An Exclusive TwentyOne Interview with Skye Townsend of BET's "8 Days a Week"
SKYE TOWNSEND
Daughter of comedian and director Robert Townsend, Skye Townsend was born a star...
At a very early age the Santa Monica native showed promise, proving that the talent bug didn’t fall far from the tree. A prodigy, Skye found her passion for singing and began to develop her voice at the tender age of three. Penning her own songs came shortly after, rounding out her phenomenal musical talent and abilities. But it may be Skye’s lust for life and colorful personality that truly makes her a rare gem.
Like her father, Skye is a huge fan of comedy, and has long studied the great comedians of our time, which cultivated in her a unique sensibility that goes unmatched in her generation. At 13 and with her parents’ support, Skye took a leap of faith and put her self-made singing videos and her now infamous comedy web series Celebrity Rehab on YouTube. Within two years, the videos produced by the aspiring singer/actor/producer/ fashion designer collectively garnered over 4.8 million views and was featured on several mainstream blogs including MediaTakeOut, Black Celebrity Kids and Bossip. Skye’s hilariously funny sketches and personal v-logs were even touted on Angela and Vanessa Simmons’ Pastry website.
For Skye, who is now 17, it is her creativity coupled with her keen awareness and entrepreneurial spirit that lights her path. “Growing up in Hollywood, I realized that one must be their own team. At a young age I began discovering ways that I could make things happen for myself instead of waiting for a big break to be presented to me,” says Skye, who earnestly believes that like her, “the greats are developed,” while those unlike her who are simply looking to make a name for themselves—”the fakes are created.”
Although she is currently unsigned, Skye has already worked with some of the best in the business: Eric Hudson, Soundz, Ron Grant, Kevin Randolph, Mike Ciro, Rock City, Remo “The Hitmaker” Green, Boola and Omen. These days you can find Skye in the studio day and night working to complete her demo, which promises to be a mash-up of all of her influences—R&B, Classical, Rock, Soul, Pop, Latin, Italian, French, Folk, Electronica, Reggae as well as chart-topping Broadway showtunes. Or you can watch Skye on 8 Days a Week a new scripted docu-style webseries produced for BET.com that follows the life of six ambitious go-getters as they strive to make their dreams come true. In her breakout television role, Skye plays the lead female character, Jade Taylor, a struggling young student set on having the perfect life. Skye is also designing her first fashion collection, which she hopes to release in Spring/Summer 2012.
Whether in front of the camera or behind the mic, Skye represents a new generation of talent with immeasurable creative enterprise. There is no limit for Skye!
The cast of 8 Days a Week
Skye and TwentyOne have a chat...
How was it growing up having your dad in the spotlight? Is there anything you wish he would've done differently?
-I am so appreciative of how both of my parents raised me. Of course certain things were different and I was exposed to more than the average child. However, my upbringing was very normal. I still got spankings, got in trouble, went on family vacations, and got upset with my parents.
How are you taking all the attention you've been getting just in this past year as an actor/singer?
-I am just humbled by it all. I have been working so hard at all of this for so long and it feels amazing to be noticed for it. I am blessed to be busy. I am always saying "it's a beautiful thing to wake up, check your email and still matter." This is a tricky and unpredictable game.. I am just appreciating all the love people are showing me.
Tell us more about the web-series 8 days a week, how is your relationship with the cast?
-The web series was an INCREDIBLE experience! It was my first time being a "real actress" with "real lines" on set. We all bonded like family and see so much potential in one another. We were just told that the show will be premiering as a one hour special on BET on October 26th because it did so well on the web! I am hoping to watch it on TV as a full series in the near future. I wouldn't want to be working with anybody else.
What do you have to say to people that believe your where you are becasue of your dad?
-I have nothing to say to those people. I try not to pay attention to them. The only thing I have because of my dad is talent and a level head. I am fighting for all of this just like any other artist. Famous parents can't buy you talent.
Are you working on any other projects?
-Yes I am. I am currently looking at several projects relating to film. I have always wanted to do movies as well as TV. I am back on my music and really getting serious and figuring out if I will stay independent or sign a deal soon. God's been blessing me, I am just trying to pace myself and accept the right offers.
What's a typical day in the life of Skye Townsend?
-Sleeeeeeep! Lol, kidding.. sorta. I write almost everyday. Sometimes I have nothing to do. Sometimes I have no time to even sit down. Any actor or singer can agree that there is never and never will be an exact schedule. I never know what a day will behold.. you gotta just go with the flow.
Describe your personality and style.
-I am bold. I aspire to be fearless. I want to be remembered for being a humanitarian. I am just really passionate about all aspects of the arts. My style is mellow but still funky. When I go shopping, I purposely buy ugly or abstract things and try to make them stylish. I like pulling off things that are hard to pull off.
Your well known for your impersonations of Beyonce, has she seen them or said anything to you about them?
- I have NO IDEA. I hope she knows it's all in good fun. I did them for laughs not to hurt her. I've heard she has a great sense of humor so we will see...
Have you had any bad experiences in the industry, is there any advice you'd give to aspiring actors/singers?
-I have had a few due to the fact that I am my dad's daughter and a few due to the fact that I am a newbie. I wouldn't say bad experiences but some things can be frustrating. My advice to anybody aspiring to be an entertainer is to not get sidetracked by negativity. You gotta have TOUGHHHH skin. But, that isn't developed over night! Don't cover up all emotions.. but know your talent. Never let anybody call you out your name and believe it.
How do you remain humble in such a self-absorbed industry?
-I look at all those less fortunate. People who get excited over a dollar. People who dream of clean water. How can you live a life not being humble after really educating yourself about struggle? I don't get that.
What actor/actress do you hope to work with one day?
-Anybody willing to work with me :).
TwentyOne is a new blog, what are your comments on the site? Is there anything you don't like?
-No complaints over here. It's easy to guide yourself around the site and clear to read! Very cute outfit posts too! :)
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