The Orange County-based vocalist — also a licensed jet pilot, psychologist, best-selling author and arts advocate — collaborated with seven-time Grammy-nominated arranger Chris Walden to produce the lush, orchestral album recorded at Hollywood’s legendary EastWest Studios.

Whitmore said the inspiration for the project stemmed from both data and devotion.

“I noticed that on Spotify and Apple Music my highest streaming numbers were for romantic, love songs,” she said. “So it was inevitable that the next album would be devoted to this genre.”

Choosing the final tracklist, however, took time.

“We went through at least a hundred songs before we settled on the song list for this one,” she said.

The album opens with “A Time For Love,” a sweeping ballad originally featured in the 1966 film An American Dream. Released as a single on Valentine’s Day, the song was Whitmore’s personal choice to introduce the record.

“I fell in love with this song when I heard it on the soundtrack from an old movie,” she said. “The lyrics celebrate the exhilaration of new love, but listen carefully and you’ll also hear heartfelt reminiscences of lost loves from days gone by.”

Working alongside Walden, whose past collaborators include Paul McCartney and Barbra Streisand, was a highlight of the creative process.

“What a joy it is to work with Chris,” Whitmore said. “He writes the most gorgeous arrangements and orchestrations. He conducts the orchestra, and he is exceptionally kind and considerate. He knows everything about the music business.”

The album includes timeless standards by Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and more — a musical canon Whitmore has been connected to since childhood.

“My grandfather played first violin on the soundtrack of The Wizard of Oz and spent 20 years at MGM,” she said. “When other kids were watching cartoons on Saturday mornings, I was watching old Judy Garland movies. By the time I was 10, I knew the words to all the songs she used to sing.”

Though she didn’t pursue a full-time singing career until 2014, Whitmore says the dream had been waiting in the wings for decades.

“I had wanted a singing career when I was very young, but family responsibilities got in the way,” she said. “I’m so grateful that after so many career changes, at last I’m doing what I always dreamed of. With perseverance and stamina, fairy tales can come true.”

A longtime supporter of the arts, Whitmore serves on the boards of the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Jazz Orchestra, and BackhausDance. She’s also a supporter of Pasadena Playhouse. Her experience behind the scenes informs her appreciation for the stage.

“Having worked behind the scenes, I understand it takes many people to create an evening of entertainment,” she said. “Whenever I perform, I always take the time to thank everyone.”

As for what she hopes listeners feel when they press play?

“These songs were written between World War I, the Great Depression, and the end of World War II. Our great American composers understood that in hard times, people need music that can inspire, uplift, motivate and comfort them,” she said. “That’s what I hope this album does.”

Let’s Fall In Love is available on all major streaming platforms.

The post From Jet Pilot to Jazz Vocalist: Judy Whitmore Soars with New Album ‘Let’s Fall In Love’ appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The fiery fusion of Celtic rock and bagpipe brilliance of the internationally acclaimed Red Hot Chilli Pipers will rock the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on May 3. 

Hailing from Scotland, this energetic ensemble performs a unique blend of traditional Scottish tunes and contemporary rock anthems.

But wait, before one starts humming ‘Californication,’ let’s clarify – this is not the Californian funk-rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers. No, these kilt-clad virtuosos bring a whole different kind of heat to the stage. 

Since the nine-piece ensemble of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers won the top prize on the United Kingdom’s televised talent show ‘When Will I Be Famous’ in 2007, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have performed stages from New York to Beijing to Melbourne and everywhere in between. 

The band appeals to die-hard fans of Celtic music, as well as those curious to see what happens when bagpipes meet rock ‘n’ roll. RHCP director and co-founder Willie Armstrong shared his favorite career moments with the band, musical process, and more with Backstage SoCal. 

Can you tell us about the origins of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and how the band came together?

The band started with three pipers and two drummers and we only played at corporate events. In 2007, we won a nationwide TV show ‘When Will I Be Famous.’ After this, we were then asked to play gigs and concerts throughout the world and that’s when it really started to grow.

The band name was due to a misplaced CD. One of the original members asked his then girlfriend to place his CD’s in genre order. Rock and pop in one pile and traditional bagpipe music in the other. The Red Hot Chili Peppers CD ended up in the bagpipe pile and when he asked his girlfriend why that was, she replied ‘I thought it said Red Hot Chilli Pipers.’ 

What inspired the unique fusion of traditional Scottish bagpipe music with contemporary rock and pop tunes? 

Bagpipes are a popular instrument but really only popular for people who play bagpipes or already have an appreciation for bagpipe music. We wanted to broaden the genre to appeal to a far bigger audience. We therefore merged bagpipe music with rock music and created the unique genre ‘Bagrock’. 

How do you approach arranging and adapting modern songs for bagpipes and other traditional instruments?

It requires a good deal of thought and preparation. There’s basically nowhere to hide. Almost everyone on stage has a music degree and are top grade Scottish musicians. You have to avoid karaoke as everyone would see through that; musicians and audience. We need to remain true to the tradition but also take into consideration the needs and wants of a wider audience.

