andPOP » Jeremy Singer

Interview: We Are The Fallen’s Bassist Marty O’Brien Excited About New Band and New Life

Jeremy Singer — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:45:36 +0000

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For a 12-year seasoned veteran free-lance bassist, Marty O’Brien is all of a sudden experiencing things for the first time now.

The Rhode Island native’s got his first real band We Are The Fallen, ergo, his first real debut album Tear The World Down, and above his first real consistent gig for the future.

He laughs when thinking this was all thanks to an unanswered e-mail he sent in 2002, to tryout for guitarist Ben Moody’s new band at the time, Evanescence.

“Funny story,” says O’Brien who’s been on three different Ozzfest tours as a free-lancer, and has rocked with A-list people like Tommy Lee, Disturbed, Kelly Clarkson and Celine Dion.

“About a year-and-a-half after I didn’t get a reply back from him, I ran into Ben (Moody) outside the Viper Room on Sunset Blvd -after Evanescence had become really popular- and I introduced myself, asking him about that e-mail. He freaked out, and was like ‘dude, are you serious!? At that time, I was living in my grandmother’s basement! When I saw your credentials, I thought that it was like a joke that a few friends were playing on me or something!’”

Not to worry though, because from that encounter stemmed a building friendship between O’Brien and Moody for years to come, where Moody would leave Evanescence in 2003, and have O’Brien play bass on all his solo-projects.

It was only a matter of time that after Evanescence members John LeCompt (Rhythm Guitar), and Rocky Gray (Drums) also left the band in 2007, that Moody would decide to bring them together along with O’Brien, grab a talented former American Idol top ten finalist Carly Smithson (Vocals), and form new talented alternative rock/metal band We Are The Fallen in 2009.

“I tell everyone,” says O’Brien, “even though the band has only been together for a year, it feels like I’ve known some of these guys for a lot longer- for like years now.”

O’Brien admits that this new experience is definitely a contrast to his days free-lancing as a bassist for party rock n’ roll tours.

“There’s a difference for sure,” he says. “With Tommy Lee, you try to go back into the bus to chill out, but wait, you can’t because there’s a huge after party on the bus. Here everyone’s married, has kids, very mellowed out. We watch movies, everyone’s in their PJ’s after the show. It’s funny.”

And although the band’s concentrated ex-Evanescence core has brought a bit of criticism that they sound like Evanescence, O’Brien says that it can’t be avoided.

“It makes me laugh,” he says. “You have to realize, these guys pretty much created Evanescence. It’s like if Led Zeppelin broke up and created a new band…obviously it’s going to sound a bit alike. How do you not sound like yourself?

“But we’re just way too happy right now to be fixed-out about it.”

Keeping them high on life is their debut album Tear The World Down -which was released by Universal Republic on May 11- and is led by their hit single Bury Me Alive, which has climbed the charts and was also used in the promo of the season one finale of CTV’s The Vampire Diaries. Also pushing the record strong are singles like Don’t Leave Me Behind, and Sleep Well, My Angel.

Originally the group was supposed to release a song every eight weeks by MySpace to build a compilation, but after the band underestimated the amount of material that they had actually written, it was agreed that they had to put it together into an album.

“When we formed, we didn’t have one song,” says O’Brien. “So you can imagine how much writing we’ve done over the last year, but we all just had a lot to say on our minds in the beginning, so we had more than enough material to write about.

“We would even all record and submit our own musical ideas form our designated instruments. It was a really creative open brainstorm.”

But surprisingly, writing wasn’t even the first issue on the agenda when the band formed. It was actually figuring out how they were gonna look on-stage.

“Ben was the first to speak to Carly,” says O’Brien, “and they clicked on their vision of what this band should look like, to the album cover, to the performance, to what they wanted to do on-stage. We have all these crazy ideas that we’re working on now.

“I can’t say anything yet, but you’ll be seeing them soon…”

The group hopes to reveal those ideas and their potential while on their current massive 28-city tour in the U.S. with Finish rock-band H.I.M, and then a 14-city solo-tour in the U.S. and Europe.

“We plan on staying on the road for a year-and-a-half, probably 18 months,” says O’Brian. “We’re determined to work this album for a long time. But we have to take this step-by-step, that’s the way to do it to reach longevity.

“We want to prove ourselves. It’s one sitting at a time, to show people what we have. But it’s a great feeling to finally have that album out.”

Interview: DUBBS Plans To Show Electro-House Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Jeremy Singer — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:43:32 +0000

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Don’t say you’ve seen an electro-group perform live, until you’ve seen DUBBS.

It’s only fair really.

Instead of going up on stage like most groups only to then just press a play button on a laptop, DUBBS re-creates every aspect of the beat-pumping tune with a variety of equipment- giving the audience the most real-live dynamic electro-concert experience possible.

The three-man Canadian team consists of brothers Alex (Vocals) and Chris (Drums) Van Den Hoeff, and Ottawa producer Martin Sinotte, who hope to make a name for themselves with their revolutionary club-bopping tracks and unique live sound-experience.

“Most DJ’s just turn knobs to play a hit song. That’s it,” says Sinotte. “But then you have us who play the song with a live beat pad, live keyboard, live everything. You have Alex singing, Chris on drums. It gets wild.”

Adds Alex, “It’s a poppy-techno sound with a twist. We call it a new age of electro-house.”

The recognition so far has been a small fraction of what the unsigned group can do in less than a year: over 130,000 MySpace views, winners of MuchMusic’s disBAND Audition Tour competition, an upcoming gig performing alonside Canadian Pop singer Danny Fernandes, and an invitation to play at the COCA showcase festival this summer.

“It’s honestly been crazy,” says Alex. “But we’ve been working 24/7 over the past few months, just networking, planning the next steps, so we’re just really psyched to show people our potential.”

One of the reasons for their success so far is their uncanny bro-manship and the credentials that each of them brings to the table.

At 13-years-old, Alex and Chris began working with Canadian producers such as Steve Rizun (Illscarlett, Alexisonfire), and Mitch Hall and Martin Davis Kinack (Brocken Social Scene, Stars, Feist). Over the next few years they would release their first demo and full length album which brought hundreds of live performances and radio air-play.

The up-and-coming duo then ended up being introduced to on-the-rise Canadian producer Sinotte, known throughout Ottawa as the “Beat Chemist.” Sinotte’s well-rounded 15-year background experience in the production scene was a perfect match, as he’s worked/recorded with Juno Award Winning artist Belly, Capital Prophets Records artist Danny Fernandes, and D12′s Bzarre- to name a few.

The trio hit it off immediately, and went to work in Sinotte’s brand new recording studio that he opened up in his house a year ago.

“The first night we met, we wrote a hit song,” says Chris. “We were just messing around until four in the morning.

“Ever since then, when we crash at his place, we wake up, go downstairs into the beat chemist’s ‘laboratory,’ and start recording stuff. And the best thing is that we have a relationship where if one of us has a beat that doesn’t really fly well, we’ll just be like ‘nah, scratch it man,’ but we’ll understand.”

As they anxiously await for the release of their debut album in the summer, the group agrees that it’ll be a contagious array of party-rocking tunes- modeling after artists like DeadMau 5, Black Eyed Peas and David Geutta.

“It’ll have a pop radio friendly vibe,” says Alex, “something that will get people partying for sure. It’s also got a few instrumental stuff for DJ’s to mess with and a few upcoming hip-hop artists featured too.

“Even though we wanted to get that house sound, we wanted to also incorporate a hip-hop vibe too.”

It’ll boast their raging singles so far like Here We Go Again, Generation Party, And We Don’t Stop, and Dance Bitch. Add in the music video that they hope to release at the same time too, and the group hopes that it’ll set them on course to eventually take on the international scene.

“Worldwide recognition man,” says Sinote.

Adds Alex, “we’re just starting out, but we feel like we have so much to show everyone, just non-stop tunes to get the crowd wild. I know we can do it.”

Check out all DUBBS info at www.dubbslive.com for new songs and all their upcoming shows:

May 27, 2010, 8:00 p.m, Rockpile Nightclub- Shock Thursday’s Party Night, Toronto, ON

May 28, 2010, 8:00 p.m, Private Yacht Party, Toronto, ON

June 16, 2010, 8:00 p.m, Nightlife with Danny Fernades, Sault Ste. Marie, CA

June 24, 2010, 8:15 p.m, COCA Showcase 2010, London, ON

June 25, 2010, 4:00 p.m, COCA Showcase 2010, London, ON

July 9, 2010, 10:00 p.m, Mansion Nightclub, Ottawa, ON

August 27, 2010, 1:00 p.m, North Bay Festival, North Bay, ON

Jake Gyllenhaal Reflects Upon Playing ‘Prince Of Persia’ As A Kid

Jeremy Singer — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:30:32 +0000

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We already knew that Jake Gyllenhaal is playing the lead role of the acclaimed video game franchise-turned-movie Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. What we didn’t know is that the Brokeback Mountain actor was actually a legitimate fan of the Prince of Persia series as a child.

“I played their original side-scrolling version of the game when I was a kid,” said the 29-year-old actor laughing, in an interview with MTV News.

Directed by Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), the movie tells the story about the origins of young Persian Prince Dastan, and his quest to rescue the Sands of Time, a gift from the gods that controls time, from an evil nobleman.

Gyllenhaal joins stars Gemma Arterton (Clash of the Titans) as Princess Tamina, and Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island) as the villainous Nizam. The actor reflected upon how crazy it is to be bringing his video game character to the big screen- as his film drops May 28.

“Who knew when I was playing it — after I closed out ‘Oregon Trail’ and went over to my ‘Prince of Persia’ game when I was I don’t know how old, maybe 8 or something — who knew I would be playing the Prince of Persia? It’s kind of awesome.”

According to Entertainment Tonight, Gyllenhaal also gained a solid five pounds of muscle for the role, and trained for months before the arduous Moroccan desert shoot.

“I over-prepared myself because I never knew how much they were going to ask me to do, so I just made sure I’d be hopefully able to do anything.

“There’s a lot acrobatics in the movie — a lot of running up walls, and jumping on things and Parkour, so it requires muscularity, but it requires a lot of aerobic ability too.”

Randy Jackson Upset With Court Treatment At Doctor Murray Hearing

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:18:56 +0000

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Part of the Jackson family was present at the Los Angeles Superior Court in downtown LA today for Dr. Conrad Murray’s hearing over his plead of not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter related to the death of legendary pop singer Michael Jackson.

But as they endured the almost two-hour hearing, younger brother Randy Jackson was a bit upset with the way the Jackson family was treated in the court room.

According to Access Hollywood, Jackson was rattled by the fact that the press recieved better treatment over the Jackson family members that were present- including Katherine, Joe, Jermaine, Janet and himself.

“Inside the courtroom,” he tweeted. “The press is getting preferential treatment and seating over us. They seem to have forgotten that we are a family.”

“The court informed us there’s nothing they could do,” he added.

The hearing was to determine the judge for the case, the preliminary hearing date and if Murray’s medical license will be revoked.

After the case was assigned to Judge Michael Pastor -for his experience handling “more complex cases”- Pastor announced that the time of the next hearing for Murray will be on June 14, 2010, at 12:30 p.m. If convicted, Murray would face a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at 50, when he was found unconscious at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the Hombly Hills district of Los Angeles. Attempts at resuscitating him by Murray, his personal physician were unsuccessful. However on February 8, 2010, Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter by prosecutors in LA, after finding certain drugs in Jackson’s body at the time of his death- including propofol, lorazepam and midazolam.

Dr. Dre Reveals Detox’s First Single ‘Under Pressure’ With Jay-Z

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:38:35 +0000

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There’s one Hip/Hop album that’s been anticipated for so long, that it has gradually become somewhat of a Utopian rumor.

But after over a decade’s wait, Dr. Dre’s third studio album Detox has finally seen a small uncovering, as the mega Grammy Award winning rapper/producer revealed the title of the record’s first single on Sunday night, Under Pressure featuring Jay- Z.

According to MTV news, Dre confirmed the track at Boston’s Fenway Park, during the Red Sox’s opening night. While the legendary icon took part in some batting practice, he admitted that Under Pressure would be the perfect tune to listen to while getting into the zone at-bat.

“Absolutely, that would be it. ‘Under Pressure” — it’s so fitting,” said Dre, who was there with Interscope head Jimmy Iovine to promote Dr. Dre’s Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.

The single, nor the 11-year-long constructed Aftermath/Interscope album still have no drop dates yet, but Dre said earlier this month that the record should be finished for sometime in 2011. “I’m working on it,” he said in a January interview with Slam,”but also I’ve been working on other people’s projects; you’ll probably hear something in a year or so.”

Some of those projects that he’s most recently worked on are Game’s The R.E.D. Album (2010), 50 Cent’s Before I Self Destruct and Eminem’s Relapse (2009), 50 Cent’s Curtis (2007), and Snoop Dog’s Tha Blue Carpet Treatment and Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come (2006).

Dre has stated that Detox will be his final studio album, making it no wonder that it’s turning into an ode to the industry’s most elite- as it’s rumored to feature (besides Jay-Z) Hip/Hop rappers Nas, 50 Cent, Eminem, Ludacris, Drake, T.I, Snoop Dog, Game and Lil’ Wayne…to name a few.

His last album 2001 was released in 1999, and received positive reviews, while gaining certification of sextuple platinum status in RIAA- after sales of six million copies in the United States.

‘Clash Of The Titans’ Sets Easter Weekend Box Office Record

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:18:46 +0000

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What happens when you combine Greek mythology, with epic action sequences, and 3D effects?

Well only a new top record at the Easter weekend box office.

According to Access Hollywood, Time Warner’s Clash of the Titans seized the No. 1 spot this past weekend with $61.4 million- thanks to 3D screens which supplied 52 percent of the gross.

The mythological odyssey remake of Ray Harryhausen’s 1981 original, follows a story about a half-mortal named Perseus (Avatar’s Sam Worthington) who leads mankind in a war against the gods (Ralph Fiennes as the villainous god Hades).

With battles of monsters from the stone-turning Medusa, to the sea ravaging Kraken, the Louis Leterrier directed thriller provides viewers with quite the fictional adventure.

“It’s like a Raiders of the Lost Ark or a Star Wars,” says Worthington in an interview with Brisbane times, “in the sense of it’s a group of people on an epic adventure with a bunch of creatures that we have to take seriously in order for the audience to be able to not take it too seriously and have a good time.”

The previous Easter record was set by “Scary Movie 4″ ($40.2 million) in 2006. And trailing behind this year’s top spot is Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too? with $30.2 million.

Sebastian Stan Joins ‘Captain America’ As Sidekick Bucky

Jeremy Singer — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 23:23:25 +0000

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Every superhero needs their sidekick.

And Marvel Studios’ The First Avenger: Captain America, has finally found Gossip Girl actor Sebastian Stan to join the cast as the supporter James “Bucky” Barnes.

According to MTV news, Stan has agreed to the 2011 film about soldier-turned-superhero Steve Rogers, as well as five or six additional Marvel movies- most likely as part of the The Avengers franchise. The current film will concentrate on the early days of Steve Rogers and his beginnings as Captain America.

The actor joins Chris Evans, who landed the lead Steve Rogers role earlier this month, and Hugo Weaving, who was reported to be in negotiations to play the film’s main villain, Red Skull. In the original comic book story, Bucky was Rogers’ teenage sidekick.

Leading up to his superhero role, Stan will also be seen in The Apparition later this year, alongside Twilight alum Ashley Greene and Harry Potter villain Tom Felton.

The First Avenger: Captain America is scheduled to hit theaters July 22, 2011.

Interview: A Four Beat-Count With Jason Derulo For MTV’s ‘Turn The Beat Around’

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:18:21 +0000

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Jason Derulo is like one of those multi-purpose Swiss Army knives that presents a new feature every-time you use it.

At any moment he can be a well-rounded singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, and would technically boast a quadruple threat, but you can’t be too sure with a guy like this.

You never know when he’s going to show you another part of his versatility.

His most recent example of those surprise features, was his role in MTV’s made-for-TV-movie Turn The Beat Around which premiered on February 26. Derulo shows off his skills by playing a recording star, and also delivers a high-energy dance performance.

But his role on the TV screen is just a small ripple effect of the Miami-born’s overall talent- which people have begun to take note of.

It’s the reason why he’s been the opening act for Lady Gaga during her Monster Ball tour since November 2009. And it’s the reason why his two singles so far -Whatcha Say and In My Head- have both ranked in the top ten on a bunch of music charts across the globe. Whatcha Say has made the most headlines, grabbing the no. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and gaining double-platinum status in the U.S.

Oh yea, and this is all been accomplished before the release of his self-titled debut album, which drops on March 2.

Considering that GQ Magazine’s December 2009 issue dubbed Drake, Kid Cudi and Wale as Hip Hop’s next torch-bearers, it can definitely be argued that Derulo is part of the next chosen ones to fill the shoes of Pop.

andPOP managed to speak to Derulo about his love for acting and his secret method for songwriting. Also make sure to check out our original interview with Jason Derulo!

andPOP: You seem to be a jack-of-all-trades. How did you get into acting?

JD: I actually grew up acting. I was in a few theatre productions at AMDA in New York, so I don’t think I’m one of those actors who has a career just based from a previous music career. I actually got offered something from Broadway a while ago, but it just wasn’t a good fit because I was focused on music, so I had to turn it down. But I do really love this craft. Right now, all I can be is thankful that my music and acting careers are slowly taking off at the same time.

andPOP: Tell me about the audition process for this MTV movie?

