SueliPop is an up-and-coming artist I have had the pleasure of getting to know. She was gracious enough to join me for an interview and share some of her thoughts with us. Following in the footsteps of authors, television insiders, and other nefarious types, the FMAD Shoot Interview series continues.

FMAD: First things first. Tell us about your musical background.

SueliPop: My first musical experience began when I was 7 years old when I got to sing a solo with the second grade choir. I knew I could sing, but I never knew how good I was. After that, I began entertaining friends and relatives by putting on singing shows for them at home. My parents noticed my musical potential and enrolled me in the local youth choir. I spent a lot of years touring and performing throughout the country with them. Later on in high school, I got hooked on musical theater. It allowed me to sing and touched on my love to perform. I ended up majoring in musical theater and thought I'd immediately moved to New York to pursue a career on Broadway. A few days after graduation, I had a thought I hadn’t had before: I decided to screw the musical theater career to compose and perform my own music. Little did I know, I would meet an incredibly talented composer, Michael Deall, who became my collaborating partner in my venture. And so it began.

FMAD: How would you describe your music?

Three words: Edgy, Melodic, and Memorable. Edgy meaning creative, exotic vocal harmonies and catchy, infectious chord progressions. I want to people to think of my music as a dangerously delicious explosion of pleasing and harmonic sounds. My goal is to have you listen to my music and not be able to get it out of your head for days. Months would be better!

FMAD: What musicians do you look to as mentors for inspiration?

SueliPop: There are a few special artists that have inspired me in creating my own sound and style. Some of those artists include Michael Jackson, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.

FMAD: What are your personal music tastes?

SueliPop: I enjoy music that has substance. Lyrics are usually under minded by the instrumental content in a song. I believe that lyrics and meaning are as equally important as the chord progression or style of the piece.

FMAD: Have you auditioned or considered auditioning for American Idol, America's Got Talent, or other similar programs?

SueliPop: Actually I was one of the top five finalist for Miami, Florida's Deco Drive American Idol Contest in 2008. I realized that I had more of a chance to get my own music out there, then to wait in line with the rest of the herd, hoping to make it.

FMAD: Can you compare yourself to anyone else out there now?

SueliPop: I think I would be cheating myself to compare me to someone else out there. I definitely think I have a pretty unique sound.

FMAD: Outside of music what are your interests and what other artistic endeavors are you involved in?

SueliPop: I’m a total nerd. I enjoy playing computer games, Diablo being my favorite. Wine tastings are also fun! I would have to say that I must have the worst wannabe Australian accent ever. I laugh at myself every time I try to do it.

I love to dance and teach. I've been teaching voice lessons for way too long, but I love being with a student who sees the dramatic differences in their own voice when they work with me. It's very satisfying and confirms that I must be doing something right.

FMAD: What are your future plans?

SueliPop: Other then to "make it?" My goal is to captivate and inspire people with my music. I feel that mainstream music is on the verge of a revolutionary fusion between many styles and I think that my music supports and welcomes those styles on a dangerously danceable level.

FMAD: What would "making it in music" mean to you?

SueliPop: Making it in music would mean that I have been able to share my music with people on a personal level and connection. I know growing up, music was what got me through the toughest times in my life. Anytime I felt like giving up, I would pump up the volume on my stereo and sing along as loud as I can. I want to be there for everyone else who has ever gone through those tough times and be the reason why they could make it though.

FMAD: What can people get from your website? (www.suelipop.com)

SueliPop: They can view my demo album, daily videos of me live in the studio, some background info, and my professional photo shoot.

FMAD: And since we are on Fat Man After Dark, what are your favorite foods?

SueliPop: Hahaha, I would have to say I love me some Lucky Charms!! Pizza…with a side of steak!! I love to eat!!

For more information check out SueliPop's official website here or her press kit here.