Entertainment, Interview, Movies and TV, Music

‘The Top Ten Revealed’: Katie Daryl Discusses New AXS-TV Countdown Series

It’s a program that’s sure to fuel intense debate among music aficionados. AXS TV’s all-new original series, “The Top Ten Revealed” [which premiers on Sunday, Feb 11] is a countdown show unlike any other. One where fans choose the best of the best.

In each episode, host and executive producer Katie Daryl (“The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands”) counts down a list of genre-defining songs and orchestrates discussion with a rotating panel of icons and music industry experts. Each of them examining the musicians and music that have left indelible marks on the rock n’ roll scene.

Episode one opens by counting down the top ten “Guitar Rock Intros” and includes discussion by special guests like Guns N’ Roses legend, Steven Adler, former Pantera percussionist, Vinnie Paul, and the Queen of Metal herself, Lita Ford. Future episodes in the new series include the top “Songs Named After Women”, “80s Rock Ballads”, “Vietnam Era Rock”, “‘70s Hard Rock Hits” and “Hits That Were Covers”.

In the end, “The Top Ten Revealed” is an infectious series where the world was invited to vote and viewers may have to agree to disagree. But if you’re patient and understanding you’ll find that these lists are only a whole lot of fun, but ones that will keep your toes tapping long after the show is over.

I recently spoke with Katie Daryl about “The Top Ten Revealed” and more in this exclusive new interview.

How did the idea for “The Top Ten Revealed” originate?

I’ve worked for Mark Cuban’s TV network since it was created, and being a music-driven network, we’re always picking our brains about what our viewers might like to see. We frequently have water cooler chats about our favorite artists and what everyone is listening to, and a lot of these conversations end up in debate. So, we might be talking about AC/DC vs Led Zeppelin and who does better at X,Y and Z. That’s when we realized that we didn’t have any shows on the network that allowed people to rank and argue classic rock. The idea was spawned. We knew that if our viewers liked to argue and debate music as much as our editors and writers did, then this was going to be a hit.

Katie Daryl – Photo by Stewart Volland

How much research was done in compiling the list of Guitar Rock Intros for Episode One?

Doing the initial ranking was a long process. Before we even began, we made sure that we set some parameters. In this case, it was guitar intros from bands that originated in the 60’s, 70’s and 80s. That’s why songs like “Johnny B. Goode” wouldn’t make the list, because that song initiated in the 50’s. The first thing to do was to create a list of about twenty-five intros that you can think of off the top of your head. Next, we did research to see what other people were talking about. Finally, we put the question out to social media, and people started responding. Just from us asking the question, it fueled debate, which helped us formulate a final list of ten.

What criteria was used in ranking the final ten intros?

The final listing was shaped by social media and from logging on to AXS-TV. It was fun to open it up, cast a wide net and get other people’s opinions.

Were the artists invited to participate in the show aware of the final rankings?

Everyone knew going in what the topic was about, but we didn’t tell any of them how the intros were ranked. Some of the artists were only given a few songs to talk about, and it was fun to see if their reactions coincided with how our social media vote came in.

What else can you tell me about this season of “The Top Ten Revealed”?

There are six episodes this season with topics ranging from “Guitar Rock Intros” and “Songs Named After Women” to “80’s Rock Ballads” and “Vietnam Era Songs”. What’s great about this show is that these songs are going to get stuck in your head. They’re all songs we love and that’s what makes them so classic.

Were there any guitar intros that didn’t make the list that you thought should have been included?

There’s a few Nirvana intros I would have put on the list, but those didn’t make it because of the parameters we set. We also had another parameter where each band could only be included on the list once. Thank goodness, because we could easily have had an all AC/DC list [laughs]. They’re a guitar intro machine!

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

I did, although I have to admit I thought I’d always stay in radio. I was lucky enough to have a few early opportunities to be on television and make a career out of it. Presenting information in an entertaining or news format has always been something that gets me excited.

