TRAINWRECK'D SOCIETY

Jim Geoghan [Interview]

February 19, 2013 by rontrembathiii 3 Comments

When I was young kid in the early 90’s, television was damn good! I remember relaxing after a day of play in front of the TV on Friday nights and enjoying the now classic line up known as TGIF. And there was one show that reigned supreme….Family Matters. Despite my skin tone, I always felt that I was a part of their family. Not that there was anything wrong with my family, I just loved the Winslows, and that show still remains my one of favorite sitcoms of all time, and definitely my favorite of the TGIF line up.

That being said, I am very excited to have one of the creators and main currators of not only Family Matters, but so much excellent work as a producer and a writer for well over 30 years. Currently he is the head man in charge for both of Suite Life of Zach and Cody series, and continuosly working on entertaining us. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you the legend himself, Mr. Jim Geoghan!

[Note: You may notice that there is an abundance of photos below, more than usual. These are all photos that Mr. Geoghan himself was nice enough to pass along to us, all taken by himself as well! Another nice bonus!]

What is it like writing scripts for shows oriented towards kids in the pre-teen years like The Suite Life series? Do you feel any sort of limitations? What made you want to shift gears into this arena?

Writing scripts oriented toward children keeps you young at first but as the years go by you begin to realize how old you’re getting. I might need to reference a popular rock group in dialogue and the best I can do is a rock group that was big ten years ago. I’ll know instantly how out-of-date I am when the younger writers begin laughing at me. When the writing staff offers names of more current rock groups I won’t recognize any of them. It’s hideous. But ultimately half hour programs for children will always deal with issues of trust, friendship, courage, dignity, kindness etc. and those issues will never fade away.

Limitations; Orson Welles once said “The greatest threat to the creative mind is the absence of limitations.” I’d like to think limitations make creative people work just a bit harder. I’m always mindful that parents have entrusted me to entertain their children for thirty minutes. I don’t want to betray that trust with things that excede the boundaries of good taste for young people. As a writer and producer I have to remember the show is not just mine, it’s owned by a production company and a network that pays me.

When I want to write something that has virtually no limitations I write for the theater. Nothing is more exciting and expressive than writing for the theater. Sadly, there is only a tiny handful of people who can make a living writing for the theater.

You were one of the writers and creative masterminds behind my personal favorite sitcom of all time, Family Matters. I know why I love it, but please tell us what you believe made that show legendary to so many people and so many different demographics?

Family Matters had a great cast of talented actors, a sensational writing and producing staff and it was part of a Friday night block of sitcoms on ABC that kept families in front of their TV’s for two solid hours. The chemistry the actors had with each other was something of a miracle. It’s something you can’t always write. Urkel was also one of the great misfit figures of the nineties. I was a neurotic, insecure child and I always loved comedic characters who were misfits. I think I was relieved to see someone worse than me. I believe Urkel offered the same relief to kids during the run of the show. He was a social outcast but he never gave up and he would not accept criticism. The rest of the cast was masterful in showing their irritation with him. My years on Family Matters were some of the best years of my career.

Can you tell us a bit about Divided We Stand? What are some highlights from that time?

Divided We Stand was a comedy trio working out of The Improvisation in New York in the early seventies. I had been writing for the trio. They disbanded and when it was put back together I was made a performing member. Unlike other comedy performers I didn’t have a “break in” period of writing and testing material for months and months. Divided We Stand had well over an hour of stage tested material. The lines and the laughs were all there. I had seen these bits many, many times. My first time on stage was in front of two hundred people. We slaughtered the audience that night. Standing on a stage for the first time, getting huge laughs was like a drug to me. I’ve been hopelessly addicted ever since. The trio went on to appear at over four hundred colleges. We toured with a lot of big names; The Righteous Brothers, Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons, Jimmy Buffet, War, The Commodores… we performed in forty-seven states and in parts of Europe. Later on the trio became a duo, Geoghan and Fine. Marc Fine and I gave up the road and only played local clubs in New York. We were sensational. Everything I ever learned about performing comedy I learn from Marc.

You co-wrote the screenplay for the 1986 film Stoogemania. What inspired you to develop this story? Are you a big Three Stooges fan yourself?

I’m a big Three Stooges fan up to a certain point. I can watch face slapping and eye poking for twenty minutes, not much more than that. Stoogemania was made because three of the Stooges films had fallen into public domain. Someone in a studio somewhere forgot to renew the copyright. Atlantic Releasing had the idea of using clips from those films and weaving them together with new footage. My good friend Chuck Workman, who later went on to win an Oscar, asked me to write the film with him. It was great fun and my wife, Annie Gagen, got to play a role. I also got to meet and work with Sid Caesar my childhood comedy hero.

You went a little bit of a different route in 2002 with your screenplay for the independent horror film Fangs. Was this as drastic of a change in projects as it seems? What made you want to get into the horror field?

Fangs was my only horror film. Kelly Sandefur, a good friend, asked me if I would write the next film he was due to direct for Porchlight Pictures. It turned out to be Fangs.

Can you tell us a bit about one of your latest stage plays UG? What was this all about?

UG is a satire on theater. It’s been published by the Dramatist Play Service and has seen a half dozen productions around the United States. It’s a small cast musical with one set, a cave. Ug is the leader of a family of cave dwellers one million years ago. He’s grown tired of telling stories the same way every night. So he reenacts an event and by doing so accidentally invents the first play ever. A rival tribe is due to visit in days to come. Ug and his tribe decide they could be considered trendy if they performed their play for the visiting tribe. Moments later they’re at each other’s throats with rewrites and bickering during rehearsals. Rick Rhodes, a multi Emmy winner for composing music wrote the music for UG. I have the TV and motion picture rights to the popular comic strip B.C. I’m currently adapting UG as an animated feature for the cast of B.C. It’s very exciting.

What does the future hold for you? What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I’m working on too many projects to mention. I write every day whether it’s for money or not. I write for television, motion pictures and the theater. I have 8 published plays and I’m a member of the Actors Studio Playwrights and Directors Lab. I have a Drama Desk nomination for a play of mine that ran off-Broadway in New York for two years. I always like to point these things out because I never got more than a ‘C’ in English in high school and no one at my high school (Christopher Columbus in the Bronx) would let me write on the school paper because of my poor grades. But my high school did me a favor. It taught me to trust myself and to have the courage to move ahead even when I didn’t have support from “experts.”

What was the last thing that amde you smile?

Little kids make me smile. I have a cat at home that’s hysterical. My wife and daughter always make me smile.

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Jeremiah S. Chechik [Interview]

February 17, 2013 by rontrembathiii 2 Comments

20 years ago, one of my favorite films of all time was brought out to the world. A graceful young man fresh off a hit TV show and entering a brand new world of self expression where he would only take on roles he specifically chose by the name of Johnny Depp shared the screen with Aidan Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson in the (sort of) romantic comedy Benny & Joon. Now we all know Johnny as the sword swindling swashbuckler and ravishing sex symbol he has become, but this is where I like him. I a beautiful little story about what it means to find true and unconditional love. And why Buster Keaton is just downright awesome. It also didn’t hurt that it was obviously filmed in Spokane, Washington, and I would later create a jogging path that hit several land mark scenes from the film. Coincidence, really. Another classic film that nobody can deny, is the greatest addition to the National Lampoon’s series entitled Christmas Vacation featuring Chevy Chase and very young Juliette Lewis. This is by far the ONLY Christmas movie I can stand. And this goes for the hipster friendly piece of garbage with that weird bundled up kid and the leg lamp. Yes, this is the crown jewel of them all. Jingle All The Way might be a close runner up, but this is a whole other conversation waiting to be had.

And what does any of this have to do with absolutely anything? Well, as you should have figured out by now, these two films, as well as several fine works, are the work of legendary filmmaker Jeremiah S. Chechik, who we have had the direct honor of agreeing to share a few words with you all here at Trainwreck’d Society. I am so proud to have the visionary mastermind behind one of my favorite films of all time right here for you all. Enjoy!

You’re resume is obviously impressive. You’ve done hilarious slapstick comedy (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), romantic comedies (Benny & Joon), and adventure (The Avengers, Leverage), and more…what would you say is your favorite genre to direct? What the distinct differences in working in different genres?

When you work on a comedy you try to spend the day laughing…then praying everyone else laughs with you. Comedy is tough. In drama one could hide behind technique, kinetics, music and photography and mood but in comdey you either laugh or you dont.

You are a renowned filmmaker and television director, we all know this. But, you were also an executive producer for the little known foreign film La reina de la note, released in 1994. How did you become attached to this project?

I discovered the story of Lucha Reyes in Mexico City one long night over many many tquilas in one of the most famous “ranchero” bars. Once I heard the story I know it had to be brought to film but as a mexican film. I found the writer , paid for the writer, found the director and hobbled the financing together with a french/mexican partner and we made it. Sorry it is not avail on dvd – its a very dark and cool film about an amazing musician.

You have directed some of Hollywood’s elite in the acting world from Sharon Stone to Johnny Depp to Chevy Chase and Zachary Levi. How is it having the idolized work for you? Does the media and estranged entertainment blogs blow things entirely out of proportion?

Actors are actors. I never consider their fame only who they are and what they need to deliver their best work. Most – if not all- pretty much surrender to the director as partt of what they do. of course, you have to earn their trust, give smart notes and be sensitive to their individual processes.

Since I used to literally live about a half a mile from the house that was the main setting for your 1993 film Benny & Joon, I have to ask…how did you enjoy your time in Spokane, Washington?

Loved being in spokane – It was a magical time for us.

In this modern age, everything seems to be shifting to digital works. Being a veteran of the film world with an abundance of experience, which do you prefer, digital or film?

I was and remain very much an early adopter and love the control of image on the set and the way digital embraces the shadows. but I still miss the simplicity and grace of the celluloid image.

You made a transition, but far from removal, to a lot of television from mostly film work. How do the two experiences differ? Do you have a preference, and why or why not?

Television is like a polaroid. It’s fast immediate and currently where all the best writing lives. as a director on a show I am but one piece of a larger machine which exists to serve the show. On a film the responsibility of tone, pace, performance, quality and effect is under the purview of the director. There is a lot more pressure.

If you could create (another) film adaptation of any television show that hasn’t already been recreated, what would it be?

Naked City.

Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming film featuring Catherine O’Hara, The Right Kind of Wrong?

Quirky, romantic and funny – i.e. a romantic comedy.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Loved TED.

