Let’s rewind. How did you prepare for your departure?

Everything I suffered and experienced led me precisely to this moment. I had always planned on moving back to Buenos Aires at some point in time. It has always felt like home to me and my dream has always been, and continues to be, to live between Buenos Aires and San Francisco. The impetus to make such a big shift actually came when my life was somewhat swept out from underneath me drastically. In the span of one month, my boyfriend of three years who I loved desperately left me unexpectedly. This meant giving up our killer apartment in the heart of San Francisco and I simultaneously was laid off from my dream job at the biggest magazine in California.

Needless to say I was a mess. After a couple weeks of depression at my mom’s house, I returned to the city to a little room I had rented in an old Edwardian house in North Beach and went to work. I threw all of my pain, passion and angst into my music and within a few short months had compiled most of the songs that will be included in the upcoming album. I called my drummer out here in Buenos Aires to get the wheels spinning. When Fernando (current producer) agreed to take on my project, I sold most of my belongings, put the rest of my things in storage, and took on as many odd jobs as I could to gather last minute funds before taking off.

My motivation: Sitting on my balcony drinking cafe con leche and listening to the rough mixes off the new album.

In essence, do you find yourself displacing your “American” side while you’re there in order to assimilate with others?

That’s actually a really amusing question – because I have always felt much more South American than North American, and most of my friends and family will agree that this culture is a much better fit for me. I would say 90% of my friends out here are Argentine and having adopted the local accent and slang rather quickly, I found it quite instantaneous my assimilation into this culture. I am proud to have been born in such a wealthy, innovative, and powerful country. However my heart will forever be indelibly drawn to the South American lifestyle. Buenos Aires, specifically, is a great mix between European/North American class and South American heart, so I don’t find myself needing to be anything but me to navigate successfully though my life here.

With so much experience behind you, have you faced any pressure to sign with major labels?

Truthfully – I don’t think that up until this point my material has been major-label ready. That being said I believe in the songs that we are producing for “Real Joy” – they are honest, catchy, inspiring and commercially appealing. If all goes as planned we can only hope that the next logical step will be major label interest.

What’s inspiring your beats and lyrics for this upcoming English album?

I have always felt that art is always an overspill of emotion. Inspiration is typically rooted in either extreme joy, or severe pain. This album for me is a journey, finding love, losing love, hitting rock bottom and in the end – discovering the “Real Joy” that exists in all of us at our core.

Make sure to check out these links:
http://www.tiffanyjoy.com
http://twitter.com/tiffanyjoymusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiffany-Joy/

Y&F caught up with Tiffany via email several weeks ago, who was awaiting her family’s visit, to talk about the new album, being away from home, and making a new life in Argentina. Viva!

Do you remember the catalyst, the spark that made you fall in love with the Latino culture?

I could never forget my catalyst moment. My father is an artist and one evening he took me to an art show that featured the work of a Huichol Indian from Mexico. I was 15 years old and had been studying Spanish for about 5 years but up until that evening had always been too timid to attempt to use it in any real conversational way. When I walked through the door the art goers were going crazy over the work of this artist and as I scanned the room… I couldn’t find him anywhere – “Where is the man behind the magic?” I joked – and someone motioned to a small dark-skinned man somewhat tucked away in a corner of the dining room. I was confused then quickly realized that this man didn’t speak a single word of English and was entirely too nerve-wracked to attempt a conversation. I felt my face flush, my palms began to sweat – I knew in that my moment had arrived, it was my time to use what I had been working so diligently to learn.

I approached him (scared out of my mind) and feigned confidence with a hefty “Hola” – he responded with a mile-a-minute stream of Spanish and I told him that I wasn’t entirely as fluent as I had pretended… it was then that something that I consider miraculous happened. I began speaking, really speaking, and using vocabulary that I don’t remember ever learning in a way that felt extremely fluent. I began translating – between this man and all of those who had been longing to express their admiration for his work. I must have spent close to an hour speaking and my mind was on fire. It was the greatest high I had ever felt in my life. My new friend the artist looked up at me with tears in his eyes and said “Gracias” – the power of language to bridge cultural barriers became shockingly and beautifully apparent to me – and from that moment on, I became passionately committed to my goal of being able to speak Spanish with native-like fluency.

