Dear Monica Mania readers,

I found a new job which requires me to relocate to another city.

Will need some time to settle down before I can start blogging again!

Feel free to subscribe in order to be informed about my new entries (I'll do so whenever I get the opportunity).

Also, you can add me as a friend on facebook!

Thanx a million for your support …

Love always,

Hamada

[Add Me] Hamada @ Facebook

Hamada: - Can you tell us more about who Silya Nymoen is?

Silya: - I guess I’m still finding out! You never stop learning things about yourself. I’m full of contrasts and I constantly confuse myself. I’m very outgoing and consider myself unafraid, but I need my “Lone Wolf” moments as well to stay sane. I can even go a couple of days without talking to anyone … I’m stubborn, persistent and very passionate.

Hamada: - When is your debut album coming out? And what can we expect from it?

Silya: - I seriously wish I had the answer to that question … I was supposed to release an album while signed to Columbia, but that never happened. I have so much material that I wish was released already cuz I’ve changed a lot and I’m constantly writing new things.

When I was at Columbia, it was Motown inspired, but now everybody’s doing that, so I’ve explored new ways. Actually L.A. Reid called my music “Motown on Steroids”. I like that, but now it’s different! I have a new term for it called “Future Flapper Funk” … I’ll leave you with that (smiles).

Hamada: - List some of your favorite songs recorded so far?

Silya: - That’s tough! I have about 80 recorded songs and 20 ruffs I haven’t recorded yet … But if I have to choose, “Kill the Thrill” is my baby for different reasons. “Black Eye” means a lot, and so does “Like a Bomb”. I’m also working on a new one called “Battlefield”.

Hamada: - Whom did you work with in terms of songwriters/producers? And which ones you'd love to hook up with in the near future?

Silya: - I’ve worked with many musicians such as Printz Board, Mark Hill, Lester Mendez, Jacoby, Kovas, Jonas Jeberg, Blackcell, Richard X, Tommy D, Billy Mann, etc ….

I’m still working with Kovas and Scott Jacoby as we’re good friends and both are here in New York. I’d like to get back in the studio with Jonas Jeberg cuz I haven’t seen him in a long time and we did some really good stuff when we were together at Murlyn.

Hamada: - You've penned songs with female songwriters such as Shelley Peiken and Hannah Robinson … Is it more comfortable working with women? Or there are egos involved during the brainstorming/creative process?

Silya: - Egos come in male and female forms, but I don’t know … I haven’t really thought of that! Actually my favorite co-writes were with Anne Preven, I love her brain! I also did a couple of songs with Imani Coppola … We were working under pressure from the label, so it was stressful, but I adore her ideas and she’s friggin’ cool.

However, I gotta admit preferring to write alone. When I was at Columbia, I got put in some co-writes because they wee worried I couldn’t write well because English isn’t my first language. Funny enough, the songs I write by myself and without any pressure tend to be people’s favorites. I rest my case major label!

Hamada: - Why did you part ways with Columbia Records?

Silya: - The president of Columbia at the time (the same guy who signed me) was let go and so was a whole bunch of people I worked with. Columbia us under Sony Music and the latter got a new boss who wanted to change it around and make it his regime, so he fired many employees and dropped several artists including me. This happens all the time in the music business.

Hamada: - Readers may remember you from being a vocalist of Norwegian group Multicyde … How was that experience like? And are you still in touch with your ex-band mates?

Silya: - Wow! It seems like a different lifetime … Everything was so different then. It was a great experience which started when I was in school – the Oslo National Academy of Art. It was all I thought and cared about … I was going to be a professional dancer, but I worked part time in a record store and that’s where I met one of the guys in the band, so I rediscovered music by being in Multicyde and that’s when I started writing my own songs too. And yeah, we’re still in touch … Maybe we’ll do a reunion concert one of these days!

Hamada: - You've also worked with super producers Stargate whilst being a member of Multicyde … Any plans of collaborating with them again on your solo project?

Silya: Yeah, we did! They weren’t that big at the time … Actually, Tor Erik Hermansen was our A&R at Warner Brothers Records. I’m not really in touch with them anymore even though we reside in the same city now. We have different ways of working, but hey you never know … They’ve been extremely successful and if our paths cross again, I’m all for it!

Hamada: - Is it true that Vanessa Hudgens' "Last Night" and "Sneakernight" were originally intended for your album? And how does it feel to have another artist sing one of your songs?

