The SLE Buzz: Spotlight on Bubbles Song (In-World: Trinity Ermintrood)

When did you join Second Life and what does SL mean to you?

I Joined Second Life in November 2009. At first I really had no idea what it was all about and I spent a long time just wandering aimlessly around. But then I found my way with a little help and now, SL means a great deal to me. I have a fantastic circle of friends and family whom I consider to be very much my RL friends and family, and SL has enabled me to sing and share my music as I cannot in RL. And that is a huge thing for me. To have the ongoing support  of my followers and "fans" means more than I could put into words.

Where in the world are you from? The Isle of Wight in England.

How did you discover Second Life and what was your first reaction?

I think I found it on an ad on a website, I can't remember which, but as I said above, I really had no clue what it was all about and was just a wandering noob, for a long while. Then I took a break - or more so, I forgot about SL - for about a year, then came back and was lucky enough to fall into a group of great people who helped me learn and grow within SL.

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

Bubbly, Fun, Random.

What are three special things you wished everyone in SL knew about you?

Some people think I'm a one trick pony when it comes to my singing, and a lot won't come to my events because they think it's all love songs, or even musicals and Broadway. But I have over 700 songs on my song list through literally every single genre, there is definitely something on there for someone and I'd love for people to come along who previously wouldn't have done, to see just how versatile I can be with my singing. And to request things they've never heard me do before!!

Can you tell SLE what inspired your involvement in the SL community?

I've always loved music, and when I came back to SL and started learning it properly, I was encouraged to DJ, so I did, and then I started playing some of my own songs during my DJ sets and pretty much everyone was telling me to become a singer in SL. So much so that I had a VERY kind sponsor who helped me get the equipment I needed to be able to start singing.

What are your thoughts on the SL culture? What would you change to improve the quality of your experience?

SL is a great place to meet new people, discover new things and to express yourself in every way possible, whether it be through music (DJing or Singing), whether it be through fashion (making clothes, or just what you wear), how you build and portray your avatar, the people you hang out with, and every other day. I think it's an AMAZING platform for people, like myself, who have difficulties or illnesses in RL who find it hard to get outside, or to meet people or socialize. It's an amazing way of being able to do things you never thought you'd be able to. And can also be such an educational tool in many ways.
The only thing I would change in SL is the greifers, trolls and bullies. But I think LL do their best with reports and such and I can't really think of another way to improve that.

What have you learned about yourself in SL?

I have learned some personal truths about myself, which I won't go in to lol. I've learned that I like some things and dislike some things, that I didn't even know were a thing. I've also learned a lot about creating things. Clothes, furniture, pictures etc.. And this has led me to learn a lot of new programs outside SL, such as Photoshop. I've found a lot of very good friends in SL, and I've learned to trust a lot more people than I did before SL, but I've also learned who not to trust. And I've also become a much better singer since singing in SL due to doing it every single day, when before I wasn't doing it at all.  And it's also raised my confidence a lot, in SL and in RL.

What are your most memorable/funny moments?

After 7 years in SL, there have been FAR too many funny and memorable moments to name just one. And many embarrassing moments also. I do recall one time, I was singing live, and it's always been a mission of some of my friends to try and make me laugh while I'm singing. And this time, they succeeded. They had me laughing so much, I couldn't continue. I had tears streaming down my face and had to stop the music because I just couldn't breathe. Luckily, everyone was laughing with me and we all had a lot of fun.
But as I said, there have been so many, and they will all always stay with me and make me smile.

What are your favorite places to visit in SL for entertainment?

Being that I sing at SO many venues, it's difficult to pick out my favorites. Sadly, I don't really have much time to actually go and enjoy being at a venue when I'm not working. But when I do, I love Greased Lightning. it's also one of my favorite places to sing. Such an awesome crowd of people, and the staff are fantastic too.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Greased%20Lightning/31/192/22
Another of my Favorites is LochNess. Another group of people I've been singing for, for over 3 years. I love them all dearly. And it's a great place to hang out and a beautiful sim to explore with so many different events on all the time.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Inverness%20City/54/129/22

Where do you like to shop?

I mostly do shopping events rather than specific shops. Such as FaMESHed, Colabor88, Kustom 9, N21, Shiny Shabby... And SOOOOOO many more.... I have a real problem with shopping lol...
But if I do go to a specific store, it's usually Blueberry, Addams, Just Because, HH, Dead Dollz, Candydoll..... Okay maybe there's a lot of them... I'll stop the list there. Lol.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about you?
Music is my passion. I love being able to sing and share my music with the people of SL. Singing in SL, and the compliments and loyalty I get from my followers, fans, friends, family, means more to me than I can express and has done more for me, in RL as well as SL. And I will be forever grateful for that. The ongoing support and encouragement of people in SL is something I will never forget   And I want to thank you all for that. Thank you every one that has stood by me, helped me, complimented me. Anyone that has ever come to one of my gigs, tipped me, requested songs from me or just been there to enjoy the music. You are all the reason I do this, and the reason I have carried on through some very difficult times, in which, again, so many people have stood by me. The people in my group are not just my "fans" they are my friends, and I appreciate and am grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you.

Preferred contact: Bubbles Song (Trinity Ermintrood)

URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/faeriebabysky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrinBubblesSong
                   https://www.facebook.com/BubblesSong
                   https://www.facebook.com/groups/273189432887974
                   

Other: Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fizzyinc/

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VIVA LA DIVA! – A Fireside Chat with Miss Diva Stone -Mackenzie Abbot Reporting

 "Do Right Woman" ~ Miss Diva Stone LIVE

http://www.touch-of-mist.com/missdiva/

As a reporter, you have to learn to keep emotions and feelings separate when you report on events, to remain neutral in opinions and generally be someone other than you for a while.  However, when it comes to Miss Diva Stone, I for one will go doe-eyed and girly in a split second and not give a flying damn how pathetic I look.  Ever since I heard her sing my name, I’ve never been the same.  So when I asked her for an interview, and she agreed, I literally turned into a prime number and exploded.  She arrived almost as nervous as I was and brought her Master and Chain Sister for moral backup.  We sit by a fireplace full of candles and the coffee starts to flow.

M: So, Miss Diva, first of all thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me, first of all, when did you discover your talent for singing?

D: I began singing when I was in 3rd grade in French class. The teacher was teaching us a song called "Alouette".  And I would sing louder than the whole class. But instead of singing along, I would be ad-libbing.  I didn’t know what it was but I had heard my mom doing it when she sang in different venues in Detroit, and then later at home for my Dad. So I was imitating her in class...got me in big trouble.  I still know that song.

M: But I bet you didn't do it in the style of Aretha Franklin!

D: I tried my hardest I am telling you and my teacher (French Canadian) did not find it funny, but my Mom did.  She wanted to pull me on stage.  And sing in front of thousands of people. She sent me to classes and coaches.  But my nerves...that was the real problem I had.  I would go out on stage with her and puke.  It was my Dad, who focused me.

M: And how did he do that?  How did you overcome the nerves?  Do you still get nervous?

D: Well first, yes I do, but not as nervous as I used to get.  My Dad would make me sing in front of him, I mean real close in his face. When I tried to close my eyes or if I would get woozy, he would thump me on the forehead and say "Are you weak? Are you Mine? Then act like it “I was so pissed at him the first time he did it. Then it would be for him and the family then for him and his co-workers.  Then it went to the middle of K-mart!  He was super focused and determined, I thought he was just crazy.  He would make me sing him to sleep and in the morning, and after work.  He was relentless.  So, the first time in a while after the puking incident, my mom was opening for Anita Baker at the Fox.  She was singing "If I Could" by Regina Bell, I was standing back stage with my dad right in front of me with this look on his face like "Don't you embarrass me!".  And when he called my name, he smiled and pulled me in close.  He said "you have my strength in you. Use it" then he thumped me in the head for good measure.  And I went and stared at my mom for the first part of the song, she pointed at my Dad, he smiled and pointed at the audience.  I love my Dad, I love him for that.  And that was all she wrote.  I was 10 by then

M: So with your Mom's voice and your Dad's determination, you became who you are today?

D:  Indeed.  I must say, I am still finding who I am and it still takes a lot of determination and practice and I doubt myself even now.  I just have a few more tools in my packet to use to help get me through. Not to mention a few good people always ready to thump me in the head or give me a pep talk.

She looks at her Master and Sister, sitting close by

M: What doubts do you have?  I mean with a voice like yours, what could you possibly fault about yourself?

D:  I sometimes don't hear myself the way other people do. I am extremely hard on myself. I am a perfectionist when it comes to this music thang.  I hear every fault and crack and broken board in my voice before it leaves my lips and I am always drilling myself and trying for better. It’s not just the sound that I critique.  I have to feel what I am singing in my core. If I can’t connect to what I am singing, I don't do it. If I can’t make myself Happy, or Sad, or Aroused with a song, then I trash it.  I cry and laugh and sometimes bring myself to the brink of an orgasm when I sing. I have to feel every song. And that’s not always easy.  Especially if I am not happy when I sing a happy song for example. I have to find happiness, so my audience will FEEL my joy.  You feel me?

