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Last Updated >>> 20.11.02 >>> From RollingStones.com> >>> The reality of the music business is that almost all
musicians have a past. Although it may seem that so many of today's pop acts
are overnight sensations, chances are that unless the average age of your
favorite band is twelve, the members of that group have done time in cover
bands, bar bands, club bands or any combination thereof. Vitamin C
is no exception. The singer, whose real name is Colleen Ann Fitzpatrick, just
happened to do her pre-fame stint in a nationally signed alternative band
that went by the witty name of Eve's Plum
(named after Eve Plumb, the actress who played Jan Brady on The Brady
Bunch). Fitzpatrick's ascent to Teen People cover girl has
been all the more remarkable in the music industry because of her public past
in the alternative music scene. The metamorphosis from lead singer of a
semi-anonymous club band to teen pop star is one that would not only do
famous music chameleons David Bowie
and Madonna
proud, but even Franz Kafka would be impressed. With the release of the aptly titled More, her
second solo album under the name of Vitamin C, Fitzpatrick could've laid to
rest her alternative past if she so desired. But Fitzpatrick seems to have
gone the other route; embracing her songwriting roots and even introducing a
new generation to the sassy, playful Waitresses' classic "I Know What
Boys Like." The result is a much stronger album than her debut; one that
is sexier, more confident and much more musically diverse. Fitzpatrick, who
recently had a starring role in the film Dracula 2000 and will appear
in the Kirsten Dunst flick Get Over It and Metal God with Mark
Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, is, in her words, "Having a great time
these days." With More's first single, "The Itch"
cracking the Top Ten, she's also proven her debut success was no fluke. Where did "The Itch" come from? "The
Itch" was an accident. I responded to [co-writer] Billy Steinberg's lyric
because I thought even though we set it in this particular story of a girl in
a relationship who isn't getting what she needs, it's really a metaphor for
desire. Everything just coincided without my realizing it. I was playing Lucy
in Dracula 2000, and she's a character who is totally open, sexual and
curious and definitely has "The Itch" on many different levels. And
it was just coincidence that all this stuff kind of like came together for
me. Because I get the itch all the time. And to me that really means
something. What is it like for you when "The Itch" comes
calling? You know that
weird cat dance that cats do late at night where they go completely
stir-crazy and they run around the apartment and you don't know what the hell
they're doing? I often feel like that. I dye my hair constantly because I
can't sit still with one hair color. That's a perfect example of trying to
satisfy some hunger. I want change; I want constant stimuli. I love to fly
because I love the high. All of these are like itch kind of things. Sometimes
I need to completely get away. I'll get in the car and I'll drive for as long
as I can drive. Sometimes it's a sexual urge. I don't need to explain that;
it's pretty self-explanatory. It's a craving, a desire. Sometimes it's food. I'm
just a giant, big ol' consumer. I want, I need, I crave, I can't say no. I
have no control and I'm a complete control freak. It's just crazy [laughs].
How do acting and music do to complement each other? I'm not quite
sure that I know how they complement each other, because I use them for the
opposite reason. I find music to be an intensely personal kind of thing,
perhaps it's because I write a lot of the stuff. I use acting to escape from
being me, and I use music to explore being me. I think that's the best way to
put it. You mention writing, which is interesting because you
come from a rock & roll world where people mostly write their own lyrics.
Now you're in a world where that's not the case. Has it been difficult to
marry the two worlds? I haven't found
it difficult because I find this very enjoyable. It's really challenging. And
I'm really proud of the record because it's a really good record. There's
nothing harder than to write a pop record with meaning. I think it's much
easier to be alternative. It's much easier to be different and take a
different path outside of a commercial context. To try and write a pop song
that is not cliché, to try and write a pop song that has meaning and fits in
under three minutes and five seconds and has a hook that people want to
listen to is the most difficult thing in the world to do. So in lieu of that
you have to write what you know and what you like, what you're feeling.