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Tara Lynne Barr [Interview]

February 15, 2013 by rontrembathiii Leave a comment

We have something new here for you fine folks! The youth! Not too say that age truly matters and that there is not wisdom to be found in our elders, but hey, it’s something certainly new around here. And not only young, but excitingly brilliant in her craft! Tara Lynne Barr excited audiences in the Bobcat Goldwaith directed mass murder (sort of) comedy God Bless America about a middle aged man and a young woman who partake in a cross country adventure massacring the most devilish of creatures. Like Green Day fans and the cast of the Jersey Shore. You know, the ones who truly deserve thine wrath. It was a brilliant film that actually spoke a very fine message to the world, even through what might be the blackest of black humor I have ever witnessed.

Barr should exceptional grace in this film, and is easely a prospect to be one of the next great American actresses in line with the likes of Chloe Sevigny, Evan Rachael Wood, or Scarlett Johansson. Yet she stands alone as a soon to be singularly recognizable character as well with a stamina unbeknownst to the world of acting before. And we are so glad she decided to take a few moments to talk with us about God Bless America, the rest of her already impressive body of work, and what we will be seeing in the years to come. Woody Allen you better be ready. Enjoy!

We constantly hear about the struggles of being a child star. Overall, how was it for you?

That’s funny, I never really considered myself a child star. At that point, it was more of a hobby. But I
still felt like a normal kid through it all. I went to regular school and did things outside of acting. In retrospect,
I’m glad I did that. Now I have real experiences in my life that can inform my acting. YAY normalcy!

You were absolutely phenomenal in God Bless America. Although we know you would
never go on a mass murdering spree, please tell us how much of the content did you
agree with as far as the problems in our country?

About 99.9% of it. Maybe not the part about killing people who give high-fives because I would definitely be included in that category, I’m sorry to admit. And I might want to dress my maybe-future-child in cool band t-shirts one day. But the general idea of people being kind to one another is something I stand by completely. Compassion is an important part of a functioning society.

What intrigued you to take on the role?

Well, I came across it as I do most jobs which is just an audition. But after I read the script I knew there
was something special about Roxy. It’s rare when you come across a role for a teenage girl that is into
Alice Cooper and Star Trek and curses like a sailor. She really grew on me.

Have you had to deal with much controversy over the film? Has Billy Joe Armstrong called you out yet?

People have been surprisingly receptive to the movie, actually. We haven’t had to deal with much controversy. Of course there are crazies on the internet who think Bobcat Goldthwait is scum and we should all be systematically shot by a firing squad but most people who watch it can look past the violence and see the message behind it.

Can you tell us about your upcoming film Rebel City Rumble?

Rebel City Rumble was written by a really talented guy named Stephen Lourdes, who will be directing it as well. It’s basically a fast-paced gangster romance set in a fictional place called Rebel City. Very stylish. I’ll be playing RK Keane, who is the kid girlfriend of a gangster. She’s a very fiery, confident young woman. Similar to Roxy, but with a little more sex.

What do you personally believe to be the most rewarding thing about acting?

MONEY! Kidding. Well, without sounding pretentious, becoming another person for a short time is really fun.
And truthfully, it’s like a big game of pretend when you really get down to the bare bones of it. As a kid,
I got a real kick out of it and now as an adult, I find it challenging and rewarding and it’s a priviledge to be able
to do it for a living.

Do you have any ambitions of getting behind the camera?

Of course! I’m so in love with filmmaking as a whole that I couldn’t just be an actor my entire life. I’d definitely like to write. Maybe direct. I really admire director/writer/producer women like Lena Dunham and Kathryn Bigelow who have broken out of the typical conventions set for females in the film industry. I’d like to blaze trails like those women.
Since you are by far the youngest person we have had the honor of interviewing here at Trainwreck’d, I think we should do the right thing and ask… Where do you see yourself in ten years (as some of those we interview might answer “retirement”)? What is one major goal you would like to accomplish?

In then years, I see myself working like a madwoman. I’m serious. I’m taking no prisoners. I’d like to go from film to film working with funny, smart, creative folks who will make my work better. A goal I’d like to accomplish is to have written a thing or two of my own by then. And I would kill to work with Tarantino or the Coen Brothers or Woody Allen by then. KILL.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Thinking about working with Tarantino or the Coen Brothers or Woody Allen. Ah…

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Bodi: Clotho [Single]

February 13, 2013 by rontrembathiii 1 Comment

“Clotho is the sister of fate responsible for spinning the thread of human life. She also made major decisions, such as when a person was born, thus in effect controlling people’s lives. This power enabled her not only to choose who was born, but also to decide when gods or mortals were to be saved or put to death. This song is about cutting those strings, controlling our own destiny, and walking our own path.” – Bodi

Music is obviously an extremely powerful act of nature. The pains of torment and torture can released with the ease of a needle when it comes to putting lyrics to a backdrop of noise and comfort. And even if you aren’t truly paying attention, you are tend to draw towards artists that you can truly relate to, even if it is in the saddest ways imaginable. Artists like indie hip hop wordsmith Bodi are a perfect example. This is a guy who is not afraid to put his entire existence out on a pedestal for the world to judge. And as sad is the lyrics can seem on his latest track “Clotho”, they are also very touching and insightful.

The line between self pity and self realization can sometimes be extremely thin and almost unrecognizable. Resting souly on the nape of the latter is “Clotho”. This is a beautifully crafted song about the changes we are forced to embrace and take with the “truest form of spirit”, to quote Bodi himself. Listening to this guy can bring you to a strange paradox within your own mind. At one juncture, you want to see this man blow up to be the biggest thing since processed cheese, amongst all the other processed cheese. On another level, it’s the personal level in which you share with his lyrics and soul that make you want to take him into your own world, and steal all of his wisdom for your own. Knowing this would be selfish of course, and that his words should be shared with all.

