Interview with Phaedra Veronique and Mark Neuhart
Can you tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it?
The Neutron Band was formed by myself, Phaedra Veronique, and radio personality Mark Neuhart. As the founder of the matchmaking agency Desert Moon Cupid, I was approached by a television executive about launching and producing a reality TV show about singles and dating. I had to think on my toes about how to help cover production costs for the show. I felt that a small community concert would be a good start and a tribute band came to mind. I started to think about the Pointer Sisters and the impact the ladies left on music listeners and the entertainment industry. One of the things I did notice is that while searching for a tribute band for the famous trio, there was none in existence. This fact came as a shock to me and I began seeking out local singers to create this band. As a lover of vintage music, I have an eclectic taste in a variety of different music styles, and the music of the 1980s holds a special place in my heart. Through a talent database, I met and began collaborating with Mark Neuhart who is not only a radio personality, but also a keyboard player and music promoter. The Neutron Band was formed in March of this year with Neuhart as the group’s keyboard player and three singers.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when launching your business, and how did you overcome it?
One of the main challenges in the beginning was finding the right singers to fulfill what is needed for a tribute band. Initially, it seemed easy to just ‘scout singers and have them rehearse together and everything will go smoothly,’ which was not exactly a realistic goal. We started with three singers who did not stay with the group for their reasons. Going back to the drawing board in the process of putting the band’s first show together was probably the biggest obstacle. At one point, we brought in an understudy singer if maybe the three originally chosen singers could not fulfill their duties as members of the band. It was a smart move since all three of those original singers opted out of staying with the group. That first understudy we invited has since graduated to being a member of the group. We scouted four more singers amid the ever-changing studio changes during the preparation of the group’s first show this past June. The show was originally scheduled in May but was postponed due to the ongoing changes in studios and vocalists. By the week before the June 1 show, we lost two out of the four singers we recruited. But the good thing is that we had enough singers with us at that time willing to commit to the project and participate in the debut show.
Neuhart adds, “The Talent. These are not easy songs to sing and perform. It would require a certain group of three individuals to pull off the act. I went through at least seven ladies before Ranyell Armstrong responded to my ad for needing singers. I could see she was a natural talent and had a good attitude. Attitude is very important when you are creating something like a tribute. She endured the others and then we had a celebrity that wanted to be one of the three, but unfortunately, she turned out to be not the type of Neutron we wanted in our band. Phaedra came across Gwendolyn Jones on an entertainment database. She was amongst the ten ladies at the audition. She had the heart, and she had the voice and experience. Most importantly, she works well with Ranyell. After many attempts to find number three, we came up with Danicka Holmes, who is a friend of Gwen and has performed well before. Again, very unfortunate, on the very night we decided to add her, she fell and broke her hip. She has been in rehearsals and will be ready to perform by the middle of August. So now the talent has been gathered, and the group is solid. It was an unexpected adventure with great challenges. I overcame those challenges through prayer and long talks with my producer. By the Grace of GOD, we have Neu♥ & The Neutron Band.”
How do you differentiate your business from your competitors?
We’re different because, aside from many other bands performing the occasional Pointer Sisters songs, no group was solely focused on singing just their songs to audiences.
What are the core values and mission of your business?
We aim to create a drama-free zone environment with strong teamwork spirits. Everyone involved is in it for the love of music and performing.
Can you share a significant milestone or success story from your business journey?
The success story is the group’s first show, which occurred on June 1. During the planning of that show, there were many opportunities for cancellation, but I feel like this is a story about sticking with a plan and not letting outside forces prevent any goal from being accomplished.
What strategies do you use to stay connected with your customers and understand their needs?
We have an online presence as the group’s following continues to grow. We have an email list to keep everyone informed of future shows and events.
How do you approach innovation and stay relevant in your industry?
The band wants to continue to perform throughout our community and form strong relationships in our neighborhoods this way. I feel the relevance is the music the group is honoring. It’s legendary music that audiences can reminisce, sing, and dance to. The music is great for just about any occasion, especially weddings, anniversaries, and company social gatherings. We want to keep this magical feel-good music alive for past, present, and future audiences to enjoy.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?
Neuhart responds, “Be Authentic. A tribute band does not do their version. The music should make you think of and remind you of the songs you are familiar with. First, you must love the band and the music of the band you are tributing. You are going to listen to hours of audio finding the right sounds and the right clips and understand that it is going to take a lot of rehearsals to get the right sound, so studio costs can be critical. Also, consider your budget both in time and expenses. Are you independently wealthy? If not, you need to coordinate times with your band, working around your schedule. You must survive a few months or more before you are going to be able to play paid events.”
How do you balance running a business with your personal life and other commitments?
I’m currently working as a freelance journalist, and many times, I’m usually working from home, which provides the needed space and time to investigate future shows for the group and other projects.
Neuhart adds, “I am fortunate that I am an entrepreneur with a schedule that I control. I am a Licensed Solar Consultant and the host of a nationally syndicated radio show Mark On THE MARK! I have created group texts on Facebook, and instructions to call for anything urgent. Communication is key. When we got the notice for this interview, I sent a message out within the hour. Using a Google calendar with the members added is another way of planning rehearsals and events. Try not to panic. Sometimes we expect immediate gratification on notices, and we must understand that we all have schedules until the other jobs. Patience is key, but urgency gets things done!”
What are your future goals and plans for the growth of your business?
Neuhart concludes, “I look to create many memorable moments as we tour around the southwest. Bringing people to their feet to dance. Remembering that time back in the last century when we were so free and had big dreams. We played in small venues, and the joy of the crowd fueled our desire to do the very best show! I hope to play Las Vegas before the year’s end. I found the stars; now I need to share the dream. Just because a dream came true doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
My dream began when I met The Pointer Sisters in person in 1981 at The Astro Village Hotel. We were staying there for the Leonard/Hearns fight, and I was in the room next to Sugar! I was down in front of the hotel with my motorcycle and my buddy Mike Harper, and they pulled up in a limousine. They were so relaxed and fun, just like in the movie “Car Wash.” We hung out for a few minutes, and then the moment was gone.”
Show bookings for Neu & The Neutron Band can be done by calling Mark Neuhart at 602-473-6802.
Founder of Neu and the Neutron Band Phaedra Veronique
Mark Neuhart is the keyboard player & manager for Neu & The Neutrons Band
Danicka Holmes (far left) Raynell Armstrong (center) Gwendolyn Jones (far right)
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