Kady Z learns from Mama Pia (as in Zadora)

New Pop/Dance music artist, Kady Z, is surprising critics with her new and first EP, "One Million Pieces" because unlike most new artists, she comes from a musical family that at times received much criticism. Being the daughter of Golden Globe winner and stage veteran Pia Zadora may not be the foot in the door most children of a star parent would expect, in fact, there may have been locked doors than welcomed opportunities for Kady Z.

But this girl has put together a strong 5-track EP in "One Million Pieces" that is making most critics go "shut your mouth" to the naysayers. With the writing ability compared to Taylor Swift coupled with the dance beats created by ToneDef, this collection deserves to be given a chance. Kady Z deserves to be given a chance. Like Gwen Stefani and Robyn, from whom she draws inspiration, Kady is about the music that she believes separates her from the rest. Being placed in a separate category from the rest may be more like mom than Kady would like to admit, but it is that growing-up experience with her mom's career that may really give Kady Z the strength to survive an overflowing music industry of budding talent.

Why an EP?

BeBe: I am sitting here in San Francisco as we speak enjoying this somewhat "beautiful" day right now, even though, you know that in the next 5 minutes the weather can turn into a "disaster," no pun intended on your new single, "Beautiful Disaster," from your EP, "One Million Pieces" (we laugh).

Kady Z: I love it! I love the weather in San Francisco.

BeBe: Jumping right into things, why an EP instead of a full-length album for your first music offering?

Kady Z: I think that is just what everyone thought was the best. I met with my manager and met with my producer ToneDef (Green Day, Santana), and we all sort of agreed that it was a sweet little thing to go with.

BeBe: You describe your music as "dance music with a soul". Can you elaborate a little bit on that for me?

Kady Z: Yeah, it's kind of like, you know, sometimes you turn on a dance song and you start dancing, and you can't really listen to it in the car for the most part. I feel with my music you can turn them on and listen to them in the car, and you can go listen to them while you workout or go dance to them in your room.

BeBe: You're right. The lyrics (to your music) are there. And you write the lyrics which are coming from experiences you have had or you have seen others live? I mean you are quite young, so how did you go about making these lyrics truly believable with the youth that you have?

Kady Z: I think it is simply that I wrote it after going through a hard time in my life. It was all from (personal) experience. You never really know about heartbreak and loss until you go through it. When I sing the songs, it is like going through it all over again. It's intense! It did happen and it is coming from a real place.

Working with ToneDef

BeBe: How did the unlikely partnering with producer ToneDef come about?

Kady Z: I actually met Tone through my manager Nick (Lippman) who is also Tone's manager. He set us up, and we clicked and hit it off and got right down and started in on it.

BeBe: And look what you got! You have four original tracks on this EP that are quite wonderful.

Kady Z: Yeah!

BeBe: Now, you are a young lady that has a strong show business background, but you chose to finish your education first before delving into pursuing your dream, so to speak. Is this a conviction you would recommend for young artists out there?

Kady Z: Definitely! It (show business) takes a lot of your life. I mean if you are going to school, you have to give it, like, everything. Some people go, I want to act and pursue music, or I want to model and pursue acting, and I feel we have to know what you want before you go do it. Otherwise, you won't be able to go give it your all.

BeBe: Do you think going on to finish your education first has been beneficial for you now that you have gone on in the music business?

Kady Z: I definitely do! I think it was a great experience. You also learn a lot from being in those (educational) environments.

BeBe: An older generation of music lovers and listeners are definitely familiar with who you are, just based on the frequency that you would appear with your mom, Pia Zadora, on stage during her stage shows. But, of course that is not the demographics that Kady Z is going after (laughter from both of us). So with the crap load of young, pretty, talented young female artists out there, what separates Kady Z from them that would make the young fans grasp onto you to follow?

Kady Z: Well first off, I like the music (I do) which is not always the case (with other artists). I want to get the idea out that women can be women, and they don't have to be perfect, and be these models, and sell their souls. There is so much pressure. There is so much stress put on girls to dress a certain way, act a certain way. I, for the most part, feel I am organic. I sing live and I don't choreograph my shows. I am hoping this will help build and make a difference in their (fans) lives when they are feeling there is pressure and stress and everything. Maybe they can turn on "One Million Pieces" and go 'it's okay'. This way will work, too.

Why music?

BeBe: Having been around show business all of your life, what has it taught you about your career as you pursue music?

Kady Z: You gotta definitely keep your head on straight. You know, it's a weird feeling because everyone thinks that, oh well, my mom is Pia Zadora and that means like I'm this crazy weirdo! (I roar with laughter)

BeBe: Now, now, I don't think that. I am a big Pia fan, so I wouldn't think that.

Kady Z: Good! Well, you know she is crazy and fun! So they go Kady must be a crazy girl. She has definitely taught me that simplicity is a rare thing. The more you keep it simple, the more you just chill out and you don't play into all the stress and bullshit, I think that is the best possible thing.

BeBe: You first single release from "One Million Pieces" is "Beautiful Disaster," and you have the teen idol, and very grown up, David Gallagher, which people will recognize from "7th Heaven" television series, in your music video. Tell me, inquiring minds want to know, hand picked or just by chance?

Kady Z: Well, actually he is best friends with my manager, so, he was hand picked!

BeBe: Wow! Lucky you. (Sounds like Kady's manager, Nick Lippman, has all the hook-ups for all you aspiring artists out there)

Kady Z: Yes, he is awesome.

BeBe: You know I like the combination of the two of you in the video. Because you know both of you started out very young in the limelight of show business, and we, the audience never know what will become of these pretty young girls and handsome young men who start out so young. And you two speak to what the future may bring to the young child actors and musicians out there, you growing up to be a beautiful and talented young woman, and David (half-Cuban and half-Irish) becoming a very strikingly handsome young man.

Kady Z: Thank you! Yes, he definitely grew to become a handsome man. For sure.

BeBe: Now, on the EP you also cover Robbie Williams' song "Feel,", and artists always take a big chance when they decide to cover another popular artist's song. So, tell me how did you come about choosing to record "Feel," and did you have any concerns about putting it on your first EP?

Kady Z: I chose "Feel" because the lyrics are so dark and so deep, and then the melody is so uplifting. It makes you go "this song is so out of control." I love it. It was such a dark time in my life, and it just resonated (with me) because it made me want to keep going. I was so sad and everything, and this song brought light to my whole life. Definitely, I was scared (to put on EP), it's Robbie Williams! He's so good. It was such a huge song, and still a huge song over in Europe. But I think we took it in a very unexpected way, and I am hoping it will do the song proud in its alter-ego version.

BeBe: People aware of Kady Z's lineage may pick up the new EP, "One Million Pieces" and be very critical of your first offering more so than they may be with another new artist, just as I was. There is some expectation, both favorable and not so favorable. How are you dealing with those types of things and pressures?

Kady Z: I believe it's a thing called denial! (Laughs) I am just here for the ride. I totally understand because I've seen it with my mom. The best thing for me to do is to be confident. I love my music and feel really good about it. Not everyone is going to like it, and it is hard to not take that personally. But, sometimes you just gotta let it go.

Find out more about Kady Z and where you will find her performing live at www.KadyZMusic.com.