“Rue David Bowie” was officially inaugurated in the capital’s 13th district on the left bank of the city.

“Long live rock, long live pop, long live David Bowie and long live Paris,” said Jerome Coumet, mayor of the 13th district, as he unveiled the street sign.

Coumet, a Bowie fan, launched the idea for the street in early 2020, and won Paris city approval later that year.

The thoroughfare, around 50 metres (165 feet) long, was previously known to city planners as “VoieDZ/13”.

There is no record of a street named after the musician anywhere else.

Bowie, who died on January 10, 2016, of liver cancer, would have been 77 on Monday.

He was one of the most influential, as well as best-selling, musicians of the 20th century.

His landmark songs and albums include “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and “Aladdin Sane”, and the commercial smash hits “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl” as well as gloomily experimental works such as “Low”.

Paris played less of a prominent role in Bowie’s life than London, Berlin and Los Angeles, but French avant-garde theatrical culture was an influence on his visual style.

Jerome Soligny, who wrote a biography about the singer, said it was in the French capital that Bowie declared his love to top model Iman on a boat on the river Seine. The couple wed in 1992.

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‘Ted’

Burkholder plays the lead in this new prequel series, which will premiere on January 11 on Peacock. The project is set in 1993, and Max portrays the character that Mark Wahlberg played. 

Seth MacFarlane serves as writer, executive producer, co-showrunner, and director of the show. This marks Burkholder’s first-ever leading role. “Working with Seth for this long of a time period was really a joy,” he said. “I liked improvising and have rapport with somebody as talented as him. What could be better.”

On being a part of this prequel series, Burkholder said, “Doing ‘Ted’ was fantastic. It is a special group of lucky. I’ve been enormously lucky over the course of my career to exclusively work with the sweetest, kindest, and most talented people in the game. It really feels like a family.”

This Peacock limited series will consist of seven episodes. The synopsis is: Ted (Seth MacFarlane) is living back home in Framingham, Massachusetts with his best friend, 16-year-old John Bennett (Max Burkholder), along with John’s parents, Matty and Susan (Scott Grimes and Alanna Ubach) and cousin Blaire (Giorgia Whigham).

Ted may be a lousy influence on John, but at the end of the day, he is a loyal pal who is always willing to go out on a limb for friendship. “John is a sweet kid… he is an idiot and easily corruptible but he is at his core, someone who loves his people and his family,” he said.

“Those are the similarities among my character [John] and myself. We are both idiots about some things, even though our blind spots might be different… Also, we both love our people,” he added.

Playing a role that was previously introduced by Mark Wahlberg

“It was an interesting challenge to take over a role that was introduced by Mark Wahlberg in the ‘Ted’ films. I had to be really careful that I was playing John Bennett at 16, and not Max Burkholder doing a Mark Wahlberg impression. That was very important to me going in. I think it showed through,” he explained.

“Hopefully, people will get a lot of laughter out of it. I think it’s so funny,” he said. “We had really fun doing it, and that really shines through. If people find it funny, enjoy it, and they laugh, then we did our job.”

“If people enjoyed the ‘Ted’ movies, they are really going to enjoy the series. It’s from the same team, it’s the same sense of humor. I hope they get joy and laughter,” he added.

‘Parenthood’

Burkholder is widely known from his role on NBC’s “Parenthood,” where he raised awareness while portraying a young boy with Asperger’s syndrome. “That show was fantastic… I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to be around me for seven years,” he exclaimed. “I think I got that role when I was 10, and I shot the last scene when I was 17. I really grew up on that show; it was very special to me.”

After the second episode aired, Asperger’s was one of the most frequently searched terms on Google. The following clip shows Max’s character with the therapist for the first time.

The digital age

On being an actor in the digital age, Burkholder said, “Certainly, it is different now. After the strike, we got a really great deal in terms of our relationship with the streamers. I am very excited about that.”

“Honestly, nothing has changed in term of the shooting experience. It is the same… you show up, you do your work, and you go home. Not much has changed in that aspect, for me,” he added.