So listen to “Clotho” with the exact realization that this is a man who wishes to inspire you. A song like this about love and loss and triumph and fall should serve as an inspiration for you to do better. Maybe even to love one another. Maybe to decide if the path you have chosen the path you were meant to be on. If you can listen to “Clotho” and still come to the realization that you are scaling the mountain that was supposed to be your life, then you are probably right. Let Bodi inspire you. You absolutely will not regret it.

Check out “Clotho” right HERE, and be on the lookout for the release of Bodi’s full length LP, The Fall of Atlas, available February 26th 2013.

Filed under Features

Christa Campbell [Interview]

February 11, 2013 by rontrembathiii Leave a comment

It is almost strange how the idea of “sexy” and “horror” have somehow managed to coincide with one another. Perhaps it is the unbeknownst personal sadistic side of all of us that makes the two work together so well. Or perhaps we as a society like to watch beautiful people struggle for 90 minutes at a time and, most of the time, come out victorious. Or even quite the opposite at times. I think what I am really trying to say here is this: we want to see beautiful people. It really doesn’t matter what they are doing. Gardening even. For every man who wants to see a sexy vixen spraying and praying assault rifles, there is also a woman who is dying for the hunk with absurd muscles to wake you out of a 5 year coma after standing by your side the whole time, just getting sexier. Don’t kid yourself, we all know this is true.

But when it comes to Christa Campbell, there is obviously something more. Unlike your usual Maxim Magazine worthy celebrities, this girl is the full package. She’s smart, talented, and composes herself as a true professional in her field. She is the woman now responsible for continuing on the legacy of what I consider the greatest horror franchises in history. That’s right, if you dig The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for all of its glory, she is your woman. And we were fortunate enough to get the chance to share a few words with her about TCM, her recently released film Spiders, and as always, what makes her smile. Enjoy!

How does it feel to be known as a Scream Queen? Is it a pretty fabulous way of life being a sex symbol for the bloody underworld, at least part time?

I’ve never considered myself a scream queen. When you say ‘Scream Queen” it usually means the victim in the film and I usually play the villain which is much more exciting and sexy!

One of your latest film, Spiders, has been said to be absolutely frightening, even for people who claim they are not afraid of the world’s most hated 8 legged creature. Why do you believe this? What is different about this film than films involving the horrors that are spiders in the past?

I think spiders in general are scary and creepy! Our film is a fun sci-fi action film that’s a lot of fun- and it’s even fun for all ages too.

Spiders seems to be directly within the perfected elemental boundaries of legendary horror filmmaker Tibor Takacs. What was it like working under his direction and bringing one of his stories to life?

You know, I’ve made many films with Tibor. We know each other very well and have a fantastic shorthand when working together. I’ve always really enjoyed working with him and hopefully we’ll do it again soon.

I am personally a huge fan of 2001 Maniacs, as well as its sequel, mostly because they just looked like a whole lot of fun even beyond all the gruesome deaths. What was it like making these films? Was it as exciting as it came through on the big screen?

It was sooo much fun! The first film I was just getting to know everyone and we were on a tight schedule . By the time we made the second film we were one big happy family and getting to work with Bill Moseley was great. Shooting that scene with Ogre was amazing and we improvised most of the scene too.

Your upcoming film Straight A’s, in which you starred in and took executive producer duties, seems a bit different from your usual more outlandish works (save for your brilliant performance in the touching film Mozart and the Whale). How did you become involved with such a low-key, down to earth yet drug idled, sort of story?

Producer Holly Wiersma brought us the film. It had Ryan (Phillippe) and Anna (Paquin) at the time and she asked me if I’d like to play the role of Dana . After reading the script and meeting with the director James Cox I was excited to be a part of it. Then we got Luke Wilson aboard and that was exciting for us too.

Was there some pressure behind backing yet another tale based around the legendary Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise? Are you as happy with the results as audiences seemed to be?

There’s always pressure when doing a remake or sequel . You want to make a great film and satisfy the fans and I think we made a great film. The fans really came out and supported us too which was great.

You have also been pinned as one of the executive producers for Texas Chainsaw Massacre 4. Without giving too much away, what are your plans as far as the dynamic of this film? Is there anything we can expect to see that might be new and exciting?

We don’t have an exact plan right now. We are discussing with our partners what will become of this franchise so there’s nothing really to report just yet.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

When I heard that Texas Chainsaw 3D was number one at the box office.

Filed under Interviews

Bobby Joe Ebola and The Children Macnuggits: Trainwreck To Narnia [Album]

February 9, 2013 by rontrembathiii 3 Comments

Corbett Redford and Dan Abbott are a duo that obviously understand the power behind the laughter. But even more so, they may be the finest songsmiths out today to understand the power of analogy and finding humor in the dereliction of human decency. In a world that seems to be at times deprived of decency and filled with shit at its core, it’s good to know that there a fine folks like Bobby Joe Ebola & The Children Macnuggits who will be there to exploit indecency and the modern warfare against the common man in a beautifully light-hearted way. Which is what I feel their latest, and possibly most personal, album Trainwreck To Narnia does all to well. This is an album that is bright and beautiful, yet tells it just like it is. You will feel love. You will feel inspired. Because if you don’t, you might have a whole lot of soul-searching and/or therapy in your very near future.