Silya: - Yes they were! At first, I was very skeptical … I didn’t wanna give away any of my songs, but they’re “OLD” and I’ve moved on a little … I have many other songs I’d rather use now … However, it’s just weird and I can’t really listen to her versions!

Hamada: - If given the opportunity, which other artists you'd love to write songs for?

Silya: Artists who have unique voices and aren’t afraid of experimenting, but usually the people I admire write their own stuff. I’d love to co-write people without thinking about whom it’s for and all that … Just create and be inspired by each other … That’s what music is all about!

Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you?

Silya: - I’ve never done any drugs. I have lots of energy and used to dance a lot at clubs when I was in school. I just drank water cuz I considered it almost like a workout. Also, many people asked “What Are You On?” or “Hey, You Got Some?”… They thought I was high as a kite and that I’m selling too! I still find it hilarious when people asked what kinds of drugs I do, lol.  

Hamada: - List the qualities you usually look for in a man?

Silya: - Oh My! They’ve changed over the years, but I like men who know who they are and what want. Creative, Adventurous, Kind, Passionate and a great smile ... I’m through with my “Bad Boy’ phase, and now I look for other things! I like nice guys with geeky tendencies and the booty (smiles).

Hamada: - Do you think you're demanding when it comes to relationships?

Silya: - No, but I should be … I think when two people find each other and they’re on the same page, it’s cool and not supposed to be hard.

Hamada: - Have you thought about promoting your music in the Middle East?

Silya: - I wanna promote it everywhere.   

Hamada: - Any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?

In addition to crafting new hits with producers Will "Will.I.Am" Adams, Justin "Just Blaze" Smith and Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, singer/songwriter/lyricist Makeba Riddick is working again with superstar Beyonce Knowles for her forthcoming 3^rd album on Music World Entertainment/Columbia Records.

Riddick previously collaborated with the artist on fan favorites such as the Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins produced "Déjà Vu" and "World Wide Woman", the Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean helmed "Get Me Bodied" and "Upgrade U", and the Rich Harrison belted "Suga Mama", "Freakum Dress" and "Creole", taken from the smash-selling disc "B'Day".

After parting ways with Hollywood Records, singer/actress Raven Symone is planning to release her next album independently. Among the musicians she's hoping to work with again are Sean "The Pen" Garrett (Beyonce Knowles, Nicole Scherzinger), The Jam: Michael Mani & Jordan Omley (Tynisha Keli, Nikki Flores) and The Clutch: Balewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis and Patrick "J.Que" Smith (Ciara Harris, Britney Spears).

Symone's last album, a self-titled affair, featured collaborations with Warren "Oak" Felder (Karina Pasian, Chris Brown), Tawanna "Frankie Storm" Dabney (Rihanna Fenty, Jordin Sparks), Kwame Holland (Fantasia Barrino, Christina Aguilera), Chasity Nwagbara (Jennifer Lopez, Jesse McCartney), Eric Hudson (Brandy Norwood, Tiffany Evans) and Marsha Ambrosius (Jazmine Sullivan, Solange Knowles).

Former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett is said to collaborate with producer Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald and songwriter Cathy Dennis for her upcoming sophomore album on Capitol Records. Gottwald and Dennis previously helmed hits for the likes of Katy Perry ("I Kissed a Girl"), Sugababes ("About You Now"), Vanessa Hudgens ("Don't Ask Why") and Britney Spears ("All the Way").

The "Gangsta Grillz" singer's yet to be titled project will also feature alliances with Dernst "D'Mile" Emile (Mary J. Blige, Amerie Rogers), Stefani "Lady GaGa" Germanotta (Esmee Denters, Tami Chynn), Fernando Garibay (Brandy Norwood, Whitney Houston), Terius "Dream" Nash (Wynter Gordon, Karina Pasian), Christopher "Tricky" Stewart (Rihanna Fenty, Beyonce Knowles), Taio "Rokstarr" Cruz (Mya Harrison, Will Young), Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith (Christina Milian, Paula DeAnda), Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (Madonna, Faith Evans), Kandi Burruss (Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey), Nadir "Red One" Khayat (Mutya Buena, Tiffany Evans), Claude Kelly (Jesse McCartney, Corbin Bleu) and The Underdogs: Harvey Mason Jr. & Damon Thomas (Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson).

After crafting catchy tunes such as “Touch” and “Obsession”, hitmaker Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes and R&B crooner Omarion Grandberry are set to re-collaborate on the latter’s forthcoming 3^rd album on Mosley Music/Interscope Records. Williams’ resume includes crafting hits for Justin Timberlake (“Rock Your Body”), Usher Raymond (“You Don’t Have to Call”) and Mario Barrett (“Go”).