When did you start learning Spanish?

I took my first class when I was ten – was speaking conversationally by the time I was fifteen and I eventually went on to receive my BA in Spanish Linguistics. During that time I spent my weekends recording my first album “El Ritmo del Mundo”.

So you packed your bags and left the States 7 months ago. Did you accomplish the goals you set yourself out for?

Surprisingly, yes… and then some. I arrived here in Buenos Aires 7 months ago with nothing but a guitar and my entire life packed into a suitcase. Starting from scratch was exhilarating. We have now hit the half way mark on the recording of “Real Joy”, which means pre-production is finished and we have begun to perform live here in the capital. I have a killer apartment, a stellar community of friends and adopted family and I am involved in some really exciting projects – such as salsa and tango dancing – and helping to launch the first ever international Tango magazine.

Folks like myself only get to see the glitzier side of the music industry. But can you tell us more about the successes you look forward to and challenges you face when recording an album?

Uff. well – being an indie artist for 8 years now – I have definitely had my ups and downs. There are moments when I have returned home from a show and said “ok, that was officially my last show, I promise” All that is involved from booking the shows (which sometimes includes hauling all of your equipment to and from the venue and running your own sound) marketing, promoting etc… It can be stressful to say the least. When it comes to recording, however, I can honestly say that I love every minute of it. It is a really magical process and so far the recording of Real Joy has exceeded my expectations in every way.

How does your energy and dynamic change when recording solo versus performing with your Argentine band or other producers?

The recording process is much more mental I would say – as you don’t have the energetic feedback from a live audience. I really love the dynamic I have going with my current team. Fernando Iguacel – Co-founder of Control Z studios – is producing “Real Joy” alongside myself and my drummer and longtime friend Martin Sosa. The triad has been really magical.

Here’s Part 2 of Tiffany’s interview.

It’s a sweet homage to the likes of Amelie, but the short vignettes that interrupt the overall story remind me David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive.

What do you do for fun? I’m sure it’s not all work and no play!
After a busy day at work, nothing gives you more energy than a good dance class! There has been a “dance boom” in Moscow in the past two years. Fitness clubs tend to be either very expensive, or not that great (and few), so a lot of young women take group classes at dance studios owned by former dancers (by coincidence, there are many of those in Moscow, as well). Disciplines include everything from classical ballet to Salsa, ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, acrobatics, pilates and (yes!) strip-tease. Once I came to take a class and got a job teaching instead (I’ve danced and been a synchronized swimmer from a young age). I instantly fell in love with it! I have no idea why I never did this in the U.S., although as a synchronized swimmer, I did plenty of teaching. It’s a fantastic workout, and nothing can be as motivating!

What do you think is unique and appealing about Moscow, especially to young people?
Moscow is a huge, crazy megapolis where there seem to be 25 hours in a day. The city acts as the hub of all political, financial, commercial, social and cultural activity of a very vast country of 142 million people. It is like Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, and Detroit squeezed into one, with the President and all of Congress, Sarah Jessica Parker, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Paris Hilton competing to settle in their favourite part of the city.

I love Moscow for its crazy drive and reckless attitude! Anything goes and staying at home is unacceptable. High ambition has to be proven with hard work. And after the work is done, it’s all about living it up, so come and see how long you can survive the “Moscow Never Sleeps” mantra. Also, the perfect blend of modernity and history in one city: you feel like you have it all at your fingertips.

By the way, Moscow night life is crazy! Driving through Moscow at night, when there’s no traffic, is probably ten times better than in the day time. The most popular clubs are full of expats and foreigners, which makes the atmosphere more exciting. I love Moscow’s night-time urban glow and nearly mystic combination of deep history and the ultra-modern! But it can be hard to power through clubbing after the intense Moscow workday and after-work traffic marathon. The city is very intense! So people tend to value “down time” and try to escape the city at least every once in a while, to their dachas or abroad. Ocean-front destinations are most popular.

How in the world do you dress for a city like Moscow?
Buying clothes is serious business here: I’ve come to think not only of the aesthetic side of a garment, but its practical and technical sides: what are the component materials, what are the accessories, what weather is this suitable for, is the quality good for the price, is this investment for one or several seasons, etc. Also, Moscow can be unforgiving on the style-lazy. Style here is 24/7, you cannot dress up one day and decide to wear your pajamas the next day. And there’s a tremendous competition to stand out and look good; your presentability says a lot about you, shows respect towards yourself and others.

Russia is also unique in that there is a very sharp seasonal variation for clothes: four separate wardrobes, one for each season, is a survival must. Winter shoes, coats and accessories can be particularly expensive ($500 for a pair of boots is a typical “low” price). So I guess that the average Russian girl, even if she is not striving to wear only designer brands, must spend a relatively high percentage of her income on clothing and accessories, to survive, not only in the fashion sense, but in the practical sense, as well.

On the down side, clothes are ridiculously expensive for all wrong reasons: import politics. Brands like Guess Marciano cost twice their U.S. retail price, because importers have to pay so much at customs! A shopping trip to Milan can be better than buying in Moscow. My cousin is a buyer for Podium, Russia’s top hudge boutique chain, and she knows first-hand that such trips are becoming more popular for those who can afford it.

Besides dressing up, what are the challenges of living in the capital?
Once you’ve mastered the weather, the roads, and standing your ground on everything, it’s a breeze. Day-to-day life in Moscow keeps you on your toes. You never know what will happen and are forced to work harder in this intense pace, become more disciplined, aware of your actions and their consequences. This can be both fun and exhausting. But it definitely never gets boring.

What do you miss about the U.S. the most?
I miss my friends!!! (She asked to repeat this a thousand times!) Although, I am lucky to have the friends that I do in Russia.

What were the sacrifices you’ve had to make in order to get where you are?
Most people said I was crazy to come here from the U.S. People tend to move the other way around. Most Russians – particularly young people – really like the idea of travelling to the U.S. or U.K., and maybe even moving there for good. So they thought I was crazy, too. But I had to do it my way – after all, I already had the experience of emigrating to the U.S. once in my life. Something inside me told me that I had to come back and see for myself – and I went with that.

I think that I’ve achieved my goal. Now I can go back to working for a Western firm and say, “Look, I know Russia, know the business language and culture, can live there and can help you do business there.” I know Russia a lot better now than when I came here, and I definitely think it’s a country you should try living in if your goal is to understand it.

This month, she talked with Y&F about her star-studded job at the embassy, growing up international, living and partying in the sleepless Russian capital, and her thoughts on practicality in fashion (it’s -5°F in Moscow right now!).

A day in the life of the embassy. What’s it like?
Working at the Embassy is a lot like working in a company. There are 200 people here, about 1/3 of them come from the U.K. and the rest are Russian. To work at the Embassy, fluency in English and Russian and the ability to jump back and forth at a split second’s notice is absolutely essential!

I manage the Embassy’s busy events schedule as part of the Press & Public Affairs Section. My job is a big part of public diplomacy: whereas classic diplomacy is aimed at influencing policymakers, public diplomacy aims to engage and inform the wider public on issues that policy affects. It’s sometimes tough to organise up to three events per week – most are after-5 p.m. receptions designed for 120-150 guests, including policy decisionmakers, culture influencers, celebrities, senior-level corporate executives, students, diplomats. By bringing together the right mix of people – those who can relay the message and those who are eager to hear about it, write about it, and pass it along – we conduct public diplomacy. It’s a much more up-close and personal type of marketing than publishing informational leaflets. I love working directly with people in this way. The Press & Public Affairs often collaborate with the U.K. Trade & Investment team to increase the public and media profile of events that are commercial in nature.

