Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music, Uncategorized

Zakk Wylde Talks New Black Label Society Album, ‘Catacombs of the Black Vatican’

ZakkZakk Wylde has announced the next chapter in the Black Label Society story, Catacombs of the Black Vatican.

The album, the first disc of all new material from the band since 2010’s Order of the Black, will be released April 8.

Wylde also has announced a new tour, “An Evening with Zakk Wylde.” The 13-city Canadian trek will feature Wylde and new Black Label Society guitarist Dario Lorina performing intimate versions of some of BLS’s most popular songs, plus readings from Wylde’s 2012 book, Bringing Metal to the Children: The Complete Berzerker’s Guide to World Tour Domination. You can check out all the tour dates below.

I recently spoke with Wylde about the new BLS album and upcoming tour and got his thoughts on Black Sabbath’s Grammy nomination.

GUITAR WORLD: What can fans expect from Catacombs of the Black Vatican?

I think everyone can expect a lot of fun and excitement [laughs]! It was like what Chris Farley did in that one skit, where he was selling that hair-care product. Make sure you always use the word “fun” when you describe it [laughs]!

Someone asked me what the difference was between this new record and the other nine. I told them that it’s basically all of the songs we used on the other nine records, except they’ve got different titles now [laughs]. It’s fun and exciting for the whole family!

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Read the rest of my Guitar World Interview with Zakk Wylde by Clicking Here!

Interview, Movies and TV

Actress Laneya Wiles Discusses New Movie: Gimme Shelter

laneyaLaneya Wiles is a true triple-threat. No only does she possess amazing acting prowess, but she’s also a model and stand-up comic as well; performing her act in such places as the famous Gotham, New York and Greenwich Village Comedy Clubs.

Wiles’ breakout performance will no doubt be in the upcoming Ron Krauss directed film “Gimme Shelter.” Based on a true story, “Gimme Shelter” stars Vanessa Hudgens as Agnes “Apple” Bailey, a pregnant 16-year-old struggling for survival and redemption through the harsh realities of life on the streets. Apple’s journey plummets her into a perilous struggle, until she finds salvation at a suburban shelter for homeless teens. Wiles plays the role of Jasmine Colon, one of Apple’s friends and constant supporter in the shelter. Sadly, Jasmine’s own story is one that’s all too similar, with a background of rape and teen pregnancy.

Gimme Shelter also stars James Earl Jones, Rosario Dawson, and Brendan Fraiser.

I spoke with Wiles about her work on the film as well as her stand-up comedy and how she got her start.

What attracted you most to “Gimme Shelter”?

It was a little bit of a mystery at first, but I did a little more research once I got the script and really loved the message and what it was about.

How would you describe  the story?

It’s based on a true story, actually a collection of two young girl’s stories. One had a mother who was on drugs and wound up pregnant from her boyfriend. She goes on a journey to find her father, but since it wasn’t acceptable for her to be pregnant in that household, she’s forced to be out on the street. Eventually, she finds all of the girls in the shelter and they become just like her family.

Tell me a little about your character.

I play Jasmine Colon, a teenage runaway who was raped and is pregnant. It’s a pretty heavy role.

How did you prepare to take on such a role?

The call back for the role took place at the actual shelter in New Jersey, so I got to meet members of the cast as well as a few of the people who actually lived in the shelter. A lot of the “prep” work happened naturally while we were there. We got to see first hand what it was really like. It was a reality we faced by being there with them and it helped to give it a more well-rounded view.

What was it like working with such a great ensemble?

It was amazing and humbling. Everyone was just so genuine and down to Earth. Vanessa and I would sometimes just sit down in our dressing room and talk about how production was going. I definitely enjoyed it.

What would you say was the hardest part of the filming process?

I think the most intense scene for everyone was when we were all in the office and were reading the files about what happened in our lives and the things our characters had gone through on paper. We all shared this moment together and it was very tense.

In addition to your film work, you’ve also done stand-up comedy. What are some of the differences between the two?

In stand-up comedy, you’re able to get automatic response and feedback because it’s highly interactive. You also feel the vibe of the room and get to work off of that. I like the fact that there’s a spontaneous element to it. Doing comedy also allows me to increase my focus, which complements my acting.

When did you get started in acting?

I started when I was four, making Playbills and putting on shows for my family. I loved performing right from the start and knew early on that it was something that I wanted to do with my life. One of my teachers in kindergarten realized this as well. She knew a manager and told my Mom that she should look into it. That was how I started.

Any advice you could give to up and coming actors?

You have to have undying determination and perseverance to survive in this business and not expect things to just happen overnight. Everything is a process, but if you believe in yourself and love what you do, then you’ll be willing to hang in there and not give up the good fight!

Gimme Shelter premieres on Jan 24th, 2014.
For more information on Laneya Wiles, Click Here.

1980's, Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Sign In, Please: Guitarist Steve Lynch Discusses the Return Of Autograph

SteveLynch1It’s been nearly 25 years since the members of Autograph completed their three-album deal with RCA records and mutually decided to go their own separate ways.

For guitarist Steve Lynch, that departure also meant the opportunity to get more involved in writing, teaching and hosting guitar clinics. Eventually, Lynch made his way back to his native Seattle and opened the Federal Way School of Music, where he continues to demonstrate, among other things, his legendary two-handed technique.

After a long hiatus, Lynch and bassist Randy Rand have reunited Autograph in 2014. Together with new singer Simon Daniels, the band plans to tour extensively — with shows that already include the Monsters of Rock Cruise, M3 and Firefest — before returning to the studio to record new material.

I spoke with Lynch about the reunion, his music and Autograph’s unique first gig in 1984.

GUITAR WORLD: It’s been 25 years since we last saw Autograph. What sparked this reunion?

In 2011, I saw Randy down at the NAMM show, and the two of us started kicking around the idea of doing a reunion. We saw a lot of bands out doing a “weekend warrior” sort of thing, and since I run a music studio and teach during the week, I thought it would be a great way to do it. We got our original drummer Keni Richards involved in early rehearsals, but he had to back out due to health issues.

Steve Lynch

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Read the rest of my Guitar World Interview with Steve Lynch by Clicking Here

Interview, Movies and TV

Actor Ser’Darius Blain Discusses Camp X-Ray, Sundance and The Art Of Making Movies

SerDariusActor Ser’Darius Blain has a lot to celebrate this year. Already well-known for his work in the ‘Footloose’ remake as well as commercial and television roles, the talented actor will be attending this year’s Sundance Film Festival to promote his latest film “Camp X-Ray.”

Written and directed by Peter Sattler, “Camp X-Ray” is a military drama starring Kristen Stewart based on the “temporary” facility at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Blain plays the role of Raymond Jackson, a country boy who’s all business when it comes to work.

In addition to “Camp X-Ray” Blain can also be seen in the upcoming films “When The Game Stands Tall” and “Maybe Someday.”

I had the chance to speak to him about his films, his acting and what he likes most about making movies.

How would you describe the story of “Camp X-Ray”?

It tells the story of a soldier who comes to a really rough prison and is taught how to stand up for what she believes is right at any cost. Along the way, she gains some friends and also makes a few enemies, but the story itself sheds light on everyone’s humanity and the notion that we as humans all need the same thing. 

Tell me a little about your character, Raymond Jackson.

Jackson is the fun-loving goof ball of the bunch, but when it comes to work he’s all business and definitely does his job to the letter. He’s all about camaraderie and doing what’s best for the group. It’s a pretty heavy story, but my character brings some light to it.

What was it like working with Kristen Stewart in the film?

Getting the chance to work with Kristen one on one was an amazing experience. She’s one of those people who really knows everything about her character. She’s always prepared, very down to Earth and the consummate professional. She’s so easy to work with.

As an actor, what’s it like to have your film premiere at Sundance?

It’s incredibly rewarding to get to go to Sundance. So many great, notable films have come out of there since Robert Redford established it. I’m excited to see what happens next.

Tell me about how you go into acting.

I was super shy as a kid, but was always good at writing and literature. My mom was an English and drama teacher at my middle school and one year I helped her write a play. I remember I had memorized the entire script and was goofing off in the kitchen singing all the lines when she asked me to audition for it in front of a panel. I was reluctant at first but she made me do it and I wound up being chosen as the understudy for the lead character. Throughout high school and college I did some community theater and eventually wound up getting a scholarship to New York Conservatory For The Arts. From there, I never looked back.

What do you like most about doing film work as compared to television and commercial roles?

In film, your character is built within the parameters of a two and a half hour movie and the cool thing about it is that your performance can become “immortalized.” I say that because a good movie today is going to be a good movie twenty years from now as people continue to watch it over and over. The other thing is that you get to build awesome relationships and learn to cherish the special moments.

What can you tell me about your next film, “When The Game Stands Tall”?

When I first saw the script, I knew right away that it was a role for me. Think of it as “Friday Night Lights” meets “Remember The Titans” meets “When The Game Stands Tall.” You’ll laugh a little and cry a lot, but it’s going to make you stronger. Its one of those true heart-felt, human stories.

What other projects have you been working on?

I’ve recently completed an indie film called “Maybe Someday.” It’s a zany comedy about a guy whose daughter comes back from the future to tell him that he sucks as a father in the future. So he first has to find find out who her mother is and then figure out how he can fix his life. I play the part of Skip, his best friend and therapist. In addition to that, I’m also working on writing my own projects as well. I really want to forge a path and make the most out what God has given me with this opportunity to act.

For more on Ser’Darius Blain, be sure to check out his
official website by Clicking Here!

1980's, Interview, Music

Singer-Songwriter Tim Butler Talks Nazareth Show And New Music
Tim Butler performs in Nazareth, PA on Jan 18th
Tim Butler

Guitarist Tim Butler’s love of music goes back much further than the twenty years he’s been performing in the Philadelphia area. From his early years singing in boys choirs, to his stints in high school musicals and teaching himself to play the instrument he loves, Butler is the pure definition of singer songwriter.

His catchy, hook ridden original songs have received lavish praise and his tasteful renditions of songs by such artists as Crowded House and Mister Mister have been pleasing audiences for more than two decades. But the thing that really makes Butler unique is that he’s just as comfortable performing solo as he is with a full-band; both of which being a must see.

Butler took a bit of a hiatus in 2013, but will return to his native Lehigh Valley for a show at the Nazareth Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 18th. In addition, he’s also been working on a CD of brand new material that’s expected to be released in February. I spoke with him about both and more in this exclusive interview.

Tell me a little about your upcoming show.

The show will feature 2 performers. Opening will be a musician by the name of “Not for Coltrane.” He’s local to the Lehigh Valley and has a very cool alt-folk-rock type of sound. Due to some of the constraints of the venue, I will not be playing full-band and instead will be doing a duo performance with my long time bass player, Rick Delana.

How would you describe the sound of your music?

I have really been described as many things: rock, pop, alt folk, alt country, folk rock, it goes on an on. Hearing that entertains me, but it also makes me realize that listeners can hear a lot of different things. I will tell you that I cut my teeth on pop and rock. Structurally, most of my songs are pop tunes. I love hooks and big choruses! But there is definitely a “rock” sound to many of my tunes, especially when I’m playing with the full band.

What are your thoughts on performing cover material?

I’m primarily an artist that does original music but I do enjoy sprinkling in some covers. Sometimes I’ll play something because someone asks me to, but 90% of the time the covers that I do really mean something to me or sometimes its just because I like the song or band.

Can you give us an update on your new CD?

It’s likely the new recording will be ready to drop by early to mid February. Most of the tracking is completed. There’s still some lead guitar work that needs to be done and then we are on to mixing and engineering.

Is there a particular song from the new CD that excites you?

One of my faves from the new CD is a song called “We’ll Be Happy.” It comes from a place that is my bread and butter: pop, with lush harmonies. It may sound a little “Beach Boys”, but I’m ok with that. I went in that direction with the instrumentation and harmonies. I didn’t fight it at all. In fact, with this CD I decided at the outset to just let the songs go wherever they wanted to go. Every song on this release I just let happen.

What’s your songwriting process like?

I am primarily a music first kind of guy. Sometimes a song will start with just a riff or a chorus structure or sometimes it might just be a “sound.” From there, I usually work through melody lines, etc. By that time, I’ve typically created a theme in my head and create lyrics based on that. It’s really worked well for me.

When did you first get bitten by the music bug?

I started singing at a very young age. I was in a touring boys choir starting in 5th grade and sang in choirs and in stage performances for a very long time. I took piano lessons for a short while and didn’t pick up a guitar until my senior year of college.

Tell me a little about your music experience in high school.

I have a lot of very fond memories of high school. It was there that I decided that I wanted to stick with music. It solidified that I would have music in my life in some organized fashion even if I didn’t major in it in college.

Coming into EAHS [Easton Area High School], I was actually all “choired out” and avoided singing all together. I remember people were always trying to get me involved, but I just wasn’t into it. Then one day, Ed Milisits [EAHS choir director] tracked me down and “drafted” me. I remember he was very persuasive about it and I ended up joining the Concert Choir and also being in a few school musicals. Those years were a big part of my life.

What are you most looking forward to in 2014?

I have been doing this pretty much non-stop since 1994 and last year decided to take a bit of a break (although I did perform a few random shows and at fundraising events). I discovered that I really missed making music, so getting back in the studio was GREAT!  I’m very excited about 2014. Although I won’t be setting out onto a full-fledged tour, I will be doing more shows that give me the opportunity to share some music. For me, I’m blown away with everything I’ve been blessed with over the years and am just so thankful! Musically, I hope to continue to do something that I really love to do. If someone likes it, loves it or it can mean something to them, then that’s a huge win for me.

Tim Butler Will Perform at the Nazareth Center for the Arts
30 Belvidere St. Nazareth, PA 18064
January 18th, 2014 @ 7:00pm
Tickets are $8 in advance / $10 @ door

For more on Tim Butler, check out his ReverbNation site by Clicking Here!

Things I Think, Thought and Opinion

Three Things I Think: 2014 New Year’s Edition

2014-Numbers-Happy-2014-New-Year-free-Image-WallpaperWell, here we are. Five days into the brand new year. Have you made any resolutions for 2014?

This year, I resolve to continue a healthful regimen of diet and exercise as well as devote more time to my music, reading and writing. Then of course, there’s also a need to spend more quality time with family and friends.

I spent much of this past week compiling a list of things I can do to help me achieve these goals like starting a journal, doing a few writing prompts and downloading guitar exercises online.

It was then that I decided to make another list. Not things for me personally to achieve, but wishes for us as a society. Things I hope are gone by the end of the year that would make the world as we know it a much better place.

So, without any further adieu, here are the three things I think we need to get rid of by December 31st, 2014….

3. Reality Shows

I know it’s never going to happen, but is it too much to ask that they tone them down a bit? I mean, “The Voice” literally just got over a few weeks ago and I’ve already seen commercials promoting the next “season” which starts in February. I always thought “season” in TV vernacular meant years and not months.

Then there’s “American Idol”, “Biggest Loser”, “The Bachelor/Bachelorette”, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “X-Factor”. Oh, and let’s not forget “Dancing With The Stars” which seems to run non-stop all year long. If we could just get rid of one of these shows in 2014, I’ll be a happy camper.

2. Crappy Music

I may sound like an old fuddy-duddy for saying this but I don’t care. New music today sucks. You can’t turn on the radio dial without hearing the exact same terrible songs over and over. Auto-tuned vocals, blasé beats and cliche’ lyrics are the norm these days. Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s latest man problem, Justin Bieber’s threats of retiring or Miley Cyrus’s twerking, it never seems to go away.

This June will mark the 30th anniversary of the very first concert I ever attended: The Scorpions and Bon Jovi. This is relevant because three decades later I can still remember exactly where I was, who I was with and the music I heard. Better still, Bon Jovi; the band that was just starting out at that time and literally got booed off of the stage in favor of the Scorpions, was the highest grossing tour act of 2013.

There’s something to be said about having longevity in music. Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Rolling Stones. Some of these artists have been doing their thing for more than a half-century.

Call me old-fashioned, but somehow I don’t think that we’ll still be talking about Taylor Swift, One Direction, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus 50 years from now. And even if we are, I’ll thankfully be long gone by then.

And now, the #1 thing we need to get rid of by the end of 2014….

119498920855513921snow.svg.med1. Naming and Fear Mongering about Winter Storms

I don’t know what part of the country (or world) you come from, but here in the great Northeast the weather has changed dramatically over the last year.

And no, I’m not talking about global warming and an increase in heat waves, rainfall or snow accumulations. I’m talking about way the media has decided to hype up their weather forecasting coverage by fear mongering about “apocalyptic” storms.

An apocalyptic event should be one like a Category 5 Hurricane, an F-5 Tornado, an earthquake, volcanic eruption or a horrific Tsunami. Not one where the region gets blanketed with three inches of snow causing slower than usual commute times to work on a Monday morning.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful that we’re given advance notice about pending hurricanes and nor’easters. But it seems that lately every passing front that goes through between the months of December and March qualifies as Armageddon.

Here are just a few quotes I’ve heard regularly on television weather forecasts (emphasis added because the meteorologist added it in their own reporting).

“It’s going to be the coldest air in FIVE years folks!” — (Wow! That’s certainly a long time ago.)

“Stay tuned and I’ll tell you when to expect the COLDEST air we’ve had in TWENTY YEARS on NBC news at 11.” — (Beg pardon, but what was the weather like 20 years ago? Yep… cold!)

“Winter Storm Hercules is bearing down, blanketing our area with as much as a foot of snow in some of the higher elevations.” — (Hercules? Oh, please!)

Since when have we become such a watered down society that we now have to name every single storm regardless of cold temperatures, ice and snow? I don’t know about you, but in my forty-four years of existence we’ve always had just one name for this type of phenomenon:

Winter.

Music

Vote Greg Howe And Maragold For The Grammy Gig Of A Lifetime

MaragoldThis year, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite guitarists Greg Howe about his new project Maragold.

Greg grew up in my hometown of Easton, PA and cut his teeth in many of the same clubs I performed at, so having that connection and getting to speak with him about it was especially cool.

Maragold also features the killer vocals of powerhouse Meghan Krauss, someone else I had the opportunity to speak with. Meghan is the real deal with a voice that Howe himself has often compared to a distortion pedal that she can activate at will. A prophetic metaphor that accurately describes the blonde beauty.

Maragold has just release a new video from their debut album. Check out the song, Paradigm Tsunami:

Greg and the band have been nominated to perform at this year’s Grammy Gig of a Lifetime Concert event. A voting competition where the winner will play in Los Angeles at Club Nokia and open for The Neighbourhood! Let’s help them get there!

You can vote every day and it’s super easy to do:

1. To vote at CBS.com, visit this link: http://bit.ly/18GtFUg
(after you vote once, hit the MAX VOTES)

2. To vote on Twitter, just tweet “I’m voting for #maragold to win the #SurfaceGRAMMYGig”

3. To vote on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GigOfALifetimeCBS and post a message with these two hashtags: #maragold and #SurfaceGRAMMYGig.
(Note: you can vote TEN TIMES A DAY EACH on both Facebook & Twitter!!)

Voting ends on January 10th at 12:00pm PST!!!

For more information on Maragold be sure to check out their official website by Clicking Here.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

The Commander-In-Chief Discusses Zigeunerweisen Guitar Duel and Gear

CommanderMany guitar fans know about the Commander-In-Chief from the amazing guitar duel she recorded with Thomas Valeur.

The video, which was featured earlier this month on GuitarWorld.com, has since gone viral in guitar circles. It came in at No. 4 on our list of the Top 10 Viral Guitar Videos of 2013.

The duo met last summer at a music festival and decided to collaborate on Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen Op. 20, an extremely challenging piece of music, particularly because it was written for violin and orchestra.

The Commander-In-Chief is also a classically trained opera singer and has harnessed her guitar skills in master classes with Steve Smyth (Testament, Nevermore). She also worked with producer Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah, Damageplan) on her debut EP, Evolution.

I recently spoke with her about the physical and mental preparation it took to create the guitar duel. We also discussed her gear, influences and more.

GUITAR WORLD: How did you and Thomas Valeur connect, and what inspired you to take on such a challenging piece of music?

We met at the Bergen International Festival in Norway, where we shared the stage. Thomas first thought we would cover something more mainstream, but I wanted to play something classical and step into a different world for a change. I grew up listening to Itzhak Perlman’s violin recordings and the “Zigeunerweisen” was always a favorite. I normally don’t play other people’s music, but it was very motivating to work on something this challenging.

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You can read the rest of my Guitar World interview with
The Commander-in-Chief by Clicking Here

Life, Thought and Opinion

Reflections of 2013

gojimmygoWell, here we are. The end of another very productive year of blogging. One that saw more than 170 articles, interviews and semi-regular rants from me on everything from Spider-Man to politics. It sure has been an amazing journey these last twelve months.

This year, I decided to shift my focus away from the rant and more toward the interview side of things and the results were beyond my wildest expectation. So much so, that if I had to describe what this year has been like for me in a single word, it would be surreal. Surreal in the sense that I never would have ever thought I’d have the opportunity to speak to some of the people I did.

Let’s take a quick look back at a few of the most memorable moments of 2013:

Music

Those who knew me growing up in ’87 and ’88 know that I’d often spend countless hours after school listening to the likes of REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Night Ranger and Styx. Twenty-five years later, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), JY Young (Styx) Brad Gillis (Night Ranger) and Jeff Pilson (Foreigner).

Then there’s Ted Nugent, Sammy Hagar, Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles), Mickey Thomas (Starship), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Lita Ford, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), John Waite, Carmen Electra and Andy Summers (The Police).

Like I said… surreal.

Books

Lou Gramm (Foreigner) released his autobiography this year and told me all about it (plus he spilled the beans on the origin of the band’s monster song, “Hot Blooded”). Then there’s Bobbi Brown , infamous for her role in Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” video and the “Ex-Wives of Rock”. She released a tell-all book about the debauchery of the LA music scene in the late 80’s that was just killer.

Inspirational People

There were no shortages of inspirational people in 2013. People who are either faced with personal challenges and overcome them or those who see something wrong in the world and make it their personal mission to do something about it. Of all the interviews I do, these are the ones that are the most special.

Guitarist Jason Becker discussed his life, music and living with ALS in “Not Dead Yet”

Following the recent economic downturn, filmmaker Paul Blackthorne took us on a trip cross-country in This American Journey and made us reconsider our own way of thinking.

Director Angelo Lobo exposed the problems that exist within the U.S. divorce industry in Romeo Misses A Payment.

Actress and 2007 Miss Georgia Teen USA winner Jena Sims discussed her film work and Pageant of Hope Charity; for kids who are facing challenges and ones who normally wouldn’t compete in pageants.

And this year, I not only interviewed a truly inspirational person, but was also fortunate enough to write not one, but TWO books with her as well. Michele Quinn

Women Who ROCK!

I love interviewing ladies who prove that they can go toe to toe with the “big boys” and this year was no exception. In 2013, I interviewed the members of Vixen: Janet Gardner, Share Ross, Roxy Petrucci and Gina Stile. I had planned on interviewing founding member Jan Kuehnemund, but she sadly passed away on October 10th.

Other ladies who rock interviews included guitarists Maxine Petrucci and Lindsay Ell.

I hope that you’ve found my articles and rants this year to be beneficial, and had as much fun reading them as I did writing them. Feel free to comment on some of your favorites below. And I hope you’ll be along for the ride in 2014 because the best is yet to come.

Here’s wishing you all the best the new year has to offer!

Interview, Movies and TV, Music

Carmen Electra Is Making it Werq

WerqEver since she recorded her debut album with Prince and opened for him on his Diamonds and Pearls Tour, it’s been a burning passion for Carmen Electra to get back up on stage and perform in front of an audience.

Late in 2012, the former Singled Out, Baywatch beauty officially made her return to music with her infectious single “I Like It Loud”; a track that quickly hit the Top 25 on Billboard’s Dance Club Play Chart.

As the follow-up to ‘I Like It Loud’ Electra’s back with her new single, ‘Werq’. Produced by Eddie Amador, it’s a fun, positive dance track that basically delivers on what it promises: Own what you’ve got… Know your worth … Make it hot.. Make it Werq.

Electra’s also making plans for a full-length album to coincide with US Tour in 2014. I spoke with her about the new single and more.

Was the success of your single “I Like It Loud” what sparked your return to music?

Ever since I recorded my self-titled album with Prince it’s been a passion of mine. That experience alone and then getting to go on tour with him was surreal. A lot of people probably don’t know this, but my original intention for moving to Los Angeles was to pursue music. For some reason though, it wasn’t meant to be at that time. I was going on auditions and getting offers for movies and TV shows and started modeling. That took off, but during this entire time [on and off again] I’ve also been working on music.

What satisfies you the most about the creative process?

The thing I love most is that I’m able to do whatever I want. With music, I’m not playing a role. It’s my project and it allows me more freedom to just be myself.

How did the new single, ‘Werq’ come about?

Orlando [Puerta] from Citrusonic actually worked with me on the record I did with Prince back when he worked at Warner Brothers. He has his own label now and it was through mutual friends that we connected again. He sent over the music track and I just loved the beat and the way it automatically made me want to dance. It really stood out and I could visually see how it would fit into the show that we’re putting together.

What can you tell me about your songwriting process?

I love music that makes me want to dance, but I’m not always in the “dance” or “party” mood, so sometimes we’ll go in and start experimenting. We’ve actually just finished recording a song that’s completely different from anything I’ve done yet. It’s all a learning process.

What other projects have you been working on?

I just finished my 2014 calendar for TF Publishing and am also working on a lingerie line. It’s a lot of work, but I love the challenge.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Clay Harris
Photo Credit: Jonathan Clay Harris

Did you ever feel pressure or a need to compete when following Jenny McCarthy [Singled Out] or Pam Anderson [Baywatch]?

Absolutely. In one way, it was a huge accomplishment to be the replacement for Jenny and Pam. But on the other hand, there was always that sense of wanting to live up to what they’ve already done. I was so inspired by both of them so there was some pressure, but I tried to not let it take away from the experience. With ‘Singled Out’, it was especially memorable because my whole life literally changed in one day. I get the call and BAM! It was a new life. It was the same way with Baywatch. Both were important times in my life and career.

Do you ever foresee yourself getting more involved in the producing and directing side of things?

At some point I’d love to make the transition. I’ve seen and done a lot, so I think there will be a time where I’ll feel ready to get on the other side of things. But for now, I’m just loving what I do because it’s very fulfilling.

For more on Carmen Electra be sure to check out
Her Facebook page and Official Website.