Category: Interview

1980's, Interview, Music

Guitarist Matthias Jabs Talks Scorpions MTV Unplugged

ScorpionsSince forming in Germany in 1965 the Scorpions have become one of the most successful international hard rock bands of all time; selling upwards of 75 million records worldwide while playing more than 5,000 concerts in over 80 countries.

Known for colossal hits that include “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” “No One Like You” and “Wind of Change”, the band was ranked #46 on VH1’s “Greatest Artists Of Hard Rock” special, while “Rock You Like A Hurricane” came in at #18 on the channel’s list of “Greatest Hard Rock Songs”.

In 2010 the band announced a final studio album, “Sting In The Tail” that would coincide with an epic Farewell World Tour. It’s a tour that to the delight of fans has been going on for more than three years. Late in 2012, just as the band was finishing up their final show of the year, they were approached about doing an intimate, all acoustic project they had never done before. The result: Scorpions MTV Unplugged.

Taken from two dynamic acoustic performances from the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens, Greece, this deluxe CD + DVD package and Blu-Ray features new acoustic versions of the band’s best-loved classics as well as five brand new songs.

Scorpions (Photo: Torsten Hilse)
Scorpions (Photo: Torsten Hilse)

The Scorpions is Klaus Meine (vocals/guitar), Rudolf Schenker (guitars/vocals), Matthias Jabs (guitars), Pawel Maciwoda (bass) and James Kottak (drums). Additional musical support on MTV Unplugged includes contributions from Swedish musicians and producers Mikael Nord Andersson (guitars, mandolin, lap steel, vocals) and Martin Hansen (guitars, harmonica, vocals).  The duo is also responsible for the arrangements on MTV Umplugged.

I spoke with Matthias Jabs about MTV Unplugged and got an update on the band’s current activities. We also discussed the 30th anniversary of the band’s monumental album, “Love At First Sting”.

What made the band decide to undertake an unplugged project?

It was something that we had never done before and something that we had missed out on in the 80’s because we were so busy. Now that we had the time, we went to Stockholm and worked with Swedish producers. They’re also great musicians and ended up being on stage with us.

How was it arranging the songs into an acoustic format?

In some ways it was easy, but for some of the songs that everybody knows it presented a much greater challenge. We also chose some songs that we had never performed live before. We really wanted to make it special for the fans with the acoustic guitars and classical orchestra. The end result is quite good. It’s interesting and different, especially with all of the guest musicians.

Did you find it more challenging performing songs this way?

Playing in an acoustic setting is very unforgiving and the arrangements were done in such a way that you couldn’t just pick up one guitar and play the entire set. There were many different tunings and capos that we used. And the deeper we got into the project, the more instruments and tunings would come out. We ended up adding piano, mandolin, accordion and even a harp. We also had close to 56 acoustic guitars on stage with us!

Why did you choose this particular venue?

MTV originally wanted to release the album in the late fall before Christmas. Summer is always vacation time in Europe so to be outside in September, we decided to go to Greece. They have the best climate and great audiences. The temperature was so perfect you didn’t even have to think about it. The amphitheater actually sits on top of the highest mountain in Athens. From the top, you can look down at the city and see the millions of lights below. it’s almost like looking down into Los Angeles from the Hollywood Hills. It’s a stunning view.

Is the band planning any U.S. tour dates this year?

Yes, we’re working on playing some U.S. shows maybe in late summer.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of “Love At First Sting”. When you think about that album, what comes to mind?

We knew we had something special. Even though “Blackout” was very successful and our first major success as a headliner in the U.S., “Love At First Sting” topped it. Songs like “Rock You Like A Hurricane” and “Still Loving You”, which became a big hit in Europe. “Big City Nights” was another song that was played on the radio a lot. There are so many good songs on the album that made it so strong. I remember it was a bit hectic recording and we almost missed the deadline, but once we heard the first mixes we had a very good feeling about it.

How did Rudolf come up with the riff for “Rock You Like A Hurricane”?

Rudolf and I were actually talking about it before hand. I had told him to try to find riffs that used pauses and accents. Not ones that just play continuously through all the time. So we talked about it, and that’s when he came up with that riff. At the time, I remember being more concerned about writing the lead guitar intro for it, which was something I had already done for “No One Like You”.

