloria Estefan,
Marc Anthony and, of course, Ricky Martin.
Fresh Air Skincare
Learn more about your skin in this skin care
story that gives you the "dirt" on clear skin in a funny story with some
practical recipes to improve your skin. Find out more.
also
see:
Joanne @ the Movies
