Interview with Actress/Singer Songwriter Kate Todd

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Kate Todd. If you don't know who she is, you've been missing out on a talented young woman who's been on the TV screen for almost a decade. Her big break came when she played the character of Lily Randall on Radio Free Roscoe on Teen Nick's (then Noggin) hit TV series running with other shows- Instant Star and mainstay, Degrassi.





Always a fan of Kate, RFR, and her music; I looked her up and gave it a shot and asked for an interview. Thankfully she said yes!  So enjoy my first interview in a while, and be sure to show your support for a deserving individual.

What do you enjoy better, music or acting?
I enjoy both music and acting equally. For me, they both ignite a need for deeper understanding of myself, of others and the world in which we live in. Acting and music inspires the performer to find truth and authenticity. I’ve been fortunate that the two media have continually intertwined throughout my career and I am grateful that I have been able to follow both of my passions.


How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?
Reflecting back, it probably stems from being raised in a rural, country setting and being left alone with my imagination. Performing played a large part in my early life with piano recitals to acting classes. That led me to obtaining an agent and securing my first acting role, a small part as Cassie on a show called Strange Days at Black Holsey High.


Did your character of Lily on RFR, inspire you to almost become the same person, or was Lily really an incarnation of you?
There are many parallels between myself and the character of Lily on Radio Free Roscoe. In many of the episodes I could relate to Lily in her daily life as a teenager, the pressures of high school and, of course, her love of music! 





Who are some actors or actresses who inspire you and why?
Jim Carrey, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep and Natalie Portman….all great.

Musically who do you strive to be like, and have you been compared to anyone?
I’m striving to be myself before I can move on to anyone else. To be honest, as a musician, I’m just inspired by anyone who has played any stage at anytime, anywhere.


What goes into the preparation of a role and how do you become the character?
I read the script, get a feel for the character and visualize her life in my minds eye drawing from observations and personal experiences.


How does the songwriting process work for you?
I have no standard formula, but often times after developing a concept I lay down a basic guitar track and begin to formulate a vocal melody and lyrics around that.



What's your style and what makes you different than everyone else?
Roots based guitar driven pop would describe my musical style. I often sing about hope, inspiration and motivation. Does that make me different?


As a musician, what's your biggest rockstar moment and what's your biggest failure?
I met The Rolling Stones once, does that count? As for failures, I’ve experienced many but without failure there can be no success.

Can you tell me a little about your current role in "My Babysitter's a Vampire"?
I portray a character named Erica. I enjoy playing her as, other than her bloodsucking tendencies and devious ways, she is just your average everyday fun-loving high school girl! 


It’s kind of a Jekyll and Hyde role and that is which drew me to her character, two roles in one “best of both worlds.” Pardon the Radio Free Roscoe reference.  


Any other roles coming up, and what about an album?
I am currently on set for an as yet untitled television series. You can follow twitter for details. As for My Babysitters A Vampire a second season has been announced, looking forward to being part of that. In regards to my music, I continue to enjoy to write and perform.
Any and all new developments will be posted to these sites if you’d like to stay connected:

www.twitter.com/katetodd
www.katetodd.com
www.youtube.com/katetoddonline
IMDB
Facebook


Anything else you'd like to add or say?
Thank you
Peace&love
Kate Todd


See Kate's acting reel here

It's Not Over Video, Freestyle Fam Live, Patent Pending, and More

It's Not Over
Check out my friends in It's Not Over with their first music video for the song "Sweet Heart Breaker."

Freestyle Fam
Check out my Rapping bro's at Freestyle Fam as they lock down a great live internet interview along with a freestyle session.


Video streaming by Ustream

Also, check them out as they performed live today in the Bronx for RapFest 2011.


Video streaming by Ustream

Are Easy Clothing
Check out Are Easy Clothing and become a supporter! Run by Raul "Rez" Barquet, a wrestler for Warriors of Wrestling, he is expanding his line to include many other pieces. Are Easy also endorses Process of Fusion, so help us out! Like them on Facebook Here!

Patent Pending and West of Dennis Send off Show

Check out a bunch of local favorites on August 18th, including Patent Pending!

