Since his last album R&B star Mario has been in the studio working and waiting to drop “a hot new album”, but he is on a break and has decided to ring in the New Year in Guyana.
“I’m excited to be here… just having a great time, great party and great music,” Mario said.
Mario will ring in the New Year with party goers at the Allure Party set for tonight at the Hotel Tower with the price tag for entry ranging from US$50 to US$100. As far as the singer is concerned, his fans are likely to be more concerned as to whether they will get in as to how much they are being asked to cough up.
Mario sat down with local reporters at a press conference at Hotel Tower yesterday and from the minute he walked into the room he was cool. “How y’all doing…is everybody good, am good!” he said.
The singer whose hits include, “Just a Friend 2002” and “Let Me Love You” casually stated that he is searching for a new sound or rather a vibe ahead of the release of his fifth studio album. He is interested in what he described as mixture of R&B and club music.
Mario disclosed that he has a mixtape coming out in three weeks, all new music, which he intends to release for free to his fans. He said that he had “label issues” and was unable to release the mixtape at the scheduled time which was like a month ago.
To perfect the sound he is looking for Mario said he is working with two new female producers who also worked on the monster-hit “New York” which featured Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. He said that the duo are amazing, but also pointed out that many of the people who were behind him in the past like Ne-Yo and producer Shawn Garrett and Ricco Love among others are also likely to work with him on the new album.
“I think I’ll be writing on this album the most I’ve written on previous albums, I’m doing a lot more writing now… it’s more personal,” Mario said of the material he is working on. As he spoke of the album, he shifted into relax mode; leaning back and getting more comfortable in the chair he was seated in. He spoke of how his experiences have influenced his work, adding that he is simply letting it all now out in the studio. According to him, the chemistry is “just crazy right now” in the studio.
Reacting to a question about staying ahead of the competition, he said that he often focuses on his own projects and how to separate himself rather than trying to compete. With respect to what he has to offer Guyanese tonight, he said it would be both a party and a performance and that he plans to ring in the New Year having a good time. He said he decided to come here because he has never visited before and the invitation was extended. In addition, he got good feedback from US artistes who performed here in recent months. “I couldn’t shoot it down,” he said of the invitation.
“I’m hoping that things get a little crazy at the party, good crazy though. I’m expecting love and I’ll gonna give it back,” the singer said laughing.
Mario also spoke briefly on the work he is doing with the ‘Do it Right’ foundation which he started three years ago, but re-launched earlier this year. The singer said he wanted to reach out and help young children whose parents are battling drug addictions.
“It a close cause to me… growing up a lot of my family members were caught up and some died,” the singer said. His own mother struggled with an addiction and the singer stressed that he wants to simply help because the focus is hardly on the children caught up in those situations.
Meanwhile, Trinidadian Andy Singh will also be providing live entertainment at Allure as revellers usher in the New Year. Patrons who are planning on attending Allure will also have access to The Edge night club and the poolside.
Other New Year’s Eve events will see the “Black Tie Affair” in the Savannah Suite at the Pegasus Hotel. In collaboration with Pulse Entertainment, patrons can welcome the New Year with a buffet dinner and full bar, at a cost of $25,000 per person. The event will start at 8pm.
Pegasus’ Assistant General Manger Susan Isaacs said that other New Year’s Eve activities at the hotel include dinner at El Dorado at a cost of $25,000 per person for a fixed menu, full bar and access to the poolside party. Dinner is served from 7 pm onwards. Meanwhile, for $15,000, patrons can dance the night away at Pegasus’ poolside party, with music by the Pulse Entertainment DJ and a well-stocked bar.
Buddy’s Night Club is also billing itself as the place to be on New Year’s Eve. According to Manager Ryan Shivraj, the club will host “Flamboyance,” which will be a celebration to welcome the New Year under its colourful lights. Entrance to Flamboyance is $4,500, which provides patrons with finger foods and props upon entrance. VIP tickets are $7,000, which covers preferential bar service and champagne to toast in the New Year. Tickets are on sale at Buddy’s.
Princess Hotel boasts the “biggest party ever for 2010.” Director of Sales and Marketing Petal Ridley said the hotel is hosting a poolside party with international entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display from its rooftop to welcome 2011. The poolside party features soca singers Adrian Dutchin and Lisa Punch, Mingles Sound Machine, international samba dancers and Sandella, the chutney dancing queen, Ridley said. There will also be giveaways, she said. Ridley said the hotel has obtained all the necessary permits for the fireworks.