That sounds amazing! Besides events, do you deal with the media?
My colleagues and I handle a steady flow of inquiries from both Russian and British press: newspapers, radio, T.V. channels, and magazines, as well as academic institutions, NGOs, charities, and PR and marketing departments within private companies. Like with events, it’s always exciting because you never know how you will be in touch with when walking into the office: the Financial Times in London or the chief editors of Robb Report, Esquire and Vogue! We provide information about the U.K., useful contacts, and advice on traveling to the U.K. On top of that, we run campaigns, such as the Road to Copenhagen climate change campaign running up to the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2009.

So, any celebrity stories from Moscow?
Working with celebrities is one of the most exciting parts of my job! I’ve gotten to work on events for Lord Wedgwood of Wedgwood-Waterford, U.K. Olympic ice dancing champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, political figures like Edward and David Miliband, the Duke of York Prince Albert, and the Lord Mayor of London. I’ve also gotten the chance to meet many Russian singers, actors, writers, designers, businessmen, and culture influencers: singers Mummiy Troll, Valeriya, Zhanna Aguzarova, ice skaters Alexei Tikhonov and Ilya Averbukh, businessmen like Victor Vekselberg and Mark Garber, celebrity restaurant owner Arkady Novikov, actress Ingeborga Dapkunaite, teleshow hostess Elena Khanga.

Every day, after the regular work day is over, Moscow becomes a labyrinth of social happenings. Millions of venues open their doors to new receptions, presentations, openings and social happenings – and all of this is photographed into Vogue and GQ’s “faces” pages, gossiped about in blogs, written about in newspapers, caught on T.V. by millions of Russians. It’s typical to jump from one one “red carpet” to the next, covering several in one night. I’ve gone to see the opening of a photo exhibition and accidentally bumped into Mikhail Gorbachev, who was speaking there. My friend went to a Diane von Furstenberg lecture at Moscow State University only to see supermodel Natalya Vodianova make an unplanned appearance. You never know when you will find your favourite designer or T.V. personality at a cafe at 11:45 a.m. Moscow is just full of surprises.

How did you come to pursue this career?
I grew up travelling between Moscow and the U.S. and always knew that I would make a career out of building bridges between Russia and the West, helping companies and individuals to successfully overcome language, culture, and business culture barriers. There is so much to gain from being international – whether you are an individual, a business or a family – and navigating different systems can be fun if you’re in the right frame of mind – and if you have the right amazing people to open your eyes to the new culture, as I did when I immigrated into the U.S. at age 8.

At Stanford I came to be involved in organising events. I was one of the organisers of the inaugural Stanford Energy Crossroads Conference in March 2007, from concept to finish. I was also a part of Stanford Charity Fashion Show in May 2008. I’ve always loved bringing people together: like a puzzle, putting together the myriad pieces of information and directing them to the right people to make an event possible. For me, the invitations and guest list are very special. When you create a guest list and programme, it is like strategically putting together a recipe: the combination of all the ingredients, plus timing, is what makes chemistry happen. The magic of seeing the guests coming together always gives me energy. Once you determine the message you want to convey through an event, the information, connections, feeling or impression that you ultimately want each of the guests to carry away, there is no end to the possibilities of how this can be achieved. Flowers, music, catering, what goes into the goodie bags – all of these are small finishing touches that, ultimately, make a big difference in the memories you create and the impact you generate.

As a student at Stanford University, I studied International Relations. But I’ve always loved the U.K., I studied international law the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE). Of course, I had no idea back then that I’d one day work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office – in Moscow! I did also apply for a job at the U.S. Embassy simultaneously. Although that didn’t work out, I am friends with the U.S. Press Officers in Moscow, and they regularly attend our (British Embassy) events as our close friends.

Here’s Part 2 of Alina’s interview!

Y&F recently caught up with pop singer Danni Penge, who explained her truths and the apparent madness and serenity behind a musical career. In addition to singing and songwriting, Danni also co-produces other up-and-coming artists’ pieces.

Y&F with Danni

www.dannipenge.com

What’s been going on lately in your life?
I have been living a life filled with music, poems, and reading. I work events in NYC whenever I can and continue to write my own songs. Music is a way of escaping from my own mind and it frees me from worry. I find myself in either a studio, Barnes & Noble, with family/friends, or writing song lyrics. I have a fun-filled 2010 ahead but I know that none of it would be possible without hard work and good people standing beside me.

What can we expect from your songs?
My songs are all very different from one another. My favorite song that I wrote would be “Stuck With Me” because the words I chose were things I constantly tell my friends. “Am I driving myself crazy thinking about the maybes”…The song sums up who I am and that it’s okay to be stuck with who I have become. Most people at times have doubted situations they are in. This song reminds me of that constant battle people face with being content with who they are. I also have songs that allow you to let loose, dance, and get you in the mood to enjoy a great night.

What do most people not know about recording an album?
That if you record with purpose your songs can go very far. When I record a song I usually do it in a darker environment if the song is sad, and if it is a dance song then I record in the light. Setting the mood for me is vital to the way I feel when I sing. I also think that many may not know how important it is to feel comfortable with the producer. Ck Kinchen produced most of my tracks. He is extremely talented and has worked with me… sitting there so I can add or remove something to make it more my own. He has written & produced hundreds of songs and has taught me so many things about recording an album. As of now, I have written all of my songs.

I see you are also involved in other singers’ albums. What are both the attractions and challenges you face when working behind the boards on something that’s not a Danni Penge record?
I love to help people in the industry whether it be with lyrics, ideas, or even just for words of support/motivation. I enjoy recording but I also think this industry needs more people who are team-related. I also like demoing songwriters’ songs to help them get that chance to shop their own music. Challenges? I am very blunt and honest. Sometimes I say things that people may not want to hear or like. It gets tricky but I choose to always stay true to what I believe in musically. If I don’t like a track, I will say it. If I love the track, I will jump up and down like it is Christmas morning and make the producer feel that it’s a hit!

Do you have conscious influences?
I am influenced by people who are musically driven, hardworking, talented, and have their own style. I grew up loving Mariah Carey for her voice. Then as the years went on I found a tremendous amount of respect for Pink. She is so badass and does whatever she wants. She is a great performer and is unique in her lyrics. She can sing pop, rock, or any genre thrown her way.

Tell me something nobody knows about you?
Well now they will know! Haha. I would have to go with—closet nerd. I wear glasses, read books, and love animals. My musical side is something that I use as a gateway from real life. It helps me express myself and walk into a world of adventure and spice. I grew up being in bands and orchestras and did not like to tell people. I was scared of who I was and now that I am older can not believe I hid things like that!

Is there anybody you’d like to work with in the future?
Mariah, Pink, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Neyo, Akon, Rascal Flatts, and Dr Dre.

Why should people seek out “Danni”?
I am a girl who just loves the arts. I adore making my own songs and can write things that people can relate to. I understand how humans work and think. I have the experience with lyrics to pull someone deep into the song. I really think that anything worthwhile takes a tremendous amount of dedication so I applaud anyone who is in the music industry. I will continue to write music for a very long time and hope to one day share it with the world. I am thankful to be born with this talent and will use it as best as I can.

Stay tuned: Y&F will be following Danni backstage on her upcoming NYC gig. Keep your eyes locked here!

Paper Faces in Parade
Win Tickets to the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with the San Francisco Symphony!

How Much Is That Doggy in the Window?
Visit Macy’s Holiday Pet Adoption Windows in Union Square.

Boogie Down
Rhythm & Motion Dance Program, celebrates 30 years on December 30 with a free all-day dance bash at the ODC Dance Commons.

Sunday is the new Friday
Maestros DJ Sep, J-Boogie, Vinnie Esparza, Maneesh the Twister, and Ludichris explore dub’s influence on modern dance styles at Dub Mission, 9 p.m.–2 a.m., $6, Elbo Room: 647 Valencia St., S.F.

Bathtub III from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

• Classixx — L.A. duo Tyler Blake & Michael formerly known as “Young Americans”.
• The Black Kids — American indie pop band from Jacksonville, Florida.
• Rubies — California-based Simone Rubi & Terri Loewenthal make classic and future dancefloor pop.
• röyksopp — Electronic and chillout music duo based in Bergen, Norway
• ellie goulding — British singer-songwriter. Ellie provided vocals for the remix of Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead”.




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