INTERVIEW: Gordon Michael Woolvett and the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards

Canadian-born actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett, inspires creative innovation award


Who knew a spoof could turn into reality? Canadian-born actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett, inadvertently inspires an award for up and coming musicians, dancers and other artists.

In January of 2007, the first ever Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards were given out for year 2006 by Seattle/Federal Way, Washington based Little Dogs Media which authors an online blog of the same name. The focus of this award is to illuminate and recognize little known or previously unknown emerging talent in all the creative fields, including but not limited to music, dance, theatre, art, filmmaking and writing.

The 2006 awards included musical groups out of Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Washington, Exeter, England and New York City, New York as well as a short filmmaker out of Vancouver, B.C. in addition to Hamilton-born, Vancouver/Toronto based actor, Gordon Michael Woolvett.

Recipients are selected based on their showcased work on a MySpace page and are eligible only if they have been previously reviewed on the Aha! Blogolicious! Blogsite. Having a MySpace page is required and is partly an homage to the impressive impact that MySpace has had on showcasing new talent and allowing artists to reach millions of potential fans that they might otherwise never touch.

Yet the reason the awards were started in the first place is much more amusing and one of those stranger than fiction stories. The blog typically did more spoof (humor) articles prior to that time, alternating with music and art reviews of MySpace artists.

One spoof article was about Hamilton-born, Canadian actor Gordon Michael Woolvett, currently working in Vancouver, B.C., Canada and best known for his roles as Harper in Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda as well as the teen horror film, Bride of Chucky.

The article discussed a fictional Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Award and the current "undead" nominee, Mr. Woolvett, poking fun at the often strange and sometimes suspicious award nomination processes common to Hollywood as well as many other major award groups.

As it turned out, several fans of Mr. Woolvett didn't realize the award was a spoof--and were understandably disappointed. It also highlighted the fact that MySpace in particular has become a welcome Mecca for music fans, as well as filmmakers, with YouTube becoming more of an influence in the short film venue as well.

The blog author, CG Anderson, was also finding many talented yet unknown musicians, dancers and other artists on MySpace and wanted to do something more than simply write about them on a weekly blog. Hence, the awards were born and a special award (with the same name as the spoof award) was given to Gordon Michael Woolvett. Unlike the Media Innovator awards, which are the ones awarded to the promising up and comers, it is the only one of the group that does not require a MySpace page.

The 2006 winners of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Awards were the following: Summit Avenue (band, Seattle/LA), Marianas Trench (band, Vancouver, B.C.), Westcott & Rodway (musical duo, Exeter, England), Karen Nielsen (Blue Finn Productions, Vancouver, B.C.) for her short film Perceptions and Three Second Delay (band, New York City.)

Mr. Woolvett was awarded the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Lifetime Achievement Nominee Award.

Mr. Woolvett was gracious enough to grant an interview in which he discusses his career, his plans for the future and his personal take on the industry, both online and offline. The interview, after months of waiting, finally happened.

Full transcript (unaltered, except where noted, so any misspells are left in...) of interview with Gordon Michael Woolvett:

CGA: You've had a very successful acting career as well as a good start as a writer, director and producer. What do you feel your work (overall) is about? (Both at the surface, then deeper and even personally...) I know it's a bit philosophical, but I'm trying to get at what drives you in this field.

Gordon: ...Great question! Mi mind instantly jumps back to grade 10 English, studying the basis of all conflict in fiction or drama. The root of all conflict can be traced back to one of three scenarios: man against man, man against nature, man against himself / herself (please excuse my using "man" instead of "person;" that is just how it was presented back then.) For some reason I always gravitate -- whether directing, acting or writing-- toward 'man against himself'. I am fascinated by inner demons that people have to overcome and the silent struggles we don't even know are going on all around us. In Abridging the Devil's Divide Harper had to struggle with desire and power. These battles, waged against our darkest selves, are always the juiciest to me.

CGA: Where do you want to go as an artist? If you just want to be successful and buy matching mansions for you and your mum, that's ok. It's just that most artists I've met usually also have other, deeper goals for what they want to do with their work and what effects they have on the world.

Gordon: It is such a tough road and business if you truly think of yourself as an artist. There is so much involved that has nothing to do with art; and yet without all that business you wouldn't have a chance to exercise your craft. Where do I want to go? I have a number of projects that I am trying to get going. Ultimately directing-- with writing a close second-- is where my heart lies.

CGA: How did you get started? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?

Gordon: I started very young, around the age of 8, in theatre. I went to a theatre summer school program for a few years in a row and branched out from there. I loved it. It was such a blast. Some of my friends were like "you have to go to summer school?" But as the regular school year wound down I would be counting down the days for theatre school to start. It was so much fun!

CGA: What is your inspiration for your work? How do you stay inspired in such a tough business?

Gordon: It is tough to say where my inspiration comes from. I find more and more my respect grows for all those actors that I know and meet at auditions or functions etc. whom I can attest are brilliant; and whom struggle year after year chasing the acting dream. It is a horrible business and for every one actor you can name, there are about 1,000 you have never heard of who are probably ten times better than the one you named... just maybe not as pretty or tall or whatever. Most of the actors who have truly inspired me are ones I have worked with or met and who have achieved very little or no fame at all.

CGA: You have obvious talents in comedy, but also great dramatic appeal. You may not remember this movie, but one of my favorite scenes from you came in a little known movie called Elvis Meets Nixon. The movie itself didn't do much for me, but your short scene as a Vietnam soldier almost broke my heart--it was so quiet, clean, vulnerable, perfectly done and powerful that I never forgot it. So it begs the question, what is your favorite genre and type of work?

Gordon: My favourite genre has always been camp. I know its not a genre, but anything that has an element of camp to it really turns my crank. Favourite movie? Army of Darkness. No wait... Paper Moon. No wait... Sin City. No wait... better yet, ask me in ten minutes. I'll change my mind again.

