Category: Movies and TV

Cars, Childhood Memories, comedy, Life, Movies and TV, Summer

Pierogie Phobia – 15th Anniversary Edition

I only have two real fears in life. Sure, like everyone else, I dislike the usual suspects—heights, creepy bugs, drowning, the DMV. But my true fears are far less reasonable. One of them is Coke Zero. Don’t ask.

The other—and the one I want to talk about today—is pierogies. Laugh if you want, but I have my reasons.

Thirty five ago, I was a pierogie connoisseur. A professional. A craftsman. My routine was sacred: pan-fry each little doughy pocket of cheese-and-potato perfection in roughly half a gallon of vegetable oil, bury them under a snowstorm of salt, then make a direct sprint to the couch. No detours. No witnesses. I usually consumed six to eight in a sitting. Solo. Focused. Invincible.

I was immortal.

Until one Sunday afternoon, when everything changed.

It was a hot summer day at my mom’s house. I was home from college, living the proud tradition of deadbeat sons everywhere. Mom had gone to the NASCAR race at Pocono with my brother and a few others. I chose to stay behind, watch the race on TV, and host what can only be described as Pierogie-Palooza.

I followed my usual process: eight pierogies, fried to golden perfection, aggressively salted. I filled a large glass with Diet Coke (this was before I discovered Coke Zero, but that’s a separate tragedy), plopped onto the couch, and turned on the race.

I couldn’t tell you a single thing about that race. All I remember is the blissful union of carbs, fat, and salt hitting my tongue. The smell of fried glory. The taste of empty calories and future regret. I ate every last one and slipped into a pierogie coma. It was Zen. Pure, greasy enlightenment.

Then I smelled something else.

At first, I tried to ignore it. Maybe it would go away. It did not. A cold wave of dread washed over me as I realized my life was about to take a sharp turn. That’s when I saw the smoke drifting in from the kitchen.

In my haste to reach the ninth plane of starch heaven, I had forgotten to turn off the pan. The pan containing—let me remind you—a shit ton of vegetable oil.

I rushed into the kitchen and managed to put out the fire just in time. Disaster averted, I told myself. Close call. No harm done.

Then I looked around.

Oh shit.

The smoke had lovingly redecorated the kitchen, painting a thick black film across the once-white walls and cabinets.

Oh shit… she’ll be home soon.

My brain briefly tried humor. *Well, at least you’re not a little kid anymore or you’d be getting the beating of your life.* Ha. Thanks, brain. Super helpful.

But this was serious. For one terrifying moment, I genuinely wondered if my mother might still beat the hell out of her 21-year-old son. (Looking back, I think I could’ve taken her—but at the time, I didn’t want to test that theory.)

I had to clean it. Quickly. She’d walk in and it would be like nothing ever happened.

I grabbed a bucket, filled it with water and some cleaner, and got to work. By the second or third swipe on the wall, reality hit me hard: this shit was NOT coming off.

My heart started racing. Was this karma? Payback for the time I “accidentally” put my car in neutral and rolled it into our house on the South Side? Everyone was just happy I survived that one—no punishment. Maybe this was the universe settling the score.

I saw my future flash before my eyes.

This would be my legacy.

“Jimmy almost burned the house down cooking pierogies.”

Family gatherings would never be the same. Job interviews would somehow bring it up. At my wedding, people would throw pierogies instead of rice. And worst of all, I was certain my mom would have the Mrs. T pierogie logo etched into my tombstone.

So what did I do?

I dumped the bucket in the sink. Opened the windows. Went back to the couch. Finished the race.

I haven’t touched a pierogie since. I can’t even look at one without being transported back to that helpless moment. Yes—I am afraid.

To this day, I’m still the butt of the joke at family get-togethers. But I’ll never forget the look on my mom’s face when she walked in and saw the aftermath.

There was so much I wanted to say.

All I managed was:

“So… how was the race?”

