Exclusive Interview w/ Michelle Featherstone! (1/8/08)
Biography:
Born in Chester, raised in Cambridge, England,
Michelle now resides in Hollywood, California. She began studying piano and composing original music at the age of nine, and hasn't stopped since. She has received awards from the Royal Academy of Music for piano and violin and the Bishops Award for Voice. Michelle is an active participant in the singer/songwriter community of Southern California, and has performed at clubs as diverse as the Whiskey A Go Go, the Hotel Cafe, Genghis Cohen, the Joint and the Temple Bar, to name a few. Her songs have garnered attention in both film and television over the past few years. Michelle’s music has been heard on every major TV network in such shows as Alias, Grey’s Anatomy, Las Vegas, Smallville, Ghost Whisperer and MTV’s The Hills to name a few. In addition, “One Tree Hill” has featured eight of Michelle’s songs, including “We Are Man and Wife” performed live by Michelle herself during the season finale’s wedding scene.
Interview:
1) How did you get involved with having your song appear in an episode of Smallville?
"I have known Madonna Wade Reed(music supervisor for smallville) for some time now. She used a song of mine in a previous episode several years back. We have become friends over the years and she has been a huge supporter of my music. I took in some new material recently and gave her the 'canceling christmas' song. She found the perfect spot for it within this episode and it really worked against the various scenes."
2) How would you describe your music in term
of "genre"?
"I suppose I am your typical singer/songwriter although I don't really like that label. I think it's been a bit over-used. I write my own material and play the piano and sing, but I also dabble in production now too. I have been labeled as folk and I guess some songs could fit into that genre, but when you are finding your identity as a musician you often try out many different styles too before you settle into your own sound. I have some songs that sound like rock or electronica and these influences leak into my music every now and then."
3) How did you get interested in becoming a
musician/singer?
"I started playing the piano at a very early age and had been singing in the choir for most of my childhood. Music was sort of always around so it was as natural to me as anything else. I started writing by the time I was 9 although I can't say the subject matter was very deep at that time! It always felt normal to be able to write and play. It wasn't until much later in my life though that I started to think I might actually be able to do this for a living. It wasn't always something my family understood or supported so I really had to fight to pursue it."
4) What are some of the other shows/movies that your music has appeared in?
"I have had quite a bit of luck in the TV placement department. My music has featured extensively on One Tree Hill, Las Vegas, Smallville, Grey's anatomy, Alias, Ghost Whisperer,The Hills, and shows that have come and gone like Wonderfalls, Summerlands, Three moons over Milford. I have also had songs on the Peaceful warrior and 'Bully' soundtracks and One Tree Hill soundtrack. I had a song featured in 'Bridge to Terabithia' and also 'Captivity' last
year."
5) I read that you have received awards for both your instrumental talents and your voice. What was it like to be honored for all of those things?
"Well I was young when those happened. My vocal awards are all from singing in choirs. I received the highest award in Britain called "The Bishops award" when I was 13. I was very proud of that! My piano awards were all on the grading system in the UK as well. I managed to complete Grade 7 on piano which was one grade away from being a music teacher. The Royal Academy of music sets pretty high standards for those - I'm glad I don't have to practice that hard anymore!"
6) Do you have any future gigs coming up that we should look out for?
"I will be doing some gigs very soon actually. I will be recording a new album at the beginning of this year so I will be in the studio for quite some time. But I will hopefully be out and about showing off the new material very soon. If anyone is interested they can go to my website www.michellefeatherstone.com or myspace site www.myspace.com/michellefeatherstone as I post new gigs there in advance."
7) What is it like to hear your music on so many shows and movies?
"It's brilliant! I am such a visual person so watching a scene and hearing my music on it really gives it a new life in a way. I am always honored that people think what I write and sing can help add to a scene in some way."
"Cancelling Christmas" Featured in "Gemini"!