What excites you the most about this season of “The Top Ten Revealed”?

I cannot wait to see the social media reaction and the agreeing and disagreeing that will come out of these episodes. People are passionate about their opinions, and especially when they can hide behind the Internet [laughs]. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out and to see if everyone can play nice in the sand box.

“The Top Ten Revealed” hosted by Katie Daryl debuts Sunday, Feb. 11th at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT on AXS-TV.

Entertainment, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Moon Taxi’s Trevor Terndrup, Spencer Thomson and Tommy Putnam Discuss New Album, the Success of “Two High”
Moon Taxi – Photo by Harper Smith

Nashville’s alt-rock quintet Moon Taxi’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, Let The Record Play, marks the band’s first album for a major label. It’s an infectious, ten-track LP that includes their monster single, “Two High,” which to date has garnered more than 64 million streams on Spotify.

Produced and mixed by Spencer Thomson (who also happens to be the band’s guitarist), Let The Record Play lends itself as easily to home speakers as it does to the band’s dynamic live show.

We recently spoke with frontman Trevor Terndrup, Thomson and bassist Tommy Putnam about the band’s new album, and the incredible success of “Two High.”

To someone who may not be familiar with Moon Taxi, how would you describe Let The Record Play?

Terndrup: It’s a continuation of our story. For people discovering the band for the first time, it’s a great introduction, and hopefully, they’ll go through and check our back catalog. For fans who’ve been with us for more than a decade, they’ll appreciate that it’s a continuation of our songwriting and production skills. We’re always striving to become better songwriters, and we’re getting a more worldwide look with this record.

What was the songwriting process for this record like?

Thomson: One thing we tried to do a little more of on this album was to have a lyrical concept up front. So often, you end up having music that you like, but then you have the task of trying to put lyrics to it. It can slow down the process. What we’ve learned is that if you have an idea, lyrics or a title on the front end, it really helps the song move along and it makes it more of a cohesive concept to work with.

Terndrup: Spencer writes a lot of the lyrics, but everyone generally puts a stamp of approval on it. It’s all collaborative, so it has a pretty thick filter. Usually, it’s one person who comes in with the creative spark, and then the rest of us help push it to the finish line.

Let’s discuss a few tracks from Let The Record Play, starting with “Two High.”

Terndrup: The music and the lyrics both happened within a two-week time frame. The idea came from our keys player, Wes, who sent a text that was an auto-correct fail. He had meant to say, “too high” and it came across as “two high”. He told me about it and I immediately thought about the iconic peace symbol from the sixties. It was right around the same time the Women’s March happened and there was a lot of protesting going on. That’s really when the chorus started to shape up.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Moon Taxi by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Kristian Bush Discusses His New ‘Geeking Out’ Podcast and Sugarland Reunion

Kristian Bush, Wheelhouse Records’ recording artist and one half of the Grammy-winning duo, Sugarland with Jennifer Nettles, is celebrating the geek in all of us with his new 12-episode podcast appropriately called, “Geeking Out! With Kristian Bush”.

In each episode, Bush sits down with a guest to talk about something they’re obsessed about that has nothing to do with their job. Along the way, Bush also shares an artist, song, or album that’s got him “geeking out.”

The first episode features Bush’s friend and label-mate, Granger Smith, discussing his new favorite hobby: beekeeping. Future guests include Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Nashville creator Callie Khouri; actress, producer and songwriter Rita Wilson; “Jean-Claude Van Johnson” star Kat Foster and country music journalist, Hunter Kelly.

“Geeking Out! With Kristian Bush” is available for download on all podcast platforms.

AXS recently spoke with Kristian Bush about “Geeking Out”, the upcoming Sugarland reunion tour, new music and more in this exclusive interview.

AXS: Where did the idea to do a podcast originate?