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Movies and TV

Jon Lovitz talks career, his ‘that’s the ticket’ catchphrase ahead of Bethlehem stand-up show

For more than 40 years, Jon Lovitz has been one of the best-known comedians of his generation.

His brand of funny can be traced back to his stint on “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-80s, where the catch phrase “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” from his character, Tommy Flanagan the Pathological Liar, became a weekend staple of must see TV.

He’s appeared in several Adam Sandler films over the years and done voiceovers for “The Simpsons” as well as his own show, “The Critic.” Lovitz even had the opportunity to work with his comedic hero, Woody Allen, on Allen’s film, “Small Time Crooks” in 2000.

On Friday, Lovitz will bring his unique brand of stand-up humor to the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. I recently spoke with him to preview his upcoming performance and get his thoughts on the current state of comedy and more in this new interview.

How would you describe your style of comedy?

Lovitz: It’s about my personal opinions about stuff and trying to understand what’s going on in the world. It’s funny, everyone thinks of themselves as being young and hip and then all of a sudden it’s not — it becomes the opposite of what you grew up to believe in. Some people just go along with it, and I just can’t. The show is just me talking about all different subjects and what’s going on in the world and how I see it.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Jon Lovitz by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Horror, Interview, Morning Call, Movies and TV

Lehigh Valley native brings horror-comedy ‘Grampy’ to Southside Film Festival

Graham Burrell is a Philly-based independent filmmaker whose passion for the craft began around the same time he learned how to say the word “camera.”

A Parkland High School and Muhlenberg College graduate, Burrell was heavily involved in the film programs at both schools. To date, he’s written, directed, and edited more than 25 shorts, garnering more than 20 awards and millions of views online.

His most recent short, “Grampy,” is a horror/dark comedy with a big beating heart at its core. It’s the story of a young woman who must spend a rainy night with the taxidermy corpse of an old man in a creaking farmhouse. With the help of other Lehigh Valley natives and despite having a shoe-string budget, Burrell has successfully woven a curious tale of dark humor, horror, and hope.

“Grampy” has been captivating festival audiences across the country, earning numerous awards including Best Director – U.S. Short Film at the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival, Best Dark Comedy at the Allentown Film Festival, and Best in Fest at the Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival.

The film will next be screened as part of this year’s Southside Film Festival, which will be held in Bethlehem June 11-15.

I recently spoke with Graham Burrell about “Grampy” and what it was like going through local school film programs in this new interview.

Where did the idea for Grampy originate? What inspired the story?

Graham Burrell: Back in 2021 I saw a comedic TikTok video about someone pretending that their friend was stuffed and immediately thought it would be a clever concept for a horror/dark comedy. The mental image of “taxidermy grandpa” was particularly compelling and felt ripe for a horror film. Unfortunately during the middle of pre-production, I lost my own step-grandfather to a battle with multiple myeloma. While mourning his loss, I realized that “taxidermy grandpa” could actually serve as a potent analogy for grief and the difficult process involved in saying goodbye to a loved one. The story went through a significant re-writing in order to give the film a deeper, dramatic edge. I added the backstory involving our protagonist grieving the loss of her father, and writing the film became an outlet for me after losing my own loved one.

You can read the rest of my interview with Graham Burrell by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call, Movies and TV, Music

From boxing to Big Band to ‘Taxi’: Tony Danza to talk personal life and career at Musikfest Cafe

For more than 45 years, actor and singer Tony Danza has been one of the world’s most beloved entertainers. Whether it’s his celebrated performances on shows like “Taxi” and “Who’s The Boss,” his extensive movie and Broadway credits, or even rubbing elbows with the likes of legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and songwriter Sammy Cahn, Danza has firmly established himself as a multi-generational icon.

But for all you know about Tony Danza, one of the things you might not know is that prior to becoming an actor, Danza envisioned himself as a teacher, even earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Before finding a job teaching, he made a living as a professional boxer until fate stepped in and took his life in a whole new direction.

