Blurb from EXTRA (2/2/10)

Heather Chase is indeed back in the US after months abroad in Hamburg and later some on the road with Tokio Hotel. Currently back in New York City, she and music partner, Erik Monk, are rumored to be reviving their former underground band, PIGEON. Chase is also working on fashion projects on the side.

Heather Grey Chase and her twin brother, James, are expected to be at the Philly Loves Haiti radio-thon in their native Philadelphia this Saturday – February 6, 2010.

- Blurb from EXTRA (2/2/10)

Blogmistress Note: Normally I post misc. tidbits on The File’s twitter (@thefiles); Are you a follower yet?

COMMENTARY — Erik Monk, Heather Chase: Miss CA’s Anti-Gay Stance “Sad”

Erik Monk is dimayed by Miss California Carrie Prejean’s answer to Perez Hilton’s Miss USA 2009 pageant question regarding gay marriage. Monk, violinist for indie duet Pigeon and supporter for gay rights, says that he is disappointed in Miss California’s blatant anti-gay stance and equally annoyed that Hilton baited a Miss USA candidate.

Monk stated, “Her answer, opinion, whatever you want to call it, needed more tact and hope for equality no matter what someone’s sexual orientation is.” He added Miss California’s statements about America’s freedoms bothered him. “She said in my country we believe… No. Your country is my country sweetie; America is more progressive than that.”

Monk’s close friend, Heather Chase, commented, “Miss California needs to have an open mind given her aspirations to work in the entertainment and fashion industries. I hope she learns from this.” Chase felt the question was too politically controversial to be asked in the Miss USA pageant, “Everyone can’t be pleased – especially him [Perez Hilton] with his prejudices.”

Monk also called attention to Hilton’s unfair use of the baited question, “As an activist for gay rights, I am ashamed to see Hilton picks fights to gain gay supporters; not cool.”

The Pigeons Have Landed –

– And Shit on Tokio Hotel’s Latest Release Date

American underground indie-rockers, Heather Grey Chase and Erik Monk, landed in Hamburg, Germany yesterday evening. The Pigeons, carrying violin and guitar cases, were rushed to a black SUV. The duo is collaborating with Tokio Hotel.

Pigeon and Tokio Hotel have been linked since September 2008, when it surfaced that Bill Kaulitz (Tokio Hotel) and Heather Grey Chase (Pigeon), were dating. Kaulitz, a sex symbol for millions of teens world-wide, shot down these rumors stating he was not dating anyone, though never specifically commenting about Chase. Chase, recluse daughter of freelance record producer Carl Chase, stated only that the two were “good friends.”

In January 2009 it was rumored that Pigeon would collaborate with Tokio Hotel on their next bi-lingual album, original release date March 2009. Monk was lending a bow with violins, while Chase was helping with back-up guitar and vocals. An hour after Pigeon landed, Tokio Hotel’s American record label, Cherrytree Records announced that the release date, changed twice more now, will not be before August 2009.

Pigeon stranges-up for upcoming album…

The fashion-rockers are turning attention to stranging-up their sound. “We want a different flight plan – we’ve grown and so have our tastes.” drummer Libby Fink says.

For their new album, Wayward, Pigeon lyricists, Heather Chase and Erik Monk, have strung together catchy lyrics with old school beats, thanks to Dune and Feist Ralston; bassist and guitarist. “Wayward reflects inspiration from our favorite artists; Placebo, The Postal Service, and Goldfrapp.” Monk says, “It is different from our older records.”

The new beats have a sophisticated sound and wider vocal variety, “It’s edgy alternative rock.” keyboardist Chloe coos. Pigeon’s signature concert violin and classical piano are still included, with a twist of acoustic backing – “A nice surprise for fans.” Once again Pigeon has a rhythm guitarist – Chase. “I’m not just singing ‘cause I have money – I can play a guitar.”

Wayward is set for release in early 2009. The band feels “…it shouldn’t be rushed; we want this to be the album.” Violinist Monk comments, “I feel like Pigeon is starting over, wiping the slate clean.”

A Rocking November Promises More P and TH Beats

Today is Thursday and Pop-Culture Week just got PTHed. Thanks the 5^th Annual Fashion Rocks and ‘08′s MTV Video Music Awards, Pigeon and Tokio Hotel have become America’s latest obsessions. Unfortunately Pigeon fans got the short-end as the band flew the coop last week on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  

But the self-titled fashion-rockers boasting Heather Chase, brought down the fashion-house Prada-style in NYC last Friday. While Hollywood rocked out to Tokio Hotel, nominees for VMA’s Best New Artist Moonman. 

The power-duo revved up the red carpet Sunday at the VMA’s, taking fashion to the extreme. Pigeon masterminds; Erik Monk and Chase, presented Tokio Hotel with a Moonman for Best New Artist. “The first of many surprises for our American fans!” TH’s Bill Kaulitz announced during the acceptance.

PTHed – Tokio Hotel reps announced plans for a tour this November, with guests Pigeon. Pigeon’s record head, James P. Chase, also confirmed. Both bands still remain tight-lipped on rumors of collaboration. This has been Pop-Cultured.