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!

 

 

 

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

Jimmy Elliott TV and Holding of Wrist interview

So first things first.... Give us a brief bio of yourself:

Yeah, totally. My name is Jimmy Elliott. I'm 19 years old and
currently live in Richmond, Virginia. I want to mention that I have
zero fans in this world, everyone is a friend, just like my friend Mod
Sun. When you use the word "fans" that puts me on a pedestal; But,
we're all equals here, I am and will always be just a normal person.

Tell me about the very first YouTube video you posted?

Haha my very first video. Wow, that was in 2008 and it was probably
the most awkward thing that I've done in my life. It was two minutes
straight of me sitting there quiet while making terrible terrible jokes.

What drew you to YouTube?

I'm not exactly sure to be honest. I saw a couple people making
vlogs, and I figured, well why can't I do that? So I grabbed my crappy
webcam and started making videos, it evolved from there.

What do you contribute to the success of your channel?

I think dedication and consistency has huge parts to play
in everyone's Youtube channels. If you're not dedicated or making
videos you love, you will fail. You need to stay true to yourself and
make things you love. I always tell people that after you edit it, and
YOU don't laugh or love it, don't upload it. Consistency has a huge
party also, upload at least once a week.

What are your favorite channels/genres to watch on YouTube?

Damon ("Deefizzy") is my all-time favorite Youtuber because of his
positive vibes. My other favorites are: All of Shay Carl's channels,
Meghan Camarena ("Strawburry17") and Joey Graceffa ("JoeyGraceffa").

What has been your most favorite video to post? Why?

That's difficult because I have so many favorites! Well my favorite
right now is "Color Beach". I filmed it when I drove down to the bay
for the day. Here's a secret, the audio in it isn't the actual audio. I
found the clip online and it fit perfectly into the video.

What video that you have posted has meant the most to you?

Probably "Simplicity" which went up a little after my 19th birthday.
It means a lot to me because my girlfriend and family is in it and it,
just, holds a lot of memories :)

What video has garnered the most feedback and why?

I believe my most viewed video is "Picture The Sunrise" which is a
music video I made to a song by my friend, Mod Sun. I'm honestly not
sure why it has the most views or interaction, because
I initially didn't intend to film that.

What career are wanting to go into?

I plan on being a psychologist in the future. It's been my plan
since I went into high school several years ago.

How has having a popular YouTube channel prepare you for psychology?

I feel like Youtube has prepared me for a lot more than just my
future career. Having thousands of people watching you, yet you don't
know them, is a really strange feeling- but it's cool. I get to
communicate with a lot of people, and I think communication helps
everyone with everything in the future.

RAPID FIRE! Favorite:
celebrity : Ghandi
candy : Pixy Stix
sports team : UVA
sport : Football
food : mozzarella sticks & French fries
color : Light Blue
number : 6
movie : To Save a Life
actor : Robin Williams
song : Some Nights by FUN
singer : Too Hard a Question HaHa
animal : moose
interviewer : you of course
month : September
tv show : Flash Point
school subject : Psycology
type of car : Any Type of Pick-up

For the ladies..... Boxers or briefs?

Boxers of course!

Describe a perfect date:

The perfect date would be me picking up the girl at her
house, getting her flowers, then us driving down to the beach for the
day and having dinner with the sunset.

Tell us something about yourself that even your biggest fans (friends) don't know yet?

Hmmm something my FRIENDS
don't know, that's a difficult one. I think probably that I'm more
normal than you would think. Though I am a very positive person, I
also, like you, have my bad days.

Lets switch tracks a little.... Tell me about Holding of Wrist.

Yes! Holding of Wrist was a
group I started in 2008 after I went through a lot of my personal
issues. The focus is towards those dealing with self-harm, depression,
and suicidal thoughts. HOW has over 100,000 supporters worldwide, and
has replied to 75,000 e-mails/myspace messages.

Do you have some stories to share that has been a result of HoW?

I have a ton of
stories that have resulted from Holding of Wrist, but something that
really sticks out to me is the people I've met. I've gotten the chance
to meet the most amazing people in the world. I love hearing several
months later from people who say things like they got help, they
stopped cutting, or even that Holding of Wrist saved their life. THAT
is truly an amazing thing to hear, because it reminds you why you do
what you do and brings you back home, ya know? It keeps you grounded.

What are you plans for HoW 5 yrs from now? 20 years out?

Some exciting things are happening with Holding of Wrist, mostly
behind the scenes. Holding of Wrist can only survive with the support
of all HOW staff, it's not only me anymore. In the next year, we teamed
up with Ark of Hope for Children and several other organizations to do
an east coast tour! In the next 20 years, we hope to change the world.
It's all about positive thinking and taking it one step at a time. In
the meantime, I'm excited about this tour so I can personally meet a
lot of new people.