The yet to be titled project will also boast productions from Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley (Brandy Norwood, Mya Harrison) and Faheem “T.Pain” Najm (Mariah Carey, Britney Spears), as well as songwriting contributions by Justin Timberlake (Macy Gray, Rihanna Fenty), Keri Hilson (Toni Braxton, Ciara Harris) and Edwin “Lil’ Eddie” Serrano (Kylie Minogue, Usher Raymond).

Pop artist Alecia “Pink” Moore has dubbed her next album “Funhouse”, and will release it on 28^th October via LaFace/Zomba Records. The set is preceded by lead single “So What”, co-written and produced by Martin “Max Martin” Sandberg, who previously collaborated with the artist on tracks like “U + Ur Hand”, “Who Knew” and “Cuz I Can”.

The follow-up to “I’m Not Dead” is scheduled to boast additional contributions from Nate “Danja” Hills (Beyonce Knowles, Nelly Furtado), Kara DioGuardi (Natasha Bedingfield, Delta Goodrem), Eg White (Maria Lawson, Natalie Imbruglia), Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry) and Billy Mann (Joss Stone, Kelly Rowland).

Motown recording group Jada are currently crafting new joints with producer Terry “Madd Scientist” Thomas and songwriter/lyricist Rico Love, whose collective offerings include songs performed by Keri Hilson (“Energy”), Beyonce Knowles (“Beautiful Nightmare”), Girlicious (“Do About It”), Karina Pasian (“Winner”), Pussycat Dolls (“Barely Breathe”) and Jesse McCartney (“Relapse”).

Other musicians backing the quartet on as yet untitled project are Nate “Danja” Hills (Justin Timberlake, Usher Raymond), The Clutch: Balewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis & Patrick “J.Que” Smith (Britney Spears, Jennifer Hudson), Evan Rogers & Carl Sturken (Christina Milian, Emma Bunton), Toby Gad (Brandy Norwood, Esmee Denters), Evan “Kidd” Bogart (LeToya Luckett, Jennifer Lopez), Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (Donna Summer, Teedra Moses), Lyrica Anderson (Mya Harrison, Keke Palmer), The Insomniax: Erik Nelson & Emile Ghantous (Canela Cox, Joanna Levesque), Jim Beanz (Ashlee Simpson, Nelly Furtado) and Wyclef Jean (Estelle Swaray, Claudette Ortiz).

In addition to penning hits on the next projects by Pussycat Dolls (A&M/Interscope Records), LeToya Luckett (Capitol Records), Britney Spears (Jive Records), Esmee Denters (Tennman/Interscope Records), Tami Chynn (SRC/Universal Records) and New Kids on the Block (Interscope Records), singer/songwriter Stefani “Lady GaGa” Germanotta is also making contributions on Beyonce Knowles’ highly-anticipated 3^rd album, which is due on November via Music World Entertainment/Columbia Records.

Look out for GaGa’s debut LP on Interscope Records, “The Fame”, which features productions from Nadir “Red One” Khayat (Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton), Allaune “Akon” Thiam (Gwen Stefani, Whitney Houston) and Rob Fusari (Kelly Rowland, Shamora Crawford).

Singer/songwriter Ciara Harris will release “Go Girl” as the lead single from her forthcoming conceptual album, “Fantasy Ride”, which is currently slated for a December release via Jive Records. The track was produced by Faheem “T.Pain” Najm (Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown).

The 3 disc set – “Groove City”, “Kingdom of Dance” and “Crunktown” -  is scheduled to boast additional productions from Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (Christina Milian, Jennifer Lopez), Jonathan “Lil’ Jon” Smith (Teedra Moses, Brooke Valentine), Polow Da Don (Keri Hilson, Usher Raymond), Christopher “Tricky” Stewart (Rihanna Fenty, Beyonce Knowles), Chuck Harmony (Mary J. Blige, Paula Campbell) and Nate “Danja” Hills (Katharine McPhee, Paula DeAnda), as well as songwriting contributions from Marsha Ambrosius (Emily King, Jazmine Sullivan), Kandi Burruss (Alicia Keys, Karina Pasian), Tawanna “Frankie Storm” Dabney (Jordin Sparks, Raven Symone), Jasper Cameron (Mario Barrett, Christina Aguilera), Torica (Brandy Norwood, LeToya Luckett), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Celine Dion, Whitney Houston) and The Clutch: Balewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis & Patrick “J.Que” Smith (Tiffany Evans, Fantasia Barrino).