Get ready for Next Big Thing NYC as we get some of the brightest stars in their fields to propel themselves to even greater levels during this mini-series. This is show that we are absolutely looking forward to watching as we pick our favorites, but before that, we have gotten the opportunity to speak to some of the contestants in an exclusive interview. Let’s learn more about DJ Alden, Madison Carter and Paris Z in this exclusive interview.
Next Big Thing NYC follows 8 Teens on there quest to the top, from rising star to international stardom. The cast is made up of 3 boys and 5 girls who have already achieved an impressive level of success in there individual fields. From music stars, business moguls to Olympic hopefuls, they all know it takes “hard work” but will that be enough to make them the “Next Big Thing”.
Photo Credit: Brett Martelli
Next Big Thing NYC: DJ Alden
Intro: Hi, I’m DJ Alden, a 14 year old DJ and music producer from NYC. I’ve been DJing professionally since I was 7yo and eventually got into producing music. – DJ Alden: Facebook I Instagram
Tell us how you got selected for Next Big Thing NYC and what makes you think you are the Next Big Thing NYC?
Susanna Paliotta asked me to be a part of the show. She’s such an awesome person. I have known her for a few years and we’ve done many events together in NY, LA and Florida. So I think I’m the next big thing, you know, I’m good at what I do…. there are not that many teen DJs / Music producers out there. When it comes to things i like, I’m driven and focused…I get the job done. This has been a career path I chose ever since I started DJing so definitely want to make it my career.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m not sure if this will surprise people but aside from music, I am sporty – basketball and track are my choice in sports – and love gaming also.
Who would you say is your biggest influence?
In the industry, Avicii, Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix. Personally, my Dad and my Mom are my influences.
If you could guest star on ANY television show right now, which one would it be and why?
Something like a guest DJ in Stranger Things would be cool.
Why should everyone tune in to watch Next Big Thing?
It’s about teens who are following their passion at such a young age could be very inspiring.
How did you get into DJing?
My dad grew up in NYC and has been a DJ for over 30 years so I wanted to follow his footsteps.
Also, my dad worked in the night club business and I was lucky to have my birthday parties in clubs and it was always so cool to be able to hang out in DJ booths.
And what has been your favorite event so far to DJ?
Me and my family own a day time club events called CirKiz and we take over night clubs but during the day. I’m the resident DJ and I get to play all different types of music that I choose. Aside from that, recently I was hired to DJ at a private teen party in the evening with over 300 teens also in NYC club… it was off the hook!
What is your favorite piece of equipment/software for beat making, and what does your own personal process of beat making look like?
My favorite piece of equipment is Ableton Live 10. It’s a professional music making software that I personally love to use. Making music can start out in many different ways.
I like to start out by making a melody or a beat and maybe sometimes start with lyrics… usually things will stem from there.
If you could make a beat for anyone to use, who would it be?
Currently, I started working with Eden, one of the cast members on the Next Big Thing, so should be fun. But if I could choose anyone to collaborate with it would be Becky Hill who has an amazing voice and has been featured on countless of my favorites.
Photo Credit: Brett Martelli
Next Big Thing NYC: Madison Carter
Intro: Madison Carter is Beauty Vlogger and makeup guru who just released her own line of lip glosses, “Signature Looks by Sass” . Madison is no stranger to success as her sunglass line EyeCandy has been worn by stars like Paris Hilton and Miss Universe. She recently appeared in Beautycon’s Halo Room Celebrity Ad’s and hopes to have her own booth for her brand there this coming season. Instagram
Tell us how you got selected for Next Big Thing NYC and what makes you think you are the Next Big Thing NYC?
I was selected for the Next Big Thing NYC because I was spotted at one of my shows at NYFW and the producers interviewed me and my friends and I made the cut. I think I am the next big thing because I have been working very hard to build my own makeup brand and a successful modeling career. I am putting in the time and effort to perfect my craft to reach my goals by watching makeup tutorials, videos and practicing and I won’t settle for less.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to learn that I am a vegetarian and that I am a high honor roll student in school.
Who would you say is your biggest influence?
My biggest makeup influencer is Jeffree Star.
If you could guest star on ANY television show right now, which one would it be and why?
I would love to guest star on Jake Charles Instant Influencer Reality Show and be able to show off my makeup skills.
Why should everyone tune in to watch Next Big Thing NYC?
Next Big Thing NYC follows 8 teen Influencers trying to make it big in their genre in today’s world. It takes hard work, dedication, focus and responsibility to become famous. If anyone wants to see how it’s done, they should watch the show. There’s a lot of drama and that’s always fun to watch.
Tell us about your favorite competition and why it was your favorite?
America’s Next Top Model is my favorite competition, I’ve been modeling for 6 years now and it’s one of my favorite things to do. There’s nothing as exciting as walking the runway to showcase someone’s designs.
How and what lead you to start your own makeup line?
I wanted to produce luxury products that were accessible to everyone, the price range, the right colors for all skin tones, cruelty free and a fabulous look every time. We started small with lip glosses and branding and logos and built it up from there.
What is your favorite Instagram photo of yourself and why?
My ad campaign photo with my new luxury palette and the snake around my neck is my favorite photo because we had a blast on set with the snakes and some of my cast members from Next Big Thing NYC.
Photo Credit: Brett Martelli
Next Big Thing NYC Paris Z
Intro: Paris Z is a Pro Ice Skater and Olympic hopeful who has been ice skating since the age of 4. Paris is also a competitive cheerleader on the acro team and in the cheer comp finals at nationals this spring . She is an athlete and a force to be recognized on any stage. Instagram
Tell us how you got selected for Next Big Thing NYC and what makes you think you are the Next Big Thing NYC?
I was asked to be on the Next Big Thing NYC and of course I said yes! I think I am the Next big Thing because I‘m hard working and wont stop until I get what I want.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Something people would be surprised to know about me is that I speak 3 languages. I speak english fluently, Russian and Hebrew almost fluently and a little bit of Italian!
Who would you say is your biggest influence?
Family wise, my biggest influence is my Mom. Skating wise my biggest influence is Olympic skater Adam Rippon. For cheer my biggest influence is either Ryan Cea or Gabi Fuller.
If you could guest star on ANY television show right now, which one would it be and why?
If I were to guest star on any television show right now it would either be The Vampire Diaries because I would absolutely LOVE to be a vampire, and meet the cast or Shadow Hunters because the show is overall so cool and I would LOVE to play a shadow hunter and have tattoos called runes but most importantly I would love to get to meet the cast because I am absolutely obsessed with the Shadow Hunters cast.
Why should everyone tune in to watch Next Big Thing NYC?
Everyone should tune in to watch Next Big Thing NYC because everyone would relate to it and it would constantly have you on your toes with the amount of drama that goes down.
Tell us about your favorite competition and why it was your favorite?
My favorite skating competition was the first time I competed in Lake Placid. I love traveling especially for competitions and the road trip to Lake Placid was so cool. We went to all of the different olympic game monuments and the Olympic museum. I also met some olympic skaters there and I did really well in both of my programs!
How do you find the time to be competitive at cheer and ice skating, does the training cross over?
Yes sometimes my all star cheerleading practices and skating practices cross over but I almost always complete my skating practices in the morning before school and my cheer practices are always after school so it normally does not cross over but at times during competition season my practices will cross over since I practice more before competitions for both cheer and skating.
Special thanks to DJ Alden, Madison Carter and Paris Z for taking the time out of their super busy schedules to talk about Next Big Thing NYC.