Category: Interview

1980's, A Conversation With, Interview

Making A Difference: A Conversation with Felice Schachter

Felice Schachter is making a difference.

Most of us remember her as the wholesome brunette Nancy Olsen from the first season of Facts of Life. I personally remember her as Bernadette from the movie “Zapped!” where she played the class president and was the only one who wanted Scott Baio’s character Barney to use his newly acquired power of telekinesis for the good of mankind.

In an environment where nerdy science student Barney (Scott Baio) and rich jock Peyton (Willie Aames) promote recreational drug use and freely drink alcohol on school grounds, Felice’s character was the voice of reason – even telling Barney not to use his new-found ability to cheat at gambling!

In addition to the ridiculous antics, we as viewers also get to see the seed planted for what will become Felice’s future in real life.

In one of the later scenes, Felice’s character is shown setting up for the high school prom while wearing a Brown University sweatshirt. Normally, a movie about high school students wearing a college sweatshirt might not be all that big of a deal. But in this case it means much more. Felice had already committed herself to take a break from acting and pursue college and asked producers to wear this particular shirt for the scene. Wearing the shirt made a statement about where her life was going.

Today, Felice is making a difference in the lives of children by teaching those with special needs and helping them reach their fullest potential.

It was a pleasure for me to speak with Felice and find out what she’s been up since the “Facts of Life” days and “Zapped!”

gJg: I guess the first big questions are: How are you and what are you doing now?

Felice Schachter (FS): I’m doing really well! I’m a special education teacher working with children from 2 to 10 years old.

My job now is to work with children with special needs, especially children with autism. I use ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) to help these children learn social and language skills. I also work with the typical population, teaching them skills that raise their IQ’s, enabling them to gain acceptance into the elite private schools of New York City.

gJg: What’s a typical day like for you?

FS: As a single mother, a typical day for me includes getting my son ready for school and myself ready for work at the same time in the morning. After dropping him at school I see my students, either in their homes or at mine.

gJg: So this isn’t a typical classroom setting?

FS: No, not at all. The teaching is actually done one on one.  I go to my student’s homes, and in certain cases I may even go to their school with them.

Here’s an example: If a child I’m working with has autism, I might go to their home to do ABA (Behavior Therapy) or, if a child is high-functioning and in a school, I’ll go with them to that school to make sure they’re using appropriate behavior, language and social skills.  I support them in participating in class, finishing tasks, being flexible, etc.

To sum it up, I am an independent contractor who does early intervention and SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher) work, using ABA. I balance my day by tutoring typical kids.

gJg: That is a busy schedule!

FS: It really is, but I love what I do. I’m also fortunate because I get to work around my son’s schedule. My day is usually done when he’s done. I’ll pick him up, make dinner, help him with his homework and get ready to do the whole thing all over again the next day.

gJg: How long have you been doing this for?

FS: I’ve been doing this for about eight years now. Prior to that, I worked in film and television production.

gJg: What does a job in Film/TV production usually entail?

FS: I was a production coordinator, which meant that I coordinated everything to make the production run smoothly. I made sure the actual film is ordered, all of the actors have their scripts, pretty much everything you could think of from A-Z. Basically, I was responsible for everyone having what they needed to do their job.

gJg: I want to ask you about some of your earlier roles.

FS:  Sure!

gJg: How did you get your start with “The Facts of Life”?

FS: “The Facts of Life” actually started out as an episode on “Diff’rent Strokes”. That episode was a pilot and from there it went on to become its own series.

gJg: There was a rumor that you had actually auditioned for Kimberly on “Diff’rent Strokes”. Was that true?

FS: I not only auditioned but I actually had the part. I did the presentation for NBC but they decided that they wanted someone who was more “wholesome”.  So the role went to Dana Plato.

gJg: Were you originally to have much larger role on “Facts of Life” as well?

FS: Yes, it started out that way but then they minimized it, and ultimately my character was taken off.

gJg: What do you suppose was the reason for that?

FS: I think it was because there were too many girls and it became a bit too confusing. They decided to go with just four strong characters. I was supposed to return to do recurring appearances, but at that point, I had decided that I wanted to go to college and dropped acting for a while.

gJg: What made you decide to do that?

FS: I think it was when I was supposed to travel to LA to film an episode of “The Waltons” and actually had a psychology test conflict at that same time.

I also began to think about how during high-school I was always missing out on a lot of things because of work. So I made the decision to just concentrate on going to Brown University and then go back to the business once school was over.

gJg: In a scene in “Zapped!” You’re actually wearing a “Brown” University sweatshirt. Was this done on purpose?

FS: Yes! I had asked to wear it because I knew at the time I would be going to Brown. <laughs>

gJg: What was the chemistry like with all the girls that first season of “Facts of Life”?

FS: We had a lot fun together.  We all went to school together.  I remember that we all used to go around the lot on roller skates. Even though Tootie was the one who wore them on the show, we all used to skate around the lot on them.

gJg: One of my favorite “guilty pleasure” movies is “Zapped!”.  I loved how you were the only grounded person. Even when Willie Aames’s character is walking around school with an open can of beer.

FS: You’re right, that’s a good point! I never thought about that. <laughs>

gJg: Was “Zapped!” your first feature movie?

FS: Yes that was the big feature one that I did.

gJg: What did you like most about the script when you read it?

FS: I liked the fact that it was a spoof on the horror films at the time. I thought it was very clever.

gJg: How was it working with the cast?

FS: Everyone was nice. I got along well with everyone. I especially enjoyed being around Scatman (Crothers). He was just so adorable and sweet!

gJg: Any interesting facts from the movie you can share?

FS: A couple of the other actresses who auditioned for the role of Bernadette were Demi Moore & Helen Slater. Quite a few up and coming actresses at the time were also considered.

I remember being told that when they were deciding on the role, one of the executives asked their kid who their favorite person was from all of the old “Tiger Beat” and “Teen Beat” magazines. At the time, I was in those magazines quite a bit, so their kid knew me. That was one of the deciding factors as to why they chose me. <laughs>

I also recall being underage when they were filming the gym scene at the prom (the one where the shirts were popping off). I wasn’t allowed to be on set for that. <laughs>

gJg: Do you have an interesting Scott Baio story?

FS: Here’s a good one:

After the movie was completed we came back a year later to redo the love scene to make it “steamier”. I remember the acting technique I used was to just be “in the moment” and be real.

So when we did the make-out scene I was really making out with him but he just had his mouth opened moving it around. I was sticking my tongue in his mouth but he wasn’t reciprocating and I remember thinking: “Oh my God! He is the worst kisser ever!”  <laughs>

Then years later, I was in an acting class and the teacher was talking about screen kisses. How you just open your mouth, put it on the other and you just move your mouth around. You do NOT put your tongue in the other person’s mouth.

I was SO embarrassed thinking there he was giving me a professional screen kiss and was probably thinking: “What the hell is this girl doing sticking her tongue down my throat?!” <laughs>

gJg: Do you still keep in touch with anyone from the movie?

FS: When I lived in LA I used to run into Scott every so often at whatever clubs were “hot” at the time. <laughs>

I remained friends with Bob Rosenthal (director) for many years. Most of my friends now are in education.

gJg: Do you have any desire to go back to the business again?

FS: No, not really. Like I said before, I love what I’m doing now.

gJg: Do you find that people still recognize you a lot?

FS: Once in a while they do. Sometimes people will come up to me and say: “You look familiar but I’m just not quite sure where I know you from.” <laughs>

gJg: Have you ever given thought to writing a book?

FS: You know, it’s funny you mention that. I’ve had people who have asked me to write. I wouldn’t write about myself but about education and/or parenting.

Right now I’m in the process of designing and developing educational apps for the I-pad to help children with test prep and raising IQ’s.

Article first published as Making A Difference: A Conversation with Felice Schachter on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

Styx and Stone: A Conversation With Actress Jenna Stone
Jenna Stone

Do you remember the old saying about sticks and stones breaking bones? Well in this case it just might be true.

Jenna Stone, in addition to being an amazing actress also possesses some serious martial-arts ability. And it’s something she’ll need to have when she takes on a former “Bachelor”.

Jenna plays the role of Styx, a strong willed sibling in the upcoming movie “HUFF”, a twisted take on the story of the Three Little Pigs. The film stars former “Bachelor” Charlie O’Connell in the title role of a maniacal drug dealer and scream queen Elina Madison as his abused and battered wife Lorelei.

Also appearing are Marie Bollinger and Elly Stefanko as Styx’s sisters Brixi and Shay.

One of the first screenings of the film was to a well receptive audience at The Texas Frightmare Weekend in early May. The event was attended by many of the filmmakers and cast who viewed the completed film for the first time prior to the exclusive premiere this fall.

I had the chance to speak with Jenna and get the scoop on “HUFF” as well as some of the other projects she’s been involved with.

goJimmygo (gJg): Jenna! It’s so great to speak with you! Were you there for the “HUFF” screening at Texas Frightmare Weekend?

Jenna Stone (JS): Yes I was! It was the first horror convention I’ve ever been to and it was a blast. It was a really cool environment! We did a raffle while we were there and were giving away signed posters and scripts. It was exciting!

gJg: What was the reception like for the screening of “HUFF”?

JS: It was awesome! There was a really good turnout and reaction to it. We heard a lot of great feedback!

gJg: What do you like most about the film having now seen it complete for the first time?

JS: I really liked the whole “completeness” of the film. The music, the sound effects, everything. My actual favorite part of the movie is the part where all hell breaks loose! I was so happy with how it turned out!

gJg: How did the role of Styx come about for you?

JS: I was actually called in for the audition. Then during the call back I went in a did a chemistry read with Randy (Blekitas), who plays Woody. That went extremely well.

From there, I went to the table read and I remember at the time being nervous about it because it was such an intense script. But everyone there was just so cool and relaxed. It was a lot of fun!

gJg: Was there anything in particular that attracted you to the role?

JS: I really loved Styx’s attitude. Through all of it she just stands her ground. She has very strong beliefs about what should and should not be done in certain situations. I really like her strength.

Jenna Stone (Far Right) With Marie Bollinger and Elly Stefanko

gJg: What would you say is the premise of “HUFF”?

JS: “HUFF” is a twisted version of a fairy tale based on “The Three Little Pigs” with Charlie (O’Connell) as the Big Bad Wolf and Marie, myself and Elly being Brixi, Styx and Shay: “the three little pigs”. Elina (Madison) plays our Mom, Lorelei.

It starts off very innocently with Charlie and all of us having a family moment reading scripture together but you quickly find out that this is not a normal household.

HUFF is actually a drug dealer and our mother is unaware of the abuse that he has been taking out on his step-daughters.

When she does find out she decides to take his drug money and give it to the girls so they can run off and start new lives.

HUFF of course is not too happy when he finds out about it and so…bloody pursuit ensues! <laughs>

gJg: What was the chemistry like with everyone?

JS: A lot more fun and relaxed than you might think when you watch the intensity of the movie. Everyone was so cool. It was a big family. Like I said, I was really nervous going into the table read but after five minutes I just knew these people were going to be really fun to work with.

Every day was a lot of fun. I remember at one point Meg (Hairell), an associate producer, was telling us all about these obnoxious “animal hats” that she had seen downtown. So we got to talking about them and the next day she shows up with all of these crazy hats that we wore all day. 

Charlie got the wolf one of course! <laughs>

gJg: And now, one of the most important questions: Did you know Charlie was “The Bachelor”?

JS: No I didn’t! <laughs> I never watched any of those shows but we had fun “teasing” him about it once we found out!  <laughs>

A Haunting in Salem

gJg: You were also in another horror film recently called “A Haunting in Salem”. I thought you were terrific in that movie too!

JS: Thank you! That movie was a lot of fun too! I got to channel my inner “Carrie” –  I was covered in so much blood. <laughs>

gJg: What was it like filming that movie?

JS: For me it was a lot of fun. Especially when I went through the “demonic essence” of it. It was also done on a much smaller set and with a smaller cast and crew.

gJg: Courtney Abbiati plays your Mom in that movie. What was it like working with her?

JS: It was cool. I really got along great with Courtney. We were able to get the mother/daughter vibe going early and it really came across well on camera.

gJg: Was the movie filmed in Salem, Massachusetts?

JS: Actually, it was filmed at a house in Pasadena, California. What’s funny is that I actually lived in Pasadena at the time and the house we filmed at was literally a mile away from where I lived. <laughs>

Jenna Stone

gJg: What are some of your own favorite horror movies?

JS: “The Shining” is a great classic. I love that movie.  As far as more recent films go, “The Strangers” is one that I can watch all the time too. It really gets me. I love that one too!

gJg: Did you always want to be an actress while you were growing up?

JS: I don’t remember the exact moment but I remember it was an idea that was always brewing in my head. Then one day when I was about ten I remember going up to my Mom and saying: “You know what? I want to act!” <laughs>

She just stared at me a bit puzzled because at the time I was so quiet and shy. But I took some classes and started doing some work. Eventually a manager came out to scout and encouraged me to come to LA and since then, I’ve never looked back.

gJg: What were some of the early projects you worked on?

JS: I did a few commercials and some music videos which were a lot of fun. I was in videos for The Fray (Heartbeat) and even a metal video for the band “RATT” called “Eat Me Up Alive”! 

I also played the role of Chloe in the Hallmark Movie: “Rock the House”.

gJg: Do you have any hobbies you like to do outside of acting?

JS: I’ve actually just started drawing and painting so I’ve been focusing some time on that. I also love crafts, making jewelry and modifying my wardrobe. <laughs>

gJg: I noticed that you also have some martial arts experience. Tell me, how strong is your “Kung Fu”?

JS: Hmmm, it’s been quite a while but I think I could probably still kick some butt. <laughs>

I did Taekwondo for a couple of years.

gJg: Do you have any projects you’re currently working on?

JS:I just signed on to play the lead in a project called “The Most Important Thing”.  Another project I’m working on is an independent film called “The Edge of Salvation”.

gJg: Tell me a little bit about your role in “The Edge of Salvation”.

JS: I play the role of Peggy, an outgoing girl who’s forced to live with her mother’s abusive boyfriend and later winds up in the hands of Child Services. We’ll be filming the last few weeks of June and I’m really looking forward to it.

Article first published as Styx and Stone: A Conversation With Actress Jenna Stone on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview

A Conversation With Actress Gabrielle Stone
Gabrielle Stone

Gabrielle Stone has acting in her genes.

Her mother is none other than the amazing Dee Wallace (“The Hills Have Eyes”, “E.T”, “Cujo” among many other great films) and her father is the late Christopher Stone who also appeared in a multitude of films and TV shows as well.

2012 will be a breakout year for Gabrielle. She has no less than four film projects scheduled for release and is currently working alongside her legendary Mom in another.

And then there’s the one in which she plays a role she knows very well.

Gabrielle will be portraying herself in the upcoming movie “CUT!”, a story which indirectly pays homage to the classic horror film “The Hills Have Eyes” and co-stars Suze Lanier-Bramlett, another amazing actress who starred alongside Gabrielle’s Mom in the original film.

“CUT!” also features the talents of David Rountree, William McNamara, David Banks and Dahlia Salem.

Here is a quick synopsis of “CUT!” from the film’s website:

Nothing is as it seems as an ex-con and aspirant filmmaker set out to manufacture a horror film by scaring real people; however, when it goes too far and someone actually dies, the pair decide that killing for real on film is the way to make a truly terrifying movie.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gabrielle and discussing “CUT!” as well as some of her other upcoming projects! She also tells me what it was like growing up in an acting family.

goJimmygo (gJg): Gabrielle, it’s so great to speak with you!

Gabrielle Stone (GS): It’s great to speak with you too!

gJg: Tell me a little bit about “CUT!”

GS: “CUT!” was so much fun because I actually got to play myself. David Rountree is such a great director. I loved working with him and everyone else in cast as well.  They’re all fantastic!

gJg: David (Rountree) wears several hats in this movie. He wrote, directed and stars in it as well.

GS:  That’s right! It’s really his “baby”. I haven’t seen any of the final footage myself but from the people I’ve spoken with who have, it’s REALLY good!

gJg: What was it like working with Suze Lanier-Bramlett?

GS: Suze is awesome. She’s so full of life and is absolutely wonderful. We had a great time together. In a way it was kind of like coming full circle because she did the original “The Hills Have Eyes” with my Mom. It was very cool to be on set with her.

gJg: What’s your role in “CUT!”?

GS: Without saying too much to give it away: I play myself and am supposed to be starring in a new movie that Suze is writing and directing. She plays herself as well.

I end up getting into some trouble with David Bank’s character and there are plenty of pretty intense moments!

gJg: Since there are references to “The Hills Have Eyes”,  are there references to your Mom in the movie as well?

GS: Yes. Although my Mom doesn’t appear in the movie they do reference her. At one point it’s even mentioned that I’m “E.T.’s Mom’s kid.” <laughs>

gJg: How was the chemistry with the cast?

GS: It was awesome!  It was actually hard to be mean to each other in character at times because we were laughing and having so much fun with it!

gJg: Your Mom and Dad were both in the industry. What was it like for you growing up in such a great acting environment?

GS: It was fantastic! If my Mom knew she would be gone for more than a week she’d take me on set with her. So I was able to travel all over. I traveled to New Zealand with her when she filmed “The Frighteners” with Peter Jackson and I also got to go to South Africa when she was filming over there. I was really lucky.

gJg: Is that what motivated you to start acting yourself?

GS: I think in a way it did. I grew up around it and had always said that I would do it. But it wasn’t until I was 18 and did my first film where I walked off the set and said: “Oh my God, I don’t ever want to do anything else!” <laughs>

gJg: What’s your favorite movie that your Mom was in?

GS: “Cujo”! After I saw her in that movie I was never worried about being at home alone because I knew my Mom could kick ass with a shotgun! <laughs>

Seriously though, that was such an intense role for her. She was actually treated for exhaustion for three weeks when it was over. I still to this day think she should have gotten an Academy Award for it.

So, on the day that I get mine I will be dedicating it to her. <laughs>

gJg: You also have another movie in post production right now: “869”. What’s the premise of that movie?

GS: “869” was a film I shot last August. It’s kind of like a combination of “Big Brother Reality TV” meets “Paranormal Activity”. There’s definitely a lot of hot girls and a lot of blood. <laughs>

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

GS: My other “day job” that I love is teaching dance. I teach eleven classes a week. I was actually doing this before I started acting.

gJg: What’s your favorite horror movie?

GS: That’s a tough one. Off the top of my head one of the scariest movies I’ve ever seen is “The Strangers” just because it’s so creepy and realistic.

The ones that scare me the most are the ones that I think can actually happen. The ones with ghosts don’t really affect me as much as the ones with psychotic people who want to kill you – those are the ones that really get to me. <laughs>

gJg: Another project you have coming up is “Unhallowed”. Will this be the first time you’ll be acting alongside your Mom?

GS: Actually, no. I did a film with her called “Beyond” that we filmed in Roswell, New Mexico last Summer. That’s also in post production right now.

gJg: What’s “Unhallowed” about?

GS:” Unhallowed” is a psychological thriller but with a religious twist. It’s about a young kid who goes to Peru for a graduation trip, gets into trouble and goes missing.

My character’s husband gets hired to go to the family’s house to do some religious work for them and the intensity ensues from there. It’s a cool, different kind of script and I’m really excited to begin working on it!

Article first published as A Conversation with Actress Gabrielle Stone on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Music

A Conversation With Skye Stevens
Skye Stevens

Set to become the first-ever Armenian pop star, 18-year-old Skye Stevens has dominated the internet with his first-ever music video “Takes All Night”. The catchy “boy meets girl” dance video has become a YouTube hit and so far has raked in over 1 million views.

With his boyish good looks, fresh sound and alluring persona, the singer, dancer and songwriter is gaining attention from pop music lovers everywhere.

I had the chance to speak with Skye as he begins preparations for a club tour that will take him nationwide to cities all across the US.

In this interview Skye discusses his musical journey, what his vision was for the “Takes All Night” video, his plans for touring, pre-show ritual and who he’d like to collaborate with in the future.

goJimmygo: How are you Skye?

Skye Stevens (SS): I’m doing great! It’s good to talk to you!

gJg: Did you ever expect to get this kind of reaction from your very first single?

SS: In my head I’ve always believed every day that good things were going to happen. Then it becomes real. It’s a lot to take in but I’m so appreciative of the fans, the DJs and the radio stations that have all embraced the song. It’s amazing!

gJg: Was music something you’ve been into all of your life?

SS: I started at a very young age. When I was five my Mom enrolled me in all kinds of activities: sports, dancing classes, singing classes. All of the activities parents put their kids into to see what kind of things they tap into.

For me, as soon as I had my first dance class at five it just became a part of me. From that it escalated into singing and then theatrical shows. I really got fascinated with music and recording.

gJg: Who are some of your musical influences?

SS: Growing up, I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. His music was my very first record. I would listen to his music and in my head wonder what it “looked” like.  I remember just being obsessed with videos like “Smooth Criminal”. That really propelled me because I said: “I want to do that!”

Today, artists like Usher and Ne-Yo both influence me. They inspire me. I really respect them.

gJg: “Takes All Night” is your first single. Are there plans for an album?

SS: Definitely! We have more songs but right now we’re focusing on this single. “Takes All Night” is my introduction to the music scene. We started in the clubs and on dance radio. From there, we landed in the Top 20 of the Billboard Dance Chart which is extraordinary!

gJg: Amazing when you consider it’s your debut single!

SS: It really is! We also landed in the Top 5 of several dance radio stations across the country which is big especially when you consider how hard it is for a male to break into the dance market. It’s primarily a female dominated market so as a new act succeeding in a market you’re working against means a lot!

But so many people believed in this record, including one really famous DJ and Remixer I admire a lot: Dave Aude. He’s had over 100 Billboard Dance Chart hits and made my single his “Record of The Week”. For someone of his caliber to do that was very flattering.

gJg: What’s the inspiration for the “Takes All Night” video?

SS: The record is based on a club/electric/dance type setting. For most people you’d imagine the video might be in the club. For me though, I really wanted to take a risk and create something completely different. I wanted to make a short film, a  movie almost. A love story. That’s where the heart of the song is when you really listen.

The video is a love story and I wanted to show that side of me as well. As I mentioned before I’m also very inspired by Michael Jackson and wanted to pay tribute to him in the video.

So when I dance you see the lights following my feet. That’s my take on the Billie Jean music video. It’s my spin on it and tribute to him.

gJg: Do you have plans to tour?

SS: Absolutely. I’m actually trying to get myself together today. I had a late rehearsal last night and we have another one today. We’re working on the show performance, then it’s off for a session with the dancers, then wardrobe. Every hour of the day is 100 mph. I love it!

gJg: Do you have any pre-show rituals you do prior to a performance?

SS: Yes! Even before a rehearsal. I usually get to the stage about 30 minutes beforehand. What I do is change into my stage clothes and then spend about twenty minutes or so listening to a variety of hip hop records. Just to feel the urban sound that’s the undertone for my own music.

I’ll listen to everything from Diddy to Timberland to Lil’ Wayne and Drake and just absorb it all. That and I also have a sugar-free Red Bull to wake up! <laughs>

gJg: Do you have any hobbies when you’re not recording of performing?

SS: If you want a real honest answer, this is my life. I could make something up but this really is everything to me.

gJg: Where do you foresee yourself a few years down the road?

SS: In my mind I know where I’ll be in five years. I think any artist starting out sees that. It’s success. But right now everything is moving so fast and evolving.

Realistically, we worked really hard to create something this unique. It took a lot of time to develop a sound that was different.

Right now we’re preparing to tour in clubs across the country. You start with club shows then radio shows. Then hopefully you open for an artist, then collaborate with an artist. Then you do your own tour. It’s a process. I like to think of it as the “Law of Attraction”.  If you believe in your dream and work hard, it will happen.

gJg: Tell me something not too many people know about you.

SS: My celebrity crush is Kendall Jenner. I think she’s cute! But I feel like if I ever do actually meet her I wouldn’t even know what I would say. <laughs>

gJg: Are there any artists you’d like to collaborate with?

SS: I really admire what Chris Brown is doing right now. I think the sound that we have would blend nicely together. He has an urban pop thing going as well and anything we do together would be explosive.

As far as a rapper goes, I’d love to collaborate with Drake or Lil’ Wayne. I think both of those artists are very driven and know what they want. I can definitely relate to that.

Then there’s Alexandra Stan. She’s a Romanian artist who released an album called “Saxobeats”. I think her sound is so different and so unique. It would be interesting to see what the two of us could create together.

Article first published as A Conversation With Skye Stevens on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Album Reviews, Interview

Lita Ford: Living Like A Runaway

There’s something to be said about royalty. Especially when it comes to music.

Elvis Presley is known as “The King of Rock And Roll”, Michael Jackson is the “King of Pop” and Ozzy Osbourne is considered to be the “Prince of Darkness” in musical circles.

But for metal-heads like me there is only one Queen that we pay homage to:

Lita Ford

Picture this: It’s a hot summer day in June of 1985 and I’m walking downtown to guitar lesson with a black electric guitar strapped over my shoulder.

My guitar case had broken the night before and my parents had no means of getting me to lesson but I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way. So I footed it the two miles to guitar lesson in the searing heat with literally a six string on my back.

With sweat dripping down my face and obnoxious truck drivers honking their horns and poking fun at me all I remember thinking was: “It doesn’t get more rock and roll than this!!” I was a metal head in the making.

For more than the heat, the cat calls or the long walk to lesson the thing that sticks out more than anything else for me that day was listening to the song that blared from my Sony Walkman cassette player. The song that I had spent countless hours listening to over and over and loved. The song that I was now finally about to start learning how to play at lesson that day: “Gotta Let Go” by Lita Ford!

To me, Lita was (and still is) more than just a beautiful woman. She is one of the best rock guitarists ever! So for me to be able to learn some of her guitar licks was a dream come true.

I know Lita must have faced plenty of adversity for being a female guitarist but it never bothered me one bit that she was of the opposite sex. All I knew was, she ROCKED! It was the thick of the metal years and her music was universal. We stood together and I felt a kinship with her.

Back when I was learning how to play guitar I faced my own adversity. There were plenty of times where I was berated by siblings and friends for making them endure the sounds of me practicing the same riff, scale or song countless times until I got it right. Or maybe it was my parents bitching up a storm because I brought the guitar to the dinner table. I imagine Lita went through similar situations while trying to make her mark in what was always considered a “male dominated” instrument.

But Lita persevered and continued to tear down walls with her phenomenal playing and songwriting skills. She became my beacon of light. So much so that a few years later I really brought the metal to school. One of my high school music theory projects was to transpose any song of my choosing into an orchestral piece for jazz band.

I recall the assignment was to rewrite the music from the song and change it into something that could be played for everything from trumpets to saxophones. Guess which song I chose?

“Gotta Let Go” by Lita Ford.

Over the years I’ve been an avid follower of Lita Ford. From the songs “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever” (her duet with Ozzy Osbourne) to the guilty pleasure of “Shot of Poison” her music and guitar work never ceases to amaze. Although that grueling summer of 1985 may be a distant memory to many I’ll never forget the day Lita became the Queen to me.

And now, the Queen has returned with a vengeance.

On June 19th Lita Ford will release her latest album: “Living Like A Runaway” (SPV/Steamhammer). Produced by Lita Ford and Gary Hoey (another amazing guitarist) “Living Like A Runaway” is quite honestly one of the best rock albums of the 21st century.  To me, it simply is Lita’s BEST record to date.

Whereas most albums usually contain one “hit” song buried within eight or nine other tracks of filler, “Living Like A Runaway” is a true album experience from start to finish.

With contributions by lyricist Michael Dan Ehmig, Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) and Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) Lita has brought out some “big guns” for this project.

There’s even a bonus track containing a killer rendition of the Elton John classic: “The Bitch Is Back” which features The Uptown Horns.

Lita and Gary Hoey’s guitar work on this album is genuine and nothing short of bad ass. The record contains enough killer riffs, solos and guitar harmony to make even an army of male metal-heads bow in reverence.

In addition to the killer grooves from songs like “Branded”, “Hate” and “The Devil in My Head” the album also takes you on the musical journey of Lita’s life. From her days carrying her own guitar on her back on the title track to the personal song for her children in “Mother”.

Then there’s my personal favorite, “Relentless”; a song that best sums up the will of Lita to not let anything stand in her way and a message we can all take to heart when the odds are against us.

To support the new record,  Lita will embark on a tour this summer with Def Leppard and Poison as well as doing select headlining shows in between.

I had the honor of holding court with the Queen and discussing the genesis of “Living Like A Runaway”.

In this amazing interview, Lita discusses the long distance songwriting process she and Gary took creating this new music. We’ll also talk about her early years playing guitar, The Runaways, the origin of her big hit with the Prince of Darkness himself and one of the best “rock and roll” stories ever!

Before I begin, you must understand how much this woman’s music has influenced me. So if this interview comes across to you as a bit biased I make no apologies for it. Lita Ford is one of the greatest guitarists (male or female) of all time.

Interestingly, while I was waiting on hold for Lita I had to listen to some really interesting “elevator music” playing in the backgroundwhich started the conversation off nicely:

goJimmygo (gJg): Lita! It’s Jim. How are you?

Lita Ford (LF): Hi! I’m doing great! How are you?

gJg: I’m great too. It’s so awesome to be able to speak with you! WOW!

LF: Same here!

gJg: I was listening to some funky on-hold music while I was waiting for you and all I kept thinking was: “Man, this is the TOTAL opposite of your new record!” <laughs>

LF: I know, isn’t that funny? I don’t know why they put that music on there. <laughs>

gJg: “Living Like A Runaway” is the BEST record I’ve heard in years!

LF: Awesome! Thank you!

gJg: It’s one of those rare records where every track on it is killer. You listen to the first song and it’s great. Then the next song is just as good and so on. The entire album is an experience!

LF: I am so happy about it!

gJg: For me: It’s like the return of Lita… and a punch in the face thrown in for good measure! <laughs>

LF: You know it! <laughs>

gJg: It’s reliving the metal years again. Everything from the riffs, the lyrics, the way you deliver the vocal. My weakness has always been harmony guitar and this album is filled with it.

LF: So cool. Thank you! I miss those days too and am so glad to bring it back! It’s what I think people want. People miss those times and the heavy guitar riffs. They miss what used to be called “Hair Metal”. Hair has nothing to do with how music sounds. People long for the metal years again and this record gives it to them.

gJg: How is everything going?

LF: It’s going great. I’m just getting prepared for this tour.

gJg; How does it feel to being going out on the road with Def Leppard and Poison this summer?

LF: It’s awesome! The record actually comes out the day before the tour starts so it literally is perfect timing. The whole thing is a Godsend. The new record is just so good and now we have this tour on top of it. So we get to give it a good kick in the ass and hopefully people will respond to it!

gJg: You also have some solo headline dates mixed in with that tour as well right?

LF: Yeah, we’ll be filling in some of the days off in between with shows. It will be busy but that’s rock n roll! <laughs>

gJg: What are you looking forward to the most on this tour?

LF: Well, we’re the opener and it’s a tough slot to have. It’s at a time when people are still stuck in traffic getting there. We have a 30 minute set and don’t get to play much so we really have to make a statement in thirty minutes. It’s a challenge but I’m up for it.

Fortunately, we have the headliner shows in between and at those shows we really get to go nuts! I can’t wait! <laughs>

gJg: What’s it like when you walk out on stage and you see a sea of humanity there to see and support you?

LF: It’s the best. I honestly just want to take everyone in my arms and give them all a big hug. But since that isn’t possible instead what I do is throw my fist in the air and say: “YEAH… RIGHT ON!” and get the response that way. It’s just as good as a hug.

The Genesis of “Living Like A Runaway”

gJg: The guitar work on this new album is phenomenal.

LF: Thank you! Gary Hoey and I do the guitars on this record.

gJg: What’s the genesis of this new album and what was your songwriting process like for it?

LF: It all started when Gary called and invited me up to his studio in New Hampshire to record. I thought about it for a while and decided to take him up on the offer.

So I got on a plane, flew up and the very first song we wrote together was “Love 2 Hate U” which was a duet!

I know love’s a sacrifice – no doubt
It’s something we can’t live without
Yeah, I think I’ve worked it out
Why “I Love 2 Hate U”

We came out of that session and on the way home I was thinking: “Wow, this is a really GREAT song! We need to do another one!” So I booked another flight, flew back to Gary’s and we wrote “Branded”.

From that point on we just kept writing together. We didn’t have a record deal at the time so what we did was put together four tracks plus our version of “The Bitch is Back”. Through that we got the deal with SPV; who have been so supportive and wonderful with this project.

So every two weeks or so I’d hop on a plane to Gary’s and we’d hang out, jam and write. If we ever got stuck we would call up our third songwriting partner, Michael Dan Ehmig. His specialty is lyrics. Michael had a broken back at the time and was in some serious pain. So he was laid up writing all of these really deep, deep lyrics. At the time I had just gone through a divorce so I was in a dark place myself. So tie all of that in with Gary’s arrangements and ideas and we were able to come with this brilliant record.

gJg: I noticed that Doug Aldrich contributes to this record as well.

LF: Yes, “Bad Neighborhood” is a song I wrote with Doug Aldrich.

gJg: Doug is amazing. His playing is like a freak of nature!

LF: Doug is awesome! “Bad Neighborhood” was the very last song we wrote for the album and I remember at the time we were in need of some guitar riffs. So I called up Doug and asked him if he had any riffs up his sleeve. Something that was really “ass-kicking” and “up-tempo”.

