After their audition on last years X Factor, One Step Beyond made the headlines after apparently ‘begging’ to get into bootcamp following a mediocre performance. Here is their exclusive interview with JackCrute.com (yes, we know this is no longer “current”, but we like getting things out from the 2011 archive).
1. Tell us a little bit about One Step Beyond…
Well we are a 6 piece vocal group who have been together for about 6 months now and we consist of 6 good friends who have been performing together for about 5 years. Two of the girls are sisters and we all have a passion for performing. Parisa Tarjomani was on Disney Channel UK in the series My Camp Rock 2 where she performed with chart topping boy bands, The Wanted & All Star Weekend.
2. Who inspires you creatively?
We are all inspired by really different artists. All of us have really different influences ranging from Rock to RnB, Indie and Pop and artists that we look up to include; Paramore, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry.
3. In five years time, what would you like One Step Beyond to be like?
We would love OSB to be like Busted and McFly!! We like to have fun and be silly and play pranks and we hope that we can have as much fun as these boys did!
4. Now, some people said you were “begging” to be accepted into bootcamp… is this true?
Begging is not the right word, we were pleading to be put through to the next round as it was a big dream for us all to get to that stage. We knew we only had one shot at this so wanted to try our best to prove the to judges that we had what it takes! We all hoped that we would get through to the next round and were upset when the judges didn’t show as much enthusiasm as we wanted them to. Almost all of the acts that day who didn’t get the comments they hoped for pleaded with the judges in order to show them that they had something special to go into the next round and this was the same as us. One of the girls mentioned her Cleft Lip and Palette, not for a sympathy vote, but purely to show the judges that she has so much determination to sing that she was not willing to let this small issue affect her life. A lot of people have seen the girls perform and have sent messages saying that Zahra is inspiration to other children with a cleft lip and she purely wants to show people that you can get far in life if you have enough determination and passion. The judges commented that the girls showed passion and hunger, which is what came across after the girls pleaded with the judges. We have no regrets regarding the audition and we take on board everything that the judges said.
5. Why did you decide to audition for X Factor?
We wanted to see how far we would get in the process!
6. Without giving too much away, did you get through?!
Not sure if we can disclose this…
7. With six girls in your group, how do you manage to keep calm without bitching and arguments?
I think that it comes from us all being such good friends. Obviously we have our petty arguments about borrowing clothes and things like that, but we’re so close that we don’t let arguments interfere with our goal to succeed.
8. Do you ever sing/write your own songs?
We do. We currently have a song writer Christopher Roberts who has written some amazing songs for us, which are on our YouTube channel and also we have written a few songs ourselves. We are going to focus on writing our own material and keep going to the studio to record new material!
9. Your cover of Pussy Cat Girls’ HUSH HUSH is amazing; are you going to continue covering artists?
Ahh thank you! Yes we love doing covers and are currently working on some Paramore covers!
10. What do you think of the new judging panel on this years XF?
We would have loved to meet Simon, but the new judges are all really talented and know a lot about the industry that they are in.
11. What would you say to other girls your age looking to start their own bands?
Do it and don’t look back! It’s been such fun and we can’t wait to see what the future holds! We’re supporting S Club next weekend and have London gigs coming up at Cargo, Shoreditch this Saturday at Madame Jo-Jo’s this Monday and at Proud Camden, on August 1st so we can not wait!!
12. Finally, are you excited about this years X Factor!?
Yes! We can’t wait to tune in!