But hey… if y’all are excited, so is jenlar. :D

Here’s a little something BT had a hand in that I’m familiar with:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GEeqPnHdXQ

But I guess I shouldn’t admit that. /Sligh

Charles C. wrote:

I listened to the interview today. First of all, he sounds totally wiped out. And bored by most of the questions. Obviously he rather talk about the music and the tour, not gossip items about himself. Too bad the Idol media handlers don’t bother to set up rules for what can and cannot be asked when he does these morning zoo shows, which are just the dregs of show business IMO.

As about the only guy who ever posts here, I have to say I find the cake fandom fascinating from a sociological perspective. I’m gay. I grew up in the 80’s. It’s amazing to me that in this day and age there are teens out there who are rooting for two good looking guys like Blake and Chris to be a gay couple. That’s progress of a sort–it certainly wasn’t the case 20 years ago. But the Cakefandom is rather over the top what with some of the manips and the forged autographs and fake chat transcripts. To me, Cake is real, but just as a friendship and I think it’s great the two guys have always been open and affectionate about their friendship. In some ways, it’s refreshing to see two straight guys be friends like that–it’s a return to a 19th Century concept of male friendship. Check out photos and published letters from that era, you’ll see what I mean.

Anyway, Blake is experiencing the downside of Idol. I don’t he expected to do as well as he did on the show and become something of a celebrity. Hopefully once his Idol obligations are over and his album comes out he will have more of a say so in what sort of media he will do. I think he would be better suited to an NPR type radio interview which could focus more on the music and the substance. But I think he’s going to have to work really hard to earn that sort of reputation.

On the media note, I agree that Blake would fit better on NPR. He is so indie. I kinda wish he would have signed with an indie label. They are not so worked up on huge sales. It would have really worked out for him. Elliot Yamin is doing great on an indie label.

To me, Cake is real, but just as a friendship and I think it’s great the two guys have always been open and affectionate about their friendship. In some ways, it’s refreshing to see two straight guys be friends like that–it’s a return to a 19th Century concept of male friendship.

Charles C. Thank you, thank you, thank you for saying that! It’s what I’ve been feeling and trying to say all along. It helps to have it come from a MAN! Cake is REAL. Cake is the way male friendships should be. It’s totally refreshing! I keep wondering why people don’t get the concept of friendship anymore! Of course Blake and Chris love each other. It’s obvious that they do. Heck, they’re the first ones to say it! FRIENDS should love each other. Why that’s such a hard concept for folks to grasp is beyond me! I graduated high school in the late 80s and my gay friends were socially outcast. It was awful. Heartbreaking. I’m so glad that the tide has turned in that regard because hatred on any level deeply disturbs me. What’s sad is that people are not respecting Blake’s right to define HIMSELF. We’re still fighting these old stereotypes. He’s affectionate and open and sweet so he must be gay. GRRRRR… Why can’t a heterosexual guy be those things? Oh wait, they can! Blake and Chris prove that!!

Bshorty comment to BT on his blog:

Brian. Thank you for your words!! Since you came to Seattle last I have been spreading the word about your new album and some of my friends can’t find it still. I will let them know about Amazon, but If there is anything I can do to help promote, (link to get your album) anything, please let me know and I’ll put it on my site.

This Binary Universe - I haven’t stopped listening to it since you were here. I just remember sitting next to Tony S. in the theater nodding our heads and laughing in parts because it was brilliant. I have listened to it to it countless times and each time it gets more inspiring. Since that night, the universe is pulling me (1 degree off a full headwind). I quit my job, broke off a relationship, made amazing friends (Tony and Nicole S.) had some amazing shows, and now I am a full time musician for the first time. This Binary Universe has overseen this transition of my life. Thank you for your beautiful noise, that inspires!! All I need now is a sweet home-theater system and I’ll be able to hear those sweet snare rolls panning on The Internal Locus. Briliiant! Thank you Brian.

“Some say silence is golden, well I choose noise.” - Blake - Bshorty

P.S. Your set at Trinity that night was clutch!!! Such a contrast from the theater to the club. You never ceas to amaze. Thanks again.

Posted by BSHORTY on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 4:37 AM

I will really enjoy being inspired by Bshorty. *waits for the day*

I don’t he expected to do as well as he did on the show and become something of a celebrity.