Relics
Relics has quickly become my favorite local hardcore band. Instead of having break down city everywhere, they play really intricate and captivating music. Singer Gerardo's screaming is on point too. I also love their musical interludes. Listen to and download for free their first album Natyasastra here. 
Be sure to check them out on Facebook.
I've embedded two new songs by them as well, check them out below

When All Else Fails

Be sure to listen to my homies in When All Else Fails. They just posted two new songs on their bandpage.

Like them on Facebook here.

Process of Fusion

If you aren't attending our CD release show, shame on you!
All the details are here.

Some Quick Vids for You!

Check out my boys in Jolly absolutely killing it with a stellar music video for "Joy" off of their album The Audio Guide to Happiness.





Also, listen to my former rapping partner wreck havoc on some industry beats.

Updates and more from A'tris, Kick, InDisguise, Playdough, and POF

A'tris Week 23



Kick @ Gramercy



InDisguise



Playdough



Process of Fusion
The band gets some blog love courtesy of Muenmagazine.net
Read it here

Singer/Songwriter Urica Rose is Trying to become a "Rockstar"

Urica Rose

What does "Texas girl with an NYC vibe" mean to you?

This is how I have been perceived and described once people find out I was born in Texas and live in New York. By intertwining both states, they try to describe the fuse they see.

Where do you derive your style and sound from?

There isn’t one person that I try to sound like. However, I have been inspired by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Janis Joplin.

How has living in Texas, NYC, and ATL had an impact on your music, and briefly describe the differences in music in these places?

I was basically a new born when I left Texas so I don’t remember much about it. New York is like a melting pot. Since there are so many cultures here, the music is limitless. That makes me feel like my music will be too. There’s no end to what I can add to my melting pot of sounds. In ATL, I was introduced to rock and there the fuse began. I learned how to write from Meechie (manager of the GG's). He assured me I had the talent to do so. For a while I didn’t know I could write; I would only freestyle to songs I liked.

Tell me about your band People of Exile. How did you all get together and how does the writing process work?

I met the People of Exile through a friend of mine who happens to be a cousin of one of the members. Once I met with them I realized I went to school with one of the other members. From there, I just instantly clicked with the rest of the band. The songs I currently have with the band are freestyles turned into songs. For the song "Where Are We Now" the hook was already written and I wrote the verses and freestyled the second part of the song. Our other song "Shoot Em Dead," I came up with the hook in the bathroom when it kind of just popped in my head. I took it to the guys and we freestyled the rest and shaped it later.

Who are your biggest inspirations in music, and who would you strive to be like if there is anyone?
I love people like Tina Turner, Prince and James Brown because they weren't afraid to make music that sounded different. They didn’t care how it sounded to others. They made music that felt right to them and eventually others got it. If I could, I wish I could combine all three of their talents in me. I would then be unstoppable. The passion alone that these artists had can’t be copied today.

How did you get together with Jon Santos to record "Rock Star" and what was it like working with him?

I got in touch with Jon Santos through my manger who heard of him through a friend. I think Jon is so amazing! He was very easy to work with because he gave very good pointers. He also has an amazing ear. I would recommend him again and again.

What was the inspiration behind the song, and are you performing and promoting it yet?

When I wrote the song it was at a time when people didn’t understand why I wanted to be a rock star. They still don’t. It’s almost like a rebellious song. You tell a kid to do one thing and sure enough they will do the other and that’s what this song was for me. My stand against those who wanted me to do R&B. I am a rock star at heart and that’s what I am going to be no matter what.

Are you in the process of making a full length album?

I am working on singles and a few sound track projects that I am very excited about.

Best musical experience and biggest show ever played?

The biggest show I have played so far was at Teen Fest in Canada. So many things are happening so fast. I am most excited about performing at Six Flags and to be mentioned on their web site is so great! I am also looking forward to my tour coming up in late September. I’ll be on the road until a week before Christmas. I love to travel and performing is just an added bonus.

What is in the immediate future for Urica Rose?

Well everyday something awakens on my very active path of life. I am currently working on the video for my first single "Rock Star." I am helping with the production and co-directing.

Anything further to add?

The only thing I have left to say is never let anyone tell you, you can’t do what your heart desires. Just do it! “I am not going to stay in the box you gave to me” (a quote from Rock Star).

For more info on Urica Rose, check her out at 

http://uricarose.tumblr.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/uricarose1

Huge Update- In Disguise, Tiger Darrow, A'tris, & More!

First and foremost I would like to apologize for spending way too much time away from my blog. If you are a reader and wondering what happened, I am here, don't worry! I just graduated college, got a new job, and have been running around doing stuff for my band and magazine, but I am back! SO HERE WE GO!

Before you read on, check out my official Youtube channel! 

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSIBandGuy

A'tris

Still moving forward with the song of the week project, A'tris releases another gem, "I Will" originally performed by Radiohead. I spoke to Mason at a show recently, and he said the videos were losing some steam. So please please please, watch them and give them feedback!!!

Tiger Darrow @ The Bitter End

One of my favorite new and upcoming artists played the Bitter End a few weeks in NYC. I went out to see her, and she was phenomenal. She switched between acoustic guitar and electric cello during her set and played along with her bass player. The set was about half an hour long, and she was extremely confident and personable on stage. At just the age of 18, she expresses the talent and stage presence of someone well beyond her years. Read my interview with her here.

In Disguise I.D.

Originally known as Incognito & DePalma, the band changed the name after Jason DePalma left the band. Sticking with the "I.D." they became In Disguise. Here is their first single

Lori Martini

Lori Martini is a talented actress and songwriter from the NYC area. Check out her Mets anthem song she wrote, performed by Kassy K and Nick Javas.

Jon Santos

The hardest working engineer I know is at it again. He recently filmed a music video for musician Ted Poley. Check out the video below.

Jon Comis

Check out http://www.youtube.com/user/JonathanMichaelComis to see some amazing covers. Jon is a friend of mine, so be nice and like hi videos. Here are a few...

Eric D'Alessandro (ERIX FLIX VIDEOS)

I'll be interviewing S.I. funny man and rapper Eric D'Alessandro. He seriously has some of the funniest videos I've ever seen on Youtube. Here's a preview of one of his more famous ones.

Last but not least, check out some POF news!

Process of Fusion

Here's a preview shot of our shoot with Matt Donders.

The album has been ordered and is on the way!

Interview and Album Review of Jolly

(L to R)- Anadale (Vox), Louis (Drums), Anthony (Bass), and Joe (Keyboard)

This progressive rock band simply known as Jolly, is creating music a lot more complex than their name leads you to believe.


For their latest album, The Audio Guide to Happiness Part 1, Jolly infuses binaural tones in their music that are experienced through headphones. To quote them directly,"The listener is subjected to musical mood dynamics and key lyrical triggers while the brain is fed corresponding binaural tones. These tones are carefully and deliberately interwoven within the music to support all appropriate peaks and valleys throughout the experience." In non scientific terms, this means every song has different emotional experience on the listener, whether happy, upbeat, or even anxious.

Jolly at the Full Cup by Justin Sarachik

The album plays from start to end as a story concept album. While songs can be listened to individually, the album is best heard as a whole. The album starts off strong with "End Where it Starts" because of its raw and heavy guitars. It's the perfect tone setter for an album filled with fantastic instrumentals laced with powerful vocals. Track three, "Joy" provides great melodies over the verse and features a solid chorus. "The Pattern" is the single worthy song of the album with overall strength in its entirety. "Where Everything's Perfect" is another one of the records strong single like tracks. It flows as a narrative story. What's really cool about this track is the overlying piano into the musical transitions. It adds so much to the music not just in the song, but throughout the disc.


Overall the album is a great listen. Hearing the transition between vocals and music is really the key of this album. Jolly does a great job of making these cues seamless and work hand-in-hand. It's a new breed of music, and it is obvious that a lot of thought and passion went into making it.

Jolly at the Full Cup by Justin Sarachik

Jolly is clearly out to be different saying about the tones, "It ads a spin. It's a bit controversial," said singer Anadale. Expanding onto their theme of "Audio Happiness" part 2 of the album is already made. "We wanted to have the songs together as a treatment. The album is done, but we don't have a set release date," said Louis. As of now, Jolly incorporates some of part 2's songs during their set now.


Asking them about how and why they came up with the current album's theme sparked a few different answers. Anadale said, "There are many trials and tribulations of reaching happiness." Joe thinks it's easily described as "Therapeutic." While, "Dynamic and emphasis of emotion," is what Louis came up with.