So there are rock and pop covers, but mostly they’ll be segued with the traditional bagpipe tunes. We also have an amazing vocalist who takes the lead melody part obviously, but also this gives us a chance to cleanse the ears of the audience.

That’s the real trick here, read the room and act on audience feedback, change is a good thing and keeps everyone creative.

What is your Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts audience going to experience?

Most people would think that they are coming to a concert or a gig, it is a show. We have a fantastic lighting rig. We employ the best sound and light engineers. We have choreography and two top grade highland dancers who are identical twins! 

We believe there are emotional elements in the show and these emotions will range from joy and elation to melancholy.

What are some of the biggest challenges in merging different musical styles, and how do you overcome them?

Bagpipes only have one octave so that is extremely tricky; you have to also avoid Karaoke bagpipes at all costs, so there’s a great deal of work that goes into that, for every song chosen. There will be perhaps 60 discarded. 

The band always play in B-flat as that is the key for the bagpipes – all too often. I hear different bands trying to emulate our sound, however the trick really is to ensure all instruments and singers are in the same key or a key that compliments the B-flat of the bagpipes – otherwise it just sounds disorganized and not as pleasant to the ear. 

What are some of the most memorable moments or experiences from your time performing as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers?

Opening the mainstage at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan in front of 80,000 people. Playing mainstage at Proms in the Park, Hyde Park London in front of 70,000 people. Getting to number 4 in the mainstream singles charts and being asked to collaborate with Tom Walker.

Being an ex fire brigade I was always drawn to what I could do for charities. It’s been very rewarding raising money for the various people in need over the years. Again though there is a balance to that.

I really prefer to keep these things to myself and therefore I know I’m doing it for the right reasons. I also realize that advertising these events is crucial to the success. I always take the view that one day it might be me that’s needing help so perhaps selfishly I can ask for that one day without feeling guilty.

How do you balance staying true to your Scottish roots while also appealing to a diverse international audience?

The balance is in the music – 50% Scottish traditional music and 50% well known rock and pop tunes. They are intermixed and we tried to avoid karaoke as this would be too easy and not very musically endearing to our audience. 

Because the band originated from Scottish pipe bands, we thought we should wear a uniform as all pipe bands normally do. All band members wear exactly the same; red socks, black kilts, red sporran and black shirts. We think this adds to the stage dynamic and sets us apart from other bands in the genre.

The band has achieved significant success both in Scotland and internationally. What do you attribute this success to?

Logistically – although there are bagpipe and guitar bands, there are no bands with three bagpipe players that play melodies and countermelodies. No other band carries with it a world champion snare drummer that cuts through the rest of the sound when required. No other band wears a uniform like us on stage. This is because we were initially formed from a top grade 1 pipe band.

Emotionally – Bagpipes are an extremely emotive instrument – particularly for those with Scottish routes, but the feeling of melancholy and having that sentimental connection to music is universal.

Can you share any insights into the creative process within the band? How do you collaborate and come up with new ideas for arrangements and performances?

Every band member is very creative – for example the bass guitarist Ruaridh has composed some fantastic music for the bagpipes. Every band member has come from different musical backgrounds – so when we get together in a studio – there will be a variety of high end ideas coming to the table from some of the best musicians in Scotland – this is a very fun part of making our shows.

It isn’t just the musicians who will continue to up their game; the lighting engineers and sound engineers also have a say in this process and they have come up with some fantastic ideas as well when it comes to performance and dynamics. The most important part is audience feedback, we often adapt if we feel its necessary following performances. 

What is your favorite song to perform and why? 

We play a track at the very start called Thunderstruck. It is a very tricky piece of music that encompasses everything that is unique about our sound. I always find this is the most rewarding part because you still have 1 hour 30 minutes of crowd interaction and enjoyment to look forward to. 

Your music often brings people together from different backgrounds and cultures. How does it feel to be a part of such a unifying experience through music?

It is pretty amazing. Especially post pandemic it makes you realize how you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. A lot of us were wondering if it would ever come back. There is no better feeling to be back in the room with my mates making music and to then be back out there – sharing that with such appreciative audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

What are your future plans and aspirations for the Red Hot Chilli Pipers? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

There will be a very exciting announcement coming in the second week of April which will be the culmination of 22 years of hard work and determination by all past and present band members. Watch this space. 

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos

When: Friday, May 3, 2024, 8 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $69/$59/$39

More info: cerritoscenter.com, or 562-916-8500

The post Scots Storm Cerritos: Red Hot Chilli Pipers Bring Celtic Rock Extravaganza appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Queen multitasker Hilary Duff launched her latest venture – Below 60°, a modernized fragrance diffuser brand that not only smells great, but is safe for the home.  

The award-winning actress, singer, best-selling author, and mother of three recently added Chief Brand Director to her repertoire with the launch of the diffuser brand, which she celebrated on Tuesday in Beverly Hills with a cocktail reception. 

The line of natural home fragrance products are made from plant-based essential oils — something that was especially important to Duff, who said she is more cautious about what products she uses since she became a mom. 

The masterminds behind the natural diffuser line include founding investors Jeff Marine, president and CEO of JEM Sportswear and Awake Inc.; Brian Lee, co-founder & managing director of Bam Ventures (LegalZoom, ShoeDazzle, and The Honest Company); and Mark Jacobs, CEO at The Watkins Co. 

Lee said the initial idea of an all-natural diffuser sparked when his wife said most similar products on the market were composed of harmful ingredients that she did not want in the air of their home. She also said they were not very attractive as decor as well. 

At the reception, Duff joked that the male trio needed a woman on the team. 

“We need a female in here, which is absolutely the most fun job of all because I am a consumer; I am the one shopping for my family. Just like Brian said, his wife’s like, ‘That’s ugly. I don’t like to look at it and it’s full of chemicals.’ And I think that was the thing that ticked all the boxes for me,” said Duff. 

“One, getting to join forces with these really smart minds who are excellent at what they do. Taking me out of my normal world, which is filming and grinding in that way, and getting to be creative and step in and learn a lot of this process.” 

She also added that she enjoys having a say in the look of the product, as well as the scents. 

“I just get to come in and have a lot of fun and creativity… I also love that this product has so much room to grow and continually will just evolve. I am constantly trying to evolve, and my taste changes, and the things that I like and how I like to express myself, and I feel like this product really fits in line with that.” 

Below 60° introduced its flagship product line with a collection of three natural scents available through its website. The three scents include Mint Disco on Ice (Mint, Lavender, and Glacial Waters), If Citrus Were a Feeling (grapefruit, lily, sandalwood), and Vanilla Buys a Timeshare in Paradise (pineapple, exotic coconut, and Tahitian vanilla). 

Jacobs said the company plans to expand their scent options in 2024, with ambitions of creating new products that will make one’s home a healthy environment. Marine said the diffuser was intricately designed so that each scent is not overwhelming in fragrance, has a sleek modern look, and remains clean and all-natural while in use with no synthetic chemicals. 

“This is the tip of the iceberg. We have three little scents, but there’s so much in the pipeline, and we’re really excited to continue to share this with you all,” said Duff.

For more information on Below 60°, as well as to purchase, visit below60.com

The post ‘Tip of the Iceberg’: Hilary Duff Launches Sleek, All-Natural Air Fragrance Product appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Unlike the many alt-rock bands that dominated the mainstream 90s music scene, Everclear had a unique story beyond the common tale of sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll – thanks to its frontman Art Alexakis. 

The sober, 30-some-year-old father seemed to emerge out of nowhere with catchy, cathartic songs from his life experiences that made Everclear a heavy influence in the world of rock. 

The truth is, Alexakis was in bands for years before he formed Everclear in Portland in 1991. Not long after, the band skyrocketed to fame – picking up a Grammy nomination along the way. 

After their independently released album “World of Noise” in 1993, Everclear found success on their first three certified gold and platinum albums on Capitol Records — “Sparkle and Fade,” “So Much For the Afterglow,” and “Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile.” 

Hits like “Santa Monica,” “I Will Buy You A New Life,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful” are still recognized as rock classics. The quartet, who celebrated their 30^th Anniversary in 2022, are currently touring in support of a new live album, Live at The Whisky a Go Go, which was released September 8. 

Although Alexakis is the last standing man in the original lineup, the rock group continues to  perform stages all around the world — including The Wiltern in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, on a 30-date headlining tour. 

In 2016, Alexakis was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, he has been very active with the M.S. Foundation, donating one dollar to the foundation for every concert ticket sold. 

Alexakis chatted with Backstage SoCal about the current tour, how he keeps his momentum in music, and favorite moments in Everclear and life. 

Can you tell me what your audience is going to experience in your current concerts?

Well, you know, our 30th anniversary was last year. We had a chance to play the Whiskey a Go Go up in West Hollywood and I’ve been there 100 times, but never played there. So I jumped at the chance to do it and we ended up recording a live record there, which came out on September 8th with 15 live tracks, and two songs that were studio songs that we put on there. 

One song is our current single; it’s called “Sing Away” and it’s a song about teenage bullying and suicidal ideation. To answer your question, we’ve been going deep lately on songs and we’re trying to learn them and play them live. We’ve got a pretty good repertoire as it is now. So, just a note for everybody — if you wanna hear a certain song when it comes to playing live, hit us up on social media and if we know it, we’ll play it.

I love that. Your shows are so energetic. Thirty years later and you seem to not miss a beat. How do you keep that energy alive?

I am older. I’m 61 you know, 34 years sober. I got diagnosed with MS, multiple sclerosis, seven years ago. And, yeah, it’s not as easy as it used to be, you know, for a younger guy. I have everything else in my life; everything is perfect. I have health issues, but I work at it.

I really feel like adversity is something that keeps us going. It really does, it keeps us trying harder. Every day when I get up and I have to go get on airplanes and fly, and it’s hard and you’re walking through airports and stuff like that, which a lot of people take for granted. But when you do it a couple of 100 times a year, it’s a different thing.

I really feel like the adversity of having to try harder and that challenge has really kept me a lot more cognitively and physically healthier than if I was just at home, sitting around playing golf twice a week, and looking for and waiting for royalty checks, you know? 

I probably wouldn’t be married if I did that (laughs). So that would be bad. I just feel grateful that I get to do this. I really do, and that people still wanna hear my songs. What a great life I’ve had. I mean, I look at glasses more than half full. I’m grateful for it. I really am. 

Something that’s always resonated, I feel, with your fans is your empathy. We all know your journey and your impactful efforts in the M.S. community, as well as the sober living community. We know your rough upbringing through your lyrics and interviews over the years. You have always presented so much empathy in your art. Do you agree that empathy defines a lot of who you are? 

Thank you for saying that. I think empathy defines all of us, you know, as we get older and we go through life and we take a look around at what’s going on. When you’re younger, it’s easy to have blinders… it’s more all about you… me, me, me, me, me, right? 

But as we get older, you start seeing that we fit into this huge tribe. I know a lot of people of certain political persuasion will disagree with that. God bless. That’s your thing. They’re so wrong. We’re all connected, whether you like it or not, we’re connected.

And I’ve always felt that and I think the empathy is something I got from my mom, along with the perseverance and the tenacity and the ability to love. I think in the last, you know, 20 years being married to my wife, Vanessa, she’s really helped teach me how to love and patience. I’ve just got such an amazing family with her and my daughter, and life is just wonderful right now. 

It’s almost 20 years in and it’s getting better. So hopefully I’m not gonna screw this one up like I did the other three marriages. Right? You know. But I am a different guy. People change, they really do. People wanna say people don’t change, and in some ways we don’t, but in a lot of ways it’s up to us to change. The choice is there. It’s all about choice. 

Do you feel like you put the same focus and energy nowadays into your music as you have in the past? 

I do, but not as much as it used to be. I mean, I used to be on that cycle of make an album, tour, write an album, make an album, tour… and I haven’t been on that for years. I just don’t really wanna make albums anymore. I just wanna make songs every year, record a couple of new songs, do a cool video for it, put it out to the fan base. I love that.

It gives us something new to play. That’s exciting to me. To go into a studio for a year and do a whole album, it doesn’t sound fun to me. That doesn’t mean I won’t do it. I could change my mind, but I don’t think I’m going to any time soon. I’ve got other fish to fry. I’m working on my book, finally. I got a literary agent, not a book agent. He’s fancy, he’s a literary agent.

I’m also a certified life coach and a sobriety coach, and creative coach. I work with people in the creative industry. I’m gonna start ramping that up more. I got a few clients who are gonna start doing more of that and I enjoy doing that. I enjoy being a service and I’m very involved in my sober fellowship, being sober for 34 years. 

And like you said, you know, working with MS. A dollar from every ticket sold on this tour goes to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

So wonderful.

So, yeah, we’re all just trying to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and it’s like what I said before, it’s about choices. It’s out there, you just gotta go do it.

What’s a memory in your career that, if given the chance, you would relive again and again and again? 

Well, career wise, being at Woodstock 1999 and hearing 300,000 people, that’s what they estimated at that festival, singing “Santa Monica.” If there was a voice of God, that was the voice of God.

I’ve never heard anything like it before. I was looking at the guys in my band, if you watch the video tape, it’s on Youtube; we’re looking at each other and it’s just like, oh my God, what is this? This only happens to rock stars. This doesn’t happen to people like us. That was so great. 

In my life, the birth of my daughter and the day I got married to my wife, Vanessa. Now those moments are just wonderful. You know, I’m pretty simple when it comes to that. Those are the iconic moments that come to mind. 

Also, holding my mom’s hand as she was passing and, you know, just realizing that that woman had loved me fiercely from the moment that I was born, or even before when she knew I was coming. And to the moment she died. I knew that even though I didn’t have a relationship with my dad, I didn’t need it. I had my mom. I had everything I needed.

Everything was given to me that I needed. And that was a wonderful feeling, even though it was sad, you know? It was sad, but it wasn’t a tragedy. My mom was almost 80 years old and she lived a good life. 

You mentioned that people change, and we’ve watched you evolve over the years – from the first 30 years of your life that you have shared through your music, to the second 30 years that you have shared through your career – and now we look forward to the next 30 years and what you will do. 

Well, no, don’t. I’m not gonna be around for 30 years. (laughs) Yeah, I tell that to my wife. She’s younger than me and I keep telling her look, you know, you guys are gonna be OK. She’s like what? You’re gonna die in the next 10 years and I’m gonna be alone? And I go, ‘You’re still hot. What are you talking about? You have plenty of money. You can just get a young boyfriend.’ And she’s like, oh god, I don’t wanna deal with a younger man. (laughs)

Don’t be limiting your life span on us (laughs). We need people like you and art like yours in this world. 

I’ll be around as long as I can, that’s for sure. It’s not like I’m gonna go easy, man. They have to take it from me. I’m so excited just to be able to still do this, do interviews, talk to people about music. 

One thing we’re doing now after COVID is we’re signing after the shows again. Like we’re going out to the merch booth and meeting people and signing stuff and saying hi. And that’s been really, really great to meet and connect. It’s wonderful.

Everclear

When: Monday, October 9

Where: The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

More info: https://www.everclearmusic.com/

The post Backstage Q&A: Life is ‘wonderful’ for Everclear frontman Art Alexakis appeared first on Backstage Socal.

What is the true meaning of life? Actor, comedian and writer Justin Long ventures into the minds of celebrities to learn how they spend their time on earth in his new podcast “Life Is Short.” 

Through engaging, thoughtful conversations with everyone from actors to musicians to deep thinkers, Justin chats about the experiences that have led them to find meaning in their own lives. Accompanied by his brother, actor and producer Christian Long, the brotherly banter and fun discussions give the Wondery podcast a lighthearted and comedic tone.

As a longtime actor, Justin– recognized for his movie roles such as “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Waiting,” and “Galaxy Quest” — said he’s used to getting inside the heads of the characters he plays, so the interview format comes natural to him. Guests so far have included actor/producer Neil Patrick Harris, actress Anna Chlumsky, actress/director Olivia Wilde, actor Kevin Bacon and comedian Neal Brennan.

Justin chatted with us about favorite moments and guests, what it’s like to work side-by-side with his brother, the joys and challenges of running a podcast (including having to venture into the world of Instagram…) and more.

What was the initial inspiration of creating the “Life Is Short” podcast? 

I think it was turning 40 – which brought with it, as is common, a heightened awareness of how much and how quickly time is passing. It really snuck up on me and I started rethinking how I was using my remaining time and, more importantly, curious how others were using theirs. I also just really like talking to people and learning about them. So it was a combination of a midlife crisis and being super nosy (laughs). 

Who are your podcast heroes? What qualities do they have that have inspired you in your own podcast?  

I really love listening to Dax Shepherd’s podcast. He is incredibly bright and curious and has enough knowledge about most subjects that make his contributions really valuable and elevate the conversation. The first podcast I ever did was Anna Faris’s “Unqualified” which I also loved – Anna had a very easy, laid-back approach to her interviews that made me feel like a very engaged fly on the wall. Both Anna and Dax are very empathetic people which, I think, is the most important attribute for the podcasters I enjoy listening to. 

You’ve had a pretty diverse group of people on — Fran Drescher, Kevin Bacon, Wolfgang Puck, etc. — who has been the most:

Fun? Fran was fun because she’s so unpredictable and opinionated and… fun. But Cobie Smulders and Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell are all people whose company I so enjoy in life, so hanging out with them in front of a microphone was equally fun. 

Fascinating? Wolfgang Puck has a fascinating upbringing which I was almost completely unaware of. Jeremy Renner’s view of life and death fascinated me. I’m honestly fascinated by some part of every guest we’ve had so far. 

Thought-provoking?  I hope this isn’t a cop-out but I’ve also found every guest we’ve had to be thought-provoking to some degree but the interview with Roger McNamee (author of the book “Zucked”) was one I still think about – he opened my eyes to so many hidden dangers of social media. Jesse Eisenberg has such an open and empathetic worldview that he has made me reevaluate my own behavior towards people through a more understanding and forgiving lens. 

Has anyone made you nervous or anxious to talk to? 

Most of the guests I’m, at least, slightly nervous to talk to. But obviously the ones I didn’t know have been the most nerve-wracking. Wolfgang Puck, despite never having met him, really put me at ease – he was so disarmingly down to earth and sweet. Neil Patrick Harris is an old friend of mine but Neil is, himself, such a great host and deft conversationalist that I felt pretty nervous in the beginning of that one. Ditto for Lena Dunham. And in both cases they’re people I really admire. They were also two of our very first few episodes. 

What challenges have you faced so far venturing into the podcast industry?

I was saying “yeah” too much. Somebody pointed it out and as much as I wanted to disagree with it, I couldn’t. I’ve also had to curb an annoying instinct to talk over people if I get excited by something that springs into my head. I also had to start an Instagram account – which went from being a challenge to something I’ve begun to enjoy. 

What has been your most special moment since launching so far? 

I think the most special moments have been hearing and reading peoples positive feedback about the show. It’s something I’m so much more personally invested in than a movie or TV show I do. It’s really just me and my brother talking, so any positive reinforcement about that I take very personally. It’s also been really special getting to do it with my brother. 

I love that you have your brother by your side to “hold you accountable” the way siblings do and reveal a different side of you to your listeners. What does that mean to you to work with Christian?

We’ve been creative partners for a long time and have had many scripts never see the light of day, so it’s nice and deeply rewarding to see a creative endeavor of our’s come to fruition. It’s incredibly gratifying. He also brings out the best in me — I’m my funniest and most engaged when I’m interacting with him. I think we challenge each other really effectively and push each other to be as funny as we can be. And as much as we share a very similar comedic sensibility, we are different people and his criticism and commentary I find more valuable than anyone else’s. I suppose I respect him more than anyone else. 

What do you hope to achieve with this podcast?  

I didn’t have these ambitions going in but it would be really nice to just be a positive, fun, interesting, whatever presence in people’s lives. Selfishly, I’d always just hoped it would be fun, which it definitely has been such a fun creative outlet. But now the thought of having a positive impact on someone’s day, on someone’s life, is something I hadn’t considered but feels insanely gratifying. 

Discuss this interview with Backstage SoCal publisher Jackie Moe via Twitter at @jackieemoe

The post Actor Justin Long chats ‘Life is Short,’ new celeb-filled podcast appeared first on Backstage Socal.

When you aren’t commuting to work, planning out your next work presentation, picking up your kids’ carpool, studying for a test — or whatever it is that takes up your day-to-day — do you indulge in a unique or bizarre hobby? Lesley Arfin, the perpetually chill creator of the hit Netflix series “Love,” created the feel-good podcast about finding pure, simple joy in random, unusual or just plain fun hobbies. 

The Filling the Void podcast features celebrity guests, such as actress Natasha Leggero (host of MTV’s “The 70s House”) and actress/TV writer Kerri Kenney (“Reno 911!), discussing the things that make them happy. The brand new podcast has streamed from the LA-based network Earios since June 30. We chatted a bit with Lesley about her favorite moments so far. 

What was the inspiration behind creating a podcast on discovering hidden hobbies?

I was f**king off a lot, doing things I like to do instead of actual work to make money. So I thought, ‘Oh I wonder if other people have this problem?’ And then people kept telling me to do a podcast and I was like nah, I’d only do it if it was actually fun, like a hobby. And somehow this math all added up to FTV.

Who has been your most memorable interview so far and why? 

Probably Kate Berlant because it was the first one.

What has been the most shocking/fascinating hobby you have discovered in your podcast chats? 

Diablo Cody’s roller coaster hobby was CRAZY! 

I heard you tell Diablo Cody that your podcast is a hobby. What are your other hobbies? 

Handyman/woman type stuff, painting, ballet, cards, and online shopping. 

What helps you balance writing, podcasting and other career/life ventures?

Being a mom. But I wouldn’t say it’s balanced. I’m constantly trying to balance my schedule and failing. 

Do you feel podcasting came natural to you? And has it enhanced your creative process?

Yes and I don’t know. Probably? I’ve only done it like 4 times though. 

Who are your podcast heroes? What qualities do they have that have inspired you in your own podcast?

I rarely listen to podcasts and when I do it’s 100 percent about the subject matter — usually murder. 

What do you hope to achieve with this podcast?  

Just to have fun and find out some cool stuff about people I hadn’t expected to find. I’m interested in people in general and what they do when they’re off the clock. 

The post Comedy writer Lesley Arfin is ‘Filling the Void’ with new podcast appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Media queen Margaret Cho has returned to the podcast platform after a six year hiatus and she’s inviting all of her famous (and some not-so-famous) friends to join her for fun and intimate conversations. 

“The Margaret Cho” launched July 17 and has already released episodes with “Queer Eye” host Jonathan Van Ness, tattoo and makeup artist superstar Kat Von D, actress Katie Malia and TV host and comedian Michael Yo. Presented by new female-led podcast network Earios, in partnership with Acast, episodes drop every Tuesday — with 36 episodes per season.  

The Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated actress, comedian, author and LGBT activist said there are no topics she will shy away from in her conversations, but her main goal is to just have fun. Cho chatted with us about her newest venture into the podcast world. 

How do you feel your podcast is unique from other interview format podcasts? 

Well, I really love when you get through to somebody from a different context. Like when I was younger, I would listen to my mom having lunch with her friends and I would like, crawl under the table and listen to their conversations. And all these moms were talking to each other and they were not moms in their conversation. They were talking about different things and their lives. I just think it’s really great to listen in on somebody who’s talking that’s not the part of them that you necessarily know publicly. It’s a kind of intimacy that I feel I can get with people. A lot of the guests that I have on are really good friends of mine. So I like to try to get to a different side of a personality if I can — that’s my goal. 

What inspired you to launch “The Margaret Cho”? 

Well, I’ve done a podcast in the past, in 2012 and 2013, and I really enjoyed it. It was a different time for podcasting, so it was a very different experience, but I always really enjoyed it and I wanted to get back to it. It’s a good way to supplement some of the other things that I do with comedy and producing and writing and putting together other things. And I listen to podcasts a lot. So it just seemed like the rational thing to kind of get into because I’ve had experience there and it’s a medium that I really avidly use as a consumer. 

Do you have any podcasts heroes that you look up to? 

I really love “My Favorite Murder.” Karen Kiilgariff is a friend of mine from the 1980s, you know, from childhood. So we have known each other for many, many years. And so it really is like listening to your friend talking on the phone. Like it’s like a very familiar thing. And I really love true crime, which is an interest that I’ve had all through my life. And somehow it’s kind of caught up with society, like “Armchair Sleuths,” and it gets very interesting how we can examine society through crime and how women are disproportionately suffering from crimes, especially from their partners or from abuse. And there’s so many things that you realize looking at crime statistics, crime stories and how the stories really tell a story about society. There’s another one that’s similar to my favorite record, which is “RedHanded,” a British podcast, which is also two women talking and it’s just really interesting, it’s a really good one. So those are my favorites you should check out if you haven’t. 

Where do you generally record? 

It actually really depends on (where I am). Sometimes I’ll be recording in New York and I’ll work in a studio there. But I’m the most comfortable recording from home. I think that’s my ideal, so I’ll probably do more from my house. 

What challenges have you faced so far? 

I think it’s just scheduling everybody, you know? Everybody that I want to talk to is really busy. Especially somebody like Kat (Kat Von D) or Jonathan Van Ness, who is our first guest. They’re always on the go. Kat just had a baby and they’re like getting their house ready, and then they’re like doing all of this press stuff, because she’s releasing a new shoe line. And then Jonathan is on the comedy tour and also filming “Queer Eye” and of course “Game of Thrones” just ended. So there was like so much activity on both of their parts; so it was hard to figure out when we could do it. So actually sitting and talking, that time is precious and I think that’s sort of reflected in the show. We make a lot of sacrifices so we actually can get together and talk. So it’s a nice thing that we can use it in the podcast. 

Since you’re being recorded for a large audience, does it feel like someone else is in the room with you when you are having these one-on-one casual conversations?

There’s certainly something to that, but also as a comedian that’s something we’re always kind of really conscious of. Especially nowadays with the way that we talk about comedy and we talk about jokes, you kind of have to be very careful or really sensor what you’re doing or saying. I feel like that’s sort of naturally there in comedy. Just kind of thinking about what is being said and what that would reflect on, and the impact of that; it’s just something that you’re conscious of I think. 

What do you hope to achieve with your podcast? 

I think that I just want to have something that I would like to listen to, you know? That I would really be interested in. It’s sort of like paying it back for all of the times that I have really been entertained by podcasts. Just to be able to throw my own hat into the ring with my own perspective; I think it’s really fun. So that’s kind of my goal. I want to participate in this world and make something that you can listen to for several hours a day. 

Do you ever listen to your own podcasts? 

Yeah and it’s funny because it’s like, I’ll be listening and then hear something and be like, “Oh god, I forgot that.” Like I really do forget! And then I have a lot of them from the first podcast I did that I really, really like but I completely forgot about. There’s so many things that I remember later after listening to it. So it’s really fun. 

I cringe when I have to hear my voice on recording, so I’m always curious if podcasters listen to their episodes and if they feel the same way.

Oh, I know, I hate my voice. It’s so annoying and embarrassing, but then you’ve got to get over it because you’re putting it out. So yeah I know exactly that feeling. I hate, hate, hate it. But it’s like you sort of have to get over it, because no matter what, you have to listen to make sure it’s right. You know? But yeah, it sucks. (laughs)

What has been your most memorable moments so far? 

I think it’s just like being able to just witness the rise of Jonathan’s career and being a part of it, and helping him along the way. You know, he’s really special and that for me has been really fulfilling. So I think that’s really remarkable. We just really got started. So we have lots of episodes still that need to be recorded that are coming in. Lots of guests that I’m really excited about. So I’m really, really thrilled about that.

Any future guests in particular that you’d like to share? 

Yes! I’m excited, we’ll be doing Quentin Tarantino and Diablo Cody, and Amy Landecker from “Transparent” who I love. And so there’s so many different people coming on that I’m really thrilled about that. So diverse. Oh, and Trixie Mattel, which is great. I love Trixie. It’s just all really exciting. I love it. 

Episodes can be found on Apple, Stitcher, Acast, Spotify or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Listen here to a trailer of the show.

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Hopeless romantics, you may want to listen up: for all of those nights of wondering if you will ever find “the one” or if “happily ever after” is real, a new podcast is hopelessly devoted to telling true love stories that are sure to give you butterflies. 

Actress Ingrid Haas (Chelsea Lately, Key and Peele) is the host of “The Moment,” a podcast produced by Wondery which premiered on July 1 and drops every Wednesday. Ingrid, who just recently got engaged herself, explores the love stories from real couples to learn what went wrong, what went right, surprise engagements and tense wedding ceremonies. 

Ingrid chatted with us about her new venture into the smooth and rough waters of epic romance. 

What was the inspiration behind creating The Moment podcast?

I was inspired to talk about love after I got engaged. Mostly because I have so many questions about how love works. Especially now that I’m engaged. Mostly how marriage works for different people. A naive part of me always thought it all gets figured out after you find your person, but my experience was that I had more questions than ever! The producers who I work with, Leah Sutherland and Stephanie Jenz, find these incredible stories about love and relationships and at our core, I think we are a bunch of hopeless romantics over at Wondery. We all know people with wild, unbelievable stories about love and relationships and we hadn’t heard anything like this. So we made it!

What are some of the highlights of this first season?

Each episode is so unique and exciting and really focuses on a different couple’s story. We have an episode with Taylor Swift, another one about how a couple froze their embryos before they even had sex! I love the finances episode with Naomi and Andy because they are comedians and very fun to listen to, but also because money is still rarely talked about and we talk about it!

Who do you feel this podcast subject will appeal to the most?

Anyone who believes in the power of love. And my hope is that it’s appealing to people who’ve become a little cynical about love.

What has been your favorite part of podcasting?

I come from a writing and comedy background, so my favorite part is riffing in the studio with the producers. We have a lot of fun making each other laugh and I especially love getting the opportunity to rework jokes or fine tune stuff.

What challenges have you faced in creating the first season?

I would guess finding the couples who we interview. But overall, Wondery is a fantastic network and I am so lucky to be part of the family.

What is it about love and romance do you feel people are more willing to do a “grand gesture”?

I’m not a relationship expert by any stretch, but as someone who’s done some wild grand gestures in my life, I think falling in love with someone makes us feel so good. I always wanted to find a way to show love can make us go blind, crazy and everything in between.

What do you hope listeners will get from “The Moment?”

That love is out there. For everyone. It’s worth the wait and I think even moreso, worth the work.

Anything else you would like to readers to know?

We love our listeners and I read all your comments and feedback and read each of your emails. It’s genuinely so nice to hear that we are giving people hope to find their match and brightening people’s day. Being a part of something that brings light into the world has been such a gift for me.

For more info, visit: https://wondery.com/shows/the-moment/

The post Actress Ingrid Haas explores true love and heartache in new podcast appeared first on Backstage Socal.

In one of the most iconic roles on Broadway, actress Emma Grimsley will step into the shoes of “Christine Daae,” the female protagonist of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel and theatrical phenomenon “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Grimsley has performed as ‘Princess’ and as an understudy for Christine on tour, but was recently announced as the North American tour’s new lead — taking on the role in several performances during the tour’s stop at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa (July 10-21) before taking over officially for the Honolulu stop in August.

The tour will return to Orange County for a two-week stop. Before she graces the Segerstrom Hall stage, Grimsley chatted with Backstage SoCal:

How long have you been involved in theater, and what inspired you to get into this industry?

Grimsley: My parents are both opera singers, so I grew up traveling with them and watching them work. Sometimes I was lucky enough to get to be in shows with them–the first one at three years old. So I’ve been on stage most of my life. Getting to watch shows take shape as a kid and falling in love with the theater from such a young age made it pretty impossible to avoid as I got older. 

What does it mean to you to perform this iconic theater show?

Grimsley: We’re in a cultural moment right now that is so dominated by screens and text and binge-watching content which can all be really isolating activities–it really is a thrill to bring a whole theater full of strangers on this story’s journey together. To spend the evening forgetting our devices and experiencing something with each other in real time. And the fact that Phantom is such an iconic show just adds to that thrill because we know that there are people in the audience who’ve loved this show for thirty years. Maybe they saw it with their parents years ago, and now they’re passing it down to their kids. It’s pretty cool to be part of a legacy like that.

In what ways is this tour run of “Phantom of the Opera” production unique from other productions?  

Grimsley: The production on Broadway right now has stayed the same since it opened in the Eighties, whereas our production incorporates new sets and a new approach to the characters while preserving the music and story and costumes you know and love.

What are some exciting elements about this theatrical production? (set, choreography, costumes, etc.)

Grimsley: We’re particularly proud of our set. It’s quite a thing to behold with lots of tricks hidden up its sleeves. Paul Brown designed our set to really capture what it would feel like to go backstage in a 19th century opera house where much of the story is set. And the iconic costumes were designed by Maria Bjornson and have been a part of Phantom from the very beginning. And keep an eye out for our chandelier. It’s massive and beautiful and it comes with us to every city.

Are there any changes or updates to the original story?

Grimsley: The story and the music are the same, though Laurence Connor directed our production to focus on who each of these characters are as individual people. So you may walk away thinking about Christine’s journey from the beginning of the show to the end of the show or how the Phantom became the Phantom and how that impacts the way he interacts with the people in his world. 

What is your favorite scene in the musical?

Grimsley: I love “Masquerade” at the beginning of Act II. Act I is a roller coaster, and when you come back from intermission, “Masquerade” throws you right back into the action. It’s big and colorful and shows off all the elements of our production that make it so exciting. 

What part of the musical do you feel generates the most excitement from the audience?  

Grimsley: There are so many, and it changes from city to city–from audience to audience, really. But the way we use pyrotechnics is definitely something nobody in the audience forgets.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know?

Grimsley: This is the second time The Phantom of the Opera North American Tour has come through Costa Mesa, and we cannot wait to share this story with you again!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: July 10 – 21. Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m. (Thursday July 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.); Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. The 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, July 20, 2019 will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

How much: Start at $35.75

Phone: (714) 556-2787

Online: SCFTA.org

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