Coming soon an interview with The Americans - The Band!

About The Americans

Every few years, musicians arrive on the scene with an undeniably fresh approach to a tried-and-true genre. Showcasing this with unparalleled proficiency is the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Americana band The Americans. Upon hearing Stand True — the band’s forthcoming 11-song, sophomore studio LP (out May 6 via Loose Music) — it’s evident why revered producer T Bone Burnett raved, calling them, “genius twenty-first century musicians that are reinventing American heritage music for this century. And it sounds even better this century.”

The title track and album opener, “Stand True,” showcases the group’s riveting grip on storytelling, dynamics and melodic hooks that leave listeners cemented to their speakers. Patrick Ferris (vocals/guitar), Jake Faulkner (bassist) and Zac Sokolow (guitarist) collide to deliver a moving collection that lands somewhere between Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and Nathaniel Rateliff.

Following their 2017 debut album, I’ll Be Yours, The Americans took a step back, regained focus, and went into Big Bad Sound studios in Los Angeles to carve out an album of material that “is more our own than ever before,” the band confirms.

The overall touchstone of Stand True, which the band self-produced, is devotion in the face of loss. And with that, the album’s sophomore single, “Born With A Broken Heart,” solidifies that concept as it showcases an edgier side to the band; a gritty ode to the way romantically wounded people sometimes find one another. “Driving home from gigs, Zac would tune into a Navajo AM radio station out of Window Rock, AZ,” recalls Patrick. “Parts of the song came from some of that music. It feels like driving through Los Angeles at night.”

It was sometime in the 1970s, a decade before front man Patrick Ferris and bassist Jake Faulkner were born, that their mothers met on a train to Woodstock. Patrick and Jake met as children, but they lived in different cities and saw very little of one another before reconnecting in high school.

They got along immediately through their joy for busking (street performing), and pre-war American country and blues. "Nobody I knew liked the same music," recalls Patrick. Jake came to San Francisco from Los Angeles to visit, bringing his guitar and baskets of recording gear. They spent that summer recording homeless street musicians with a mobile unit they lugged around the city, making copies of the recordings for the performers to sell.

Guitarist Zac Sokolow had dropped out of high school and was busking on the streets while working construction in Los Angeles when Jake saw him playing guitar. Jake convinced him to move in and start a band. They spent years digging through obscure records and arcane field recordings, teaching themselves the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, and slide guitar.

Patrick calls this long immersion, during which he created and hosted a radio show, a "purist" phase. "We were suspicious of modern rock music," he says. "When we got together and formed a band, we had to make everything from scratch. We had no template. There was no band we wanted to be like. We were curious if we could create something brand new, summoning the spirit of old blues and country through what we'd learned firsthand, leaving nostalgia behind."

"We write our songs inside-out," says Patrick. "We grab hold of something minuscule and primitive—a simple turn of phrase or an unusual beat—and try to build a song around it. It's inefficient, and hard to write words over, but it's magical when it works."

The band's distinctive, powerful works have captured the attention of a number of stars. They've backed Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams, Ashley Monroe, and Devendra Banhart, and twice joined Ryan Bingham on national tours. They worked closely with Jack White and T Bone Burnett, joining Nas, Elton John, and Alabama Shakes in the PBS primetime series American Epic.

Their live show, honed over many hundreds of performances, is something to behold. Ron Wray (No Depression) writes, "they’re led by lead singer, guitarist Patrick Ferris, looking like James Dean but even better...Jake Faulkner, with his dark black beard and jaunty hat, dances across stage, lifting his stand-up bass like a dancing partner." Steve Wildsmith (Daily Times) admires their "anthemic guitar hooks and a heartland sense of urgency that’s tailor made for road trips and late-night parties beneath a field of brilliant stars."

The band's first tour was different from most. A friend who'd introduced them to Robert Frank—whose collection of photographs inspired the band's name—was appointed drummer. He was allowed to play with only a plywood suitcase, which he beat with a soup spoon. The band

set off on a meandering, quixotic odyssey that found them playing honky-tonks, rural bars, a Navajo radio station, and a wine cellar in an abandoned Coca-Cola bottling plant. Some of the venues hadn't hosted a live band since the 1980s.

"We had a passport to the hidden heartland of our country," recounts Jake. "What you learn exploring the nooks and crannies of any place, but especially this country, is that there's no type of person." Zac adds that "stereotypes break down at the individual level. What makes American music great is the same thing that makes America great—people who come from all over the world, each with a story, each with something to contribute."

Above: The Americans; credit: Sari Thayer 

Posted by: SchizoFranic   
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

An Interview With Lorenzo Gabanizza About Their New Single, "I Don't Want To Live Without You" Plus about him..

I had the opportunity to hear "I Don't Want To Live Without You". It is a magnificent track even in it's ruff state. I truly enjoyed the guitars, and the story that is being told. the background singers sound like angels! This is just an fantastic track. this track had me bobbin my head, again to a  truly stunning track. This track is something to look forward to, reader's. You will truly love it. I also had the great opportunity to interview Lorenzo Gabanizza about the track and some of his other thoughts.

                               The Lorenzo Gabanizza Interview

1.    What made you want to become a musician? How did it all start?

To answer the first question, I could say that it was a natural and obvious process. Because there was no desire to become a musician: I just was a musician. At the age of three I began to sing, without anyone forcing it on me, at five, to play a small two-octave orange accordion. At seven years old to play drums and guitar, so you see, it was just a process. I suppose I've already answered the second question, but I could tell that I remember one day in particular, where I saw my brother Max tinkering with our old Europhon record player. He had hooked up a microphone to the speakers and put the Beatles record "She loves you" on the turntable. He invited me to try singing and so did my parents. At first, hearing my voice coming out of the speakers was such a bizarre sensation that I couldn't stop laughing. Then I really started singing and never stopped.


2.    What inspired you to write "I Don't Want To Live Without You"?

One of my favorite books is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I suppose because the passionate,

virulent, tantalizing love of the two protagonists suits my inner torments and the essence of who I am and how I love. Therefore, inspired by a personal experience, I developed the theme and I wanted to sanctify it, so to speak, with the presence of a magnificent gospel choir. The deep meaning of the track will be partially revealed in the video clip, but I can't reveal anything, firstly because it would ruin the surprise and secondly, because it is right to leave the audience free to elaborate what they will see and hear.

 3.    What was the process that you had to go through to make this track?

 A long and hard chiseling process. To say the truth, not yet finished. Above all to include each tool and enhance it. Anyone who understands mixing knows perfectly well that having many instruments together is like working in a cupboard crammed with precious porcelain. Of course, I could have included fewer instruments in the arrangement, but that would have twisted the original idea: this song was supposed to be epic, mighty, glorious. Because these are the adjectives that fit eternal realities like love and death, which the song is about.


4.    What’s the bands line up?

Terrific. Judge by yourself. On Lead and background vocals Jeff Christie and myself. On drums, Paul Fenton which is currently T-Rex drummer. On bass, the one and only Kev Moore, who’s the bass player of many projects, not least his band “Witch Cross” that is getting the stages of all Europe in fire. I have to add that the song will be released also in a orchestral version: orchestra, bass, acoustic guitar, piano and voices. In that version, it will be my brother Max playing bass. On piano Hale White, a Nashville talented guy who worked among the others with Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Collin Raye. On dobro, Patrick Lyons who works for country mainstream star Colter Wall. On strings, arranged and directed by me, Richard Curran who worked for the great Bert Jansch (Pentagle and Donovan inspirer). On trumpets, we have John Heinrich (Barry Gibb, Percy Sledge, Ronnie Millsap) and Mike Casteel (Connie Francis, Sting). On Back vocals, the gospel choir FORTUNATE Which I’d like to thank from these pages. Takisha Frost, their Manager and Karen Ksoul Bowden, Constance Devone and Tomeka Pierce: Thank you Sisters!!! The mixing is by Corey “The Magician” Moore. Mastering, by 63 times Grammy awarded Greg Calbi (worked for such as Dylan, Lennon and Bowie) and Steve Fallone, winner of a Grammy in 2022 for his work with Lady Gaga. The release date is not known yet, but it will be around End April if things are going as planned.

5.    Is the band Christie getting back together?

Certainly, many have thought about this and asked themselves the same question. Fans around the world etc. But I have to say no. This is not going to happen. Christie is the past. Surely a glorious past and an integral part of who Jeff and I are as musicians, but neither of us are interested in a resurrection of the band. We prefer to keep moving forward rather than keep looking back.

6.    What are the essential qualities that make a good musician? 

Have a good ear. Have an open communication through the inner world and the outside world. Being honest. Being able to establish a connection with their audience.



7.    What was the best concert you’ve seen and why?

I remember two concerts. And it will surprise you because they are two culturally polar opposite musicians: Donovan and Mike Shinoda. At the Donovan concert I attended as a staff member and led the lighting rig and partially sat at the mixer with Pat. An unforgettable experience, and the opportunity to see from within a true myth of music and an exceptional person. Concerning Mike’s gig, it's a different story. Chester Bennington had recently died and that concert in Milan was a post-traumatic group therapy for everyone, including Mike. It must be said that, at the end of the concert, I delivered my personal letter to Mike's bodyguard but I never received a reply. It would be interesting to find out if the security guy kept his promise to deliver it in his hands.



8.    What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?

I don't predict the future. And I don't care to predict it. I have hopes, sure. What I hope is to be able to do this job with serenity.



9.    Which instrument is your favorite to play and why?

I play many instruments, but the guitar is the one I use the most because of its ease of handling and versatility.


10.    Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?

Many, actually. Jeff Christie, because he was there at the beginning and he became part of my childhood: I really admire his ability to play all kinds of music, his melodic and scratchy voice when needed and he is also a fantastic multi-instrumentalist. There is so much more than a Yellow River! Then, Elvis Presley. I admire him because he owns all the qualities. Bob Dylan, for his intelligence and his ability to create vehicles of thought for the masses. Neil Diamond, for his way to marry melody and love together without being sappy. Barry Ryan, Freddie Mercury and Chester Bennington for their extraterrestrial voices. Edith Piaf, for her ability to bleed her voice on stage… And many many more like Jan Matthews, Brian Hyland, Bread, Kate Bush, Donovan, John Carter, Kincade, Linkin Park, Gordon Lightfoot, Stamford bridge, Engelbert, Dawn, Beatles, Etc.


Interview  by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

Willy Kuo.... "Falling Rain"

"This is an interview that Willy Kuo did and wanted to share with our readers."

Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?

I’m based in New York.
My music style is quite versatile, R&B; Soul; Jazz; Folk; Country; Pop; Blues, even Gypsy, sometimes you may find I fusion them in my songs, but yeah, I think I like the R&B/Soul the most, as somehow my true feelings can be written easier through it!!

How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?

Ever since I started writing my originals, and going to some music competitions, and performing gigs, I found I’m in love with the feeling that I can share my music with the audiences, and seeing them resonate or enjoy is the most joyous thing ever.
Always having the strong desire to create good music, and I’d like the world to hear it, sometimes when I’m alone in my room practicing, I’d just imagine I’m performing a huge concert.
Perseverance, courage, confidence, they are the 3 essential elements to keep me going, but basically, a guitar, a pen, a paper, and a chair are very important to the process too.
I’d say my biggest inspirations are John Mayer; Aretha Franklin; Ed Sheeran, who are representing their own unique style of songwriting and performing, which I adore so much, the dynamics and the grooves and the emotions in their songs just epic, let alone the skills, so yes, they are the role models for my music career.

How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?

It’s more profound and skillful, and I think it’s also can relate more to people who have/had been through the same circumstance.
Yes, I was devoted to conveying how the falling rain can make people think/feel, since every person has different stories; different backgrounds, but when you just let the rain fall on you, you can feel several types of emotions going on, sinful, angry, relaxing, at that moment, you don’t have to hide anymore, let the rain carry your emotions, be true, be real, be free under the falling rain.

Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?

The biggest challenge I think it’s the time, as I’m also working full-time as a global assistant marketing manager, which reduces largely the time I can actually spend with my guitar and on the songwriting.
I always spare at least one and a half hour every day for my music, no matter how tired or worn out I am, because music is a great harbor to me.
Seeing good reviews of my songs, and seeing my role models are still creating works, knowing there’re still people out there enjoying good new music, all these encourage me to keep writing, also my inner voice keeps telling me that I can’t stop, because I really believe I have something great going on, it’d be a shame if I don’t express it all out to more people!

What was the last song you listened to?

Gravity by John Mayer.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms? 

Vinyl and Streaming platforms.
Listening to vinyl is a style, it’s a classic living enjoyment; listening to streaming platform is an inevitable future, more accessible and playful.

Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?

That’d be my Personal Website and YouTube Channel and Instagram Account.
 https://www.willykuomusic.com/ (Biography Information)
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxBUpbdLNDYPcgTa03Ckmfw
 https://www.instagram.com/willykuo_/
 

“ Falling Rain “ is one of the songs in my album called “ City Light "
Links to “ Falling Rain “
https://soundcloud.com/user-54415704/falling-rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcSC0QJVFzA

The Review

This track starts out with just a guitar that leads into the vocals. This track is totally unplugged. Willy Kuo has an outstanding voice very inviting. The way he plays his guitar is like he is playing the drum parts along with the guitar,  he is an fantastic guitar player, very impressive. He starts out singing, "This sky has dropped all this rain on my face." This is a track about change, walk away from you sins of the past. And what the past does to you in the future, how it leaves  scares. In one part of the song Willy states that, "This is a wake up call".  This is a track that almost every one can relate to. Everyone has gone though tough times in their lives, God knows I have. But this track is about change for the better realizing the life you are living now might not be the life you should be living and you might just need a wake up call to make a change.

In Conclusion,  This is a track that I think everyone has experienced in their life or perhaps is going through it now. This song gives you hope for change. The track states that it will be hard to do and you will be left with scars from the live that you used to live. Willy Kuo's "Falling Rain" was well played. His guitar playing was just outstanding. The way he played rhythm with harmonics was just gorgeous. His voice was inviting so much that you get sucked in to his story that he is telling the listeners. This is a song that you readers should check out. For some it just might make you think about your own life so you can be free to be who you really are.

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

The Mind Behind Mungo Jerry

It's always Summertime with Mungo!

 
During the early 70’s, television viewers would have seen Mungo Jerry as a regular on Top of the Pops. In the first four years of the decade Mungo Jerry had eight hit singles, but the one single most associated with them was In The Summertime. It was a global hit and went to number one in 26 countries, selling 6 million copies. To date it has now sold over 30 million and been covered by such greats as Bob Dylan and Elton John. It is officially the most played summer song of all time and has won Ray Dorset a Sony, MTV and Ivor Novello award.

But quite apart from all that Ray is a good friend and one of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. That’s why he had no choice but to answer some of my lame questions.

If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why?

I don’t want to be any other musician except for myself, past or present. I’m just me and that’s it.

Note: We are too Ray!

If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why?

I like songs from all kinds of genres. I like all kinds of stuff so I’m not going to say that one song is better than the other and any song particularly speaks to me. But obviously, from my career, and I’ve written what is the supposedly most known summer song in the whole world. Lyrically line by line you can pull out lots and lots of underlying sentiments within the phrases of the texts.

So I guess I would choose In The Summertime, so I don’t think I need to pull at any other one, any other people’s songs out there at all.

 Are you a Mulder or Scully? Do you believe aliens have visited planet earth and if so what do you think they think about mankind?