I totally agree with this. I thought early on that Blake was surprised that he was becoming as popular as he was with the AI crowd. Of course, part of it is because he’s “omg sooooo cuuuuuute!!111!1eleventy!1!one!!!11!1!!1″ and that whole crowd. But there are also people out there (like us) who are into him for his music. I mean, you always have to have confidence that you are a good singer and performer and that people like you, but I don’t think he expected people who are so familiar with the mainstream acts AI manufactures to really latch onto him the way they did. But, he did do a brilliant job of maintaining his artistic integrity on the show, while also conforming his style to a more mainstream feel that would appeal. So it’s also not surprising in a sense. Does that make ANY sense at all? LOL.

It’s been very interesting to see how he handles himself in the “celebrity” sense. Minus the “Vegas incident”, which we still don’t have any verification on (who really believes the National Enquirer, anyway?), he’s done very well with the constant media attention. Some could possibly say that he was “born” to be a celebrity, and while maybe that’s true to some extent, I don’t think that’s what he aspires to. But even if he wasn’t prepared for the attention, per se, he has shown that he does know how to handle it, and that is admirable, IMO. I will be really curious and excited to hear the interviews with him when his cd is released in the fall.

Anyway, great points about the Cakefandom and Cake itself, Charles. Great, great post.

Very interesting posts here for me to read this morning. Thanks, y’all. I like discussions like this. :)

The true fans will remain with Blake because it should be about his music and not who he is or isn’t dating.

Charles- You have made so many good points about male friendships. Blake and Chris really do set the benchmark, I think. Of course, I get just as ticked off when the press decides that guys & girls can’t be “just friends” or “co-workers,” too. Gossipers *really* knows how to mess people up.

Oh… Blake can listen to this BT guy on my sweet home-theatre system anytime /fangirl

ETA: That poptarts video with Chris shaving his head isn’t new? I missed it the first time!

Fiona, thanks for the bshorty post to BT. I had to smile as I read it. Blake the fanboy! Now I’m even more excited that Blake gets to work with someone he respects so much.

*considers purchasing the Binary Universe to see what the fuss is about*

Binary Universe is a VERY specific type of music. I like it, but I have liked electronica since way on yonder back in the day. (Late 80’s yikes)

It is more like a musical experience. It blends visual art with music to create an all encompassing treat for the senses. You must listen to it with surround sound. That is the full experience.

Not everyone likes BT. His music may not be completely mainstream….but the real awesomeness comes in his ability to produce. That is what I am excited about. BT has ideas that are literally brand new to the industry. I look forward to seeing Bshorty and BT merge their creative energy.

Dang. I don’t know about you guys, but dang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxLbKYCL2aM

http://www.rickey.org/?p=4291

But there are also people out there (like us) who are into him for his music. I mean, you always have to have confidence that you are a good singer and performer and that people like you, but I don’t think he expected people who are so familiar with the mainstream acts AI manufactures to really latch onto him the way they did. But, he did do a brilliant job of maintaining his artistic integrity on the show, while also conforming his style to a more mainstream feel that would appeal. So it’s also not surprising in a sense. Does that make ANY sense at all? LOL.

Sarah, that was so well said and made such beautiful sense! I suspect that some of the 13 year old “OMG-Girl” fanbase will fall off as Blake progresses in his career. It’s not a fan base that he would have had previous experience w/and I think that he will move out of the whole bubble-gum limelight sooner rather than later once he’s no longer so tightly wrapped w/AI. And I don’t think he’s going to regret that. I’m sure he appreciates all of the support that he is getting. At the same time, he’s a serious artist that wants to be taken seriously. I don’t think he was seeking “popularity”. He just needed a vehicle that would allow him to communicate his art to a broader fan base and he found it. He’s obviously a networking genius. He makes friends wherever he goes. People love the guy. Serious artists take him seriously. It all bodes extremely well for his future IMO.

There are so many great points being made in this thread that I have to school myself not to just keep posting “Me Too”.

And if that’s not enough, Blake gets dance lessons!

I think that some of the Cakefans will forget Blake and Chris (and Cake) when next American Idol starts.

