Monday, July 30, 2012

Hey, Killian Wells "It's Like That"


It’s no surprise that musician, songwriter and melodic dude Killian Wells, hails from New York City. Only the eclectic energy of a town like NYC could produce a pop star whose music appeals to dance freaks, new wavers and rockers alike. 

Although he struggled with anxiety and panic disorder since he was a boy, Killian learned to masterfully harness that nervous energy into his music.


Marked as “someone to watch” by bloggers, critics and fans alike, the buzz about Killian is growing. With his latest single and video co-starring GloZell & featuring Nixon...Yep Killian “It's Like That”!
MS: So, let's talk about your music, I was watching the video for “It's Like That” just before you called, would you be the bored employee at the diner you portrayed? (laughs)
KW: Probably not (laughs) I am kind of an overachiever. I'd probably be running the diner within a month.
MS: Well sometimes creative people tend to check out.
KW: Yeah, I definitely go into my own little world sometimes, and taking Klonopin for anxiety disorder doesn't help. (laughs) That helps me check out. Society in general these days suffers from some form of anxiety, there is always something to be anxious about, some people just don't tolerate it well. I have anxiety disorder since I was sixteen.
MS: Tell me about your fascination with music, when did it start?
KW: I've always been involved in the arts, I, funny enough I wanted to be a movie director when I was a kid. That is one of my fascinations with my music videos.
MS: The video for “It's Like That” is great by the way.
KW: I always have a hand in everything I do with my my music videos. Which is really rare for a pop artist, most people have handlers who are doing all the stuff for them. I've always wanted to be in entertainment to some degree, I initially wanted to be a director, then I wanted to get into acting, when I was twelve I met with New York agents who said the problem was that I looked my age, they wanted older who could play younger, well I said “Fuck This”. I was so upset that I couldn't do something that I wanted to do because of the way that I looked. Pop music was something that I have always been into, I thought if all these other kids can do this, then why can't I? I've always been very entrepreneurial driven, so I saw not just as a talent, but as a business. So I started studying the music business and seeing how I could do that, I did my first demo at the age of fifteen...then I um, um...I lost my train of thought, Klonopin! (laughs)
MS: (laughs) Oooops!
KW: Oh Yeah, now I remember I had a background in music, I used to sing in a chorus at an old folks home. (laughs) And at five years old I used to sing “Spoonful of Sugar” from “Mary Poppins” not gay at all. (laughs)
MS: One of my favorite quotes from the video of “It's Like That” that I have to ask you is: If Lady Gaga said sesame seed buns were all the rage this season, would you wear them?
KW: Uh no. I actually wrote the line “Lady Gaga says sesame seed buns are all the rage this season”.
MS: It's very funny.
KW: Thanks. It's funny because GloZell gets all the credit for it, everyone thinks it's her line because she says it. Little does everyone know, I wrote the treatment for the video. (laughs)
Lady Gaga says check out Killian Wells at: www.killianwells.com

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Video: Shara Strand "Jeykll or Hyde"


You may remember Ms. Strand from my "Entertain Me" chat at the beginning of July about her "Born Tonight" album and her infectious we've all "been there, done that" single "Jekyll or Hyde" - if not here is the link to jog your memory: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2012/07/getting-to-know-shara-strand.html

Well Shara has released the official music video for "Jekyll or Hyde"...Enjoy and have a great week!

www.sharastrand.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Celebrating 50 Years Of "Close To Cathy": Mike Clifford


Vintage Mike Clifford Photo

Former Teen Idol and "Entertain Me" staple Mike Clifford is celebrating - today July 25th 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of his signature hit "Close To Cathy".

Mike "I'm Not Dead Yet" Clifford has a few things to say about CTC's 50th...

MC: It feels like 10 years since I recorded it

MS: Did you think the song would be this enduring?

MC: Never. I was hoping it would last 15 days on the charts, but it actually lasted 12 weeks in the top 100. It's just amazing - I'm still identified with it and I have so many memories associated with it, along with so much wonderful feedback, it's just amazing!

MS: What do you want your legacy to be?

MC: Everyone is given some kind of talent whatever it may be. Mine was singing and other things shot off of that with the acting and the dancing. I just tried to make the most of what I had at the time, and constantly improve myself to be the best I could always be...I worked hard to make the most of what little talent I had. (laughs) My legacy is for people to remember, whatever I did, I always tried 100% ! The proof is in the pudding, if you are still listening to my music, not just "Close To Cathy" 50 years later...

MS: Cool!

Check out Mike in a more recent performance of his signature hit "Close To Cathy"


Rock on with Mike Clifford at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Clifford-Close-to-Cathy/432999335318

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Ponyboy Releases: "Pussy Killer"






"I know why you did what you did...you wanted to make people think" - "LukaPonyboy

 Indie-rockers, Ponyboy. are independently releasing a three-part project inspired by the crimes and ensuing media frenzy of accused killer Luka Rocca Magnotta on his thirtieth birthday. The project consists of a six-track CD titled “Pussy Killer”, an art-house remake of the viral video “1 Lunatic 1 Ice Pick”, and a music video for their song, “Luka”.

The self-described “art-fag” band is using the Magnotta case as a platform to address our culture’s fascination with violent crime.  The bulk of the work is in the forty minute album, “Pussy Killer”, the title being a reference to suspicions that Magnotta killed cats in online videos in 2010.  The album’s concluding track, “1 Lunatic 1 Ice Pick” was actually scored to the original viral video of the same name with abrasive guitar noise and howls mimicking the action onscreen. 

