Wednesday, April 27, 2011

BOOBOO STEWART AND FIVEL STEWART INTERVIEW

You may know Booboo Stewart the actor who plays Seth Clearwater in the Twilight Saga box office hit movies, but I want to introduce you to Booboo Stewart the guitar strumming rocker along with his sister Fivel Stewart the singer/songwriter who have joined forces to form the brother/sister musical duo “BOOBOO & FIVEL” whose upbeat alternative rock songs prove to the world that the Stewart family knows how to rock out.  I got a chance to hang out with Booboo and Fivel at the L.A. Twilight Convention that took place on March 5, 2011 at the Marriott LAX Hotel. 

During our interview, we were constantly interrupted by Booboo’s adoring Twilight fangirls begging for his autograph. But that didn’t bother me. In fact, it gave me a chance to observe how he interacts with his fans. And, I was really impressed. I can now say he is one of the nicest celebrities I know. He never lost his composure or seemed to get tired of all the attention. He was very polite and took the time to smile and speak to every starry eyed girl that approached him. 

And, there were a lot! That just goes to show you how much he appreciates his fans. As for me? Yes. He treated me like a Princess too! He answered all my questions and had no problem posing with me for photos I am excited to share with you! I must confess. I thought Booboo only had one sister, but in fact he actually has three sisters! Maegan who is the oldest and plays bass guitar in their band and Sage who is the youngest sibling. I have another confession to make. Fivel and Booboo look so much alike that I mistook them for twins. But, they are not twins. Fivel is actually younger and just as much fun to hang out with as her brother except she likes to talk about fashion a lot more than he does. Lol! 

I hope my interview with Booboo and Fivel Stewart inspires you to check out their music. They have an awesome CD available as well as an upcoming tour.  Perhaps they will be rockin’ out in your hometown! I know I will be in the front row at their L.A. show, so I hope to see you there! In the meantime, you can request their single “Rainy Day” at your local radio station and download it on Itunes!

Princess Kisses XOXO!
Tatiana Mclane
Queenie4ever

1.What is your clothing style?

B: Whatever is in my closet. I don’t go shopping very often. I do get gifts from designers a lot thought like H&M or Forever 21.
F: I’m not the jeans and a t-shirt kind of person. I would just describe my style as different. I love Forever 21.


2. What genre of music do you sing?

B: Electric Alternative Rock


3. Who writes the music?

B: I write the melody
F: I write the lyrics


4. Have you ever collaborated with anyone?

B: Gregg Sartiano


5.What kinds of bands or groups are you similar to?

B: We have a unique style
F: We really like Katy Perry and Metro Station


6.What inspires your music?

F: Family
B: Our album is about changing.


7. What is your favorite venue to play at?

B: Knotts Berry Farm. The stage was Western themed and it was really cool.


8. What do you do on your set downtime?

F: Eat Kraft services
B: Memorize my lines for the next scene


9. What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on an audition?

F: During your first stages of auditioning sometimes you’re asked to do things that you aren’t used to yet.
B: I’ve met some strange people at auditions.

Twilight Saga Movie Star Booboo Stewart & Queenie4ever
teen fashion designer Tatiana Mclane
    2011 Twilight Convention LAX Marriott L.A., CA
    Photo Credit: Venice Wong

10. What has been your weirdest or most memorable fan experience?

F: I’ve never had any weird fan experiences and I hope I don’t have any in the future
B: I shook this girls hand and she started crying


11. Who is your favorite band?

B: Boston
F: Pink and Katy Perry



12. What do you enjoy most about performing live?

B: The interaction and energy you get from the fans.
F: The comfort that my family is there performing with me and they will love me no matter what.

BOOBOO & FIVEL Press Photo for "Rainy Day" Single

13. Do you prefer acting or singing more?

B: Acting is more my thing.
F: Singing is more my thing.


14. What got you started to begin both a singing and acting career?

B: My dad is a stunt coordinator and that got me launched into acting
F: I started doing stunting first as well and where we practiced also offered singing lessons and I began to take them.