I hope that next interview I see is about Blake’s music. That blogpost he left to BT is so sweet and I can’t get enough of Blake when has a chance to talk about his own music.

bshorty
Newbie

Registered: Feb 2002
Location:
Posts: 2
Dynamo
All I have to say is this “Fuck Yeah!” - I had a blast.

Dynamo to me knows how to take care of an audience. Being in the background scene from 4pm to 7:30am, there is so much things going on. So much that no one realizes, because they are complaining. There are infinite things to do for a Dynamo party. And they bring it to you in a Hybrid of artists, Decore. I’ve been into this scene since 93 and there are only a couple of Promoters that do it justice. Dynamo, I’m yours for life. I just want to say to everyone. I hope you had as much fun as I did, listening to great music and performers. DeepSky, Ooh my gosh they were off the hook. Qbert, Mix, DJXL, Austin Payne, Miss Funk, Gaz, Charlotte, What can I say?

The only thing I wish I saw more, was dancing! From the stage I couldn’t really tell. Could someome fill me in.

Highlights- Becoming a part of the Dynamo Crew
- Battling Qbert! a dream come true. It was un real. I hope
everyone enjoyed that.
-Deepsky- I had so much fun dancing, I couldn’t stop and It
really fun pickin there brain after the show for a half hour.
-The positive people having a great time.

Respect to: Nils- You are my dogg for life, Love you bro
Flave- You are one hell of a performer
DJXL- You are to bad ass for words!
Are you ready to rock it together at 420?
Jake- You are the man! That Wave twisters is tight!
Miss Funk- Thanks for letting me kick it. Lets get together
you got the #
Austin- It was a pleasure and your cds dope, what did you
think of my Demo?
Nate- Audiophile really needed to be up there. Work it!
C.J.- Your my dogg. Nuf said

If anyone wants to give me some constructive criticism, Please Do

I hope to see everbody at 420

Peace and Vibes- Bshorty - The ill-Matic Beat Thrilla

His dedication to music is brilliant. I love that battle with Qbert too (if it’s the same one I’m thinking of).

The tracks of Bhorty battling with Qbert. Beatboxing, scatching, vocal turntablism. A.ma.zing. stuff. It will totally beat up your spirit!! I listen to them everytime I step on the subway train.

BT? Nice. I’m 50/50 on him, but he’s a lot better than most AI contestants get.

I agree with everyone here about the Cake stuff. Men can be friends and be affectionate and not be sleeping together. Thank you Charles for bringing up the return to pre-world war concepts of male bonding and friendships. If you look at history it’s amazing how anomalous the 20th century is socially. It seems everything can be brought back around to the subject of Blake these days.

Fiona, thanks for the posts. I love that song (Tao of the Machine). ?uestlove is the man. I hadn’t heard of Binary Universe. I need to check it out. Thanks.

Looks like he did start young. Most the ravers I knew didn’t hit the scene till they were around 15/ 16. Ironically that’s about a year before bshorty started. Gee, I wonder what was happening at 420? ;-)

Off to read old posts…

Loved the interview, can’t stand the DJs. I agree that radio shows, particularly morning shows, tend to be the bane of interviewing schedules. Too much drama, not enough info.

Blake definitely sounds exhausted in this interview. Poor guy is redefining “burning the candle at both ends.” At this rate, I’m not sure if he knows what his bed actually looks like anymore. His pillow is definitely due some alone time, that’s for sure.

I completely agree with Katy - Chris and Blake have a friendship that should be a model for friendships everywhere. I’m reminded of Blake’s performance of Imagine and how he talked about coming together to change the world. Loving friendships like Cake would do WONDERS.

As far as sexuality is concerned, I think it’s a highly unlikely possibility that the majority of any Cakesters or even Blaker Gals are gonna have the chance/opportunity to even get that close to Blake. Honestly, if Blake’s sexuality is an issue for you, then shut up and just use your imagination…just don’t write about it as if it’s fact when it isn’t.

Fiona - DANG GIRL! Thanks for finding that BT/Roots clip! I had no clue who he was, but just from that performance I can clearly see that he really does add a completely different dimension to music. I’m TOTALLY excited to see how he impacts Blake’s music! Also, the clip with N’Sync gets my gears turning about Blake’s first music video. I have a gut feeling that it’s going to be an experience in and of itself. I’m so freaking excited for this CD to get made and be on the shelves, already!

