Every month we pull an excerpt from the Fan Community Q&As that run on http://duranduranmusic.com. We recently spoke to MNDR to learn about HER experience when she learned she would suddenly hitting the road with Duran Duran!
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
I listened to all types. My dad was in a blue eyes soul group, so I listened to a lot of Spencer Davis Group and Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels. I also had older sisters who were into U2, Duran Duran, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Siouxie and The Banshees, David Bowie..etc. I grew up with very eclectic musical influences and really absorbed as much music as I possibly could.
Do you remember the first album (cassette/CD) you bought?
Yes! I saved up all of my money, which was in coin form and purchased The Beastie Boys "Licensed To Ill" cassette at Sam Goody/Musicland. I remember counting my pennies out for the cashier….I mean I was like 5 or 6 years old.
How did you meet Mark Ronson?
I met Mark Ronson at his East Village Radio show on air live. He heard about my project via Fader Magazine and Myspace. I premiered a new song on his show called The Sparrow Song and he asked if I would write for his record. I wrote two songs, and one was the lead single (Bang Bang Bang Ft. QTip) off of his third artist album Record Collection. We became great friends…we have a lot in common with obsessing over albums and producers..etc. He is a like a brother to me and is the reason I even know Duran Duran!
Were you a Duran Duran fan growing up?
YES of course. My favorite song was "The Reflex."
What was the most challenging aspect of having to jump in to this job with little time to prepare?
It was all pretty challenging, but it helps that they have so many hit records, i innately know most of their catalogue. Their music is ingrained in my brain and heart. The biggest challenge was which keyboard to play which part on….that was difficult. There are 5 keyboards on stage with all custom set ups.
Now that you’ve been on the road for some shows, what are your impressions of John/Roger/Simon/Erin/Anna/Dom/Simon W:
I truly can not say enough about all of them. They are all amazing and so talented. It's an honor to share the stage with them every evening. I constantly tell people that Duran Duran love to perform. They are as excited as the fans are to see them. It is VERY inspiring.
Who's better than MNDR? She is giving DD fans a free download of her song, "Kimono" - click here to learn how.