JD: Well, I went into the auditions totally normally. It was way before Whatcha Say gained hype. I just went into MTV without any ties to anybody, and just read the lines like it was a regular gig. It made landing the role that much more of a personal success. In the beginning, I was just drawn to the whole vibe how the movie had the same idea of the dance movie Step It Up. And I’m really thankful to MTV for letting me have the opportunity to do this.

andPOP: Any ideal guys you’d like to work with?

JD: Definitely Steven Spielberg. Quentin Tarantino. They’re just amazing. I’ve always wanted to do the superhero film thing too, just got work up to it!

andPOP: When you’re thinking about your music career, what’s your routine to get the creative juices flowing before writing a song?

JD: Honestly just put me in the sound-booth. Once I’m in there I’ll just be messing with everything. The light turns on in my mind, and I’ll turn the music really, really loud in my headphones. If you were to listen you’d think I was trying to make you deaf, but for me, I begin to pen lyrics on the spot, develop rhythm and sound. I dance to the music, mumbling words. That’s how I start the song, I don’t use pen or paper at all.

Interview: Degrassi’s SoundSpeed, In A Category Of Its Own

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:47:37 +0000

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Before a camera begins recording on a film set, there’s an iconic chant that is heard time and time again.

“Lock it up. Rolling sound. Sound speed!”

If you’re an actor, then you know it’s a verbal-cue that tells everyone on-set to shut-up and listen because a scene is being recorded. And it’s also an acting reference that a few actors from Degrassi: The Next Generation have taken to heart in their new venture into the music scene as one of Toronto’s up-and-coming alternative bands, dubbed SoundSpeed.

But with such a unique sound, combination, and debut EP, it can be said that the six-man band has the same message in mind as that of the chant back on the film set. Before you judge, question, or make an opinion, first…just shut-up, and listen.

“I think we represent something different,” drummer Shane Kippel, 23, tells andPOP. “We have such a refreshing sound, yet you can’t really figure it out. It’s just a blend of all of our input and musical interests.”

On first impression, SoundSpeed spikes viewers’ attention because of the band members’ side career as actors on Degrassi. Yet it’s actually the group’s details that make the unsigned band so distinguishing and interesting.

For example, they have instruments ranging from the guitar to the key-tar, and a sound so hard to pint-point that it takes all six guys thinking on a couch until one of them finally blurts out something that gets nods of approval- though not even close to your typical genre.

“We’re sort of like the grim reaper, wearing high-top nikes, while walking on a rainbow,” says 20-year-old guitarist Jamie Johnston. It’s no surprise really, it’s a testament to the group’s blend of musical interests and personalities from pop/punk all the way to classic rock.

“We pride ourselves in not being only one type of genre, or having to stick to one type of sound.”

Each member comes from a musical background- with the band featuring Raymond Ablack (Degrassi: “Sav”) on vocals, Dalmar Abuzeid (Degrassi: “Danny”) on bass, Johnston (Degrassi: “Peter”) on guitar, Scott Paterson (Degrassi: “Johnny”) on trumpet/key-tar, Kippel (Degrassi: Spinner) on drums, and Sean Farquharson -a non-Degrassi member- on the other guitar.

But this isn’t the first time Degrassi’s seen its actors turn to the music scene. The franchise has churned out a respectable array of up-and-coming talent with Aubrey Graham making a prominent career as hip-hop rapper Drake, Cassie Steele fresh off of a sophomore pop-album, and Mike Lobel on the rise with his rock band “Boys Who Say No.”

Despite this, Farquharson admits that this idea was something just waiting to happen. They can credit it to perfect timing- when Ablack and himself both left their bands, causing Ablack to decide to try and bring everyone together to take a shot at music in reality.

“We wanted to see if there was any chemistry,” says Farquharson, “so we tried it out, jammed at Kippel’s house for a few hours. We realized that everything was clicking.”

Adds Kippel too, “Yeah, our chemistry was great.”

But working tirelessly over the last year -specifically the summer- to record their three-song EP Soundspeed Hello! hasn’t just been for the sake of picking up another hobby while they’re not filming on-set.

According to Abuzeid, it’s hopefully another career all-together.

“We’ve always been musicians,” says the 19-year-old. “But the opportunity to be a band with some notoriety right from the get-go was like an opportunity that fell right into our laps. We want to pursue this seriously.”

Leading their demo-tape is the go-getter song Magnets for Lips, which boasts nice hooks and a catchy chorus. With Ablack as the main songwriter of the group, the 20-year-old says that finding recording time was the biggest challenge in the band’s building stages.

“Trying to find time to practice on everyone’s filming schedule was pretty hard,” says Ablack. “Then came fall, and then some of us had school, so we had to fit it all into the summer- which we did.”

The band released their EP during their first showcase on January 29 at Six Degrees nightclub. Besides a packed raving audience -who got an autograph signing session at the end- the event also had close friends in attendance, such as fellow Degrassi stars Charlotte Arnold, Lauren Collins and Adamo Ruggiero, Life with Derek star Michael Seater, and MuchMusic VJ Jesse Giddings- to name a few.

“I think in reality, besides putting on the show, with screaming fans and label heads and what not, we were just looking forward to a nice cold brew afterward,” jokes Paterson.

“But we’re obviously so lucky and thankful to have our Degrassi fans following us like this for our attempt at music.”

Additionaly, the group also played at Copps Coliseum for Hamilton’s “We Day” on February 8 -alongside Stereos and Louise Kent- in support of one of the band’s favorite charities Free The Children.

No doubt, SoundSpeed seems to be riding the right sound-wave to success, as they hold high aspirations for their potential. But right now, the guys all know that they’ve got to take a more day-by-day approach.

“We just have to get the word out,” says Abuzeid, “and play more shows. We can do it, it’s just a matter of paying our dues.”

For more information about the band or show dates, check out their MySpace at www.myspace.com/soundspeedband.

Cabbie Richards: The Man Without Fear In The Press Room

Jeremy Singer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:16:16 +0000

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Exhibit A: a hefty roly-polly fellow in baggy jeans and a t-shirt, a fitted cap flipped backwards, a microphone in hand and a childish 1000 watt smile.

This is the uniform for one of Canada’s leading sports personalities. Hard to believe?

Meet Cabral “Cabbie” Richards, The Score Network’s animated icon, who has sent a loud message out to the media industry: traditional reporting isn’t always successful, and that his new-school style of interviewing can trump those old-school classroom methods.

In his interviews with star athletes on The Score’s Cabbie on the Street, it’s always a challenge to pint-point exactly the recipe for his success. But narrowing it down, there’s one key ingredient that differentiates the 31-year-old from Cambridge, Ontario, from the rest.

Exhibit B: his swagger.

Case in show, his interview with NBA commissioner David Stern at his press conference:

Surrounded by layers of thirsty sports reporters ready to lunge at Stern with questions relating to the league’s recent referee scandal or the pressing collective bargaining agreement in 2011, Richards scoots in and playfully asks the ‘el capitano’ of the organization… if he wins his bets in his fantasy basketball pools because of his knowledge of the players in the league.

Staying away from the typical post game interviews, Richards says he enjoys the guerrilla-style approach- keeping the scene light, animated, unpredicted, and delivering pure sports entertainment.

“I think the traditional forms of reporting are boring, and I think that most people would kind of follow that standard,” Richards tells andPOP. “When people come home, they just want to watch TV, be entertained and relaxed. I like to entertain and show humorous sides.”

His swagger can be described as his ability to go up casually to the best of the best, and put them on the spot with such simple and entertaining questions.

Part of his past repertoire includes Richards asking players at the 2008 NBA All-Star Game if they would agree to be his best man at his ‘fictional’ wedding. Or telling Wayne Gretzky that he’s about to launch a fake campaign to get Gretzky’s face on the currency in Canada- and asking the NHL legend whether he would rather the 50 or 100 dollar bill.

But that ability to confidently amuse didn’t just hit him suddenly one day on the job.

In fact, it goes way back before his days as an intern at The Score, or as a student at Ryerson University’s Radio & Television program. Technically, it all started back at Galt Collegiate Institute. Richards landed the lead role in the school play as the man eating plant in the “Little Shop Of Horrors”- which then sparked his career as a drama junkie.

That was the first time ever Cabral Richards worked an audience.

“Ever since then, I’ve always had a desire to make people laugh,” says Richards. “I love to entertain, so I guess it’s not a surprise that I was the class clown in school.”

And learning the face of rejection as an intern at The Score also helped. Originally assigned as a script writer, Richards was then offered to do five minute segments of interviews with the general public. It was just him and a camera crew in the middle of downtown Toronto, pestering total strangers about the topic of the day.

That was the authentic “Cabbie on the Street.”

“I wasn’t the entertaining guy right off the bat,” recalls Richards as we chat in a taxi, heading back to his office. “I was pretty quiet, but I got experience and began getting more comfortable. You have to remember that in the beginning, it was all just approaching random people on the street to interview, so I got used to getting shutdown multiple times. But I’ve learned to brush it off immediately and keep pushing.

“I take all the rough first times, and use it as not only experience but also confidence and I build on it.”