Kristian Bush: My friend, Bobby Bones, was the one who originally asked me about doing it. He’s been passionate about podcasts and the things he was discovering with them. When Bobby approached me about doing one, I initially thought it would be about music, but he I could talk about whatever I wanted. So, I brought him back a few ideas and this was the one we both agreed was the most interesting and sustainable. What’s fun about “Geeking Out” is that it’s based on creating a good boundary, and that boundary is, tell me one thing that you’re obsessed with that has nothing to do with your job. It’s amazing to listen to people talk about the things they’re passionate about.

AXS: How much time goes into putting an episode together?

KB: It sounds like someone just hits record and we’re off [laughs], but there’s actually a lot of time and production that goes into it. The idea is to collect as much material as you can and then shrink it down, but always respecting your listener and making it the best story it can be.

AXS: What can fans expect from future episodes of “Geeking Out! With Kristian Bush”?

KB: One episode ended up being about rotating restaurants at the top of Hyatt Regency’s around America. Another is about Brazilian Jujitsu. A third ended up being about a person who’s obsessed with Billy Joel and becoming the biggest Billy Joel fan on the planet. It’s going to be exciting for people to discover what some of these guests are geeking out about.

AXS: Let’s switch gears and talk a little about Sugarland. What prompted the band’s recent reunion, new single and upcoming tour?

KB: The hiatus was always based on a question of timing and the things Jennifer wanted to do. She wanted to start a family, have a child and a solo career. When I got a call, the first thing for us to do was get back in the ring and see what we could do. We wound up walking into the room together and thirty-five minutes later, we wrote the song, “Still The Same”.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Kristian Bush by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: The Doobie Brothers’ Patrick Simmons Discusses 40th Anniversary of the band’s ‘What’s Happening!!” Appearance & New Tour With Steely Dan
The Doobie Brothers (photo by Andrew Macpherson)

If you ask The Doobie Brothers’ Patrick Simmons the one thing the band will most be remembered for, he won’t hesitate to tell you that it will probably be the time the band was featured on the black situation comedy, “What’s Happening!!” on January 28th, 1978.

Forty years ago, Simmons, along with the rest of his bandmates at the time, appeared as themselves in a two-part episode called, “Doobie or Not Doobie,” where they returned triumphantly to their former high school only to discover that one of the students, Rerun (played by Fred Berry), had been conned by a two-bit thug into tape recording the band’s concert.

It was an unusual situation and a bit of a risk for the band; whose hits include “Black Water,” & “Takin’ it to The Streets”, to appear on a television series. But in the end, it exposed The Doobies music to an entirely new demographic, and has since become one of televisions most beloved episodes.

AXS recently spoke with Simmons about the 40th anniversary of The Doobie Brothers appearance on “What’s Happening!!”,  their new tour with Steely Dan and much more in this exclusive new interview.

AXS: How did the band’s appearance on “What’s Happening!!” come about?

PS: We had done the albums Takin’ It to the Streets and Livin’ on the Fault Line, and had just hired a new publicist named David Gest (who would later leave PR and go on to marry Liza Minelli). A few months into working with us, David came in and told us there was an opportunity to do this situation comedy.

I was already familiar with “What’s Happening!!”, because I’d watched the show a few times. I thought it was hilarious and really liked the character of Rerun (Fred Berry). I had actually met Fred one summer at a show we’d done where he was dancing with The Lockers. Because it was a black situation comedy, I thought it would be an adventurous thing for us to do because our music had always been laced with R&B and soul. Not only would our fans tune in, but it would also expose us to a new audience of people who watched the show regularly, and would begin to listen to our music. I had no idea how we would fit into the show but thought it was something fun and different to do. David had great ideas, and that was certainly one of them.

AXS: The storyline dealt with the subject of bootlegging concerts. Was that something the band was concerned about at the time?

