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TC
talks with 14-year-old Kailey Carranza |
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Carranza: Right now I'm 14 years old, turning 15 in July. This is probably a typical answer, but I’ve been singing since I can remember. Probably since I could talk. Around 5 or 6.
TC: Who are your musical influences and what inspires you to sing?
Carranza: Some of my favorite artists would have to be Demi Lovato, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Norah Jones, Katy Perry and artists like that. I wanted my music to sound more like the Disney Channel artists.
TC: Have you decided what you want to be when you grow up?
Carranza: Well singing is definitely something I would love to pursue, but I would like to go to college and be in the medical field, or maybe a dentist or a hairdresser. Those are just a few of my options.
TC: What are your challenges in school?
Carranza: Math! I’m horrible at math it takes me so long to understand, plus I have it 1st period. If you can only imagine how hard it is to stay focused! Also, keeping up with the work and staying motivated to do homework. Typical teenage complaints.
TC: With all that you can do with your singing talent, why did you decide to commit to a public interest cause?
Carranza: Because I was given an ability that not a lot of people can benefit from, and i wanted to do all I can do to make a difference.
TC: What is your connection to Lea’s Foundation?
Carranza: My great grandma was treated there a few years ago. Also, my mom and my cousin Carla have volunteered at the Lea’s Foundation for a while now.
TC: Who was Lea Michele Economos?
Carranza: Lea Economos was a woman who died from Leukemia at the age of 28. It was her wish that no one would have to go through the struggles that she had to go through, so her family started a foundation in her name to try and find a cure for leukemia, The Lea’s Foundation.
TC: Whose idea was it for you to do a music CD to raise funds for the foundation?
Carranza: My mom brought up the idea to make a CD for the foundation about a year and a half ago.
We had always talked about making a CD, so my mom talked to my cousin Carla and asked me if making a CD for the foundation is something I would be interested in, and of course, I agreed!
TC: At what stage is the project?
Carranza: T he CD release party is on June 6th and is currently being sold at Barnes and Noble for $15 or you can purchase it online at the http://www.leasfoundation.org :) Also, you can check out some of the songs that are on the CD at http://www.myspace.com/singingforacure.
TC: Who wrote the songs that are going to be on the CD?
Carranza: One of my songs, “Great Day” was written by April Knoll. I wrote them along with he lp from my parents, my uncle, my producer Billy Joseph, and just family in general. They all helped me so much with lyrics, and melody. Since this is my 1st CD I've ever created i am so grateful for all their help.
TC: What do you need to finish the CD? (If it’s not completed yet)
Carranza: The next step is to get it sold so we can help the foundation. But, The CD is currently finished and being sold at Barnes and Noble at the Foothills mall!
TC: When the CD becomes available, how can the public get it?
Carranza: You can buy it for $15 at Barnes and Noble at the Foothills mall, it also can be ordered online at http://www.leasfoundation.org, Or at my CD release party that will be held at the Foothills mall in Tucson, Arizona on June 6th!
TC: Where will to profits go?
Carranza:100% of the proceeds go to The Lea’s Foundation to help find a cure for leukemia.
TC: What is it that you want your peers and other young people to know?
Carranza: I think that it’s very important to get involved with the different foundations available. I want younger people to realize that Leukemia doesn’t just effect a certain age, or race, or gender. Leukemia can effect everyone weather you have it, or If a friend or family member has it. That’s why it’s so important that we work together to raise money to find a cure for this horrible disease.
TC: What is it that you want the world to know?
Carranza: That anyone can volunteer their time and effort for any cause they believe in, but you have to stay dedicated. We've made so much progress, and it would mean so much to me and the foundation if you donated money. Even if you don’t like the music on the CD, you’re still helping a great cause. (although, I really hope everyone enjoys the music!) :)