This is a small example of the stories fans can expect to hear on Friday, when Tony Danza brings his acclaimed “Standards &Stories,” to the Musikfest Café in Bethlehem.

The show combines Danza’s love of performing the timeless music from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories from his personal and professional life. Who knows, there may even be a dash of soft shoe dancing and ukulele performances as well.

I recently spoke with Danza about his show and more in this exclusive new interview.

Q: How did the idea to do a show called “Standards & Stories” come about?

Tony Danza: Back in 1993 I hit a tree while skiing and almost killed myself. When I came back from it I said to myself, “I’m getting a second chance. What haven’t I done yet?” By then I had already been tap dancing for about 10 years and realized what I wanted to do was be a song and dance man. So I called up my agent and said I wanted to try it and wrote it up. It’s called “Standards & Stories,” which is pretty self-explanatory. It’s some of the greatest songs ever written played by a four-piece band led by Joe Davidian that will knock your socks off. Then I tell my stories: some professional, some personal, and a story about my mother that I’m very excited to tell. I try to make a connection with the audience and have them relate to the songs. People really seem to enjoy it and we have a great time playing it.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Tony Danza by clicking here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Fashion, Interview, Morning Call, Movies and TV

Carson Kressley previews ‘Queer Eye’ 20th anniversary live reunion event at Wind Creek

Known for its fabulous makeovers, interactions, curious wit, and humor, “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” became an instant hit when it launched on the Bravo network in 2003 and changed the landscape of television by promoting acceptance, diversity, and inclusion.

During its five-season run the series earned an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program along with two GLAAD Media Awards and its format would be used in many future reality-based shows.

To mark the show’s 20th anniversary the “Fab Five” — Carson Kressley (“fashion savant”), Thom Filicia (“design doctor”), Ted Allen (“food connoisseur”), Kyan Douglas (“hair/grooming guru”), and Jai Rodriguez (“culture vulture”) — are coming together for a special one-night-only live event at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem on Saturday.

Moderated by Thomas Drayton, anchor/host of “Good Day Philadelphia,” the live reunion will give fans the opportunity to see the original “Fab Five” together again as they share stories and memorable moments from the show, as well as participate in a real-time Q&A and live audience makeovers.

I recently spoke with Allentown native Kressley about the 20th anniversary reunion event and more in this new interview.

Q: It’s been 20 years since “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” made its debut. When you look back now with so much perspective, what thoughts come to mind?

Kressley: Looking back, our original intention was just to get these poor straight guys the job, the look, or the girl. Personally, I was just trying to get rid of pleated khakis and mullets [laughs]. Twenty years later we realize the show had a bigger impact. Whenever I’m out traveling or in public oftentimes people will come up to thank me and tell me how they watched the show with their family and how it started the conversation and allowed their coming out process to be so much easier. Whenever I hear those stories, I get goosebumps and am so grateful that we could help people in that way. It’s something larger and more long lasting than just the makeovers, which were fine unto themselves, but helping people with their personal journeys is much more rewarding.

You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Carson Kressley by Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Books, Entertainment, Interview, Medium, Movies and TV, Music

‘Thanks For Coming’: Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum’s Michael C. Hall, Peter Yanowitz & Matt Katz-Bohen Discuss Debut Album

With disparate influences ranging from the glam, experimental music of David Bowie to the poetic sounds of The Velvet Underground and bands like 8 Eyed Spy and Sonic Youth, Thanks For Coming is the debut album by Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum. The band features vocalist, lyricist, musician and actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), drummer Peter Yanowitz (The Wallflowers, Morningwood) and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen (Blondie).

There’s a heightened sense of awareness and romanticism that exists in the band’s songwriting, as exhibited in tracks like “Armageddon Suite.” Then there’s the fun but deeply dark and disturbing undertone in songs like “Eat An Eraser.” There’s also material which began as subliminal inspiration on vintage instruments, as was the case in the groove-ridden “The Deeper Down.” Thanks For Coming also includes the band’s unique spin on Phantogram’s “Cruel World,” a song which has since become a staple of their live show.