But after he got promoted to interviewing star athletes, Richards says he truly felt like he was validated in the business following his interview with MLB star pitcher Pedro Martinez. “We were competing with each other over who could throw the hardest with their weak hand. I threw 30 miles/hour, he threw 60,” Richards says laughing. “Everything just seemed to click at that point.”

Watching Richards work now definitely has you questioning your 20/20 vision. In fact, you might be inclined to double check if you really saw, what you just saw. He strips away all ice-breaker tension, no matter how high-status or stubborn the person is, and leaves viewers in total disbelief.

For example, how do you muster up the mentality to go up to legendary Hip/Hop rapper Jay-Z at the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, and ask the basketball fanatic if he hopes to somehow get some playing-time in today’s event?

Or present Michael Jordan at his charity golf tournament with a “thank you for being amazing” card- followed by a bear hug.

The knack of improvising and constantly allowing himself to be the butt of the joke may be part of it, but Richards says there’s definitely some hidden techniques behind his behavior.

“I always try to make people laugh,” says Richards. “The first time I meet these people, I definitely get a little nervous, but once I get through the initial smile, I’m way more comfortable. I guess the main goal is to make sure that those guys enjoy themselves and keep it entertaining.”

The most recent example of that success is his nice reel of jokes with Los Angeles Lakers global basketball star Kobe Bryant.

“He’s different,” says Bryant in the Globe and Mail in regard to Richards. “We play off one another; we have fun. It’s a break from the ordinary. He’s funny as hell. I look forward to him visiting in LA or when I come here. It’s always fun.”

As the taxi comes to a halt in front of The Score building, Richards gets out and hospitably nods me to follow. We walk briskly to the entrance, and enthusiastically, I scurry onto the sidewalk to keep up the pace. Carrying a camera-supply bag along-side is his producer and long time friend, Dave Krikst. Krikst has been working side-by-side with Richards since he began his days producing at the Score in 2005. One brainstorms the ideas, the other delivers. Together they remain to be an impressive duo. But Krikst keeps the answer simple when asked about Richards’s success in interviews.

“We call it going into this little head space,” says Krikst. “He just zones out and goes to work. If a guy like him can present those ideas the way he does it, it works out really well, he’s amazing at it. He’s always funny, loud. Of all my friends, he’s the most loyal.”

When Richards walks into the office, he takes over the place like Fat Albert meeting the gang at the schoolyard playground. Immediately, he’s going room-to-room, cubicle-to-cubicle, making sure to slap a high-five and a compliment to employees no matter their position in the company. The guy is like the Bees-Kneez. He does it with today’s most premiere athletes on-screen; and also with the co-worker in the stiff suit, buried in stress at his desk, off-screen.

But despite his success, Richards still thinks that he’s just a regular-joe, hard at work. “You gotta realize that there’s a lot of other people that are funnier and better out there,” admits Richards. “So knowing that, I just always strive to work that much harder and keep my job.”

“Gotta get my ‘Kevin Garnett’ on,” he says with a grin, in reference to the NBA’s hustle and hard-working former defensive player of the year.

True, but hundreds of other sports reporters across North America are hard at work too. So what separates Richards from the rest of the media community?

We’re going to keep it simple. Let’s leave it as his swagger. That’s it.

La Roux’s Elly Jackson, The Music Industry’s Dose Of Reality

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:56:52 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Elly Jackson of La Roux sits way in the back of her tour bus. Quiet. Secluded. Curled up. On first glance, seemingly trying to shut out the blistering cold Toronto November day outside, and maybe even the world along with it.

But can you blame her?

As one of the United Kingdom’s most popular new artists in 2009, Jackson finds it hard to trust people these days. Her tendency to be honest and opinionated have often been taken advantage of by media haters. But the singer can’t help it, she’s always been an individual with real thoughts and feelings- a leader rather than a follower. Even back in Elementary school, the 21-year-old London-born says she was a tomboy, and always had a bit of an assertive and free-spirited tendency.

But that ability to not succumb to peer-pressure is one of the main reasons for the raving success of her debut self-titled album last June, her flooding international fan-base, and why she will keep pushing strong past the negative hurdles in her career.

“You really have to be careful in this industry,” Jackson tells andPOP in her tour bus. “Obviously it’s impossible for us to like everything. So when you can get asked your thoughts about something, and say we don’t like or agree with something, it’s like a total shock to the world.”

Maybe the reason for the constant badgering is that people always try to find the worst in the clean-slated successful. Or maybe people just try to find the worst in Jackson’s unorthodox “organic” style of music- like how she chose to decline using a big-shot producer and studio for her debut album La Roux, and instead opted to use the basement of her house in South London.

“I couldn’t see it work any other way,” recalls Jackson, “I can’t understand how people go with big-shot guys and studios who always have to have their input and at the end of the day, their decision. It just fucks it all up.

“We had everything we needed in my house, and we just made it happen. And the only reason I can think of why people would go with big studios, is because they can’t do it themselves.”

Jackson’s Yin to her Yang is 29-year-old producer Ben Langmaid -the other half of La Roux, who the singer has been working with since 2006. Together, the duo have dominated the music scene back home in the U.K. since their album’s release- bringing back eighties Synth-Pop, taking the No. 2 spot on the Albums Chart, and having girls look up to Jackson as a role model, mimicking her iconic ginger hair-do.

“I love having the opportunity to affect people like that,” says Jackson. “I think sometimes musicians just forget that they have a responsibility to everyone who looks up to them. I hate it when you idolize somebody, and then find out something terrible- which then diminishes your view of them.

“As a fan, you just don’t wanna hear stuff like that. We all know that when we pursue this profession, one of the strings attached is that you will be looked up to by thousands.”

With that spotlight though comes the inevitability, according to Jackson, to always be stripped of privacy and be classified in a group or trend. It’s not a surprise then that she’s not a fan of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace- instead praises the days when there was a mysterious separation between the artist and the audience.

“Now its come to a point,” says Jackson, “where someone can find virtually almost anything about artists, actors and celebrities. But it’s not alright, when it comes to a point where fans feel like they have a right to your personal information.”

Later on tonight, Jackson is performing at Toronto’s Club Guvernment, where she would attract a packed house- while on tour to further promote her Platinum-status album in Canadian territories.

Despite it only being her second time here, Jackson enjoys the Canadian scene. Her first time here was actually this past summer for five days- one of which she spent performing at the Montreal Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. On the down-side Jackson says she became a bit homesick -considering it was the furthest she’d ever been away from home on tour- but on the up-side the experience introduced the singer to her growing North American fan-base.

“I was a bit surprised by the outcome at that festival,” says Jackson, “didn’t really expect that. It was a shock because I thought it was going to be like we come all the way to Canada to play in front of nobody- but it was the complete opposite.”

Although the festival’s 30-thousand-person outcome were mostly there too see the headliner Coldplay, Jackson still gathered an impressive crowd turn out.

After her show though, Jackson was told that there was one guy who missed her performance that really wanted to meet her in person.

That guy was none other than Coldplay front-man Chris Martin.

“We we’re so excited,” says Jackson, “but we had to leave immediately to catch a plane.”

“Fortunately we were playing the next day at the same festival as him in New York, so he asked us to meet him there. So the next day, we all went behind the stage to this huge village that he had to himself, and we waited at his cabin, and finally got to meet him. He was just coming back from Yoga, and he was saying how he really liked us and wished he could have seen us perform.

“He’s such a brilliant songwriter and performer,” she adds.

According to Jackson, the sole problem with that first trip to North America, was the act of traveling city-to-city by airplane- it didn’t mesh well with her fear of flying.

But when the singer found out that she would be touring all across the country this fall by tour-bus, she was immediately ecstatic. Not too mention that the set of wheels would also happen to be Barack Obama’s former 2008 Presidency election-campaign bus.

“I was definitely looking forward to it more,” she says with a wide smile, giving a quick look all around the inside of the bus.

Jackson turns beside her. Leaning against the window is Langmaid with big headphones over his ears, busy listening and configuring new beats for the band on his laptop. The duo is scheduled to begin writing material for the second album in their manager’s house, but they haven’t actually sat down to brainstorm anything yet- too much being out n’ about performing around the world.

They do have a small break in January to wind-down though, only to then hit the road again on their 34-show 2010 spring tour. In order to give some more face-time back home, the band decided to include a slew of 11 shows within the main circuit that will be played in the U.K, and dubbed The Gold Tour.

“For all we know it won’t live up to it’s name,” Jackson says laughing about the U.K. tour title. “It sounds like something Prince would use for his final tour. I kind of wanted to save it for when I’m like 50-years-old, but I can’t, I just want to pull it off now.”

The band will begin the spring tour on February 1 with seven North-American shows (three of them Canadian), trek all across Europe starting on February 20, kick off the exclusive U.K. Gold Tour from April 25-May 11, and then finish off the overall circuit on May 13 in Paris, FR.