Next thing you know he comes back with the riff for “Bad Neighborhood”. It has a “Drop-D” tuning and is the most “attitudinal” (if that’s a word) song off of the album. It’s real cocky.

gJg: Where did the idea for the song come from?

LF: It’s a saying that came from a friend of mine who used to run Narcotics Anonymous. He used to always say: “Get Out Of Your Head, It’s A Bad Neighborhood”… <laughs>

gJg: My favorite song from the album is “Relentless”. I love the guitar work and the message of tearing down walls.

LF: That’s Gary Hoey. He’s playing the solo. I love the solo on that song.

gJg: The song “Asylum” is really deep. Is that about an actual place you stayed at?

LF: Yeah, that’s a pretty heavy-duty song.

We had lived in a house in the Caribbean for ten years and it was like my asylum. When you live on a deserted island for decade you start to go a little bit crazy. I suppose a lot of people have their own “asylum”. Maybe a day at the office is your asylum or maybe going to school. Everyone has their own “asylum” to deal with. At one point in time we all run into something like that we have to deal with.

gJg: Then the album ends with “A Song to Slit Your Wrist By” a Nikki Sixx contribution.

LF: Yeah, he actually wrote that song about his ex-wife 15 years ago. <laughs>

It’s definitely not to be taken seriously though. In fact, I actually have the lyrics for all the songs printed on the album and in my own handwriting I put right next to that one:

“Please Do Not Try This At Home – Or Anywhere Else For That Matter!” – I put the “Lita Advisory” sticker on it.

Growing Up

gJg: Where did you grow up?

LF: I was born in Britain and moved to the US when I was 4. I worked my way from Boston to Dallas and then to Long Beach, California.

I’ve always considered myself a California girl though. You know, growing up on the streets of Hollywood. Just like the song: “Living Like A Runaway”.

gJg: When I listen to that song I actually feel like I’m right there with you. It’s awesome when a song takes you some place and infects you.

LF: I agree. I listen to it sometimes and cry and think: “Why am I crying?”.. Then I realize it’s because it’s so “real”!

One day I left town with just the shirt on my back
And a guitar on my shoulder yeah I wasn’t comin’ back
I had to break the spell my heart was under
So I rode out-of-town on wheels of thunder
…. “Living Like A Runaway”

gJg: Who were some of your influences when you were growing up playing?

LF: Richie Blackmore was one of my biggest. I think he’s one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard. Especially the way he would double-pick everything like on “Highway Star”. It was so brilliant. He also used to play the cello. He’s such a brilliant musician.

I was also a big fan of Black Sabbath because their riffs were just so heavy!

gJg: Did you have a hard time growing up being a girl and playing guitar?

LF: I did and I never really understood that. People would see me play and they’d say “But… you’re a GIRL!”.  And I’d say: “Yeah, AND??” Truthfully though, that would just make me want to play more!

I love a door slammed in my face
Told me a girl needs to know her place
I never listened,  I proved ’em all wrong
I rocked their asses from here to Hong Kong

I’m not invited but I’m comin’ anyway…. “Relentless”

gJg: How did you practice?

LF: I would never put the guitar down. I would walk around with it. I’d sit and watch TV and play. If I went out on a date with a guy I’d go over to his house and I’d sit and jam with him. Of course, he wasn’t too happy about that but that’s what I wanted to do. <laughs>

My whole life pretty much revolved around playing guitar.

gJg: Can you tell me one of your best “rock and roll” stories?

LF: I have so many… Hmmm? Here’s a good one. And this one actually involves my Mother:

One year I was invited to an awards show in New York City for all of these huge celebrities like Keith Richards, Tina Turner and David Bowie. You know, all of these huge stars. I decided to take my Mom along with me because she really loved rock and roll. She also knew everyone and was a great person to have around and help me.

I was having my hair and make-up done and it was taking quite some time. After a while, my Mother got bored just standing there so she decided to go off and start talking to people.

So after a few hours I went looking for her and I found her… Sitting on a sofa next to David Bowie!!

I remember walking up to her and excitedly yelling so loudly that my voice cracked. I said: “MOM?!! What are you DOING?? Do you realize who you are sitting next to?”

She says (in this thick Italian accent): “Oh, Lita! I was just talking to Dave!” So I thought: “Oh this is great! My Mom’s hanging out with David Bowie!”

David looks me over from head to toe then looks back at my Mother and says (in his thick British accent): “Is this your daughter?”

And my Mother says: “Yah Dave, that’s Lita!” And David says to my Mom:”Do you always let her dress like that?”

My Mother replies: “Yah Dave, THAT’S rock and roll!” <laughs>

gJg: That IS rock and roll! <laughs>

LF: It sure is! <laughs>

gJg: What is one of the strangest things a fan has ever asked?

LF: A few weekends ago someone actually asked me to sign their neck. So I autographed his neck and within an hour he came back and showed me it had been tattooed.

Then the guy asked me if I would kiss a napkin for him. When I asked him why he said it was because he wanted to use the lip prints and have them tattooed on his neck right next to my name. He did all of this within a couple of hours. It was pretty unbelievable. <laughs>

gJg:Would you ever consider doing a Runaways reunion?

LF: I would love to. The girls know that I want to and I think now would be a good time to do it. I’m all for it and told Cherie (Currie) and Joan (Jett). Unfortunately, we don’t have Sandy with us anymore. We’ll see.

In the meantime though… I’ve got “Living Like A Runaway”! <laughs>

gJg: What’s your relationship with BC Rich guitars now?

LF: It’s great! I’ve actually got a BC Rich Signature Model coming out soon: “The Black Widow Warlock”.  I’m very excited about it!

gJg: I hear you’re also working on a book now. What’s the status of that?

LF: I’m looking for publishers right now. It’s going to take some time because I want this to be a very visual book;  just like the songs are on the new CD. They’re visual. You can actually “see” the picture I’m trying to paint. That’s what I want this book to be.

gJg: I have to ask you: what was the origin of “Close My Eyes Forever”?

LF: That song was kind of an accident really. Ozzy and Sharon came over to the recording studio one night while we were working on the “Lita” record. They had brought me over a house-warming gift for my new home.

So we opened a bottle of wine and were playing pool and after a while Ozzy and I decided to go into a side room where we had a guitar and amp set up. We just started playing and singing and wound up writing “Close My Eyes Forever”.

What’s interesting was at the time I was voted Best Female Rock Vocalist and he was voted Best Male Rock Vocalist.

gJg: How has the reception been for the new album?

LF: It’s been absolutely insane. We’ve actually gotten some really good quotes. One of the best was from a guy in Germany who put it this way:

I fall to my knees and I say: Thank you God for this wonderful album!!

*****

As far as I’m concerned, truer words have never been spoken. Welcome back Lita!!

Article first published as Lita Ford: Living Like A Runaway on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Actress Marie Bollinger
Marie Bollinger

It’s not often you come across someone as cool as Marie Bollinger, an actress making her mark on the Hollywood scene in commercials and movies like “Pelt” and the soon to be released suspense/thriller: “HUFF“.

Marie is an adventurous powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. One look at her video reel shows that she can play a multitude of roles.

From scream queen to dramatic actress to comedy she’s the total package. Did I also mention she’s cool?

My first encounter with Marie was from her role as the voyeuristic Jessica in “Pelt”, a Richard Swindell film that pays homage to the classic camper/serial killer movies of the 1980’s. Marie was fantastic as the promiscuous camper who winds up getting captured, caged and, well you’ll just have to watch the movie to find out.

Marie’s latest role is that of Brixi in the Paul Morrell directed film “HUFF”, a twisted take on the classic story of “The Three Little Pigs” which also stars former “Bachelor” Charlie O’Connell, scream queen Elina Madison, Elly Stefanko and Jenna Stone.

“HUFF” was recently screened to an enthusiastic crowd at the Texas Frightmare Weekend and received rave reviews from hardcore horror fans. With an official release scheduled for September, Marie’s star is certain to rise to new heights.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Marie and discussing her roles in both “HUFF” and “Pelt”. In addition to being a phenomenal actress, I also discovered that Marie has amazing athletic prowess, an interesting musical hobby and an awesome sense of adventure.

Yeah, she’s cool.

goJimmygo (gJg): Marie! It’s so great to speak with you!

Marie Bollinger (MB): Yeah! Same here!

gJg: Was the “HUFF” screening at Texas Frightmare Weekend your first experience at a horror convention?

MB: Yes it was. It was the first time I’ve been to any convention actually. It was something I’ve never experienced before and it was amazing! I couldn’t believe how many horror fans were there. They’re so loyal. Texas Frightmare was really a great place to premiere the film.

I remember at one point meeting a guy who told me that it was his sixth time coming. He said he keeps coming back to them because he likes meeting the film makers and hanging with friends watching films. Everyone there just shares their love of the genre together. It’s pretty cool.

gJg: What was the screening like for “HUFF”?

MB: It was awesome! There was such a great turn out and most of the cast was there too which made it even better. I actually sat next to Elly and Jenna and we watched the completed film together for the very first time.

gJg: When is “HUFF” going to be released for the rest of us?

MB: We’re being told sometime in September. That’s what we’re shooting for.

gJg: How did you the role of Brixi come about for you?

MB: I actually landed the role in part from a movie I had done previously called “Pelt”.

A mutual friend had introduced me to Paul Morrell (the director of “HUFF”). Paul had seen “Pelt” and liked my performance. He found me through Facebook and called me in to audition for the role of Brixi.

gJg: How did it go?:

MB: I remember the first audition went really well. But after the callback I remember walking out thinking I had just blown it. I went home down on myself. And then on 11-11-11, of all dates, Paul called me up and offered me the part. <laughs>

gJg: What’s the premise of “HUFF”?

MB: It’s actually a really twisted take on the story of “The Three Little Pigs”. There’s an abusive step father, Huff (Charlie O’Connell) and a selfish mother, Lorelei (Elina Madison) who is blind to what is going on between her daughters and Huff.

My character, Brixi knows that she has to get out of the situation and ends up taking on the role of martyr in order to protect her sisters Shay (Elly Stefanko) and Styx (Jenna Stone).

Meanwhile, Lorelei takes Huff’s drug money and gives it to us to start new lives. That’s when Huff comes after us and the real horror element of the film begins. Up until that point the movie is more of a thriller.

So we run off and without giving too much away, let’s just say we make some decisions that got the crowd going at Texas Frightmare. <laughs>

gJg: What was it like working with Elina Madison?

MB: Elina is awesome! I’ve known her from seeing her at some of the commercial auditions I’ve been to. It wasn’t until later that I discovered she had this extensive resume of horror which was very cool.

I remember her coming to the table read and just laying all of her cards on the table right away. She just told everyone that she was going to do her own thing and for us to not be offended if she went off by herself. She was that focused on the story. I respect that. She was very professional.

gJg: I have to ask you this important question: Did you know that Charlie O’Connell (Huff) was “The Bachelor”?

MB: I honestly didn’t. I had never watched “The Bachelor” before and had to look it up. I went in blindly so I really didn’t really know anyone. <laughs>

gJg: Any interesting stories you remember while filming the movie?

MB: Well, I actually lived on the set pretty much. We were offered places to stay while we were filming but I didn’t want to drive so I just decided to stay on location. Our casting director, Meg Hairell, didn’t feel comfortable with me staying there by myself so she stayed there too.

I remember having to wake up every morning before anyone, even if I wasn’t due on the set, because the makeup room also doubled as my bedroom.

If I wasn’t shooting I was often napping. Meg has a whole collection of photos showcasing my skills of being able to nap anywhere but mostly curled up in a corner of the room. <laughs>

It was a creepy place because it was next to a burial ground and people had said they saw ghosts walking around on the property. I was really hoping for something scary to happen but nothing did.

gJg: Having now seen the movie, what do you like most about it?

MB: I think the fact that there was a subtle comedic element to it. Some of my favorite horror movies all have a little bit of comedy in it. It’s not always obvious but it’s there. Charlie really brought some awesome comedic elements to it. I was surprised at how well the sprinkle of comedy worked. It’s all so subtle, yet also real.

Pelt

gJg: What was your experience like filming “Pelt”?

MB: “Pelt” was a really fun shoot. I remember we all stayed in this great cabin-like hotel and really bonded together. It was great fun.

Here’s an interesting story:

One of my favorite movies from a few years ago was a film called “The Signal”. I remember that there was this guy in the movie who I thought was absolutely phenomenal but I didn’t know who he was.

Justin Welborn (who plays Jon in “Pelt”) and I became good friends during filming. After we had completed shooting the two of us were hanging out together and he asked me to check out this movie he had made: “The Signal”.

I was like: “No way, that’s YOU??” I had just gotten done working with him and had no idea that he was in one of my favorite movies, which says a lot about his ability to transform as an actor. He’s a chameleon of sorts. <laughs>

gJg: I found “Pelt” to be just like some of the other horror movies I loved watching during the 80’s. The “Friday the 13th” types with the over the top kills, the promiscuous ladies, the funny one-liners at the “wrong” time….

MB: Exactly! It’s supposed to be fun!

I remember being at the table read and Richard Swindell (director and a really cool dude) told us: “I’m not reinventing the wheel here. Let’s just have fun. It will be a great experience.”  And he was right, it was.

gJg: I remember reading where Richard said he knew a joke was going to work in “Pelt” if it made you laugh during the table reading.

MB: Yeah, I have a sense of humor of a 12 year-old boy and so does Richard. It was a blast. <laughs>

Acting:

gJg: When did you decide you wanted to become an actor?

MB: I think it was when I was in elementary school. I remember being involved in a poetry contest and at the time just thinking to myself that acting was something I really wanted to do.

I had always been involved in plays and drama during school but I was also an athlete. I won State my senior year in the high-jump and went to college on a scholarship. Being an athlete was a big part of my life.

I graduated college with a BFA in Electronic Media but was never brave enough to take that first step and do what I really wanted to do. Then one day my father, who always knew I had the desire to act, told me to just go for it. So I did. I moved to LA and immediately started booking commercials.

gJg: I was watching your video reels and saw your sky diving adventure. What was that experience like?

MB: It was such a great experience. For one second, and quite possibly the longest second of my life, I literally thought I was going to die. But once I realized that I was actually just free-falling, it was awesome! I love stuff like that: heights, being scared, adventure.

gJg: What do you like to do in your spare time?

MB: One of the things I like to do is collect vinyl record albums. I have a lot of classics like David Bowie, Brian Eno, Phil Collins, Patti Smith, Billy Joel. A lot of punk rock from the 70’s. Some garage rock from the 50’s and 60’s. Just a wide range of music.

I’m actually going through a big Leonard Cohen/Patti Smith phase right now. I think if I could have been born in another time it would have been the 60’s.

gJg: What’s projects do you have coming up?

MB: I have a couple of short films in the works along with a feature film called “Listening”.  It’s a story of two broke college grad students who invent mind-reading technology. If it gets into the wrong hands, well then it may just be the end of free will.  I play a brainy vixen in this one.

It’s a fantastic screenplay and I’m very excited about it! 

 

Article first published as A Conversation With Actress Marie Bollinger on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Music

A “Kihn-Versation” with Greg Kihn

I remember it like it was yesterday, as I’m sure any other musician whose ever started a garage band will tell you. The moment where everyone in the band gets together and starts figuring out which songs to learn.

In between the usual shouts for Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones everyone puts in their own two-cents and decisions are made.

Some songs rise to the top because they’re fairly easy to learn. Others fall by the wayside due to their technical ability, or perhaps because no one in their right mind would ever want to hear them played in a club.

Eventually though, songs get whittled down until only a handful remain. These are the classic ones that everyone in the band, regardless of instrument, already knows how to play and is eager to put on the set list.

In my experience there was only one song that was the common denominator in every cover band that I was ever in: “The Break Up Song” by Greg Kihn. I liked to call it “Old Reliable” because it was a staple in my band’s arsenal. A song that we were quickly able to pull out on a whim whenever the ladies came within striking distance of the dance floor. A weapon of mass destruction that was both easy for us to play and yet would only reinforce our rock star status to those of the female persuasion.

“The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” was the song that first introduced me to Greg Kihn. A song that broke the band into the mainstream and as you’ll discover, as all good songs do, has a true “rock and roll” story behind its origin.

But Greg Kihn’s musical legacy goes much deeper than just a single song. Case in point: after losing control of his master recordings from his days on the Beserkley label in the late 1980’s Greg began the monumental task of getting them all back.

A successful journey that now gives us:

Greg Kihn Band: Best of Beserkley, 1975-1984: a 21-track magnum opus that features 19 remastered original hits drawn from Greg’s eight-of-nine Beserkley Records studio albums. Most of which have been out of print for over twenty-five years.

It’s rare when a project this special comes to fruition. Sure it’s cliché to say but quite honestly: they just don’t make ’em like this any more. Both die-hard and new Greg Kihn fans will definitely want to add this compilation to their music collection.

Never one to just rest on his laurels, Greg continues to be involved in music and writing. Today, Greg Kihn is the San Francisco Bay Area’s #1 FM reigning Radio Morning Man and can be heard on Classic Rock KFOX 102.1 San Francisco and 98.5 San Jose – the fourth largest radio market in America. He’s also a prolific novelist and screen writer who has several projects in various stages of development.

In my interview with Greg he discusses how this “new” album came to be and his plans to re-release every one of the Beserkley albums again in its entirety in true digital format.

Greg also talks about two shows he has coming up: a reunion/record release party in Santa Cruz, CA on May 19th and his annual Kihnfest concert which this year features a true 80’s triple-threat: The Steve Miller Band,  Pat Benatar and The Greg Kihn Band.

Finally we’ll find out about Greg’s current gig and what his greatest rock and roll memory is from the days of Beserkley.

But before our interview begins there was one thing I absolutely had to take care of first:

goJimmygo (gJg): Mr. Kihn, as a guitarist myself and on behalf of everyone who has ever played in a garage band I just want to say: “Thank you so much for The Breakup Song.”

Greg Kihn (GK): <laughs> You’re welcome!

I’ve always loved that guitar riff and every garage band has had that one in their repertoire at some point. In fact, in the movie “The Groomsman” that’s the song they’re rehearsing in the garage when they’re getting their band back together.

gJg: What’s the origin of that song?

GK: It’s a long story but basically goes like this: I was coming home really late from a gig one night with the band in our van. I remember it was raining and they were going to drop me off. But when we pulled up outside of my house I noticed that all of my stuff was piled up out on the front lawn.

The guys in the van were like: “Uh-Oh! Looks like you’re not going home tonight!” <laughs>

So we drove to a Sushi bar and I noticed that there was an older Japanese businessman standing there next to the jukebox. He was completely drunk on Sake and kept playing the song “I Remember You” by Frank Ifield over and over again. Just kept pumping dimes in again and again playing this same song over and over and all the while kept muttering:

“They don’t write ’em like that anymore…”
“They don’t write ’em like that anymore…”

I turned to Steve (Wright) and I said: ” You know Stevie, that’s a song right there! “<laughs>

gJg: That’s incredible how an incident like that sparked the song.

GK: The best things in life are like that. They happen by accident.

gJg: Tell me about this “new” record you’ve just released.

GK: It’s really the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new one.

We’ve been trying to get the master recordings back from the various record companies we’ve dealt with over the years. We were on Beserkley which was a notorious independent record label that answered to no law of God nor man.

The problem was, they had a different distributor almost every year that they were in business so every one of my albums was distributed by a different company. They were all on the same label but it was always something like “Beserkley distributed by Warner Brothers” or “Beserkley distributed by Asylum” or a number of others.

Over the years we lost control of those master recordings and about ten years ago my manager and I began a quest to try to get them all back. We started with the EMI material and just kept expanding, hiring lawyers and beating down doors until eventually, one by one, we got everything back.

Now I have the rights to put out all of my original master recordings myself, a lot of which has been out of print for over 25 years.

So on one side it’s great because people will get to hear this material again and on the other it’s also legacy building because I want my grandchildren to benefit from the stuff I did too. I really want the music to be available to everyone.

gJg: What was it like listening to that material all over again?

GK: Surreal. There’s a lot of really good music in our catalog that I had totally forgotten about. When I started remastering it I was blown out by how fresh it all sounded.

In the old days, around 1976 we didn’t know what we were doing. We just went in and did it. We’d have a recording session on a Saturday and the week before I’d write a song or two and rehearse it with the band. Then we’d go in and basically record it live with minimal overdubs. We were on a shoe string budget doing it after hours and at odd ball times but God it was fun. I remember going in and being so STOKED by just being in a professional recording studio.

They would let us use the old CBS studios in San Francisco. It was the size of a gymnasium. It was huge and our equipment took up just a tiny section of a corner of it.

I remember setting up our gear and thinking: “Wow, we’ve made the big time.” Here we are in the same room where Janis recorded. Simon and Garfunkel. Everyone recorded in this room.

When I listen to it now, putting it all together it really takes me back and makes me realize how special it was. All of the things that we did. We were pioneers and we didn’t even know it.

gJg: What are your plans now that the remastering is complete?

GK: We’ve just released “The Greg Kihn Band’s Best of Beserkley“. It has a few songs from each of the records that were released during that era.

The next goal is to release all of the original albums themselves individually, digitally remastered and in chronological order. It will be so great to have this music available digitally because most of it was only available on vinyl back in the day. There have been “Best Of” collections over the years but never anything done like this and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

gJg: What are your thoughts about your days with Beserkley?

GK: Beserkley was the first independent label of the modern era who took a chance on us. We didn’t have a hit record until our seventh album when “The Breakup Song” cracked the top ten. We never would have gotten the chance to make a second album in today’s world.  So in a lot of ways I’ve been really lucky and it was a very fortuitous event that placed me with Beserkley records.

Oh and by the way, I just started thinking about writing “The Beserkley Story” because this is a story that needs to be told. A story of over indulgence, excess, insanity, sex, drugs and rock and roll. It’s funny and tragic at the same time but the amazing thing was, we pulled it off.

The odds were a million to one that we would do anything but we beat the odds.

gJg: Any thoughts about doing a tour?

GK: I don’t think we’re going to tour for a while. I do my morning radio show every day in San Francisco. I’m not ruling it out but it’s unlikely at this juncture. I do, however, have a couple of big shows coming up in the area.

I’m doing a special Greg Kihn Band Reunion/Record Release Party Show at our old stomping grounds in Santa Cruz, California on May 19th. It will be out on the beach at the Catalyst Club where we used to play all the time back in the 80’s. 

We’re returning there and having as many members of the original band that are still with us perform. Larry Lynch, Steve Wright, Greg Douglass. It’s going to be a reunion of sorts.

We’re going to have the original guys playing on the original songs. It’s going to be pretty cool. Everyone who comes will get a download card for the CD and there will be posters and even a raffle for a signed guitar. It’s going be a very party-like atmosphere.

I haven’t played some of these songs since we recorded them over 25 years ago. So for me, to go back in there and rehearse them with Larry the original drummer and Steve the original bass player was like getting into a time machine!

Then on July 14th we’ll be having my annual “Kihncert”. It’s a mini rock festival that I do every year. This year we have Steve Miller, Pat Benatar and The Greg Kihn Band. A nice little triple bill.

gJg: It’s the 80’s all over again!

GK: You know, as I’m speaking with you I’m currently sitting in a large bathtub filled with the 80’s just soaking in it. It’s like a warm fluid that’s good for the soul.

gJg: Tell me a little about your morning radio show.

GK:  It’s Classic Rock KFOX 102.1 San Francisco and 98.5 San Jose. We’re the fourth largest radio market in America. I get to play great music, talk and do interviews.

gJg: Tell me, how cool is it to be a DJ and be able to spin your own records?

GK: I love it!

It’s “Greg Kihn playing Greg Kihn on the Greg Kihn Show!”  They pay me three times for it. I get paid as the DJ, as the writer of the song and I’m the guy who gets the mechanical royalties because I sang the song!

I don’t know how many professional rock and roll musicians that can actually say that. I may be one of the few in the world. This is now my 16th year in radio. The fact that I’ve been getting up at 4 in the morning all that time just blows my mind.

gJg: You used to be coming home at that time.

GK: Exactly! That was when I used to come home. My whole life is upside down. The nice thing about doing radio though is that I love doing interviews and talking about music. Getting up is tough but I look at it like they pay me to get up and the rest of it is free.

The other nice thing about it is that I don’t have to travel and tour. All of my music friends have to travel all the time but I get to stay home all week and do a lot of writing and hang out with my kids. All I have to do is get up and drive to San Francisco.

gJg: Tell me about the screenplay you’re working on.

GK: There actually are a few of them I’m working on right now but the big one is “45 RPM” which is about the Mafia in the music business. It’s written to be a series, kind of like “The Sopranos with Guitars”.

I also have an adaptation of my first novel “Horror Show” that I’m preparing a script for as well.

gJg: What do you like most about writing?

GK: The part of writing that i find so therapeutic is that you can just let your mind wander and let the creative process take over. I used to only write songs but now I’m writing songs, novels and screenplays. They all use the same muscle in your brain. That creative spark. That’s what I like, coming up with new ideas all the time.

gJg: Just one more question for you.

GK: Fire!

gJg: During your Beserkley years, what is your greatest rock and roll memory?

GK: Wow, there’s been a lot of great ones but I think I would have to say opening for The Stones in the Seattle Kingdome in 1983.

We were like “America’s Opening Band” back in the 80’s. So when Prince got kicked off the Rolling Stones tour Bill Graham called me the night before asking if we could fill in and open for them. I said: “Bill? what time do you want me to be there?”

Bill was always good to me and kept me in mind.  My mother had always told me to thank Bill Graham after every show and one of the reasons I think Bill liked me was because I always did thank him after every gig. <laughs>

So we jumped on a plane and opened the show playing in front of 80,000 people and my heart was pounding. It was a sea of humanity!

Afterwards, I remember walking around backstage with Bill and thanking him for the opportunity. He says: “Shut up, follow me!”. He then proceeds to take me back through level after level of security into the inner sanctum of The Rolling Stones.

So there I am sitting on the couch with Mick and Jerry Hall, who was his wife at the time and Charlie was there. Keith was tuning his guitar and Ronnie was there too. And there was ME in the same room as the Stones!

I was talking to Charlie for about a half hour about under-playing and over-playing and he was telling me: “You’ve got play it like it’s a small club man!”. It was cool.

I remember bumming a cigarette from Jagger. He gives me a pack of Marlboros and says “Here Man, have the whole pack!”. Turns out every guy in the band had requested a carton of cigarettes in their rider at every gig. It was insane. So Mick gave me the pack he was currently working on. I think he had only smoked two of them.

So I took the sacred Jagger cigarettes, smoked one of them and after they went on I took the pack back to my dressing room.

When my band found out that I was hanging with the Stones they were all bummed out and saying “AW, MAN! How come you didn’t come get us?” <laughs>

I said: “I’m sorry guys. I feel bad. But hey, I got Jagger’s cigarettes!” . Everyone was in awe of them. They each pulled one out and smoked them like they were joints. Come to think of it, I think they actually got high off of them. <laughs>

I wound up giving the pack to Gary Phillips, who was my guitar player at the time and the biggest Stones fan.

Turns out, he left the pack on his mantle when we went out and toured with Journey and when he came back two months later they were gone. The guy who was watching his house had smoked them all. He told him: “How could you do that man? Those were the sacred “Jagger Cigarettes!”.  But they were long gone! <laughs>

gJg: Greg it was great talking to you! Congrats on the record and all of your success!

GK: Thanks! It was great talking to you too! Let’s do this again sometime!

Article first published as A “Kihn-Versation” with Greg Kihn on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Actress Darcy DeMoss
Actress / Animal Rights Activist Darcy DeMoss

I’ll never forget the day I met Darcy DeMoss.

Ok, let me clarify something. I didn’t actually “meet” her in person. In fact, I’m sure she didn’t even know I existed.

But when the film “Can’t Buy Me Love” was released I felt an instant connection. There was something special about her. Ironically enough, it wasn’t until this very interview that I discovered what that special something was.

But first things first.

“Can’t Buy Me Love” is one of my all-time favorite movies. The fact that I was a senior in high school myself when it was released made the thought of paying $1000 to spend a month with any of the cheerleaders something worth serious consideration.

In “Can’t Buy Me Love” Darcy got to showcase her full acting and dancing potential. She played the role of Patty, a high school student who suddenly finds the nerdy Ronald Miller (Patrick Dempsey) quite attractive after he starts “dating” her friend and head cheerleader Cindy Mancini (Amanda Peterson) . The infamous scene of Patty and Ronald sitting in his car on a date is one of my personal favorites.

But Darcy isn’t just your typical cheerleader. Horror fans all know that she’s a fighter as well.

Darcy gets credit for putting up the best and longest fight scene against the infamous hockey-masked slasher Jason in “Jason Lives: Friday The 13th Part Six”. A fight that unfortunately doesn’t end well.

But in real-life though, Darcy DeMoss’ passion runs deep. She is a multi-talented actress, dancer, photographer and animal rights activist. One look at her website: “Exotic Visuals“ will show you that not only does she have an eye for photography but also for life as well.

She’ll soon be able to add the title of “Author” to her list of achievements as she is currently working on no less than three books of photography based upon her African adventures.

Darcy is also a member of the advisory board of Shambala, an organization led by Tippi Hedren whose mission is to educate the public about exotic animals and to advocate for legislation to protect them.

In this interview with Darcy we’ll discuss her amazing career in dance and film. We’ll talk all about her roles in “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Friday The 13th”. But more importantly, we’ll discover how a dream she had as a child turned into an epiphany that gave her life new meaning. An amazing woman whose story is yet to be told.

goJimmygo (gJg): Darcy! It’s so great to speak with you!

Darcy Demoss (DD): It’s great to speak with you too!

gJg: Tell me a little about where you grew up and how you first got into acting.

DD: I was born and raised in Hollywood, California. My best friend growing up was Helen Hunt who was working on “Swiss Family Robinson” at the time. I remember going to the set with her all summer long while they were filming.

Helen and I were in acting class and studied dance together as well. It was there that I decided I wanted to become an actress. I did my first commercial when I was 15 for Sony and then started doing a few other little things here and there to get started.

gJg: What was your first film project?

DD: The first real big thing I ever did was a show on cable television called “Aerobicise”. My actual first film role was in a movie called “Hardbodies”.

gJg: Let’s talk a little bit about your role as Patty in “Can’t Buy Me Love”, one of my favorite high school movies.

DD: I was actually 23 when we made that movie.

gJg: You honestly look like you were in high school.

DD: Thank you!

Last year, we had a revival screening of the movie at a local theater here in LA. It was myself, Cortney Gains (Kenneth), Cort McCown (Quint), Gerardo Mejía (Ricky) and Eric Bruskotter (Big John). It was a full house and we did a Q&A afterwards. Seth Green wasn’t able to attend but he sent along a little video where he talked to everyone. It was a really fun evening.

Michael Swerdlick, our writer was also there answering questions that even I didn’t know about. He told the story about how Touchstone came to get it. Originally, it had started out as a little independent film called “Boy Rents Girl”.

Darcy & Amanda Peterson

gJg: What was the audition process like for you?

DD: I recall originally reading for the role of Cindy Mancini. What they like to do is have you read for the main character because there’s more dialogue. I remember standing in a hallway that was crammed full of people reviewing about eight pages of material.

I went in to read and that’s where I met Steve Rash (director), Michael Swerdlick (writer) along with Jere Henshaw and Mark Burg (producers). But instead of doing the four scenes (8 pages) I had studied, they narrowed it down to just two.

Through that, I ended up getting a callback. I think Michael actually called up my agent personally and requested me which was awesome.

I didn’t get Cindy Mancini, but I was offered the role of Patty.

gJg: Was there anything special you had to do to prepare for the role of Patty?

DD: I hadn’t been in high school in a while so before we started filming I went out to Tucson and had them sign me up to be in school again for a few days so I could do a little “research”. <laughs>

What was funny was that here I was, an adult having this intelligent debate with the geography teacher and I have all of these boys saying: “So, you’re the new girl in school?  What are you doing this weekend? <laughs>

So I did go back to school for a few days. We wound up using a lot of the students there as extras which was pretty neat.

gJg: How was the chemistry with the cast?

DD: It was amazing. There was a whole camaraderie with us. We were all newbies and just had a blast. We all laughed together a lot and shared our stories of the day.

I do remember telling the guy I was with at the time: “This is going to be great! I’m going to be able to do method acting and really bond with these girls”. You know, really connect. 

So I go to the table reading and find out that the girls are all 15… I’m 23! They had to be DRIVEN to the readings.

So needless to say, instead of doing pub crawls with the girls it was more like “Hey, anyone want to go the movies?” <laughs>

Amanda (Peterson) and Tina Cyphert (Barbara) actually both worked together on the movie “Annie” with Carol Burnett. So they both knew each other previously.

Darcy & Ami Dolenz

Ami Dolenz (Fran) is amazing and beautiful. She and I still have this incredible bond together. It’s so few and far between when you hear women say: “I love her with all my heart”. But I do and will until the day I die. She’s awesome!

gJg: The scene with you and Patrick Dempsey (Ronald Miller) in the car on a date is one of my favorite scenes from the film.

DD: That was an interesting scene. When we first shot it, I had glitter all over my face and the people at Touchstone didn’t like it . They thought it looked like I was sweating.

Once initial filming was complete we actually had to go back to Arizona and re-shoot it.

gJg: Did you ever think Patrick would go on to have the success he’s had?

DD: I always knew that he’d go far. He was really into method acting. I actually haven’t seen him in many years but ironically, my husband owns an employment agency and I think he staffs him with some of his employees.

gJg: Small world.

DD: When you’re in LA it certainly is.

Although I was once in Bucharest, Romania filming a movie and I’m sitting there waiting in the lobby going over my script when I hear someone across from me say: “Darcy?” 

Now I didn’t know if that person was talking to me so I sort of blew it off.

Suddenly I hear this voice again saying to me: “DeMoss?” Turns out he was a casting director I had auditioned for a long time ago and here we are reuniting in Bucharest, Romania of all places!

gJg: Wow, how about that!

DD: The world just gets smaller and smaller. So be nice to everyone because you never know. <laughs>

gJg: what’s your favorite scene from the movie?

DD: It has to be the African Anteater Ritual!

gJg: I LOVE that scene too!

DD: Being a dancer I just had so much fun doing that scene! Paula Abdul actually worked the choreography for that. What’s funny is that Paula was actually my dance rival in dance class so I had already known her for many years before the movie.

Friday The 13th

gJg: What was it like being a part of a franchise like “Friday The 13th“?

DD: It was a lot of fun. Some directors are unapproachable and some are so accessible and this was my first introduction to the most accessible, coolest director ever. Tom McLoughlin, who both wrote and directed this film, was so awesome!

gJg: Your scene with Jason has to be one of the greatest “kills” ever in a horror movie.

DD: It certainly was the longest struggle out of any of his victims, which is something I guess you could say I’m very “proud” of. <laughs>

Darcy & Jason

gJg: You definitely weren’t going to go down easy!

DD: You’re right! Most of the time once Jason gets a hold of you you’re pretty much dead right away. I’m only 5’2 but I really did put up quite a fight.

I remember CJ Graham (Jason) originally wanted to go a little easy on me but I just said, “No, let’s have at it and make it look as real as possible.” Now, he’s about 6’4 and a bodybuilder who could’ve squashed me but we really fought and made it look realistic. At least it sure felt real to me!

gJg: How was that scene filmed?

DD: They actually constructed a whole room that was designed to be the bathroom inside of the Winnebago. All of the walls were removable so they could get different angles and shots. They even had an overhead camera as well. I remember it was an entire evening of filming my fight scene with Jason.

gJg: For the actual “kill” scene was that a mask of your face that was constructed?

DD: Yes it was. I have to admit; when we made that mask it was hard for me to stay still in that position for so long because I’m claustrophobic. And I was completely covered. Fortunately though my mouth was open but I still had to keep it that way for a very long time while they made it.

I actually had the mask recreated from photos taken by the special effects company and I bring them along to my convention appearances.

gJg: It’s amazing how much longevity the franchise has had.

DD: I know. It really is. There’s even a book out about the entire Friday the 13th franchise. It has interviews with all of the people who were involved with it. They’ve even released a CD with all of the music from the films too.

gJg: Why do you think the series has been so successful?

DD: You know, it’s really because of all of the fans. The horror genre fans are just so incredibly loyal.

I’m still getting letters from 16 year olds telling me that they’re my biggest fans and asking me to send them a photo…<laughs>

gJg: Speaking of photos, the ones on your website from your trips to Africa are incredible! They are absolutely beautiful!

DD: Thank you! So you’ve seen my website? Fantastic! I’m actually working on three books.

gJg: Really?

DD: Yes. They’re a real labor of love. I’ve been so inspired by my African “interludes” that I’ve decided to write three photography books on Africa. It’s been a long hard road but they’re finally coming to fruition.

gJg: Tell me a little more about them.

DD: The first is going to be called “Kamoflauge”. The second is a photo book of “Animal Eyes and Asses” and the third book will be a photo book with celebrities called “Private Moments”.

gJg: When did you start doing photography professionally?

DD: I was never really into it as a profession at first but I would always have my camera with me when I’d be on location. I loved to get behind the scenes pictures of the set, the actors and other fun photos.

On a recent birthday one of my dearest friends had bought me a camera. My husband then bought me a great lens for it to take on my very first African safari.

I went to Sir Richard Branson’s Game Reserve (an absolutely unbelievable place) and just started taking pictures. I think I had brought somewhere around fifty rolls of film along with me. I just really just wanted to document everything about my experience even though I didn’t really know what I was doing at the time.

When I came home and started developing the pictures my friends were just in awe at how good the photos looked and told me I should do something with them. So I took some of the best ones and walked into my first gallery and the woman there saw them and said, “Let’s give you a show!”

gJg: WOW!

DD: That’s exactly what I said: “WOW!” <laughs>

I couldn’t believe it. So I had my first exhibit and from that experience became a professional. What I got to see from taking those pictures was inspiring. It gave me this whole new vibe on life.

gJg: In what way? 

DD: I had always wanted to go to Africa. It was always my dream. In fact, the very first paper I ever wrote in elementary school was about Africa. It wasn’t until I found that paper again that I said: “Now, it all makes sense!” “The Jungle Book” and all of those films and television shows I loved watching growing up. They were all about animals.

Everything about me just vibrates Africa. When I’m there every sense I have is heightened and so alive. It’s literally the place where everything came to be. It’s where life is what it should still be like everywhere.

gJg: It’s inspiring to see the animals in their natural habitat as opposed to a confined area like a zoo.

DD: I don’t condone zoos or the circus. I think they’re the worst thing ever. I don’t think we were meant to train animals like that. There are books and photographs and the Internet where we can learn so much more about them instead of seeing them in these restricted areas where they can’t move about.

Did you know that there are more tigers in Texas than there are in India? And it’s because they’ve all been poached and killed. They have canned hunts. It’s appalling.

I’m involved with a sanctuary called “Shambala”. It’s a refuge for exotic cats. They’ve even rescued Michael Jackson’s two tigers because no one else wanted them.

Darcy DeMoss & Tippi Hedren

gJg: Tell me more about Shambala.

DD: Shambala (www.shambala.org) is a sanctuary in Acton, California that’s run by Tippi Hedren. Tippi is Melanie Griffith’s mother and starred in the Alfred Hitchcock films “The Birds” and “Marnie”.  It’s pretty spectacular what this woman does with her life. She is my absolute hero. I’m a member of her advisory board.

Tippi is passing bills and is making a world of difference. She has these amazing sunset safaris that you can go to. You can walk around through the property and be told about each cat and how they came to be there. There’s even a chance to have dinner and a Q&A session with Tippi. It’s an entire evening.

She has two huge actual African tents you can stay at. When you spend the night there you can actually hear the cats talking to each other. It’s the coolest thing. It’s a fun, educational place to really learn about the animals.

gJg: It really sounds amazing!

DD: If you can’t afford to go to Africa and if you’re in the area you just have to go to Shambala!

gJg: Tell me a little about your own animals.

DD: I have two Golden Retrievers: Trubble & Duchess. Duchess was a rescue who we found out needed to have her hip replaced shortly after adopting her. Fortunately we were able to do that for her. It went well and now she’s like a new dog.

I also have an African Grey parrot named “Choo-Chi”. She’s a junk food junkie. <laughs>. She’ll eat pasta and pizza.

She can go out of her cage and crawl around and I also have an area set up for her outside. She’s beautiful and a lot of work but I love it.

gJg: What other projects do you have coming up now?DD: I’ll be working on a new movie project,”Bone Garden” this summer. It’s a film by Mike Gutridge. I loved the script and am really excited about it.

For more information on Darcy and Shambala click on the links below (photographs in this article courtesy of Darcy DeMoss):

Darcy DeMoss * Exotic Visuals * Shambala

Article first published as A Conversation With Actress Darcy DeMoss on Technorati.

Interview, Music

Eye Of The Tiger: Still Surviving After Thirty Years

I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a hot summer night back in 1982 when my neighbors took my brother and me to the movies to see the third installment of the Rocky Balboa franchise. An experience I’ll never forget.

Rocky III may have introduced the world to the fool pitying Mr. T but for me, what was even cooler than seeing Rocky lose and then regain his boxing title to Clubber Lang was hearing that now infamous guitar riff for the first time: “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor.

Written by Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik the theme from Rocky III is still as popular as ever three decades later. Along with winning a Grammy the song was also nominated for an Academy Award, became the #1 song of 1982, has been used to promote everything from sporting events to coffee and ranks as the #3 best song to work out to according to Men’s Health magazine.

Survivor is currently in the midst of a new tour of the US with Jimi Jamison, the first with the “classic” voice of the band since 2006.

I sat down for a quick Q&A with guitarist Frankie Sullivan to get an update on the tour and his thoughts on the milestone anniversary of one of the biggest songs ever.

goJimmygo (gJg): What’s it like for Survivor being back on tour again with Jimi Jamison?

Frankie Sullivan (FS): This whole experience has been good for everyone. I’m really enjoying it.  It’s a cool thing and it’s good to have Jimi back.

gJg:  How do you guys determine which songs you’ll perform on this tour?

FS:  What we’ve done is prepared a bunch of songs from our entire catalog. That way we’re able to change-up the set list every night on the fly. It’s also cool for the fans too. They’ll get to hear something different.

gJg: What’s your favorite song to play live?

FS: I don’t think I have a favorite one. Whatever makes the fans happy makes me happy. I have a lot of songs that I like but it changes. It depends on the gig. Why bother picking one? I enjoy them all!

gJg: What are your thoughts on this being the 30th anniversary of “Eye of The Tiger”?

FS: You know, I can’t believe it’s been that long. Even today, there are still a lot of cool things going on with it. I’m hearing that Sylvester Stallone wants to go LIVE and take it to Broadway among other things.

We’ve recently received a plaque from Sony in recognition of 2.8 million downloads. I don’t have the updated official number but I know it’s the 8th most downloaded song on the Internet right now.

gJg: What’s the story behind how it was written?

FS: Stallone was looking for songs for his new movie and the president of our record company at the time just happened to be friends with him. He had the Queen song “Another One Bites The Dust” but Stallone wasn’t really happy with it. So he said “Well you know, I have this band.. “

I think Jim and I wrote the music for it in about a half an hour and it took us three days to write the lyrics only because we couldn’t come up with the punch line at first. But we kind of had it down in half an hour. That’s what started it all.

People love the song. They can really identify with it.

gJg: What are your plans after the tour is over?

FS: Ideally, I’d love to stay on and off the road for the next few years. Maybe taking enough of a break in between to record and then go right back at it. We’ve got a lot of new material we’re working on.

We’re just taking it a day at a time.

Article first published as Eye Of The Tiger: Still Surviving After Thirty Years on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

Beyond Elm Street: A Conversation With Actress Amanda Wyss
Amanda Wyss

In a word: “Amazing”.

That’s the best way to describe Amanda Wyss. Both as an actress and as a person.

Amanda’s deeply involved with Project Happiness, an organization that specializes in emotional resilience-building programs and provides proven techniques to cultivate one’s own authentic happiness. Its mission is to empower children, families and communities to create happier, more meaningful lives.

Amanda is also a very down to Earth person. She’s someone you’d easily want to have a conversation with over a pizza. Especially when you consider her body of work and the characters she’s hung around with.

As an actress, she’s sat behind Jeff Spicoli in history class, listened to music with Captain Jack Sparrow and was even the first person to dream about and have a rendezvous with bad boy Freddy Krueger.

One of the earliest performances I remember Amanda from also happens to be one of my favorite movies: “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”. A film where she plays Lisa, the girlfriend of Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold).

Its senior year and Brad is trying to figure out a way to break-up with Lisa but she inevitably beats him to the punch. But why anyone in their right mind would want to dump Amanda Wyss is still a mystery to me.

The film Amanda’s become most synonymous with though is “A Nightmare On Elm Street” where she will forever be remembered as Tina Gray, Freddy Krueger’s first victim. Not only was she Freddy’s first but here’s something that only true horror enthusiasts will know: Amanda Wyss is the very first face you see in the “Nightmare” franchise.

Amanda’s resume includes diverse roles in such films as “Better Off Dead”, “Silverado” and “Powwow Highway”, a film that won the Dramatic Filmmakers Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival and one of Amanda’s personal favorites.

In addition to film, Amanda has also worked extensively in television as well, having guest starred on such shows as “Highlander”,  “Cold Case”, “Dexter” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”. Chances are, you’ve seen her in prime time and may not even have known it.

Amanda has recently gone back to her horror roots, having appeared as the waitress Darlene Atwood in the Brian Pulido directed film, “The Graves”.  She also appears in the film, “Deadly Impact” where she plays Julie Mulligan, a television news reporter covering a terrorist attack.

But one of her greatest moments for me personally was her performance as Tina Vincent, an obsessive “wife” of a serial killer in a multi-part episode of CSI. Maybe it was because she was channeling her inner “Freddy” at the time but one thing’s for sure: in that role, she was nothing short of amazing.

In this interview with Amanda we’ll talk about her role as Lisa in “Fast Times At Ridgemont High”. We’ll also discuss some of her other film projects including the original “A Nightmare On Elm Street”, a film put together on a shoe string budget that became a cult phenomenon (and one which also launched the career of a then unknown Johnny Depp).

Finally, we’ll find out what Amanda likes to do in her spare time and her plans for the future as well.

Amanda preparing to become Tina Vincent

goJimmygo (gJg): I just recently watched you for the first time as “Tina Vincent” on CSI. One of the best roles I’ve ever seen you do. You were amazing! Just the look in your eyes and the way you smiled at Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger). That was really intense.

Amanda Wyss (AW): Thank you!

gJg: How do you prepare for a role like that, to play a woman that obsessed?

AW: You know what? I just use my imagination. That’s my technique. I just sort of dive in. Tina Vincent was SO much fun to play because she was so madly in love with that crazy guy (Nate Haskell). It was really fun to do.

gJg: So, how about we begin by first going back to Ridgemont High?

AW: Sure, let’s go!

gJg: You played Lisa, Judge Reinhold’s love interest. How did the audition process go?

AW: I was actually called in for that specific role (as Lisa) and I remember the audition for it was fun and unique. Part of the process for me was having to do an improv with Judge Reinhold. The casting director, Bonnie Timmerman and Amy Heckerling (Director) were both there and it was a lot of fun.

gJg: I’ve heard rumors that Sean Penn was so into the role of Jeff Spicoli that he wanted everyone to call him by that name and even had the name put on his dressing room door. Is there any truth to that?

AW: <Laughs>. Honestly, I don’t remember that but I have heard about that rumor several times myself so it could quite possibly be true. Sean’s super talented and was very into his part. I think a lot of the surfer guys were, actually.

I do recall that there was a long rehearsal process and everyone had a chance to improv and prepare their characters. So I don’t think it was a situation where Sean just walked on to the set and said, “OK. Everyone call me Jeff Spicoli!” It was more of a slow process where everyone just became these fun high-school characters.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High

gJg: You looked like you were having such a great time on screen. Like when you’re sitting behind Sean in history class when the pizza comes. You had this look on your face like you were ready to just laugh.

AW: It was a very fun film to do with such talented young actors. Every day was really fun.

gJg: How did Ridgemont High compare to you own real-life high school experience?

AW: You know what’s funny? I actually grew up at the beach so I basically did go to school with all of those types of people. It was definitely my era. You know, we were all surfers. To some extent it was a very comical, slightly exaggerated view of the beach town that I grew up in.

gJg: Do you have a favorite scene from the movie?

AW: I don’t really have a favorite scene in particular. I look at it more as a whole. I adore it and certainly loved making it.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

gJg: Was the role of Tina in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” another that you were just called in for?

AW: Actually, we had all read for the role of Nancy (which eventually would go to Heather Langenkamp) and then for the call backs they split us up into groups.

I remember at the time reading with Heather and just thinking that we both really clicked together. I kind of had the feeling that we were going to get those parts. The best part is we’re actually still best friends from that movie. She’s amazing.

A Nightmare On Elm Street

gJg: Did you have any idea of how big the franchise would become in the horror genre?

AW: Quite honestly I had no idea. I loved the script and Robert Englund is so brilliant. I think it was because at the time I was young and wasn’t really that savvy or aware of all of the elements that make something last like that.

Obviously though, when it was completed and there was such a big reaction to it and after all of the positive initial reviews I was like, “Oh Wow!” But at the time, I had no idea that it would become this iconic, horror classic. I don’t think any of us did. Well, except for maybe Wes (Craven, Director) but he’s one of the smartest people alive. <laughs>

gJg: It was filmed on a low-budget too wasn’t it?

AW: It really was filmed on a super low-budget. It was a classic example of true indie-style, guerrilla film making. It just happened to have this magical group of people working on it whose combined energy gave audiences the sense of wanting to keep coming back for more. And I think that’s sort of the same thing that happened with “Fast Times” as well.

For whatever reason there’s something that happens sometimes when you mix the right combination of people and energy. No one really knows what it is. It’s just a magical mix that makes the movie stand out and last. Those two movies are good examples of that.

gJg: I worked at a drive-in while in high school and must have watched it dozens of times.

AW: You know, people have told me they’ve seen it a lot. I’ve actually seen it more in the last few years because of the reunions at horror conventions. When I watch it now with my distance from it I see it more as a film and not so much as one that I’m in. It really is a scary movie.

gJg: And you’re the centerpiece of it in a way. You’re actually the first person you see in the movie.

AW: I am. I’m actually also the first person to die in the entire franchise. <laughs>

gJg: How did your death scene work? Was that a rotating room?

AW: It was based on an old Fred Astaire movie. The room was built on this large sound stage and was positioned on a rotisserie type contraption. Everything in the room was either nailed down, glued down or taped down. It was made that way so nothing would move and as it turns around it appears as though I’m going up the wall and on to the ceiling.

gJg: Visually, it was very effective!

AM: I actually got vertigo from doing that scene. Everything was nailed down so perfectly that I had no visual cues that I was still on the floor. It was a great experience but it was pretty intense.

gJg: One of the scariest scenes I remember from the movie is when you’re running from him in the alley. He’s behind you and then all of a sudden you run right into him.

AW: That scene was actually filmed out in Venice around three o’clock in the morning. I remember it was freezing and the beach mist was starting to come in. It was pretty creepy. Not so much because we were out there filming a horror movie that’s filmed broken up in parts but just that the overall sense of it was creepy.

Behind The Scenes

gJg: What was it like working with Robert (Englund)?

AW: I absolutely loved working with Robert. He’s so imaginative and so hilarious. He’s also the best story-teller I’ve ever met.

gJg: Were there any funny stories that you remember while filming it?

AW: For me it wasn’t so much funny as much as it was gross. Every single day that I went to the set there was always something gross that I had to do.

It was always something like: Stand in a body bag…Lay in a body bag…Be covered in blood…Be covered in worms…Stand with eels. <laughs>

There was this one scene from the alley that was cut out where I had to pick up a trash can lid and underneath were a bunch of worms and they had to crawl all over my arms. The whole thing reminded me of those wilderness outward bound adventures to see what you’re made of. <laughs>

gJg: What did you think of the remake?

AW: You know, I haven’t seen it. I’ve heard mixed reviews about but haven’t seen it myself.

gJg: What was it like working with Johnny Depp in his first movie?

AW: Johnny was so sweet. We were all so young and had so much fun. I didn’t work with him all that much but he was exactly how you’d picture him to be. Really creative and interesting.

Amanda in Powwow Highway

gJg: I read where one of the movies you’re most proud of is “Powwow Highway“ Tell me a little about that film.

AW: That’s one of my favorite movies. It was a cool group of people and is actually based on a true story. It was a powerful Native American piece and I got to play that crazy Texan.

gJg: What was it like filming in all of those locations?:

AW: The locations were beautiful. We filmed in Montana, Wyoming and Santa Fe, New Mexico. We also filmed it between November and March and I remember FREEZING while we were on location. You know, it’s snowing and 18 degrees and you’re standing outside trying to pretend you’re not cold. <laughs>

gJg: What was it like for you personally as an actress when it won at Sundance?

AW: I’m so proud of that movie. It actually won when it wasn’t really the “scene” for actors to go to festivals and support their projects. For it to win a Jury award at Sundance is sort of a badge of honor for me.

Amanda and crew in "The Graves"

gJg: Let’s talk a little about one of your newest films, “The Graves“. What was it like revisiting the horror realm and filming that movie?

AW: That movie was a really fun film too. I got to play Darlene the waitress.

The Ronalds brothers (Brian and Dean) produced it and are both in the movie as well and Brian Pulido directed it. Brian is an amazing artist and graphic novelist.

We filmed it in this spooky old mining town in Arizona. It was a real fun group of people to work with. It was also fun for me to revisit the horror genre again as an adult.

gJg: Have you ever thought about directing or producing?

AW: I would like to move to the other side of the camera. I’ve actually been shadowing a few people so I’m looking forward to the opportunity of directing.

Amanda Wyss

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

AW: I love Yoga and I love to read. I read everything. I also like to go to movies and visit museums.

gJg: What’s your favorite book?

AW: My favorite is “A Prayer for Owen Meany“. I love that book.

gJg: What projects do you have coming up?

AW: I actually have two web series projects we’re about to start work on. One is horror themed and the other is more of a light-hearted comedy. We’re producing them together. I’m going to be in the light-hearted comedy and make some appearances in the horror one as well.

gJg: They sound interesting!

AW: I’m very excited about them. They’re really well written and have really good directors attached to them.

There’s also another project I’m involved with where someone is using my likeness for a graphic novel. It’s about vampires which I absolutely LOVE. They’re my favorite part of the horror genre.

gJg: Are there any people  you’d like to work with or projects you’d like to be a part of in the future?

AW: I’d like to be in a Steven Spielberg project someday because he just has such an epic imagination. Then there’s Joss Whedon (love his projects), George Clooney (both as director and actor), Helen Mirren, Debra Winger… the list goes on!

I would love to be a part of shows like “Walking Dead”, “Fringe”, “American Horror” and “Game Of Thrones”.

And I really adore the independent film world. The cool, interesting creative projects that are done under the radar. There are so many great young filmmakers out there I’d like to work with. People like Adam Green for example.

I’d also like to work with Sean Penn again. He is just amazing and always has a lot of interesting projects.

gJg: You’re amazing too. I’m so glad I got the chance to speak with you!

AW: Thanks! It was my pleasure.

For more on Amanda be sure to check out her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter!

Article first published as Beyond Elm Street:: A Conversation with Actress Amanda Wyss on Technorati.