M: Not since the circus event no, but yes I do generally.  Oh god that sounded bad...ill rephrase that

D: Laughs

M: But to answer your question, yes I feel everything; every intonation, feeling and emotion in every note you sing.

D: And that is when I feel I am doing a good job, when I am worthy of the applause...

M:  As an ex entertainer myself, I know about perfectionism and self-critique

D: It can be nerve wracking.  But so worth it in my opinion.

M:  Indeed, half the battle is overcoming the fact that people have come to hear YOU.  The rest is gaining their admiration and love through applause. 

D: yes! Exactly

M: Which is why my stand up career fell flat.

D:  I don’t know why, you are funny as hell.  It was a joy to work with you, truly.

M: slips Miss Diva L$100 and whispers "Keep Talking"

D:  I still panic before every show here in SL

Mιʂʂ Dιʋα Sƚσɳҽ giggles and tucks the money in her top, and continues..."Your wit is basically unmatched and refreshing"

Smiles ..."more?"

M: Someone once told me that when the nerves go, it's time to jack it all in.  Do you believe that’s true?

D: I do, the nerves keep you hungry and open.  Open to growth and striving to get better.  They keep you yearning and thirsty for that new thang, that new edge the new lick or trick in your voice. A new height and pull with you vocal folds.  NEWNESS!  And new things are always more exciting.  Keeping them guessing and hungry right with you, in the moment..stuck

M:  Let's talk more about you as you are now.  When I first heard you sing my name, it was like aural magic.  I thought to myself "there is one special talented and quite frankly gorgeous lady whose vocal talents are unmatched anywhere in Second Life"

(Leans over and takes back the L$100)

M: How would you describe your style?

Mιʂʂ Dιʋα Sƚσɳҽ winks, pulls 100 more from her purse and places it where his used to be. 

D:  I would describe it as RAW.  It is sexy and sensual, even the songs that are not.  I make them that way. It’s raw in that I like to appeal to the animal nature in my listener... I growl and grovel and please and moan and whine...I whisper...it’s guttural.  It’s from my soul to yours.

M: I can certainly vouch for that!

D:  I want to be felt as well as heard. My sister is saying personable and personal. I completely agree!

M: How did you find about SL?  Is there much difference between performing in real life and in here?

D:  I was watching TV one day and I saw a commercial for it, it seemed similar to the Sims Family which I played in my spare time. Then I googled it and saw realistic experiences of a sexual and graphic nature and let’s just say..I was feeling like that at the time...so I came...to SL. And as for singing here. It is very different for me because I am used to the theatre and singing on stage in plays and such in RL.  So it was an adjustment to go from that.  Full power, no mic singing to having to hold back and still give all of my passion and soul in my music.  But, I do enjoy not having to spend hours..wait I still spend hours getting my avi ready so scratch that.

M: Who were your singing idols growing up?  Did you have any?

D: Oh I had many, my Mom being the top of my list. Then it was Etta James, Rachelle Ferrell and Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston definitely

M: Is there any of them in your vocal performances?

D: Oh yes! My growl and raspiness are a product of Etta James.  My runs and licks often stem from Rachelle Ferrell, and Whitney Houston.  My Power comes from my Mom and Aretha Franklin.  My Moan exudes Nina.

M:  So where can people find out more about you and where you're performing?

D:  They can join my group or my subscriber. But If they search my name, I have in my profile, my schedule, a list of people who are blogging about me and in this case writing articles ^^ :), and I also have links to a few songs in there as well. For booking and to obtain a bio they can contact me directly or my most AWESOME manager and good friend Misitblu Verino.  I have some videos also coming up soon to YouTube.

She is still a bundle of nerves by the time I conclude the interview.  She tells me she enjoyed the experience of being interviewed and the nerves appear to leave her.  I wish I could say the same.  I’m still a wobbly gibbering wreck on the inside but ever the professional on the outside.  After all, I’ve just interviewed my favourite singer of all time and can still hear the raw sexiness in which she sang my name, all those weeks ago.  Will you excuse me a moment?

Information about Miss Diva Stone can be found in her group secondlife:///app/group/52977b51-79dd-f423-8c05-c621e712fc89/about

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