‘Blush’ film

Burkholder had great words about working with Emmy-nominated actor Graham Sibley (“Dark/Web”) in the movie “Blush.” “Graham was really really fun to work with on ‘Blush’,” he said.

Advice for young and aspiring actors

For young and aspiring actors, Burkholder encouraged them to “take an acting class.” “It’s super important to keep being in a class, there is always more to learn, and always more people that you can meet,” he said.

“During the strike, acting classes allowed me to keep my skills up and not get rusty, especially when the time came to start auditioning again,” he added.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Burkholder said, “Let’s see what happens.” “I am hoping ‘Ted’ is going to do really well,” he said. “I am excited to see what pans out. Also, I am getting a dog on Saturday, so I am very much looking forward to that.”

Superpower of choice

If Burkholder were to have any superpower, it would be “teleportation.” “That would be the best one. Either that or shape-shifting because those are the best superpowers to have,” he said.

Favorite motto to live by

His favorite motto to live by is the following quote by Patton Oswalt: “It’s Chaos, Be Kind.” “Also, I enjoy reading my favorite poem, which is ‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann. I think if one were to live by the words encapsulated in that poem every day, it would be a fantastic life,” he said.

Success

On his definition of the word success, he said, “Being happy, having equanimity, as well as having a level of material success, where you can live comfortably and be generous. Finally, find some of sort of fulfillment, where it’s creative or interpersonal. That’s what I would call a success.”

To learn more about actor Max Burkholder, follow him on Instagram.

The post Max Burkholder talks about starring in the new ‘Ted’ prequel series on Peacock appeared first on Digital Journal.

In daytime television, Hyde is known for playing patriarch Sam Bennett in the defunct ’00s soap opera “Passions,” and most recently, Jeremy Stark in the CBS daytime drama “The Young and The Restless.”

New play: ‘The Kernel of Truth’

Hyde noted that he will be doing a play, “The Kernel of Truth,” in Wisconsin. It is a story that “delves into the lives of a group of male inmates who have found themselves confined within prison walls due to their past bad choices.”

“Beyond their criminal exterior, they possess a depth of humanity and a desire for redemption. Each character embarks on a transformative journey by exploring their truths and ideologies of the criminal justice system through powerful monologues,” he explained.

“Through their monologues, these incarcerated men discover the transformative power of self-expression, paving the way for personal growth, forgiveness, and, ultimately, a chance at redemption,” he said.

“This play will be in Madison Wisconsin,” he said. “It will be four or five of us in the play, and we will all speak about prison reform. We will all have a set of monologues that we are going to do. We are presenting it in Madison with the hope of possibly doing other cities.”

New projects

Hyde revealed that he has a few new projects coming out in the future, which include a horror movie titled ‘The Seductress from Hell,’ which was written and directed by British filmmaker Andrew de Burgh, and “Crowdsource Murder,” which was directed by Brittany Underwood. “Andrew de Burgh is a great guy. It is an interesting horror film,” he said.

“Brittany Underwood directed it, and I love working with her. Brittany’s enthusiasm and professionalism was just infectious. She was a very giving director. That whole experience was so much fun,” he expressed.

‘The Date Whisperer’

Hyde was a part of the romantic comedy “The Date Whisperer,” where he starred opposite John Ryan McLaughlin, Jenna Michno, and Rib Hillis.

On working with Rib Hillis, Hyde said, “Rib was a lot of fun to work with… it was a good experience. ‘The Date Whisperer’ was fun. I’ve worked with the director, John Murlowski, eight or nine times.”

“I really like John [Murlowski] as a person, and John and I did a lot of movies together. Don in ‘The Date Whisperer’ was an interesting character to play. Also, Rib Hillis will go down in history as the first male actor that I shared an on-screen kiss with,” he elaborated.

“Overall, ‘The Date Whisperer’ was very interesting and a lot of fun,” Hyde admitted.

‘Danger Lurking Under My Roof’

Hyde appeared as Mark Robinson in the Lifetime movie “Danger Lurking Under My Roof.” “It has been fun to play different characters throughout this whole process,” he acknowledged.

‘A Christmas Frequency’

The holiday film “A Christmas Frequency” was written by Ansley Gordon and directed by Lindsay Hartley.

“Ansley Gordon was amazing to work with… she is so talented, and I want to work with her again. I had a great time with her. Lindsay Hartley directed that, and it was my second time working with her. Denise Richards was great, and a lot of fun to work with. It turned out to be a real feel-good movie.”

Future plans and goals for 2024

“I just feel really good about 2024,” he said about his goals for this year. “I really do. Whatever I am going to do this year, I want to do it better than previous years. I want to be a better father, husband, and just a better person. I would love to land a spot on another show.”

“I loved being a part of ‘The Young and The Restless’ because I enjoyed going in and seeing people every day. Also, having this family atmosphere and vibe. It reminded me of my days on ‘Passions,’ where the actors loved being around each other,” he said.

“Artistically, I want this to be a year where I am fulfilled artistically and fulfilled in abundance. I want to elevate this year. I want to be a year of elevation for me. I want to elevate in everything,” he added.

To learn more about actor James Hyde, follow him on Instagram.

The post James Hyde talks about his latest films, and new play ‘The Kernel of Truth’ appeared first on Digital Journal.

Daily motivations

On his daily inspirations as an actor and content creator, he said, “My daily inspiration comes from life itself. Each day offers a new opportunity to explore, learn, and draw from various sources that fuel my creativity.”

“One of my primary inspirations is the diversity of human experiences. I find  inspiration in the stories of people, their struggles, triumphs, and the  emotions that make us uniquely human,” he said.

“Observing the world around me, whether it’s through personal interactions, current events, or the simple beauty of everyday life, provides a constant stream of inspiration,” he added.

The digital age

On being a part of the digital age, Perez said, “Being a part of the digital age is both exciting and overwhelming. The constant evolution of technology, the prevalence of streaming services, and social media have transformed the way we live, communicate, and consume information.”

“On one hand, the convenience of having instant access to a vast array of entertainment through streaming platforms is incredible. It’s like having the world’s library and cinema at your fingertips. However, the fast-paced nature of the digital age can also be overwhelming,” he elaborated.

“On one side, it’s a fantastic way to connect with people globally, share experiences, and stay updated with current events. On the other side, it can lead to information overload and a sense of being constantly plugged in,” he added.

Future plans

Regarding his future plans, he shared, “On a personal level, I am focused on continued self-growth and cultivating meaningful relationships with those around me. I aspire to maintain a healthy work-life balance that allows me to cherish moments with loved ones while pursuing my passions.” 

Perez continued, “In terms of my professional journey, I am dedicated to grow my craft as an actor and content creator/photographer. This involves continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and seeking diverse opportunities that challenge and inspire me.”

“Collaborating with other creative minds is a key aspect of my vision, as it not only enhances my skills but also contributes to the creation of impactful and compelling content,” he added.

Will Omar Perez: The Photographer

Perez also opened up about his photography. “My journey into photography was a blend of curiosity and a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. I found myself drawn to the idea of freezing moments in time, creating visual narratives that evoke emotions and tell stories beyond words,” he said.

“The initial spark started when I began exploring my surroundings with a camera in hand. Whether it was the play of light and shadow during golden hours, the vibrant colors of nature, or the candid expressions of people, I discovered that photography provided a unique outlet for my creativity,” he elaborated.

“Photography, for me, is an ever-evolving journey of self-expression and discovery. It’s a way to share my perspective, tell stories that need to be told, and find beauty in the experiences of life. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the lens of my own experiences,” he added.

Career-defining moments

Perez also revealed some moments that shaped him in his career. “In my childhood, Disney Channel was a significant part of my entertainment, sparking my interest in pursuing a career as an actor. Fast forward to when I turned 20, I landed a role doing background work in the Disney Channel original film ‘Teen Beach Movie’.,” he said.

“Stepping onto the set for the first time was a surreal experience,” he admitted. “The realization hit me. That moment served as a turning point in my career. It wasn’t just about being on set; it was the tangible proof that dreams could come true with dedication and hard work.”