Also, I just wanted to agree with several of you on the point that Blake didn’t really expect the celebrity status that he’s garnered over the last few months. I really don’t think that he ever wanted to be a celebrity. He didn’t necessarily want people to know him, rather, he wants people to instantly be able to know that they are hearing his sound when one of his songs comes on the radio (or whatever). Its all about the music for him, the celeb status is just a bonus…and, in some cases, a curse (i.e. early morning radio show interviews with DJs that clearly can’t think of their own unique questions to ask).

He didn’t necessarily want people to know him, rather, he wants people to instantly be able to know that they are hearing his sound when one of his songs comes on the radio (or whatever). Its all about the music for him

Well said, Laura. I don’t think BL’s the least bit worried about whether or not he’s offended CAKE fans. It’s one thing for people to have fun with the idea of CAKE (i.e. two hot talented guys that are friends)but it’s gotten to the point where it’s become a hot topic and I’d bet that Blake just sees that as interference. He wants to communicate his art. He doesn’t want to be on the cover of Teen Beat (um, is that a real magazine? If not, you know what I mean).

Also, for the record, I want to say that I don’t think that Blake has “Disneyfied” himself for AI as I’ve heard some folks suggest but I do think that being on AI exposed him to a whole different fan base and that’s impacted his public image a bit. I mean people see him surrounded by screaming girls holding “Blake Marry Me” signs and they think, “Disney”. I don’t imagine that many teenage girls were involved in the indie/underground Seattle music scene. I remember when he peformed outside for one of the morning shows right after AI ended and the interviewer noted all the pre-teen and teenage girls. I remember thinking that Blake seemed somewhat put off and that he pointed out that there were a couple of guys in the crowd too.

His reaction toward being tagged by People Magazine as one of the hottest bachelors seemed much more enthusiastic. I can’t see him posing for a teen magazine. I don’t want to upset any teenage fans. I bet that there are a lot of legitimate teenage Blake fans out there. I just think it’s not the market that he was hoping to corner.

Gosh… so much has happened in the last day!

I get the feeling that Blake wanted the kind of recognition that BT has. Notice that some of us (fandom-wide, not just TP) had absolutely no clue who he was, while others were completely excited and said that the guy is a genius. BT could probably go shopping and not be mobbed, interview without being asked if he was dating a friend, and many other things that we simple folks do. Not saying that nobody would recognize BT, but probably not as many as would recognize Justin Timberlake. Blake just needs to prove himself as a musician now. He *can* do it, but it will take some time.

Yes Katy, there is (was?) a Teen Beat magazine because I used to buy it for pictures of Duran Duran, Ricky Schroeder, and Michael J. Fox. I really do feel a little guilty when I get all fangirly over Blake… but not guilty enough not to do it. I just make sure that the expression of my genuine admiration for his brilliance surpasses any unrestrained fangirl glee that’s may slip out.

‘Cuz it’s *gonna* slip out! XD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ8ZzKck1Os

Also, Wikipedia has an article on BT. Again, C&P from TWOP.

Anyway - here’s another BT video on YouTube! It’s an interview he did talking about his latest work, “This Binary Universe”. I really love the way he talks about his musical creation. Very inspiring, and I can definitely tell that some BT characteristics have rubbed off onto our man Blake.

Plus, I couldn’t resist posting it because BT has a doggie like mine! :-) yay for boston terriers!

FYI- I edited the main post with links to an AOL Chat with Blake and a feature on AriSawkaDoria.

Oh, and did y’all notice our new slogan? Once again, we have the always creative Star to thank for that. :)

Here’s the link:

AOL Chat Interview

I did add that interview to the main page, but I guess I should have made it more obvious by putting it at the top and bolding. Duh.

Anyway, I deleted the full text and made the link here in comments. :)

I also linked to an article on ASD in case that was missed, too.

Sorry if it’s been posted before…

Hey Blaker fans! Chris Rich fan here! Out here in L.A., listening to Movin 93.9. Rick Dees interview with Blake Lewis was on about 15 minutes ago. Blake is almost done with his album. He has been working with a variety of people. Loves touring, but loves the studio more because it’s the creative part. Could work on five tracks at once & still not be satisfied. Gives his mom & mom’s side of the family for his musical talent.
Rick Dees asked him about girls, & what is the first thing that attracts him. Blake said it was the eyes & the mouth. Rick Dees proceeded to ask him if Blake prefers blue eyes or brown. Blake siad he likes both, that he is a 31 flavors type of guy.
Thought you all would enjoy this tidbit. May find it on the website. The name of the radio station is movin 939 out here in Los Angeles.
Rick Dees is now a big fan.

