Interview by Elizabeth Jacobsen
Model/actress Cynthia Basinet is often mistaken for Marilyn
Monroe.
No, it's not that Basinet physically resembles Monroe although
she is a looker herself. The problem is with the Christmas standard
"Santa Baby," which is often mistaken for a Monroe
song; it's a track that appears on Basinet's new music-career
retrospective The Collection. Basinet discusses the "Santa
Baby" identity crisis as well as how she made the move from
being before the cameras to going to recording studios.
Elizabeth Jacobsen: Was the transition from modeling to
singing career met with any skepticism? I know that sometimes
actors find it difficult to be taken seriously when switching
careers to becoming a pop star.
Cynthia Basinet: Yes, it was. Very few have succeeded. This
is one of the reason why I launched the music under the name,
"c. basinet" with very few images attached. Now that
the music has been well reviewed and quite popular I have begun
linking back to my full name.
Jacobsen: The Collection is a fairly versatile overview
of your music, from jazz to alternative to Eurodisco. Is the
stylistic jumping related to your tastes or are you merely trying
to expand your market?
Basinet: Ah, interesting question. Actually, would say it's
my taste, which style I had the opportunity to record and how
it related to my personal expression at the moment. Probably
being an actress affects the need for great lyrics and re-invention.
This CD is beyond autobiographical and spans nearly 10 years.
Jacobsen: What is your first love - singing or modeling?
Basinet: Singing.
Jacobsen: Which is most fulfilling for you?
Basinet: Singing. Singing. Singing.
Jacobsen: What are your plans for your music?
Basinet: Releasing another full-length studio CD next year.
Jacobsen: What directions are you looking into pursuing,
creatively speaking?
Basinet: Probably keep a few ballads and add more pop songs
interpreted with a jazzy feel.
Jacobsen: What made you decide to sing "Santa Baby"?
Basinet: Recorded it as a gift to my then love. He [Jack Nicholson]
wanted an Oscar, and I wanted a convertible, light blue. I'm
still waiting.
To find more about the artist visit http://www.cynthiabasinet.com