As the guys themselves always say, “Just because we’re laughing, doesn’t mean we’re joking.” And these truths seem to continue to be self-evident throughout Trainwreck To Narnia, just as they did back in 2010 with their stellar comeback album that I have never stopped listening to known as F , and just as they have been proving through the last three decades. From the hilarious goof on Ice-T known as “Cop Kisser”, to the lovely little Louden Wainwright-like ditty “My Darling Boo”, and all the way back to the analogical look at the downer parts of life known as “Blues Turn Brown”, Bobby Joe Ebola and The Children Macnuggits have created another absolutely stellar addition to their already extremely impressive catalog. And thee shall be damned of “The Last Child Soldier” doesn’t blow thy mind with its brilliance and sass. This is an album that will make you laugh, cry, and more importantly, simply make you feel good about yourself through the power of lyric and expressionism. This is definitely not an album to be missed.

Trainwreck To Narnia is available now from Roof Top Comedy Productions. Buy it. Now!

Filed under Music

Trainwreck’d Society’s Person of 2012: Anna-Lynne Williams [Exclusive]

February 7, 2013 by rontrembathiii 2 Comments

In 2011, Anna-Lynne Williams started to shake things up a bit in the independent music world, yet again. Announcing the start up of her very own label, Saint Loup Records, meant a whole new beginning for one of the greatest voices and musicians in the business. Sadly this would mean the demise of the well received and praised duo of Anna-Lynne and Matt Brown known as Trespassers William. But where TW left off, Anna-Lynne did not fail to continue on sharing your amazing vocals and guitar playing, and now label running, gifts with the world. Even before the TW break up, she released two amazing albums on Saint Loup Records, both of which landed in the top ten of our very own Top 37 1/2 Albums of 2011. 2011 say the release of Sergius Gregory’s Sounds Like People, and Lotte Kestner (Anna-Lynne’s solo efforts) collection of incredibly reworked cover songs aptly titled Stolen. And it was with this intensity, despite the loss of a classic indie duo, that Anna-Lynne Williams would see another year filled with a multitude of success, despite what could have been some serious set backs.

Anna-Lynne Williams suffered, and continues to suffer, from a very serious wrist injury. As you could rightfully guess, a wrist injury can very well be one of the most damaging injuries a musician could ever encounter. So what does one do? Simply give up? Never. Not if you are Anna-Lynne Williams. If you are anything like her, you fight back. Although her guitar playing abilities were fractured (pun intended), she still managed to thrive. She continued to record. A lot! Loading up her Bandcamp page and website with an abundance of even more cover tracks beyond what we heard on Stolen. Another batch of solo versions of great Trespassers William tunes. Saint Marie Records also dropped a nice little gem for TW fans with the release of a collection of b-sides and unreleased tracks on an album entitled, Cast, leaving us with one last glimpse of The Anna-Lynne and Matt duo that was. All of this without mentioning the abundance of guest appearances she has made with the likes of Ghosts I’ve Met, Minotaur Shock, indie hip hop sensations like Sadistik and Bodi, and many many more. And then we have…..Ormonde.

When I heard that Anna-Lynne Williams would be teaming up with the boy from Denton Texas, Robert Gomez, who I had been listening to for years, I knew there was no way this could go wrong. And with busted up hand and all, Anna-Lynne took herself down to Texas, recorded an amazing record, showcased it at SXSW, took the show on the European trail throughout the summer of 2012, and released the number one album of 2012. Her amazing sultry vocals tag teamed with Gomez’s singularly special guitar work is definitely one of the finest duos since, well, Trespassers William. So, while a simpler being would have given up, Anna-Lynne was out there making friends, and making things happen.

2012 was indeed a great year for Anna-Lynne Williams, but it was definitely an even better year for her fans. And isn’t that what being an entertainer is all about? Sure it is a personal vendetta to create exactly what you need to say, to free your soul or even to enlighten it. But, c’mon, you need an audience. And she definitely has that. Case in point, after announcing that fans will be lucky enough to hear her new album in the first couple months of 2013 via Saint Marie Records, Anna-Lynne sidelined that announcement with a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to produce a companion EP on her very own label. What was thought to be a campaign spanning weeks to fully fund, took less than 24 hours. Fans went crazy, and Anna-Lynne left the campaign running as a means of pre-ordering the EP, and also getting some great extra goodies along the way that were mostly handcrafted by her herself, and nearly tripled the original amount of the campaign. A sincere gesture from those who love Lotte Kestner, Ormonde, and whatever this goddess of the indie world would like to sing to them. That being said, it appears as though the sky is the limit for whatever Anna-Lynne Williams shall do in the upcoming year. Her third Lotte Kestner album is set to drop in a couple of weeks, and it promises to be her best work to date.

But as we did for last year’s list, we thought it was better to get in touch with a few of Anna-Lynne’s friends to ask them the simple question: Why do you believe Anna-Lynne Williams deserves this nomination? Most of the responses were obvious, which can only be considered a good thing. So check out what some of those closest to Anna-Lynne had to say, and please join me in re-welcoming Anna-Lynne Williams to the Trainwreck’d family once again, as the Trainwreck’d Society’s Person of 2012.

And now some words from……..

