The New Music Feature is just what it sounds like. A showcase for new music and new artists as they begin climbing the charts or making a name for themselves in the music industry.
This week, we have the up and coming group IM5. They are five incredibly talented boys who were chosen through a national talent search. Dana, Gabe, Will, Cole and Dalton are taking the industry by storm.
“American Idol” creator Simon Fuller, media icon Perez Hilton and acclaimed tour director Jamie King did a national talent search to create a new and fresh boy band and IM5 is the product of that search.
About IM5:
IM5 has been a band for over a year now, undergoing intensive vocal and dance training. The boys are currently working on their debut album as well as fine-tuning their live performances.
Cole has described IM5 as not just a band or a team but as a family making their dreams come true. Cole comes from the state of Texas just south of Dallas. He began playing soccer at the age of 4. He didn’t discover his love for perfuming till he entered the 6th grade when he was on stage for his school choir. When he was in 8th grade, he told his parents he wanted to be a performer. Even though at first his parents thought his dream was silly, they soon saw his passion for it and took him seriously.
In 2010 he moved to Los Angeles and began working, and soon after auditioned for the band.
When he is not at rehearsal he spends his free time with friends. He spends time texting friends, playing Xbox, and trying to have a good time no matter what he is doing.
“I am so looking forward to what the future holds because whatever it is, it will be an amazing ride. I hope to soon see “IM5″ become world-renowned and I hope we can be positive role models for kid – to know that they can follow their dreams as we all have!”
Dalton was born in Memphis, TN but moved to Texas at age 2. He has always loved music and got his first guitar lesson at age 11 and then joined the local rock school. He was part of a band with his friends called Fly Away Hero where he played bass guitar and sang lead vocals. When he got the call to come to LA, he went out and auditioned for IM5 and moved there shortly after.
When he isn’t working he hangs out with his friends and plays video games or listens to music. He loves eating at the restaurant, Chipotle. He jokes that his short-term goal for IM5 is “to be on every girl’s pillowcase.” While his long-term goal is of course, world domination.
“To be honest, I never really saw myself dancing or doing pop music and those who know me well can attest to that! But I am really glad that I was given the chance to do this because it opened my mind to a whole different type of music. We are all really different and I think that’s a good thing. I think each of us try to put a little bit of our own style into each song we do.”
Dana is 14 years old and from Pittsburgh, PA. He began his work as a performer at age 10 when he took dance and singing lessons. Him and his family moved to LA to help fuel his passion.
Dana also spends much of his free time, hanging out with friends and being a normal teenager. He also enjoys playing sports such as basketball and golf and spends time playing video games.
“So, looking into the future of “IM5″, I just wish us much success. I hope that when it’s all said and done, I can say I had an effect on the world! I also want to stay close with my bandmates for many years to come!! Eventually, I want my kids to look up to me not only for being a successful artist, but as a person that keeps strong bonds with people who I truly love!!”
Gabe is 16 years old and was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He does a little of everything, facing, singing, and acting. He can’t wait to venture on worldwide tours, meet fans, and influence people to follow their dreams.
Gabe is Cuban and Venezuelan and claims to have no middle name!
His favorite superhero is Batman and he enjoys playing the video game, Call of Duty.
“My dreams for our group are out of this world and I absolutely see myself on stage with them in the near future venturing out on worldwide tours, meeting our amazing fans, and influencing people our age around the world to pursue their dreams and persevere.”
Will was born in LA and has always had music as a huge part of his life. He started playing piano when he was only 4 years old. He performed in many community theater productions and spent most of his weekends rehearsing for shows. He loves a variety of music but his heart is in R&B and Gospel. He has won several singing competitions and piano scholarships. Will has also started playing guitar and writing/producing his own songs.
His musical inspirations include Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. He also likes singer/songwriters John Mayer and Jason Mraz.
“We’re a brotherhood as much as we are a band, and I think that will play into our success as a group. When it comes down to it, and you strip away all the lights, the dancing, the clothes and the harmonies, IM5 is just five guys who want to share our common love of music with all of you. Hopefully we will get to do that for a long time.”
BSCkids: IM5
Were any of you nervous when you joined IM5 or more excited?
Dana- excited
Gabe- more nervous than excited
Will- more excited than nervous
Cole- excited once I was in but nervous during the audition process
Dalton- was nervous for the audition process but excited once I made it.
What is the hardest thing about having to go to school and record your music?
Time management is the most difficult task.
Have all of you always wanted to be in the music industry?
Cole- wanted to be an astronomer or soccer player until about 12, then changed to music.
Will- yes, music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember
Gabe- yes
Dalton- wanted to be a botanist, changed my tune at 8 years old
Dana- no, wanted to be a basketball player. Started with dance, music not until 11
Is one of you more of a prankster then the others or do you all stay pretty serious most of the time?
Dana is the prankster and Will is the serious one
What is the funniest thing that has happened since you formed IM5?
When we messed up our choreography while performing at UCLA because we were too busy looking at college girls in the audience.
Do you guys hang out a lot outside of working on music?
Yes. We go to the movies, play basketball and just hang out.
What are your favorite hobbies other than music?
Will- Working out
Gabe- Painting
Cole- Soccer and talking to girls
Dalton- working out and talking to girls
Dana- play basketball and hanging out with friends, and making funny videos
What music artist would each of you love to work with in the future?
Cole- Justin Timberlake
Dalton- Billie Joe Armstrong
Gabe- Chris Brown
Dana- Chris Brown
Will- Bruno Mars
Are you have any live performances coming up?
Perez Hilton’s birthday party on March 24th and a tour soon