How one teen performer prepares for the big-time
By T Martin
NorFilly™ Online Magazine is proud to have interviewed Julietta Alexis Diaz on her recent management contract and anticipated good fortune in show business. We also welcome her to the Martin Picturesque Family as one of the newest additions to our line of model hopefuls. When NorFilly™ set out to create a magazine that would feature great stories and highlight bright young achievers, we had no idea our first interview would land us an opportunity to introduce this diva to our readers. We are grateful to loyal readers who refer their friends to us for chances to be part of the fastest-growing youth writing project in North Philadelphia!
Julietta Diaz, 15, attends St. Hubert’s Catholic School in Northeast Philadelphia where she lives with her family. She is best described as a fun and energetic youth with the sophistication and wit of a stand-up comedienne. She has enjoyed performing rap since entering her teens.
NF: What do you perform?
JD: I perform rap. I write my own lyrics and my brother helps with the rest.
NF: How long have you been performing?
JD: About two years.
NF: What do you like most about performing rap?
JD: It’s fun, being the center of attention. It makes me feel good about myself.
NF: What do you like least?
JD: Messing up.
NF: How often does that happen?
JD: Not often, but it happens.
NF: Where have you performed so far?
JD: I’ve only had one appearance with this label on November 21, 2003 at the Adams Mark Hotel. We have another one on January 10th.
Just months ago Julietta signed up with a small label that has big plans. With support from family and her manager, she hopes to aspire to even greater achievement as the label’s success spirals upward. She attributes a great deal of her positive attitude and recent accomplishments to her family and friends.
NF: What roles do family members play in your young career?
JD: They support me all the way. My mom drives me to the meetings, the studio, etc. Plus, she has to sign any contracts or other papers because I’m so young. She helps out a lot! She bought us all T-shirts with our label’s name on it and everything.
My brother Erwin makes my beats and he raps. He’s my “hype man” on stage at performances.
NF: You’ve recently signed with a management company? Who manages you and how long have you worked with them?
JD: Our label “Come Up Entertainment” is about a year old. I just signed with them three months ago. We are a group of young artists performing with this label, and James is our new manager.
NF: How do you like working with your manager?
JD: It’s great! I’ve been working with him for three months. He’s more than just a manager. He’s a good friend… really like a counselor.
As any young performer learns, the glamour of success is often a long way off. However, the sacrifices and hard work of today do not cloud Julietta’s judgment or enthusiasm. Even at age 15, she has learned to juggle family, friends, school and career, with a strong emphasis on her education.
NF: How often do you actually perform?
JD: About once or twice a month.
NF: How much rehearsal goes into those performances?
JD: We usually rehearse three times a week. Most of the time, we rehearse for four weeks up to the performance.
NF: Do you find it difficult to maintain that schedule?
JD: It’s not that hard.
NF: How do you do it without interfering with school?
JD: Concentrate. I just keep my performing separate from school. In school I concentrate on school. In the studio I concentrate on my rehearsal.
NF: How do you keep up with friends and your schedule?
JD: Well, I don’t hang out with friends as much as I used to. I’m always busy.
NF: Do you see that as a drawback in your social life or an advantage to your career?
JD: Neither. I don’t think it’s good or bad, really. Just busy.
Julietta demonstrates the giddiness of a school girl, but the maturity and understanding of the young adult into which she is growing. Her insights and interests keep her busy and alert. Above all, she remains optimistic about almost everything she does, and hopes for the best even in lousy circumstances. Her character is preparing her for the big-time, she thinks. Is the big-time ready for Julietta?
NF: What do you hope to achieve through public performances?
JD (Squeezing the last drops of juice from a Capri Sun Fruit “juicy sippy thingy”): We want a record deal for our label.
NF: A lot of small labels just come and go. How close are you to your goal?
JD: Not this one! We’re going all the way.
NF: In the meantime, are you making good money performing?
JD: Not yet, but I will be. I’m confident about that.
NF: What advice do you offer aspiring performers like you?
JD: Just that if you have a dream, keep at it. The effort you put into it is what you’ll get out of it.
NF: When you’re not busy with rehearsals or performances, what other interests do you explore?
JD: I like creative writing. I enjoy writing poems and short stories, mostly about tragic events. I also like the piano. I want to try to get into that more. (Giggling.) I can play “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
When all is said and done, Julietta remains the fun-loving, silly school girl you can talk to. Family and friends say she can be silly once she gets tired (which she still calls “getting sleepy.”) She enjoys talking to friends about their problems and helping them feel better. Most who know her, including her friend Erica who referred her to NorFilly™ in the first place, agree that she’s a real go-getter. If that’s the case, the big-time may never be ready for her. But just ask her if she’s ready for IT. She’ll tell you: “I’M READY LIKE SPAGHETTI!”