Debbie Harry, myself, and Blondie's Tour Manager
Taken at London restaurant "192" after the 1998 European Tour
30 Nov. 1998

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I have had several people email me to ask how I became a staff member of the "Official Blondie Web Site."  Well, it's not a "position" that one can apply for, as in the normal sense of the word "staff."  The story of how I initially became involved with Deborah Harry is a somewhat lengthy one, and best described on my Educationals page.  In short, I was a fan of Debbie's solo work before I became a fan of Blondie's, and followed several of her tours around the United States and Europe starting the moment I graduated from high school (1990).  I was finally able to solidly meet Debbie and Chris on their Debravation 1993 UK tour, and subsequently became closer to them in the years to follow.

While attending college (for music business) in Long Island, I interned on several Jazz Passengers/D.H. tours.  Following my undergrad educational experience, I went to Cardozo School of Law in Manhattan, hoping to pursue entertainment law.  I endured the intense study and sticky throb of the city for a year before I realized that the whole world there wasn't for me.

I made a dramatic turn-around in my life, and am currently back in my home-town of Cincinnati, Ohio (what a great cliché for all you Pretenders fans).  I now work for my father's company in desperate hope of paying back the student loans that I accumulated during my educational pursuits.  I also lease a grey Arabian mare (the same horse I owned before I moved away to college) and spend much of my time at the barn riding.  I may not live the most exciting life, but I am certainly a lot happier!  :-)

In my spare time (which isn't a large chunk) I work with two friends/fans, Barry L. Kramer and Louis A. Bustamante, to maintain the first official Blondie Web Site.  Developing an official site for Debbie Harry herself was originally my idea, and one I presented to her while I still lived in the NYC neighborhood.  She suggested it be an official "Blondie" site, with the upcoming reunion, and this idea was met with enthusiasm from all the members of the band.  Since Barry Kramer had already been implementing www.debbieharry.net for Chris Stein, the band requested that Barry and I create and maintain the first Official Blondie Web Site.

Barry, who used to do quite extensive archival work involving Debbie's artistic career, runs the Deborah Harry Collector's Society.  He is quite a good friend of Blondie guitarist Chris Stein.  Knowledgeable in computers and programming, his main contribution to the site is its hosting and initial registration, though he also offers his educated input.  Initially, I was responsible for all content and design, but being a web design newbie, I enlisted the extremely capable help of Louis Bustamante, who has maintained a Deborah Harry Web Site (and the DHBIS e-mailing list) for several years now.  The site has since seen some major navigational improvements!

Talents combined, the Official Blondie Web Site staff has something to offer the band and its supporters.  The staff volunteer their time and resources to maintain the Web Site on behalf on Blondie,  though we get much support in the way of content, prizes, etc. from Blondie's management.  Our idea was to create a place where Blondie band members could do anything they so desired.  I love working on the site, despite the amount of time it takes, as it gives me a chance to contribute in some small way to Blondie and the reunion - to give back something for all the pleasure that their music has given me.

While I can't speak for the other members of the team, it is my personal hope to be able to act as a sort of gateway between Blondie band members and Blondie fans in order to help each maintain a more interactive relationship with one another.  I will strive to use my position - as both a fan and an acquaintance of the band - in the best way possible to achieve my goal.

Thanks for your time and your support.

Cheers!

April Kincaid

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