Kevin Long

Anna-Lynne is a great conversationalist, very knowledgable and passionate about music, having been in the industry for quite some time, worked at record stores, etc. She is well-read and well versed in film and art of all sorts. Despite the adoration of fans around the globe she remains a very humble, modest and friendly person in real life. She is rather unassuming in the Seattle music scene despite having been around here for quite some time, but people are getting to know her a lot more recently from what I gather. I’ve had the pleasure of playing an Elliott Smith tribute (we played Pitseleh together), as well as a few house shows in the greater Seattle-ish area, and she is supposed to accompany me for at least one song this friday at my person biggest show ever, opening for Damien Jurado at Cathedral here in Seattle, projected to be sold out with 800 seats. You are probably aware of her many collaborations with various artists (chemical brothers, delirium, the list goes on). All I can say is.. there are more of those kinds of things in the works .. I think I may be privy to tidbits which I cannot share, but indeed people are still reaching out her to lend her talents, which is no surprise!

Sam Watts (Ghost I’ve Met)

Anna-Lynne and I sing in a band together called Ghosts I’ve Met. We recently recorded a new Ep. Together that will be out next month which is called “The Leveling Storm” Anna-Lynne sang multiple vocal tracks on the Ep.I believe Anna-Lynne deserves this honor for numerous reasons but what I admire most about her is her work ethic. I have never met any one who has released so much quality music. I am constantly impressed by her ability to change and grow as a songwriter and as a singer. She has been a serious inspiration to me as an artist and as a friend.

Daniel Blue

Anna Lynne and I worked together for the first time on my first record. she sang harmonies on a track called “Wait For me” by Motopony. from there we began to write songs together and in cahoots, I’ve been on one of her records as well, and she comes out to sing with me now and again when I perform “Wait For Me” live. She is worthy of the nomination because despite her wrist issues, she remains one of the hardest working self-produced artists that i know in seattle. she is tenacious and dedicated to pure and beautiful expression.

Matthew Brown (The Soft Hills, Trespassers William)

I’ve worked for over 15 years with Anna-Lynne as a founding member of Trespassers William. She is worthy of the nomination for many reasons: she’s a talented songwriter with a one of a kind, gorgeous voice, she’s one of the hardest working musicians I’ve ever known and a generous, humble and thoughtful person on top of all that.

Alexander Hallett (hip hop artist, Bodi)

Anna-Lynne and I are friends, artistic collaborators, and share books and music with one another. We worked together on my upcoming album, The Fall of Atlas. She is on the intro track, “Prologue”, which is one of my favorite tracks I’ve ever made (and also some of my favorite work I’ve heard from her), as well as singing with me on the chorus of “Anagnorisis”, one of the album’s interludes. She’s most definitely worthy of the nomination, largely due to the fact she is passionate about her work, incredibly talented, caring, giving, professional, prolific, and humble.

Sergius Gregory

I have worked with Anna-Lynne since 2007 when I was living in Alaska and we were mutual fans of one another. She became so convinced that my songs needed to be released that she started a record label (Saint-Loup) to released them. We’ve performed together in Seattle numerous times and she has become a great friend. I am eternally grateful for all of her support and will support her any way I can. She is absolutely worthy of this nomination. She is a brilliant artist and has a uniquely beautiful voice. She works hard and supports other artists and is a warm, sweet person.

Anomie Belle

Anna-Lynne is a friend, and we have collaborated many times over the past five years. She sang guest vocals on both of my first two LPs and toured my first album with me. I’ve contributed strings and piano to both her solo recordings, and to those of Trespassers William as well. Anna-Lynne is always busy with new projects and collaborations, to which she brings her beautifully haunting and unique vocal style, and her delicately honed abilities as a songwriter. She is kind, honest, knowledgeable, professional and generous. The number of collaborators she’s had over the past decade speaks to both her talents and to what a pleasure she is to work with.

Minotaur Shock

A few years ago, I contacted Anna-Lynne on Myspace after reading that she was a fan of my music. Coincidentally, I was a fan of Trespassers William, so I just sent a message saying hi. We had an email exchange and ended up collaborating (well, collaborating via the internet!). I remixed a Trespassers William track and she sang on one of my tracks.

Although I’ve never met Anna-Lynne in person, or even spoken to her, she is one of the most inspiring musicians I’m in contact with. Being a musician is tough these days – I have a full time day job, 2 kids and ageing bones, and there never seems to be time for music. Anna-Lynne seems to be constantly creative, taking the bull by the horns and ‘getting on with it’ in a way that just spurs me on. Even with her hand injury, which must be terrible considering her obvious love of playing the guitar, she managed to stay positive and creative. Although she probably doesn’t even realise – I’ve never thought to tell her – her attitude towards creating and performing is a constant inspiration to me (and probably a lot of people who she’s connected with). Whenever I hit a creative block, or feel that there are not enough hours in the day, I will have a look at what Anna-Lynne’s been up to and it forces me to stop moaning about my problems and just get on with it. So I’d like to thank her, and totally think she deserves this award.

Robert Gomez

I met Anna-Lynne during a recording session with John Grant (Bella Union). We hung out briefly. Eventually, I found myself in Seattle a few months later and by that point I had become familiar with her solo work and was really taken with it. Her album, China Mountain, literally brought me to tears. While in Seattle we met up to watch a band I had gone up there to see and she invited me to Portland to see her show. After some road trip bonding I asked her if she might want to make a record with me in the west Texas dessert, she accepted, and we started Ormonde.

