AN INTERVIEW WITH BYLLI CRAYONE

Antonio: The city of Lawrence, Ma. is known for a lot of things. Especially its Latin & Hip-Hop Culture. How does someone of your style and presence make a name for himself under these conditions? Especially since knowing that you are neither Latin or in the Hip-Hop catagory.

Bylli: Well, being an independent "Dance" artist is not in any way an easy door to open these days, locally or anywhere with the exception of over seas. However, I was given an opportunity to show who I am and what I am capable of. Since my local debut in 1999 with my first album "Original/Unique" I have been featured in the local papers several times. That also includes the Spanish papers! I even performed at the Semana Hispana festival 3 years in a row! I guess I'm not only a good performer but also good at getting myself publicity.

Antonio: Do you think you have a fan base within your city? If so, have you encountered any unusual happenings / fans?

Bylli: OMG, you'd have to ask. Yes, I know for a fact I have a huge fan base within my community (and beyond). The first incident was in 2002 when the "Boy Next Door" CD came out. I was to do a "Meet & Greet" / "Autograph Signing" at a local clothing shop on Essex st in downtown Lawrence. I remember running late as I had to go to the Post Officie before my signing. When I got to where the signing was "Off The Hook" @ 350 Essex St. There was a line of people from Rent-A-Center all the way to Off The Hook. I said to myself... Is this all for me?? Sure enough... It was. Many of the fans say, "We know you live in Lawrence, but never see you around" so when the Eagle Tribune announced my signing in the paper. A huge crowd of fans & supporters showed up for this event. It went so well, that someone from Starbucks at the Loop in Methuen, MA asked me to do a signing at their location as well (as a result from the Off The Hook signing). That was one incident. The second was, One day I was on the local Chat Line "Boston Donut" and there was about 5 people or so in the chat room talking. Someone recognized my voice and said "Hey, Thats Bylli Crayon", I was like "Yeah, its me". Then the voice said, "Yo, sing something for us". So I did, the next thing I knew a time was set for us to meet up at Dunkin Donuts on Jackson street in Methuen as they wanted to meet me, get an autograph and buy my CD. I remember, I sold 9 cds just from that Meet N Greet at DD. 14 cars showed up to meet me and I dont even remember how many people came out of those cars, but there was alot. I signed DD napkins, Scrap papers and of course my CDs. But yeah, that was quite an experience.

Antonio: Wow, seems like you have had some interesting encounters. Have you ever been somewhere on location like in a Mall or just walking down the street and have people recognize you?

Bylli: Oh yeah, that happen often. I think its mainly because I usually color my hair with some bright ass hair dye like Orange or Blue. It's not something people tend to do out here, so yeah, thats where my originality kicks in and people tend recognize me from that.

Antonio: After doing some research on you, I have come to notice that people have created a nick-name for you. "CRAYON". Does this bother you in any way? How do you feel about this nick-name? And how did it come about?

Bylli: Well, like Jennifer Lopez is to J-lo and Eminem is to Slim Shady, I don't mind it at all. In fact, I really think it works for me. Sometimes people can't even pronounce my name right and they call me "Billy Crayon". Its no big deal. I'm actually use to it now.

Antonio: Ok, so we got your name cleared away. Well, a part of it anyways. I have to ask this question, so please forgive me if I am being rude. But what is with the spelling of BYLLI? Shouldn't it be BILLY?

Bylli: That question comes up more often than you think. Yeah, here's the answer to the question of my name.
In case it doesnt get mentioned, I am a HUGE fan of CYNDI LAUPER, I have been since 1984. So much that in 1985 I changed the spelling of my name to identify with her. I switched the "Y" and the "I". and its been like that ever since.

Antonio: Wow, That is amazing! I for one can deffinatly see the resemblence as far as music, style and originality goes. Have you ever been fortunate enough to meet Cyndi Lauper?

Bylli: Yes, I have met her. In fact, in 1999 Cyndi was signed to Jellybean Records (A Dance Label). I was in the talking stages with Mario Alayon, A&R of Jellybean records. I was supposed to record a song called "Dare 2 B Diff'rent" for the label but unfortunatly never happened. Mario past away. God Bless him. Anyhow, I did get to meet Cyndi and we chatted and yes, i did explain to her the whole "name thing". She was flattered. I still remember shaking her hand for the first time. Her hand was soft as silk and her face was so beautiful, kinda reminded me of those "painted ceramic masks". She looked soooo young. She really impressed me. I told her I loved her and thanked her for many years of great music. I like many have held "True Colors" close to my heart as the anthem to my life. I have met Cyndi 4 times in total as of today.

Antonio: That is incredible! Since you met the idol of your life. I have to ask, have you met any other famous people?

Bylli: Yes, I have. ALOT. First it started with the Boston Music Awards. I met Joey McCintyre of New Kids on the Block, Carly Simon, Godsmack, American Hi-fi, and other local Boston celebrity. Then in Miami I met Usher, Diddy, Pink, Mariah, etc. Then from other sources I have met alot of Freestyle artists. Everyone from Johnny O and Cynthia to Lisa Lisa and Lisette Melendez. To this day, I am very good friends with Lisa Lisa and Johnny O. They have been big supporters of me and my music. But 2 of my all time favs have been BEYONCE and KELLY OSBOURNE. (see pics on my website www.BylliCrayone.com) . I have met alot more people too, too many to mention here.

Antonio: ...And Just to think, You came from and still reside in Lawrence, Ma. Your parents must be proud.

Bylli: Yeah, My mom thinks I am very talented and knows when i want something, i go after it.

Antonio: Are you familiar with any of the other local artists in your city? Are you friends with any of them?

Bylli: Funny you should ask that. I am actually good friends with quite a few of them. Here's a list of people that I know and yes, they know me too. if you are reading this and I forget your name, it wasnt done intentionally. Da Chief, Divine, Lust, Sir-Ramix, SonChild, Lynett, Dramatik, Krumb Snatcha, Siniz-ta, Sonic, Domenic Marte, Batz N Rome, Shady, Chyno, and alot of others. yeah. I do know alot of artists out here. And these listed are just from Lawrence, MA.

Antonio: Have you ever thought about collaboriting with any of the other local artists?

Bylli: yeah, for a long time I have always wanted to work with Siniz-ta. I think he is amazingly talented, I Love his style of rapping.

Antonio: So, tell us about this new CD "DIZZY BOI' What is this about?

Bylli: "DIZZY BOI!" is a term that is used for a guy that is confused about his sexuality.   Well, not so much being confused, but wanting to keep everyone happy but himself.   Should he be what his family wants him to be so they can be proud of their son, or should he be who he wants to be by listening to his heart?   In this world today, although homosexuality is much more accepted today more than it was 10 years ago.  There is still alot of homophobias out there.   This song is for all those "Closeted" people who want to be themselves.  I guess you could call it a gay anthem. This CD is deffinatly going to be hot especially if you are into "Dance Music".

Antonio: Sounds Great! So if people want to hear it and buy it, where can they go?

Bylli: It will only be available online at such outlets as TowerRecords.com, CDBaby.com, and of course at my Official website at www.BylliCrayone.com . Pay by mail option is also available through my website.

Antonio: What about the Digital era? Can you be found on such sites as APPLE iTUNES or AOL Music?

Bylli: Yes, Deffinatly! My current 2005 album is also available on over 30 Digital Download sites including iTunes!

Antonio: Wow, so you are moving! It looks like things are going really well for you. I wish you much more success with your future in music.

Keep doing your thing Bylli. You truly are a pioneer of Dance Music when it comes to Lawrence, MA.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy scedule to take this interview for me. A.C.