I’m sure aliens have visited planet earth, because I’m pretty sure I’ve seen aliens.

I came back from a gig, must have been in the mid seventies, I was in Surrey, and in the early hours of the morning, I saw a cold kind of army of what looked like aliens crossing the road.

They were walking like two at a time behind each other. They had little kind of antennas on their head and their eyes were quite big and oval shaped and I thought I was actually seeing things. I didn’t believe it, but I thought maybe it was a group of deer, because there’s a lot of deer out that way.

The person that was with me saw them as well. So yes I do believe we have aliens probably among us and certainly I am convinced right up until this day that I have seen aliens on planet Earth, in Frencham in Surrey.

What do they think about mankind, well I haven’t got a clue. But if I was an alien and came to planet earth, round about this time, I’d say “what a strange place, why have we got so many earthlings, that have got a beautiful planet and they have decided to mess the whole place up, by overloading it with rubbish, plastic?” We’ve got climate change and global warming.

Nobody seems to pay attention to looking after the planet. Everyone seems to be more interested in what they can get out of it, make as much money as they possibly can to the detriment of their brothers and sisters.

For many years I’ve believed that the whole misuse of technology is messing up the whole world, and it has done for generations and generations.

You’ve got this problem with jealousy and pride and greed and honour and ego, and if we can get rid of all that and get rid of the ego you’ll probably get people to be more easygoing and less uptight about everything.

 


 

Want to read more? Then get the book and help support us Saving the Planet!! See here for all things Minds. Minds Behind the Music

Star Wars, Harry Potter, He's Done them All

WARWICK DAVIS - Movie Legend

Welcome to the Fantasy World of Warwick Davies
It isn't everyday you find an actor that can transport you into realms of fantasy as completely as Warwick Davis. Warwick has appeared in some of the best films in fantasy. From leading roles in Willow and Leprechaun to his role as Wicket in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Filius Flitwick and Griphook in several of the Harry Potter films, Nibarik in the Walden Media version of Prince Caspian, and Marvin the Paranoid Android in the cult classic The Hitchhiker's Quide to the Galaxy he has delighted fans of all ages. Davis has also worked in television appearing as Reepicheep in the BBC's Voyage of the Dawn Treader and in 10th Kingdom as Acron the Dwarf to name a few.

A man of many talents his life story is told in pages of his autobiography, Size Matters Not, which gained him praise from Ron Howard. He also is slated to star in Life's Too Short, created and written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

What were you like as a child growing up?
I was just like any other child I suppose really. Although I didn't grow up quiet as much as I might of done, which was an advantage in my case cause that was the reason I got into movies.
Do you think your career would have taken you all the places it has if not for your Grandmother? Were you close?
Well of course I was as close as anyone would be to their grandmother, but I really dont think I would have the career I have without her having heard the commercial she did on the London radio station and then my mother put me forward for the part in Star Wars. It really was an opportunity although you know I was quiet the performer, being a small person you sort of make up for your lack of inches by being a bit larger than life so it did lend itself to the world of entertainment.

Being a fan of the films yourself what did it feel like to get the role of Wicket in Star Wars?
Yea, I was a huge star wars fan so to actually be working on the set of a Star Wars movie was the most exciting, the most fun experience I could have ever had. And you know children nowadays play on a gaming console to battle with stormtroopers whereas I was able to do it in real life in the redwood forests dressed as an Ewok. It was terrific fun, a great opportunity, and one that will always stay with me.

You had the chance to play Wicket in the Ewok films as well. What are your feelings on the whole Ewok culture? Why do you think people responded to the characters as well as they did? Do you have a certain fondness for the Wicket character?
I mean I am very found of the character Wicket of course, he is my first film role. He is the reason I am now an actor and have a wonderful career and have had all the opportunities that I've had. And he is still a character that is very popular wherever I go, people remember that character and have a fondness for him. Feelings for the Ewok culture, I mean there was a kind of whole merchandising culture surrounding the Ewoks and it divided fans, as a Star Wars fan you either loved them or you hated them. But of course I'm on the side of the lovers.

You also got to work with Ron Howard in Willow. What did you learn from that experience?
Willow was a great opportunity for me as well. Ron Howard is the most terrific director you could ask for. He taught me a lot. He comes at the role of directing really from an actor's perspective. Because you know he himself used to be an actor. He was brilliant in getting me through that film. It was very tough experience for me it was six months of very hard work, traveling all over the world. It could of been quiet daunting but he was always very supportive and really helped me give the performance that I did so I do owe a lot to that guy.

You have appeared in some of the best fantasy films of all time. Do you consider yourself lucky to have had the chance to play characters to delight viewers of all ages? Do you enjoy hearing from people who have been fans of your work since childhood?
Thank you very much. Yeah, I mean my films are generational, so I do get messages often from people who have grown up with the films that I've been involved with. Every day someone says I grew up with Willow or Star Wars was the movie of my childhood and what have you so that's really nice. I do enjoy appearing in films that are suitable for people of all ages. You know grandparents can enjoy with grandchildren etc. I am very lucky if I look back there are so many great films that really will sort of stand the test of time and be passed on as they say to generation to generation.

Do you ever hear from children who are fans of your work?
As I said every day. People who write to me are from age five or six up to eighty six maybe older.

Did you enjoy the lead role in the Leprechaun films? Do you consider yourself a fan of horror flicks? Did you ever have a favourite movie monster?
I am not a fan of horror anymore. I used to be growing up, but as soon as I became a father myself you sort of start seeing the world through your children's eyes and then horror movies become sort of rather unpleasant things to watch. So I wouldn't say I watch horror movies anymore, but yea as a kid I loved Halloween and Out Running on the Street they where the films that I grew up watching and dare I say enjoying. Playing the Leprechuan was fun. It was my first sort of villianous character and every actor will tell you they are by far the most fun characters to play. It is the one that is remembered and its the most enjoyable to actually portray as well and the Leprechaun was really a character that I was given free reign in developing. It was a real joy to play him in six movies and there is such demand for a seventh, but no plans to do that at the moment.

One of those films found you in space. Do you believe there could be other lifeforms in space? What are you feelings on aliens, ufos and such?
I mean yeah there could be other stuff out there. I don't see why not, there are so many stars and so many viable planets around stars that we don't even know about. So the chances are pretty high I suppose. So I'm kind of open to that kind of thing

Why do you think people like to believe impossible things possible?
I guess I think people want to thing anything is possible because sometimes the world feels quiet restrictive and we are all quiet restrained in what we do in our every day lives so it is nice to think for a minute that something impossible could be possible. It helps take us out of the monotony of our daily lives I suppose. And that is why movies are such great escapisms, especially fantasy and science fiction films, you can go into a movie theater and be transported somewhere else. You know you can at least for the time you are in there believe that the impossible is possible. It is the people that come out still believing the impossible is possible that I worry about. (laughs)

What are your feelings on leprechauns? Do you think such things are possible?
I mean these things come from myths and legends and they all have a source. Whether that was a little man wearing a little green hat, dancing, counting gold and what have you, I don't know. It's from very, very distance periods in history and I like all that sort of thing. But yea I mean I'm not going to say whether I believe in Leprehauns or but...

Is it true people come up to you and touching you for luck? Do you find that annoying and rude?
Yes people do. Different cultures have different beliefs and some cultures do believe it is indeed lucky to touch a little person. And I fit into that category by being a little person. I don't think it is rude, it is just what they believe, it's just kind of rather fun to try and avoid such touchings, cause you know when you are touched as a little person the luck does drain away. So I have a certain level of luck and I lose some of that every time somebody touches me. Which you know if that was to be depleted completely my career would be over so I do try to avoid those touchings whenever possible.

Aside from the health issues what would you say is the most challenging thing in regards to your...size?:) How do you cope with the joint pain and other things associated with it?
Oh my word. I mean it is challenging being short, but it is what I’ve grown up with. I’ve never known anything else so it’s a challenge but it’s one that you always overcome and then you just deal with stuff on a daily basis and it’s not really a problem.
What do you think is the most important thing to remember when dealing with ailments at any age?

Alright Dr. Davis says this: Just drink lots of water, eat sensibly and get plenty of sleep...and fresh air.
How do you think you have changed most as an individual since your early days?
My hair has gotten a little bit grayer, I’m a little bit taller, I am wiser.
What advice would you offer people the world over who might be dealing with image issues of whatever sort? Do you think the world in general places far too much emphasis on looks?
Be who you are really, at the end of the day. You know I’m different, there are lots of people out who are different. Some people who aren’t different pierce their nose and spike up their hair to be different. So it’s kind of ok to be different. That’s what I say. It sets you apart and people remember you.
I’ve just realized there are more questions. I thought I was at the end? This is madness but I’ll keep going....

What would you say is the craziest thing you have ever done?
This interview.

Are there any little known things about you that most people would be surprised to learn?
That I have indeed done this interview.

How did becoming a father change your life? What do you feel is the most important thing to pass on to your children? What do you love most about being a parent?
It’s brilliant. If you have kids it does change your life, you see the world in a different way. Watching them grow up and hearing the things they come out with. It is challenging but at the same time very rewarding and I think it is fantastic, I love it.

As a native to the UK, what do you think about the current state of the nation?What do you think is the most pressing matter at hand in today's political environment?
What is the pressing?...I don’t care about politics. I don’t even know who the Prime Minister is. Absolutely doesn’t bother me.

What do you love most about living in England?
I love the seasons.

Do you consider yourself religious? What are you feelings on the afterlife? Do you believe it possible for the soul to live on in some fashion after death?
I’m not particularly religious but I would like to think that death isn’t death and we’re dead and that’s it. The End. Could be. But let’s just think about life while we’re doing it.
What has it been like to work with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on Life Is Too Short?
It’s been an amazing experience. It has been hard work but we’re at this point when I talk to you almost finished filming the show.I’m very proud of what we’ve done and hope the world out there also is thrilled with it, enjoys it and embraces it, and gets it.

How do you hope to be remembered over all when your life is done?
Now that’s depressing. That’s not even the last question either, there is still another one after that? How do you hope to be remembered when your life is done? Bloody hell..I’m speechless.
What would you like to say to all of your fans in closing?
Is that before I’m dead? Or have they got to come and read my headstone? Thanks for watching.

Interview by Phil G, author of Minds Behind the Music Minds Behind the Music 

Goldfinger - The Woman in Gold

The Time I Spoke to Maggie Nolan

From the Carry On films to "Dink" in Goldfinger, Maggie Nolan is a British screen legend.

My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
For being a good parent and a joyful and radical individual

We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Mostly it seems to be that politics is concerned with the extremely rich and powerful keeping it all to themselves - despite the fact that we all played a part in creating this wealth in the first place!

How does it feel to be fancied by millions of blokes (and probably some women)
Frustrating! I'm not in a relationship at present.

How many times have you been painted gold since Goldfinger and what on earth does it feel like?
Never.It felt a little clamy and greasy but not too bad - had to have part of skin exposed to air ie under bikini and it wasn't easy to remove, lots of soap. I still have a tube of the original Liechner gold make up
I wore, but I haven't tried it - yet!
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
It's such a shambles, I'd stay and try to help
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Managing to bring up two young men I'm really proud of

What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
Probably our ability to know more about ourselves and the world around us

If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
It's a wonderful world, and we need to know we have the capability to share and enjoy it without diminishing anyone else's opportunity to do likewise

If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Probably something like 'Frazier'. I like witty American comedy.

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes

Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you're acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Yes, although there wasn't the celebrity culture around when I was young, so it wasn't such an issue regarding one's private life. I did really enjoy working in productions that said something important
about society - I remember working at places like The Ambience and feeling I was 'where it's at', and touring the provinces with socially relevant theatre; on the other hand, getting a whole audience to laugh is a good feeling, especially if it's at ourselves.

What advice would you give to actors today?
Don't do anything that perpetuates lies

Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music set's the emotional scene so brilliantly

What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I seem to watch more foreign films than American or English - I'm off to see Wim Wender's 'Pina' this week. Although I love Mike Newell's 'Dance with a Stranger' and Mike Leigh's 'Topsy Turvy'

What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
Amazing! But like all technological and scientific advances, it's what's it's used for that matters
.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
The 'other way around' I've got the T shirt (I designed it)!

A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
A good thing - wow! all that energy re-directed to the 'here and now'!

Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Freedom to me means making choices without prejudice and fear. In fact, I don't think one can be free in the sense of not belonging because we are part of the universe and this we can't control - not yet anyway!

Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
It's just stupid to imagine we have to go this far to get our needs met!

Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I think we can conjure up the most incredible images with the power of our mind; images that we can convince ourselves are material and can even become so !. We are really 'magical' beings - God doesn't come into it!

Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Yes, I have and not only with the help of drugs. I think we all do it in order to get in touch with that greater consciousness that is both within us and outside of us. I would recommend it to everyone.
The safest way to do it is through your own mental capacity by emptying your mind and going back to square one, only this time with awareness (keeping your inner eye open!)

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Being with Spike Milligan comes to mind -we went on some crazy jaunts.

What would you still like to achieve?
I feel I still haven't made my mark in quite the way I want. I'm known and loved for only a part of me and I'm grateful for this; but there's another part to me which I like also and it's a part I have more control over so in that sense it's more 'me'.

Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Absolutely - I love to sing!

Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Yes, I do and it isn't either/or - there is natural global warming - we can do something about the man-made part of it!

And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug something, a website or carboot sale.

Check out how I am now -I was asked (quite out of the blue) to be in a film last year -I hadn't acted for about twenty years - it's a cameo role playing a fictionalized version of myself! It pre-supposes that I hadn't gone to Spain but had hung around acting and became a 'Dame' ! Go to YouTube and enter 'The Power of Three' and scroll down to 'maggie's scenes.'
Also check out my Artwork - there's a link from my website www.margaretnolan.co.uk
I'm having some of them screen-printed and I've been asked to show in three East London galleries! - so I feel I'm 'where it's at' again!
Signed, limited editions will be for sale soon - so I won't have to do any more car-boot sales!

I Had a Chat with a Hollywood Star - Why Not?

Chatting with Aimee

Aimee Garcia is an actress best known for her roles in television as Veronica on George Lopez and Alma on the series Off the Map. She has also had memorable roles on All About the Anderson's, Dexter, Lucifer, Greeting From Tucson, American Family, and the medical drama Trauma by Peter Berg. Garcia has appeared briefly as well on such iconic shows as Family Guy, Supernatural, ER, and Bones among many others.
Aimee also works in film. She appeared alongside Jessica Simpson in Major Movie Star and narrated Adam Sandler's Spanglish, Robocop, Convincing Clooney. She is also an avid supporter of higher education with degrees from Northwestern in French, journalism, and international-relations. Hollywoodisation's own Mary interviews the one and only, Aimee Garcia.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I grew up in Chicago. I'm Mexirican (half Mexican, half Puerto Rican). I started dancing when I was 3 and dancing professionally when I was 7 in Chicago. I went to a high school that used to be all boys so my freshman year, there was 800 boys and 100 girls; all the seniors, juniors and sophomores were boys. But, they hated us. They were like, "Ugh now that girls are here, we have to shower and can't burp in class." That experience showed me how to deal with guys. I was a tomboy in high school and loved playing pick-up basketball with my buddies. I'm a late bloomer so I'm just now starting to come into my girliness...Now, I love putting on my heels and going out for drinks with my girls.
What inspired you to pursue your degrees at Northwestern? Why do you think higher education is a must for all people?
I chose Economics because I always knew I was going to be a freelancer, meaning you might make a lot of money one month and then no money the next four so you had to learn how to invest your money, save and make the dollar stretch. It's come in handy, as acting is a freelance career.
I chose Journalism because I think it's important to communicate well. Whether you're writing an email, giving a speech or doing a presentation, you have to learn how to communicate and convince people. Last year, I blogged for NBC from the set of Trauma and this year, I blogged for ESPN. And, right now, I'm writing this interview for you so I'm having to express myself through writing.
I majored in French because I think it's important to speak different languages. I already speak Spanish, so French was easier to learn. I use French in interviews to promote whatever I'm doing and it's the language of love so I had to learn it!
I think higher education is a must for all people because it gives them choices. I don't like people telling me what to do, and if all I had is a high school degree, people would tell me, "You can't get this job because you don't have a degree"..."You can't do that because you're not qualified." I mean, you can always choose to do nothing, but at least you have a choice. I don't like people telling me what to do, so I made sure to set myself up for freedom in life by getting a college degree.
How did you first become involved in acting? I started acting as a kid in Chicago. I did commercials with Michael Jordan, Sammy Sosa and Charles Barkley and danced professionally to help pay for college. Then in high school, I did professional Chicago theater. At Northwestern, even though I didn't major in acting, I performed in plays and musicals. I even played Diana Morales in Northwestern University's production of "A Chorus Line," where I got to dance and sing as well. When I graduated Northwestern University, I moved to New York and worked in finance because I wanted a job that used my Journalism and Economics degrees. But, after 6 months of being a mutual fund analyst, I realized acting was my one true love. Up until that time, I had been acting to pay for college tuition and it was so fun that I thought of it as my hobby. But, after graduation, I decided to turn my hobby into a career. So, I packed up my bags, moved to Los Angeles, and now here I am.
Who do you consider to be some of the greatest living actresses of our time, and why?
Well, obviously Meryl Streep. Not only can she do comedy and drama seamlessly, but she received her B.A. in Drama from Vassar College and her M.F.A. from Yale University and she seems to lead a healthy, balanced life. She doesn't seem to be a tortured artist, which is refreshing. I also love Reese Witherspoon because she has great comedic timing and, yet, won an Oscar for her dramatic performance. I love Angelina Jolie too because she's an incredible actress. (Anyone who has seen Gia can instantly sees she's a star). She embodies and exudes sexuality in such an intriguing way...best vixen ever! But, I think the world will remember her as an advocate for people and children who are less fortunate. She uses her fame, money and influence as a platform to champion for those who don't have a voice. She is using her notoriety to leave the world a better place, and that's very inspiring to me.But, my favourite actress is probably Annette Benning. She can make you laugh, cry and think - all in the same scene. I'll never forget that moment in American Beauty when she shuts the curtains and has a breakdown after the open house. Then, in The Kids Are Alright, she rips your heart out. I especially love the moment where she finds out Julianne Moore's character is cheating on her and she drinks the wine at the table while her heart is breaking. A lot of actors are great, but very few touch your soul. Somehow, Annette Benning moves me every time.
What did you learn from working on George Lopez? What was it like to be part of the first prime time comedy ever to feature an all Hispanic family? Do you ever miss it?
I learned to have fun! George set such a fun tone while we were shooting that it didn't even feel like work. But, he also taught me to work hard. I always say he's the hardest working guy I know. I feel so proud to be part of the first prime time comedy ever to feature an all-Hispanic family. No one on TV looked like me when I was young, so I'm glad that the next generation can see themselves representing on the screen. Yes. I totally miss it! It was so much fun! But, nothing lasts forever so we made history and now we're all doing cool, new things.
You also narrated Spanglish. Did you enjoy that?
Yes. I got to work very closely with Jim Brooks (who co-created The Simpsons). He is such a genius! I remember recording at Sony when Adam (Sandler) rode up in his scooter. He said hi and I was like, "Ummmm...." I felt like such an idiot! That was the first time I was speechless in front of a celebrity.
You are also very active when it comes to charity. Do you feel it is important for those who are in a position to do so, give back to those who have less?
Definitely. I think that any one who is in the limelight should use that platform for good. When I go to school and talk to kids, they listen because they know me from The George Lopez Show. I don't care why, I just care that they listen to me when I tell them they need to get a college degree. So, yes, I think it's important for celebrities to use their influence to raise awareness for things they're passionate about.
What one aspect of charity and activism do you feel most passionately about?
I'm most passionate about education. I'm a true believer that education = choices. I think the more prepared you are and the more you know, the easier it will be to navigate through life. You never know where education will lead you. And, when I say, "education," people usually think of the classroom, tests and homework, but what I mean by "education" is making good choices; choosing good friends who will support you, taking trips that might give you a great business idea, cultivating a relationship with a teacher who might become your lifelong mentor...
What is it like to work alongside other fellow Hispanic celebrities to raise awareness on policy issues in Washington?
This spring, I went to D.C to promote the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Graduate initiative with America Ferrera and it was amazing to see how much influence you can have. I was like, "Why are these White House people listening to me? I'm just an actor." But, then I realized I'm an educated actor and that my college degree gave me leverage for my ideas on education to be heard. So, again, because I went to college, I was able to go to D.C. and give national leaders my opinion on how to make positive changes for students.
What advice would you offer the women of tomorrow?
To not limit themselves and to prepare themselves in order to be able to compete. How do you prepare yourself? By getting a college degree and doing internships. I really think woman make excellent bosses; they communicate well, they mutli-task well and they have great social skills - qualities of good CEOs and successful business owners. So, I would say to not be limited by what's around them. If you want to do something do it. Life's too short. The worst feeling in the world is regret. I'd rather regret what I did, than what I didn't do. You never know if you don't try. And, even if you "fail," you'll learn from that experience and that "failure" might even lead you to another successful path.
What is something about yourself that your fans might not know?
That I'm starting to become a girl and just now getting into fashion. I'm a late bloomer, but better late than never I guess.
How do you think your life has changed most since your early days?
I definitely meet more influential people now and get to have cool experiences, but other than that not much has changed. I have a lot of the same friends I had back in Chicago and at Northwestern and I bet if you asked my grade school friends if I've changed, they'd say I'm the same... or at least I hope they would!
What is the most insane thing you have ever done? What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
The most insane thing I've ever done is jump out of a plane while doing 6 summersaults 15,000 feet in the air. I don't know what I was thinking but I was dared by one of my friends...and I never back down from a dare. I also traveled by myself through Turkey, Greece and Israel and would sleep at random locals' houses. I could have gotten kidnapped or robbed. But, I guess I was so naïve that nothing happened to me and I made it back home.
In my spare time, I travel. I just went to the Cook Islands and went deep-sea fishing. I caught a 20-pound Mahi-Mahi so I was stoked. It took me 20 minutes to reel her in...she was feisty. I also play golf, which is a very mental sport. I play poker with my buddies and, of course, hang out with my friends.
Are you excited about your new role on Dexter? Can you tell us a little about that?
Yes! I love Dexter. It's actually my favorite show. And, my role is so fun. Jamie is fearless, fun and smart. She moves to Miami for grad school and is Dexter's nanny. I like her because she's feisty but fair. She's also Batista's little sister so like any little sister she has her bratty moments, but she's really comfortable in her skin - literally. In the first episode, Jamie's wearing a bikini and walking around totally comfortable. She's a Florida girl so being in her bikini is like being in her pajamas.
You are also star in the film Go For It? What exactly is the movie about? Do you know when it will be released yet?
Go For It is like Step Up meets Flashdance. I play the title role and do all my own dancing. There's no guy with a wig or body double (like there is in most dance movies). It's a coming-of-age story about a Chicago dancer named Carmen, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. But, her brothers want her to grow up and find a job, her parents want her to go to college, and her best friend keeps dating horrible guys. So, she's being stretched a million different ways. Go For It! also features the Beat Freaks and Gwen Stafani's Harajuku Girls. We shot the movie in 18 days and Lionsgate picked it up for national distribution so it was pretty cool. It hit theaters in the spring and will be out on DVD Sept. 27.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I just want to tell anyone who's reading this to never give up. I know it sounds so cliché, but I always say there are two types of people; the people who quit when things get rough and the people who get back up when they fall down. The choices you make determine which one you are. If I were you, I'd say be the latter, life's too short.

The Farscape Bond Girl Mad Max Interview

Virgina Hey Actress

Bond girl to Timothy Dalton, Warrior Woman in Mad Max 2, Zhaan in Farscape. Just a few of the roles this amazing actress has undertaken. But there is another side to Virginia Hey and we found out.

My first question is: what would you most like to be remembered for?

My cheeky smile and cheekbones! My artistic achievements definitely. I inherited a good eye and artistic skill from Mum and Dad. I’m proud of my product packaging design, my drawings, my perfume design, fashion styling and of course my acting artistry!

We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?

In my opinion politics these days is ruled by commercial interests only. The mighty dollar rules, not true values. It saddens me. Long-gone is the need to provide the best quality of life and wellbeing to a nation, now its just a big Monopoly game. But I do believe this USA president is trying hard to provide the best future and quality of life in the long run.

Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? And about your spiritual work with meditation and your candles!

Oh boy, that will take a book, or 3! But here goes: as briefly as possible, I’m Australian but was educated in both the UK and in Sydney Australia. I began modelling when approached by a fashion magazine editor at a bus stop outside the Sydney Fine Art College I was attending.

Modelling led me to a career of acting that took me around the world many times. I eventually landed in the USA in 2002 after feeling I was my best as an actor and ready for the big-guns.

I arrived in my late 40s only to be told at the time, when ageism was at its worst in Hollywood, that I was too young to play the “elderly” roles, and too old to play the young roles, and at the time there was nothing for the healthy fit baby boomer type of attractive woman. So instead of fighting the ageism, I simply decided to wait out the ageism and try again later when I was old enough to play the “elderly” roles. Not that would EVER look elderly with my Scandinavian genes that keep my family ridiculously youthful! I set off to attend personal appearances all over the world, and began my own line of perfumed products that I used my art background to design myself.

From the age of 12 I had developed an interest for Meditation and continued that interest to this day. I am now a meditation teacher.

From modelling through my 20's I developed an interest in natural therapies. I modelled all the latest natural beauty and lifestyle products in the 70's. At that time, following the flower power generation, there was a giant wave to go the natural medicine route. Having a curiosity for science, physiology, anatomy, and coupled with the natural healing interest that was triggered via Meditation, plus a father who had a love of the human physiology, it was irresistible for me to study to be a natural doctor. I enrolled in Naturopayhy, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine and Reiki. Then I furthered my studies in natural healing by studying Reiki and a 2 year course in Highest Guidance connection. Sounds like hippy fodder but was very useful in conjunction with all the other modules of medicine I was studying.

I did not complete my studies in Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine, I was lured back into acting. But I will complete my studies on day when I grow up!

The ageism in Hollywood has dissolved and parts are beginning to flow for babyboomers at last, so, the big news is that I am back in the saddle in my USA debut, a Morphius Films independent production “Alien Armageddon”, directed and written by Neil Johnson. My role is a small cameo written especially for me. The film will be released in mid November.

It is the beginning of the second phase in my life as a kick-arse regal warrior woman who has a wealth of life and love and experience and soul on the lines on her face!

Phase two for me. ELDERLY? If I’m elderly then chickens have lips!

Now, I know you’ve played an alien, but what if you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?

Ha ha…I’d shake my head, giggle and leave the earth some cryptic message or symbol I know they will never solve, then leave!

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Zhaan in Farscape, and trying to understand men…The greatest mystery on Earth!

What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?

Flight. And Enlightenment, a work in progress..

If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?

“41!”
No, ‘Id say “Please, banish these three things from your lives: sugar, aggression and cruelty. Love, not war. Be kind and helpful to one person every day and watch the domino effect.”

If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?

Eastenders in the UK. Or an Indian soap opera.

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?

Phillip…You’re nuts! But that’s why your readers love you! Hee hee.

Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you’re acting it, that it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?

Yes of course.

What advice would you give to actors today?

There are so many actors who saturate themselves with booze and drugs. For goodness sakes, pick yourselves up, live cleanly, have pride in yourself and that will give you pride in your life and pride in your craft…And study study study! Know your lines. Do what the director tells you to do. AND...Never give up on your craft.

Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?

Silence is more powerful behind a scene actually. But of course, films have become accustomed to being accompanied by music. A hangover from the silent movie era. Its not a bad thing. Music evokes any emotion the director wishes to layer on top of the scene.

What kind of movies do you watch and why?

Anything I feel like at the time. Why? Because I’m totally open to being enthralled and I have no parameters of trend to prevent me. I love the art, so whatever I feel like watching, l'll watch.

What are your opinions about the power of the internet?

I’m still in awe of its power for good and great potential, but also confused and outraged by its power and ability to pervert in so many evil ways. I don’t understand the potential good, and the potential damage of the Internet across civilisation for generations to come.

A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?

As long as there is life there will be souls and prayer in many forms. Maybe structured, man-made religious sects will die. That’s good, but God made beauty, and the healing power of prayer will live for eternity.

Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?

No. Yes.

Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.

Not in its present form. Why? Look at the Japanese plants and what happened. Nuclear Power plants are too dangerous in their present manufacturing processes.

Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
Yes.

Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?

Yes! In Meditation. And YES I would recommend it to all. It’s an incredible stress beater.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Answer your questions! (laughs & winks).

What would you still like to achieve?

Personally or globally?

Personally I would like to achieve a personal peace and satisfaction whilst being able to make a great living, and afford the comfort my parents raised me to enjoy. I would love to marry. Love to play challenging roles in film. Would love to produce a film one day. Would love to be appreciated for my craft and my art when I do well at it. I’d love to educate, entertain and Enlighten myself.! Would love an investor for my line of perfumed products…

Globally? I Would love to be able to have the funds to help others achieve their dreams, their health, their wellbeing. To educate, entertain and enlighten!

Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?

Sure, if I could sing!

Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?

Both. Manmade leading to a natural domino effect. Stupid humans we are. Do you know we are the only species on Earth who destroys its own environment? Humans can sometimes seem to be like a cancer to Mother Earth.

And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug something, a website or car boot sale.

Ha ha, no car to sell just yet. But maybe I'll sell my classic 1976 beauty one day. Just want to say cheers to you all for appreciating my work and lending me an ear. Please watch out for my cameo role in Alien Armageddon. www.morphiusfilm.com . And for those of you who can’t live without beautiful candles lighting your life, please explore my exquisite candles created by me with all the love I have in my heart. www.virginiaheycouture.com And if you’re an investor and would love to help me build my signature brand of products please contact me at my website. Thanks all!

Interview by Phil G of Minds Minds Behind the Music 

A Music Legend Speaks to Minds...

HELEN REDDY MUSIC LEGEND

Helen Maxine Lamond Reddy is an Australian singer, actress, and activist. In the 1970s, she enjoyed international success, especially in the United States, where she placed 15 singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100

My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
BEING KIND

We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU VOTE FOR, YOU STILL END UP ELECTING A POLITICIAN.

Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
PAST IS GONE, PRESENT IS ENJOYABLE AND FUTURE IS YET TO COME.

If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I'M NOT AN ALIEN? ;)

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
LIVING TO BE 70.

What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
WOMAN'S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN MAN.

If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
LOVE.

If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I HAVE NEVER WATCHED A SOAP OPERA.

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
IT MAKES A VIBRATION BECAUSE IT IS ENERGY (AS IS EVERYTHING).

Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
NO.

What’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
I PREFER MUSICIANS TO COMPUTERS.

Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
STUDIES HAVE PROVED THAT WORDS SET TO MUSIC ARE MORE EASILY REMEMBERED.

What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I PREFER NON-VIOLENT FILMS PREFERABLY COMEDIES AND CLEVER PLOTS (HEIST FILMS, ETC.)

What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
IT HAS THE CAPACITY TO REACH BILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
ASK ANY MICROBIOLOGIST, THEY WILL TELL YOU THAT MAN IS A MUTATION. WOMAN IS THE ORIGINAL GENDER.

A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
I BELIEVE SPIRITUALITY WILL OVERTAKE AND UNITE ALL FAITHS.

Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
HUMANS ARE THE ONLY BEINGS IN THE UNIVERSE WITH FREE WILL. ANGELS, ACCORDING TO UNIVERSAL LAW, CANNOT INTERFERE WITH HUMANS UNLESS HUMANS ASK FOR HELP THAT IS NOT SELF-SERVING. IN WHICH CASE THE ANGELS ARE FREE TO ASSIST BUT IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT WE THANK THEM FOR THAT ASSISTANCE. THEY LOVE GRATITUDE.

Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
ONLY IF USED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS.

Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
SPIRITS, YES. UFO's, I'VE NEVER SEEN ONE THOUGH I DON'T DOUBT THAT THEY EXIST. GOD IS THAT WHICH IS.

Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
YES. POLITICIANS, BUSINESS, AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS ARE LINEAL THINKERS AND FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO EXPERIENCE AN ALTERED STATE.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I'LL KEEP THAT ANSWER TO MYSELF.

What would you still like to achieve?
A LONG, HEALTHY LIFE.

Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
ONLY IF MY GRANDDAUGHTER INSISTED.

Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
COMBINATION OF THE TWO. MAN CERTAINLY IS A PRIME FACTOR.

Thank you Helen! Phil G. 

Hot Lips....

Hot Lips Sally Kellerman Talks to Minds Behind the Music

It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with Sally before she passed on to that Hollywood in the sky earlier this year. Here's the interview for all fans of M.A.S.H. and more! 

Kellerman's acting career spans nearly 60 years, and her role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" O'Houlihan in Robert Altman's film M*A*S*H (1970) earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. AfterMASH, she appeared in a number of the director's projects: the films Brewster McCloud (1970), Welcome to L.A. (1976), The Player (1992) and Prêt-à-Porter (1994), and the short-lived anthology TV series Gun (1997). In addition to her work with Altman, Kellerman has appeared in The Outer Limits (1965), Star Trek (1966), Bonanza (1966, 1970) Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972), Back to School (1986), The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman (2006), 90210 (2008), Chemistry (2011) and Maron (2013).

My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
-INTERAL OPTIMISM

We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
-NEED HELP!

So, how does it really feel to be fancied by millions of blokes (and probably some women)?
-REALLY GREAT, WONDER IF ITS TRUE.

If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
-CONQUER

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
-STILL STANDING

What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
-WE'RE STILL STANDING

If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
-LOVE LOVE LOVE

If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
-CORONATION STREET

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
-NO

Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you're acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
-I DIDN'T REALISE I WAS THAT POWERFUL

What advice would you give to actors today?
-DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO

Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
-YAY! BECAUSE THERE IS MUSIC

What kind of movies do you watch and why?
-GOOD ONES, WHY NOT?

What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
-WISH I KNEW

Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
-WE ARE ALL REFLECTIONS OF GOD


A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
-FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY WILL NEVER DIE, BUT IT SEEMS RELIGION CAUSES TOO MANY CONFLICTS

Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
-YES!....IN THE WORDS OF RODNEY DANGERFIELD

Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
-WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M SMART??

Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
-GOD

Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
-I'M NOT TELLING

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
-IM DEFINITELY NOT TELLING

What would you still like to achieve?
-PLAY THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
-ONLY IF HE ASKS ME, I'M EASY, ANYTHING FOR VISIBILITY

Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
-DUH! MANMADE

And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug something, a website or carboot sale.
-PLEASE CHECK OUT MY CD CALLED "SALLY" IF YOU LIKE IT…BUY IT!

We remember you Sally! Love from MBTM! Phil G. 

Teach the World to Sing

The New Seekers Interviews

In 1969 The Seekers became The New Seekers and in 1970 they had international success with the song, What Have They Done to My Song Ma? In 1971 they released what has become one of their most popular hits, Never Ending Song of Love. At the end of that same year they recorded an adaptation of the Cocal Cola song, I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke into I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing. This song is still in the top 100 best-selling British pop songs. In 1972 they entered the Eurovision Song Contest and came 2nd. A string of hits followed and The New Seekers still tour on and off to this day. Here, Serpent Films speaks to two of the original members of The New Seekers, Paul Layton and Marty Kristian.

Paul Layton

My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?

Definitely the music, sometimes, as with books, the meaning is fictional.

We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?

Well, I do believe in a democratic system of one sort or another. It's never going to be perfect but it sure beats living in a dictatorship!

Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? We hear there’s something really exciting on the horizon!

In New Seekers terms, the past has been a great experience. To have been able to perform to so many people through all mediums has been a joy and I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to travel and see such a variety of cultures.

Tell us a little about your kind of music please!

My kind of music is very varied. I like almost everything as long as it's good.! The New Seekers music has always had a very wide appeal and that has been evident in the cross section and age range we see in our audiences.

Which decade was best for music, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s or the 00’s?

The 60's? It still has to win hands down - for originality, creativity and raw talent.

Would you still like to teach the world to sing?

We do, every time we sing the song!

If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?

I guess it depends on how it compares to where I'd come from but before I went back, I'd have a curry!

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

In musical terms - getting to the top of the charts all over the world and in personal terms - finding my wife and bringing up two great kids.

What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?

Walking around on the moon!

If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?

Make love not war and always remember to listen before speaking.

If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?

Pretty boring answer - Eastenders.... cockney is the only accent I can do.

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?

Just Good Vibrations!

Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?

I've never felt pressured, I always felt we were doing the right thing just by seeing the smile on peoples faces.

What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?

Be honest with your music and if possible try and write it. There's nothing wrong with technical development but sometimes it's best to get back to your roots.

Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?

Music is universal, you don't need to be literate to enjoy it and if you enjoy it, the message is absorbed.

What kind of movies do you watch and why?

Again I have very varied taste. I don't like violence in films unless it's treated with real sensitivity. I like comedies 'cos like most people I love a good laugh.

What are your opinions about the power of the internet?

I think it's incredible but can be very dangerous if misused.

Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?

I believe Man creates God so I guess that's the other way around.

A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?

Probably on balance a good thing. There's too much dogma attached to most religions.

Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?

Man can always be free in his own mind.

Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.

I don't think we have much choice but to follow that route but to build in as many safeguards as is possible. In Japan, I think they knew how to legislate for an earthquake but not a tsunami. I do believe in developing alternative green power but I think, on it's own, it wont meet our future requirements.

Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?

No, but I do believe in goodness if that's your God.

Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?

Only as a result of alcohol or other substances, It can be beneficial creatively for some people but not for me, so no, I wouldn't recommend it.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

You've got me there ... maybe abseiling off the top of a shopping centre in Watford.

What would you still like to achieve?

I'd like to write a great song!

Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?

No, he'd make me look too ugly :-)

Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?

I think it's a fact that it's manmade or at least man has contributed towards it.

And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.

Thank you for reading this and good luck in all you do. The New Seekers are still performing but after 4 years of touring we're taking a bit of a break. You can catch up on all aspects of the group at our website which is: www.thenewseekers.com

Marty Kristian

My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
Our hits in the 70’s gave me great joy as being part of a successful act. However on the stage of life it is just a snapshot in time and mostly will be of little significance in the bigger picture after we have departed.
Music, as with everything else is in a constant state of change and popular music especially reflects the mood and echoes the sentiments of the people that were attracted to it at the time. – Some tunes will stay in the memory longer than others and that goes for all genres of music.

We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?

Politics on the world stage appears to be a difficult juggling act. – continually trying to balance the competing interests of countries, states, tribes and individuals. Selfishness is endemic in the human race and whilst we retain the “this is mine” consciousness , it will always be a juggling act between the “haves and the have nots”. But every era has some shining lights that have humanity’s interests at heart and hopefully they can have an influence in changing the world’s consciousness.
Bill Gates appears to have set a nice example.

Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? We hear there’s something really exciting on the horizon!

How far would you like to go back?
I consider myself very fortunate. I grew up in Australia and my widowed mother gave me the freedom and encouragement to explore and follow my ambitions.
I studied Architecture at Melbourne University for a couple of years before dropping out to pursue a singing career, which eventually brought me to England and the New Seekers.
The New Seekers have had several changes in line up since the definitive group split up in 1974. I continued to sing with them till almost a decade ago when I decided it was time to hang up my guitar as I was starting to sound more like a New Squeaker than a New Seeker. – Currently I have an interest in a small surveying firm but much of my time is spent in Wales where my wife and I own some holiday cottages.
I enjoy drawing and painting and in the process of writing and illustrating a children’s book about two Koalas called “Walt ‘n Matilda” – being a song writer I thought they were good names to give them.

Tell us a little about your kind of music please!

I enjoy all kinds of music from Classical, Country, Pop and Rock.
I don’t spend a lot of time listening to albums these days, although I do enjoy hearing my son Oliver’s compositions. His writing is a cross between Ray Davies, Bowie and Bob Dylan. He’s in the process of forming a band called “MOONS” – so we’ll have to see what happens.
I still enjoy the Eagles and some Country Rock music.

Which decade was best for music, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s or the 00’s?

In my book there is no such thing as the best decade for music. – Popular music is all about the fashion and mood of the time. It’s like everything else - in a constant state of flux being re invented and regurgitated. – The 60’s and 70’s was my era and so I suppose I’m more in tune with those decades. – Hey -Whatever floats your boat.

Would you still like to teach the world to sing?

“I’d like to teach the world to sing” was our biggest hit selling 7.5 million copies world wide. It was light relief with a positive message that struck a global chord after the horrors of the Vietnam war
The song was a simple ditty with a simple message crafted from a jingle.
It is what it says on the tin and I hear that it has become an anthem today for primary kids at school. – Often the most simple words can have e a subliminal impact.
I think the message that “we are all part of the one” is a worthwhile concept to ponder.

If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?

Depends on what my motive was for coming to earth and what powers I possessed to be able to influence the planet.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Every hurdle and every so called problem solved is an achievement of sorts for all of us . – Musically I guess having had the world-wide success with the New Seekers. And on the personal side having a happy long-term marriage and a wonderful family.

What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?

Where do we start?

If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?

You are responsible for your thoughts and actions and only you can change them - As you think – so you are …. Strive to understand what your life is about. It is only when you stop …and look deeply, that you will begin to realise that we are all part of the Oneness …..Read some uplifting books and spiritual teachings, which can motivate us and take us out of our mundane lethargy. Learn to love life.

If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?

As an Aussie … It’s gotta be Neighbours.

If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?

What is sound but a vibration – What is a vibration but a part of the Oneness – The Universal Mind hears feels and touches all.

Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?

As a performer, I never gave it much thought, but when I look back perhaps we said what we had to at the time. – What was right then is not necessarily right for now or vice versa.

What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?

Keep being creative and do it with enjoyment. The technological advancement of today means that many more of us have the facility to become musicians and writers in our home environment. Music and the Music industry will continue to change and reflect the fashions of the day. – Can’t really comment on the marketing – you probably need to speak to my son Ollie who is more up with what is happening on the music scene today.

Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?

Rhythms and melody combined with lyrics can provide a subliminal and often hypnotic message. The fusion makes the package more memorable than words by themselves.

What kind of movies do you watch and why?

Depends on my mood and point of interest. – I like documentaries

What are your opinions about the power of the internet?

A fabulous communications tool – but a double-edged sword –As you ask so shall you receive – As you think so you are! – The choice is always ours.

Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?

Yea… right ! – The time old question of “What’s it all about and why are we here…”
It depends on what one’s concept of God is.

Is he or she a so called benevolent entity sitting somewhere on high, in judgement on us like a strict tyrant?

Or a selective deity who has his favourite “chosen people” and bugger the rest.
Or a god , who’s prophet is his mouthpiece and is not to be maligned, questioned or contradicted in any way for fear of death by his followers.

For many, those are the concepts that have become part of their reality.

For me, it would appear that there is a Universal Intelligent Energy, which pervades everything and is everything in various manifestations – call it God, Universal Consciousness, Nature or whatever you like but its all the same. There is an underlying intelligence and energy that pervades everything and everything is inextricably linked to everything else – we are all part of the “Oneness.” We could get into quite deep territory here but for now I’ll keep it brief.

Look at nature, this planet – the universe. Nothing is random – There is an order to everything in the Universe and everything exists within the parameters of this universal energy. The physical world as we see it is just condensed energy at it’s source. Take a glass of water. – It appears as liquid. Change the vibration of the atoms by cooling it and it becomes a solid … a block of ice… Change the vibration by heating the water and it disappears as mist – So you see, things are not always as they appear. but the atoms and energy are never lost to the universe – they just take on a different form. – The spirit or Universal Intelligent Energy or God if you like pervades all, and as such everything is in the image of “God”…..- we could talk about reincarnation as linked with evolution next if you like….

A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?

In this new technological age of communication the interchange of ideas philosophies and understanding have been raised on a global scale to a height never seen on this planet before. This, in my view will ultimately raise the level of consciousness of humanity and with it will eventually come a new understanding in all things including a fusion of spiritual awareness.

Whilst human nature is as it is, there will always be dogmatic and radical views, however everything eventually changes and my hope is that it will be for the benefit of humanity.

Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?

We have to define what we mean by “free will”. We are governed by natural forces and universal constraints on this planet. We, as a society are also compelled to comply with community laws that have evolved over a period of time and which continue to evolve with new circumstances. Under those parameters we are free only to a point. Where so called “Free Will transgresses against humanity, a price must be paid.

Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.

Don’t know too much about Nuclear Power but if there was a viable choice I would be pleased if we could harness the energy in a potentially less dangerous way.

Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?

I believe that we are not the only life in this Universe and as such the possibilities are endless. – I think we’ve touched on “God” before don’t you?

Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?

A change in consciousness can happen in numerous ways. One can have a profound “religious experience”, a” near death experience”, an” out of the body experience” a” drug induced experience” or any other mental or emotional changes causing trauma, anxiety, elation or other such feelings. All of us in some way have embraced some of these experiences, but it depends on the circumstances and to what degree they affected us as to whether we experienced a permanent shift in consciousness.
I’m sure many of the world’s pre-eminent individuals have had altered states of consciousness. Let’s hope some of them have made positive contributions to society as a result.

What would you still like to achieve?

Get a children’s book published … and some other things…

Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?

Don’t think it would benefit his career much.

Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?

Haven’t pondered on this too much. – Would like to see more of both sides of the argument. However I am sure that we do harm the environment by the consumer society waste disposal, cutting down of rain forests and many other things we do that disrupt the balance of nature.

And lastly please feel free to say or plug anything at all you want to

For anyone that might be interested, I have recently released an album of demo recordings of songs I have written or co written in the 70’s & 80’s
The Album is called “Echoes” and is available through the New Seekers web site www.thenewseekers.com
Last but not least – please have a look at our holiday cottages in Wales.
Just put GEUFRON into Google and it will come up or type www.geufronholidaycottages.com