What was the process like for building the intro?

The rule was find a riff, then put a melody on top and then play it in harmony. I still remember the first time I played it for the producers and band when we were in the studio. I played the first line and then the harmony part and everyone went, “OH, YES! HERE COMES THE SUN!” [laughs]. We knew we had something great. I felt the exact same way with “No One Like You”. It instantly sounds like a hit, even when you hear it for the very first time.

In the 80’s, new bands like Def Leppard, Iron Maiden and Bon Jovi supported Scorpions before making a name for themselves. What was your criteria for choosing them?

Good songs are what made the difference. All of the bands you mentioned that supported us, starting with Def Leppard in 1980, Iron Maiden in ’82 and Bon Jovi in ’84 all became huge, but we chose them because we liked their song material and attitudes. That’s what was the deciding point.

What can you tell us about the band’s new album of unreleased 80’s material?

While we were digging into the archives we found a lot of unfinished songs that we didn’t use for various reasons. Mostly material from the Blackout and Love at First Sting era, which was our most creative time. We now have 12 basic tracks down that we’ll finish recording sometime this summer and maybe even include a few new songs as well. The ideas are from then, but the album’s from now. We’re hoping to release it next year.

Matthias Jabs
Matthias Jabs

What are some of the biggest highlights of your career?

The US Festival in 1983 was amazing because it was so unexpected. All of a sudden, we were coming out of the studio to play in front of 300,000 people. Then there was Rock in Rio in ’85, the Moscow Music Peace Festival, Monsters of Rock in ’89 with Van-Halen and Metallica. There are so many highlights, it’s hard to find a dull moment. But I think the biggest highlight is that we’re all still together and are still friends after creating this great career. We’re still having fun making music both in the studio and playing live. That’s the real highlight.

In retrospect, do you think that “Sting In The Tail” and The Farewell Tour might have been a bit premature?

The original idea was that this was going to be the last studio recording. For the last 35 years we’ve been recording an album, going on the road for 2 1/2 years, coming back home, recording an album…. It’s become routine, but we never wanted to stop making music. We just wanted to scale it down a bit. We also said that we’d be open for special projects, like MTV Unplugged and digging down for older, unreleased material. Those are things we don’t do everyday. The fans love it, and that’s reason enough to do it.

For more on Scorpions, check out their official website by Clicking Here!

Interview, Movies and TV

Actress Jenna Stone Discusses ‘SHATTERED’ Kickstarter Campaign

JennaStone

“A divided young man must fight for life and love in his estranged, nightmare-like reality.”

Writer Ian Brightman has put much of his own life experience into “Shattered”, a short film/passion project with a script that’s taken him nearly three years to complete. Starring Hunter Garner and Jenna Stone, “Shattered” is a film that will make you rethink your entire life and realize that sometimes no one can help you, except you.

Brightman has recently started a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the project and bring the film to the big screen. Backers of the film will have the option of several “rewards” to choose from as a way of saying thanks for their generous support. From a private link to screen the film to producer credit and even the opportunity to appear in the film itself, everyone that takes part in the project will be recognized for their contribution.

In typical film projects, everything is panned out and you go in and do your job, but the cool thing about Kickstarter is that everyone becomes more personally involved in the film’s success by actually making it happen and getting the word out.

Shattered tells the story of Asher (Garner), a young man who finds out that no matter how hard he pushes, he can’t seem to help himself. He finds this out every time he sleeps when his dreams emotionally scar him with images of his ex, Aria (Stone). His nightmares also mentally torture him with the vision of dying at the hands of Gabriel, a physically identical young man. In reality, Asher attempts to solve his issues with Aria along with what may be causing his nightmares.

Shattered

Actress Jenna Stone is no stranger to the suspense thriller, having played the lead role of Ali in the horror film “A Haunting In Salem” as well as a strong supporting role alongside Charlie O’Connell and Marie Bollinger in “Huff”. For Stone, it’s not only about creating an experience for the audience, but also about releasing emotion and that moment of truth.

I spoke with Stone about her role in Shattered and more in this exclusive interview.

How did you get involved in this project?

It was a passion project that was written by a friend of a friend. When they started talking about it, they asked me if I’d  be interested in one of the roles and after I read the script was immediately on board. It’s a short film about two guys battling inner demons and given the choice of love or fighting for yourself. It’s going to be very visually appealing. You really get to see the extreme sides of the characters on many different levels. 