While eschewing traditional rock instrumentation in favor of theatrical sensibility and a colorful, stripped-down synth/drum approach, Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum combines the best elements of glam, pop, new wave and theater, as well as the noisy, art rock vibe of the New York City scene. The result is a welcomed debut that’s both ethereally melancholic and hauntingly brilliant.

I recently spoke with Michael C. Hall, Peter Yanowitz and Matt Katz-Bohen about Thanks For Coming and much more in this exclusive new interview:

How did Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum come together?

Peter Yanowitz: The three of us met in the most unlikely of places for a rock band — on Broadway doing Hedwig [and the Angry Inch]. Mike was Hedwig and Matt and I were also part of the show. It started with us just being in the band playing someone else’s music. After we’d finished the show Matt and I kept jamming and Mike heard some of the instrumental ideas we’d started and offered to sing on them. One thing led to another and three years later, here we are.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Matt Katz-Bohen: I think we would all agree that [David] Bowie is someone we can really get behind. Then there’s a lot of the noisy art rock of New York City, starting with The Velvet Underground, No Wave, 8 Eyed Spy and Sonic Youth. There’s a lineage there we can all appreciate, just getting into that vibe from hanging around the East Village.

What’s the band’s approach to songwriting?

Michael C. Hall: There’s no set formula. We’ve written songs in every way possible. There have been instrumentals that have been the beginning of things. Then there’s melody ideas and songs with structure but no musical accompaniment. Most of the lyrics on these songs were written in the past few years. It’s been a pleasant surprise and welcome exercise to find myself in a situation where I’m called upon to write words.

Read the rest of my
Interview with the band by clicking here.

Art, Books, Entertainment, Life, Movies and TV, Music, Neapolitan Sky

1000

My customary ritual every January 1st is to start each year by sharing the very first blog article I ever wrote. Regular followers of this blog know the one I’m talking about. That wonderful day when I almost burned the house down making pierogies.

This year I decided to change that because of something I noticed the other day after posting my most recent interview. So, instead of posting something on the first of the year, I’m going to post something on the last day of the worst year ever.

Here’s the big announcement:

The post you are reading right now is my 1,000th article on WordPress! That’s right – one thousand. What makes this monumental achievement even more special is that tomorrow, January 1st, 2021, also marks the 10th anniversary of the following resolution I made to myself:

Who would’ve guessed that over the course of these last ten years I would have achieved such a mind-boggling statistic, and that number doesn’t even include the interviews I’ve done for sites like Yahoo! Examiner and Technorati.

In addition to the articles and interviews I’ve posted over the past decade, I’ve also co-authored three children’s books with a dear friend, traveled as far away as Los Angeles for interviews, wrote my very first novel and contributed four interviews to Guitar World magazine and several features for a major newspaper.

Among these one thousand articles are some pinch yourself moments, like the time I interviewed REO Speedwagon in the dressing room at The Greek Theatre in L.A. and was given a side-stage personal tour of Dave Amato’s guitar rig while Don Felder [formerly of The Eagles] stood thirty feet away performing “Hotel California” to a screaming, sold-out audience. Or the time filmmakers invited me to the Hollywood premiere of their horror film, and I actually got the chance to walk the red carpet with a legend of the genre.

I’ve interviewed Colonel Oliver North in his hotel room while he was nursing a bum foot. I chatted with Ozzy Osbourne on the phone and actually understood every word he said. I even talked to Ace Frehley of KISS and thanked him for being the one who inspired me to pick up the guitar. The truth of the matter is I will interview anyone – from artists about their new projects to porn stars about their unfortunate #MeToo experience – because everyone has a story that needs to be told.

