Sondra Barker is a model, actress and host. She recently added musician to her job description with the release of her first single.

Born in Morocco, this self-described "New Yorker at Heart" grew up in the Big Apple and then attended the University of Hawaii before settling in Los Angeles.

Although she wears a lot of hats, she said singing has always been her love...

Savvy: When did you first notice you had good pipes?

Sondra: I grew up doing talent shows and singing in the All-State and All-County Chorus in New York. My music teacher asked me to do the Lauren Hill solo when our school's chorus performed songs from the movie Sister Act 2. That's when I first realized that others thought I could sing too. My music teacher, Mr. Beverage, and my friends at school had a lot of faith in me.

Savvy: Whom did you grow up listening to?

Sondra: When I got my first little Playskool record player, I begged my dad for the new Madonna record, but it was too expensive. When CD's came out, I made sure to get every new Madonna CD that came out.

Savvy: What was your big break that put you in a position to be where you are in your career?

Sondra: Hosting "Wild on E! Tropical Paradise" in Hawaii and winning the model search for Venus Swimwear.

Savvy: Cool. Have you always wanted to be famous?

Sondra: I remember being in the 8th grade and making a pact with my girlfriend that we would move to LA and become actresses. When I look back, I am really proud of myself for following through with my goals. I believe everyone has a special talent, and you do the world a disservice if you don't utilize that talent to the best of your ability. I wouldn't say I've always wanted to be famous. I just want to be one of the lucky few that gets to work in a job they really love.

Savvy: What can you tell us about your first single that will make us want to add it to our iPods?

Sondra: My inspiration is very old school R & B from the 90's like Janet Jackson, SWV, Changing Faces, Aliyah, 702, and Escape.

Savvy: Do you write your own music?

Sondra: Absolutely! Usually my producer will hand me a CD of music to write to. Sometimes the words just come to me when I hear a beat I like. Other times, I like to write about what I'm going through at the time. I also have a lot of songs I've written that don't have any music.

Savvy: Where do the ideas for your songs come from?

Sondra: To me, the best songs are ones that tell a story and that people can relate to. I wrote all of the songs on my album, and I wrote my debut single that will be releasing this month. I always try to put what I'm going through and my experiences in my songs and hope that people can relate.

Savvy: Do you think you'll be accepted as a singer since you are known as a model, actress and TV host?

Sondra: I think now a day it's only common for people in this industry to do a little bit of everything. Why limit myself?



Savvy: True. What are you most proud of so far?

Sondra: I'm most proud of writing my Dog Book "Litter Boxes Aren't Just For Cats." It's the first and only book on how to train a small dog. I have a little Terrier named Goober and started litter box training her at 7 weeks old.

Savvy: When and where can our readers see you perform?

Sondra: I will be having my Official Debut Single Release and Launch party August 31st at Privilege Night Club in Hollywood. The address is 8117 Sunset Blvd. The DJ will be playing my debut single for the first time, and I'll be hosting the party all night!

Savvy: What other artists do you admire and feel that you sound similar to?

Sondra: Changing Faces, Janet Jackson, Aliyah, 702, Grove Theory... 



Savvy: How important is the image part of being a performing artist these days?

Sondra: I think being a model and working in front of the camera, I am very aware of the way I dress. I like to be sexy and still have all the right bits and pieces covered. I don't like to be hanging out or uncomfortable. I am kind of shy walking around in bikinis and lingerie. I walk around my house half-naked, though, and I'm very confident, but I don't like to show my goodies and get reserved in public. I usually wear a bathrobe around on photo shoots and then when the cameras are ready, I drop the robe and become the sexy vixen.

Savvy: How would you describe your personal style?

Sondra: I've dubbed my style "Casual Couture." I like to mix a little casual forever 21 with some cute couture Chanel or Gucci accessories.

Savvy: When you host, you're capturing the fun of being at an event. How do you make a party fun rather than lame?

Sondra: I think you can have a good time anywhere as long as great people surround you.

Savvy: Do you have any interesting experiences interacting with fans or people you encounter on your travels?

Sondra: I think my worst experience was hosting a party in Mazatlan, Mexico for Student City. I had a girl lick the entire side of my face and try to make out with me while I was attempting to interview her. I'm sure she thought it was a fun Girls Gone Wild video, but I was a little frightened. (Laughs)

Savvy: Besides trying to avoid bisexual strangers who want to lick you on camera, what do you do for fun?

Sondra: When I'm not going to a special event or photo shoot, I'm a complete bum who sits on the couch watching movies and playing Halo all day. It's nice to just veg out in my Scooby Doo pajamas and throw my hair in a pony tail when I don't have to get all dressed up.

Savvy: You're a gamer? Cool!

Sondra: I'm a dedicated Halo player and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Halo 3. I'm actually a bit nerdy and love all things Sci-fi, comic books, and video games... I loved the show "Firefly" and can watch Doom over and over.

Savvy: Have you ever dated a celebrity?

Sondra: I actually did go on a date with Owen Wilson while I was still living in Hawaii and he was shooting The Big Break. We went to a Halloween party at Turtle Bay. I was Little Red Riding Hood and he didn't have to put on much of a costume to be the Big Bad Wolf. He was pretty trashed when I got there, so needless to say I hung out for a little bit and then headed home.

Savvy: Oh...

Sondra: Sorry there aren't any more juicy details. (Laughs)
Savvy: Not to get too personal, but do you only go out with funny guys or movie stars?

Sondra: I love a guy who is laid back with a great sense of humor. He doesn't have to be funny as long as he laughs at my jokes. And he has to be a dog lover. Speaking of celebrities, I interviewed Jose Canseco in Scottsdale when I was hosting an event, and he called me several times wanting to date, but I was seeing someone at the time.

Savvy: Sondra, thanks for your time and good luck with all aspects of your career.

Sondra: Thanks. I hope everyone will check out my single.

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On the Web:

http://www.sondrabarker.net (Her Official Web Site)

http://www.myspace.com/sondrabarkermusic (Music Page)

http://www.myspace.com/sondrabarker (Her Personal Page)
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Credits: Interview and article by Steven Stiefel; photos of Sondra Barker by Barry Smith.; make-up by Safoura; styling by Arekah.

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