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In my continuing interview series with some of my favourite people, I interviewed my cousin Daniela, who is also in the music industry. She founded the Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMAs) at a very young age and is now studying law in the U.S. to possibly be an Entertainment Lawyer.

JO: So Daniela, you're not only my cousin, but the founder of the TIMAs and you're also in law school with an eye on being an Entertainment Lawyer.

Since we're related, how can you be so ambitious when all I want to do is sit on the sofa and eat turkey kielbasa?

DO: I got the good genes.

JO: That may be. How old were you when you founded the TIMAs?

DO: 16-17

JO: Are you set on being an Entertainment Lawyer or might you decide to go some other route as a lawyer?

DO: I really like litigation, so I might get into corporate litigation to fund my interest in entertainment law. Side job is to fund the real ambition.

JO: Look at you, all 'having a plan' and such. Are you sure we're related?!

DO: No, I heard you were adopted.

JO: What?! Are you serious?!

DO: I'm sorry to have to reveal it to you this way. ;)

JO: I'm going to take you on Maury Povich for a blood test.

DO: Deal. I'd do it just to be on Maury Povich. No crying though!

JO: Ok... You've been a HUGE Essentials fan for, well, you've been a pretty big Essentials fan for...well, you've been aware of The Essentials for a long time. How did you first learn that your cousin was in such a phenomenal act?

DO: Your mother kept sending me your damn cds. :)

JO: It was secretly me sending the CDs.

DO: It probably was, to win my cousinly affection.

JO: Of course. But you have been following us for a long time. So who, in your expert opinion, is your favourite singer in the group that you share genes with?

DO: I already told you, you're adopted, so how about my favourite singer with whom I don't share genes?

JO: Maury will decide that. Let me rephrase the question. Who is your favourite bass singer in the history of The Essentials?

DO: Oh Maury, the reliable arbiter. I’d have to say that dreamy long-haired bass singer Janet. She's great!

JO: Hmmmm....ok, who is your favourite bass singer in The Essentials that also has a y-chromosome?

DO: Thom, I like his frosty hair. He just LOOKS like a bass singer. It emanates it from his pores.

JO: You clearly are very good at dodging questions. I think law is a good place for you to be. Last question: The Essentials have had a long-standing online rivarly with Justin Bieber. We take shots at him, and so far he hasn't exactly replied, but when he does one day, we might need a lawyer. Can I have the family rate of "free"?

DO: I guess I don't have a choice, but only if you promise to never cut your hair like Bieber.

JO: Deal! OK to-be-determined-cousin, I’ll let you get back to your studies while I call Maury. Please start digging up bad stuff on Bieber in case the lawsuit ever comes through, ok?

DO: OK...bye for now. Have a good one and don’t edit my words. :)

JO: Ciao. :)