How would describe the story of Shattered?

It’s about twins and takes place in dreams, which is another one of the reasons I really liked it. I’ve always been interested in how people dream and how the subconscious works. The story itself takes place in the mind and becomes an inner battle between life and death. There’s a blurred reality and at times you’re not really sure what’s real and what’s not. That’s what makes it scary. It fits into the psychological suspense thriller category in that it makes you think a lot.

Tell me a little about your character, Aria.

Aria has good intentions. She’s a sweet girl who’s going through life confused and not knowing what she wants in a relationship. She knows that it would be logical to not be together, but it’s too hard emotionally.

Are there any other projects your working on?

I’m working on another film called “Jack & Cocaine”. I play “Cocaine”, a LA prostitute who meets a guy named Jack in the same field of business. Her mother died when she was a teenager and was also a prostitute and drug addict. She didn’t set a very good example and that’s why Cocaine got involved in the work that she did. She ends up seeing a psychic who helps her talk to he mom and the journey ends up being about trying to find her father. It’s a self growth, love conquers all type of film and I’m very excited about that one too!

For more information on “Shattered” and the Kickstarter Campaign, Click Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Sound Theories: Steve Vai Discusses His Inaugural Vai Academy Song Evolution Camp

vaiHave you ever wanted to learn the nuances of songwriting and the music business from one of greatest guitarists of all time?

Look no further than the inaugural Vai Academy Song Evolution Camp, which takes place June 23 to 27 in Saratoga Springs, New York.

And yes, that’s Vai as in Steve Vai, the virtuoso guitarist, composer and producer. The camp is billed as the entire manual for being an independent musician — condensed into three days of classes.

The focus of the camp will be the evolution of a song. Attendees will learn how a song gets written, recorded, mixed, mastered, distributed and marketed. Camp admission includes lodging, meals, classes, live performances and jam sessions. Attendees who sign up by March 31 will receive a free Ibanez RG guitar, courtesy of Hoshino.

Guitar World recently spoke to Vai about his Song Evolution Camp. We also discussed his early practice regimen and what he considers to be the highlight of his career.

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Read my Guitar World interview with Steve Vai by Clicking Here!

Interview, Movies and TV

Actor Armando Riesco Discusses New Film, Adult World
Armando Riesco (Photo: Nina Duncan)
Armando Riesco (Photo: Nina Duncan)

Versatile actor Armando Riesco, whose already achieved critical acclaim for his work in both film and television recently took on one of his most challenging roles yet in the Scott Coffey directed film “Adult World.”

Adult World stars Emma Roberts as a recent college graduate who believes she’s destined for greatness but instead winds up working in an adult book store. While there, she meets one of her favorite poets and becomes his assistant at Syracuse University. Riesco plays the role of Rubia, a transgender who takes Robert’s character under his wing and helps her transition to life in the real world. Originally premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in April of 2013, Adult World also stars John Cusack and Cloris Leachman.

Riesco’s acting prowess is not limited to just film, but also to the theater world as well. He’ll soon be reprising his role as troubled Iraq war veteran Elliot Ortiz in “The Happiest Songs Play Last”, the final installment in a trilogy by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes at Second Stage in New York City. Riesco has previously portrayed the real life veteran twice before in “A Soldier’s Fugue” and “Water by the Spoonful.”

I had the pleasure of speaking with Riesco about Adult World and his other upcoming project.

Tell me how your role in Adult World came about?

It was a bit strange because I generally don’t get auditions for transgender characters [laughs]. In fact, when I first got the call about it, I passed on it immediately. At the time, I figured “This is crazy! There’s no way I’m right for this!” I remember I went home that night and told my wife about it and then later to my very conservative, Cuban, republican father and they both told me that I should should go for it! It was a huge challenge and something that I wanted to get right. I didn’t want it to come off as a caricature. It had to be real.

Did you have to do a lot of research prior to filming?

Absolutely. That’s my favorite part about acting. Immersing myself in whatever world the character is in. It takes me outside of my cocoon and lets me switch into overdrive. It was fun to think about what it would be like being a transgender living alone in an apartment in Syracuse and making a living through “nefarious” means [laughs]. It was a fun character to work with.

