Tag: America’s Got Talent

A Conversation With, comedy, Entertainment, Interview, Morning Call

Tape Face bringing his unique brand of comedy to State Theatre
Photo: Chris Haston / NBC / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Following in the footsteps of his successful Las Vegas residency, silent comedian and America’s Got Talent finalist, Tape Face (Sam Wills) is bringing his unique brand of comedy and weirdness to the State Theatre Center for The Arts in Easton on Friday.

Using simple, yet clever, humor and an abundance of props, Wills has created a character that takes the best elements of silent film comedy and combines it with the magic and puppetry into one whimsical, interactive experience. His curious approach to everyday objects like balloons and oven mitts invokes the inner child, while his appearance and style conjures up images of Tim Burton and the nostalgia of ’80s music, arcade video game cabinets and classic cartoons.

As his name suggests, Tape Face performs with a strip of black tape covering his mouth, but that doesn’t diminish the popularity he has with audiences. On the contrary, his America’s Got Talent audition and subsequent performances have, to date, garnered a staggering 47 million views.

I recently spoke with Sam Wills (Tape Face) about what to expect from his performance at the State Theatre, the origin of Tape Face and more in this new interview.

How would you interpret your style of comedy?

Sam Wills: The best way to describe it is standup comedy without talking. I was a standup comedian back in the day so I use the same traits and the same tricks. I just apply it to silent comedy by using music and props. When people ask me what to expect I always like to tell them the weirdest stuff, like you can expect me to fight Darth Vader, bring John Lennon back to life and we’ll have a big balloon fight at the end of the night [laughs]. The show is exactly the same as the [Las] Vegas show, with all of the same bells and whistles. If you like standup comedy, you’ll like my show.

How did the character of Tape Face originate?

Sam Wills: Back in 2005 was when I first picked it up. Before that I used to do a show where I actually talked too much. Back then I’d do circus, sideshow, and carny stunts like hammering nails up my nose, eating light bulbs, breathing fire and other weird routines. During that time, I was lucky enough to have written a show called “Dance Monkey Dance” that won the biggest comedy award in New Zealand. After I had won that award, I decided to challenge myself and do the exact opposite of what I’d been doing, so the challenge became to come up with a silent character who does nothing.

Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Sam Wills (Tape Face) By Clicking Here.

A Conversation With, Entertainment, Interview, Medium, Music

Interview: Caly Bevier Discusses Her Edgy New Single, “Hate U Sometimes”

Photo: Lindsey Byrnes

It’s been a surreal four-year journey for L.A-based pop artist Caly Bevier. Following a trajectory that included overcoming a stage-three cancer diagnosis, earning herself a Golden Buzzer on NBC’s America’s Got Talent — where she was sent directly to the semi-finals by judge Simon Cowell — and an insatiable debut single, “Head Held High,” the inspiring singer-songwriter is back with her brand-new track. The edgy and ethereal “Hate U Sometimes.”

The song is a hauntingly inspired, groove-ridden track with universal appeal. One that describes the empathetic, and at times confrontational, feelings between significant others, partners, and family members.

All relationships have their ups and downs, but Bevier’s message resonates on much a deeper level. A sentiment that says even though we may not always agree, at the end of the day, we can still hold firm to our commitments to each other and say, “You know I love you, don’t you?”

I recently spoke with Bevier about “Hate U Sometimes” and more in this exclusive interview.

What can you tell me about your new single, “Hate U Sometimes?”

Normally, I’ll write all of my songs, but “Hate U Sometimes” was one that was sent to me. I could relate to it on so many different levels. I went in and helped re-write a few parts and the bridge. That’s how it came about.

What’s your typical songwriting process like?

It all happens naturally with producers and writers. Sometimes I’ll go into a session with a bunch of ideas that I may or may not use. Typically, the producers are the ones who will start a track, and then I’ll go lay down some melodies and lyrics.

How would you describe your sound?

I’ve been living in L.A. the past few years building a sound that I’d consider to be edgy-pop. What’s cool is that, in the future, I can go deeper into a more alternative-pop sound. Artists that inspire me are Halsey and Billie Eilish.

You’ve gotten to work with songwriters like Bonnie McKee, who’s worked with Katy Perry among others. What was it like collaborating with her?

