My Interview with Bella Thorne of Disney Channel's Hit Show, Shake It UP About the Show's New CD Release

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone. 

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"Once again, Bella Thorne and Zendaya have the floor -- the dance floor, that is, as the stars of Disney Channel's hit series "Shake It Up" anchor Shake It Up: I <3 23="" 5th.="" a="" and="" arrived="" as="" at="" bella="" blazing="" bridgit="" by="" caroline="" coco="" collection="" dance="" digital="" disney="" featured="" feb.="" fegan="" fellow="" full="" gomez="" in="" its="" jones="" march="" mcclain="" mendler="" more="" nationwide="" new="" of="" on="" performances="" planet="" premiere="" radio="" received="" records="" retailers="" roshon="" season="" selena="" show.="" sisters="" soundtrack="" span="" stars="" stores="" sunshine="" the="" then="" third="" tracks="" up-and-coming="" walt="" well="" with="" zendaya="">

A concept music video of the debut single, "Contagious Love," featuring Bella Thorne and Zendaya, and directed by Justin Francis (Demi Lovato, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani) debuts on Disney Channel Friday, March 1. Another focus track, "This is My Dance Floor" by Bella and Zendaya, will be featured in an upcoming lyrics-based video airing on Disney Channel in March; the video made its online debut on Feb. 11. 

Songs featured on the album are: 

   1. "Contagious Love" by Zendaya and Bella Thorne is an upbeat rap anthem 
      with a heavy-hitting bass-and-drum foundation. Its sweet harmonies and 
      catch chorus echo the song's universal message about living life to the 
      fullest. 
 
   2. "This Is My Dance Floor," also from Bella Thorne and Zendaya, is an 
      intense, synth-driven track about showing everyone who's boss when it 
      comes to owning the floor. 
 
   3. "Beat of My Drum" by Zendaya is a smoldering track with a pan-African 
      vibe and a fierce beat. 
 
   4. "Blow the System," with its classic disco beat backed by Bella Thorne's 
      vocals, compares a marathon dance party with rolling the dice on love. 
 
   5. "After Party" by "Shake It Up" co-stars Roshon Fegan and Caroline 
      Sunshine, features a gritty shuffle sound, crazy hard beats in a tale of 
      a party that lasts all night long. 
 
   6. "Holla at the DJ (The DJ Mike D Remix)," a track from the upcoming EP by 
      Hollywood Records artist Coco Jones, is a hip-hop leavened musical 
      conversation between a dancer and her accommodating DJ. 
 
   7. "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" is a stunning remake of the 1966 Nancy 
      Sinatra classic, here updated for the smartphone era, performed by the 
      star of the Disney XD series "Kickin' It," Olivia Holt. 
 
   8. "Sharp as a Razor" by Hollywood Records' artists McClain Sisters is a 
      sophisticated R&B-flavored dance track that offers a twist on that 
      special relationship between dancer and DJ when both are in synch. 
 
   9. "Future Sounds Like Us" by rising star Dove Cameron is a bright and 
      boisterous tribute to Dance Nation. 
 
  10. "I Can Do Better" by Y.LA borrows a page from Irving Berlin in this 
      up-tempo track about the ultimate dance contest. 
 
  11. Superstar Selena Gomez's popular "Shake It Up" theme song gets an update 
      from 16-year old producer/DJ Cole Plante's shuffle-infused Reboot remix. 

As a bonus, the album includes the smooth and soulful track "We're Dancing (Alex Ghenea 3.0 Remix)" by Hollywood Records artist Bridgit Mendler. 

With the third season of the dance-driven comedy series well under way, "Shake It Up" remains the #1 live-action TV series in its time period among Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11. The show chronicles the adventures of best friends CeCe (Bella Thorne) and Rocky (Zendaya), whose dreams of becoming professional dancers are realized when they land roles as background dancers on the most popular teen dance show, "Shake It Up, Chicago!" 

Executive produced by Rob Lotterstein ("The War at Home," "Ellen") and Eileen Conn ("Mad About You," "Just Shoot Me!"), "Shake It Up" stars Zendaya and Bella Thorne as Rocky Blue and CeCe Jones, Davis Cleveland as Flynn Jones, Roshon Fegan as Ty Blue, Adam Irigoyen as Deuce Martinez and Caroline Sunshine as Tinka Hessenheffer. Recurring are Anita Barone as Georgia Jones and Ainsley Bailey as Dina Garcia. 

New episodes of "Shake It Up" air Sundays at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Channel. The series is a production of It's A Laugh Productions, Inc. It carries a TV-G parental guideline. 

The Shake It Up: I <3 available="" class="goog-spellcheck-word" currently="" dance="" from="" is="" soundtrack="" span="" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;">iTunes and Amazon.com. 

For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit www.Disney.com/music, become a fan at www.Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at www.Twitter.com/disneymusic."

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Bella Thorne from this popular Disney Channel show a few questions about the new CD and more about her music. Here is what she had to say:

What type of music is on the new album?  And, how is it different from previous Shake It Up albums? 

This album matured with us. Although, still completely appropriate, there is a more mature feeling songs on the album and we get to experiment with several genres. 

With all the different Disney shows that involve music, what sets your show and music apart from the others?  Do you see your music career taking off because of the show, like other Disney stars like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez or Hilary Duff? 

I think the difference with our show and previous shows is the love of dance. Although other shows have had a musical element, our is about friendship and the love of dance. I am not sure where my career will take me musically, however, I do enjoy performing for my fans and friends. I love being on a stage, encouraging happiness and girl power through my music. I do know for sure that I am excited about my recent record deal with Hollywood Records and showing my audience how much I've grown as an artist. I think it would be great fun to do a musical soon! 

What inspires you to write and perform your songs?  And, with your dyslexia, is songwriting and memorizing your lines for the show hard? 

I just started writing music with the producers of TTYLXOX, it has been a fun and interesting experience. Dyslexia in almost every way can hinder my writing however I am up for the challenge. I believe all things are possible. I will admit that dyslexia has slowed me down in the past, but, I have a good grip on it and I am looking forward to my future. Reading and writing no longer scares me. As for memorizing my lines, dyslexia almost made it easier as I picture my words as opposed to reading them. I use my imagination to secure my scripts in my head.      

If you could collaborate with another musician on a song, who would it be and why?

I think it would be an amazing experience to work with Miley because I adore her and feel that she is one of the most talented and savvy girls in the business.  

Thanks Bella for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me.  :-)

This is definitely one CD you will want to pick up that special "Shake It Up" fan in your life.  My girls love singing and dancing along to this CD.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.