Supposedly you will be able to listen here soon. (It’s not up yet, tho.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1eBEdNU3kM

Aww at the baby shouting “Blake Lewis”!!!

“Fourth of Julyyyyy” and Blake flipping the mic in the air… you’ve made my night!

Also, here’s a news article from the Boston Herald about the 4th of July special. It’s mainly about Jordin, but there is a Blake mention.

ETA also I don’t think having one song recorded means that he’s “almost done.” That’s more like a drop in the bucket.

I saw speculation on another board that maybe Simon Fuller/19 and NOT Clive Davis is handling Blake’s recording. I had no idea until IMing with friend that recently moved here from the UK that 19 actually does have a record label…AND one of the genres that fall under their label is “electronic”. Something to ponder

On a lighter note, there was actually a bit in an article where a fan reported that Blake had boxers in his luggage (how did she know this?) but someone else reported his “commando” comment on tape. A little bit TMI for me but funny that they’re talking about it.

Anne
Jul 1st, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I’m a little confused, or a lot confused. Who is “they” that want the album out by Thanksgiving? Why would BT sign on to produce if there is no record deal? And the one thing I can not imagine in Blake being stupid about any of this. He worked too hard and too long to let this slip away.

Charles C.
Jul 1st, 2007 at 11:10 pm
I don’t care how Blake’s music is distributed and marketed, so long as it gets out there and it’s the kind of music true to who Blake Lewis is as an artist and performer

Yeah, what they said. :)

I don’t care how Blake’s music is distributed and marketed, so long as it gets out there and it’s the kind of music true to who Blake Lewis is as an artist and performer.

I absolutely agree with you here. I really don’t care if he’s major or indie. I just want him to do what he wants to do. What I don’t want is for him to sell out and I actually can’t see that happening at all. This is one smart boy we’ve got here. Kristi made a a point of saying several times tonight that Blake is being careful and that he’s got lots of options. I’m nothing but impressed with the way Blake has handled things thus far.

I don’t care how Blake’s music is distributed and marketed, so long as it gets out there and it’s the kind of music true to who Blake Lewis is as an artist and performer.

Big thanks to Charles and everyone else who has echoed this sentiment. I am pretty sure Blake knows what he wants. I don’t know what is happening with 19, but I don’t care if he goes major or indie as long as we get a great album. We will! Have some faith in Bshorty. I do!

Ok, I think I’m done now.

Why worry about him? He was fine before AI and he’ll be fine after it

Nyla - simply and aptly put. I think we all get a little antsy during the draught times. At least I know that I do! And, Anne, I can’t imagine our brilliant boy doing anything stupid either! Maybe I feel such utter and complete confidence in Blake partly because I’m not very knowledgable about contracts and all that. ‘Tis possible. It just seems to me that Blake is an uber-savvy guy that KNOWS the business. Selfishly, I’ll admit that as long as I have access his music, I’ll be happy. I do, however, enjoy all of the discussion about contracts, collaborations, etc. because I’m learning a lot and broadening my horizens!

Since there’s not a whole lot going on right now, I’ll put something else out there. Ya’ll might think this is silly but being a Blake fan has re-opened some doors for me. Back in the day my hubby and I were in touch with the NW indie/underground music scene. Somewhere along the line between mortgages and kids, we lost touch. Thanks to Blake Lewis, I’m happy to have AriSawkaDoria and KJ Sawka concerts on my calander now! A couple of months ago I wasn’t even aware that they existed! There’s some amazing talent right here in my own back yard and I love having made that re-discovery through Blake Lewis. I might be a tad less secure about going these days. I am, after all, a married 30-something mom now and no longer a young hottie but it’s okay because I like being uncomfortable and getting out of the box. I might stress out a bit more over what to wear and I wonder if I’ll be the oldest person there but so be it! It’s going to be AMAZING! If I met Blake I think I’d have to leave all the fangirl stuff aside and simply thank the man for re-awakening my passion for independent musicians - for inspiring me to jump out of my box and take my middle-aged self to smokey underground clubs - for reminding me of who I am. I’m not just a house-keeper and a hubby-keeper and a kid-keeper and a horse-keeper.