I was watching the info video you made for HoW with the statistics, and they
really are compelling and thought provoking.... How can we help?

Yes, they are! I was doing the math using our
records from 2008 and when it came to those numbers I nearly passed
out! The thought of that much happening in just four years is so
amazing! I would say that if you want to support Holding of Wrist,
support your friends, the person alone at lunch, and the world. People
need to love other people more often, it's the only way the world is
going to survive. Along those lines, please visit our Twitter &
Facebook and share them with your friends

Anything you would like to add?

I just want to say thank
you to www.TeeJayToday.com for this opportunity, thank you to everyone who
supports me and Holding of Wrist, it really means a lot. I also want to
add that no matter where life may take me, I will always remain humble
and true to myself and I want people to know that. I will always
support YOU; I am here for YOU, not me. I love you, and you're an
amazing and beautiful person, always remember that. Thanks so much TJ!
If you have any other questions you know where to find me. ---
LOVECANCHANGETHEWORLD
Jimmy Elliott
Founder, Holding of Wrist



Thank You for taking the time out of you busy schedule to answer these questions
so that our Friends can get to know you even better!

-TeeJay Today



Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channels!

Artist Spotlight with @Vassy

A little backgound on Recording Artist Vassy (from her website)
Sometimes Vassy just needs to be Vassy. This doesn't get to happen all the time. Because when the native-Australian is serving as a successful songwriter for premier artists all over the globe, Vassy Karaglorgos has to be thinking about someone beside herself. However, for a musician with melodies constantly on her brain, and rhythms perpetually flowing through her body, this is not an easy task. Quite simply, the native-Australian, whose new album Beautiful Day is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping pop parade of giddy proportions, is a creator. And as Vassy says, "When you're a creator, you just gotta stay creating." Being an artist is who she is. "I've got things to give people," she says proudly.

Here is my TwitterView with Vassy

TeeJay: Good Morning @vassy how are you doing today?

Vassy: Good Morning  ...  Tweet Away!

TJ: So how are adjusting to America, is it much different than Australia?

V: Yes, I miss the beach, Australia is very beach orientated.

TJ: Are you excited about May 1st?

V: YES! I'm excited about my album official release May 1st at #hotelcafe

TJ: In 140 characters or less, describe your new album to my audience.

V: Fizzy, clapping stomping-electric soulful pop, I write to inspire, the album is very uplifting!!!

TJ: Who were your major influences growing up?

V: Billie Holliday

TJ: What went through your mind when Victoria's Secret chose your song, or when the other big commercial names chose you?

V: I smiled :-) LOL!

TJ: What is your favorite track from your upcoming album? And why?

V: 'Could This Be Love'  It's my single!

TJ: Which artist(s) would you like to work with in the future?

V: Pink, Sting, Bono from U2, Shakira, Ok Go, so many!

TJ: So what do you think of the new wave of boy bands?

V: I'm not mad at it ;-)

TJ: Over 2 million views on #YT. Which one of your videos is your favorite?

V: ummm I'd say #backtoblack is my favorite video (See bottom of Interview)

TJ: You have a very inspirational story about a choir teacher giving you some rough criticism.... What would you say to them now?

V: I'd tell them thanks for being an evil B!!!! Cause it made me more determined to prove everyone wrong!

TJ: On May 1st where can we scoop up your album?

V: My album #beautifulday will be all over iTunes and stores Amazon and so on I'll send u link

TJ: #rapidfire favorite: color, food, animal, celebrity, sport, song

V: green, passion fruit yogurt, dog, boxing, gypsy woman by crystal waters       oh forgot celebrity... Hmmmmm not sure??

TJ: Give me one interesting fact that even your most loyal fans don't know about you....yet!

V: I'm OCD! LOL!

TJ: Can we expect a tour to help promote the new album?

V: YES!!!

TJ: Anything else you would like to add?

V: yes go to http://vassy.spinshop.com/ to order my new album and to go check out http://www.kissmyvassy.com

V: THANK YOU SO much for your support...its easier to talk than type it all....I'm just blessed to be in LA living my dreams..x

V: also #freedownload exclusive offer only before album http://labs.topspin.net/downloadanywhere/confirm.php?sessionid=563a4e9ebd1c98f698001df32b635470&fb=1



And finally... My favorite @Vassy Video:

Awesome TwitterView with @ChrisRiggi

If you don't already know who Chris Riggi is, here is a refresher for you:


I recently caught up with Chris on Twitter and he agreed to do a TwitterView with me.... Here is a candid and FUN interview with the Co-Star of the upcoming ABC hit drama, 'Americana':

TeeJayToday: Thanks Chris... Remember there are no wrong answers, just be yourself and of course, PLUG everything you are working on!  How are you doing?