But perhaps the greatest thing that’s happened to me during these last ten years of writing has been getting to meet so many amazingly talented people: independent artists, actors, musicians, filmmakers, photographers. All who’ve inspired me with their own creative works. People who’ve gone from being just another interview to lifelong friends.

Like many of you, 2020 was the absolute worst year of my life, but I’m optimistic about the future. Some of the things I’ve done recently include taking up watercolor painting as a form of mental therapy. I even sold one of them to a friend who generously donated the money to the local animal shelter [just like I did with my children’s books]. I’ve also begun the process of going back to college to finally finish my degree. Next year will be the release of my brand-new novel. One that’s been in the works for a very long time. There is something very cool, and music related with it that I hope I’ll be able to pull off. Will require some approval by the artist but fingers crossed.

I hope that by reading this blog, or any of the other 999 that have come before it, has inspired you to make a similar resolution to the one I made on January 1st, 2011, and that is to make a promise to yourself for 2021. A resolution to do something you’ve always dreamed about doing. Just take the first sentence of my resolution and change the word “writing” to something you’re passionate about. Then go out and make it happen.

Here’s wishing you peace, love, music, art, writing….and all the best for the New Year.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Horror, Interview, Movies and TV, Women Who Rock

‘Tea Time’: Writer/Director Tara Price Discusses Her Bloody New Short Film

Tara Price

During her afternoon tea party, a little girl — played by newcomer, Kennedy Barrie, loses her temper and things get…well, out of control.

The premise for award-winning writer/director Tara Price’sbloody new short comedy, “Tea Time,” can perhaps best be described as “Calvin and Hobbes meets Scarface.” A twisted mixture of childhood imagination and real-life consequence.

Ubiquitous in her storytelling, Price has an innate ability to weave a web of thrills and suspense while bringing out the best in her cast. No better example of this exists than the performance she yields from three-year-old Barrie, who is both insatiably cute and diabolically mean. Barrie’s real-life brother, Tripp, also appears in the film, giving even more visual impact to a short that already combines the best elements of comedy, horror and thrills.

Like her previous short film, “Earworm,” which featured Ernest Lee Thomas [“What’s Happening”], Price enlists the help of another beloved, multi-generational artist by involving wrestling legend Rob Van Dam to participate in a surprise twist.

“Tea Time” is already receiving buzz on the festival circuit, including being selected in the coveted 2020 Women In Comedy Festival presented by HBO. Proving that even though it’s only her sophomore directed film, Price’s star power continues to rise.

I recently spoke with Tara Price about “Tea Time” and more in this exclusive new interview.

What was the inspiration behind “Tea Time?”

Tara Price: I had been working on an outline for a feature about a child whose toys come to life in her dreams and wound up borrowing the idea to make something that was much more simple and fun. The overall idea of toys being alive in a child’s imagination isn’t new. I just ran with it in a weird direction. My one-sheet when I was seeking funding for “Tea Time” described it as “Calvin and Hobbes meets Scarface,” which amused me to pieces and I’ve since been told sums it up perfectly.

What’s your writing process like?

TP: When it comes to short films I have to know how it’s going to start and end before I even start fleshing out the idea. The ending doesn’t have to be tied up in a neat little bow but it has to have some kind of conclusion. I never write with a time frame in mind. I just want to write the idea and keep it interesting. Generally, you can estimate how many minutes the finished film will be based on the number of pages you write.

How did you discover Kennedy Barrie?

TP: Kennedy’s mom was actually a co-worker of mine. She’d recently moved to L.A. and had invited my husband and I to a housewarming party. When we arrived Kennedy answered the door all by herself, as if she were hosting the party. She gave us a tour of the home and by the end of the night she and her brother Tripp, who also appears in the film, were holding court. I was immediately taken with the dynamic between the two of them because that’s what I had written. I remember as we were leaving my husband turned to me and said, “I know what you’re thinking.” I laughed and said, “Is it that obvious?” The next day I brought the idea up to my co-worker and asked if she’d be ok with having her kids in the film. Luckily for me, it all worked out.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Tara Price by Clicking Here!