15. Where were you and what was your first reaction when you found out you got the role of Seth Clearwater?

B: I was in my kitchen and my first reaction was I was so excited. I didn’t even know what to think. But then I had to go do yard work.


16. Do you have any role models?

F: Pink and Katy Perry
B: Buckethead


Actress/Singer Fivel Stewart & Queenie4ever
teen fashion designer Tatiana Mclane
    2011 Twilight Convention LAX Marriott L.A., CA
    Photo Credit: Venice Wong

17. What kind of school do you go to?

F: We’re homeschooled. I do my lessons by books and Booboo does his on Cd’s. I have about 3 years left of school.
B: I have about a year left of school.



18. Where did you grow up?

F: L.A.


19. What is next for Booboo and Fivel Stewart?

B: We’re shooting a movie called Jake Stevens the Last Protector.


20. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an actor and/or singer?

B: You have to accept being rejected and try 110%.


21. Where can my fans find out more about you?

B: Our twitter is mammarazzi1

Facebook.com/the.real.booboo.stewart

Facebook.com/therealfivelstewart


Check out Booboo and Fivel Stewart's Official Music Video for "Rainy Day"!
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Friday, April 8, 2011

JACKSON RATHBONE INTERVIEW

I am one lucky girl to have had the opportunity to hang out with Twilight movie star and member of indie band 100 Monkeys Jackson Rathbone on Valentine’s Day. To just relax and have a normal conversation with a person you realize has reached celebrity status not to mention is considered one of the most beautiful men in the world is pretty amazing for a teen girl like myself. Jackson and I spoke about a lot of things but mainly about music, since we both are music lovers. I want to learn as much as I can about the history of music, and Jackson is a great teacher. I enjoyed our conversation so much that I wanted to share some of what Jackson had to say about where he feels the music industry is headed as far as a new movement towards what he calls a new Bohemia as the giants (major record labels) fall by the way side opening up the doors for bands to reach fans one on one thanks to the internet. Jackson is a walking encyclopedia of music history which makes him a true musician, because he actually understands where his musical influences came from and where he can embellish upon his predecessors’ styles to create his own unique take on his idols such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Pixies, and to present day artist Jack White. We ended our time together with an impromptu tap dance session. Yes, that’s correct. Jackson Rathbone asked me Tatiana Mclane to “tap dance with him darlin’ ” in his sultry southern accent. As Rachel Zoe would say: “I die” and I thought I had gone “ Bananas” trying to tap dance with Jackson wearing my brand new Audrey Hepburnesque kitten heel silver metallic sling backs slipping off my feet. Lol! Jackson is a “Jack” of all trades when it comes to being an entertainer not only can he tap dance, but he can sing, write songs, produce bands, DJ, paint artwork, write novels, and act on the big screen. If there’s a project that requires creativity, talent, and passion Jackson is your guy! And, he’s got a great sense of humor which makes him a really fun person to be around! Just read his interview answers and see what I mean.

Princess Kisses XOXO

Tatiana Mclane Queenie4ever


JACKSON RATHBONE”S TOP FAVORITES LIST

Favorite color - red or green
Favorite poet - TS Eliot
Favorite artist. Andy Warhol
Favorite hairstyle - just woke up
Favorite midnight snack - roast beef on cold cheese pizza
Favorite acting role - the one I haven't done yet
Greatest concert you’ve attended or played
Pixies reunion tour, first concert back... Amazing.
How do you describe the color of your eyes
I don't... because my driver's license expired... and that said what color my eyes are... so now I don't know.
Favorite motto/quote to live by
Give respect to get respect, give love to get love - my dad

JACKSON RATHBONE: "Trying to let others in on your inner passion. To inspire someone with how much you love, I believe is the goal of the artist."

1. Please describe your sense of style such as clothing brands you like to wear or accessories.

I like the southern gentleman look, with a bit of whatever-I'm-feeling thrown in. I don't like sneakers... on my feet.
Tatiana Mclane and Jackson Rathbone @
M Bar Hollywood, CA Feb. 14, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

2. Jackson I really like your entrepreneurial spirit which apparently began at a young age. You mentioned a DJ gig you used to do as a teenager can you tell us about that and how you came up with that idea? Did you have a cool DJ nickname? You even DJ’d your high school dance. How’d you coordinate dancing with your date and DJing? What did you do with the money you earned from DJ gigs? Would you ever consider DJing events in the future?