Robert Deeble

Anna-Lynne and I shared the same stomping grounds in Southern California, I can’t remember how we were originally introduced but she, TW and I all shared gigs a lot around Long Beach, LA and Orange County in our younger years.

We both eventually moved to the Pacific Northwest and have stayed in touch. Most recently Anna lent her haunting vocals to one of the singles off my latest record. Despite knowing each other for 12 years it was the first time we had worked together on a record . One of the most frightening things an artist may ever go through is developing a physical limitation that threatens to undermine the sense of who they are. Anna’s struggle with her hands is something I can identify with as I mysteriously lost function in both of mine that forced me to stop playing guitar or even writing letters for over a year. Its times like this that can cause a lot of panic in your own identity. I have appreciated how Anna, the “mop top firl from Trespassers who strums a guitar in her lap, has managed to adjust in order to remain artistically keene to who she is. Adaptation has become an honorable quality in Anna… I hope her hands will heal as mine did but I am impressed at how she has made good use of her talent in the mean time.

Cody Foster (hip hop artist, Sadistik)

Anna-Lynne and I have been good friends for a couple of years now, and we’ve collaborated on a handful of songs. She’s on my upcoming album a few times and we’ve shot some music videos and played shows together. We’ve also collaborated on Mexican food and cocktails on the side.

It’s no secret that Anna-Lynne is one of my favorite singers in the world. I was a fan before I was a friend, and for my two cents, I can’t name a female’s voice that I listen to more often than hers. She has a calming fragility to her music that I love. Besides her talents, I think this year would be especially suiting for her to receive an award since it’s been such a trying year for her. I’ve witnessed some of her struggles with her health first hand and how frustrated it made her, but I also got to see her stay productive and inspired. When she couldn’t physically play guitar anymore, she wrote and released a poetry book instead. Even after a year of health setbacks, the breakup of her band Trespassers William, and other obstacles, she’s stayed very diligent and made an album that I’m in love with (which you’ll hear in a few months). I think that’s really impressive, personally.

She has had a prolific year and indeed has over come so many difficulties, both physically and emotionally. She has undoubtedly shown she can bring the midas touch to anything she does; a cover song or a collaboration or a solo effort or even a book poetry. And she does all this mostly on her own. She is a true independent, tireless and inspired artist of the highest order whom, in 2012, gave us her best work to date.

Filed under Exclusive!

Scott Adsit [Interview]

February 2, 2013 by rontrembathiii Leave a comment

30 Rock was obviously one of the greatest comedy shows on the air in the last few years, and will more than likely go down as one of the top shows in the history of television. What is that made this show so damn great? Well, it’s obviously the great writing, which can only be hailed properly by superior acting abilities. Antics, oafs, and stress are three almost essential elements in creating a good, long lasting comedy show. It’s all about character. And 30 Rock had so many brilliant characters assembled into one hilarious setting.

One of my personal favorite characters from the show was without a doubt the whimsical man who seems to take life one day at a time, because thinking about his future might just make his head explode. I am talking about Pete Hornberger. The lovely saddened bald man who seems to be on an entire different plain than his wacky co-workers. Better known to the real world as Scott Adsit, this is an actor who has mastered the art of of portraying the lovable oaf that you just can’t say a bad word about. As recognizable as he is charming, Adsit is a character in himself, and one that we are surely going to be fortunate enough to see even more of as his career progresses with each passing day. We were fortunate enough to be able to steal a few words form one of televisions finest jewels to ask him about the show, why he loves what he does, and….is he a raging alcoholic? So, enjoy!

Within your extremely impressive career, you have mastered the art of on-screen acting, as well as improv theatre. Tell us, if you were only able to do one of these performances, which would it be?

Well, I wish improv paid what on camera pays. But I keep doing improv, and theater in general, for next to nothing. So I guess if I had to choose, I’d go with the one that benefits my visceral, artistic, guerrilla mojo, but dooms me financially because the stage is the Actor’s medium. Unlike on film, we’re in charge of what’s going on, how we react, move and deliver lines. On screen, we’re subject to a committee of opinions that control the final product: editors and producers and sponsors and studio heads. And in my experience, they generally do a great job (maybe I’ve been lucky). But on stage, it’s just me, my cast and the crowd. Also, there’s obviously a high you get from finding your rhythm with an audience. It’s a symbiotic relationship; you delight each other.

How much of Pete Hornberger is there in Scott Adsit?

Pete and I started out closer to each other than we ended up. The more we learned about Pete, the more we found out about his bizarre, off-screen life. He kind of stood out as the normal one among eccentrics and oddballs, but eventually, we come to realize that for every Micky Roarke encounter Jenna has had, Pete has a Bum Fight Club or Olympic disaster. So in that way, we differ. I’ve made better choices. I’ve also never had a wife or kids, which are a big part of Pete’s definition. I don’t avoid my family nor live my life as a coiled spring of panic, like Pete. His life is a list of regrets and missed opportunities, I’m a little luckier than Pete. The ways we’re alike would be our affection for Liz/Tina. We’re both very close with those women. Often, when you see the whole room dissing Liz or ridiculing her for some reason, if you look at Pete, he’s usually empathetic toward her. And when she triumphs, no one is prouder than Pete.

Aside from the obvious oddball antics of the show, as seasoned veteran in the television world, how close does 30 Rock hit to the actual production of a television show?

