C.A.R.M.E.N.

C.A.R.M.E.N., one of the latest 'fab girl' groups to come out of Baltimore, has been very busy doing big things these days, but this is no overnight success. These amazingly humble and sweet young ladies are seven years in the making. C.A.R.M.E.N., which is an acronym for ‘Chasing Aspirations Redefining Music while Enticing a Nation,’ is made up of three beautiful women. The founding members are Brittaney and Roxie, who are two childhood friends from Baltimore MD, and they were later joined by Texas native, Lana.

Having asked the girls how they've been able to survive in this brutal industry for so long, they replied, "We really have an understanding of the music business being a business," which is important in today’s music. The girls are involved in all aspects of their careers from approving tracks and writing lyrics to being closely involved with their manager, Christal McClendon, who was also present during the interview.

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C.A.R.M.E.N. is not just three pretty faces and not your typical R&B girl group; these girls have plenty of style and attitude. "Our style is very eclectic, and we do have traditional R&B tracks. We also do Hip Hop, Rock, and Punk songs as well," said the group in unison as we lounged and chatted. That quote is very fitting since they've been inspired by such female powerhouse artists like Pink, Kelis, and others. I asked the girls where I could hear some of their music and they said, "Right here," and started to belt out Jodeci's 'Feenin' right there in the restaurant! It was a wonderful experience. Not only did the group have one of the strongest harmonies I'd ever heard, I also heard each individual’s powerful voice. It was amazing, and by the time they were finished, all three floors of the Baltimore restaurant were roaring in ovation.

We ordered a round of drinks, and we began to really get to know each other. They've been very busy in the past few years having performed at Showtime at the APOLLO, and a tour with platinum recording artist, Mya. They opened for Bad Boy recording artist, B5, and former Roc-A-Fella recording artist Tierra Marie at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore. The group’s long road of 'paying their dues' did not go unnoticed; the girls were offered a deal and signed to Atlantic records. Unfortunately, they were dropped from the label. Knowing that was quite a devastating blow and something that was tough to deal with, one question arose in my mind and forced its way out of my mouth, and it was, “How did you girls deal with it?”

"It was hard and sad, but we just got over it! We really didn't have a choice except to keep on going," replied Roxie. Who would expect anything different from this very confident and determined trio? Lana added, "We want to take it to the top!" "They really didn't know what to do with us, and they were focused on their present artist at the time," said Brittaney. That huge disappointment does not stop the girls from believing they will be signed again.

As we sat there and continued to chitchat over our cocktails, the girls were very warm and open. They were willing to share their personalities and lives with me, and seeing this made me realize that these three very different individuals have to spend an awful lot of time together, yet they've been together for seven years. The girls explained, "We never fight, we are all close, we know when someone needs space, and we respect that." Hearing that made me think it was very commendable because after that amount of time most would break under the pressure of personal lives and business. As women so dedicated to their craft, I wondered if they had any plans of family, or if boyfriends are an issue. Roxie said, "I definitely want a family some day, and when the time comes that's what I'm going to do." Lana said she also wanted kids one day, and Brittaney has a beau in her life. "He totally understands my job and he is very understanding," says Brittaney.

After a while we finally noticed the time. We'd been talking and having such a great time, and it felt as if we'd known each other well before this interview. We exchanged hugs, and all parted our ways in separate vehicles. With such creative spirit, raw God given talent, and wonderful personalities to match, we have no doubt that these females will be super stars in the very near future. So we proudly present C.A.R.M.E.N. as your artist to know for June 2009.

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