CGA: On a related note, if you could have any part (TV, Film, Theater) past or present or future, what would it be? Or what would they be? And why? If you have a favorite actor or director or writer that you want to emulate (or exceed), then this is a good place for that, too.

Gordon: I would love to play Elric of Melnibone from the Eternal Champion series by Michael Moorcock. Actually, I heard they are making the Sword of Shannarah into a movie. I would play anything they gave me in that. Are you listening Terry Brooks? Are you an Andromeda fan?

CGA: Who are you? Who do you want to be? Who are you afraid to be? Why?

Gordon: Who am I? Um... Gordon Michael Woolvett....? Who do I want to be?...But I just want to be me! Who am I afraid to be? Um... a mime. I would be afraid to be a mime. Or maybe Lindsay Lohan.

CGA: What do you want out of life? Out of your industry? Perhaps not even just for yourself, but something that you want, in general, to happen.

Gordon: I want Canadians to go see Canadian movies. I want Canadian distributors to distribute Canadian movies so Canadians have Canadian movies to go see. And I want the government of Canada to friggin do something to make Canadian exhibitors show Canadian movies so Canadian distributors have a reason to distribute Canadian movies and Canadians have Canadian movies to go see. Then maybe I'll get to make my movie.

CGA: What are you planning next? More of a focus on acting, writing, directing or producing--and why? A focus on traditional film/TV storytelling, a particular genre or type of work, or something more radical?

Gordon: Definitely radical. I want to get my films off the ground and I want to reach people. So I am trying to take an aggressive approach. I think maybe I have an attitude problem and so I think that comes out in my writing and directing. I made a short film and I am very proud of it; but short films do not create opportunities for producers to make money, so your masterpiece rarely gets to reach a big audience. Right now I have a comedy and a very dark surf film with some serious radical action.

CGA: Anything you want to say to your fans about anything, this award, your work, anything?

Gordon: Thank you very blog-much for my blogalicious award. I am sorry I took so long to address this. But anyone who has spent anytime on my board will tell you I am at least being true to form. I don't get much time to log on. Also, to my fans: "live long and prosper!" Wait... that wasn't my line... oh here it is: "Nanoo-nanoo!" ...No that was Mork... um.... Oh yeah: "By the power of Grapthars hammer, I will avenge you!!".... um no... Trust in the hooper? Trust in the hopper? Now what was it again....

CGA: Anything else you might want to say...completely open here.

Gordon: I answer your question with another question: what is the difference between a rock? Oh yeah... I'm going to Dragoncon in Atlanta this August (the end of the month). I think Kevin and I might be hosting some late night naughty costume contest?? Don't miss it!!

CGA: OK, what is the deal with Fab Filippo and the film Canadian Bacon? At first, I thought that Fab was an alias actor name used whenever someone didn't want a credit, but now I find out he's real. Yet you were the male candy striper in the film? (Nice tan in that movie, by the way.)

Gordon: Did he get my credit?? That weasel. That downright weasel. Now that explains a very weird experience I had with a casting director years ago. She asked me about some script I was writing (which I wasn't) with some guy who I had never heard of and she kept calling me Fab. I have to admit I was quite fab back then but I had no idea what she was talking about! ;)

CGA: Optional question, do not answer if you think it might cause you problems in the industry...It seems the internet offers a lot of new opportunities for filmmakers and musicians, from having MySpace showcase your work (and be searchable by 100s of millions of people) to helping the thousands of film festivals for budding filmmakers find them, and visa versa. The only real closed option still seems to be for writers (books or film/TV)...where even the idea of self-publishing (book) is still condemned by the community (which is unlike online film work or putting your music online, where it seems to be accepted as good practice) and getting a foot in the door in the film/TV writing (scriptwriting) world is just as difficult as book publishing with few alternatives for getting material in front of audiences.

(Clarification post Gordon's response: It's easier for filmmakers and musicians to get their work in front of fans, than it is for writers, because of the nature of the work and the acceptance of alternatives like online and self-CD/DVD-publishing. Or at least that seems to be the case. There is less prejudice for self-publishing in music and film and more options for those that do, than for those involved purely in writing.)

You've been involved in the industry in a number of roles, and also use the internet as a platform for your work, what is your take on the situation--from musicians, to filmmakers, to writers?

Gordon: I am not exactly sure what you are asking but I will say this: barring obvious exceptions like disease and misfortune etc., on average God gave us each around 70 years to do whatever it is we want to do on this little ol' planet here. If you want to be a musician, if you want to be a writer, if you want to be a filmmaker... just do it. If you have an idea and you want to self publish it. Do it. If you want to make a short and upload it on you tube; do it. Because sooner or later you're going to die and you'll regret not having tried. And bigger schmucks have tried and succeeded... so why can't you?

CGA: As you may or may not know, I spend a great deal of time looking for new musical talent (and other artists, like dance groups) to review on my blog. I just recently saw on YouTube a short clip of you riffing on the guitar and improvising a song...I was surprised, you are quite good (and obviously a quick wit.) So are you a musician as well? What is your musical focus, favorites, influences?

Gordon: Man oh man. When I started acting my plan was just to use it as a way to pay for my instruments. I always wanted to be a rock star first. Then I just wanted to compose, but I kept getting work so here I am. I start ed on piano at around 4 years old. In high school I branched out to all the band instruments and now pretty much limit myself to my acoustic Dobro copy ( a steel guitar). I play a lot of slide in blues. That's the one in the clip there. I write a lot of music. I have a few synthesizers and guitars, used to have drums, etc. Sometimes I set up a little studio and write (not so often now with the kidlets around). I wrote and performed most of the music for my short, Fracture (I titled mine before the movie).

CGA: What other surprising talents might you be hiding? (Uh, remember is this a PG rated blog!) ;)

Gordon: I can rotate my tongue all the way upside down (twisting). Insert lewd joke here.

CGA: I thought about asking a silly, inane type question at the end, like what color shoes do you buy or what type of tree are you, but decided...not. ; )

Gordon: Don't worry, instead I provided silly and inane answers! ;)

Thank you again, Gordon, for this interview and without realizing it, for inspiring the creation of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovation Awards. Best luck in the future, to not just you, but to all who endeavor to create and entertain, in spite of the odds.

A Bit of News (just learned) about Marianas Trench

For those looking for the Recepter and Arm the Angels review, it's just below this short update note.

Just a quick note to give kudos to Marianas Trench, who were reviewed last year. They were one of the featured artists on last season's ABC Family summer hit, Kyle XY, which I also watch religiously. MySpace Records will be releasing the soundtrack to Kyle XY, which is very cool and Marianas Trench is on it.

Marianas Trench was one of the bands that won the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards for Innovation. Unfortunately, they never got back in contact with me so never picked up their trophy (or rather had it sent to them since they are in Vancouver, last I knew.)

Still, great band, so congrats...I'm not the only one that thinks your great!

Best,
CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media

HUMOR: The Diary of the Dog and the Cat, plus a photo of Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Award Winners, Westcott & Rodway

No music review this week, but there will be next week. I've found some more great bands--mostly alternative/rock this time.

However, I promised some humor a while back and now I'm delivering. With the news recently, I think everyone could use a light humor chuckle right about now.

I'm also including a new photo of Westcott & Rodway, one of the groups that won the 2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Media Award for Innovation. They are a musical duo that does an incredibly beautiful and compelling jazz/classical/flamenco fusion. Recently, they sent me a photo showing them holding the award--it helps ease my mind that the award made it all the way to Exeter, England without breakage--and it's nice to see the winner actually holding the award, too. Karen Nielsen, who also won for her short film, Perceptions, also sent in her photo and it was included in her recent profile and interview. Westcott and Rodway were profiled/interviewed a couple months ago before they received the trophy, so I'm only now getting a photo. Just search for their names on this blog to see the interview and check out their myspace page to hear their music (or to see Karen's film, Perceptions.)

The other winners included Summit Avenue, an amazing band that unfortunately broke up recently, so I'm still trying to figure out who gets the award in that situation (the leader of the band or the band's label...stay tuned.) Marianas Trench and Three Second Delay also won, but it's unlikely they'll get a profile/interview here, since they never responded query messages and missed all the deadlines, no matter how lenient. A pity, but they are nevertheless great bands and you should still give their music a listen.

The final winner, in a different category entirely, and the one whose award is actually responsible for inspiring me to create the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards in the first place, Gordon Michael Woolvett, is still very likely to get profiled/interviewed in the near future. No promises, since schedules and situations can always change, but I'm hopeful.

So on to the humor...

I got this humor about 10th hand, so have been unable to determine the original author. I'd like to credit him or her, if possible, so if any readers have any clues, please let me know at my public email address of cganders1@yahoo.com. Thanks.

CG
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The Diary of Cats and Dogs
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

- - - THE DOG - - -

8:00 AM Dog food! My favorite thing!!

9:30 AM A car ride! My favorite thing!!

9:40 AM A walk in the park! My favorite thing!!

10:30 AM Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!!

12:00 PM Milk bones!! My favorite thing!!

1:00 PM Played in the yard! My favorite thing!!

3:00 PM Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!!

5:00 PM Dinner! My favorite thing!!

7:00 PM Got to play ball! My favorite thing!!

8:00 PM Wow! Watched TV with my people! My favorite thing!!


- - - THE CAT - - -

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies". I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell so he is safe.

More later.
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Having had cats...and dogs (currently) and a noisy bird (currently), this humor had me in stiches!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Have a good weekend!

CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media

Image of the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards themselves

Many thanks and kudos to Greg Knoyle and Custom Trophy & Engraving (CTE) Awards of Missoula, Montana for doing such an outstanding, quick and error free job on the awards.

The 2006-2007 Janus Media Review

The 2006-2007 Janus Media Review
A Look Back To Get a Look Forward

January was named after the god, Janus, who was often depicted with two heads. This was so that Janus could always look into the past (hindsight) while simultaneously looking forward into the future (foresight.)

It’s fitting then to take stock of the past year during the beginning of the next, so that in looking back, we can get an idea of what the future may bring.

These reviews on this blog have always emphasized the positive. There’s a reason for that and I’ve said it before, but it needs to be said again. There are enough people out there in your life and mine that are bound to look for the negative, for a reason to put you down, to make you feel bad about yourself and sometimes just because that’s the only way they can feel better about themselves.

Unfortunately, just as there are too many of those type of people around, including ourselves from time to time but hopefully not constantly, there is also human nature—the tendency to pay more attention to the negative and ignore the positive. Everyone’s had a situation where they get complimented nine times out of ten, but what do you pay the most attention to? Yep, the negative, the singular time that something mean or critical was said. We focus on that and if we’re not careful, we obsess over it and begin to believe it.

That’s why I don’t do negative reviews. If you get reviewed here, it means, at least in my opinion, that you are special and I see something special and significant about you. I want you to focus on the positive, to remember those nine times and not the one. I want you to remember that only you dictate your worth and your future—that belief in yourself is the most critical element to success and happiness—and it always will be. Every time you have a setback or a failure, remember that the most successful people in the world had dozens more than you—they didn’t give up. Each failure was a learning experience, a necessary step that brought them closer to that ultimate success—a true success, by their standards rather than dictated by the whims and fears of others.

That’s why I’m so critical of degrading reality shows and critics like Simon Cowell. I don’t hate them personally, but I hate what they are doing and the kind of world they are creating. Like ripples in a pond, the damage they do extends far beyond their own borders or expectations.

Believe in yourself. Have a life with no regrets. Take risks. Failure isn’t to be feared. Being afraid to take the risk and living a life of regrets is your real enemy, your mortal enemy.

That’s what the Janus Media Review is all about.
That’s also what the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards are about.
The awards actually started because of a spoof article that I wrote some long months back, but within each spoof is always the kernel of truth and this particular article had much more than a kernel. When I discovered that some of the fans of this person thought the award was real and were disappointed to learn it was a spoof, it got me to thinking—and I thought about it a lot. I thought about all the great musicians and artists and dancers and writers and actors and filmmakers that I’d reviewed and sometimes met.

It suddenly occurred to me that being reviewed was not enough, even a blog dedicated to the positive only. People need recognition and something tangible to remind them that they are special. They need something, sometimes, to give them that extra push to keep going, to fighting the good fight, to pick themselves up and try again. They need to know that they aren’t alone and that what they do, the effort itself, matters more than they can ever imagine.

Just like the damaging effects, the positive affects they make are also like ripples in a pond—and sometimes that pond becomes an ocean.

***

Background on the Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards...
The awards may not be the big awards, but then again, they aren’t full of politics, intrigue, controversy either. They also aren’t about recognizing the already successful big timers.
These awards are about recognizing those who are doing great work but even more importantly are showing the potential to do so much more—to make those big ripples in their industry. That potential to really make a difference in the world, to change it for the better, within their genre perhaps but knowing that those ripples will extend far beyond those expected borders—that’s what the awards seek to encourage. That’s also what these reviews seek. The awards are just to give those that already are showing that success and yet are still showing the potential for so much more, to give them something tangible to look at and hold.

I wish I could give awards to everyone that I’ve reviewed, but I don’t have unlimited resources. So I’ll try to pick out the ones that I see having the greatest potential to change their industry and make those all important ripples, some of those waves I hope will become tsunamis. Again, it’s only my opinion and just being reviewed means that I believe in you and see things in you that even you may not appreciate yet.

The awards may not be big or important like an Emmy or a Grammy, but they are heartfelt and sincere. They are also actual trophies—I believe people should have something tangible to hold, not just a pat on the back. No, not the silly metal cup trophy, more like the acrylic engraved block on a standard base. So, no, they aren’t vaporware, they aren’t a cheesy printed certificate, they are actual engraved awards. If the winners meet the deadline for getting back to me, that is…

The award recipients are the award recipients, but I only want to make sure that those that actually care about getting an actual trophy are the ones that get a real trophy.

Anyone who has been the subject of a review and is currently on My Friends list with a still valid and existing MySpace page is eligible (with one notable award exception.) You also stay eligible forever. So just because someone didn’t get the nod this year, doesn’t mean that they won’t in a subsequent year. Sometimes, I need to see progression since the awards are about innovation and potential for success, rather than current success.

So the winners must message my MySpace account on or before February 15, 2007 in order to receive an actual trophy. For those that don’t care, that only want the big awards, they won’t bother with the validation requirements. Oh yes, there will be a few simple hoops to jump through in order for me to be sure that the people contacting me are the actual people who won. No reps allowed, no fakes allowed. Everyone who has won has a MySpace account and I know what they look like—so the first step will be for them to use that account to send me a message (to my MySpace Account Only!) with a valid return Non-MySpace email address (since I can’t reply via MySpace still) and then I’ll give them the details.

This is the internet and I’m all too aware of how easy it is to pretend to be someone else—so I’m trying to take precautions. And the deadline is there so that the winners won’t have to wait too long while I order the custom awards. So the deadline is firm and obviously the winners would have to read this review in order to find out that they’ve won.

This review is the only notification they will receive. (Again, if they don’t care about an online review and this medium, then perhaps I’m wrong about their potential to change their industry—perhaps they’ve already bought into the politics and will go with whatever the moneymen say.)

The only exception to this is the award that started it all—the Lifetime Achievement MediaMaker award. Call it guilt if you like, since the award nominee was the subject of a spoof (and each year another nominee will be selected and subjected to a spoof), but that individual will be notified by other means—usually their agent, if I can determine their agent. In the case of the 2006 nominee winner, I have a fair idea of who his agent is.

***

It’s Been an Interesting Year
For the arts, it’s been a year of triumphs and tragedies. Dance began to come into the limelight after some warming up years where the TV world began to see that dance could be center stage rather than simply backup dancers in a music video. Music saw the domination and possible overexposure of rap, maybe signaling its demise from coolness and decent into bland and egocentric commerciality. Rock and alternative began to see a reemergence, hopefully making young fans realize that Rock is timeless—liking it doesn’t mean you are the same as your parents. Liking it means that the Age of Rock you see is unique to your generation, just as the now classic rock ages of old, were unique to their generations. Music still fills a basic need in the human soul, and driving beats and emotionally wrenching lyrics are driven not by genre but by generation. (Beethoven was a rock star of his time and his music just as controversial. We consider it tame now…but they didn’t then. Beethoven rocks…and he did rock back then, just as Blue October or Panic at the Disco! rock now. They’ll be the Beethovens of our time, as seen in the future…a little unsettling to think about, but true. No matter how cool you think you are now, the generations after will think you’re completely out of touch and ‘un’. Get used to it.)

Why do I think Rap may have peaked? Well, when it seems like 90% of the music you hear on the radio is rap, that’s not a good sign, especially when most of it is only by a few well-established names and then played ad nauseam. That means the recording companies are pushing it too hard and the raps themselves are too often trivial and pointless. When it seems like every other recording star is dressing and acting like a rapper, and even trying to do raps themselves whether it suits them or not, then perhaps you’ve got something that’s gone too commercial -- and dilution and boredom are the only result.

The rap I’m hearing on the radio isn’t striking me as cool anymore, or even inventive that much—it’s trite and egocentric and ultimately meaningless. No ripples, at least not good ones here. Some are in there trying to improve it, trying to fuse it with their own styles, though so far I haven’t seen any of the popular artists really hit that mark yet. I applaud the effort, even though I usually cringe at the result—I don’t think that the big time artists may be able to put their egos away long enough to really get the fusion right. It’s still too much about them and not anyway near enough about the music.

On the other hand, rock (the contemporary version of today that evolved by being fused or affected by all the other forms) may resurge once more, giving the ever popular ‘pop’ a run for its money. In turn, Pop may turn away from Rap, as will Hip Hop, and both be more influenced by rock, alternative, fusion, techno and other forms more commonly seen in Europe, as well as the continuing influence of African, Asian and especially, Indian music.)

We should continue to see an evolving, entertaining and interesting mix result in all forms of music, including those that practice Rap but seek to say something with their work, rather than simply be another Pop Rap or Macho I’m a Gangsta Rap. Then again, if the recording companies have their way, meaning only push the established winners no matter what they come up with or rip off, we may be subjected to a lot more of the same, regardless of quality.

It may sound like I’m down on rap, and yes, I am, but only because of the reasons already stated. When rap is done well, it’s amazing and progressive. In fact, I could say the same about all forms of music, dance, art and media. It’s ok to be entertaining, in fact, the best examples almost always are, but the best also are inventive and push us, the listener/watcher, into new territory as well. The best make ripples. The best of the best, make tsunamis.

So what am I listening to now in terms of the big names?... other than what I’m listening to and reviewing on MySpace?

Here’s some of what I’m listening to, off the top of my head:
Blue October “Hate Me”
Panic! at the Disco “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”
Nickelback “Far Away”
Fall Out Boy “Dance, Dance”
Cartel “Honestly”
The Fray “How To Save A Life”
Shakira “Hips Don’t Lie”
K.T.Tunstall (or Tunsdell?) “Suddenly I see…”
Justin Timberlake “SexyBack” (the cute masochistic version on the CD, not the creepy, sadistic version he’s been singing lately, like at the MTV Music Awards and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show…in fact, I’m almost off that song now because of those performances…maybe he and girlfriend Cameron really are having problems…)

The world of dance has seen an expansion of its audience as shows that focus on dance gain popularity, like ABC’s Dancing With the Stars and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. The effects of that growing popularity are harder to predict. This goes for the world of visual arts as well. Neither area is as pervasive or as broad as music, but we’ve seen (and so have media producers) a good start—and proof that dance can bring in an audience, and therefore dance shows can be profitable. Without that profit potential, you won’t get the television shows or films—that’s just how things work. Media can’t flourish without an audience. If you don’t support it, you won’t see it. It really is entirely up to you—the good and the bad of it.

Visual arts haven’t really surged into the public mind beyond where they’ve been for a long time now and I don’t really see that changing any time soon. Too many people still think of art as something for other people, not them. Still, as more artists from other fields (music, dance, TV/film, writing) are affected by the visual arts, then we’ll continue to see subtle effects in those other works. Perhaps occasionally someone major, someone famous and influential, will not do the ‘little art film’, a tokenization that is automatically categorized as something ‘less’, but will rather incorporate art into something very big, very commercial and very noticeable—not an ‘art’ film, but a film that stylistically breaks all boundaries and makes us look beyond the stereotypes. The same goes for music or dance, but likely, it will take a visual medium to really spotlight the visual arts. It's done it before. Likewise, while TV/film and books are widespread and range from experimental to ultra commercial, hopefully, the practice of copycatting will decrease and innovative, fresh works will become more appreciated. Hopefully, reality shows will fall from favor, too, since they just train the viewers to expect so little and train the moneymen in charge of production to go for the cheap rather than going for and investing in quality.

Still, in terms of what I’m seeing on the ‘Net, and especially MySpace, I’m excited about 2007. With over 100,000 bands on MySpace alone, and a growing number of artists, dance groups and filmmakers on MySpace (and YouTube), there’s a lot of innovation and potential out there. Yes, there is also a lot of crap, but why should the ‘Net be any different than the offline world of media?

The Aha! Blogolicious! Media Award Winners
To win any of these awards, you must have been a subject of either a REVIEW or (in the case of the first award) the subject of a spoof—namely a spoof of you as a nominee winner of the MediaMaker award, which only happens to one individual a year (at best.) If no candidates are considered worthy, then no awards will be given. So not all awards are guaranteed to be awarded every year, it will vary with the selection of review candidates.

The Aha! Blogolicious! MediaMaker Lifetime Achievement Nominee Award – this award goes to someone who has already achieved success in at least one media field or subfield and is showing some success in another field or subfield as well. This award is about being an up and coming multi-mediaist with the potential to achieve and rock their industry. It started as a spoof, with there only being nominees, not actual award winners, for this Lifetime Achievement Award, since the award itself can only finally be decided between the nominees post-humorously. That being the only true way to evaluate a life’s work, you see. Future nominee winners will also be the subject of a spoof specifically about this award.

2006 nominee winner – Gordon Michael Woolvett, actor/director/writer/filmmaker link to spoof article that started it all

2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Overall Media Innovator Winner – this award goes to a individual or group that I feel has the potential to not only succeed but to reinvigorate their entire genre as well as the entire industry itself. To win this award is tough and I’ll only award it if I find an individual or group that I think can really impact their ENTIRE industry. This year, I was lucky, one group was an obvious choice, because they left me wanting more when I heard them, though some of the other winners almost beat them out in the end. That group, a band, is

Summit Avenue (Alternative/Pop) related review & their myspace site is summitavenue

2006 Aha! Blogolicious! Media Innovator Winners -- this award goes to any individual or group that I feel can not only succeed but innovate their genre, bringing a fresh new perspective and new twists to their music, art, film, dance, etc., regardless of their particular genre. Any individual or group that I find that meets these requirements will win, since it isn’t about a category of media, but more about what they bring to the world of media. If I don’t find a particular type of media genre winner, then I don’t try to force it by giving it to a group in that genre. This is about innovation and potential to make an impact—not filling a slot. Some that would have been winners either dropped their sites or changed their page removing the (typically musical) innovations that attracted me in the first place, with the replacements not nearly so exciting, so they aren’t listed unfortunately, so abstract rap, a fun group with a silly prehistoric name, some experimental/electronica and a metal group that disappeared aren’t in mix this year.

There are still several winners this year, they are, in no particular order:

Three Second Delay (Alternative/Rock) related review & their myspace site is 3secdelay

Marianas Trench (Rock/Pop Punk) related review & their myspace site is marianastrench

Westcott & Rodway (Acoustic/Classical/Jazz) related review & their myspace site is westcottandrodway

Perceptions (short 5 minute online film) related review & their myspace site is perceptionsthemovie

There are no visual artists this year. I looked at some wonderful work from a few that I found, but I didn’t feel they were necessarily going to shake up the art world. I could be wrong and I hope they prove me wrong, just as I hope anyone I review goes on to great things. So the fault lies with me, but nonetheless, no visual artists this year are in the final mix. This award is about making a visual impact on the art world, as presented on the Internet. If you’re work isn’t on the ‘Net, I won’t see it. It does not mean you have to do your work electronically, just present some form of it here. Visual artists have been tougher for me to find on MySpace and the leads from readers have been few, so obviously, musicians dominate this years Aha! Blogolicious! Media Awards, but that may change in future years.

As for dance, the focus is on dance, but that doesn’t imply automatically a dancer or dance company. Since we are dealing with media on the ‘Net, it’s about presenting dance in an innovative way, and about showing the potential to make an even greater impact on the genre in the future. The focus is on dance and dancing, but the presentation is via media that can translate well on the ‘Net, whether it be film clips, photographic stills, or something else.

And if you’re wondering why I didn’t choose a TV show or a magazine, well, let’s just say the jury is still out on some of the other dance related areas. Remember, innovation and potential to really impact the industry is a prime requirement. Also remember, that these awards go, not to the already big and successful who probably don’t care about a piddling little award that isn’t controlled by Hollywood or New York, but to the up and comers that are still battling to make it big. So a TV show may already be seen as successful – not always, but in this case (dance), yes. Individual dancers might be chosen, but again, it’s about their presentation on the ‘Net of their innovation and talents, so if I didn’t find enough to convince me, well, then that’s my excuse here. Send me pointers to evidence if you want to see someone considered as a future review candidate and therefore become eligible as a potential 2007 winner.

Remember, I’m looking for potential to not only succeed but to change their entire genre or industry in some significant way—to really evoke change and innovation. I’m looking for the next Blue October, or JibJab or Harlem Dance. To do that is difficult and some of the most successful artists of our time wouldn’t make the cut—they may be financially successful with large followings, but they may not really make any significant contribution that will last beyond their own lifetime or even their own fifteen minutes of fame.

Then again, as always, remember, these awards are based on subjective opinion and opinions can always be wrong, I know that. So don’t be too cross if you’re favorite isn’t here. I may have missed some important clue that you picked up on, or they may still get an award in the coming years, as I see the impact of their work and their potential come more to the fore. At least, you and I are in there trying to spot the gems now—rather than letting the moneymen decide for us. If you’re reviewed at all on this blog, at any time, then it means I believe in you and your potential. These particular awards though, are limited, so I have to try to find and pick the ones I think will go the distance and make those eventual tsunamis.

Congratulations to all the 2006 year winners.

Remember, the deadline is February 15, 2007 from the winner’s MySpace account, their MySpace account that is already on my friend list only, messaged privately via message (not comment—comments will not count) to my inbox including a valid email account for return regular email messages. The return email message will detail the validation process next steps. NO EXCEPTIONS, SORRY! (This is to ensure that the award trophy goes to the legitimate winners only.) If you miss the deadline, all you’ll get is a cheesy printed certificate.

CG Anderson
Little Dogs Media
Aha! Blogolicious!

This article may be copied in whole or in part, as long as fair use rules are observed, no parts are modified from the original and credit given when quoted or reposted.
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REVIEW: Marianas Trench, Roney, Kel, Joshua, ADH and Ty--folk rock, rap, grunge rock, comedy and burlesque?

REVIEW: Marianas Trench, Roney, Kel, Joshua, ADH and Ty--folk rock, rap, grunge rock, comedy and burlesque?

Rock band Marianas Trench, John Paul Roney & We The Living, rapper Kel Spencer, folk rocker Joshua Bartholomew, grunge group Another Dead Hero, stand-up comedian Ty Barnett, and a quick nod to an upcoming event by the Burlesque Social Club !

You may have noticed if you've been reading the reviews that I haven't covered any thrash, metal or extreme punk or even electronic/dance or emo bands yet. That's by design. I find these bands probably the hardest to analyze and so far, of the few I've looked at so far, none have really popped out at me yet. That could just be me or it could simply be it's harder for certain types of art to find a unique voice and presentation—at least one that catches my attention. It's taking some time, but it will happen, I promise.

With pop, rock and even rap, I will often focus on the lyrics first, then the musical construction and then the singers tonality and quality. If the lyrics are mindless, then unless the other two elements are kick-ass, it's not likely to get my attention. If the lyrics are relevant, which tells me that the songwriter has a burning passion about life and needs to express themselves (whether that expression is about love, money, cars, or social commentary) and that usually comes across in the vocal delivery. If it doesn't, or the musical construction isn't overly unique or compelling, then at least the lyrics still catch my attention and I'm likely to say that I wish that the singer would commit more fully to their song. I see promise in them and believe that it's only a matter of time, if they find the courage to fully commit to their art, before they break out and start making their mark.

The best of course, are already doing all of this—with passionate, vulnerable commitment to their songs, their music, their dance, their performance, or in other words, everything that is about their art and themselves. But even when I find groups or individual artists that aren't quite there yet, I can usually feel that there is something more going on with them. It's peeking out and tempting me to come and take a closer look.

That's really the reason I so often talk about groups who have something relevant to say. It may not be the lyrics (though often it is with rappers, the best of whom are street poets and revolutionaries at heart) but it's something. It may be the vocalist. Some gifted individuals have incredible voices but never fully open themselves up and commit to the song so that they're singing with every emotion open and raw and exposed. Others don't have such naturally gifted voices, but they give everything they have and are and will be doing that at every performance and as a result, you are drawn in, you can't help it. Many big stars are in this second category and tragically, many perfect voices are never heard in public because they never make the leap of faith.

It's the same with the visual arts, including dance and film and the written arts. Technique always helps, and so does raw talent, but in the end, it's passion and commitment. It's the willingness to go deep within yourself, find your unique voice, push yourself past your own fears and false limitations and then risk everything by exposing that deepest part of yourself in your art. It's the same with any form of art, any form of music, any form of dance, any form of life itself.

And that's also why I'm always harping on the idea of going beyond your comfort zone—looking and listening to other forms of art and science. It will expand your range and your perceptions. The more you know and experience and learn will help you reach that deep place within yourself and it will help you deal with the anxieties and fears that you will experience in your journey as an artist. Other forms of art, watching a dance recital, listening to music that you don't like, going to an art exhibit, watching movies just for the cinematography (or just listening to a movie rather than watching it)—even learning about science or engineering or technology, or learning about other cultures and their customs and art forms—all of it will give you ideas that you can use.

I'm not talking about copying other forms. This is more a subtle melding and merging of ideas into something new and infinitely more complex and ultimately, creative. Let it in…and don't be afraid to look deeper and discover who you really are.

To be that open (and deep) is frightening, I know, but we, your audience can tell. That's what I'm looking for. Sometimes I find it in a group or individual and it's already obvious and full-blown in its power. Often times, I'm finding only hints and teasers of that power—most of the individuals reviewed are in the latter category. Make no mistake, it's tough to get into one of my reviews and that brings up another point, which is "shameless self-promotion."

Yes, it's OK. You should be promoting yourself. You should be reaching out (not in arrogance, that will turn people off, if not actually against you) to others, constantly. It's frightening to do. Rest assured, for most of us, it's terrifying, so it's not just you. No one likes rejection. No one likes failure. But to succeed in your passion and your purpose, you must face your fears. Every failure gets you a step closer to your goal. The greatest and most tragic failure is not to try. It's called regret. In the end, only the regrets will be what you remember with sadness, not the failures.

Think of it this way. There are 117 million plus people on MySpace. There are HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of bands, dancers, artists, actors, writers, filmmakers and other media artists on MySpace—and that's JUST ON MYSPACE! Add to that, that there are far fewer of us out there who do reviews or critiques, from major news organizations and magazines, to industry reps, to online bloggers like me. It takes a lot time to research and write about you (I don't just do the two sentences and a ton of links that other blogs do)—just as it takes you a lot of time to perfect your skills and give performances.

Talent is important, yes, true, absolutely. Putting yourself in our paths is a risk, since we may not like your work (the best people are polite about it, knowing that tastes vary widely and no one likes everything they hear or see—and that's exactly how you should see it as well.) BUT you need to do it, there are more of you and few of us. Do you want to rely on the luck of the draw, hoping that somehow, by magic, we'll discover you?

So put yourself out there and see each failure as a step forward. One step closer to that goal of success. Be true to yourself. Do this for yourself, not for ego, not for self-esteem, not for love, not for acceptance, not for money (though hopefully, it will lead to that!) Do this and face your fears, do all of it, because it's your passion—and nothing anyone can say, whether it be "yes-man suck-up" praise or brutal rejection, will stop you from pursuing your art.

So who did I find for this week? Quite a mix. One is just a plug for an old art form, some are easy on the ears, others grab you roughly, but to me, all show potential and one made me laugh, but then, that was his intent.

Marianas Trench is a rock/pop punk band out of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. They're a high energy group with great, really interesting vocals with wonderful tonality in those voices and wonderful harmonies (in rock, imagine that!!!) as well. They are hyperactive and full of life, so much so, that pop punk almost seems a misnomer—almost! They have the complexity associated more with rock than punk but it's combined with those raw, wailing, hyperkinetic vocals. The lyrics bite and wound, but they are also packed with emotion and are also backed up with strong, well-constructed instrumentals. Say Anything is very catchy and attention grabbing. The group seemed almost "Beach Boy"-like at times, especially with the beautiful harmonies, but just when you think you've got them pegged, everything takes a sudden turn left and you're off on a wild and frenetic ride into a strange, fun mix of rock and attitude (almost punk or metal in nature.) With songs like these, including Shake Tramp, it was almost like the Beach Boys—or rather, the Beach Boys on acid! Definitely worth the cost of a ticket—quite a ride. See their site for upcoming shows.

John Paul Roney and We The Living (formerly The Profits) are acoustic and rock, by their own admission. This is easy listening with gentle, romantic-edged vocals and lyrics. Roney has an effortless range and is well-suited to ballads, with interesting emotionally-connected lyrics and just as interesting, complex musicality with the instrumentals. It's a balanced and sophisticated mix. The group shows a very varied range of styles within a style. London Bridge is much different and more lyrical than the almost 1950's feel that you get with Sex at Six—though the name and the content of the latter song is hardly anything you'd ever have heard in the 1950's! See their site for upcoming shows and locations.