“1 Lunatic 1 Ice Pick” is also the soundtrack and title of the Ponyboy. remake of the gruesome shock video available on DVD.  Recently, a one minute trailer for the film was age-restricted by YouTube staff after they received complaints.  The band has also made a music video for their song “Luka”.  The song and video are a tribute to Magnotta from the perspective of a fan and potential future killer.  

My Ponyboy's have come a long way from their humble beginnings here on "Entertain Me" (The first PB chat: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/09/10-stupid-questions-with-ponyboy.html) - The "Boys" have brought their brand of satire and commentary to a way darker subject matter, hey Charles McVey talk to Daddy....



MS: Why do a record on the Magnotta case?

CMcV: I became interested in the Magnotta case shortly before he was caught, and I assume there are a few specific reasons why I was drawn to it.  First of all the case was so extreme.  Every article I read became more and more horrific as the story unfolded. The fact that the dismemberment video was posted online was just so over the top, and it felt to me like it was almost a new type of crime; a crime for the internet generation. It was the beginning of June and there was already a ton of stuff online about it.  I probably researched it for four hours the first night.  Also, there were tons of posts from Luka and clues online on various social media sites and YouTube.  It really tweaked my sleuthing nerve.  I remember noticing that there were videos posted before the crime was actually committed a couple of days before people really started talking about it.  But even more intriguing to me than the horrible things Magnotta is accused of was the idea that he had done this all for fame and his extreme narcissism, as well as the ensuing frenzy of "Luka Fans" and "Luka Haters" online.

MS: How does it tie in with the rest of Ponyboy's work?

CMcV: From day one, Ponyboy. has written songs about outcasts and dark subjects. I'm sure that the gay side of the story, the idea that he killed "a lover", was something that made it feel like it fit in. And for the last few years my work has had an ongoing relationship of sorts with people in the porn community. But on top of that, Magnotta's back story is rather sad and fucked up.  It seems pretty obvious he was abused in the past, and when you watch video of him being interviewed you can just tell he's full of shit and just saying what he thinks the recipient wants to hear.  There were just so many angles to come at this story from, and the writing came really naturally, now that I think of it. 

MS: Isn't releasing a project about Magnotta on his birthday just giving him what he wants by feeding his ego?

CMcV:  He's already famous. This case is pretty well known at this point, and I don't think there's much that an indie rock band from Kansas can do to alter or impact that in either direction.  I don't think the lyrical content of "Pussy Killer" is complementary to Magnotta, and I didn't feel like the fact that it's still a sore spot for people was a reason enough not to do it.  If fact it seems more appropriate to make this kind of gesture while the wound is still fresh in the public's mind.  However, it seems we have already moved on to horror in Colorado.  

Thanks My Little Pony -  the video for "Luka" below, this video is not for the squeamish or faint of heart, so watch at  your own risk.




"Pony" Hard! at:


Facebook Ponyboy fan page:

 
"LUKA" VID on Daily Motion:

"1 LUNATIC 1 ICE PICK" DVD on Amazon.com:

"PUSSY KILLER" on iTunes:


"Pussy Killer" on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Pussy-Killer-Explicit/dp/B008JTSZQ0


Monday, July 23, 2012

Your New American Idol Is: Mariah Carey




"If you don't know my dog's name is Jack, you must live under a rock" - Mariah Carey "Access Hollywood"

Earth to Mariah, we have much to teach you. No I did not know your dogs name was Jack, and I really don't care, sorry if I hurt your feelings. But how could I miss today's news?!

What do I think of this? It really does not matter to me as I have long stopped watching "American Idol" or caring...it is still the highest rated show on TV despite the ratings slip of late. Yeah, boo hoo to the producer's of that show....NOT!

Do I think Mariah will boost ratings, who knows, whatever, I am blogging on this because I do entertainment and it is "news" in the world I cover.

There are only two times I ever cottoned to Ms. Carey - 1) was her surprisingly good performance in the film "Precious" and 2) well if she promises to be drunk every week like she was at the Palm Springs Film Festival, I would TOTALLY tune in to see THAT!


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Emmy Nominee: Margaret Cho


Margaret Cho as Kim Jong Il






Margaret Cho is "Like A Virgin" nominated for the very first time, for an Emmy that is on NBC's "30 Rock" for her dead on comedic portrayal as North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Il..... a favorite and friend to the blog here at "Entertain Me" it's about time Cho was nominated for her skills as a comedic actress and not just a comedian. Ms. Cho called in with this comment on her nomination....


"I'm so excited to have been nominated for an emmy, especially for 30 rock, which is an incredible show and also for playing a deranged and deceased world dictator who has divided the small country of my origin in two. That's the best part. I think that's what I'd call iron curtain irony" - Margaret Cho


Anyone who knows "The Cho" knows what a brilliant actress she can be, hey does anyone remember the great film "Face Off" directed by John Woo where she co-starred alongside John Travolta and Nicholas Cage as "Wanda"?


A toast to Margaret, here's hoping you win, Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl!

www.margaretcho.com


The Who Announces Their Quadrophenia Tour

Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend 
The classic rockers announced they are headed for the road and it seems guitarist Pete Townshend wants to do more than "Move Like Jagger"....


At a press conference announcing the Who's fall Quadrophenia tour today, Pete Townshend made a racy joke about Mick Jagger. "What I remember of the size of Mick Jagger's penis – I remember it as being huge and extremely tasty," the Who guitarist said, referencing Keith Richards' disparaging remarks on the topic in his 2010 memoir. 


As a foot note they have a piece of music that is going to be included in the close of The Olympics...rock on with your bad selves!


http://thewho.com/