KickActs interviews Carrie Lane!
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
What people don’t know about me is that I am a complete goofball. I have been getting messages from people I haven’t seen in years saying how impressed they are by all the things they see me doing and it makes me smile. Not just because they see that all of my hard work is paying off, but because they don’t know that behind the scenes I am still a total weirdo.
You can find me at www.CarrieLaneMusic.com
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
My musical heroes are The Beatles. They are a group that is always timeless in my mind and that is hard for me to find in artists. I love all types and genres of music, but there are very few songs or groups that I can listen to no matter where I am, what I’m doing, or what I’m feeling. I can always listen to The Beatles and I can always find something to relate to in their music.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
Anyone who starts out in the music business needs to be passionate because there is no doubt that it is going to get hard and the business is going to test how badly they want it, repeatedly and consistently. You need that drive and that will to stay strong when everything is not going as planned. You need to be hardworking and patient. If you do this and don’t try to cut corners, your time will come.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
My issue is that I take in all the advice that people give me. My mind is like a sponge and I soak in every bit of information people give me. So my issue is not ignoring advice that people give me, rather listening to people that I shouldn’t be!
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Once, there was someone who opened for me who was dressed in a full skeleton suit and played the same song over and over for his entire set. I don’t know if that is my greatest gig story or my worst gig horror story… you choose.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
Wow! Okay that question definitely made me blush. Oddly enough I like to color. Is that okay? I’m like a little kid when it comes to hobbies. I like to just sit with a coloring book and crayons. I find it very soothing whenever I’m stressed. Judge me.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
I think there has never been a greater time for music in my opinion. Although, people can still argue that only a specific type of music is on the radio… there are so many types of sub genres that are emerging that never could have come about years ago. The possibilities more music are multiplying and artists should be taking advantage of all of the opportunities out there.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X Factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
I think that they are a unique part of the music industry that has never been able to really thrive in previous generations. I think with the way technology has evolved, shows like this are inevitable. They are interactive and make America believe that they are in control of picking the next big artist. However, little do they know these people are being hand picked to fit specific demographics that television networks are trying to promote.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
What is anyone’s opinion of this? Don’t do it. Buy music, support artists. Period.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Aha! Yes, I get some revenge on my boys. Well let’s see I have three members of my band Dan Traglia, Dan Rufolo, and Vin Landolfi. Dan Traglia is my drummer and he’s the band leader, what you wouldn’t know about him is that every time he sits down for a meal he eats for a small village. Seriously, the guy eats his body weight in food every time he sits down it’s the most un-human thing I’ve ever seen. Dan Rufolo plays piano and is good at everything… I’m not even joking, he’s good at everything… it’s insane. That’s why I have to pick on him a bit because it’s just not fair. I decided that because there are two Dan’s in my band that I would call him Buttercup. So that it what he is called. And Vin most people think is the quiet one, but once you get to know him he’s hysterical. Sometimes (most of the time) he and Dan Traglia talk to each other in this weird other voice, it’s like their own language… it’s very strange. Bottom line, they’re all amazing and I love them because they’re super talented guys and insanely talented musicians, what more could I ask for?
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s Island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
Ok… you are seriously dating yourself with this question! I am too young to have ever seen Gilligan’s Island! Although, I do know one character and that’s Ginger so I pick her because she’s hot.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
Yes I know what a vinyl is! I have never purchased one. However, when my grandfather passed away he left me with his collection of vinyl records because he knew how much I love music. I still have all of them to this day.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
What’s with you and islands? I am not a violent person, nor a hater. I don’t think I would be anything but nice to the Beebz. He’s only human too…
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
I think Miley Cyrus is an absolute genius. People can sit here and criticize her and scoff at everything she’s doing, but everything about what she is doing is calculated for success. As we’re sitting here judging, Miley is laughing all the way to the bank.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip-synching or real vocals?
It depends on the type of concert. If you are going to hear some acoustic music or some rock and roll you want a live performance. If you want a large production with dancing and all that jazz, you’re going to lose quality of the voice. Sometimes backing vocals enhance the performance and that does not mean that the artist can’t sings, it means that is their choice to make that specific performance the best they can. Everyone uses backing tracks at one point or another; it is not something to be ashamed or criticized.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Me… Duh. Next Question!
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
One time I wrote #nofilter and I totally used a filter…
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is… Why?
I think this goes back to The Beatles man, can’t live without them.
Favorite movie of all time and why?
My favorite movie of all time is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It is a classic and I laugh just as hard every time I see it, there are not very many things in life that can manage to hold that timeless charm.
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s where you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
I just want to take my “Shout it Out Loud” time to encourage everyone to Pay it Forward. I think this movement is incredibly important. It does not have to be through money necessarily, just through the goodness of our hearts. If we continue to help others and breed positivity around us, positive things will come to us as well. That’s just the way of the universe. I am a strong person. And the best way to utilize your strength is to lift people up, not to put them down.
Categories: General Tags: carrie lane, facebook, interview, LaFamos, Marketing & Publicity, New York City, the beatles, TMMA Entertainment, youtube
Ten Questions with Aaron Childree!
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and your music and where you can be found on the web.
My name is Aaron Childree and I’m a pop, singer/songwriter based in Atlanta, GA. My goal is to use music as a way to instill hope and inspire action. My new album is called “Above the Norm” and you can find it on iTunes or any other digital music store. You can also follow me at facebook.com/aaronchildreemusic or on Twitter @aaronchildree.
Who are your musical heroes, influences & why?
Two of my biggest musical heroes are Bob Dylan and Bob Marley. They were both able to create great music and also use their songs to make a positive impact on society. Some other artists that have influenced my sound are One Republic, Coldplay, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Jason Mraz.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in playing music? Any pitfalls they should avoid?
The advice that I would give is to take every opportunity you get and to enjoy the journey. Not only is this good career advice, but also it can be beneficial in all areas of life. The biggest pitfall that I’ve seen (and had trouble with myself) is getting so worried about success that you become creatively stifled. Create the kind of music that you love and don’t worry too much about how it is received. People will often be hesitant to accept something that is original and different but that’s not your problem. Keep making music that you love!
Do you have a greatest gig story you’d like to share?
I had the opportunity to perform for the GATE convention this past February and it was an amazing experience. The Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment (GATE) is an organization that brings together musicians, artists, writers, etc. who are all seeking to make the world better through their art. Jim Carrey and Eckhart Tolle are two of the organization’s founders. It was such an honor to be able to share the stage with so many amazing artists.
And in the same token as the above question. How about a “worst gig” ever story.
The first one that comes to mind is last year when I was scheduled to play a show on the same night as the opening ceremonies for the Olympics. I didn’t realize this scheduling conflict until it was too late to back out or reschedule, so I ended up playing a set for just a few friends and the other musicians. I’ve learned that whenever attendance is low you can make it sound more positive by saying that it was an “intimate” show. So that was a very intimate show. You live and you learn.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of boobs?
I try my best to stay healthy so I love to jog and practice yoga. I’ve done some P90X and Insanity as well. I’m also a little bit of a nerd so I really enjoy reading and watching documentaries on NetFlix.
What do you think about the present music scene or lack of?
I think all the new technology and means of distribution that we have today make it a very exciting time to be a musician. On the other side of it all, the innovation is that it can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. I’ve been blessed with lots of amazing people in my life to help me find my way and in my opinion that is a very important thing to have. I would love to see pop music move towards a direction of more lyrical substance and I think we’re already seeing that happen. Music has a unique power to bring people together and my opinion is that we should use that power to share a message of love and hope.
Tell us something about each of you that we wouldn’t expect to hear… (Like hobbies or something like that)
When I was in 5th grade I did an Elvis impersonation for the Christmas play at my church. I had an Elvis costume and even researched the role by watching one of his movies. It went well but I just remember being extremely nervous for days.
Hypothetical situation. You’re stranded on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the girls. Is it Ginger, Mary Ann or Mrs. Howell and why?
It’s a close call between Mary Ann and Ginger but I’m going to go with Mary Ann. I’m a fan of the “girl next door” look she has going on. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Gilligan’s Island though!
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s where you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”
I’m always looking for ways to use my music as a vehicle to raise awareness for different causes and charitable organizations. The music video for my new single “Above the Norm” features four charities and I would love for everyone to check out the video as well as the organizations. You can find the video at youtube.com/aaronchildree and there are links to all the charities in the video. Thanks so much for having me!
Categories: General Tags: aaron childree, Above the Norm, artist, atlanta georgia, hope, inspiration, LaFamos, Marketing & Publicity