Chris Riggi: Reading a few scripts at the moment, just relaxing in the apt with the dogs. Yourself?

TJ:  I just wanted to throw this out there... You are a Virgo and so am I, you were born on 9/18 and me 9/19 We should have been brothers!

CR: Wow! That is close... very cool.

TJ:  Any great scripts coming up?   How was your visit with John Cusak?

CR: I love Indies, like 'To Redemption' because its like 5 people in a room who have PASSION, and we go all out with no ego, just trust!

CR: Well, I had a small part in "Adult World" with Emma Roberts and John, we worked the same days but I never officially met him until recently.

TJ: I saw!...I cant wait to see #TheRaven

CR: The Raven was sick! I love those types of movies.

TJ: How much longer till we can see @AmericanaABC?

CR: @AmericanaABC is a winner for sure and the word is SOON!

TJ: Awesome.!.. I need a new show to watch... (@AmericanaABC) 

TJ: I see pictures of your dogs on Twitter, tell us about them.

CR: Stella is a chihuahua, named after Stella from 'A Streetcar Named Desire', and Tucci is a French Bulldog named after Stanley Tucci.

TJ: Let's talk about the movie that introduced you to me, Vampires Suck, what was your favorite thing about that movie, and let's not forget your abs.

CR: @VampsSuckMovie was a blast to work on. I enjoyed it all. The cast and crew,... esp the Directors were very kind and encouraging.

CR: When I read for the part, I brought my own spray bottle in (not in script), and it made it into the actual movie. (SEE CLIP AT TOP)

TJ: The Spray Bottle part made me laugh out loud in the theater (with everyone else!) and the teats! Cant forget the teats!

TJ: I think you should make a YouTube video of a an AB Workout... It could go VIRAL!  Do you have any tips for us?

CR: Eat clean, organic, and eat often. I have since become a vegetarian. But stay away from artificial foods and sugars.

TJ: I need to do that, maybe we could work on a YT video together, you tell me what to do and I do it and film it! 

CR: I literally would have photos of Ryan Reynolds and Jason Statham lying around for motivation, and it helped. Did the same for @AmericanaABC

CR: Best tip I can give is to allow yourself a semi-cheat day. But ask around, do research and stay strong.

TJ: I wish I had the body of Ryan Reynolds..... or YOU!


CR: BJ Britt and Charlie Weber were ripped when they showed up to set, so I had some friendly competition 4 @vampssuckmovie

TJ: Everyone had amazing bodies in that movie! Made me rethink that buttered popcorn and soda I was having as I watched it in the theater! LOL

CR: In all honestly vegan/vegetarian is the way to go.

TJ: I'm going to go Vegetarian, (Thanks to you) but I need to get all of the bad stuff out of the house first.

CR: If its in the house, you will eat it. So get it out! ha...


TJ: What is the craziest fan moment you have had?

CR: No crazy fan moments for me. Mine are laid back, chill and people I could sit in a bar and shoot the $#*&! with. #fanfirstactorsecond

TJ: That's amazing! My fans recognize me from my show, but never remember my name, plus they usually are "under the influence" when they see me!

TJ: If you ever come to Texas, we have got to get together and shoot the $#*&!

CR: When I come to Texas, soon hopefully, we can do this face to face my friend.

TJ: Rapid Fire! Your Favorite Book, Color, Food, Animal, Sport, Celebrity, Song...

CR: "True and False"- Mamet,  color- 6pm blue or olive green,  food- anything w/o meat,  sport- WWE,  Celeb- you,  song- "Don't Stop Believin'"-Journey

TJ: I have a fan question for you, @JayVenom wants to know if you have ever kissed a guy for a role?

CR: @jayvenom I have not yet, but a role is a role. I would do it in a heartbeat if it's in the script and the actor was on the level about it.  Leave your Ego at the door.

TJ: I agree! Are you currently in a relationship?  What do you look for in a relationship?

CR: I am in a relationship. I look for loyalty and kindness most of all. YOU MUST LOVE DOGS, Cusack ha!

CR: In a relationship you have to find COMMONALITY or else it wont work.  That is why actors get together so often on set.


CR: Being funny is not an issue, everyone can be funny, humor is everywhere, dark or light. My gal is hilarious and we have a blast.