Jolly's previous release, 46 Minutes, 12 Seconds of Music, was a bit heavier. "The new record is our first attempt to really find our sound. It's mellower, but has the same sound," said Louis. They went on to describe how their first album was a bit rushed, because they were signed off of a few Myspace songs. The album had to come together quick for the label.


Hearing their small sample of music, a record label from Switzerland messaged them saying they would like to sign them. Jolly then got a manager and before they even got a handful of local shows under their belt, they headed for Europe, doing four shows in ten days. In those ten days Jolly was able to fully take in a small sample of the European music scene. "They are more open to new music, while people here want to hear songs they know," said Anthony. "The crowds are a lot less energetic, but they really listen. They soak in every word you say and really just listen," observed Joe.

Jolly at the Full Cup by Justin Sarachik

The band agreed that one of their greatest moments as a band was that first show in Europe. They arrived to Holland to a crowd of over 1,000 people. They met up in Europe after two hour train rides and connected from three different countries. The setting just made for an epic performance, and an amazing moment for the band. It also set the tone for what was to be a big fan base in Europe. They get help from their joint European/American label of Inside Out (Europe) and Century Media (U.S.) In return, Jolly helps to spread Inside Out in America.


 In the next five years Jolly hopes to be doing more touring in Europe, recording, and making a living off of music. In the immediate future, Jolly will be doing some east coast touring before heading back to Europe in the fall. They have a video release coming soon that is in the process of being edited. Right now it's under wraps and top secret.

Jolly at the Full Cup by Justin Sarachik

Jolly would also like the readers to know if you go to http://www.jollyband.com/promo and type "Sibandguy" you can get two free downloads courtesy of the band. 

http://www.jollyband.com
http://www.myspace.com/jollyband
http://www.twitter.com/jollyband
http://www.youtube.com/theincrediblejolly
http://www.jollyband.proboards.com

Jolly at the Full Cup by Justin Sarachik

Album Review "White Rabbit" by Egypt Central

Memphis Tennessee's Egypt Central is tearing up the up and coming artists music scene. 


With their release of White Rabbit on May 31st, the fans and critics have fully shown their support. Debuting this week at #5 on the SoundScan's "Current Hard Rock Album," they will also debut on spot #78 on the Billboard top 200 chart.


The single "White Rabbit," released on March 1st has already amassed over 21,000 downloads. You can watch the video for "White Rabbit" below.





Listening through this album in preparation for the review was both an enjoyable listen, and a promising experience. Never hearing Egypt Central before, I wasn't sure of what to expect, but what I got was excellent. 

Almost every track on this album is geared to be a single. The disc starts off with "Ghost Town." It's a good starter, as it features a heavy intro with melodic keys in the background. 


Up next is of course the namesake of the album, "White Rabbit." This track is quickly taking over my playlist for most played song. As a single it is absolutely perfect. It displays everything the band showcases, and has an incredibly catchy chorus. 


Track three, "Goodnight," serves as the slow single. It has that grungy Stone Temple Pilots/Creed feel to it. While the next track, "Kick Ass," has a Guns & Roses feel to it. It is a step up from the grunge into the gritty.


"Change" is more of a contemporary/alternative single for the radio crowd not looking to really rock out. "Drug" provides the listener with a little screaming on the track. It has a catchy chorus, but is more of a filler.


"Down in Flames" provides solid rock throughout, but didn't really stick on me. The next song however, picks the end of the album up with the strong "Enemy Inside." It is a slower rock ballad much in vain of Evanescence or Three Days Grace. We are reintroduced to some strings in this track, and it is a great radio play if they release it as one.


"Blame" is a strong chorus driven song, but is another filler in my opinion. "Dying to Leave" brings more of the dynamics back with a medium tempo balance between music and vocals. 

"Surrender" is easily the weakest track. When I say weak, I don't mean terrible. The problem is the strong songs are "really strong." 


"Backfire" is a great closeout to the album. It is an acoustic track and is a nice departure from the heavy rock. It's a nice touch that let's you hear the strength in John Falls voice.


Overall this album is an exceptional release, and should continue to do well as it makes it's way up the charts. Expect to hear a lot more from Egypt Central as their fans chase after the White Rabbit.

www.egyptcentral.net

www.facebook.com/egyptcentral

www.twitter.com/egyptcentral

www.myspace.com/egyptcentral

www.youtube.com/egyptcentral