On her new single “Pretty Girls,” Stoner said, “I co-wrote the song with Maze Runner’s Dexter Darden and my producer Rob Grimaldi from New Jersey. We began the song about women in our community in Los Angeles who use their beauty to manipulative, seduce and persuade to get their way. Then, it branched out to females in general who are conditioned at a young age to exploit certain factors of their bodies and their personalities. The song itself has a pretty strong social statement, underneath a very polished tone and production value. It is the opening song in my new movie Sugar Babies, and we wanted it to display the artificial elements and tempting allure of being in a relationship built around money as opposed to genuine love and care. It has a great dance beat and heavy bass drum. I am glad people are enjoying it,” Stoner said.
Her song’s music video was directed by Gianinni Moreira and Cristina Piemonte. “Working with them was great because they are both driven professionals who want to challenge themselves and grow, and it made for a very positive and cohesive environment on set,” she said.
Stoner was influenced heavily by Missy Elliott and her tribute video has garnered over 13 million views, thus making YouTube history. “I am very fortunate. I wasn’t predicting or expecting the reception that the Missy Elliott tribute received. I wanted her to understand my gratitude for how much she has helped propel my career, and I celebrated her iconic music. She is such a special female in the industry and we all cheer her on,” she said.
Her acting credits include roles in SuiteLife of Zack and Cody, Cheaper By The Dozen 1 & 2, the Step Up dance franchise, Camp Rock 1 & 2 The Final Jam, and she is the voice of Isabella in the Emmy-winning cartoon Phineas and Ferb. “I am an athlete, so being on the SuiteLife of Zack and Cody‘ was fun. My character plays sports, and I got to play basketball and dance on the show. Looking back, it was a chance for me for socialize because I was home-schooled as a young actress. Because of this show, I was able to work on other Disney shows, so I am really grateful for having that as one of my early starts in my career,” she said.
Yet another fond moment for Stoner was opening for the Jonas Brothers on the “Jonas Brothers World Tour.” “That was so much fun. The Jonas family is really inspiring because they balance professional and personal life so well. They gave me the opportunity to open for their entire concert, and I got to perform with them and Demi Lovato during their set,” the 21-year-old performer said.
On balancing both acting and music, she said with a sweet laugh, “It’s not easy. I have wrestled with balancing dancing, singing and acting for 10 years now. Strategically, you have to go where the wind blows. Now that I want to make a statement with music, I may have to multi-task. Right now, I am working on six projects simultaneously. As a human being, I don’t recommend it, but as a young professional, it is what it takes for the time being, to showcase my seriousness.”
She collaborated with YouTube sensation Tyler Ward on their cover of “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games soundtrack. “That happened in three hours. We both had an idea and said ‘let’s make an original song.’ Within an hour we recorded it, and then we filmed a quick video in the streets of California. We enjoyed it,” she said.
A multi-faceted entertainer, Stoner is also a motivational speaker that travels around the country encouraging her fans to fulfill their potential and stand up for self-respect, in an effort to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. “I love speaking to younger people because it is such a pivotal moment in their development as humans. My main goal is to use whatever platform I am given to help create a safe environment for people. My whole approach is to increase self-awareness,” she said.
Stoner listed Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown as her dream collaboration choices due to their versatility as artists. “I am open and willing to collaborate with anyone who wants to make something original and enjoys the process along the way,” she said.
She concluded by thanking her fans and followers. “Thank you for supporting me and encouraging me to pursue my dreams. I wish that we can all have a fan army. Thank you for the accountability, and I hope that they follow their dreams the same way I did mine. There is no reason to hold back. Fear is afraid of itself. As much as we can push through our limits and learn what we truly want, I think we need to be bold, take risks and be courageous. I hope the fans are finding what they love and attacking it with everything they can,” she said.
For more information on actress and singer Alyson Stoner and “Pretty Girls,” check out her official website.