Started DJing when I was 13 at friends parties. My buddy Jon and I had access to his older brother's old, unused DJ gear ( a mixer and some speakers) , we decided to bring the gear to our friend Monica's birthday party. That was my first gig… by the time we were 16 we were using turntables and making $150 an hour at big events, and charging friends $50 a show whenever they wanted. I think I went by DJ Joyride…. kinda lame now, but I liked it then. DJing prom was difficult… but my date was understanding… (Katie! Wherever you are, thank you for being so understanding!) As per money made, I mostly just saved it, or bought my girlfriends stuff, like corny engraved bracelets and "fancy" Olive Garden dinners. I would definitely love to DJ again… I did a year ago at a bar in Vegas, it did feel good. Shall DJ Joyride ride again? Probably, not… but I might consider it.

3. Where did you learn to tap dance? You are pretty good. If I had known you were gonna ask me to tap with you, I would have brought my tap shoes. Tapping in high heels is hard! My shoes kept slipping off. lol! Which brings me to the subject that got us on tap dancing in the first place. You were talking about a female artist that tap dances instead of using a drum or percussion section. That’s so innovative, almost tribal like, such as hand clapping or using your body to make the beats. Who is the artist, and how did you discover her?

I learned to tap dance in Texas, along with ballroom, jazz, and musical theatre. Thanks to the lovely Judy of the Pickwick Players of Midland, Texas, and Ruth Cole of the Midland Community Theatre. I just enjoy doing a little soft shoe every once in awhile, now.

Jackson Rathbone performing @ Hearts Afire
Charity Event sponsored by Word Theatre @ M Bar
Hollywood, CA Feb. 14, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

4. You are definitely a person that knows how to keep themselves busy. What do you do when you have down time?

Interviews.

5. You mentioned that you may be releasing paintings and a book of poetry. Do you have any more information on that? Can you share a short sample of your work?

That's still in the works… However, I just did my first painting project in a long time, and I feel it came out successful. Will Schmidt, director of several 100 Monkeys music vids (Ugly Girl, Kolpix), shot the painting process on video and is editing the footage into a new music video as we speak. That should be coming out soon on 100MonkeysMusic.com
Plus, the 100 Monkeys book is available for pre-sale now as well…


6. You also mentioned that you are planning on producing a bunch of bands and creating an internet based venue to showcase bands. Can you tell us more about that project?

It's called Awesome Sauce Radio, it will be on the internet, more information will be available in the coming months. I like to keep people in suspense.

7. You talked about the music biz going back to the times of the 1960s where it was all about the song. Can you explain what you mean?
How about the 100 Monkeys? Are you guys trying to break a song? If yes which song?


I believe History is cyclical and time wraps around itself. A new Bohemia of the arts is just on the precipice, artists are finding their audiences directly, thanks to new media outlets and the fall of the giants. Over at 100 Monkeys, we aren't trying to lead the charge, but we know that the coming time for music will be a New Bohemia for rock-n-roll and the people that love the music. It's not just about a song, it's about the public's connection to that song.
You asked me if I watched Dylan’s performance at the Grammy’s. Yes of course! I never miss Grammy night, since I am a music lover as well part of a music biz family.


8. What did you love most about Dylan’s performance?

He teased us with that harmonica the entire song. When he finally played it, he was holding it upside down. Amazing. A. May. Zing. 

9. What’s your educational background? How did you learn to play so many instruments? How many do you know how to play? Do you collect instruments? What is your favorite instrument?

Uhhh… I graduated High School from Interlochen Arts Academy. I learned to play different instruments out of a need to create my own band in Garageband when I was 18 and first moved out to LA on my own. I didn't know any other musicians, and I was shy about my songs and recordings, so I just played all of the parts. Now, I play nearly ten different instruments confidently. I'm no prodigy, but I do collect instruments… I have too many, but my favorite is named Aurora, and she's a Blonde '57 Gibson semi-hollow body. I love her.

