Front Row - Six D
A British Invasion of Six Dimensions
Group Hopes Release of "Best Damn Night" Leads to Success in the States
Group Hopes Release of "Best Damn Night" Leads to Success in the States
By: Jaclyn Lattanza
TeenNewsNet Entertainment Editor
Two years ago, the manager of a street dance crew thought it would be amazing to form a group by blending people who possessed both talents of dancing and singing together. With an average age of 21, Chantelle Bernard, Levon De Silva, Kieran Edmonds, Cassie MacMillan, Pierre Angus, and Kimmy Campbell are the six dancers and singers that made the final cut. Six D, short for Six Dimensions, is the name of the U.K.’S newest and hottest pop group. Although these six dancers and singers were picked from a group of approximately 500 people that tried out, a couple of them already knew each other. Kieran and Cassie had taken dance classes together before, and because Kieran and Levon both come from Oxford, they also knew each other. Chantelle is from London, Cassie is from Chesterfield, and although both Pierre and Kim are now living in London, Pierre is from Coventry and Kim is from Rugby.
Dancing is what all six members started out doing, so how did singing come into play?
Everyone besides Kieran and Levon grew up singing. Kieran started doing martial arts which eventually led to hip hop and break dancing, and Levon started dancing when he was 12 years old. Although, singing came later for both of them, the group is able to blend their dancing and singing to put on a great show. As the group has been travelling between the UK and U.S. working with a variety of producers, it would be hard for them not to notice some similarities and differences between both countries. “The work ethic in the music industry is the same. We go hard and never slack in either country. The weather is very different in the UK; it is not the best experience because of the rain. In the states though, we always have a really good time and we are always smiling,” Chantelle expressed.
The group ‘s debut single “Best Damn Night” was released on July 24, 2011 and debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 34. “We haven’t been able to write or put our own ideas in [to songs], but we are lucky enough to have worked with Rico Love (Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, and Usher) and with producers in LA and Miami who have given us songs,” Chantelle said. “We are happy at the moment,” she also added.
Six D had the opportunity to work with celebrity choreographer and creative director Laurieann Gibson for their “Best Damn Night” music video. They were also featured on her E! reality show “The Dance Scene.” On the group’s experience, Chantelle said, “It was so great! We were all so excited to work with Laurieann Gibson knowing that she has worked on “Making the Band” and with Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. The experience really molded us into artists.” One of the most exciting parts about being on the show for Six D was the fact that they were being exposed to the U.S. “We knew almost no one in the U.S. would know who we are. It was nice because the people who saw “The Dance Scene” can say that they have been with us since the beginning because we were on it at the start of our career. “The Dance Scene” really showcased the start of Six D. It was amazing to share the start of a new journey with everyone watching the show.”
Because their fan
s are “one of the most important things,” Six D uses both Twitter and Facebook to connect with them. “Most people go to the group accounts first, but it is also nice to connect through our individual accounts as well. The individual accounts allow us to connect with different people and become more personal with the fans. It is a really nice way to connect, and we try to answer everyone back as best as we can, explained Chantelle.” In addition to their fans, Six D also receives amazing support and love from their families and friends. Chantelle said that “we are happy to have them because they are not just fans; they appreciate all of our hard work that has paid off. They keep us humble and grounded. It is nice to have that kind of love and support.”
s are “one of the most important things,” Six D uses both Twitter and Facebook to connect with them. “Most people go to the group accounts first, but it is also nice to connect through our individual accounts as well. The individual accounts allow us to connect with different people and become more personal with the fans. It is a really nice way to connect, and we try to answer everyone back as best as we can, explained Chantelle.” In addition to their fans, Six D also receives amazing support and love from their families and friends. Chantelle said that “we are happy to have them because they are not just fans; they appreciate all of our hard work that has paid off. They keep us humble and grounded. It is nice to have that kind of love and support.” Musically, Six D is inspired by Michael Jackson, The Black Eyed Peas, and Chris Brown. All of the members grew up watching and listening to him. “He still plays a big role in our lives today,” said Chantelle. As for The Black Eyed Peas, “they are always keeping it fresh and current,” and Chris Brown is much like each member of the group in that he does everything, he sings and dances at the same time and lets out cool raps. Character-wise, Six D is inspired by their parents because they have always played a big role in their success.
With the group being so young, they have a bright future to look forward to. Currently their biggest wishes are an arena tour in the UK next year followed by a world tour to promote their album release. “We want recognition,” Chantelle remarks.
Press play below to view the music video of Six D's newest release "Best Damn Night."