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Movies and TV, Women Who Rock

Interview: Actress Katie Callaway Discusses Her Versatile Career

It’s not often you meet a woman with the trifecta success of musical theater, film and television, but such is the case for Katie Callaway.

The beautiful actress began her journey studying classical ballet before attending Belmont University and graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre. During her time there, Callaway appeared in no less than six different musical productions, including the first ever collegiate production of “Les Misérables.” She also wrote, directed, and starred in her senior thesis production of a one-act comedic musical parody of “The Hunger Games.”

With a powerful vocal equaled only by her acting prowess and charm, Callaway served as a key participant in several master classes and workshops by such notable Broadway influences as Jason Robert Brown (“The Last Five Years,” “Songs for a New World”), Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (“Edges,” “Dogfight,” and “A Christmas Story”) and Jen Waldman (Artistic Director at the Hangar Theatre and a part of the Original Broadway Cast of “Wicked”).

As a film and television actress, Callaway’s impressive list of credits includes a recurring role on ABC / Lionsgate’s “Nashville,” as well as being featured in films like “The Clapper” and “Prize Fighter.” She’s also branched out into commercial work and music videos as well. Her latest film, “Inheritance,” is slated for release in 2020.

I recently spoke with Katie Callaway about her career and life in this exclusive new interview.

Did you always know that you wanted to have a career in the arts and entertainment?

Katie Callaway: Absolutely. I’ve always loved performing and the theater and stage. I started really young in life studying classical ballet, and didn’t think being an actress could be a viable career until I was in my pre-teens. That’s when I asked my mom and dad to get me an agent and some head shots. I remember they were a little hesitant at first, but it’s always been on my radar and something that I loved to do. Following your passion and dreams isn’t selfish. It’s a responsibility.

What was it that attracted you to theater?

KC: I’m a big fan of stories and being able to have that one on one, call and response connection with an audience when something beautiful or dramatic happens on stage. There’s something magical about live theater and having an intimate relationship with the people you’re performing for.

You’ve done live theater, movies, commercials and television. As an actress, what are some of the similarities and differences?

KC: They’re all different but it’s all the art of performance. The beauty about live theater is the adrenaline rush you get knowing you only have one shot to get it right. Every night is completely different. In film or TV commercials you might do the take a few times, but once it’s locked in you can put it to bed. You can do a live show twenty to thirty times and still find new ways of falling in love with the character.

Are there any projects you’re currently working on?

KC: I recently filmed an episode of “General Hospital” that aired this past July, which was very exciting. I also have a supporting role in a thriller starring Lily Collins and Simon Pegg called “Inheritance” that’s slated to be released in 2020. There are a few other exciting things coming up that I can’t really discuss except to say stay tuned!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself as an artist so far?

KC: It’s hard to pick just one thing but I find out more about myself as an artist by the characters I portray. The arts are about questioning the status quo, relying on things that have happened in the past, thinking about what lies ahead and then using the art of storytelling to share it.

What excites you the most about this next phase of your career?

KC: One thing I’m looking forward to is the opportunity to travel for different roles. It’s nice that the hub doesn’t always have to be L.A. anymore. I’m excited to get more stamps on my passport and seeing different parts of the world.

What’s the best bit of advice you can give to someone who may just be starting out?

KC: Keep your foot on the gas. If it’s something you feel called to do then don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. It’s a viable career for anyone as long as you’re willing to put in the hard work. There’s a lot to be said for talent and networking but at the end of the day it’s all about perseverance. Always work to better your skillset and self as a human being. We need to follow the things we’re called to do.