Jackson Rathbone on keyboards with his band
100 Monkeys @ The Roxy Hollywood, CA Feb. 19, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

10. Explain the creation of the 100 Monkeys band? How did you guys meet and form the band? Can you give a short intro of each band member such as their name and instruments and what you love about them the best or what you feel they contribute to make your band complete?

We've all been friends for some time, and we always played music, together or separately. As 100 Monkeys, we started an open mic jam night on Tuesdays at a local bar, after we had an accidental show there the night before. By accidental, I mean we were jamming in the bar because we knew the owner and the bar was off that night, so we could jam without the police showing up at my apartment again. During that jam session, a couple walked in off the street, as the bar-owner had forgotten to lock-up, and they started dancing to the music. The bar owner, a friendly guy, poured them free drinks when they asked, and soon more people walked in, and we just kept playing. 100 Monkeys is the five friends who started jamming at a closed bar, and packed the place. The band is the five of us. Check out the website for info on the band members, everybody plays too many instruments for me to try and list. 100monkeysmusic.com
11. How did you guys come up with the name of the band 100 Monkeys? What’s the meaning behind it?

The name derived from a certain scientific theory of the collective conscious, as well as the 100 Monkeys Infinite Theory. I suppose we are kinda geeky, but cuddly as well, therefore the name works great. A greater meaning behind it is the Collective Consciousness ideal… but I like to pretend it's because we each have 20 monkeys living in our heads.

12. I really want to know more about your involvement with the 100 Monkeys. I was blown away at your live show last October. You guys are amazing live! The entertainment and interactive with the audience is refreshing versus just watching a visual choreographed music video, because you guys actually get the audience involved. I like the songs you make up on the spot. That takes a lot of guts and talent. Whose idea was that?
The improv songs are part of our history. As I said before, our first show was accidental, so we played an entire jazz-rock set that we made up as we went along. We also recorded our first album as a concept of that, having one take for the final vocals, and only using one take of the base instrumentation. We love to play with our audience, as opposed to playing to them. Now we save one song a night as an improv song that the audiences chooses.

100 Monkeys @ The Roxy Hollywood, CA Feb. 19, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

13. Who are your musical idols? What kind of music did you grow up listening to? How would you describe the 100 Monkeys style of music? What genre do you feel you guys fit in?

Spencer Bell is a huge idol. Check him out. Then there's the popular artists: Ween, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jack White, Daniel Johnston… the list goes on and on. Our eclectic taste in music fuels our eclectic set of genre-hopping songs, we have rock, funk, soul, jazz, country, ballads, and punk all within our set. As per genre we fit? I don't really know… I guess at record stores you would look under "Indie" music.

14. I know you wish more people from this generation understood the history of music. In fact, it surprised you that you had to give a VH1 interviewer a lesson on the history of the Blues. Can you repeat that lesson, because I think it’s really vital that we know where our musical roots came from, so we can appreciate music on a deeper level not just something to bop our heads to but to really make us sit back and think.

That was a long time ago… But it basically goes along the idea of tracing your idols. Who do you love? Mine goes back to Robert Johnson… and then Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters, to Rolling Stones, to The Who, to the Ramones, to the Pixies, to Jack White. I love music.

Jackson Rathbone performing with100 Monkeys
@ The Roxy Hollywood, CA Feb. 19, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

15. Do you guys write all your own songs? How about you? How do you get inspired to write? What’s your creative songwriting process like?

100 Monkeys perform all originals, but occasionally we throw in a cover song by Spencer Bell. Whenever I get the feeling, I take out the black moleskin notebook I always carry and scrawl something out. Everyday I wake up is an inspiration. I mostly do my writing between three to five AM.

16. What’s the most rewarding thing for you about being a professional musician/recording artist?

An audience singing back words you scrawled down to describe some feeling at some un-Godly hour of the night, and suddenly realizing that you don't own those words or feelings any longer, the audience now does.