That's all I can basically do. I don't begrudge the other people that don't
write their songs. And I don't judge them. I'd like to see more people
writing their own songs, because that's just personally what I like. Just for
me, as an artist, so many people only care about being popular right now.
Whatever happened to trying to write a song that means something? When I was
growing up, artists meant something. They had opinions, they looked different
than the person working at the store on your street. They opened your eyes
and taught you something about life. And I would like to aspire to be that
kind of artist. What did you learn from the writing of this album? I learned I'm not
the kind of artist that can just sing someone else's songs, for a lot of
reasons. I have to have some sort of understanding of the song, or some sort
of attachment to it. STEVE BALTIN >>> Pop singer/actress Vitamin C,
who already has a Mattel doll made in her likeness and an eponymous Tommy
Hilfiger lipstick in her chosen shade of orange has now been made into a
video game character for EA Sports' Triple Play. "It's an odd connection but
I'm a baseball fan and EA Sports has a baseball game," she says. "I
have a song in that and I'm going to appear as a player in the New York Yankees."
While she jokes that her doll was fashioned into a
better-looking version of herself ("I had some improvements," she
chuckles), she hasn't seen the final rendering of her animated self.
"It's not completed yet, but I think I'm gonna sing and dance, then I'm
also going to bat," she says, laughing. "I was afraid it was going
to be like fourth grade all over again. No one will pick me for their
team." Vitamin C didn't record a new tune for the game, instead EA
Sports will be using her cover of "I Know What Boys Like," which
appears on her new album, More. KAREN BLISS >>>
After taking her leave from the pop/punk outfit Eve's Plum, Colleen
Fitzpatrick adopted the name Vitamin C and a slightly different musical
direction, performing dance-pop that still reflected a variety of influences
and her quirky sense of humor. Elektra signed her in 1998 and
released her self-titled debut the following year. The album Vitamin C
produced a couple of major singles: "Smile" hit big in the summer
of '99, while the sentimental anthem "Graduation (Friends Forever)"
took off in the spring of the following year, just in time to become the
musical accompaniment to graduation ceremonies around the country. In early 2001, Elektra released
Vitamin C's sophomore effort, More. Article 1 >>> Vitamin C is kicking off
2000 the same way she exited ’99. Burning up the pop charts with sun Article 2 >>> "It was great working
with the different producers," she recalls. "And Josh was the
ultimate writing partner because he had an understanding of the big picture.
He’s one of those rare, old-fashioned A&R guys who comes from a
musician’s point of view. He’s lived through this whole experience
himself."
Friday,
June 16, 2000, Vitamin C talks about vampire role
Vitamin C is spending her
days warding off vampires in Toronto. Friday,
January 26, 2001 ,Vitamin C's live chat transcript ByAllPop
On Friday, January 26, 2001, pop & music star Vitamin C sat down
with AllPop in Toronto to chat with her fans about her new album, her movies
and more. Read the full chat transcript. Kevin J.
Kelly, St. John's, NF: You are making the adjustment from singer to actor.
How are you enjoying the acting roles and did you enjoy working with Kirsten
Dunst recently in Get Over It? Vitamin C: yes, I enjoyed working with Kirsten, she appears in
the Itch video, and she is really nice. It is not that much of a transition,
surprisingly. I think I like music better, because I have more control, but
acting is fun because you get to be somebody different. I just basically play
myself, a couple of musical numbers. A duet with Sisqo. Vicki: Hi, VC. Could you talk a bit about
making the video for "The Itch". Was it fun, or just hard work?
