|
|
|
Hinsdale, IL —
At first, Marirose Weldon’s decision to take acting classes at age 11 was just part of her effort to try different things. Four years later, it’s evolved into something she never anticipated.
While her acting career never took off, it inspired her to try singing — a career that, unlike acting, did not require Weldon to move from her Oak Brook home.
“I’ve always had a natural ability to sing,” Weldon said.
Now at age 15 and a sophomore at Hinsdale Central, Weldon has already co-written four pop songs, which she sings herself. One of the songs written by Weldon and Kristinia DeBarge, titled “Ten,” was recently played on the radio station 103.5 KISS FM.
A singing competition in New York City two years ago also got her the attention of several “A-list” managers including those who have represented Britney Spears, Chris Brown and Justin Beiber. As part of the top five contestants for the competition, Weldon had the chance to sing in front of 5,000 people.
“I loved every second of it,” she said. “I realized that it was really what I wanted to do.”
Weldon will perform her first-ever concert from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 at the Community House in Hinsdale in memory of her deceased mother Bernadette and to raise funds for Missionaries for Charity, a group founded by Mother Teresa in 1950.
The benefit concert, titled “Introducing Marirose: An Afternoon of Song and Support,” already boasts 230 RSVPs on its Facebook site.
Despite more than 400,000 downloads on iTunes, Weldon’s singing career is only in its early stages.
While Weldon doesn’t have agent representation yet, she’s already received many offers and is working with her lawyer to find the right fit.
“I’ve had a lot of people interested in the last month that have been amazing,” she said. “Now I’m in the midst of putting (contracts) together.”
Why did you decide you wanted to be in show business?
I would always see people on TV. It would just be like a dream that I never thought would happen... I took acting classes for fun and it became something I started to take seriously. (Singing) was something if you got into you have a lot of opportunities.
What are your songs mostly about?
They’re really upbeat. They all have a really great message. There’s no swearing... they’re not about sex, guns or money. They’re songs you can jam out and dance to in your car. The songs are like Rihanna’s and Kelly Clarkson’s.
At first, Marirose Weldon’s decision to take acting classes at age 11 was just part of her effort to try different things. Four years later, it’s evolved into something she never anticipated.
While her acting career never took off, it inspired her to try singing — a career that, unlike acting, did not require Weldon to move from her Oak Brook home.
“I’ve always had a natural ability to sing,” Weldon said.
Now at age 15 and a sophomore at Hinsdale Central, Weldon has already co-written four pop songs, which she sings herself. One of the songs written by Weldon and Kristinia DeBarge, titled “Ten,” was recently played on the radio station 103.5 KISS FM.
A singing competition in New York City two years ago also got her the attention of several “A-list” managers including those who have represented Britney Spears, Chris Brown and Justin Beiber. As part of the top five contestants for the competition, Weldon had the chance to sing in front of 5,000 people.
“I loved every second of it,” she said. “I realized that it was really what I wanted to do.”
Weldon will perform her first-ever concert from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 at the Community House in Hinsdale in memory of her deceased mother Bernadette and to raise funds for Missionaries for Charity, a group founded by Mother Teresa in 1950.
The benefit concert, titled “Introducing Marirose: An Afternoon of Song and Support,” already boasts 230 RSVPs on its Facebook site.
Despite more than 400,000 downloads on iTunes, Weldon’s singing career is only in its early stages.
While Weldon doesn’t have agent representation yet, she’s already received many offers and is working with her lawyer to find the right fit.
“I’ve had a lot of people interested in the last month that have been amazing,” she said. “Now I’m in the midst of putting (contracts) together.”
Why did you decide you wanted to be in show business?
I would always see people on TV. It would just be like a dream that I never thought would happen... I took acting classes for fun and it became something I started to take seriously. (Singing) was something if you got into you have a lot of opportunities.
What are your songs mostly about?
They’re really upbeat. They all have a really great message. There’s no swearing... they’re not about sex, guns or money. They’re songs you can jam out and dance to in your car. The songs are like Rihanna’s and Kelly Clarkson’s.
Do you still have plans to attend college, despite all your success?
Right now, I’m definitely planning on going to college. I’m not a big star right now, I’m just trying to be successful in the music industry. I’ve got to be smart. I’ll probably go to college for music to get experience.
Why did you decide to throw a benefit concert?
My mother passed away when I was 9 years old from a brain tumor. We literally had no idea. She was too afraid to go to the doctor... (She died) during a family vacation in Florida. It’s still shocking to me today... (The concert) is basically for her. Everything we do is in memory for her.
What’s your next big project?
I’m working on a deal with Sharpie, (an ad campaign) for their liquid pencil. They’re looking for brand new artists...to say that they started writing their songs with the pencil. (The ads) will appear in 17 magazines including US Weekly and on billboards.