But despite the epic sounding spring tour, and despite the probability that the band’s eventual follow-up album will cling onto music charts across the globe- someone, somewhere, will still try to bring Elly Jackson down for her choice to find her own way to success, rather than follow industry instructions.

But she’s begun to accept it. She admits that it can’t be avoided, “no matter how hard you try,” Jackson says with a smirk on her face.

The singer takes a peek again outside at the grey skies and blustery winds. At first glance, she’s the girl who’s trying to shut out the world, but look a bit closer and you’ll see that she’s just embracing life to its fullest.

Free-thinking, writing successful music, and rising high above the haters.

Chef Beau MacMillan Talks To andPOP About “Worst Cooks In America”

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:41:19 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Imagine twelve American average Joes handpicked for their notorious cooking skills, and then broken up into teams of Red and Blue- which are then each coached by a prominent chef to whip them up into cuisine shape.

For six grueling weeks each squad will then endure challenges and elimination until the last cook standing on each team will have to prepare a three-course prestigious-restaurant meal for a panel of food critics- in hopes of ultimately walking away with $25,000.

Welcome to The Food Network’s newest 2010 project -set to premiere January 3- Worst Cooks in America. And meet the head coach for Team Blue, Chef Beau MacMillan.

Seems like a pretty worry-free concept for MacMillan, no? Come in, teach a few tricks of the trade, and wish the group luck for better or for worse. Well besides the fact that those food critics assume that the three-course meal is being cooked by Chef MacMillan, and not some doofus with the inability to prepare a pop-tart.

So with reputations on the line, and facing off against Red Team Chef Anne Burell, it’s safe to say that MacMillan truly does have some coaching to do. But that won’t be a problem, he’s got some experience here n’ there under his apron.

In fact, you should check out his resume- it almost reads like a distinguished menu:

Appetizer:

—> Sous Chef positions at La Vieille Maison in Boca Raton FL, the luxurious Hotel Bel Air in LA, and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

Main Course:

—> Currently Executive Chef at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, and it’s signature restaurant Elements- which he opened in 2001 in Phoenix, AZ.

Dessert:

—> Personal Chef for Wayne Gretzky and family- while also dabbling with former U.S. President George W. Bush, Britney Spears, U2, Michele Richard, Jaques Pepin and Michele Roux, Sr.

—> Not to mention his invitation in 2006 to compete in Iron Chef America against Iron Chef Bobby Flay, which MacMillan was claimed victor.

—> And finally, his appearance at The James Beard House and Bon Appetit Magazine in NY.

Is it a surprise that The Food Network thus chose him to star on this show? I don’t think so.

But with a sound-off like that, you might half-expect to be speaking to some snobby elite cuisiner. Sorry to bust your bubble, but MacMillan -who’s in his late thirties- is as mellow and down-to-earth as they come, mentioning that he actually prefers his mother’s Mac n’ Cheese casserole to anything else in the world.

We got to chit-chat with the Plymouth-born chef, where he showed us that he’s a guy who’s got passion, heart, and a lot of swagger:

andPOP: It seems that you’ll almost be like a coach for these guys. Will you be using the busurk Gordon Ramsey approach, or something more laid back?

BM: It’s funny, because I don’t think I can do that, and what I’m so grateful for The Food Network is that you’re just going to see who I am in the show, and I hope it translates right to the screen. You know, the eighties are over, I’m not going to be throwing sauté pans at anybody anymore.

I do think that yes, fear is a great control element in a kitchen, but I really think that my goals here were to inspire people. I think that happy cooks make great food, and I think that if people can go in understanding that it is okay to make a mistake, I mean why are people the worst cooks in America, because they give up on themselves the minute they fail at something- they’re never going to get anywhere like that. This really allowed me to be a coach- someone hopefully who can inspire these guys.

andPOP: What is your specific style of cooking that you will be trying to impart on your team?

BM: That’s a really great question, I think I cook a lot of farm-fresh American fare with Asian acsents, so you’ll see a lot of that. But I cook popular dishes, but I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I just want them to try and cook with great quality, flavor and presentation.

andPOP: What do you think is the most important thing to teach a novice chef- precision, technique, commitment, quality of ingredients?

BM: That’s true, I liked everything you just said, but if they’re not committed then none of this stuff matters- and that’s what I try to teach these guys. Unless you have the desire to be a good cook, you will not become one. And then everything else is just a tool to help you achieve your goal.

You got to have good quality, you got to be willing to fail, you have to understand some cooking techniques and basics- like knife skills. All of these things will help you along the way, but literally, it’s up to you whether you want to be a good or bad cook.

Iron Chef Jose Garces Speaks With andPOP

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:09:20 +0000

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Chef Jose Garces was almost there- so close he could taste conquest. He’d spent the past eight weeks competing on The Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef competition -surviving round after round, judge after judge, and dish after dish in “Kitchen Stadium”- determined to be crowned an Iron Chef and be placed among the five prestigious chefs in that legendary category.

But his last obstacle standing before his elite American culinary recognition would come down to an old fashioned battle of the meats. Ribs, Racks, Beef, Pork Chops, Buffalo meat. You name it. It was on the table.

If you’re a rookie to this show’s concept, it’s quite the thriller: two chefs engage in a head-to-head battle, with a one hour time limit to each complete five dishes- which must each include the “secret” ingredient that is revealed to them at the beginning of the challenge. At the conclusion of the hour, the chefs present their dishes to a trio of judges who score each competitor on taste, presentation and originality.

Cooking off against finalist chef Jehangir Mehta, Garces unleashed what would end up being a clinic on technique and fundamentals- trumping his opponents game-plan of creativity. Five prepared dishes later of buffalo rib steak au poivre; Mexican-style braised carnitas taco; Pork loin with herbs; Spanish pizza with beef short ribs; and Baby back ribs with spicy BBQ sauce, and Garces would manage to nudge out Mehta, adding the master-title to his already handsome resume.

The 35-year-old owns five restaurants in Philadelphia and one in his hometown Chicago. And apparently he’s kind of a big deal down there, having been named best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region by the James Beard Foundation.

But don’t be phased by his uber culinary vibe. Garces is still a regular joe who loves to spend time with his wife and two daughters, watch Chicago Bears games with his brother, and kick back with a Corona- when he’s not busy working on new recipes for his restaurants.

Now part of the Iron Chef club, the Ecuadorian-American awaits his first battle on The Food Network’s Iron Chef America, where the Iron Chefs battle each week against a world class challenger- in Garces’s case, Seattle chef Rachel Yang on January 17.

The morning after his bump from Chef to Iron Chef, Garces hasn’t even left his bedroom yet- he’s been flooded with interviews all morning, on this late November day. But after we ask him how he’s doing, he still has the charm of a champ, “I woke up as an Iron Chef,” he jokes, “how bad could it be?”

Touché Mr. Garces.

We caught up briefly with the big man in the kitchen to find out some new facts about our latest inductee:

andPOP: What would be an ideal surprise secret ingredient on the show, that would give you an undeniable edge?

JG: Hmm…I would love to use Octopus, we do so much with it at my restaurants, lots of Polbo (a prepared boiled octopus dish)- it would be a great way to showcase my talent.

andPOP: Wow. Live Octopus?

JG: Yeah, live Octopus, there are so many different preparations you could do with that. And being a Spanish restaurant, we have it in all our restaurants.

andPOP: Where did you get your inspiration for your Iron Chef signature dish Lobster with Oyster Cava Cream?

JG: That’s a classic dish, we do different styles of risotto- risotto’s a spanish dish. And I just felt it was a great versatile style dish for people to actually make at home. And it exemplifies my style -I cook things a little bit on the edge, they’re savory- and this dish is definitely decadent as well.

andPOP: Any plans for a new cook book?

JG: We’re working on our second book right now. The first book, Latin Evolution, was for the more professional or ambitious home cook, and I think the second book is going to be more home oriented- I think there will be some quick recipes on there.

andPOP: What’s being served at the Garces household on game-day while watching the Bears play? What’s your favorite snack to make?

JG: Sunday football, big plate of nachos. I would set up a big pan and just bake and put all the different toppings on there–

andPOP: Is there an Iron Chef tweak to these nachos?

JG: Definitely (laughs). There’s a house Chili de Arbol sauce that I make, it’s pretty hot, and that really kind of sets them off a little bit. I also do refries, shredded skirt steak, umm…a lot of fresh garnishes as well- tomatoes, pickled jalapenos.

Jason Derulo Ready To Show Pop Potential

Jeremy Singer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:01:25 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Jason Derulo gets giddy with excitement when discussing his feeling as artist with a hit debut single like Whatcha Say.

Not because of the fame that tags along with it’s no. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, or 750,000 sold copies, or invitation to join Lady Gaga on her Monster Ball Tour, but the anticipation, knowing that he hasn’t even tapped into his potential as an artist yet.

“I’m just beginning man,” Derulo tells andPOP from Los Angeles. “It’s definitely an interesting feeling. It’s almost as if I feel like people have no idea of what I can offer as an artist, the impact that I can have.”

The Miami-born’s initiation into the music industry is looking promising thanks to Whatcha Say- a watered-down upbeat version of Imogen Heap’s Hide and Seek- which has been on the chart for nine weeks now since it’s original no. 54 spot on August 29.

With a sense of humor, the 20-year-old jokes about how he should celebrate the single’s climb to the top of the chart. He mentions possibly mimicking Will Ferrell’s character in Old School and going streaking through a quad to the gymnasium “maybe butt naked for a mile,” he says.

But then again in all seriousness, the artist doesn’t feel like celebrating as if a one-hit wonder. He’s aware of all the eyes looking towards his Sophomore single and debut album, and to be honest, he’s eagerly looking towards them too- without hesitation.

“I am so excited,” he says with enthusiasm. His response is so convincing even from three time-zones away.

“The first single was just an appetizer to the main course. That’s the only way I can put it.”

Derulo says he’s had that passion and swagger since he wrote his first song at eight-years-old- as a kid who would admire musical greats like Michael Jackson and Madonna, and always have a knack to pen lyrics.

Eventually at 16, his portfolio would read writing tracks for industry big-hitters like Lil’ Wayne, Pitbull and Birdman- an experience that Derulo describes as “both incredible and nerve-racking.”

“It was a bit intimidating in the beginning,” recalls Derulo, “seeing these guys in person, the guys who you see on TV growing up. But once we started creating and writing the music, it was a blast.”

Chuckles the artist, “and that kind of cred didn’t hurt while picking up the ladies in school.”

But Derulo has realized that his imagination and creativity is unlimited when focusing on his own written work- when he’s not adjusting to the restrictions of another artist’s song.

“When it’s just me, the sky’s the limit,” he says. “I can experiment, try and break barriers, and try and do off-the-wall different things.

“But I remember when I was writing for someone else, you can’t try and do anything different in that situation. I always had to gear it towards that person, and make their voice come out.”

At that point though, what Derulo really wanted was to have his voice come out, and get a chance to display his ability as a solo performer. But the songwriter decided to further polish his raw talent through formal musical schooling at the New York American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he studied everything from opera and theatre, to ballet and musical genres.

He remembers the long nights memorizing and learning songs at the piano by heart, the perfect standards he had to meet while singing in musical theatre, and also the endurance he learned while working on his dance skills.

But among many hardworking memories, Derulo vividly recalls what he learned about Shakespeare as a writer, and how it helped define himself as a songwriter.

“I remember that in Shakespeare,” says Derulo, “every word is strategically placed to make sure it has a purpose. From that I’ve learned to stay away from having any filler lines in my work.

“All of my formal training helped tremendously.”

As a bona-fide vessel of talent, Derulo’s discovery would come immediately after mega music producer J.R. Rotem (Britney Spears and Sean Kingston) flew him to Los Angeles to -originally- write music. However when Derulo decided to sing to his own lyrics that he created while in the studio, Rotem realized that the kid could write and sing, and decided to rush him into a sound-booth the same day so the two of them could begin working together.

“We recorded six songs in about three hours,” recalls Derulo. “That’s how amazing our energy levels were. We were at the exact same pace.”

Derulo compares the chemistry between him and Rotem to guys like Jackson and Quincy Jones. That connection got Derulo signed to Beluga Heights and Warner Bros. Records in 2009, a deal that had Derulo focusing on his debut self-titled album- due out in March 2010.

“J.R. has great Pop sensibility,” says Derulo, who admires Rotem’s ability to view the industry as both a musician and a fan.

“As musicians we tend to get caught up with our work and our style or craft, but he’s also able to take the point of view as a fan, and hear the song from that perspective.”

According to the artist, the best part of the deal is the leniency he was given to write all of his songs. While some musicians would cringe at the thought of writing and recording over 300 tracks in eight months, Derulo just humbly laughs at the prospect.

“Difficult?” he asks chuckling. “I had the time of my life. I had my own studio, so it was amazing that I could be inside the entire day for hours working on my craft.

“What more could I ask for. I was able to come in and do what I love every single day. And I put my heart and soul into it.”

Yet the songwriter admits to finding some difficulty, ironically while trying to narrow down all those prospects to a CD selection. But he overcame the obstacle apparently in confidant fashion, assuring fans that he chose the best set of tracks possible for a record that boasts strong Pop roots.

“As a songwriter,” says Derulo, “you may have certain connections to certain songs for different reasons. But you have to put that aside, you can’t choose a song because it was sentimental to you.

“But I think we chose an amazing selection, and there’s a lot of quality stuff on it that’s going to show my versatility and potential as an artist. I can’t wait.”

DJ Space Cowboy, Ready To Raise North American Party Levels

Jeremy Singer — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:09:43 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

With the touch of a button, Nicolas Dresti delivers a shot of adrenaline to the sea of 30 thousand fans. Their screams are met with his quick rhythmic jumping and head bobbing to the beat on-stage. He’s not the main event, heck he’s not even a co-headliner, but he’s still the man orchestrating one of the hottest concerts on the planet – all from a laptop. This may be Lady Gaga’s party, but DJ Space Cowboy is the event’s power source – the battery that keeps the beat alive.

He’s now on top of the world.

On that night Dresti was the European energizer bunny, but now he’s recharging his own batteries at his hotel. It’s hard to believe that he is the key to Lady Gaga’s live performance successes. The man in the neatly-cut dark-suit and sparkling rhinestone skinny-tie seems sophisticated and quiet – the complete opposite of what a Gaga concert is notorious for.

But it’s true. Look at Dresti and his alter ego DJ Space Cowboy like you would Clark Kent and Superman – they’re both the same person, yet totally different at the same time. Put Clark Kent into a phone booth and he’ll become Superman. Well, put Dresti in front of an audio mixer and laptop, and he’ll suddenly transform into the backbone – or backbeat, if you will – as DJ Space Cowboy, Gaga’s DJ and head maestro responsible for explosive energy in any crowd.

His new album Digital Rockstar dropped earlier this week, and it’s one of the rare chances to really hear Superman-like energy harnessed into one CD.

“Raising the energy bar is one my main jobs as a DJ,” Dresti tells andPOP in the martini bar of Toronto’s Pantages Hotel.

Understand though, that he will do it any way possible. This is a man whose sole belief and line of work is to find the party factor in all depths of music. That’s basically the narrowed down version of his job.

“I prefer to do it with the Pop, Rock, Hip/Hop approach, but basically anything to get that killer reaction from an audience. Nothing beats spinning a song, and seeing a crowd go nuts. Nothing.”

Released by Cherrytree Records, the fourth studio project marks Dresti’s first album output with an American record label – a personal milestone for the Paris-born Disc Jockey. On that note, Dresti recalls how much the American DJ scene has evolved over the last few years. “There wasn’t much house music,” says Dresti in a refreshing British accent. “That was the big difference between here and back home.”

Before he got here, Dresti was busy amping up crowds in London’s underground club scene. There, he was a U.K. DJ extraordinaire – the protégé of British DJ legend Fatboy Slim.

But listing his accomplishments is of little interest to him. “Home is home. I was always musically inclined.”

He’s the kind of guy who refuses to mention that his passion led to a handful of singles, which flooded the charts in both the U.K. and the U.S. It was following the remix of Fergie’s Glamorous, which took the No. 2 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay Chart in 2007, that Dresti released Digital Rock (2007) – his third and most valuable released album to-date.

“I was just trying to show the whole aspect of being a DJ and a rock-star at the same time,” explains Dresti about the term Digital Rock.

“Then, when I combined it with technology, guitars and synthesizers, it just all turned into this Digital Rock age which was a pretty important stage in my life.”

The album is the reason why he was presented with a signing deal to U.S. label Cherrytree Records – an Interscope Records imprint, which focuses on new artists – and the ergo-step to eventually meeting an up-and-coming artist from New York, who was also signed with the label, by the name of Lady Gaga.

“The label said I should meet with this girl, listen to her songs,” says Dresti.

He even recalls their first conversation.

“We actually spoke on New Years Eve. I was in London and she was in Los Angeles, and we just began talking about all our experiences

“We got along so well right away.”

You could say the two were speaking the same language, with conversation topics including sequins, disco balls, Prince, David Bowie and body paint. The U.K. man then flew to L.A. to help Gaga record the single Starstruck – which featured Flo Rida – on her debut album The Fame (2008).

“After we got to know each other better, she invited me to come on tour with her,” says Dresti.

And so he began mastering the sound beds for Gaga’s Fame Ball Tour, which kicked off last March. At that point, Dresti had already had years of experience fueling parties to know the true meaning of peak energy.

Or so he thought.

While working with Gaga, the DJ – who had previously worked and remixed with a variety of iconic artists from The Darkness to Sir Paul McCartney – witnessed energy being set to a new level.

“A unique thing about her,” begins Dresti, “is that whether you’re playing in a stairwell or a stadium, it always has to be the same energy. There’s no excuse, she’ll do whatever it takes. She’ll come to me five minutes before we go on stage and tell me she wants to switch this song in the set, and cut that verse out, and add this in…

“It’s enough to make you go crazy, but in a good way. She always sets the standards high.”

As the audiences grew bigger for each passing show, Dresti came to realize that he was on the most colossal tour of the year. Cities were being booked for two-a-night performances due to the high demand for tickets. The DJ found that with the rising popularity of the tour, so did his pressure to get more creative behind the laptop.

“I definitely had to sit down and start putting together some new sounds,” recalls Dresti. “For example, she (Gaga) would ask me for a song to dance to for two minutes on stage to represent something sad. So I would then try to incorporate other instruments like an organ or violin to find the right sound. Stuff like that.”

And when time would allow it while on the tour bus, Dresti would work on his own passion project, Digital Rockstar. He says it’s taken around a year to complete, and he can’t wait for it to hit the shelves. Shining brightly are songs like I Came 2 Party featuring Cinema Bizarre, Falling Down featuring Chelsea Korka from The Paradisco Girls and then a remixed version featuring LMFAO.

Simply put, it’s dance meets rock, meets party like a digital rockstar.

“Definitely a lot of work,” he says after a deep breath, smirking as he looks back on the experience. “I’m glad that’s finally all put together; looking forward to the reception.

“But then again, I’m also so glad that I got those artists to help me out.”

He seems a bit tired; maybe from the performance in Vegas the night before, or the North American solo tour that he’s been doing since the end of July. Luckily he now has a month break before the real fun begins.

There might not be a more perfect situation for his post-release promo-trip: LMFAO’s Party Rock Tour – 31 shows squeezed into a month and a half on the road from November 5 until December 20. A bunch of artists jumping up and down on stage, singing about partying, drinking and having a good time. It’s Dresti’s utopia.

“That truly, is going to be really exciting,” says the DJ who will be joined by the Far East Movement, Shwayze and the Paradiso Girls. “I love those guys and their work. A lot of DJs opt to play stuff by David Geutta or Black Eye Peas’ I Got A Feeling. It’s pretty big right now, but I like spinning with LMFAO a lot.”

Ideally he would love to work with David Bowie or even Kings of Leon, but as he gets up, he readjusts his rhinestone tie and parts with some insight. “I don’t always believe in going with the No. 1 charted song. That’s too easy. Sometimes in order to get a crazy reaction, you’ve got to dig deep and pull off something unique. You’ve got to find a song that not everyone would really expect, but then show them the party factor.”

Entourage Season 6 Finale- Second Matt Damon Bonus Scene

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:43:40 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Geez, it gets better and better. Following the season six finale bonus scene of Entourage with Matt Damon leaving Vince a psychotic voice mail, I just stumbled upon some raw footage of a second bonus scene. It appears to be a segment where Vince is getting chewed up by Damon while filming a ‘Save the Children’ commercial. Or is it real, and is Damon actually tearing up Adrian Grenier. You decide.

Dragonette’s Martina Sorbara, As Unique As They Get

Jeremy Singer — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:26:09 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Martina Sorbara’s music career has been like one one-night-stand after the next.

The lead singer of Electro-Pop group Dragonette has been involved in many projects – both as a solo singer and in group settings – but she has yet to be part of a follow up album – until now.

Dragonette’s second album Fixin to Thrill, was released last month, and Sorbara’s feeling of the album’s completion is sublime.

“It’s a huge deal for me,” Sorbara, 31, tells andPOP. “Just putting out a second album is kinda like a milestone. I just think that every time we finished a song, that was a big high point for myself.”

Following the solid reception the band received in Canada and the UK for their 2007 debut album Galore, which earned them a Juno Award nomination for Best New Group, the four-person group -comprising of Sorbara on vocals, Bassist Dan Hurtz, Guitarist Chris Hugget and Drummer Joel Stouffer- approached their sophomore album like any other.

“We were pretty focused on moving on where we left off,” says Sorbara, “and trying to make a cool follow-up.”

With a musical style resembling the syth-folky textures of MGMT, Dragonette was formed in 2005 by -now married couple- Sorbara and Hurtz. Martina laughs at the aspect of working with a spouse, and admits that her greatest gift can also sometimes be a curse.

“It’s challenging,” says Sorbara, “because we wrote most of the album in our basement studio in London, ON, so you’re locked inside with your husband 24/7. There’s moments where it gets intense, because there’s no feeling of ‘Ok, I’m just going to go home now to my family,’ because it’s always there.”

“But believe me,” adds the artist chuckling, “It’s been way more fun than I thought it would be. The album is a lot more serene than the battles that went along with it. But the hysterical battles brought us to where we needed to be.”

The Canadian-native describes the finished product as “a mouthful,” mentioning that it’s also “aggressive, yet emotional at the same time- still holding the story-telling aspect.”

And as a songwriter, storytelling is one of Sorbara’s favorite pieces of the album’s puzzle- it gives her the chance to take what inspired her and inspire everyone else.

“I guess I like taking a topic that means something to me,” says Sorbara, “and be able to say an interesting take on it that’s never been done before. It would be a story that’s familiar to people, but I can go and put it in a unique language. A unique angle, that’s what gets me to write.”

Only, there’s one small obstacle in the way.

“I have almost zero discipline as an artist,” she says laughing.

“So if I’m not having fun, then I’ll just go and ride my bike or something.”

But Sorbara’s figured out a sure-fire way to keep herself content when boredom strikes. No doubt riding on the bus for the next two months with all the guys during their Fixin to Thrill tour across Canada, the US, Europe and Australia – can get a bit overwhelming.

Her fix?

“I love to knit,” she says. “I love to create, that’s how I shut out the world.”

A sweater or scarf was the first assumption. But that was quickly corrected.

“Dude, I’m so much more advanced than that,” she raves. “I’ve knitted dolls, a lion, a sheep, a poodle…and they all have names. And another thing I did was a full double sided queen size blanket; took me two years.”

Continues the singer, “this year, I’m gonna knit a pig. It’s the only way. I need something to show after sitting on my ass doing nothing. The boys watch movies, and I knit.”

“Though there’s one rule above the rest,” she says that her husband made.

“There’s no knitting in bed.”

Dragonette’s 2009 Canadian Tour Dates:

Waterloo, Ontario- October 7, 2009- 8:00 pm

Toronto, Ontario- October 8, 2009- 8:00 pm

Winnipeg, Manitoba- October 12, 2009- 8:00 pm

Calgary, Alberta- October 14, 2009- 8:00 pm

Edmonton, Alberta- October 15, 2009- 8:00 pm

Vancouver, British Columbia- October 17, 2009- 8:00 pm

Victoria, British Columbia- October 18, 2009- 8:00 pm

Entourage Season 6 Finale’s ‘Matt Damon Bonus Scene’

Jeremy Singer — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:21:34 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Another season cometh and went for HBO’s Entourage, and what ironically made the season finale was one of the celebrity cameo appearances by Oscar winner Matt Damon- who played himself trying to “Jason-Bourne” Vince into donating money to his Children’s Charity.

It’s pretty clear that Damon’s performance was truly a gut-buster. I personally was on the couch cracking up seeing him repeatedly stick-arm Vince into joining the foundation, donating money, and then donating more money.

Though the real performance came in the post-episode credits where we see Damon really lose a gasket. Check it out.

Entourage Season 6×12 Review: Give A Little Bit

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:59:11 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

This Week On Entourage:

On the day before he leaves to Italy, Vince tries to get the boys to come with him, but only manages to get Drama. Turtle still trying to get over Jamie, and tries to forget about her with the college dorm girl. And Eric says he’s going to try and get Sloan back -but the guys think it’ll be pretty hard.

Meanwhile, Ari and his wife meet with the therapist to discuss why his wife should lend him $12 million to help buy Terrance’s agency. But after Ari admits why he truly wants to buy it and pours his heart out, she agrees to spot him the money.

Despite Lloyd’s suggestion, Drama decides not to read for any acting gigs, saying he’s taking a break from it for a while. While shopping with Vince, the two run into Matt Damon who tries to pressure Vince into donating a cheque for his children’s charity.

Eric drives Sloan to a surprise location, refusing to reveal the day’s events. But after he takes her to a special restaurant that they went to while they were a couple -to tell her that they should get back together- Sloan refuses to listen to him, and tells him to take her home.

Turtle tries to forget about Jamie with the college chick, but realizes he can’t. He decides that he should go New Zealand to get her back.

At the agency merging meeting, Ari finds out that Terrance put a last-minute clause in the buying contract, stating that the agency name must remain in Terrance’s name.

Back at home, Vince and Drama get a call from Matt Damon who continues to pressure Vince into donating money. Turtle comes home and tells them that he’s been lying to himself about getting over Jamie, and that he’s going to see her. After seeing Turtle’s performance, Drama reconsiders his decision about leaving the industry, and realizes that he was born to be an actor.

Terrance drops by Ari’s office, and the two exchange their nagging thoughts that they’ve been carrying all these years. After Terrance apologizes, Ari finally accepts peace, and assures him that he’ll keep Terrance’s name in the merger.

Drama gets another shot at the Melrose audition, and nails it. Meanwhile, driving back home, Eric pulls over and confesses his love to Sloan, swearing that he’ll be committed and proposes to her.

Ari strolls through Terrance’s agency on a celebratory rant with a paintball gun, pegging everyone who he had grudges with- including Adam Davies. Though, he gives Lloyd a 24-hr window to come back to the Miller-Gold agency.

While about to takeoff on his flight, Turtle calls Jamie, but she tells him not to come to New Zealand, and that the long distance aspect will never work out. But the plane takes off, so he decides he’ll meet up with Vince in Italy.

And about to leave to Italy with Vince, Drama gets a call from the Melrose producer who admits that he and the network both loved his performance, but that he’s too old for the part. As a result, they want to give Drama a holding-deal to create his own show.

Lloyd comes back to the Miller-Gold agency in agent-fashion, giving Ari a ballsy rant. But when Ari apologizes and shows him his new agent office, Lloyd happily accepts.

About to take-off, Vince and Drama are ambushed by Matt Damon who brings along LeBron James to persuade Vince to donate $150,000 for Matt’s charity.

Eric and Sloan meet them at the airport to break them the big news that they’re engaged- Sloan showing them the diamond ring. As Vince and Drama leave on the private jet, Eric carries Sloan to the car in bliss.

Watching the new couple leave, Vince and Drama wonder which one of them will be next to get hitched.

Hookups:

None

Celeb Cameos:

Matt Damon, LeBron James, Bono, Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Overall:

Let me put it out there. Despite the opinions about the unorthodox story-line this season, if there’s one thing this show knows how to do, it’s to close the deal. Entourage knows how to close perfectly.

Not only that, but this one episode presented two of the top greatest moments in the show’s history.

A) Seeing Ari Gold go Terminator a la paintball gun through an agency.

and

B) Through an unpredicted turn of events, seeing Eric get hitched with Sloan- a feat that makes any guy, no matter how much of a man-whore he is, wish to god he found the “Sloan.”

And the celeb cameos were overflowing like a fresh bottle of Dom Pérignon. Matt Damon, a webcam Bono, LeBron James. I mean this episode was awesome, upon awesome.

Not to mention that Matt Damon gave one of the funniest celeb cameos this show has ever seen. I mean pressuring a celebrity Jason-Bourne style to donate to the charity. Hilarious.

So let’s recap.

—> Ari Gold: He buys Terrance’s agency, makes peace with his foe, and becomes the King Kong of Hollywood. And did a celebration fit for a king- paintball storming through the agency, pegging off any people he had grudges with. And putting the hardships aside with Lloyd, and surprising him with his induction as a real agent back at Miller-Gold was the icing on the cake. Who were we kidding, Ari needs Lloyd just as much as Lloyd needs Ari.

—> Vince: Funny seeing him be pressured by Matt Damon. But he’s off to FINALLY begin filming his next project, which means…the real Vinnie Chase in Season 7.

—> Eric: Oh boy, what can we say about our lovable Irish buddy. Well for starters, Mazel Tov. That spontaneous proposal couldn’t have made any dude more happier. The Sloan n’ E Saga continues.

—> Turtle: Bruuuutal. Dude, always stay with the smoking college chick. But he had to find out the hard way that long distance relationships rarely work out. We left off with him making his way to Rome. We’ll see what happens.

—> Drama: The guy finally put his antics aside and realized his passion for acting. And what did it do? It made the network want him more than ever. Way to go buddy.

ED note: It’s been a pleasure doing this blog for you guys, and I will see you come season seven.

Rating:

5/5 (Yes. That’s right, I went there)

Best Line(s):

1) Drama to Vince, after Matt Damon pressures Drama to get Vince on the phone to donate money to his children’s charity-

“Sorry, he Jason-Bourned me.”

2) Ari’s epic rant in the therapist’s office to his wife as to why he truly wants to buy the new company-

“Ok yes. If I could gauge out Terrance McQuewick’s eyeballs for what he did to me, I would. And I would sell that Benedict Arnold Adam Davies in a white slavery if we lived in a place that had a market for it. And Lloyd, that little queen, who I welcomed into my home, play with my children and care for my dog, I would tie him up and allow for the entire Screen Actors Guild to anally rape him if not for the fact that I think he would enjoy it. I hate’em all. And yes I would like to see them destroyed. But THAT is not the reason why I want this company. I want, no I need this company because it’s good business, good god damn business. And if I don’t buy it someone else will, and that’ll be VERY, very bad for my business. And my wife of all people should know that when it comes to business my judgment is never clouded. So please, please support me like you always have, and I will deliver for us, like I always have.”

3) Ari storming through the new company, paint balling everyone who he had grudges with-

“I’m back…and you’re fired.”

Best Moment(s):

1) Ari going “Terminator a la paintball gun” through the new agency.

2) Ari’s beautifully acted rant at the therapist’s office.

3) E proposing to Sloan.

4) Matt Damon pressuring Vince into donating money.

Entourage Season 6×11 Review: Scared Straight

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:47:03 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

This Week On Entourage:

On the way to a night club, Turtle has to bail to spend time with Jamie on her last night in the city. Vince and Drama then find Eric making out with a girl- who Drama recognizes as a previous one-night-stand four months ago.

Later on, Drama warns Eric that the girl tends to “get around” and he should be careful. But Eric realizes that he didn’t wear protection.

At the Miller-Gold Agency, Ari is having a tough time without Lloyd- firing every assistant that HR sends over to him. In his office, he finds Terrance McQuewick who wants Ari to buy-out his company for $100 million. Afraid of a hidden agenda, Ari tries to interrogate Terrance’s wife, to see if there’s any other information- to which he finds that Terrance is heading for a divorce.

Meanwhile, on her last day in the city, Jamie-Lynn discovers that Turtle added the sorority girl on Facebook- sparking an argument over whether they can make a long distance relationship work. At the airport, she shocks Turtle by breaking it off, saying that she loves him too much to keep him from seeing other people.

At his audition, Drama finds out that the Director of the new Melrose Place show, is a guy who he had a past conflict with. This causes him to become extremely nervous and anxious to the point that he experiences a severe nervous meltdown in the middle of the audition. After being rushed to the hospital, he decides that he needs to take some time off to re-evaluate his life.

Eric makes a trip to the doctor’s office to get tested for any STDs- but fortunately finds clean results. When he gets back home, he tells the guys that he’s done with sleeping around and wants to get back in a relationship with Sloan- no matter what.

After finding out that Terrance wants to sell his company quietly to avoid a battle during his divorce, Ari offers him $75 million- which he accepts.

Hook ups:

Vince and a Clinic assistant.

Celeb Cameos:

Jamie-Lynn Sigler, David Faustino, Melinda Clarke, Dean Cain

Overall:

Is it just me, or did this feel like a good old-school episode of Entourage? I’ll admit the past few were mediocre at best, but the vibe in this one had some spunk to it. E freaks out over a possible STD, Drama has an insane breakdown, Ari makes another conquer. Boom.

Ari Gold—> On that note, it’s amazing how you would think that Ari couldn’t climb any higher. But he did. If he was already owned the most powerful agency in Hollywood, then adding Terrance’s (and his old) agency would make him, what…the best in all of North America? I’m not sure, but either way, that is a ballin’ move on Mr. Gold. But the question is will he be able to handle the pressure and meet those expectations. Well, check him out in the therapist’s office in next week’s season finale.

Turtle—> Kinda sad to see Turtle and Jamie-Lynn break it off. So far he’s still trying to call her. Will he end up just going for the co-ed chick at school, or continue to convince Jamie to pursue a long distance relationship?

Drama—> We’ve seen his meltdowns. But to be rushed to the hospital? Wow. Either the guy’s really old, or the guy’s…just really old. I’d like to see how he re-evaluates his life. Let’s just say he might be thinking of another career (check it out next week).

Vince—> Banging a chick on a giant inflatable mattress in a pool…good god. That was awesome. And now he has one week left until he peaces to Italy to begin shooting the new film. I’m feeling a crazy party segment next week.

Rating:

4/5

Best Line:

1) Drama to Eric, after Eric finds out that Drama hooked up with the same chick as him-

“E, I’ve had most of this town, so it was bound to happen that our trees would dabble in the same forest at some point.”

Best Moment(s):

1) Ari stuffing a muffin in his new assistant’s face.

2) Ari’s little illustration on the offer sheet to Terrance. Hilarious.

Next Week:

**SEASON FINALE** Give a Little Bit- Vince prepares to film in Italy. Eric’s luncheon date with Sloan doesn’t go as planned. Drama considers leaving the business, and Turtle tries to win back Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Ari and his wife debate on whether or not to buy his old company.