Tag: Entertainment

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Til Death Do Us Part: Tony West Discusses Life, Death and Blacklist Union

Blacklist Union’s Tony West has seen more than his share of tragedy over the course of his lifetime. After an abusive childhood and a move to Hollywood at age 13, West had to overcome personal adversity, drug abuse and much more in order to rise to the top.

Tony WestThrough luck and hard work, West managed to make a career out of music. Although his is a true story of rock and roll in the streets, it’s an upbringing he certainly wouldn’t recommend to anyone else.

Blacklist Union’s most recent album, 2012’s Til Death Do Us Part, continues West’s trend of honest, high-energy rock. With its guest appearances by Wayne Swinny (Saliva) and Jon E. Love (Love/Hate), the album’s killer riffs, combined with West’s thought-provoking lyrics, create a powerful wall of emotion.

West dedicated the album to former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr, who died in 2011. As a result, Til Death Do Us Part becomes more than just a tribute to one of his longtime friends; it’s therapeutic art and a constant reminder that life is fragile.

I spoke with West about Til Death Do Us Part, his own life and what’s next for Blacklist Union.

GUITAR WORLD: What’s the process like when it comes to writing a Blacklist Union album?

There’s really no set in stone process. We’ve written songs together as a band in rehearsal, and sometimes I’ll get music handed to me and I’ll write something to it. Then there are times where I’ll just sit down with a guitar player and write out the record. There’s no one set way of doing things.

gw_logoRead the rest of my Guitar World interview with Tony West by Clicking Here!

Games, Interview, Movies and TV

Actress Michal Sinnott Discusses Her Role In Grand Theft Auto 5
Michal Sinnott (Photo credit: Braden Moran)
Michal Sinnott (Photo credit: Braden Moran)

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many different actors, authors and artists about their current and upcoming projects, but perhaps none of them has been cooler or more unique than actress Michal Sinnott. Let’s face it; it’s not every day you get the opportunity to talk to someone who’s played a role in what’s poised to become the best-selling video game of all time.

It was recently revealed that Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 5 broke seven Guinness world records, including the highest revenue generated by an entertainment product in 24 hours.

Michal’s role of Tracey De Santa in GTA 5 is truly one of a kind. It’s acting, but not something you’d see in a typical film or theatrical role. Michal actually describes the experience as a hybrid combination of the two. Working exactly like the actors in Avatar, each was rigged up to get their performances captured in 3-D and then have those recorded images digitally transferred into the game world.

In my interview with Michal, we discuss her role in GTA 5 as well as how she got her start and the projects she’s currently working on.

What attracted you to such a unique project?

It was Rockstar so I knew that it would be a quality project. It was a cool opportunity that turned out to be an amazing experience. Way more that I had anticipated.

Were you presented with an actual storyline or script – like one you’d get for a film?

Not exactly. They really tried to tell you as little about it as possible [laughs]. I knew it was a character, but I was only getting my material and not the whole picture. They really wanted to have everyone focus on their own part. There are thousands of pages of dialogue in this game and it takes hundreds of hours to complete, not to mention that there were so many people involved in working on the project. If you watch the credits, it takes about twenty minutes to go through them. It’s a massive amount of information. But once you know the character and know the world, you can focus on doing the best job possible. Then it all magically comes together.

How do you prepare for a project like this?

The research I had done on Grand Theft Auto couldn’t really prepare me for it. The cool thing about the series is that it’s always different with new characters and new worlds. My character, Tracey may not be the most complicated person in the world, but there’s a larger than life quality to her. She wants to be a celebrity but doesn’t have any talent. She’s one of those people who’s really focused on having everyone look at her. She’s got really big needs and thinks everything is so tragic. Tragic in a sense that she can’t find the right color nail polish [laughs]. The fun of it was being able to take it on fully and have those extreme emotions over something so petty and small. In reality, that kind of behavior could lead to an awful life, or at least alienate you from your friends. It was cool to go and explore and then still be able to walk away unscathed.

What was the filming process like?

We would usually shoot for a three-week period and then take a few months off. Then we’d start up again. The entire process took somewhere in the realm of three years to complete. Along the way, I would always be given clues about who Tracey is. I remember that every time I would come back for another shoot I’d get the script of new material and say “Oh cool! This is who this person is!” 

GTA5

How would you describe performance capture as it relates to typical acting mediums?

I think it lies somewhere in between the realms of film and theater. You wear the balls [the same technology that was used in Avatar] and you have a camera recording your facial gestures. The balls help process the movement so that they can be transformed into a 3D image of you. Your movements also have to be larger than life, so there has to be a sense of theatricality to it. When you’re angry, you really have to stomp! It’s almost like you’re a cartoon character. You also film on a sound stage and don’t really have a backdrop when you’re shooting. It’s acting without any stimulus. So you have to learn to fill that void with your imagination. To see that world and realize what all the technical people did to fill that world is amazing.

When did you realize you really wanted to pursue acting?

I went to a performing arts high school and had written a play that ended up winning a festival and I got to go to a playwright conference. Just being on the other side and having my work not be so personal really opened me up to how magical it is to really live out your dreams and pursue what you want. I remember being out in the audience watching this play and realized in that moment that I couldn’t deny myself this life. After that, I never looked back. I majored in theater in college, moved to New York and went full throttle. I’ve been at it ever since.

What other projects are you working on?

I’m an associate producer on a biopic about Rick James that I’ll also have a role in as well. Right now, we’re in talks with a production company and it’s coming along really well. It’s been exciting to get the opportunity to wear a lot of different hats and work the other side. It feeds your understanding of the business.

I also like to blog. It’s something that I started doing as a way to share with my friends, family and other actors the inner workings of what it’s like to be an actor growing on her path. It’s funny, quirky and a little bit spiritual.

For more info on Michal Sinnott be sure to check out her website by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Orianthi and Dave Stewart Discuss BeMyBand, Where Winners Share the Stage for the Gig of a Lifetime

Dave and OrianthiEurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart recently launched a unique performance-based contest called BeMyBand.

The purpose of BeMyBand — which you can check out here — is to ask aspiring musicians to compete for a chance to be part of Orianthi’s band.

The resulting band — which will consist of a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and drummer — will perform with Orianthi, a former Guitar World cover star, for one night at a Valentine’s Day (2014) show at a major venue in Los Angeles.

Interested musicians should submit videos of themselves playing at their very best. Up to 10 finalists for each instrument will be chosen; of those finalists, four will be selected to perform with Orianthi.

The winners’ performances also will be shared via Orianthi‘s social-media channels. Winners will receive six nights’ accommodation (and travel). Musicians should submit their work no later than January 24; the voting period runs January 25 to 31, and the winners to be announced February 5. This opportunity is open — globally — to musicians age 21 and older.

gw_logoRead my complete interview with Dave Stewart and Orianthi by Clicking Here!

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!

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