Okay, I just read that back and I know I sound cheesy but I’m going to post it anyway because I couldn’t be more sincere. Try not to be too hard on me! :)

Kristi did confirm that Simon Fuller is his manager, so it seems like Blake wouldn’t really have much of a choice in labels.

Exactly. Why the hell would 19M sign him to a management contract, then let him just scamper off to an indie label to record his cd? Makes no sense whatsoever.

Just because no deal has been SIGNED does not mean that one is not in the works. And why would anyone other than the label first, Blake second, be at liberty to say that anything had been inked anyway??? Especially if no formal announcement has been made.

Much ado about nothing, IMO. I know the lack of ANY news period is annoying and worrisome, but I don’t think we need to get all worked up right now.

Blake wants to stay true to himself and has made it very clear he does NOT want to be a sell out, because if you’ll remember, he said that had you heard him record “This Is My Now”, then you will then you will know he had sold out. He will refuse 19E when the time comes if they try to do anything that is contrary to the vision he sees for this CD. He has been working on this CD too long (7 years in fact), for him to allow Clive to try to make him into a generic pop artist. Blake is not an idiot. He knows what he’s doing!

Also, another thing I think we’re forgetting. Unless the rules have changed, 19E/M/R has the option on every contestant who makes the top 12 (at least) until at least 3 months after the finale (in this case August 23 at midnight). Until that date has passed, no contestant can sign with another label outside of those affiliated with 19E. Sure, stuff can be talked about before then and signed on that date, but until then, nada.

Also, if my memory serves, if a contestant is offered a management contract with 19M or a recording contract with Sony/BMG (contracted thru 19E to sign at least the winner), I don’t really think they have the option to just refuse it. I guess they could, but no one ever has in the past.

Again, I just don’t see Simon Fuller and Co. signing Blake to a management contract and then letting him go to a label that is not affiliated with 19E. They like to line their pockets as much as possible, and while they’ll get a big chunk as the managers, they’ll get even more if he’s with an associated label as well. From a business standpoint, it just makes no sense whatsoever.

You are correct about the 90 day thing, but until Jordin makes her announcement there is nothing anyone can do about it. Anne is right also, we need to trust Blake.

Okay, I just read that back and I know I sound cheesy but I’m going to post it anyway because I couldn’t be more sincere. Try not to be too hard on me!

Katy, I totally agree with everything you said. At Atlantafest, hubby and I were *literally* the only ones at the small stage who were old enough to vote. There were only about 30 people there and we were bouncing right along with the kids. ASD said that Atlanta was in the works, and Kevin said definitely East Coast. Hopefully they’ll be in our calendar, too!

About the contracts… I’m just not worried. Blake will do what’s best for him, even if it’s for less money and more control. Remember… this is the guy who couldn’t say what he’d buy with the cash if he won AI, and said that he’d go get a steak. Let’s not panic ’til Jordin announces something.

I haven’t had the chance to get online much lately and I really appreciate all you guys do to keep us on the know. I can’t wait for Blake’s album and to hear him on the radio!

I must say though that I am worried that Blake’s record deal hasn’t been signed yet.. What’s up with that?
In other years the winner and runnerup deals have been announced pretty quick. In June I think?
I hope Blake takes a major label offer, I mean this is the time for him to go all out and put his music out there with the right promotion.
I don’t understand how can Simon Fuller be his manager and then Blake signs with an indie label? It doesn’t seem right to me.
Blake’s moment is now and I hope he takes the right decision to make it in the business. HE has so much potential. Otherwise I am afraid he will have a very low profile career. I don’t want him to end up in Seattle bars all over gain. He is too talented for that.
JMHO

Blake definitely wants to be singed by this label and that is fact, but we’ll just have to sit and wait. He said in a radio interview, at about the 2nd week in June, that it could take as long as 2 months before everything is finalized with his contract assuming that 19E picks him up. It was an interview posted at the mj site.

Here is the link to that interview if it still works:

http://www.bobrivers.com/player/player.asp?atype=onair&ID=6435

This interview was done on June 6th