FOTP Exclusive Q&A with ChristianTV

Christian TV (born Christian Berishaj) is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, mixer, videographer and designer. First becoming known as "Snowhite", lead singer of power pop/alt-rock outfit Love Arcade, he was signed to Atlantic Records at the tender age of 18. The band's first and only album (which was in fact solely performed by Christian) was released in August 2006; by 2008 the group had gone on permanent hiatus and Christian progressed into a solo career. 

Since the end of "Love Arcade" Christian has been hard on his grind, releasing a mix tape "Who The F*ck Is Christian TV", music videos, doing shows nationwide and the like. Among other things he has toured with the Backstreet Boys and performed his debut single release "When She Turns 18" on So You Think You Can Dance. Having inked a hot new record deal with Universal Motown, Christian is scheduled to release his debut solo album under the Christian TV moniker, "Diary Of An 80s Baby", later this year.

Enjoy my Q&A with him below:

Christian TV - first of all thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm a big fan of yourself and your music. How are you?

I'M GOOD!

Let's start off with the easy stuff. Why did you go with "Christian TV" as your artistic name?

CHRISTIAN TV IS THE BROADCAST OF ME, CHRISTIAN, TO THE WORLD. HIERGO, CHRISTIAN TV.

Why did you choose to go into music and not some other career? Your dad is a big shot real estate agent [according to THIS old interview] - why not pick an easier path and work with him?

I'M NOT SURE WHY YOU THINK MY DAD IS A BIG TIME REAL ESTATE AGENT HAHAHAHA. HE CUTS HAIR, HEH HEH. I CHOSE TO GO INTO MUSIC CAUSE IT'S MY PASSION. 

Are you scared at all by the bad side of fame and the music industry? The alcohol, drugs, the paparazzi, being constantly judged, the psychological pressure of being famous, etc.?

NOT AT ALL. I KNOW THAT'S WHAT COMES WITH IT.

Your first record deal was with an alternative/power pop band. What prompted the decision to go solo and change to your current electro-dance-pop sound?

I JUST WANTED TO FOLLOW MY PASSION OF DOING SOLO POP MUSIC AND EVOLVING.

After the band broke up, you moved out to LA. Are you still living there now?

YES.

More importantly, do you still have a butler called Tony [per THIS interview]?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I NEVER HAD A BUTLER NAMED TONY! WHERE DID YOU GET ALL THIS STUFF? HAHAHAHAHA

Just over a year ago you signed with Universal Motown. One of your label mates there is the absolutely awesome Kelly Rowland. Is there any chance of you guys hooking up on a record? Or are there any other collaborations we can look forward to on your debut?

YES WE'LL DEFINITELY TRY AND MAKE THAT HAPPEN. WOULD ALSO LOVE TO WORK WITH DRAKE WHEN THE TIMES RIGHT.

There's a promo pic of you pretty much butt naked, with just your unmentionables covered.  Have you always been as confident and comfortable in your own skin?

YES. YOUR BODY IS A WORK OF ART. BE PROUD OF IT.

Truth is, you're a very sexy guy. And you sing some very sexy songs and star in some sexy ass videos. Would you say you're a particularly sexual person? Are you currently single, or dating anyone?

I'M DEFINITELY A SENSUAL PERSON, BUT I'M ALSO VERY PRIVATE SO THERE'S NO ANSWER TO THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR QUESTION.

You kind of have that bisexual indie-pop-kid á la Frankmusik/Mark Ronson vibe going on. Would you be comfortable going "there" with a guy? Or have you already?

I DON'T REALLY HAVE THE URGE TO DO THAT, BUT IF I WAS ASKED TO STAR IN BROKE-BACK MOUNTAIN I DEFINITELY WOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. I WANNA ACT WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT.

You're usually seen sporting a long-ish Mohican. And you're something of a snazzy dresser. Do you consider yourself vain? You seem the kind of guy that would have a beauty routine before leaving the house.

DO I? HAHAHAHAHA I CONSIDER MYSELF GRIMEY. I MOSTLY JUST WEAR TANK TOPS AND THE SAME PANTS EVERYDAY HAHAHAHA. NOT SURE WHAT'S SNAZZY ABOUT THAT BUT I'M DOWN.

Your debut album is titled "Diary Of An 80s Baby". Why did you choose that title specifically? And when can we expect to hear it? 

YES I CHOSE THAT TITLE BECAUSE I'M AN 80'S BABY AND I FEEL LIKE ALL THINGS THAT I'M GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW ARE WHAT PLENTY OF PEOPLE IN MY GENERATION HAVE BEEN THROUGH OR ARE GOING THROUGH THEMSELVES.

How would you describe the album as a whole, its concept and sound?

MY LIFE. MY TV SHOW. CHRISTIAN TV. 

Your first single - incidentally Britney Spears' personal song of the summer - "When She Turns 18" was released in the UK, whilst single #2 "Love 2 Baby" has just been sent for radio adds in America. Why did you pick those two particular songs to be your introduction to the general public?

"WHEN SHE TURNS 18" WAS A BIG TURNING POINT STYLISTICALLY FOR ME SO I WANTED THAT TO BE MY FIRST SINGLE. "LOVE 2 BABY" WAS JUST VERY CATCHY AND EVERYONE LOVED IT SO I HAD TO MAKE A VIDEO FOR IT AND PUT IT OUT THERE. 

You recently premiered new track "I'm In Love". That track is banging! Is it a new single or just a promo release?

IT IS DEFINITELY THE NEW SINGLE AND ITS DOING VERY VERY WELL AND IM SO PROUD OF THE SONG I PRODUCED AND WROTE! I CANT WAIT FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO HEAR IT!

What sets you apart from other artists? What is it that makes you a must-have on Pop playlists for years to come?

THE GRIMEYNESS AND LIVENESS AND ENERGY OF WHAT I DO. I CANT EXPLAIN IT. IM JUST GONNA BUILD IT UP WITH MY LIFESTYLE AND VIDEOS FOR EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND.

What's the next strategic move for Christian TV - singles, albums, touring, promo?

KEEP MAKING AND PUTTING OUT ART!

Last words?

THANK YOU TO ALL MY FANS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. IM NOTHIN WITHOUT YOU GUYS!

Be sure to follow Christian on Twitter @ChristianTV  and be on the look out for his upcoming releases.

You can watch Christian's most recent music video, for "Girl I Used To Know", below: