Southern Gothic Productions Start-Up Reminder of My Humble Beginnings

Now, when I started my One Tree Hill Podcast last May, I didn't have inspirations of changing the world or an industry. I just had things to say and loved technology so much, I used this crazy thing called podcasting as a way to get it out there. I never imagined that less then a year later I would have done and seen the things I have.

As I watch the process of Southern Gothic Productions, as those involved, try to find their feet, it reminds me of my process with the One Tree Hill Podcast. Now, on many levels, the two are like comparing apples and oranges. These people, Hilarie Burton, Kelly Tenney and Nick Gray, are awash with knowledge in the business they are pursuing. I was a wild eyed novice that had to have a towl beside my desk to wipe the sweat from my hands as I recorded my first podcast.

But there is on similarity that drives us all - passion. The willingness to pursue a dream because there is something deep inside that drives us. And the knowledge that if that passion isn't feed the soul would starve.

I find it a bit ironic to be writing this blog and offering words of encouragement to Hilarie Burton and her entourage. I am a just a Tennessee native who finds herself working in a small town in North Carolina. But I am offering it anyway. I kind of feel a kinship to them. Working the day job that pays for a higher pursuit. That is what I do as well. My job pays the bills but this podcast, what i have seen and who I have meet, touches me - makes me see life differently.

I have talked to actors and artists and poets in the last year. I have been inspired by words and by music and I have felt lucky to be on the ride. But it was a ride I started. I wasn't just a hapless passenger. I started on the journey with one foot moving forward and willing the second to follow.

I became brave. I learned to ask and didn't take it personal when those I asked said no. I learned how to research and that anyone can be found if you look hard enough. And I learned the art of name dropping, but doing it because you have built a bond with them, and they are willing to assist you.

Last week I interviewed Andrew McMahon from Jack's Mannequin because I formed friendships and bonds. In two weeks I will interview The Fray - my biggest interview to date - because of building contacts.

Never would I have dreamed when I nervously posted my first podcast on May 20, 2008 that less then a year later I would be interviewing one of the hottest acts right now - The Fray. But I was challenged, told to step up my efforts, and if I have learned anything about myself , it is that I love a good challenge.

So, I challenge all of you at Southern Gothic Productions. Keep pursuing that dream and doing what you want to do. Don't listen to others and keep pace with the course. It will lead you to places you will have never imagined, and look at all of those you are taking along.

Believe me I know about the journey, my bags are still packed and I am still amazed at where it is taking me.

The One Tree Hill Podcast No. 46

An “Artist Alley” segment with Kate York and a review of the 19th episode of season six, “Letting Go,” highlights the 46th edition of the One Tree Hill Podcast. Kate’s song “Harley Sunday” was featured on this week’s episode.

NEXT WEEK: An exclusive interview with Andrew McMahon from JACK’S MANNEQUIN. He talks bout his new album The Glass Passenger and working with Twilight author Stephanie Meyer on the video for his song “The Resolution.”

http://www.onetreehillpodcast.net/2009/03/31/the-one-tree-hill-connection-no-46/

Jack's Mannequin Interview - Recap for April 6

As most have heard, I secured an interview last week with Andrew McMahon from Jack's Mannequin. First off, he is AWESOME!!!!

Second, that interview proves it never hurts to ask and name dropping is KEY. I knew there would be a two week break from One Tree Hill to start the month of April, and I always like to provide fun interviews and content to help everyone get over the break.

On a whim, I sent out a feeler email to see about getting Andrew on the podcast. Well, it went through the channels until it got to Rick Gerhshon from Warner Brother's Records. I had worked with Rick over the summer when I interviewed his new artist Jason Reeves.

I got a call from Rick when I was in Greensboro, N.C. with my women's basketball team. I will never forget. It was a Friday evening and we were having dinner at a player's family's home when he called. At first Rick was telling me the interview may not be possible, until I reminded him we had worked together with Jason over the summer. His whole mood changed and he told me they would make this happen.

Six weeks later, it happened. One of the most iconic bands for One Tree Hill, Jack's Mannequin, will be on my One Tree Hill Podcast April 6. We talked about Andrew's new album "The Glass Passenger," his song from the album "The Resolution," and his connection to Stephanie Meyer who wrote the Twilight series.

The interview is 30 minutes long and I as I interviewed Andrew I didn't really think about the length. I didn't realize how huge it was to get that long with Andrew until a friend of mine in the radio industry put it in perspective for me. He said you rarely get that long with an artist and that was big-time for me.

I don't know if it is big time, but it is cool I am going to be able to offer up this interview to everyone next week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did doing the interview.

Review of Indie Film "The Cake Eaters"

Earlier in the week, I blogged about the film "The Cake Eaters," which featured new Twilight mega-star Kristen Stewart. The film was kind of lost until Kristen became huge and now it is being released, and I am glad it did.

The Cake Eaters is directed by former teen 80s star Mary Stuart Masterson and it was an amazing freshman effort. The film has interwoven stories of loss, wanting and hope. Two brothers and a father deal with the loss of their mother and a wife. And a young girl named Georgia, played by Kristen Stewart, must deal with the fact that a dibilitating illness while cause her to loose her life before she turns 18.

It sounds depressing, I know. But there is such a sense of hope that permeates throughout the film. Georgia makes you realize that life truly is short and you have to make the most of your life. You have to seize it with both fists and dare anyone to pry it from your hands.

Watch this film. If you had doubts about Kristen Stewart's acting you won't doubt after seeing her in this film.

And as I said in the chat last night, watching this indie film, I had a different perspective for it. As I have seen the slow process of Hilarie Burton's company Southern Gothic Productions in its infancy. I know any film in SGP's hands will be just as poignant and beautiful.

Me Ambitious? No, Can't Be

I had some serious moments of self-discovery this week. I have been called out as being ambitioius. I say, well, I don't think of myself as ambitious, I just go after what I want. A friend of mine told me, hello, that is the definition.

So, maybe I am ambitious. Most of the time I am easy going. Now, there are some things that get me fired up. Some other friends of mine claim I have this list, and if you get on it, you are toast.

But, if I see something I want, or get something in my head, I go after it. You know, I live my life trying to avoid regret. I have seen others wallow in their regrets, and I live my life on the basis that if I don't do something will I regret it. If the answer is yes, then I do it. Life is too short for regrets.

And maybe that mentality makes me a bit agressive in my pursuits. I know I was called out on it today. It can be a tad overwhelming. But it is true. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

I don't know. I really don't know where my life is leading me. Most days I have a plan and I follow it. But in the last year, my desires, my pursuits, have opened so many doors for me. I was told I have drive and dedication this week - and it is true like I have been saying all along. One word or comment could just be that to someone - words. But to others it could mean so much more.

Even if my current pursuits don't come to fruition I think I will be okay with it, I won't like it, but I will accept it. Because someone noticed what I had to offer. That doesn't happen every day, and you should grab it with both fists when it happens.

Independent Film "The Cake Eaters"

I just saw previews of an independent film called "The Cake Eaters." The movie was made a couple of years ago, but is just now getting a dvd release because it stars Kristen Stewart, who rose to HUGE star status with her turn as Bella Swan in the mega-hit "Twilight."

The preview of the movie intrigued me. I am renting it on iTunes for my trip to Charleston this weekend. I am kind of excited to see it. I will let everyone know what I think of it.

The movie kind of raised my attention because of all the stuff I have been following with Southern Gothic Productions. They are trying to raise funds for their indie film as well, and I truly believe, sometimes the independet route allows for the true art of filmmaking to be shown.

When you don't have a host of people "in the know" telling you what you should and shouldn't do, when you can just produce your vision, I think you show a truer form of your art.

It is kind of like the show I used to watch, Farscape. It was filmed in Australia and I think most of the time people didn't even know what they were doing. But creator Rockne S. O'Bannon and Brian Henson had a vision and they stuck to it, and WOW did they tell an epic story.

And most of all I loved that Farscape had all the SciFi tangents, but in the end, it was a love story about a boy and a girl who find themselves in a place they never dreamed. And their inner conflicts was what kept them apart.

But back on topic, The Cake Eaters. Watching it this weekend.

Civil Twilight's New Album Comes out March 31 - BUY!

I have been waiting on Civil Twilight's debut album "Human" since I interviewed them for the One Tree Hill Podcast last fall. I knew it was a must buy when the guys in the band invited me to see them play a fall festival in Greenville, S.C. last October. They totally rocked it. Completely amazing.

The trio that makes up Civil Twilight is from South Africa. They are currently residing in Nashville, Tenn. which I found kind of strange. But there is a sect of singer/songwriters in Nashville that, if you can believe it, don't play country music. Shocker, I know.

Well, I felt privledged to be invited by the boys to see them play and then chat with them for a while. These guys are very talented. I mean, they are awesome. Did I say they are awesome?

Mark my words, they are going to be HUGE.

Check out their myspace page: www.myspace.com/civiltwilightband

And buy their album "Human" on iTunes or CD March 31.