Most of us came to know the group Danity Kane from the reality TV show MTV’s “Making The Band” in 2005. Through the ups and downs, through the break-ups and Make-ups, Danity Kane (which now consists of three of the five original members: Aubrey O’Day, Dawn Richard, and Shannon Bex) are still performing and on their “The Universe is Undefeated Tour,” which hits Fort Lauderdale as part of Stonewall Pride on Friday June 14 at the Venue Fort Lauderdale at 8 pm.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Dawn and Shannon for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing?
Dawn – My father has a master’s in music, so I started very young but I never saw music as a career. I didn’t know it was going to be my journey until I was around 18.
Shannon – I started in Ballet at the age of 6. I was obsessed with Ballet.
What was your first paid gig?
Dawn – Opening up for Anthony Hamilton when I was 18.
Shannon – I danced for the NBA for the Blazers in Portland Oregon, but it was minimum wage.
What made you audition for MTV’s “Making the Band” in 2005?
Dawn – I was dancing in the NBA for the Hornets and the girls knew I could sing, and they convinced me to audition. I had to drive to Orlando, stay in a roach motel, but lo and behold I made it.
Shannon – I still ask myself that. I was on a show called “Fame” which was a reality show with Debbie Allen, which I really enjoyed. I decided to stand on that long line and audition since Johnny Wright (who was part of Fame) was involved.
How was it to work with P Diddy?
Dawn – It was definitely an experience. If you survive him, you survive life. I was appreciative of the education, but it was very difficult to be around someone like him.
Shannon – Intimidating, as he definitely has an intensity. You knew he was in the building before he even got to your floor. I totally respected him, and he pushed me past my comfort zone. At the time I didn’t like it, but now I appreciate it.
After your first two successful albums, you gals became the first female group in Billboard history to debut their first two albums at the top of the charts. Do you remember how that felt?
Dawn – We didn’t get a chance to celebrate. We were constantly in a situation where people didn’t believed in us so we had to keep proving ourselves.
Shannon – Totally surreal—when I see the pics from then I don’t even recognize them, but I am very grateful!
After disbanding in early 2009, what made you get back together in 2014 and then again in 2018, and whose idea was it?
Dawn – I think we wanted to do it on our terms as women, and give our fans an opportunity to have a positive view of our name. We understand how powerful it is for us to be together. We want to fight to keep our legacy in a beautiful light.
Shannon – I think it was Aubrey and Dawn who tweeted something, and then we started chatting and the rest is history.
You have recently announced you will be working on new music. When should we expect a new single and/or album?
Dawn – That’s coming real soon!
Shannon – It’s hard to give a time period, but it will be soon. Keep an eye out.
What should our readers expect from “The Universe is Undefeated Tour” when it arrives at The Venue Fort Lauderdale as part of Stonewall Pride?
Dawn – I think you get to see us as solo artists, and also performing our greatest hits. We owe Florida a party and I promise we are going to give you a party!
Shannon – From great music that many people loved to new music. It’s really a wide array of music and from the moment the show starts the crowds have been loving it. We love connecting with the fans.
What does the future hold for Danity Kane?
Dawn – We always want world domination!
Shannon – Music will always be a part of our life and we are trying to maintain the brand, so the sky’s the limit. It’s exciting but unknown.
Catch Danity Kane performing at the venue Fort Lauderdale on Friday, June 14 at 8pm as part of Stonewall Pride. To purchase tickets go to: Ticketmaster.com.
For more information on Danity Kane, go to: Danitykane.com or follow them on Twitter.com/danitykane.