PS: For sure. We had been ripped off more than once, so we were certainly aware of it. I remember at the time, there was a lot of stealing of intellectual property going on. People would record shows and then sell them to some label in some other country. Then the label would produce it and ship it back to America. It was a difficult process trying to get in and record a show without being seen, but there was a certain amount of money to be made. It’s silly looking back on it now because everyone is recording shows on their phones and giving it away on YouTube, but it was a different world in those days.

Read there rest of my
Interview with Pat Simmons by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Jenny March Discusses Her Infectious Debut Single, ‘California Daze’
Photo by: Dennis Leupold

Los Angeles-based songstress, Jenny March, has always been unafraid about challenging the status quo. That’s why her music is filled with metaphoric innuendos of real life scenarios. As is also the case with her infectious debut single, “California Daze.”

Produced by Tony Rodini (blackbear, Weezer, Terror Jr.), “California Daze” has an ethereal feel to it. With March’s sultry vocals set against a groovy vibe, the track instantly draws the listener in and doesn’t let go. The song is part of a larger EP that March plans to release later this year. A video for “California Daze” is also in the works.

In addition to her career in music, March has been predominant in the acting world as well. Having appeared alongside Marisa Tomei and Minnie Driver in the horror film, “Laboratory Conditions” as well as starring in the shorts, “The Stanford Letter” and “Meanamorphosis”.

AXS recently spoke with Jenny March about her new single and more in this new interview.

AXS: What can you tell us about your new single, “California Daze”?

Jenny March: “California Daze” is the first song that Tony Rodini and I worked on for my EP project. I had started dating a guy and the two of us were going through the honeymoon phase. Living in L.A., it was easy to get lost in the relationship, and I felt as if I was losing myself and having trouble getting on with my career. The daze is actually a metaphor about the world being full of distractions and the things that hold us back.

AXS: How would you describe your sound?

JM: It’s definitely edgy pop. I love ballads and upbeat pop songs. I grew up dancing, so I was into Madonna and Britney, but I also love artists like Usher and Outcast and the groovy vibes they have. It’s a mixture of all of that.

AXS: What was it like working with Tony Rodini on this track?

JM: It was great. Tony and I have great chemistry and have become really close friends. He’s a fun guy who totally understood what I was looking for. We worked really well together.

Read the ret of my
Interview with Jenny March by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Ron Keel Discusses Upcoming Albums, ‘Metal Cowboy Reloaded’ and ‘Fight Like A Band’


Having spent the last few years living in South Dakota, veteran artist Ron Keel is primed for one very busy 2018. Following his recent signing to Dave Ellefson’s EMP Label Group, the Metal Cowboy will re-issue his 2014 album, aptly titled, Metal Cowboy Reloaded. The release is a remixed/remastered compilation that draws from Keel’s country/southern rock playbook while still maintaining the monstrous riffs and powerhouse vocals he’s known for.

This summer, The Ron Keel Band will also release their highly-anticipated debut, Fight Like A Band. An album that sticks to earthy Southern charms and showcases a bold musical direction for Keel and his bandmates.

AXS recently talked to Ron Keel about his new projects and much more in this exclusive interview.

AXS: What made you decide to reissue your album, Metal Cowboy?

Ron Keel: After I’d signed with David Ellefson’ s EMP label group so many ideas were being thrown back and forth. I had mentioned the Metal Cowboy album to them because it’s a big part of who I am. By the end of the conversation, we all agreed to reissue it. Because my hardcore fans may already have the album, I thought it best to create a new listening experience for them by remastering the entire disc, remixing all the songs and adding a few bonus tracks. I’m also excited about priming a new audience who maybe hasn’t heard of me or just knows me from Keel. David’s allowed me to evolve as the musician and singer/songwriter I am while still letting me embrace my roots. This is a great way to introduce my music and persona to a whole new fan base.

AXS: What can you tell me about the upcoming Ron Keel Band album, Fight Like A Band?

RK: Right now, we’re right in the thick of the writing process. The title track reflects the story of what I’ve been through these last few years. The guys in the band have been with me for three years now, and they’ve been my support group while my wife has gone through breast cancer treatment. It’s been difficult and tough for she and I these last few years, but we’ve remained positive. The guys have had my back and have been there with me through the hard times, and that message is what the song is all about.

AXS: Has relocating to South Dakota influenced you as an artist?

RK: As an artist, I think you create your own environment no matter where you live. I’ve been a nomad all my life, going from one town to the next. I moved to Nashville when I seventeen and put together the band, Steeler. Then I went to L.A. to become part of that 80’s Hollywood/metal scene. My time spent in Las Vegas and Nashville has also been well documented. Today, I really love the hard working, hard partying and hard rocking mentality of the people in the Midwest. It’s the perfect spot for me to continue my journey of doing what I do.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Ron Keel by Clicking Here!

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Movies and TV

Actor Ernest Thomas Discusses His Career And The 40th Anniversary of The Doobie Brothers Appearance on ‘What’s Happening!!’

It could’ve been when Ernest Thomas’s character, Raj, delivered the classic line, “Which Doobie you be?” Or maybe it was the argumentative exchange between Shirley and Al Dunbar at Rob’s Place. It might also have been Rerun’s hilariously failed attempt at bootlegging a Doobie Brothers concert. Whatever the case, there’s no question that the “What’s Happening!!” two-part, “Doobie or Not Doobie”, which first aired on January 28th, 1978, has remained one of the series’ most iconic episodes.

Much like The Doobies themselves, actor Ernest Thomas has remained as beloved and relevant as ever these last forty years. In addition to having starred in the successful spinoff series, “What’s Happening Now!!”, he’s also been featured in films like “Malcolm X” as well as the series “Everybody Hates Chris”. These days, Thomas is also an accomplished author as well as an in-demand mentor and public speaker.

I recently spoke with Thomas about the 40th anniversary of the famous “What’s Happening!!” episode with The Doobie Brothers, his career and more in this exclusive new interview.

It’s been more than forty years since “What’s Happening!!” first aired, and it remains one of the most beloved shows of all time. When you look back now with so much perspective, what thoughts come to mind?

I pinch myself and cry out to God in gratitude. Recently, I was on a military base doing a book signing, and the people there were telling me how much the DVDs had meant and given comfort to the solders in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m mystified and thankful that it continues to make people so happy.

How much of Ernest Thomas was in the character of Raj?

That’s a great question. In the original “Cooley High” [which “What’s Happening!!” is loosely based on], Preacher Jackson, who was played brilliantly by Glynn Turman, was a good kid, but was a little more street and mischievous. After my audition, I started thinking about how my grandmother, mother and pastor had crafted me and decided to go in to talk to the producers. I told them I didn’t see Roger as street at all. I told them I saw him as a person who loves everyone and was always trying to keep the peace. He was everyone’s best friend; every teacher’s favorite student and every woman’s ideal husband. Roger is every man. I remember they looked at me like I had just about lost my mind [laughs]. They thanked me for sharing but later wound up shaping Raj more like me. That’s why in the intro of the show, when you see me open the door and walk out with the big smile on my face, that really is me.

What do you think made the show so timeless and special?

I think it was because it was a show that people could easily identify with. That’s why it crossed all racial lines. Growing up, everyone has the heavy-set friend (Rerun); the shy, little Dwayne and the baby brother or sister who’s a little tattletale or snitch. Then you had Mama, who was going to spank you if you were bad. That was a real situation. The truth is, we had a divine chemistry. I remember when I first set eyes on Fred Berry, Haywood Nelson, Mabel King, Danielle Spencer and Shirley Hemphill, there was an instant familiarity. We all loved each other and it became more like a family.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the two-part episode with The Doobie Brothers. What was the inspiration behind it?

