Tween trio Pink Army may just be the next girl group music phenomenon. Catch an earful of any one of the four original titles from its debut CD, set to be released on iTunes this month, and the appeal of these fresh-faced singers grabs hold with a 1980s techno energy and upbeat lyrics that celebrate peace, strength and femininity.
"Our image is kind of different from other groups, and it's definitely kid-friendly," said 11-year-old Alicia Randolph of the South Bay, the group's founder. "I think there's something special about Pink Army."
"There's not many young groups like us now," added fellow singer Kayla Cruise, 11, from the Carmel Valley area. "We just have our own punk type of style."
Alicia and Kayla, along with Lia Johnson, 12, of Mission Hills, bring more than 16 years of performing experience to the stage. Their combined credits include film, television, commercials, theatrical productions, music videos, dance performances and voiceover work.
In Pink Army, the tweens have channeled their experience to create a solid studio sound and high-energy stage presence. Many of the songs feature three-part harmony, showcasing the individual strength of each singer's voice, and all four tracks from their self-titled CD carry danceable beats and catchy lyrics.
Adding to the group's appeal is the developing friendship among the three girls, an attitude of respect and affection that shines through in the way they work together and support one another.
"There was a connection right away," Alicia said.
Lia echoed the sentiment: "Kayla and Alicia are always there for me. They're great group mates and great friends."
Pink Army is the brainchild of Alicia and music producer/recording artist Ruben Angel. "My daughter's been an actress, a performer, for years, and she wanted to start a band," said Tina Randolph, Alicia's mom and the act's manager.
Consulting with Angel helped to solidify Alicia's ideas for a group with a pop synthesizer sound. After a crash course on the tough realities of launching a solo career, they decided to hold auditions to recruit "triple threat" talent: girls who could sing, dance and act.
"We wanted the girls to be comfortable on stage because we want not only a record deal, but we want it all," Tina said. "Ideally, we'd like either Disney or Nickelodeon to pick them up."
Just five months into rehearsal--Lia and Kayla signed up with Pink Army in January--Pink Army has developed into a formidable contender for a share of the teenybopper market dominated by the likes of Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.
Dedicating several hours a week to vocal and choreographic rehearsals, the tweens are having fun working hard. Passionate about performing, the three share a serious commitment to taking Pink Army mainstream.
"I would love to do the Disney Channel and do big concerts," Lia said, confident of the group's chances for success. "I think we're all really good singers and we have awesome clothing and our dancing is good."
Catch an upcoming Pink Army performance -The San Diego Union-Tribune Kids Magic Mile Marathon at 8 a.m. May 2 -Relay for Life of Clairemont-American Cancer Society at 12:30 p.m. May 16 -It's All About the Girl at 2 p.m. May 21 -San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds at 11 a.m. June 16
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