TJ: That is Awesome! You better put a ring on her finger!

CR: I am not getting married anytime soon, I have thought about it many times, its my romantic side, I have to hush those thoughts ha!

TJ: Is she an actress, do we know her?  Tell us about her.

CR: I would never say never about dating an actress, its tempting of coarse, but I love a woman who can cook. Food is love baby!

CR: Baking is fine too!

TJ: That's my problem I think....I'm addicted to great food!

TJ: So what do you like to do in your down time?

CR: Down time, I like to be with my family, dogs and friends. I love to cook, read and be around people. I do have a man-cave I retreat to tho.

CR: @AmericanaABC , just feel like plugging it more, ha

TJ: Give us a synopsis of @AmericanaABC.

CR: A legendary fashion designer - his life, his job and his family.

TJ: I'm already a fan because you are in it and I am ready to delve into this show!

CR: Fan wise, we need to mention the beautiful and talented @AshleyMGreene @tiffanyhines1 @emiliederavin @annabethgish @Natalie_Mendoza

TJ: Absolutely, ALL EXTREMELY TALENTED!

CR: She will hate this but, the Director told Ashley "I could film this whole show with you, me and the camera guy" that is how good she is.

TJ: She is Amazing and Beautiful, and of course, my favorite in the Twilight Saga.

TJ: What is one interesting fact that your fans don't already know about you?

CR: I took creative writing in high school, true but boring. I am a fantastic kisser!

CR: Hahahaha!

TJ: haha.... We will have to ask your GF if that is true!

TJ: Thanks for the Great TwitterView Chris! 

CR: Much love man, anything you need don't hesitate to contact direct. cheers..viva @AmericanaABC

People to follow on Twitter: @ChrisRiggi, @AmericanaABC, @AshleyMGreene, @tiffanyhines1, @emiliederavin, @annabethgish, @Natalie_Mendoza, @TeeJayToday

On Facebook: Chris Riggi & TeeJay Today

For more information about 'Americana' and when you can watch it, please visit www.ABC.com and follow them on twitter @AmericanaABC

Just FYI: Chris Riggi is one of the most sincere and down to Earth American Actors that I have had the privilege of interviewing.  I think he is undervalued and I expect GREAT things from him in the future.  He has played his roles perfectly in the past on the sets of: To Redemption, Gossip Girl, and Vampires Suck.  I am excited that we will be seeing a lot of Chris in the future with all of the films in post-production.  You can see a full list of everything Chris is working on at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2861180/

Check out this quick clip of Chris and a commercial Chris did for Kleenex.

Musician John Mendell #TwitterView

I was able to catch John and get a quick #TwitterView with him!

@JammenJohn John, Thank you so much for doing this #TwitterView! How have you been?

@TeeJayToday Hey I've been great thanks

@JammenJohn For all fo the new fans that you are about to receive, tell me a little about your #music

@TeeJayToday my music is always changing. I think I've got a pretty diverse selection of songs and there are always more on the way!

@JammenJohn Who/What are your inspiration(s) for your #music

@TeeJayToday my inspirations are my father. Elvis, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin I have a ton

@JammenJohn If you could collaborate with one artist, who would it be and why?

@TeeJayToday Definately Green Day. They've been an idol of mine for a long time

@JammenJohn Where can we download or purchase your music if we want to get it?

@TeeJayToday you can download my music on iTunes, Amazon or at CDBaby http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/johnemendell


@JammenJohn Any summer plans? What is your touring schedule?

@TeeJayToday My plans are to be soakin' up the sun in Wildwood New Jersey lol. love it there. no tours as of now sadly

@JammenJohn What is your most current album out and when are your releasing the next one?

@TeeJayToday my most recent is Cruisin' To The Blues. the next album will be a little later THIS year. there will ALWAYS be another haha

@JammenJohn Okay... Quickfire Q's; #Favorite: Food, Number, sports team, color, state, interviewer, animal, letter,

@TeeJayToday Wawa hoagies, 13, Eagles/Phillies/Flyers, blue, Florida, @TeeJayToday, dog, and I guess J lol

@JammenJohn Tell us one interesting fact your fans don't already know about you.

@TeeJayToday my name is actually John Eric Mendell. I have no middle name lol. So I use the 'E.'

@JammenJohn Thanks for doing this #TwitterView... Take Care and keep on making #Awesome Music!

@JammenJohn 's music plays on http://www.TeeJayRadio.com Check it out! Add us to your 'PreSets' You can get us on any smartphone or tablet!


John is a musician currently in New Jersey, please check out his Twitter page as well has his facebook page. Listen to his music then buy a CD! What a nice guy!