The director knew the band and saw that they were going through a transition with members. They really needed something to give them a hit. So, he came up with this crazy idea that they had gone to our school. Here you had these white, long-haired rockers coming back to the same teachers we had, and no one even questioned it. In fact, America ate it up.

Even today, when I talk to them, they’ll tell me how people always come up and ask them about “What’s Happening!!” It’s not about the music or even the next album. They want to know what the experience was like on the show [laughs]. I even remember seeing an interview with them where they said they think the band’s epitaph is going to read, “The Doobies Brothers. We’re what’s happening.” [laughs]. 

Just like The Doobie Brothers, you’re still as relevant as ever forty years later. What new projects are you’re working on?

I’ve recently written my autobiography, “From Raj to Riches: Overcoming Life Through Faith.” It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s a testimony that supernatural faith brings supernatural results. I want kids to know that I was bullied in grade school, and it didn’t help that I was into the church. At times, it felt like it would never end, but I was taught to have faith in God and to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The book also talks about my time working on the show and “Malcom X” as well as my relationships with people like Muhammad Ali and Dr. Maya Angelou. People have really responded well to it, and I thank God for what the book has done.

I also have a lot of other things brewing right now. I did a film called “Two Wolves” that will hopefully be coming out this year. There’s also a series called “The Chosen Ones” that’s a retelling of The Gospel of Christ, where I play a blind man who Jesus heals. I’m very excited about it.

You also recently did a short film, “Earworm” that was quite a departure for you. What can you tell me about it? 

Tara Price wrote and directed the film and did such a great job. She and I had met on another film and liked each other immediately. At first, I was hesitant about doing it, because I didn’t want to look feeble and like someone who couldn’t take care of myself. But that’s part of life, and Tara told me that it would be a challenge for me to not always play the hero or be the one that has all the answers. It was a long, twelve-hour day of filming, but I’m so happy for her and the producers. She lit a fire with it.

Of all the highlights of your career, what stands out to you as most memorable?

If I look back, “What’s Happening!!” was like Heaven on Earth because at one point, we were so huge that we were seen by fifty million people in America. Suddenly, everyone knows your name. Although I love the people and the nostalgia of the show, for me, the best time is right now. I love that there are new films of mine that people have yet to see, and I’m also excited about how well the book is doing. I love the past, whether it’s “What’s Happening!!” or being in “Malcolm X” with Denzel Washington, or meeting Muhammad Ali and having him take me under his wing, call me a friend and really say that he loved me like a brother. All of those things were out of body experiences, but I believe that right now is the best time. My greatest joy is making people happy.

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

‘Earworm’: Filmmaker Tara Price Discusses Her Latest Horror/Sci-Fi Short
Tara Price

When a reclusive man is repeatedly woken up over the course of a night by severe headaches, accompanied by musical repetition from an unknown source, his sanity begins to swiftly unravel.

The premise for writer/director Tara Price’s new short film, “Earworm”, is more than just a sinister play on words. It’s an eerily captivating, empathetic look at a man losing grip with his own reality. In mere minutes, Price is able to effectively weave a compelling web of cringe-worthy horror and uncertainty, while taking the viewer on a wild, emotional thrill ride.

The film, which stars veteran actor Ernest L. Thomas (“What’s Happening!!,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Malcolm X”) is as infectious as it is unsettling.

In addition to already being an acclaimed actress, Price wrote, produced, and starred in the award-winning, sci-fi short, “The Routine”, which was an “Official Selection” in thirty film festivals worldwide as well as being a nine-time award winner. “Earworm” is her directorial debut.

With endless enthusiasm and a profound knack for uniquely capturing a vision from written page to screen, Price is one to watch in 2018.

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

Where did the idea for “Earworm” originate?

I’ve written and produced several short films in the past, but this was the first one that I wrote with me specially wanting to direct. The whole concept behind it is actually a play on words. I’ve used the word “earworm” many times in my vocabulary. It means when you get a song stuck in your head. But what I’ve discovered over the years is that many people hear the word and relate it to “tapeworm” or “ringworm”. They don’t realize that it’s about music being stuck in your head. I thought it would be great to make a movie about both of those things.

Was the idea always for it to be a short film, or did you have something more feature-length in mind?

All of my other films were under ten minutes, so I always knew that it would be short. I like my material to pack a punch and end on a good beat. I’ve had people suggest that I make “Earworm” into a feature and I’m always flattered, but it was never meant to be one.

How did Ernest Thomas become involved in the film?

Ernie and I had worked together as actors in the past. All of our scenes were together so whenever there was downtime, we would spend it by hanging out and getting to know each other. He’s so kind, funny, generous and down to Earth. He’s also got an iconic smile that you immediately recognize. Ernie’s known primarily as a comedic actor, but he has such a great face for drama. I didn’t write the script with Ernie in mind, and I wasn’t even sure if it was going to be about a man or a woman. Ultimately, I decided it would be interesting to have a seasoned actor in the role, and Ernie was the first one who popped in my head. I shot him an email and was really lucky when he said yes. We had always hoped to work together again, and it was a wonderful thing.

What was the filming process like for “Earworm”?

We shot the entire film in one day. It was exhausting, but tons of credit goes to my team of people and to Ernie, because they never lost their momentum. I also had a wonderful producer, Billy Hanson. I’m so indebted to him for believing in this script and for being a great partner. To have someone that solid in your corner who believes in and trusts in you is so important.

Tara Price & Ernest Thomas

As a first-time director, what was the biggest challenge?

This may sound silly, but sometimes just believing in yourself can be the hardest thing. The idea of directing can be intimidating, but I was fortunate to have many positive influences in my life and a lot of people encouraging me. Directing sounds scary and is a lot of work, but it’s easier when you have a good script, go in with a plan and surround yourself with top-notch people.

How has the reaction been to “Earworm”?

It’s been great. I love going to festivals and sitting in the back and watching he audience. There’s one scene I won’t give away where the audience always shrieks [laughs]. It’s my favorite part.

What’s next for the film?

It’s recently screened in New York and Berlin and will be playing at the Indie Horror Film Festival in Illinois in March. It’s already been in forty-eight film festivals and has won seven awards.

Was a filmmaker something you always aspired to do?

Initially, I wanted to be an actor and moved to L.A. in pursuit of it. I always liked to write, but did it mostly to help me as an actor. Eventually, people started telling me that I should try directing. I was hesitant at first, but once I did everything else paled in comparison. It’s exciting to write something and then bring your vision to life. But it wouldn’t be possible without having a great team of people who bring everything they’ve got to the table.

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

I’ve recently directed a music video for the song that’s from “Earworm” – “The Worst Thing”. It’s a completely separate entity that has nothing to do with the movie, but it’s a catchy song that gets stuck in your head [laughs]. It’s funny how you can plan something and then things go a completely different way. Directing was never part of my plan, but my path got rerouted and here I am. It’s very exciting.

What are you most looking forward to about the next phase of your career?

Honestly? It’s wherever the chips fall. I’ve got a bunch of irons in the fire right now, and I’m looking forward to whatever happens first. I’ll just be lucky and happy to have the opportunity. Setting out to do something and then reaching the goal is very satisfying. Finding passion in something new is such a blessing, and I feel so fortunate.

For more information on ‘Earworm’ visit:
http://www.dirigoentertainment.com/earworm

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Lee DeWyze gets personal with his new album, ‘Paranoia’

There’s something special about Lee DeWyze’s new album, Paranoia. It’s the singer/songwriter and American Idol winner’s seventh studio album, and his first full-length set since 2016’s Oil and Water, but it’s also a collection of reflective introspection.

In addition to emotionally-driven songs like “Let Go,” “Got It Right,” Carry Us Through,” and the title-track, the new album also includes “The Breakdown,” DeWyze’s hauntingly beautiful song of love realized.

There’s a lot of space on Paranoia, which DeWyze will tell you was left intentionally to leave the listener with even more room for thought.

AXS recently spoke with Lee DeWyze about Paranoia (which will be released on February 16) and more in this new interview.

AXS: What inspired this new album?

Lee DeWyze: I’ve always been a singer-songwriter who plays guitar. It’s what I do, but I never want to be bored with myself. I wanted to do something that was me, but me in a different place. It was one of those situations where it wasn’t an album from the get-go. It was more of a situation where I was writing, and as I continued, it felt more like a collection of music that belonged together. The inspiration behind the record actually kick-started with the song, “Paranoia.” I already had pieces for a few of the other songs, but once I started working on “Paranoia” and then “The Breakdown” all the other songs started to come together. Production; instrumentation; vibe. Everything started to feel connected. I wanted to go into the studio when I was inspired and capture those emotions to put in the songs. At the end of the day, I wanted it to feel like an album that you could listen to from beginning to end. Individual pieces that make up a much larger thing.

AXS: Did you find the process of writing an album this way to be more therapeutic for you creatively?

LD: “Therapeutic” is the right word because there were moments where it felt so good to get into the studio and work on the songs. There’s a feeling that comes when you play live on stage where you consciously say nothing else matters. When you’re up there, you’re in the moment, and all of the outside stuff goes away. It felt that way every time I went into the studio.

AXS: Let’s discuss a few more tracks from Paranoia, starting with “Let Go.”

LD: Some of the songs on this record were written in real time, and “Let Go” was one of them. I was sitting in the studio and started playing the riff that opens the song over and over for hours. Then I just started writing. Some of it was really in the moment, emotionally.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Lee DeWyze by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Chappell Roan discusses her new album, ‘School Nights’ and new tour
Photography by Catie Laffoon

From the moment Chappell Roan forced herself from her mid-western roots to showcase for labels in New York it’s been nothing but a steady trajectory of success. The singer/songwriter, whose hauntingly beautiful voice conjures images of Stevie Nicks and Carole King, shines brightly on her debut EP,  School Nights. The magical, five-song album is fueled with a rawness of teenage emotion, maturely crafted writing and Roan’s undeniably melancholic and infectious vocal prowess.

Roan will soon be touring alongside Declan McKenna for a  new tour that will get underway Jan. 31 and travel throughout the U.S. until the end of March.

AXS recently spoke with Chappell Roan about her School Nights and more in this new interview.

AXS: How would you describe your new EP, School Nights?

Chappell Roan: Sonically, I’d say that it’s very dark pop with some influences of the sixties and seventies. I really wanted to showcase a very moody vibe with his album.

AXS: What’s your songwriting process like?

CR: When I write, I usually think about what I’m feeling. The feeling is what inspires the song. Then, I’ll think of a melody and plug the lyrics in once I figure out what the song’s about. I also have a list on my phone filled with words and phrases that I hear people say, or with sentences from books that I think might be cool for a song. Sometimes, it may take three hours to write a song, and other times three months. It all depends on the feeling.

AXS: I want to get your thoughts on the songs from the EP. What can you tell me about “Die Young”?

CR: I wrote that song when I was sixteen, and it’s a song that’s really different from the rest. It’s not so much about love and being in a relationship as it is about a battle within myself. I was going through a hard time with my parents and with making friends when I wrote it. I really didn’t know what to but my outlet was writing.

AXS: “Good Hurt.”

CR:  I was very confused when I wrote that one. I was in a relationship, but I wanted my old relationship back. The old relationship was toxic, and I couldn’t figure out why I wanted it back. I wrote about wanting to be comfortable, but knowing that doing so meant that you were going to be treated badly. I think a lot of people can relate to it. It was about me knowing I shouldn’t do something that was wrong but doing it anyway. It hurts, but it was comfortable.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Chappell Roan by Clicking Here!