Entertainment, Interview, Movies and TV, Music, Women Who Rock

‘Mixtape’: Executive Producer Natalie Barandes Discusses Infectious New AXS TV Series

One of the coolest, and most revealing, classic rock series has got to be AXS TV’s new star-studded “Mixtape,” which airs Thursday nights at 8:30pE/5:30pP.

Dubbed the story of a musical artist’s life through the songs that they love each of the eight-episode series shines a light on a different rock icon as they sit down to discuss some of their favorite songs of all time. In doing so, they not only share a personal playlist of music that shaped their lives but also tell stories of how the songs impacted their own musical trajectory. They also reveal things about themselves you may never have heard before.

The debut season includes appearances by such legendary artists as Mick Jones & Kelly Hansen (Foreigner), Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Rick Springfield, Don McLean, Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Micky Dolenz (The Monkees). For fans of the classic rock genre this is a series and musical celebration that is not to be missed.

I recently spoke to executive producer and Natalie Barandes (Founder/Creative Chief Joy Factory) about “Mixtape,” her career and much more in this exclusive new interview.

What inspired the new AXS TV series, “Mixtape?” How did it all come about?

Natalie Barandes: I have a friend from high school who I used to trade mix tapes with. She’s always been a collector and one day she brought me over a stack of them. They had so much great music on them. I remember listening to them and seeing the variation of how it went from one song to the next to the next. It was a story of my life. That’s when I thought this could be a great format to profile a musical artist and the songs they grew up with and loved. We could understand them on a whole different level.

What’s the format of the show?

NB: Every episode has the same four-chapter format: Influences, The Rise, then the Deep Dive, which is a defining moment that usually has a nugget you may not know about. It ends with Today and Tomorrow, which is what’s going on with the artist right now and what they’re listening to. 

What were some of the interesting things you discovered while working on the show?

NB: When you look at the artists in the series as a whole you see a lot of similarities in age and musical influences, but then you realize how different their career trajectories became. For example, Mick Jones [Foreigner] talks about Buddy Holly and then so does Don McLean. They both had a lot of love for the same guy but had very different careers. On the classic rock side you can see The Beatles were a huge influence, but there’s also a lot pre-Beatles music that was important to their careers, like Cliff Richard and Gerry and The Pacemakers.

Photo courtesy AXS TV – Joy Factory

What were some of the challenges of putting together the series?

NB: I had to do an extensive amount of research and we were tied to a tight budget, timeline and turnaround. Once we booked the artist I had about ninety minutes to take a journey into their lives and the music that inspired them. It was a challenge but once we were in the room together it was amazing.

Was having a career in entertainment something you always envisioned?

NB: Absolutely. I grew up in New York and my family was in the entertainment business. My father and uncle were both involved in Broadway Theater so I saw everything when I was growing up. In the 80s I had the opportunity to work for MTV and did weekend promos for a few years. That formulated my background. Then when I moved to Los Angeles in the 90s a lot of my early work was doing video profiles for record labels where I did a lot of amazing interviews.

Are there any other projects you’re currently working on?

NB: One of the things we’re working on is taking the concept of “Mixtape” and playlist and expanding it into multiple genres, like “Mixtape Country,” “Mixtape RnB, Hip-hop.” There’s even interest in “Mixtape Gospel and Christian” as well as “Mixtape Comedy,” where comedians tell stories about their lives through the comedy that they love.

What satisfies you the most about “Mixtape” and what would you like viewers to take away from watching?

NB: I remember after we finished filming the episode with Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato from REO Speedwagon, I came out with tears in my eyes and told someone that I have the best job in the world. I got to sit five feet away from a band I loved growing up and talked music. The same goes for Mick Jones and Kelly Hansen from Foreigner, or getting to listen to Don McLean sing “American Pie.” These are songs that were my favorites growing up. “Mixtape” is an absolute gift for anyone who loves music and my hope is the show opens your mind to how much wonderful music there is in the world. Some of which you may never even knew existed.

 “Mixtape” airs Thursday nights at 8:30pE / 5:30pP on AXS TV.