17. Can you share some of your fondest moments while on tour with the 100 Monkeys? What’s it like traveling in a van/bus together? How do you guys keep from getting on each others nerves on the road?

The road is awesome… it's also rough on the ole' voice box. We've begun to drink more tea and less whiskey in the morning… though the whiskey helps not to get on each others nerves… joking. Mostly. Boardgames are also fun.

Jackson Rathbone @ The Roxy Hollywood, CA Feb. 19, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong
18. What is going on with your movie “Girlfriend”? You are fundraising thru a very innovative internet campaign. That’s really cool. Can you explain how we can get involved in helping you get your movie distributed? Are the 100 Monkeys songs used in the movie?

Go check out indegogo.com and type in "Girlfriend" to the search bar. All the information is right there.

19. Any favorite, memorable, and/or crazy fan stories you want to tell us about?

I forgot my ID before going to a bar, and once I got there, the hostess convinced the manager to let me in without the ID because it said my birthday on my IMDB page. Thanks nice lady hostess and thanks IMDB!

20. Jack White’s name popped up in a conversation you were having with my Dad. He got to attend an L.A. show featuring Wanda Jackson and Jack White which you missed, because you were out of town. But, Dad showed you photos from the show on my new camera that Ashton Kutcher convinced me I just had to have. Is Jack White someone you would like to collaborate with? Didn’t you mention you would grow your hair out long and you, Jack White, and someone else you mentioned named Jack could form a trio called Jack the Ripper? I think that would be awesome! Did you think of this concept off the top of your head because, you seem to do that a lot or was it already a thought in the back of your mind. You are really creative, and you have a knack for coming up with cool ideas on the spot. Where does all this talent come from? Were you just born that way or how’d you develop it? Anyone in your family musically inclined? What does your family think about what you do?

Jack White is very much someone I'm inspired by and would love to collaborate with… I think the band was Jack White, Jack Black, and Jack(son) Rathbone… That would be funny at least… I don't really remember because I do come up with a lot of ideas at once, which is why I'm always busy, I suppose.

Frankie Clarke (Queenie4ever muse),
Tatiana Mclane (Queenie4ever fashion designer),
& Uncle Larry (100 Monkey band member)
@ The Roxy Hollywood, CA Feb. 14, 2011
Photo Credit: Venice Wong

21. If you could have a jam session with any famous person living or dead who would that be and why? What songs would be on the set list?

Robert Johnson. I'd just watch his hands and learn.

22. You are such an inspiration to young people all over the world who admire all your successes and enjoy watching you follow and fulfill your dreams with such an intense passion and love for what you are doing. You really seem to have a positive outlook on life and are extremely driven to succeed. What advice can you share with them about following their own dreams and passions?

Passion is the greatest gift of all. To pursue a craft in the arts is noble, but to pursue passion for passion's sake is the destination. If you love something, practicing should be no chore, the smallest gig could be the biggest, and others will love it too. Love inspires love. Happiness comes from within and goes without. Trying to let others in on your inner passion, to inspire someone with how much you love, I believe, is the goal of the artist. As Keith Richards said, "every artist wants 'He Passed It On' on his gravestone." (paraphrased there a tad bit from an old Rolling Stone interview)

100 Monkeys


23. Thank you so much Jackson for hanging out with me and my parents at the M Bar. It made it a very special Valentine’s Day! I wish you the best of luck in all your upcoming projects. I highly recommend your band 100 Monkeys as a must see! Where can my fans find out more information about the 100 Monkeys?

Thanks very much for you and your family coming out to M Bar for the Word Theatre fundraiser, that was very sweet of y'all to support such a great cause. http://www.wordtheatre.com/

As per 100 Monkeys, just go check out 100MonkeysMusic.com for more info.

Thanks again!

much love,

-jackson



CHECK OUT YOUTUBE FOR 100 MONKEYS MUSIC VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOPP3r3Ci2M
(Special thanks to Lani Sarem 100 Monkeys awesome publicist!)
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