Gemini Final Scene: "Cancelling Christmas"
Exclusive Interview w/ Alan Ritchson! (4/23/07)
Biography:
Though Smallville fans know Alan Ritchson as a member of the Justice League, "Aquaman," Alan Ritchson is a man of many talents. Not only does he act, but he is a successful model and singer as well. He has even started his own music production company and has his own album entitled, "This Is Next Time." Alan Ritchson first emerged in the entertainment industry in early 2002. He began his career as a model in Florida and signed with leading modeling agency Next of Miami. Alan’s first big job was an Abercrombie and Fitch campaign. Since then he has had campaigns with Nike, Joe Boxer, and Whoau, among others. Magazines featuring Alan include Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Maxim, and CosmoGirl. He then went on to be on American Idol, Season 3, where he made it in the top 87 finalists. On "Smallville" he has been in two episodes, entitled, "Aqua" and "Justice." We decided to ask Alan a little more about his busy life!
Interview:
To learn more about Alan, head to:
www.myspace.com/alanritchson
www.alanritchson.com
To buy Alan's album or hear his songs head here:
"MusicDownloads"
Alan in new Justice League Trailer Focusing in "Aquaman"! (Great Video!)
By: Garzavive
Alan on American Idol, though I don't think they do him justice! (By Request)
Exclusive Intervieww/ Samantha Mollen!
Biography:
Raised in San Diego, California, Samantha began singing Patsy Cline at the tender age of 6. Inspired by her mother's record collection she quickly developed a need for music in her life. At the age of 15 she began playing guitar which allowed her to embark on her songwriting journey. Throughout the past year Samantha has been performing live throughout Los Angeles, and continues to expand her fan base. Most recently, her song “Closer To You” was featured on the CW hit show “SMALLVILLE.” She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Interview:
1) How did you get started in the music business?
Well I am still getting started and it is a process. A series of a lot of little things that in turn assemble bigger steps. It has been and continues to be a learning process. I have always had a great interest and passion for making music. I have written and sang since I can remember and a little over a year ago, I decided to start playing publicly. Which really made it clear that "this is what i should be doing"!
2) What genre would you consider your music or is it a mix of a few genres?
So hard to say I would def. say a mix of a few. Folk; Indie; Alternative. The vibe is Moody, Urgent and Delicate.
3) In an article I read, someone compared you to the likes of Stevie Nicks, how does that make you feel when you read that since she is such an iconic figure?
I mean she is one of my most favorite female artists and I am elated that anyone would compare me to her. She is unique and has facinating depth. So flattered.
4) How did you get involved with having your song featured on "Smallville"?
I am friends with Michael Rosenbaum, who is seriously so inspiring. He heard a few mixes from my demo before it was released and had such enthusiasm for my music, and thought it would compliment the show. He is truly responsible for my consideration on Smallville.
5) I also read that you wrote and composed all of the tracks on your debut EP, what was that like, where did you get your inspiration from?
Yes, I did. Songwriting can certainly be deconstructed to a science, however with me it is usually unplanned and completly organic. My inspiration comes from life experience mine and the people who surround me. I am compelled by human interaction and communication or lack there of. I write because I truly feel I have something to say or an emotion to articulate. I find putting extreme emotion, frustration, and or deep love into words is theraputic and spiritually fulfilling.
6) How did you get started singing Patsy Cline at such a young age?
Because of my Mom. She used to listen to Patsy Cline, non-stop. To this day she continues to be one of my favorite artists to cover.
7) Do you have any new things in the works right now that we should look out for?
I am working on a full-length album, that probably wont be out until early 2008. But I play shows all the time. My upcoming shows: March 17th, 8pm Barcelona (Phoenix, Arizona) March 29th, 8:30pm Molly Malones (Los Angeles, CA)
8) Did you happen to see the episode that your song appeared in?
Yes, absoultely. It was a great episode and a great directorial debut for Michael Rosenbaum.
9) Do you have any tips for any up and coming singers and songwriters out there that may be struggling to get started?
Play as much as possible. Open mics are always good. And collaborating with other artists can be helpful as well. I think it allows you to hone in on and further develop your own personal and unique style. There is no clear cut path. But as long as you are doing what you love it doesnt matter if 1 or 1 million people are listening.
To learn more about Samantha and her music, you can head to her myspace page:
www.myspace.com/samanthamollen
Exclusive Interview w/ Sara Routh!
Biography:
Sara Routh is from Norwalk, Iowa where her love of music began in the womb. Her father, Ron, a jazz drummer and her mother, Katie, a singer, met in a Regional Dance Band, where they traveled the midwest and shared their love and talent for the fantastic older dance charts. Growing up as the child of two musicians was an amazing gift. There was always some kind of music in the air.Sara now resides in Los Angeles, California where she has been writing lyrics and music steadily for almost three years.Performing in venues all over Los Angeles county. Genghis Cohen, The Key Club, Zen Sushi, El Cid's, Molly Malone's and Club Lingere are just a few. With the support of her friends and family (fans) she continues to grow in her professional music career. In February she won the Best Folk Artist of the year award from the Southern California Music Awards. She is currently working on some new recordings and looks forward to the day when you can all hear the results!
Interview:
1.How did you get involved with having your song be a part of the Sound of Superman Compliation CD?
I heard that there was a compilation album being put out, so I set up a meeting with the music coordinator and he liked the song... then it went from there!
2. How would you describe your music in terms of genre?
My sound is acoustic/rock.
3. How did you get involved in music? What instruments do you play?
I have always been involved with music or the stage. My parents are both musicians, so it was always in the air. I play guitar mainly now but, I can play the piano, drums, bass guitar, clarinet, flute, tenor sax...and I think that's all...
4. I saw the website you had for your radio show, did you enjoy doing that?
I am still doing the interviews for www.nextbighit/mondayshow I do enjoy it very much. I learn a lot about how different musicians make their way in this town and it's quite interesting getting into their personal space.... artists are generally very open and it's just a lot of fun to get personal with them.
5. Your family seems like a very close knit group, especially the way you were depicted on the Superman Returns DVD, do you feel that you are?
There is no doubt about that! We are very close and support each other greatly!
6.What was it like to win Best Folk Artist of the Year at the Southern California Music Awards?
That was truely an amazing night. I knew about the nominations but, wasn't sure about how I'd do... I listened to the other musicians and they were all so professional in their recordings and all five of us seemed to have a different sound. I didn't know at all what the judges were looking for in a folk artist. I had family and friends there that night and when my name was called, it was like I won a Grammy. It was one of the most amazing moments. There is so much talent in Southern California and I am proud to be playing along side such amazing artists!
7. Do you have any future gigs or cd's in the works?
I am constantly playing gigs, just check my website out www.sararouth.com or myspace.com/lasongbird to get the details. I am currently in pre-production for my debut album. I'm so excited about this process. It's been a wonderful journey thus far.
8. How do you feel Superman in general has changed you or your family's life?
Superman hasn't changed me or my families lives. My brother was blessed with an amazing opportunity and we are embrasing it whole heartedly. I am very proud of him and just trust that his journey will continue to progress.
Want to learn more about Sara or buy her music?
You can find out more about her at:
www.myspace.com/sararouth
www.sararouth.com
You can buy the Sound of Superman CD, which she and many other artists were featured on at:
Exclusive Interview w/ Vast's Jon Crosby! (4/14/08)
Biography:
Although critics have compared "Vast" to a number of commercially successful bands throughout the years, Crosby's unique songwriting and production style continues to cleverly evade niche appeal. They whole-heartedly believe that musicians need to take their business and their art into their own hands which is why they sell tickets right through their website. This is the very reason they appealed to me especially because we need more bands out there like them to bring forth great music!
Interview:
1) How did you guys get asked to be on Smallville? I know you have been busy but did you get a chance to see the episode?
Jon: "My manager, Steve Berman called me up and asked if it was OK if they used our music. I am always flattered when someone requests to use my music so I said yes immediately."
2) Your song "One More Day" was featured at the end of "Veritas" when Clark is faced with the thought of losing his love, Lana, can you describe what the song was meant to be about when you wrote it because it matched up with the scene so well?
Jon: "I think love is a very universal thing, so that would explain the "matching up". I'm glad that my real pain matched up with the make-believe pain so well."
3) How would you describe your music in terms of genre or sound?
Jon: "I think that we cover a wide variety of genres. I like to think it's a combination of world music and modern music."
4) "VAST" is such an different and interesting band name, how did you come up with it?
Jon: "I think it describes the sound and the subject matter."
5) Why do you feel your album "April" is maybe more unique and personal than your other works?
Jon: "The more I write the more personal my work becomes, the less I feel like I need to hide my feelings."
6) What was it like starting your own record company, "2Blossoms"?
Jon: "It's fun. I love it."
7) On your website, I read that you, like many other bands and singers starting out went through some tough times in the music industry, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for any new and up and coming artists out there?
Jon: "Be true to yourself."
Websites to Check Out!
www.realvast.com
www.myspace.com/vast
Buy their new album featuring "One More Day"!
Exclusive Interview w/ Marie' Digby! (11/12/07)
Biography:
Marié's Full name is Marié Christina Digby Marié's heritage is Japanese Irish-American. Her mother is Japanese and her father is Irish-American Marié lives in Los Angeles and was born in NYC. Marié Started writing songs when she was about 15 years old. The inspiration to start writing began through tough years in junior high school where she was often made fun of and didn't have many friends. Marié never thought of herself as being particularly talented in music or writing but found a comfort and relief in composing songs. Marié went to college for a year and then took time off to pursue music full time.
Interview:
1) How did you get involved in being on the show?
"Sometimes music supervisors for shows (like The Hills) directly email me on my myspace to ask for my music. In this case, the music supervisor for Smallville contacted my record label to use my song. At least, that's what I think happened!"
2) Did you get a chance to see the episode, "Wrath"?
"I missed the show but a fan of mine sent me a link .. it sounded awesome!! I can't believe how much of the song was used in the scene. I was also quite impressed with the acting (I've never seen the show before)."
3) What were some of your influences growing up?
"My earliest influences were broadway musicals. My mother took me to see 'Cats' when i was only 3 years old. I've always been so moved by beautiful music and that was my introduction to it. After that, I took classical piano lessons so I'm a big fan of Chopin. In high school, I discovered my love for Rock. I like everything from Jimi Hendrix to NIN, portishead, bjork, and radiohead."
4) I got a chance to listen to your cover of "Umbrella" by Rihanna and it was amazing and I even read that it has been viewed up to 20,000 times a day, what was it like hearing that it was so popular?
"It still blows my mind that millions of people have viewed my cover of 'Umbrella'. When I put that video up, I thought it was pretty good but never expected this kind of reaction! I guess it's also partly because the song itself was such a huge success to begin with.. Maybe it's just interesting to people to see a different take on such a popular song. But overall, I am just very grateful that people have reacted so positively to my voice and my rendition."
5) What were you thinking of when you wrote "Spell" which was featured in "Smallville."
"Spell was written about someone I've admired for a long time. This person would attend my shows and I knew that the only time that I ever had his undivided attention was when I was singing a song.. for those 3 minutes, I had him in my hands. But as soon as I was finished, the spell was over."
6) You were recently signed to a major record label, what was that feeling like?
"I've actually been signed to a major label for two years. It just seems like I was recently signed because no one really knew about me until I started posting youtube videos and finding some success through that. It was a wonderful feeling to be signed because I know how hard it is..but then again, I didn't necessarily celebrate because I knew that that is where all of the 'real' work would begin."