It was extremely cool. Bonnie was in one of my first sessions and taught me how to do melodies and be comfortable with getting my ideas across. As a woman, you sometimes feel shy and might not want to say the line. She taught me to be confident and that’s really helped me grow as an artist.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Caly Bevier by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: We Three Discuss ‘Lifeline Tour’, Music and America’s Got Talent experience

Fresh off their stint on America’s Got Talent and following the release of their infectiously cool debut album, ‘Lifeline,”  We Three –which consists of siblings Manny Humlie, Joshua Humlie and Bethany Blanchard—have embarked on their very first national headlining tour. One that will take the AGT semi-finalists across the country to meet their legions of fans and perform their insatiable brand of pop/rock.

What makes We Three so special, aside from their groove ridden and story-telling songs, is their high-energy performances. The trio promises to perform their album in its entirety on this tour, which includes the emotionally powerful “Heaven’s Not Too Far” as well as their latest single, “Lifeline.” They’ll also unveil some brand-new material and a few surprise covers as well.

AXS recently spoke with We Three about the Lifeline Tour, music and more in this exclusive new interview.

AXS: How has the Lifeline Tour been going so far?

Manny Humlie: It’s been absolutely amazing and a dream come true. Just coming off stage and knowing that we get to it, again and again, is so exciting. Watching people singing our songs and connecting with them is a surreal feeling. There are no words to describe it.

Bethany Blanchard: We’ve been in these amazing places and the venues are so beautiful. It’s something we’ve never experienced before.

Joshua Humlie: It’s been very emotional to see people right up in front singing every lyric to the songs. Even the newer songs in our set that no one has ever heard outside of the album.

AXS: What can fans expect from your live performance?

MH: A lot of energy and crowd participation. We don’t like people to be sitting down much. We’re having a party on the stage and would love for them to come  join us. We’ll be playing the whole record, some new songs as well as a few covers.

AXS: How would you describe the sound of We Three?

BB: We like to say that our songs are married to each other, both lyrically and melodically. It’s pop-rock and there are a lot of artists we pull from. All of our songs tell stories.

AXS: What’s your writing process like?

MH: For me, I have to set a mood and a tone. I think Ed Sheeran said it best when he said songwriting is like studying for a test. I’m constantly writing down ideas and phrases so that when the heavens open up I’ll have a lot of ammunition ready to go. I may not use half of what I write down but I’ll always have something to work off of.

Read the rest of my
Interview with We Three by Clicking Here!

Entertainment, Interview, Music

Interview: Brian Justin Crum discusses new single, ‘Circles’ plus America’s Got Talent experience

Fresh off his acclaimed performances on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, powerhouse vocalist Brian Justin Crum is back with his brand-new single, “Circles.”

The hook-laden song, which discusses breaking out of the circle of toxicity and rediscovering your love, is as infectious as Crum’s show-stopping renditions of classic rock songs from Queen and Elton John that won him the hearts of America.

AXS recently spoke with Crum about the new single and more in this exclusive new interview:

AXS: What was your experience like on America’s Got Talent: The Champions?

Brian Justin Crum: It was awesome. It was long days and a lot of hours but an incredible opportunity to showcase what I do to the world. I wish I could’ve had more say into what I did and how I did it but that’s the nature of the beast. You just have to take the opportunity that’s given to you and run with it.

AXS: Were there any extra nerves going into an all-star competition like this?

BJC: Not really to be honest. The show’s never been about the completion for me. We all do very different things and we’re all very good at what we do. I just had a good time watching people shine.

AXS: You’re known for your infectious rendition of Queen classics like “We Are The Champions” and “The Show Must Go On”. What is it about their music that appeals to you?

BJC: The music is timeless. It plays as well, if not better, now than it did back then. Freddy [Mercury] was not just a singer. He was an artist and a poet. His music has energy and speaks so beautifully to what it feels like to be a queer person. I love singing the lyrics because I feel like it was written for me to tell my story. I will always have a love for that music because I feel joyful when I sing it. It just feels right.

AXS: What can you tell me about your new single, “Circles?”

BJC: We’ve all experienced that relationship where we find ourselves having those same fights, discussions and toxic things creeping in. The song is about wanting so desperately to break that cycle with the person you love. It was therapeutic to write and sing about something I’ve experienced myself. I’m so happy that people are responding to it and that it’s being so well received.

You can read the rest of my
Interview with Brian Justin Crum by Clicking Here!