Obviously, it all comes from real encounters and situations. Mostly. I don’t recall a story from SNL’s history where Kelsey Grammer formulates a plan to make the producer look like a self-asphyxiating masturbator, but maybe I should talk to Lorne more often.

Can you tell us a bit about Reflections From the Heart of A Child? Are you often recognized for this video, and if so, how awkward is that?

It’s mentioned on my Wikipedia, as you may have discovered, so it comes up occasionally. It’s an educational film for the families of physical and alcohol abuse. It was one of my first on camera jobs, years and years ago and I played an abusive father who drank and took his frustrations out on his family. I was a nasty, violent guy. I know it’s still used as an educational tool and I imagine it’s helped a lot of people after all this time, so I’m proud of that. As a matter of fact, just this week Cecily Strong of SNL (whom I know from Second City) informed me that we’re actually castmates in that film. We never met during production, but we’re both in there, mending hearts and fixing families. It’s still out in the world, on school shelves and in recovery center dayrooms, but I’ve never actually been approached by anyone thanking me for changing their situations at home. I have, though, had a few drunks punch me and put their cigarettes out on my face for exposing them, so there’s that.

What would you say his your most prized performance in your career on a personal level?

Early in my days at Second City, I was in the touring company and we would perform on the Mainstage every Monday, when the resident cast had the night off. Now, in those days, I was 21, living check to check and facing a career that quite often never faces you back, so my future was hopeful and bleak. My mother, Genny, never doubted me or my prospects as an actor, however my father, Andy, was a lawyer, like his father and grandfather, and he always felt a little worried that I was embarking on something with no stability nor guarantees as a means of living. And certainly, he had no ins in show business like he had in law business, so he worried that he couldn’t ever give me a leg up or a healthy dose of nepotism. And while he supported every amateur play or show I ever did, he was a bit suspect of whether I had the talent to make it a career; the one thing he did know about acting was that it was brutal. But then, one Monday night on that Second City stage, I had the crowd of over three hundred laughing really pretty uproariously, acting in some scene, I don’t remember which. And rising above that wall of laughter, I heard my dad laughing harder than anyone. And I actually caught a quick look at him sitting at that tiny, cabaret table, just crying with laughter, trying to adjust himself so that he didn’t fall over. And I knew that he knew I was going to be alright. He never worried again. That was my favorite performance.

If you could portray any renowned corrupt politician in history, who would it be? Why?

Reagan. Because he got away with it.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I just attended the SAG Awards recently and they gave Dick Van Dyke a Lifetime Achievement trophy and I’ll tell you he’s one of my all time heroes. He’s on a very short list. And there I was in the same room with him. The guy is 87 hear old and when Baldwin called him to the podium, he nearly danced up the steps to the stage. Flawless, weightless, joyful. He’s still today the man I loved since I could turn on a TV.

Filed under Interviews

Bike Thief: Ghost of Providence [Album]

February 1, 2013 by davidminne Leave a comment

It’s good to hear quality, organic instrumentation on a record these days, as the world becomes more saturated with electronic music such as “dub step” and “trap”. Bike Thief has released their first EP, and it’s just what you need if you love songwriting and you’re looking for a break from bass and glitches.

The six song EP, Ghost of Providence, begins by drawing you in with “Battles” as the steady acoustic guitar vamp ushers in the backing vocals, eventually giving way to the string section. It crescendos with the strings and builds some tension before letting you back down easy as it returns to the vamp. This is a great song. Febian Perez’s voice reminds you a lot of Nathan Willett from Cold War Kids. Great voice.

The most impressive thing on this record is probably the use of the string section. I can’t imagine what this album would have been without the strings. Actually, I can. Before Febian came to Portland from Austin, TX we had begun to correspond via email. I heard “Battles” and fell in love. It wasn’t what it is now, but it was more than enough to make me want to make music with Mr. Perez. And now that he and his band mates are here in Portland, Bike Thief is taking off. The band has only been in Portland for about 5 months now, and already has opened for Cherry Poppin’ Daddies at Dante’s, and you definitely get the sense that these guys are really going somewhere.

Ghost of Providence was engineered and mixed by Jim Cuda, mastered by Nick Moon, and recorded at Big Red Studios in Corbett, OR (where Pearl Jam recorded the drums for TEN) and is available now at

http://riverjonesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-of-providence

Filed under Music

Top 37 1/2 Albums of 2012 [Exclusive]

January 28, 2013 by rontrembathiii 3 Comments

2012. Oh sweet/disgusting 2012. This year proved to be one of the most confusing yet enlightening years on a personal level. Filled with anguish turned to love, misery turned to triumph. But, that’s not what we are here to discuss, so let’s get to the music! This year was a very musical year for sure! I personally attended more live performances than any year prior. I also listened to hundreds of great albums. This would have been a great year to maybe push towards an even 50 for the list, but for continuity sake, we will stick with the classic.

Although Trainwreck’d Society sort of turned into a modern day MTV for the blogosphere since we began doing so many interviews, mostly in the film world, music is always a priority. Independent music is still at the heart of everything I do or write. I have been doing the music blogging thing for going on 5 years now. I’ve covered hundreds of albums, as well as hundreds of artists. So, before you judge, just let me continue to try something new, but know that my heart is always here. And this is my favorite time of the year! When I lay out the list for the criticism and enlightenment of whoever may care enough to check it out. So with all of that nonsense behind, I am pleased to announce, these are Trainwreck’d Society’s Top 37 1/2 Albums of 2012!!