Kel Spencer is a rough, tough talking, macho rapper. The raps are delivered in a powerful, traditional way but in spite of the speed of his delivery, they are clear, concise and easy to understand. The raps are fast-talking, twisting, turning and driven, as clearly demonstrated with The Building. Pressure was my favorite. It not only delved into social issues, showing its street poetry and revolutionary roots, but it also showed very intriguing and unexpected Jamaican influences. That particular little twist definitely got my attention. See Kel's site for his upcoming shows.

Joshua Bartholomew is out of Toronto, Canada and says he is a folk rocker. Don't let the "folk" part scare you off. He has a haunting voice with great tonality and range. His music starts at an easy pace but continually builds a moody feel. So yes, his voice does has a folk quality to it, but that voice fits with the slower pace and his moody, mesmerizing, atmospheric rock songs like The Mirror's Always… or Charming Alarm. There's almost a Pink Floyd quality in the created atmosphere and the uneasiness in the music's vocal/lyrical/instrumental and overall musical construction. There is a definite rock opera feel to it, as well as an unplugged feel, which makes for an interesting effect. The ballads especially (What Happened to Our Love and Don't Go Away) are deep and intensely emotional, but still very controlled in range. Mr. Bartholomew can definitely sing!

Another Dead Hero is under the rock/grunge banner, though I would almost put them into a sort of gothic punk arena (assuming there is such a thing!) With their creepy delivery and raw, unsettling lyrics backed up by powerful, well-constructed instrumentals, they are hard to ignore. Even within those almost typical sounding instrumentals, you detect a subtle, much more complex musical construction in the background. AEA is my favorite of their MySpace selections. I'd guess these folks were deeply influenced by Kurt Cobain but not overwhelmed by him or any other grunge music. Their music is still unique as well as creepy, unsettling, spooky, and disturbing—but very fun to listen to!

Ty Barnett is a stand-up comic who's been on Last Comic Standing 4, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central, The Late Late Show and Premium Blend. If you've got a fast connection to the Internet and need a chuckle or two, Mr. Barnett has uploaded some videos of his performances/routines. It's definitely hilarious stuff. Try especially, NBA Fight! or Superman Returns…Drunk! With luck, we'll all be seeing much more of this talented comic.

Finally, a quick nod to an older art form. Burlesque. It's more than just women dancing around in pasties and g-strings ala Gypsy Rose Lee, and definitely not to be confused with stripping or exotic dancing. In the past, it also included stand-up comedy, comedy/skit routines, and even singing and other acts—in addition to the dancing girls in the g-strings and pasties. Burlesque Social Club is neo-burlesque and is having an upcoming extravaganza Dec1-3 up north in Vancouver, B.C. I haven't reviewed this performance so this is just a nod to those interested in this older entertainment form. This particular group seems to focus more on the pasties and g-strings rather than the more vaudevillian aspects of burlesque. However, those g-strings were typically the most popular part of burlesque performances. So if you're a fan, or are intrigued. This is your chance, check their MySpace link for more information.

Marianas Trench is at www.myspace.com/marianastrench
John Paul Roney is at www.myspace.com/johnpaulroney
Kel Spencer is at www.myspace.com/kelspencer
Joshua Bartholomew is at www.myspace.com/joshuabartholomew
Another Dead Hero is at www.myspace.com/adh
Ty Barnett is at www.myspace.com/comediantybarnett
Burlesque Social Club is at www.myspace.com/chazroyalburlesque

I rarely say ahead of time who is going to get reviewed, because that commits me and I only want to do positive reviews. So it's a two edged sword. The artists know I'm going to go to their live show and review it, but also, that I may not like it. Still, sometimes it's not worth it to me to pay the price of the ticket, or the show is sold out, or something happens and I can't get to the venue—so I always have that excuse.

Anyway, I will be reviewing, if all goes well, the live performance of Summit Avenue when they come to the SHOWBOX in Seattle on November 18^th. (No real fears there, I loved their MySpace music offerings and have already covered them in a previous review.)

But I'm also going to be going to Pyramid Brewery's GET SNOWED IN party on November 11^th to see Matt Costa and a band that emailed me with a shameless self-promotion (their words!), The Evergreen Effect. It's at the Seattle location and assuming that I can get a ticket, of course.

So if you're interested in seeing these groups live and you're in Seattle or surrounds, then now you know. These dates are coming up quickly.

Also, upcoming at some point, hopefully, the review of the new dance magazine Movmnt. (With that, I foresee a perfect time to go over the wisdom of dancer/choreographer Lar Lubovitch. Good advice for any artist or even any technical or business person. So, we'll see.) And some online TV shows, or at least one, as well as some artists/painters/photographers.

As usual, and especially now that you understand how important it is to promote yourself, if you know of an artist (music, dance, visual arts, theatre arts, film arts—like lighting design, etc.) that deserves some attention, give me a shout. They need to have a MySpace page or other website that showcases their work—this so I can look at it and so I can point readers to their work. If their art is kinetic (kinetic sculpture or dance—i.e. movement) then still photographs are good but a clean, clear video is better (along with still images!) You can find me at MySpace or can email me through this blog.

This article may be copied in whole or in part, as long as fair use rules are observed, no parts are modified from the original and credit is given when quoted or reposted.

CG Anderson is a 10 year new media provocateur involved in media, art, technology and the online world. Also a writer, blogger and novelist. CG's comments are personal and opinionated and solely the responsibility of the author, so there. Don't like the opinions, disagree, agree, don't know? Great, make a comment—clean ones will be allowed, netiquette-challenged ones will be ignored!
MySpace site: http://www.myspace.com/ahablogolicious Help me reach 1 million friends. Add yourself as my friend today and get your friends to do the same! Thank you so much! Together we can bring great artists to a wider audience!
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