What’s the story of Adult World and how does your character fits into it?

Emma Roberts’ character (Amy) is a recent graduate who can’t find work and takes a job at a porn shop. She then ends up moving in with my character Rubia, who also works in the porn shop as well. I function as sort of a fairy godmother to Amy and lead her into becoming an adult.

What was the filming process like?

I’ve never had so much fun. Scott Coffey (Director) trusted me with the character and it was a responsibility that I gladly took on. It was so playful and there was a lot of improvisation involved. It really gave me the opportunity to take chances and see what would happen. As a result, we got a lot of great stuff that made it into the movie.

What was it like working with a cast that included Emma Roberts and Cloris Leachman?

Emma is lovely and was super-fun to be around. I think the relationship we got to develop together both on and off-screen really shows up in the film. And I loved working with a veteran actress like Cloris Leachman. You can tell that she really understands that life is bigger than just a movie. Her performance is so uninhibited and loose. It’s exactly what you want to see on camera.

What made you decide to be an actor?

There were several things, but one of them was seeing the movie “Shadowlands”, a story about the life of C.S Lewis. I saw that movie and then I saw it again, and again, and again. I thought the entire project was connected to a higher power in a way that made me want to be a part of. It was almost like a religious experience. It really inspired me to pursue the feeling of making people connect with life in a way that’s a little bit deeper than what they’re normally accustomed to.

What other projects are you working on?

I’m working on the last part of a trilogy of plays in New York. It’s been an amazing ride. The second play won the Pulitzer prize; the first one was nominated for one and now we’re on to the last one. I play an marine veteran who comes back from Iraq and has to deal with PTSD and getting back into the civilian world.

What advice can you pass along to other aspiring actors?

Acting is an endless process. There are always new things to learn and the moment you stop learning is the moment you should quit. In a way, it’s almost like the way muscle confusion is when you work out. You constantly have to be on your toes and try new things. Remain excited about acting and life in general. You have to be curious and if you are, you’ll have that spark that hopefully you can pass on.

Adult World comes to theaters and VOD February 14th.
For more on Armando Riesco, Check out his Facebook page by Clicking Here!

1980's, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Metal Method’s Doug Marks Talks “Speed and Accuracy for Lead Guitar”

DougMarksSince its beginnings in 1982, Doug Marks’ Metal Method has become one of the most successful rock guitar courses of all time.

What started out as a supplement to help him achieve his own dreams of rock stardom, Marks’ lessons have taught guitarists everything from fundamental shapes and barre chords to improvising leads and writing songs.

From his early days of snail-mail cassette tapes and booklets to today’s digital downloads, Marks continues to inspire and make thousands of guitarists better players.

I recently caught up with Marks, who told me about “Speed and Accuracy for Lead Guitar,” his first new lesson in years. In the program, Marks uses his easy-going teaching style to present rapid-fire three-note-per-string patterns that increase essential skills. Marks also discussed his Hawk project from 1985, which was associated with some very familiar musicians.

GUITAR WORLD: What prompted this new program?

Last year, I started giving Skype guitar lessons. It was the first time I had given actual private lessons since I put together Metal Method. As I watched students work through the course, I was able to see first-hand one of the biggest struggles most students face: lack of precision due to a lack of focus. It was working with students through Skype that really inspired me to get to work on something new.

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You can read my complete Guitar World interview with Doug Marks and see a demo for “Speed and Accuracy” by Clicking Here!

Interview, Movies and TV

True Beauty: Model And Actress Denise Bidot Discusses Career

DeniseBidot2Model and actress Denise Bidot is turning heads and making statements, not only for her beauty but also for her radiant charm. The international Plus Sized Model and mom has traveled the world, working with many of the industry’s top clients such as Macys, Old Navy, Lane Bryant and Forever 21.

Bidot also stars on Nuvo Tv’s hit show “Curvy Girls”, which provides an all-access pass inside the glamorous world of professional modeling. The show has garnered a huge following of fans since its debut, receiving praise for highlighting a different side of the modeling world and for encouraging women to embrace their bodies no matter what shape or size.

Much like the show, Bidot’s own story is one of inspiration and letting nothing stand in the way of success. I spoke with her about how she got her start, what a typical day is like in the life of a model and how true beauty really does come from within.

How did you get your start in modeling?

I was one of those kids growing up who was always enamored by the whole aspect of entertainment and all of the glitz and glamor associated with it. I knew what I wanted to do early on so I started taking acting classes. When I was 18, I decided to move to LA and started going to auditions. I remember everyone I met kept telling me that I had a lot of charisma and that I was so much of a “leading lady” person, but my body type was something that wasn’t quite what they were looking for.

Seeing that it was an industry that I wanted to be in, my mom convinced me to go back to school for makeup and I eventually started doing freelance work for a plus sized model for a photo shoot. That was when a photographer asked me if I’d be interested in modeling for her as well. I had never done anything like that before but the next thing you know, I’m shooting pictures with her and before long started getting calls for work. It was really one of those right place at the right time type of stories. It’s been an amazing journey of self discovery and a dream come true.

What are some of the things you’ve learned about being a Plus Sized Model?

I think there’s something to be said about what’s lacking in fashion and for me, it’s great to be a part of something that’s at the forefront of change. It’s really all about embracing every woman and the diversity of her shape, ethnicity and age. Of course, I would prefer to just be called “model”, but it’s the technicality of it right now with fashion. Hopefully it will eventually be dropped but right now it’s cool to be involved with fashion in a way that people don’t necessarily expect.

What’s a typical photo shoot like?

A lot of people think it’s all glitz and glamor but there’s really a lot of work and travel involved as well. We’ll usually get up in the morning and have our hair and makeup done (the fun part), but over the course of the day there may be as many as 20 or 30 different changes. It’s a definite workout for ten hours, but as a woman it’s the best job in the world. You get to play dress-up and feel amazingly empowered.

Who are some of the people who inspire you?

There are a lot of women who inspire me. I’m a big fan of Jennifer Lopez. As a Latino woman, it’s remarkable what she’s achieved. I admire her for her production work, music and film. She’s been able to grasp the whole realm of the industry. I also love Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba and Sophia Vergara. Women who’ve learned not only to love themselves but have also inspired others to love themselves as well.

DeniseBidot3What does your daughter think about your career?

My daughter is a princess and thinks that what I do is so cool. But she also sees first hand that you have to really work hard for what you want. That nothing is impossible and real beauty can come in many different ways. It’s a great journey and I’m so thankful to be able to share it with her.

What advice can you give to women who are self conscious about themselves or think they’re never “good enough”?

First, you need to stop thinking that you’re not perfect. Sometimes the media tries to make people believe that there is that “perfect” woman but the truth is, there isn’t. You need to be happy with who you are; with none of the make-up, hair extensions or fancy clothes. It’s about the woman inside. Every woman has her own specialness and nothing is impossible. I like to say, “There’s no wrong way to be a woman.” But don’t just say it. Believe it!

Do you have other interests outside of modeling?

I love art, movies, painting and playing in the park with my daughter. There’s so much beauty and things that can be done in the world. I’m still growing as a woman and learning about who I am.

For more info on Curvy Girls Click Here

Click Here For Denise Bidot’s Official Website

Interview, Movies and TV

Actor Tyler Alvarez Discusses New Show, ‘Every Witch Way’

TylerAlvarezActor Tyler Alvarez is stealing tween hearts on the new Nickelodeon series, Every Witch Way.

Based on a successful, award-winning Latin American series, Every Witch Way tells the story of a girl named Emma who moves to a new town and discovers she’s a witch with magical powers. Tyler stars as Diego Rueda, a mysterious teenager on his own journey of self-discovery, complete with his own set of special super powers.

Diego is a “Churi Kanay” or “The Son of Fire”, which means he has the power to control the elements. Figuring out how to make use of his new-found abilities while trying to fit in is what makes Tyler’s character so interesting and compelling. Every Witch Way may be a show about witches, rivalry and magic, but it’s also one about the true power of friendship and love.

In real life, Tyler is a normal everyday sixteen year old who enjoys hanging with friends, going to concerts and tearing it up on Xbox One. I spoke to him about his role on Every Witch Way as well as what a typical day is like on the set and why he decided to make a career out of acting.

How would you describe Every Witch Way to someone who may not know about it?

It’s a show about friendship, love and a lot of magic gone wrong. That’s where a lot of the comedy comes from. It’s completely different from anything anyone has ever seen before in a kid’s television show.

What attracted you to the role of Diego Rueda?

I thought it would be fun to play a role where magic’s involved. Growing up, I always wanted to be one of those kids who could fly or have super powers and in this show, I have them. 

Was there something “magical” about how you landed the role?

I actually wound up booking the show on the same day the Mayans said the world was supposed to end [December 21st, 2012]. So there was a time where I was like, “Oh great, I’m going to book this job and then I’m going to die!” [laughs].

What can you tell me about Diego?

Diego is a Kanay and the Son of Fire. He’s the only boy on the show that can control the elements like fire, wind and ice. He just recently discovered that he has powers and is still learning how to use and control them. A lot of the time, it spirals out of control and actually endangers his friends and things go wrong. He’s funny and sarcastic. Unlike me, he’s also a clean freak. If he had a room, it would be completely neat and tidy, whereas my room right now looks like a war zone! [laughs].

What’s a typical day like on the set?

It depends on the day’s schedule. Usually, I’ll get there and we’ll have school for a few hours and then go straight to hair and makeup. Then we’ll run the lines a few times and finally, we’ll shoot. It’s very fast. On other sets you might have rehearsals and table reads, but we have none of that. It’s more soap-opera format.

Are there any differences between set school and regular school?

Absolutely. Number one is that there’s access to Kraft Services 24/7. So I’m usually eating my face off whenever I’m in school [laughs]. Another thing is that I’m allowed to have my phone, which I’m not allowed to have in regular school. But the thing I really love about set school is that I’m able to learn so much better because of the private one on one.

What’s the chemistry like with your cast mates?

The chemistry is great. We’re all really close and are like one big family. We all see each other six days a week and hang out together.

What do you like to do when you’re not acting?

I love going to comedy clubs, concerts and movies. Just doing random things with friends and being a regular teenager. Sometimes I love to get away from the entertainment industry and acting because I like to be grounded and remember just who I am.

What sparked your desire to make a career out of acting?

I’ve always liked to entertain people and make them laugh. When I was younger, my mom signed me up for an acting class and I remember it was so much fun that I knew right then that I had to continue on and make a career out of it. I really believe that if you love what you do, you’ll never have to actually “work” a day in your life.

For more on Tyler Alvarez and Every Witch Way Click Here!

Interview, Movies and TV, Music

Dance of Life: Amy Weber Talks New Single and The Power Of Music

AmyWeber-DanceOfLifeSinger, model and actress Amy Weber’s new single, “Dance of Life” is more than just a passionately inspired track. The duet with Sean Kingston is a selfless escape from the worries of the world. Weber’s infectious vocal prowess combined with Kingston’s inventive effects produces a hypnotic sound and groove that’s refreshingly honest.

“Dance of Life” isn’t the beautiful brunette’s first foray into the musical arena. Weber’s previous single, “Let it Rain” [released in 2012] shot up to #6 on the U.K Music Week Chart as well as landing her on the Billboard Top 40.

Country music fans may also remember Weber as the “Whiskey Girl” from singer Toby Keith’s video of the same name from 2004. A video where she not only got to showcase her beauty, but also her real life welding ability.

Weber’s own story is one of true inspiration. Overcoming a troubled childhood as well as bouts with cancer; she’s become one of the most sought after entertainers in the industry today. With plans well underway for more music as well as a national tour this year, her star will only continue to shine.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Weber about the new single as well as her inspirational life and her Whiskey Girl days.

How did this single and collaboration with Sean Kingston come about?

I had a few tracks that hadn’t been released and a wish list of people who I wanted to work with. Sean, of course was one of them. I remember I was working on a different shoot and mentioned my short list to a few of the people who were there. That’s when they said “Oh, we know Sean!” and wound up introducing us. It’s crazy the way things work out. I thought we already had a great song, but when Sean came on he gave it a new vibe and took it to a whole new level.

What was the writing process like?

I co-wrote it with the Jackie Boyz, who won a Grammy with Madonna’s song, “Revolver”. We have this great synergy whenever we write together. First, they’ll come up with a line, then I’ll come back with the next two lines. We’ll go back and forth bouncing ideas off of each other and literally within two hours we’ll have an entire track written. Then after a few more hours, one that’s recorded and ready to be mixed.

Is there a meaning behind your songs?

For me, everything that I do is really purposeful in my life. Whether it’s as an actress, recording or producing a movie, there always has to be something that I leave with someone. As far as music goes, I’m really big with escapism. We’re all so buried underneath the issues and drama of life that I’m always looking for ways to help people escape. Even if it’s just for those three or four minutes of a song. You can really get lost in the moment and forget where your troubles are.

What was it like filming the video for the song?

I remember it was one of those really cold, blustery nights and we were on top of this super tall skyscraper downtown on a stage. It was amazing.

Do you have plans to tour this year?

My heart and soul is into making music and performing live so touring is definitely on my list. I already have a few shows coming up and The Jackie Boyz and I are looking into putting a mini-tour together. 

Back in 2004 you were the “Whiskey Girl” in Toby Keith’s video. What can you tell me about that experience?

We filmed that in Nashville and it was an awesome experience. Toby actually wrote that entire video because he wanted more of a story instead of it just being him on camera the entire time. One of the cool things about it was that I already knew how to weld for real. I remember standing there watching the crew struggle, trying to figure out how to get the welding machine going. Finally I said, “Here, just give it me!” [laughs].

Did you always want to be involved in music?

I knew early on. I had an incredibly tough upbringing and was able to escape through music. I like to say that music literally saved my life.

How so?

As a child, just being able to escape into a different world really helped me. Then later on in life, I ended up getting cancer. With being that sick and having to go through chemotherapy treatments by myself, I don’t know what I would have done without music. It was my savior.

Do you have any advice you can offer to those who may want to pursue a career in entertainment?

Be passionate. If you have passion inside of you, the drive to succeed is naturally going to come. Also, make sure you’re pursuing it for the right reasons. Otherwise, you’re going to burn out quickly. That really goes for anything you do in life.

What other projects are you working on?

I have a TV show that I created called “Good Samaritans”. It’s a feel-good, hidden camera show. There’s a company that I’ve partnered up with and we’re hoping to find a home in 2014. The show puts people in circumstances to see if they’re going to help others. Unlike other shows, it’s not so much about morality, but more about humanity. In this show, you really have to go out of your way to help somebody, and it’s all captured on hidden camera.

AmyWeber

Your story is so inspirational. Have you ever given thought to writing a book about your life?

I’ve been thinking about it. I recently opened up for the first time about my cancer on The Doctors. I wanted it to be in a forum where I can help people by opening up about the struggles that I’ve faced in my life. We’re all here for a reason, and I certainly can’t imagine going through everything that I’ve been through and not sharing it. I’m still on my feet, and hope that my experiences can guide others and let them know that if I can get through it, they can get through it too.

For more on Amy Weber be sure to check out her official website by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Til Death Do Us Part: Tony West Discusses Life, Death and Blacklist Union

Blacklist Union’s Tony West has seen more than his share of tragedy over the course of his lifetime. After an abusive childhood and a move to Hollywood at age 13, West had to overcome personal adversity, drug abuse and much more in order to rise to the top.

Tony WestThrough luck and hard work, West managed to make a career out of music. Although his is a true story of rock and roll in the streets, it’s an upbringing he certainly wouldn’t recommend to anyone else.

Blacklist Union’s most recent album, 2012’s Til Death Do Us Part, continues West’s trend of honest, high-energy rock. With its guest appearances by Wayne Swinny (Saliva) and Jon E. Love (Love/Hate), the album’s killer riffs, combined with West’s thought-provoking lyrics, create a powerful wall of emotion.

West dedicated the album to former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr, who died in 2011. As a result, Til Death Do Us Part becomes more than just a tribute to one of his longtime friends; it’s therapeutic art and a constant reminder that life is fragile.

I spoke with West about Til Death Do Us Part, his own life and what’s next for Blacklist Union.

GUITAR WORLD: What’s the process like when it comes to writing a Blacklist Union album?

There’s really no set in stone process. We’ve written songs together as a band in rehearsal, and sometimes I’ll get music handed to me and I’ll write something to it. Then there are times where I’ll just sit down with a guitar player and write out the record. There’s no one set way of doing things.

gw_logoRead the rest of my Guitar World interview with Tony West by Clicking Here!