7) Do you have any inspiring words of motivation for those out there, who like you, utilized songwriting as a means of making it through tough times in high school?
"I think that music is one of the most powerful healing tools in the world. Music is what got me through the toughest times and I'm still not sure what exactly it is that moves us. I guess music touches on our feelings that cannot be expressed by words. I believe that's why beyond journal writing, writing songs is the most therapeutic thing for me. I would say, if this is your passion as well.. write as much as you can. It's an art and I believe you get better and better the more you try.. I still have so much growing to do as a songwriter."
8) What was it like winning the Pantene Pro Voice Songwriting contest in 2004 with your own autobiographical song, "Miss Invisible"?
"Winning pantene pro-voice was a dream.. It was the one time in my life that no matter what, I wanted to win, I wouldn't have been satisfied with #2. Maybe the motivation was that I really wanted the prize which was a baby grand piano !! Honestly though, it was an amazing experience and the affirmation I needed to prove to myself that I could do this.. that I had a chance to make my mark in music."
To learn more about Marie' Digby, head to:
Official Website: "Marie' Digby"
Official Youtube Page: "Marie' Digby"
New Interview W/ Morcheeba! (10/24/07)
Biography:
Morcheeba were the pioneers of downtempo, the architects of trip-hop, and the masterminds behind records that have now sold over five million copies. "We invented chillout with songs," says Ross Godfrey. The sound soon became synonymous with spectacular sunsets and late night comedowns. Eventually, somehow inevitably, it ended up everywhere - soundtracking films and adverts, included on compilation albums and de rigeur at dinner parties and spawning the likes of Air, Zero 7 and Dido.
Interview:
1) How did you asked to be featured on Smallville?
"Our publishers "Chrysalis" were approached by the show. We were thrilled as I watch the show at home here in the UK with my family.
2) Did you get a chance to see the song in the part it played in the episode, "Fierce"?
"The series has not aired yet here but I watched the youtube clip and I was immensly proud. It's great to have one of our songs in such a strong scene. I can't wait to see it in context.
3) Your song "Gained the World" features a singer "Manda." Who is she and how are you affiliated with her?
"Manda is a singer from Paris that also contacted us through myspace telling us it was her dream to sing with Morcheeba. We invited her to London, and recorded 'Gained the World' which Ross and I had previously written. It's amazing that we can write something in a room and it can have such a powerful impact internationally.
4) What are some of your musical influences?
"Jimi Hendrix, Son House, Tricky, Run DMC, Neil Young, and many more that are on our myspace."
5) Your new album is coming out soon, can you tell us more about it?
"Our new album "Dive Deep" is our 6th L.P. all our music is self produced at our own studio. The C.D. will be out in January and we will tour the world to support it. Our new material features a variety of great international vocalists and it comes together as a whole really well. Although it is old fashioned we believe in the Album format so our C.D.s can be played from beginning to end for a cool sonic voyage."
6) I read that you switched singers recently, was it hard for the band to adjust to a new female singer?
"Not really, Ross and I have always been the creative force behind the group and we felt it was good to work with different vocalists to explore different tones. Most of the collaborators we choose do it because they really want to work with us and vice versa. The only problems arrive when artists have huge egos and bad lawyers. I don't feel we have made many mistakes but we have made a few, as it's inevitable in any human creation."
7) One thing I love about your music is how mellow and smooth it is. It is definitely laid back and melodic, is that how you would describe your music?
"Yes, laid back and melodic is very apt. It also has a dark under current though with strange twisted atmospheres contrasted against the sweet sunny side."
8) I read that you switched singers, was it hard for the band to adjust to a new female being in the group?
"Not really, Ross and I have always been the creative force behind the group and we felt it was good to work with different vocalists to explore different tones. Most of the collaborators we choose do it because they really want to work with us and vice versa. The only problems arrive when artists have huge egos and bad lawyers. I don't feel we have made many mistakes but we have made a few, as it's inevitable in any human creation."