Thanks. Vitamin C: It was very fun making that video. Most of it was
computer generated. So while I was filming it, I was just in front of a giant
green screen. It took a bit of imagining, imagination, to see what it was
going to turn out like. The dancing was great fun, I don't often get to dance
in my videos. I wish everyone could see the full dance number, because it was
even better than what you see in the video. That was the most fun I've had in
a long time. (the dance will likely be included on tour) Kellie Stollznow: Why did you choose the name Vitamin
C? What gave you the idea for the Graduation song? Vitamin C: C is my first initial. Vitamin C seemed like a good
idea at the time, hahaha. The name is familiar and positive and fun, not to
be taken seriously. Graduation I wrote about a friend of mine. It's about
transition and about life, my life, looking back on my own high school
experience. Janey: What do you think will be the
'Graduation' type of hit from your new album? Vitamin C: That' impossible to predict. My favourite tracks are
I know what boys like, that was then this is now, sex has come between us and
as long as you're loving me, which is the next single. Eric White: The music on your solo albums is
quite different from the music you used to play with your old group. Which
type of music is closer to your heart Vitamin C: I don't think the music is all that different,
actually. It is produced and presented in a different way. I don't favour one
type of music over another. I like music that is melodic, so I like what I am
doing now. I haven't abandoned guitars, I am just a little less angry than I
was then. I am still proud of Eve's Plum, and I think they could be Vitamin C
songs, and some Vitamin C songs could be Eve's Plum songs. I really like this
one, it is the best one of all. Ellie: Movies, music, what's the next field
you'd like to conquer? Vitamin C: Horseback riding! Just kidding. I would like to
continue writing music, I would like to write music for other artists and
produce other artists. I would like to work with new artists. I think that
would be fun. Sean: Who is was the one "star"
you met that made you tongue-tied. Is there any major musical of movie figure
you'd still like to meet? Vitamin C: I was tongue-tied when I met Simon LeBon. I think I
would still like to meet Madonna and Michael Jackson. That would be weird. X: Why did you decide to have such a
change in pace in your track Busted, and what inspired you to do so? Vitamin C: I was co-writing Busted with a guy named Bloodshy.
He sent me the music. I thought it was really cool. I just wrote the song
really quickly. It just completely made sense. So I recorded it in LA and it
came out, I liked how it came out. It is one of my favourite songs on the
record. Chris: I love your hair.... it looks
fabulous on you! What's your natural hair colour and what made you decide to
dye it? Vitamin C: My natural hair colour is blondish, brownish,
reddish. I have always been dying my hair as long as I have lived. I have
been every single colour. Hair is a good accessory. It will always grow back,
you can't screw it up too badly. Christine_ef: Hi!! I know Dracula 2000 was released
recently and I was wondering if you plan be in any more movies or Tv in the
future? Vitamin C: Get Over It. I think I am still in the new movie
Rock Star, with Mark Wahlberg. Julia: How easy was it for you to crack into
the business? I mean, did you audition for every movie and make a thousand
demos our did you make it right away? Vitamin C: It took a long time. I played in lots of bands before
my first band was signed. Then that band didn't have widespread success. I
became Vitamin C after that. So it has taken a long time. There is a lot of
ups and downs. silvia and friends : how do you react to fans who stop you
on the street? last nite I saw a fan, who just happened to have a photograph
of you and camera handy, stop you on yonge street and have you pose for a
photograph with him. while you appeared to not be bothered by it, do you ever
find it intrusive/tedious? Vitamin C: I always stop for fans. I always take pictures. I
think it is great to meet people. If you don't want to be recognised, there
are plenty of ways not to be recognised. I am a friendly person and it is
cool to meet people thao tran: are you happy with the way your goin???
are you having a tour or concert in sydney???? I know this Isn't a question
but I would like to say you are a great singer n a great inspiration for
younger singers I LOVE YOU YOU RULE N BUY THE WAY YOUR FRIENDS FOREVER SONG
MADE A GREAT YEAR SIX GRADUATION SONG FOR ME Vitamin C: I am coming to Australia very soon. End or middle
of February. And hopefully I will be performing my new single, as long as
you're loving me. I love Australia. I had a great time and I love going back.
As for other touring plans, look for something in the summer X: At the moment I am playing a copy of
More on my Cd Player - why has Australia received this great album earlier
than say, the rest of the world? Vitamin C: Because Australia is much cooler than the rest of
the world! It comes out Jan. 30 in the US and Canada. Jenna: What state are you from? Does your
hometown have any influence on your music? Vitamin C: I am from New Jersey, and growing up in New Jersey
influenced my personality more than my music. But I am not sure how. CLEM: Hey C, Just wondering if there's
another artist out there whose career you admire and would be happy to
emulate -- not in terms of the kind of music you make, but in terms of
creativity, stature, influence and longevity? Vitamin C: There are a few. I would say David Bowie. Bjork.
Madonna. Samir D: In your song, Sex Has Come Between
Us, is this a reflection on an actual event, or is it a description of an
itch that people come across in their lives? Vitamin C: I think everyone has had a best friend they have
been in love with or had a crush on. Even if you don't act on it, you end up
thinking about what would happen if you hooked up. It is based on certain
events in my life, but it is a universal topic. A lot of people have gone
through it. Okay, it is based on my life! Louise: I was just wondering how did you
become a singer because I want to try to be one can you please help me? Vitamin C: Let's see. If you want to be a singer, learn how to
play an instrument. I would say learn to write songs, try and write your own
songs. And when people tell you no, ignore them. And don't get discouraged.
If it is what you want to do, as the cliché goes, just do it. Chris: You're one of my favourite artists
because you're multitalented and seem to excel at everything you put your
mind to. If you had a choice would you rather write, sing, or produce music? Vitamin C: I would rather write music than anything else. I
always have a lot to say, I have a big mouth, lots of opinions. I feel really
good after I finish a song. It gives me a feeling that is really special.
Second to that would be performing. It is fun to perform. I think Graduation
is one of my favourite songs. There's a song on an old Eve's Plum record
called "Lovely YOU' that I think is a good song, about the first love of
my life. Vitamin C: Thanks for chatting. Goodbye for now. Check out the
record, I hope you like it. Let me know what you think. Keep in touch, stop
by and say hello, don't be a stranger.
An
internet chat from teenpeople.com>
HostTPZena: Good
evening, everyone! We're here tonight with Vitamin C, who is on the cover of
this month's TEEN PEOPLE...she just performed at TEEN PEOPLE's What's Next
party (you can catch clips at www.teenpeople.com) and she premiered the video
for her new single, "The Itch," on TRL last week...She's here to
take your questions live....Good evening! Vitamin C: Hello everyone! Ask away. Question: Vitamin C, you are soo cool! I
saw you in concert last year at Captain's Club House! You were so cool! My
question is: If you could do a duet with anyone dead or alive who would it be
and why? Vitamin C: Alive -- Robbie Williams. Dead -- Elvis Presley. They're both
terrific, charismatic singers that are amazing performers and write great
songs (though Elvis didn't write any of his own!) Question: What's your favorite song on
the new album? Vitamin C: My favorite on my new album is a song called "Sex Has
Come Between Us." I think it's a unique song sonically. It's about two
friends that fall in love and what happens when a friendship turns into love.
Question: What do you do in your spare
time? Vitamin C: Usually in my spare time, I'm flying on a plane, so I listen
to a lot of music. I like to see movies -- I'm a really big movie buff -- and
hang out with my friends. Question: What's the best movie you've
seen lately? Vitamin C: You know what I'd never seen before was "The Ice
Storm." It was really good. Actually, I just saw "Charlie's
Angels," and I really liked that too. That's the most recent movie I've
seen. Question: Your new single, "The
Itch" is DA BOMB! Vitamin C: Thank you so much! That's one of my favorite songs on the
record, and I love to perform it live because I get to dance, which I didn't
really get to do on my last record. I have a lot of fun onstage, and the
audience really gets into it. Question: How old were you when you
started singing? Vitamin C: Probably around 16. I actually wanted to write songs more than
I wanted to sing because I felt like I had something to say. I used to get
all these pent up emotions and I didn't know what to do with them, so i wrote
poems. Music was really important to me, like when I had crushes on guys or
was doing bad in school, and music meant so much to me that I wanted to
express myself through music. Question: I just want to say that i
think you're an awesome singer and that I think you inspire every teen in the
world with your music Vitamin C: Thank you very much. It means a lot to know that people relate
to my music and like it, because though I just write it about my life, I
consider most of the stuff I write about so universal that I hope it reaches
people. Question: Hey, I just wanted to ask:
your song "Graduation-- is that from personal experience? What made you
think about writing that? Vitamin C: I wrote it about my own life, specifically about my best
friend. I wrote it about looking back at high school because I always thought
I'd be friends forever with so many people, and it's so difficult to actually
stay in touch through the years. But friendship is one of the most important
things in life. Question: I love your hair! When are you
going on tour? Vitamin C: I'm hoping to tour in the spring and summer. I didn't tour
this summer because I did three movies and I was working on the new record,
but I'll be doing some promotional dates this Christmas, so please come see
me! Performing is my favorite thing to do. HostTPZena: Tell us about the movies... Vitamin C: "Dracula 2000" comes out at Christmas. It's a scary,
sexy take on a classic Dracula story set in contemporary times. "Get
Over It" comes out in January and stars Kirsten Dunst, Ben Foster and
Sisqo -- Sisqo and I do a duet of the Earth, Wind and Fire song
"September." Question: When will your next album come
out? Also, do you think this album is better then the last one? Vitamin C: My new album is out on January 30, and I think the new album
is much better than the last record. It has more songs that are danceable and
melodic...I just like it better. It's a much more fun record; it's a bit
sexier and it shows a bit more of my personality. Question: Vitamin C, where did you get
your name from? Vitamin C: C is short for Colleen and I wanted a name that was familiar
and positive. Question: Hey ....what's up...are you
single? Vitamin C: I am single, but I'm dating someone. Question: How is it to be a star? Vitamin C: I don't consider myself a star, really. I just feel that I'm
really lucky to be able to have a job I really like. Plus I get to have
really weird hair, and no one can tell me what I can and cannot wear.
Whenever I had regular jobs, I always had a problem with authority. I worked
as a waitress. I worked in telemarketing, babysitting... Question: Where do you like to shop when
you aren't out touring? Vitamin C: I'm a big thrift store shopper. I love them because I look for
unique pieces. I shop in NYC all the time. There are tons of great stores
here, like Urban Outfitters and Abercrombie. And then the higher end stuff,
like Miu Miu; my favorite pants are made by Katayone Adeli. They just fit
better than any other pants...she makes the most amazing pants in the world. Question: Who is you favorite artist in
the music business besides youself? Vitamin C: Probably Bjork. I think she's a tremendous singer and she is
so unique and not afraid to be different. Question: I'm very interested in
becoming a singer -- how did you become a singer? What steps did it take to
get where you are today? Vitamin C: I started playing in bands and writing my own songs. I learned
a little guitar, bass and drums, enough to write. Then I joined a rock band,
continued writing songs and playing out. Then the band broke up and I'd
learned a lot, so I decided to try being a solo artist. I love being a solo
artist; I like doing the kind of music I'm doing now because I get to perform
and dance and write songs people can sing along to. Sometimes I miss the
camaraderie of a band. Question: Do have a lot of fans coming
up to you in public areas? Vitamin C: I change my hair color often enough that I don't always get
recognized. But yeah, a lot of people come up. But I have great fans; anyone
can come up to me and I don't have a problem with it. Question: What is your all time favorite
movie? Vitamin C: "Nashville." I think it's just a really interesting
movie in terms of sound and improvisiation -- a lot of actors in it wrote
their own music. And it's a very character-driven movie -- it's more about
people than about a plot. It's a real satire of Americana. Question: How many more movies do you
plan on doing? Vitamin C: I'd like to continue doing movies. I have three coming out
this year. I really enjoy acting because you get to be somebody different. Vitamin C: Thanks for chatting and listening. I hope to see you all real
soon at a show. Rock on!
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