Games, Interview, Movies and TV

Actress Michal Sinnott Discusses Her Role In Grand Theft Auto 5
Michal Sinnott (Photo credit: Braden Moran)
Michal Sinnott (Photo credit: Braden Moran)

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many different actors, authors and artists about their current and upcoming projects, but perhaps none of them has been cooler or more unique than actress Michal Sinnott. Let’s face it; it’s not every day you get the opportunity to talk to someone who’s played a role in what’s poised to become the best-selling video game of all time.

It was recently revealed that Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 5 broke seven Guinness world records, including the highest revenue generated by an entertainment product in 24 hours.

Michal’s role of Tracey De Santa in GTA 5 is truly one of a kind. It’s acting, but not something you’d see in a typical film or theatrical role. Michal actually describes the experience as a hybrid combination of the two. Working exactly like the actors in Avatar, each was rigged up to get their performances captured in 3-D and then have those recorded images digitally transferred into the game world.

In my interview with Michal, we discuss her role in GTA 5 as well as how she got her start and the projects she’s currently working on.

What attracted you to such a unique project?

It was Rockstar so I knew that it would be a quality project. It was a cool opportunity that turned out to be an amazing experience. Way more that I had anticipated.

Were you presented with an actual storyline or script – like one you’d get for a film?

Not exactly. They really tried to tell you as little about it as possible [laughs]. I knew it was a character, but I was only getting my material and not the whole picture. They really wanted to have everyone focus on their own part. There are thousands of pages of dialogue in this game and it takes hundreds of hours to complete, not to mention that there were so many people involved in working on the project. If you watch the credits, it takes about twenty minutes to go through them. It’s a massive amount of information. But once you know the character and know the world, you can focus on doing the best job possible. Then it all magically comes together.

How do you prepare for a project like this?

The research I had done on Grand Theft Auto couldn’t really prepare me for it. The cool thing about the series is that it’s always different with new characters and new worlds. My character, Tracey may not be the most complicated person in the world, but there’s a larger than life quality to her. She wants to be a celebrity but doesn’t have any talent. She’s one of those people who’s really focused on having everyone look at her. She’s got really big needs and thinks everything is so tragic. Tragic in a sense that she can’t find the right color nail polish [laughs]. The fun of it was being able to take it on fully and have those extreme emotions over something so petty and small. In reality, that kind of behavior could lead to an awful life, or at least alienate you from your friends. It was cool to go and explore and then still be able to walk away unscathed.

What was the filming process like?

We would usually shoot for a three-week period and then take a few months off. Then we’d start up again. The entire process took somewhere in the realm of three years to complete. Along the way, I would always be given clues about who Tracey is. I remember that every time I would come back for another shoot I’d get the script of new material and say “Oh cool! This is who this person is!” 

GTA5

How would you describe performance capture as it relates to typical acting mediums?

I think it lies somewhere in between the realms of film and theater. You wear the balls [the same technology that was used in Avatar] and you have a camera recording your facial gestures. The balls help process the movement so that they can be transformed into a 3D image of you. Your movements also have to be larger than life, so there has to be a sense of theatricality to it. When you’re angry, you really have to stomp! It’s almost like you’re a cartoon character. You also film on a sound stage and don’t really have a backdrop when you’re shooting. It’s acting without any stimulus. So you have to learn to fill that void with your imagination. To see that world and realize what all the technical people did to fill that world is amazing.

When did you realize you really wanted to pursue acting?

I went to a performing arts high school and had written a play that ended up winning a festival and I got to go to a playwright conference. Just being on the other side and having my work not be so personal really opened me up to how magical it is to really live out your dreams and pursue what you want. I remember being out in the audience watching this play and realized in that moment that I couldn’t deny myself this life. After that, I never looked back. I majored in theater in college, moved to New York and went full throttle. I’ve been at it ever since.

What other projects are you working on?

I’m an associate producer on a biopic about Rick James that I’ll also have a role in as well. Right now, we’re in talks with a production company and it’s coming along really well. It’s been exciting to get the opportunity to wear a lot of different hats and work the other side. It feeds your understanding of the business.

I also like to blog. It’s something that I started doing as a way to share with my friends, family and other actors the inner workings of what it’s like to be an actor growing on her path. It’s funny, quirky and a little bit spiritual.

For more info on Michal Sinnott be sure to check out her website by Clicking Here!