8) Being musicians, you must get to travel a lot, what are some of your favorite places to sing at or travel to?
"Touring the States was a dream come true for us as we are from a small, boring English retirement town and we longed to see NYC and San Francisco etc. Everywhere is great though if you step outside of the bubble and try to experience each culture for itself. We have toured pretty much every where in the world and had some great times. I only wish we could fly around like Superman and get home to sleep in our own bed at night instead of endless airports and hotels."
9.) In your new album "Dive Deep," it says that you have a lot of collaborations with other artists, can you tell us about any of those?
Thomas Dybdahl is an amazing singer/songwriter from Norway. Judie Tzuke is a classic British Singer/Songwriter. Bradley is a multi talented friend and he and Manda Tour live with us. Cool Calm Pete is a really great rapper from Queens N.Y. We worked with about 30 different artists but these folks really clicked with us and they made it to the album shortlist.
To access the band, you can go to:
www.morcheeba.co.uk
To add them on myspace, go to:
"Morcheeba"
New Interview W/ James Carrington, Singer, Songwriter!
Biography:
James began his solo career in 2001, when as Entertainment Director of the Pocket Pub Company he was jointly responsible for setting up one of London's most successful and in-demand acoustic nights at the Bedford in Balham (Sarf Lunnon!) which was subsequently awarded PRS Music Pub of the Year in 2002. He rapidly began building his own following to the extent that he was able to sell over 1500 tickets for his October 2002 Shepherds Bush Empire concert.
Early 2004 was spent filming Regency House Party', and then James sold out his second headline Shepherds Bush Empire gig in April, before playing live at the National Radio Awards and then going in to the studio to record "Only For You," a haunting, catchy, classy composition from a definite star of the future.James' song "Ache" appeared on the Season Six show, "Wither" and was hailed as a classic from both fans and critics!
Interview:
1. How did you get asked to have your song included in Smallville?
I met the music supervisor of the show, madonna wade-reed in november 2005 through my great friend and contact at EMI Music Publishing, Tami Lester. Madonna loved the song and said she would get it placed on one of her shows.. a year went by..nothing. and then out of the blue she emailed me to say she'd managed to place it in a good scene and it would get great exposure...!
2. How did you get started in music, did you go to school, teach yourself, etc?
My whole family is musical and I was given a violin at age 3!
3. What instruments do you play? Do you write all of your own music?
Nowadays I only play the guitar and the piano. I wish I''d kept my violin/viola going but I got bored. lost interest in playing music at university and only came round to it again by chance. didn't play guitar till i was 26.
4. How did you find my video on youtube? (Sorry, I have been just dying to know this:)
Somebody emailed me and told me they had seen it...
5. What other shows have used the song "Ache"? (That you know of)
A show called "The Evidence" earlier last year.
6. What are you doing now in Kenya?
On holiday in a beautiful place called lamu. Enjoying a break after 2 months in the US trying to capitalize on the Smallville exposure.
7. Is their a US Tour possibly coming soon?
Definitely. Just starting to plan it now..want to go to all the places that people have written to me from!
8. What are your upcoming gigs?
Next one is in London on jan 18th then off to toronto on feb 15th..
9. What was your reaction to the amazing response you got from Smallville fans?
I was completely blown away. Was an unreal feeling and I am still getting messages to this day saying that they heard it on Smallville and what it meant to them etc..
10. Do you have a lot of Smallville fans attend your shows?
Well, I have only played in New york and LA so far in small venues so its hard to know. Definitely had a few in LA as I had a cue at the end for my autograph!!!!
11. (Sorry I know this is kind of on the spot): Did you like Superman as a child?
I loved it. Remember going to see the 1st film and dreaming of flying all night!
To hear James' song "Ache" as well as others, please visit his myspace at:
www.myspace.com/jamescarrington
You can also visit his webpage at:
www.jamescarrington.com
You can also buy James' single at:
