Musician Interview with NuJ4X

Today I had the privilege of doing a quick twitterview with new musician NuJ4X (pronounced New Jacks).  Here is how it went:

@TeeJayToday:  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions, to get started, what are your musical inspirations?

@NuJ4X:  I’m inspired by artists such as Sam Sparro, LMFAO, and many others. However, I’d say my greatest inspiration would be Lady Gaga. I loved her early work with RedOne and she was at the forefront of the dance pop revolution which helped pave the way for so many others. Two other heroes I’d like to mention are Deadmau5 and Marshmello, even though my music video kind of pokes fun at them and their Twitter beef. It’s all in good fun though! 

@TJ: Why do you love music so much?

@Nu:  Wow, why do I love music so much? I don’t even know how to answer that! Music has always been a part of my life and it’s really the only thing that makes sense to me in this world. You know the feeling you get when you hear a really great song and it fills your chest up with that feeling. It’s like a euphoric mix of happiness, excitement, pride, and that feeling to just scream at the top of your lungs. I just love music and I just love the idea that I can labor over a song and it might cause those feelings in another human being! I could create someone’s favorite song they listen too to get them ready for work or school or the big game or even just life! That sort of thing really matters to me!

@TJ:  How would you describe your music to someone that hasn't been introduced to you yet?

@Nu:  I would describe my sound as a mixed bag of EDM (Electric Dance Music). I wake up sometimes and I’m like what would happen if....? I’ll mix trap with Melbourne bounce, throw some psytrance in there, decide it needs some rave, techno, House, future bass, and if it works then it works and if not, then I do something else! I don’t want to be a “progressive house” artist, or a “future bass” artist or a “DnB” artist. I just want to make EDM music, manipulate all the sub genres and make some new or unique sounding beats with all the hallmarks of EDM and it’s sub genres, but done in ways that you haven’t heard or thought of! I want you to hear a song and go “Who is that!?” And you’re like OH! Another NuJ4X classic! 

@TJ:  Love the new single, ‘Dab on them haterz’  and it’s video, but why the mask?

@Nu:  Why the mask, you ask? Well, I just really like the mask and why not? Plus, my dream is to be big and famous of course but I want to be able to go to Walmart and goof off with my wife and no one knows it’s me or cares that my wife and I are loud and obnoxious! My dream is to tour the world, rock shows, blow minds, and make people dance. But, when the shows are over and the music has stopped and the fun it put on pause, I want to be able to take my mask off and then no one cares about me and I can act silly with my wife! Plus I want to live in a normal neighborhood and not the McMansions of Hollywood! 

@TJ: What’s next for NuJ4X? 

@Nu:  Well I’m working on my debut album “DJ for teh Lulz” and I’m trying to collab with some people in my scene, outside my scene, way far left field and literally anyone I can! I just want to make music and be in the public eye and make a living off of it and entertain the fans! The fans are always priority number one and I never want to forget that!

I just want to thank NuJ4X for taking the time to answer a felony questions, below you will find a link to his newest video! 

NuJ4X Music Video! Click Here!

As always look for me on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the latest happenings and stories! 

Rising Star!..... An Interview with Sam Wearing

I am excited to bring to my readers an interview of a rising star who is working his way up online and gaining exposure on YouTube with his videos, Sam Wearing.  I actually found him by doing a YouTube search on 'Into the Woods'.   I then discovered his One-Man 'Into the Woods' Medley video and knew I wanted to interview him for our blog.  Sam was obliged to answer my silly questions. 

 

Give us a quick bio.... Mom and dad, siblings, hometown,

 

Hello! My name is Sam Wearing, I have recently turned 21 years old and I live in a small town in the UK called Swindon with my Dad Mike and my Brother Joe. 

 
 

Tell us about some of the jobs you've done in the past that aren't music related that got you to where you are now.

 

I  have actually only had one job in my entire life to date. It was my first ever job interview too and I was absolutely terrified! Luckily it went very well, and I was given a job at River Island, which is a fashion store based in the UK (RiverIsland.com). I started working there on a 4 hour contract, which meant I only worked 4 hours a week every Saturday morning. At the time I was living in London too, studying Musical Theatre at the BRIT school Monday – Friday, so I was travelling a very large amount back and forth between Swindon and London on a weekly basis.

 

In 2012  I graduated from the BRIT school. I was then given the opportunity to progress at River Island and work full time, so I moved back home to Swindon and worked, which I did until September 2014. I then moved back to London to study a degree in Musical Theatre at the London College Of Music, but I sustained a serious knee injury and had to leave the course in November 2014. Before you ask, I was asleep in bed, and injured my knee rolling over. (No word of a lie). So I then found myself needing surgery to repair a torn and displaced Meniscus in my knee. After about 10 weeks recovery and not being able to walk, I am finally up and around again, and it feels amazing! I do plan on studying a Musical Theatre degree again in the future at some point, but I need to focus on my recovery, and getting back to doing physical activity again very soon.

 
 

Funniest story?

 

I love questions like these! I think one of the funniest (yet embarrassing) stories is when I was performing in a professional pantomime in Swindon. The show was Aladdin, and of course there is a scene in the 'cave of wonder' which involved a lot of dry ice (Dry ice is the low lying smoke/fog effect that is used in many film/TV/stage productions). The machine that was creating this effect started to leak water all over the stage, obviously we were in the middle of a performance,and also the actual dry ice itself was covering the huge pool of water in the middle of the stage. So unaware of the swimming pool created in front of us dancers, we carried on as normal. Now you can imagine, dancing + pool of water on stage = Not the best situation to be in. By the end of the song, all 12 or so dancers had fallen over at some point and were trying so hard not to laugh on stage! Fun memories. 

 
 

Biggest celebrity encounter?

 

A few quite well known people I have been fortunate to work with are: Shaun Williamson (Barry in the UK soap EastEnders), JLS (Former UK boy-band) and Britt Ekland (Former Bond Girl). These  were all in professional working environments, and I was also quite young so I didn't fully understand or appreciate who I was working with, but they were all lovely and I have fond memories of working with all of them.

 

 

Other than Youtube, where have you performed?

 

I have actually been VERY lucky with opportunities of live performances in the past. In early 2011 I performed various solos at the 02 Arena in London as part of the “Voice In A Million” concerts, which was a very overwhelming, but so rewarding experience. Also in 2012 I was selected by the BRIT school to perform solo at the Royal Festival Hall in London with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and this has to be my favourite live performance experience to date. Performing with a live orchestra in a concert hall was incredible. 

 
 

What one artist do you look up to the most and why?

 

John Barrowman. He is one person I have always admired and been inspired by. He is loved by so many people, and has had a very successful career. He started in Musical Theatre, which is what I really want to do. He then went on to do to a lot of TV appearances, and also his solo albums & concerts, which are also some of my aspirations in life. If I could be any bit as successful as him, I will be one happy guy! 

 
 

Biggest hurdle of being a musician?

 

I would have to say a hurdle I have discovered through my personal journey on YouTube so far is being different. You need to have something people will remember, and want to watch again & again. When I started my YouTube channel back in 2011, I started by posting generic pop covers. This was my way of trying to please a wide audience, with as many people as possible. I then started recording acoustic versions of pop songs, versions not many people have heard, and this then started to gain a little reaction from people. For some reason, I was quite hesitant to post musical theatre covers, but when I finally branched out and started posting them I suddenly found myself with a target audience of Musical Theatre fans to focus on making videos for. Since then I have not written off covering pop songs, but I will cover the songs I feel suit me, and that people will enjoy watching. So yeah, make yourself a bit different, and know who you want to reach out to. 

 
 

Where are you playing next?

 

I do not have any current plans for live performances at the moment, but it is something I want to do more of in the future. My ultimate goal in life is to have my own live concert, singing songs I love, to an audience that have chosen to come and watch me perform. It WILL happen one day!

 

 

Biggest inspiration?

 

I am going to have to say my Mum. Unfortunately she passed away in 2011 from Cancer. When you loose someone so close to you, such as an immediate family member, it just throws everything up in the air. This was the reason I started making my YouTube videos, to give myself something to keep me busy, to monitor my own progress, and also for my own enjoyment. She was the only person who would never tell me to stop singing around the house! She was always encouraging me to take part in performances and really gave me so much belief in myself. Luckily the last time she saw me perform was at the 02 Arena in London, so it's nice to know she has seen me at a highlight in my life, and hopefully there will be many more highlights to come, so that I can continue to make her proud and do what I love. 

 

What can your fans learn from you, or what have you learned from them? 

 

One of the things I have learnt in life, that I would love to pass on to others, is that life is NEVER straight forward. One of my favourite quotes is : “Everything happens for a reason, even if it takes time to understand why”. It sounds cliché but is so true. Everyone goes through struggles and has difficult times, its just what happens in life. The most difficult times are those that give us the opportunity to thrive and come out a better person. I myself, have had set backs, but I can now look at all of these experiences, and know that these have helped me become who I am today. I am very lucky to be in a position where something positive has started to grow from a difficult time in my life. I have even received messages from people who say that I have had an impact on how they deal with difficult situations, which is an incredibly humbling feeling, and one I will probably never get used to. To be doing something I love, and being able to help others too is an awesome feeling.

 

 
 

Rapid Fire: Favourite: (one word answers)

 

Animal

Unicorn (Does that count!?)

 

Color

Blue

 

Food

Chicken Nuggets

 

Sports team

My dad supports Everton F.C,  so I have to say that!

 

Song

“Pretty Funny” from Dogfight.

 

Sport

Ice Skating

 

Artist

Sam Smith

 

Actor/Actress

Eddie Redmayne 

 

Number

16

 

Astrological sign

Capricorn

 

Movie

The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

 

Book

“Is It Just Me?” By Miranda Hart

 

Drink

Fresh Orange Juice

 

 

Favourite music collab you've done? (Or want to do)

 

I have not done a collaboration to date, but I would love to do a live acoustic cover with someone who can play  guitar or Piano. I am working on learning to play the piano at the moment, and I envy those who can play, it takes so much practice. 

 
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

 

Do what YOU love. There will be others out there who love it too, whatever it is. Gaining exposure online and also in person is VERY difficult so do not be afraid to reach out to people who may enjoy your material. If you know your target audience, use social media to invite them to watch. 

If you think they will enjoy it, ask them, you never know you may get yourself a new supporter.  Be proud of what you create, just be very careful how it comes across online, as sometimes it can come across as very arrogant or brash. In my experience, social media (Especially Twitter & Facebook) have been brilliant platforms for me to reach my audience, and gain support. Also try and do current things, these are what get more views as people are searching for material at that specific time. One last VERY important thing to mention.. NEVER give up! And always strive for what you want to do in life, it will be worth it in the end.

 
 

What is one fact about you that no one else knows, not even your close friends and family?

 

I get VERY excited about food. I try to hide it (and I think I do quite well) but especially when I am super hungry, I just get so excited when I am about to eat. Weird? Okay I didn't just say that... 
 

 

Where can we find you ? What is your twitter handle, Facebook, youtube, etc.....

 

YouTube.com/MrSPW2011

 

Twitter.com/SamWearing or @SamWearing

 

Facebook.com/SamWearingOnline

 

Instagram - @SamWearing

 

Soundcloud -  soundcloud.com/SamWearing2

 

 

Sam's latest video is his One-Man "Into the Woods" Medley and you can watch it below!

 

 

 

Best Interview so far

Sometimes you find someone that is so well in tuned with their audience that when they sign up to do an interview with me that I don't even have to ask any questions.  Today's interviewee is that person, they can talk about their product much better than I.  That is why, I am just copy/pasting what they sent me, I only had to write one little question and his responses are awesome.  So, please enjoy this interview and maybe later we can do a little jig together!

(First eMail)
Ok TeeJay,

 

You heard it here first. The startling true story behind LearnClubDance.com. A story of some pretty epic entertainment industry fails. Proceed with caution savvy entertainment industry reader, and learn from my mistakes.

 

My name is Paul Bolotovsky and I own learnclubdance.com. I produced all of the instructional dance videos on my website.

 

Ask me if I know how to use my camera, and I might reply with "iPhone camera?" When I first started, I had no idea how to use a camera, what a c stand stood for, and I was annoyed I had to rent lights when the venue I was shooting in had a perfectly usable light switch. Not every producer knows how to use their equipment. Fortunately for me, I was no producer. I was a college student majoring in economics (not film), and ignorance is as they say bliss.

 

The first project was a fail. I hired my friends, borrowed free gear, and rented cheap space inside of a Russian nightclub in a seedy part of Brooklyn. No production insurance. No paperwork to sign. Needless to say if anything went wrong, the club's owners, I mean mobsters, would probably inflict some bodily harm onto me, and probably the talent too. My friends, who didn't share the same vision as me for the project slapped fish eye lenses to their cameras, unleashed a giant fog machine, and someone found the switch to the disco lights.

But despite the somewhat questionable production value, the product we created was exactly what I set out to do. It's what guys like me were looking for. And once people started to buy my stuff, I made more videos and never looked back.

That brings me to my second entertainment industry fail.

 

I thought if I could create a hit DVD, that I could cold call Best Buy and that my DVD would be flying off their shelves in no time.

 

Cold call Best Buy I did. Unfortunately, it was a cold answer that I got. Actually, it was more of a robotic answer, because I never got past their voicemail system.

I did somehow manage to reach Tower Records and J and R Music in NYC. I have no idea what the person on the other end of the line thought of my naive, high pitched voice, but I was told to call back when I had more videos.

 

My next two videos were in the same genre, basic social dancing, but this time, I set out to make a DVD for women. Obviously.

And that brings me to another lesson. Don't invent a niche. Join a niche that has already proved itself.

 

I'm not sure how, or why I decided to take on this one man quest to teach the women of the world how to shake what their momma's gave them but it had a lot to do with the fact that there were already many dance workout videos being marketed to women.

If large Hollywood studios like Lions Gate were producing content in this genre, then that was proof of a market.

 

So I produced two instructional DVDs specifically targeting women. I reached out to the biggest dance representation in NYC and I ended up working with the hottest, sexiest, coolest woman my little twenty one year old self had ever hung out with. For a geek like me, it was scary, but it was worth it, because the instructors I worked with were some of the biggest names in the dancing industry.

 

Now that I had three videos, I called Tower Records again. They told me to call back when I had more videos after all. Well I learned three was not enough either.

 

Entertainment industry lesson number four:

With no luck finding distribution myself, I ended up signing with a "sales agent," who promised to have many warm contacts in the entertainment industry. To get me in a closed boardroom meeting with LionsGate, all they needed was $4,000 to cover their upfront costs. They never returned my calls after that 4k check was cashed.

With Best Buy and Target clearly not stumbling over each other to get hands on my videos, I realized that self distribution was going to be the way to go.

 

And lesson number five is all about how Amazon has revolutionized how people consume content. All of a sudden, thanks to Amazon's seller program, I was on the same level playing field as all of the major studios!

 

And there lads, that about wraps up one man's journey into the world of self-distribution.

(2nd eMail)
I replied with:

Great history of the product, can you give me a run down of each DVD available and why someone like me, who can't dance at all, would buy these?

 

and Paul responded with:

 Hey TeeJay,

"Why someone like me, who can't dance at all, would buy these?"

 

If you can't dance at all, then you sound a lot like our typical customer. Because if are already a great dancer, then you probably don't need a video that teaches you how to dance. For those that can't dance, you have our videos, which are just one way of becoming a better dancer. You can also take classes, get drunk, hire a private instructor, or dance with someone really hot. Dancing with a beautiful woman always makes you look like a better dancer.

 

Why would you buy an instructional dance video if you can't dance? Well, it's for the same reason someone would take guitar lessons if they don't know how to play guitar. Because they want to get better.

 

So I think you might be asking, why would someone like yourself want to learn how to dance.

Well, there are plenty of reasons why a man would want to learn to dance:

Weddings, parties, and corporate parties. Sometimes we get thrown into the fire and society tells us we have to dance, even if we would rather wrestle honey away from a bear. Your boss's summer party, your neighbors sweet 16, your wedding night, or your divorce party. With everyone's eyes on you, these are all situations that may lead you to want to be a better dancer.

• How you dance is how you might perform in the sack. While I don't know if that old adage has any truth to it, I do know this: Men who can dance are more attractive. According to science. Put two men next to each other. A bad dancer, and a better dancer. Make everything else equal, like height and looks, and ask a woman which one is more attractive. Science tells us she will choose the better dancer. And men who are good dancers apparently send subliminal messages to other men who are potential competitors to stay away. Daily Mail Reference, Science Mag
• Dancing makes you smarter. Apparently that's what a new Stanford Study says. I'll keep telling myself that next time I get drunk and go dancing and partying all night. Stanford Study
• Because sometimes you have to dance to dodge bullets aimed at your feet
• Because sometimes you score a really good touch down and you have to throw salt on the wound and do a touch down dance to celebrate
• Because sometimes, your wife, girlfriend, or secret mistress makes you. And that unfortunately, is sometimes the biggest reason of them all.

So for those that do want to learn to dance, there are a few options on our website. We have different videos based on your experience, your goals, your gender, and the style of dance you would like to learn.

 

We have DVDs designed for the absolute beginner such as yourself. These videos keep in mind that you do not want to be a professional dancer. They recognize that you might not "love" to dance, and that you are probably just learning to dance for a function.

 

Own The Dance Floor Vol 1 - Simple Moves For The Common Man

This beginners DVD is for guys such as yourself, who have very little experience dancing, and it teaches you basic social dancing moves. Think the movie "Hitch," only better and more practical. We split our social dancing videos up by gender because not only do men and women dance differently, but they also may have different motivations for dancing.

 

Sexy Moves For The Club

This beginners DVD for women teaches you fun, flirty, sexy moves. You'll learn everything from hot, subtle moves you can do to blend in on the dance floor, to flirty moves that will have everyone's eyes on you. By the time you are done with this video, you'll learn how to move your hips in a whole new way and you'll have a new arsenal of moves to impress your friends. Knowing how to move your hips is one of the most important factors of a good dancer.

 

Dance The Night Away - Partner Dancing 101

This video is what I call the "short cut" to formal ballroom dance lessons. It takes the moves you have already learned in Simple Moves, or Sexy Moves, and it shows you how to combine and use them with a partner. If you have an upcoming wedding, then this is the video for you. Instead of learning formal ballroom dance steps, we just show you a few simple spins and dips that look a lot harder than they are. So while you're dancing the night away on that big occasion, and you catch yourself smiling, it might be because of the amount of time and money you saved by skipping formal dance lessons.

 

We have plenty of other videos, from Salsa, to Hip Hop, to workouts, but if you are new to dance, these three are the best place to start.

 

Please let me know if you have any more questions, these are great!

Talk soon,

 

Paul Bolotovsky

-End of Interview-

As you can see I have fallen for the enthusiasm this guy has for his product.  So if you are looking for that new sexy dance move to add to your club playlist, please check this guy out, buy a DVD or watch the video tutorial on YouTube!  Make sure you follow him on social media and check out website:

Paul Bolotovsky

LearnClubDance.com

Facebook.com/LearnClubDance

Twitter.com/LearnClubDance

Youtube.com/LearnClubDanceTV

Jamee Natella from BluEyed Pictures inc.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Jamee Natella, founder and executive producer of Blueyed Pictures via email.

From this picture, I can see where Jamee got the name for her company!

TeeJay: What happened to make you start your company?

Jamee: I was living and working in Tokyo for Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) – a highly unusual gig for a foreigner. I soon realized that there was a need for someone to provide production services to visiting producers. So I decided to launch my own venture, Blueyed Pictures Inc. My first job was producing a commercial for Virgin Cinemas.

What has been you favorite project? Hardest?

I have produced a great deal of work the past 15 years.

I like the commercials that bring us to different locations. They are most memorable to me because you travel, live with your crew and discover new situations. Pepsi for BBDO in the Caribbean, Land Rover for Y&R in Japan & Sony In China are amongst a few.

I also really dig commercials that I get to work with accomplished individuals i.e Visa- athletes in the Olympics

The most challenging I believe become your favorite commercials. It makes you strive to be a better producer and gets you out of your comfort zone.

The Lexus Superbowl Spot was challenging (2011) - creating a massive sci-fi environment in the Long Beach Convention Center--- AND our other Producer, Jon Goldberg would agree, Scion Declaration (2008)- a 3 day desert shoot featuring over 150 picture vehicles, 25 precision drivers, helicopter shots, and an 80+ foot crane shot.

What is coming up in the future?

We just wrapped a Bud Light spot for the Superbowl and for SC Johnson a product called, "All Out".

Currently running , is our campaign for Toyota Scion's 10-year anniversary, University of Arizona and BBDO's Fight Dengue.

Next year we will also go into production on Blueyed Pictures' first feature film.

There’s so much more to come in January 2014!

 

What is the process behind a commercial, because many people think it is a quick process, I know otherwise.

You have to be able to move quickly. A lot of preparation goes into it as well. Firstly, the ad agency does market research on the product, and comes up with a campaign. Then I have to win the job - and there’s always competition! The agency will pick a director - usually someone from our roster. Or there might already be a director attached, in that case we execute their vision. Of course, after the job has been awarded, we do a lot of prep work and get everything ready for the shoot, which can last anywhere from one to four days.

What do you want people to know about what you do?

This job requires dedication but also a huge amount of energy – it really is 24/7. You must have passion but also the ability to focus. You need to be up to date on the latest products and innovations - they may be future clients. But you also need to be informed about the latest directors and DPs, and have watched all of their reels. Social media plays an important role in this business, from a branding and marketing perspective. And always know your immediate competitors – this environment is constantly changing and you need to stay one step ahead of everyone else.

 

 

Follow Blueyed on

Twitter: @Blueyedpictures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueyedpictures?ref=br_tf

Instagram: @Blueyedpictures

Sam from Amsterdam Interview

Sam from Amsterdam Interview

 

A Little about Sam from her website 

"I’m Sam from Amsterdam, But really my name is Samantha Stomphorst… I changed it because no one could pronounce it. When I lived in Snyder TX, I played at my FAVORITE venue, the Belle Opry House, every weekend. The owners, Robert and Suzi Q would introduce me on stage as Sam from Amsterdam. So since then, that’s my new name

I grew up in the Netherlands, lived there until I was 17. I moved to Texas by myself, and my family still lives in Holland.
I go around Texas and play music, that’s my favorite thing to do. I’m just an overall music fan. I listen to every style of music, and know lyrics to so many songs its ridiculous!"

 

 

TeeJay Today: Sam, you are from Holland, but relocated to West Texas. What was the biggest culture shock you had to get used to in Texas?

Sam from Amsterdam: To this day, I learn new things about this country every day. New expressions, new words.. Plus each state sort of has a different culture to it, so it never gets old. One of the biggest culture shocks though, was the portions of food. My mom has always taught me to finish whatever is on my plate, so I did.. Here that caused me to gain quite a few pounds haha! Also what surprised me is that y'all have a drive through for everything! I used to think it was so cool to go to the bank so I could send one of those bottles up the pipe. I still think that's pretty dang cool. Just little things like that are still awesome to me.

TJ: You said that you worked 3 jobs for about 80 hours per week to save up enoughmoney to get back to Texas, What where those jobs and do you have any stories you would like to share that happened while working on those jobs?

Sam: I did, it was tough to get myself back to this country. It’s pretty hard to get into this country if your home country doesn’t share a border. I've been trying hard to do this the legal way. The government has so much paperwork to go through it's ridiculous! I can't afford a lawyer, so I read and do all the paperwork myself. The easiest visa to get was a student visa, so that's the first one I got. On there it wants you to have a certain amount of money available in the bank.. This is why I had to save all that money. My parents made me a deal.. They said if I'd stay with them in Holland, they'd pay for my school, board, food, everything! But.. If I'd move away to the USA like I wanted to, I would have to do everything myself. They didn't think I'd be able to save up all this money by myself¦ it was pretty tough, being so young and never doing anything but work.. Literally! I would get up at 4:30 do my paper route, then run to get my scholarship, then go work at the restaurant all day.. And from Monday through Wednesday the restaurant was closed at nights, so I worked at McDonalds for a while and as a telemarketer. I never went out, or did anything that cost me money. On my only afternoon off on Sunday, I would watch tv all day, lay in bed and eat. I looooved my job working as a waitress.. That helped a lot, doing something I loved. I had the best co workers that even put out a jar with "Sam's USA Money" on it so our regulars could help me out.

TJ: Tell me everything about your first big band show that you recently played.

Sam: The first full band show I played was at Rockin' Rodeo in Midland, TX. Brian Milson lent me his band to open his show. It was so awesome! Best feeling ever! A bunch of people came out to watch, which meant a lot to me. It was to my surprise easier than playing acoustic, It wasn't all up to me. Me and the band got to share, and I loved that.

TJ: What one artist do you look up to the most and why?

Sam: I look up to Gretchen Wilson.. I read her book and she reminds me of me.. Just strong willed and do whatever she feels like kinda person. She chased her dreams and would not stop, and that's what I'm doing right now. I don't have a rich daddy filling my pockets with money either.. Like Gretchen I'll have to fight for what I want and pay my dues, and that's fine with me.

TJ: If you had to choose one song that summed up your life and challenges, what would it be?

Sam: Probably "Born to Fly" by Sarah Evans.. I had always known I was going to leave Holland, move to the USA and do something big with my life. I'm just not a person that would ever be happy working a 9-5 job the rest of my life and come home to a bunch of kids. I feel like I was born to fly. I've never really felt like I fit in anywhere.. But that has helped me a lot, because I don't ever get comfortable in situations.. Because I just don't fit in.. I keep moving forward.

TJ: In 3 words, describe your freshman album?

Sam: I would say it's Soulful, Unique and Truthful.. I wrote 4 songs on there and they all mean a lot to me. They all have their own meaning. Like Only 21, I wrote that when I was in a really low place. And Mexico helped me out of that. I wrote Mexico when I met my parents over there a few years ago and kinda got to get away and relax for the first time in a long time. All these songs have a meaning to me, and I feel like a lot of people can relate to them. I might not be raised in the country, but I sure as hell know how to work hard.

TJ: I saw that Rich o'Toole purchased your album from iTunes, how did that make you feel when you found out? (If you watched my TV show, you saw me interview this Awesome TX Musician!)

Sam: This was the coolest thing ever! I've admired Rich's music for a long time. When I moved here he was one of the first Texas acts I saw. I could watch his show every day and not get tired of it. I think he's a true entertainer and love learning from him as an artist. He's always been very supportive and always has time to give advice. I tweeted him that my album was out and he bought it right away and then advertised it on twitter and instagram for me.

TJ: What is one thing that you want future fans to know about you?

Sam: To keep their eyes out for me, I'm gonna fight till I get to the top. What I would want my future fans to know is that I'm the real deal. I'm not just someone who sings other people's songs and is told exactly how to sing something. I'm not someone who gets everything handed to them and will only eat of gold plates haha. I play every gig I can get, I love every person I see smiling when I play a show. Whenever I moved here and was all by myself, it always made me feel like I wasn't alone when I would listen to music. I want to make people happy with my music and help them through tough times and stand by them through good times. I feel like I'm born to do this

Rapid Fire: Favorite: (one word answers)

TJ: Animal
Sam: dog

TJ: Color
Sam: Red

TJ: Food
Sam: Ribs

TJ: Sports Team
Sam: Crimson Tide

TJ: Song
Sam: Speechless

TJ: Sport
Sam: Running

TJ: Artist
Sam: Gretchen Wilson

TJ: Magazine
Sam: Runners

TJ: Actress
Sam: Jennifer Aniston

TJ: Number
Sam: 17

TJ: Astrological Sign
Sam: Aquarius

TJ: Movie
Sam: Overboard

TJ: Book
Sam: A lotus Growing in the Mud

TJ: Drink
Sam: Diet Coke

TJ: Single or Taken?

Sam: Taken!!

TJ: Describe your perfect date?

Sam: My perfect date would be going to see a band play, or going to see a movie and some dinner.. I'm a pretty simple person.. My favorite time of the day is just laying on the couch with my favorite person in the world and fall a sleep watching tv..

TJ: What is the last dream you remember?

Sam: Pff.. I have the weirdest dreams I swear! Last night I dreamed that I ran into Tom Hanks and that I got mad at him because we were on a plane together and he wouldn't shut up.. Who would get mad at Tom Hanks talking to them?? I don't know where this came from haha

TJ: Where can we find your Album? What is your twitter handle, Facebook, etc.....

Sam: You can find my album on iTunes and on my website www.samfromamsterdam.com my twitter is samfrmamsterdam and my face book is www.facebook.com/samfromamsterdam

 

Chris Riggi and upcoming Projects

First, before you start reading, everyone needs to go and donate at least $1 to Chris' KickStarter to help fund his latest movie!  I already donated!  Click HERE!

 

 

I recently had the chance to catch up with Chris through email, twitter, and phone...  He is a very busy man.... Here is our conversation:

 



TeeJay:  How are the pups doing? (Stella & Tucci)
Chris Riggi: The dogs are great, they are upstate with the family, too much going on right now to have them here.

 TJ:  I would like to invite you to be my first big interview for IndieArtistMagazine.com!
Chris Riggi: Congratulations on IndieArtistMagazine!!!  Yes, I would love to interview asap for you.

TJ:  I was just looking at your IMDB and when do you have time to breathe?
CR: I Don't!

TJ:  What is going on with Police State?
CR: I am close to finishing "Police State" which is roller coaster ride. The director is trying to make me the next Tom Cruise, which is impossible but FUN. I went to the hospital a few times due to doing my own stunt work. One stunt brought me to the eye doctor with two scratched cornias, from a botched explosion. I also got blown back from the same explosion and missed the crash pad nearly breaking my arm, luckily no permanent damage. But the scene looks amazing! I also got to work with Sean Young (Blade Runner and Ace Ventura) which was really cool.

TJ: I cant wait for Police State... How much longer until we can see it? The Next Tom Cruise huh? I'd buy that.... as much as you are working... I think you can pass him. Be careful doing those stunts!

What is the plot of Police State? I have an idea but I think it would sound better coming from you.

CR:  Police State is an action/adventure film centered around my character as he tries to protect the love of his life from unknown terrorist attacks in New York City.

TJ:  On IMDB.com I see you have a credit on Wolf of Wallstreet, how was that? (releases in 2013)
CR: I got to work for 3 days on "Wolf of Wallstreet" and had a few lines, mostly improv. But I got to audition for and meet Marty S (Martin Scorsece) and the crew which was intense. Leo (Leonardo DiCaprio) is probably who I would want to model my career after. He is a role model for young actors. He had this monologue where his character is shouting at a crowd of coworkers and he went all out the entire time, never pulling back. He was out of breath and on the floor after each take. And let me tell you, that guy is awesome to see up close. I learned so much from watching him work. He really deserves a break from all this noise.

*FYI* Wolf of Wallstreet has a huge and talented cast, including but not limited to: Martin Scorsece, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill, John Favreau, and of course Chris Riggi amonh many others!

TJ:  What has been some of the best advice you have gotten from fellow actors/artists?
CR:  Best advice I got was from Jonah Hill, "stay single" ha.

TJ:  You are really busy right now with multiple movies, pilots, etc... I'm guessing you don't have any downtime.
CR: Right now its pilot season and I am keeping myself busy with 5 different characters at once, its a mess. But I am staying sane by writing my own material.
Right now, I have an unfinished screenplay called "Cake" that I am writing and would like to direct someday, Ed Burns has been a huge help, inspiration wise. The short film I directed: "Bazaaro" is somewhat done and up on youtube, its a rough cut.  I have a few movies in post and pre-production and a possible TV pilot called "Promo Life" in the works.

Bazaaro:

 

TJ: So how did you like being behind the camera on bazaaro (and infront of it), was it harder to direct yourself or the other actors? 

CR:  I have never wanted to just act, so many actors JUST act. I respect that, but I cannot be one of them. I respect people like Ed Burns, he is a role model for me. 

 

TJ: From your KickStarter Link, I see you are working on a movie called Chrisalis, What is it about?

CR: I am super excited to talk to you about my next project "Chrysalis".

John Faughnan (winner best writer *Boston Film Festival for "To Redemption"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2091459/) has crafted yet another dark drama to be directed by his wife Alexia Oldini. Heres the trailer for "To Redemption".

Its a story based on true events: two cousins who believe they can become famous by killing an entire family (the judge who put my character away being the father). These two characters film the carnage and death...without the use of guns. A lot of the footage will be shot with the combination of iphones, flip cams and GoPro cameras.

 

These are the darkest characters I have ever read. I plan on taking on a Christian Bale type transformation (The Fighter,Machinist and Rescue Dawn, eating clean, vegetarian food, juices and a lot of cardio. We start rehearsing and creating a KICKSTARTER next week to raise money, a purposed budget of around $9,000 (smallest feature budget I have worked on).

 

This is a bare bones production consisting of myself, John, Alexia (who is the director and DP) and a few techies on set. There are only 3 other actors besides John and I. This is a gritty, in your face indie thriller that will leave its audience shocked.

TJ: Is $9000 enough?  Is that enough to get equipment, food, editing costs, etc....

CR: Having a bigger budget can create certain problems especially when the people who gave you that $1 million want to add their creative input. Raising the money ourselves will allow us creative control.

 

TJ: Chrysalis sounds really dark and I am immedietely drawn to it. You are playing one of the cousins that kill, right? Everything I have seen you in is totally the oppposite (except for bazaaro... you were pretty intense in that). How hard was it to go dark?

CR: Yes, I am playing one of the cousins that kill the whole family. I am going in the opposite direction of "nice". I made a promise to myself when I was in school that I would not settle and I would push myself as far as I could go for this craft. I have NOT done that, I have settled and I have picked up bad habits along the way. Recently I am working very hard to correct those habits . My goal is to move the audience and make them feel. That is why I need to drop weight and look like garbage for "Chrysalis", even though its an art house, zero budget project, I need to push this thing as far as it can go. And the filmmakers believe in me, oddly enough. I should be fighting for the high profile, high paying jobs but right now I am just trying to do good work. The creative team behind "Chrysalis" have told me to "stop doing cute work Chris!!!", I am trying to listen.

 

 

TJ: You are playing so many different characters right now, how do you keep them all seperate? 

CR: We have to find a way to let them all go. Its not an easy career, but neither is anything else if your going to be good at it. This "Chrysalis" film is very moving and dark, I would be lying if I told you that I was not walking around NYC with a few deranged thoughts here and there.

 

TJ:  Wow Chris, you are an extremely busy man and I wish you the best of Luck in all of your endeavors AND with Chrysalis....

GO SUPPORT IT TODAY! Click HERE to Donate!

*Update.... Chrysalis was fully funded BUT a deadbead donor pulled out and now we need to raise over $1000 all over again.... please... if you can spare $1 it would make a difference!

 

For the latest news on Chris and Chrysalis, make sure your follow @ChrisRiggi and @TeeJayToday on Twitter!

Find Chrysalis on facebook   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chrysalis/418346354913862?ref=ts&fref=ts

Find TeeJay Today on facebook  www.facebook.com/teejaytoday

Interview with Michael Epic!

Hi Mr. Epic.... Thank you for doing this interview with me.

- Its my pleasure, TeeJay. Thanks for having me.

#1. First off, tell us what style of music you create? Who/what are your inspirations?

#1 - I create commercial dance-pop! Rowdy, rump shaking dance pop! (laughs) my inspirations are LMFAO, Britney Spears, Sam Sparro, David Guetta and Glitch Mob. Those are all acts that bring something unique to the table of dance-pop and just pop in general that really resonates with me. They have a lot of impact on me as an artist.
-

#2. Are you touring or DJ'ing anywhere?

#2 - Not yet...so far we've only gotten down the first single "Way She (Wobble)" and Tipsy Girls coming up very soon, within perhaps the next week? So not touring or DJ'ing anywhere, yet.
-

#3. What made you want to get into music?

#3 - I've always loved music. My mother said when I was a young boy and music came on, everything else stopped. I can remember growing up and listening to everything from White Zombie to Quincy Jones, Alice Cooper, Nirvana, Tupac Shakur and even Insane Clown Posse. I listened to it all. EVEN TIFFANY if anyone remembers her (laughs)
-

#4. So where did the 'Wobble" song come from?

#4 - Well, this past year at February Album Writing Month (FAWM.ORG) I met up with Eric August who's FAWM screen name is @lazyafro and we started talking about music and possibly doing a collaboration and he made the beat, I wrote the song and I just thought "Way She Wobble" would be something fun to write about. I'm hoping to get that into the contemporary lexicon lol have people saying "way she wobbles" because of me (laughs)
-

#5. Most famous person(s) you have met?

#5 - I met Bruce Willis and Jaime Kennedy once, Kid Rock and Hank Williams JR. I met Pro MMA Fighter Ricco Ralston yesterday and he was pretty cool and one of my best buddies is up and coming MMA fighter Drew Gibson. I'm hoping he'll be famous soon!

#6. So give me the scoop on Scooter Braun.

#6 - Well, Scooter Braun is Justin Bieber's manager and has also recently signed Korean rapper PSY due to his amazing breakout hit "Gangnam Style" in which I listen to 10 times a day at least and rock that horsey dance (laughs) GANGNAM STYLE!

But Scooter Braun is a visionary in this current generation of pop stars...I mean look at Justin Bieber and his dedicated following. I really feel like Scooter would benefit from having me on his label and I would benefit from being on his label. In the future with some of the catchy songs I've got on the album, I'm hoping it'll become clear to see why.
-

#7. Do you think he will sign you? Has he reached out to you yet?

#7 - Do I think he will sign me? I think he would want to sign me down the road if I blew up a viral video like PSY did. He has not reached out to me yet...regardless of my many attempts to contact him. I know that record executives aren't really big on taking chances...but lets leave it all on the table right here in black and white with TeeJay of TeeJayToday! Scooter Braun, you should be taking a chance with me because I would be an investment that would pay off ten fold.

Who thinks that Scooter Braun needs to be more like TeeJay? I do. TeeJay showing Michael Epic love where Scooter Braun does not (laughs)
-

#8. What is your next big publicity stunt?

#8 - I can't tell you that (laughs) because then someone will try to beat me too it. Its top secret! Its that good! I'll tell you what I will do though...after it all goes down and the fire is lit and people are banging on my door for an interview...the very first one will go to you, TeeJay!
-

#9. So tell us about your next album/single.

#9 - The debut album "So What's Epic?" will be out in October or earlier next year. We may make it earlier if we finish earlier. The next single is called "Tipsy Girls" and was written by me and the beat created by Eric August. I'm trying to lure Pro MMA fighter Ricco Ralston to come lay down a rapping verse on it for me...he seems interested, so we'll see!
-

#10. Where can we purchase it?

#10 - ITunes and Amazon are good. I've got them distributed many places, but those are obviously the most convenient places to find my music.
-

#11. Tell us one thing about yourself that your current fans don't even know yet.

#11 - I was big in Bowling Green, KY between 2005 - 2008 with my music project "My Perfect Apathy" which was a small town success story! I've also got two singles released and on ITunes under a different alias named "Janus Mask" and that project isn't dead...just undergoing serious remodeling and hanging out on the backburner for now while I focus on the Michael Epic music project.
-

Rapid fire!
Favorite:
Sport: BASKETBALL
Food: MEXICAN
Number: 1
Color: YELLOW
Animal: Cat
Sports Team: Utah Jazz
Hobby: Xbox 360
Band: LMFAO
Song: LMFAO - Sorry for Party Rocking
Book: Where have all the Leaders Gone? by Lee Iacocca
and interviewer?! Easy, TeeJay at TeeJayToday!

Thanks Mr. Epic for the interview, hopefully some of my readers will fall in love with your style!

- I hope so too! Thanks for having me! See you in the future!

Don't forget to follow Mr. Epic on twitter at @MichaelEpic. Buy his music too, you won't be disappointed! You can preview it on YouTube!

Www.TeeJayToday.com