MakeaStar.com: Welcome to the finals. Did you ever think you would get this far?

Kenneth Tiller: I had a hope after my band, Mean Martin, reached the finals last round.

MAS: What do you think it is about your song that it has gotten into the finals?

K.T.: I think it has a fresh sound and many catchy elements.

MAS: Have you been getting any e-mail from Fans? The Industry?

K.T.: Yep, both. The plan is to start working on radio promotion soon.

MAS: What is the response to your song and your sound in general?

K.T.: I’ve had many different responses. Most people say it makes them happy. They also tend to comment on the nice blend of disco and alternative.

MAS: What do you think about MakeaStar.com's Industry review service?

K.T.: Grrrrrrrrreat! (As long as they keep on giving me high scores)

MAS:  What about the equal voting power being given to Fans and the Industry in the contests?

K.T.: I’ve had experience with internet contests since 1999, when our band was in the finals in the bornonthewww.com contest. After seeing a lot of these sites, I have been more and more convinced that having all fans (or just other bands..) voting, never finds the best music. Industry “experts” do a more thorough job, even if I don’t agree with them. I think having fans as well to vote is a good thing, so you can see if there are people out there that actually give a damn about the band, but industry or an elite panel should , in my opinion, have the final word.

MAS: Was getting into the contest your primary goal or were you more interested in the industry review?

K.T.: I like the reviews, and tend to quote them. I also wanted to get into the contest, but I didn’t think I was gonna get this far.

MAS: How did you develop your sound? Is there a primary songwriter? Is it collaborative?

K.T.: It’s me, myself and I, from composing the song on an acoustic guitar, to recording/programming everything on the computer. The sound develops as I’m experimenting with drum machines, synths etc.

MAS: Any influences you care to mention? What have other people compared you to?

K.T.: My childhood hero was Robert Smith of The cure. I’ve been compared to Stereolab, Pet Shop Boys, Flaming Lips and more. I want to sound like a mix of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Strokes.

MAS: What do you think may set you apart from other Artists in your genre?

K.T.: Exceptionally good songwriting, fresh perspectives and blending of genres.

MAS: It’s obvious that your recorded material is great, how about your shows?

K.T.: Although, at the moment, non-existing, the shows will be a party that the crowd never forgets.

MAS: Are you playing anywhere anytime soon?

K.T.: Haven’t got any live shows scheduled yet. Hopefully NYC 7^th of October, in the finals of METRO Search.

MAS: Have you released your music already? If so how, where and when? If not, do you plan to in the near future?

K.T.: Haven’t released anything yet. I’m planning on releasing my music on the internet only, selling mp3’s.

MAS: Where would you like to see your music take you?

K.T.: Hollywood J

MAS: How realistic is that goal in terms of the immediate future?

K.T.: If I win the contest, maybe MakeaStar will invite me?

MAS: What one band would you like to follow in the footsteps of down the road to success?

K.T.: Pixies for their music, The Strokes for their success.