What’s news? from Celebrity Press Agent Ariel Goode

As fans and writers we always hear what is on an artist’s mind â€" for better or worse â€" but most times than not, there is someone in the shadows tailoring an artist’s image. Unless you are embedded in the entertainment industry you probably won’t know these shadowy figures, and even then, most things they comment on is said off the record. Enter Ms. Ariel Goode, publicist and founder of Leira Public Relations. Miss Goode has represented the likes of Max B, Torch of Triple Cs, DJ Lazy K and Mass Pike Miles to name a few. Intrigued by her work, I decided to ask her some questions about her line of work including what some of her hip hop clients are up to. Also if you’re an up-and-coming artist you might want to hear what the publicist extraordinaire says about being your own representative. Read up! Interview: What’s up Ariel, I guess it’s appropriate to ask you what’s news [laughs]? Ariel: Yeah that’s a good one [laughing]. A lot of news is happening. What’s going on world?! Interview: I know a publicist is very exciting. What’s your favorite part of the job? Ariel: [Laughing] Yeah P.R. is pretty interesting. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am so pleased when I see a client getting the recognition they truly deserve. We are a family here at Leira Public Relations, so we grow with our clients and their careers. I absolutely love attending concerts, parties, public screenings and other events, and seeing how people sing along and interact with my clients. There’s no better feeling than to see those you care about and work so hard and reach greatness. Interview: I’m glad you mentioned events and parties because I know as part of your profession you must organize a lot of events and parties in different cities, so it’s probably safe to say that you’re all over the map [laughs]. What are some of your favorite cities to hold events in? Ariel: I’m sure you’re expecting me to say New York, L.A., Miami, Las Vegas or even my home town of Boston, but seriously some of my best events have been in smaller cities and towns. You really get a chance to mingle with “real” people that just want to have a great time and don’t spend their time worrying who else is walking the carpet yada yada yada [laughs]. Interview: So who are you currently representing in the hip-hop world? Ariel: I am truly blessed to represent some of the most talented people in their industries: actress Shondrella Avery; celebrity makeup artist Chris Lanston; hip-hop artists Melo Kan; Michael Barber, of Universal Recording; Mass Pike Miles, of Def Jam/Maybach Music; Starr Scream Ent.; James McNair, ( Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s executive); Doe Boy â€" this kid is a linguistic genius so keep an ear out; and Fifth World Film just to name a few [laughs]. A complete client list can be found at www.leira-pr.com. Interview: Wow, you staying real busy [laughs]. Tell us what Torch is working on? Ariel: Torch is doing the damn thing! Not only as one-fourth of the hip-hop group Triple Cs but also over seeing his independent career. He is slated to release his solo album Krash Kourse later this year, in addition to owning Amazin Modeling Group and Specialyst Entertainment. Interview: How about The Chosen? Those Chosen have recently released their EP 5ive on iTunes and other amazing music sites. They’re great! It’s very rare that a publicist is a fan of their clients, but I’m a true fanatic of Those Chosen and their music. Check them out at www.thosechosen.com. Interview: And DJ Lazy K? Lazy is still making history as the highest selling female DJ in the world while running Lazy K Productions. She’s in Sweden as we speak for a couple of shows. This woman is the epitome of making things happen no matter what and helps keep me grounded when I start to spazz [laughs]. Interview: How can up-and-coming talent with shoe-string budgets be their own publicists? Any advice? Ariel: I would have to say, stay true to you and your talent. You are your best representation and network, network, network. Create a PR check list and work your way down it every week – contacting various publications that fit your genre of music in hopes of gaining interviews, reviews, etcetera. Interview: You also blog at TheUrbanDaily.com I understand. What do you generally write about? Ariel: I’m the “in-the-know” blogger at TheUrbanDaily.com, so it’s an eclectic mix â€" such as myself â€" of news, advice, reviews and event highlights from a publicist point of view. But in a nutshell I talk about whatever comes to mind that week. I don’t care what people think about it, I speak what’s on my mind.  You can also find me on saidarie.com Interview: How can people get in contact with you? Ariel: Thank you very much for taking the time to chat with me. I can be reached on email at info@leira-pr.com and on twitter | www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo via Lunatic |  www.soprupradio.com