“Learning that anything is possible when you put in the effort was a game changing lesson for me, shaping my perspective on the possibilities in the industry,” he added.

Favorite mottos to live by

Regarding his favorite mottos to live by, he said, “One of my favorite mottos to live by is ‘Embrace the Journey.’ Life is an unpredictable adventure, and every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to personal growth and learning. It reminds me to appreciate the present moment and find value in the process, not just the destination.” 

He noted that “Embrace Challenges as Opportunities” is another motto that resonates with him. “Challenges are inevitable, but viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning transforms adversity into a catalyst for personal development. It encourages resilience and a positive mindset in the face of difficulties,” he said.

” Finally to ‘strive for balance’,” he said. “Balancing various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and personal well-being, is essential for overall happiness and fulfillment. It’s a reminder to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy equilibrium in the different facets of life.”

Advice for young and aspiring actors and content creators

For young and aspiring content creators and actors, he said, “Embrace the learning process, the journey is as important as the destination.”

“Stay persistent and resilient, rejection is a part of the industry, but it doesn’t define you. View setbacks as stepping stones to improvement. Your dedication will set you apart in the long run,” he said.

Perez continued, “Networking is crucial for creating opportunities and finding collaborators who share your passion. Genuine connections can lead to valuable insights and collaborative projects.” 

“Create your own opportunities, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; create them yourself. Whether it’s starting a YouTube channel, producing your short film, or participating in local theater, take initiative in showcasing your talent,” he added.

It is important to ‘stay authentic’

Perez encouraged them to “stay authentic, because your uniqueness is your strength.” “Stay true to yourself and bring authenticity to your work. Audiences connect with genuine voices and stories,” he said.

“Celebrate small wins, acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. It’s essential to recognize and appreciate your progress along the way,” he acknowledged.

“Prioritize mental and physical well-being, the creative process can be demanding. Take care of your mental and physical well-being. Balancing a healthy lifestyle contributes to sustained creativity and resilience,” he said.

“Remember, your journey is unique, and success is a subjective concept. Enjoy the process, stay passionate, and let your love for the craft be your driving force. The road may be challenging, but with dedication and perseverance, you’ll find your path to success,” he elaborated.

Success

On his definition of success, Perez said, “Success, to me, is a blend of professional achievement, personal fulfillment, and making a positive impact on others. True success, to me, is the combination of these elements.”

To learn more about Will Omar Perez, follow him on Instagram.

The post Meet Will Omar Perez: Actor, musician, photographer, and content creator appeared first on Digital Journal.

Actor and stuntman Kimani Ray Smith directed this bold project from a screenplay by Brian Buccellato.

The synopsis is: Charlie Weber plays Peter, an ex-CIA operative turned painter, who is thrown back into a dangerous world when a mysterious woman from his past resurfaces.

Presently, exposed and targeted by a relentless killer and a rogue black ops program, he must rely on skills he thought he left behind in a high-stakes game of survival.

They think Peter is in possession of something that causes a major threat to national security.

With Weber as Peter, the viewer can recall Viggo Mortensen in “A History of Violence.” “The Painter” has a similar theme with atmospherics and elements of that 2005 David Cronenberg-directed action movie.

Madison Bailey gives a bold and bravura performance as the female lead Sophia. Oscar winner Jon Voight delivers a controlled performance as his agency mentor Henry Byrne.

Marie Avgeropoulos and Max Montesi are noteworthy as villainess Naomi Piasecki and the nefarious “Ghost” respectively.

This film is rich in symbolism and motifs, especially is one pays close attention.

The fight scenes between Montesi and Weber are nicely choreographed and exhilarating to watch. Everybody in the cast brings something unique to the table, and they do well with the material they have to work with.

The only downside are some loopholes in the plot here and there, where some viewers might wish were developed more, especially because it has a distinct concept to it, and so much potential from the start.

The Verdict

Overall, “The Painter” is a chilling crime action thriller that will keep the audience engaged. Charlie Weber pulls off a badass lead performance as Peter, and he layers his emotions well.

From a directing standpoint, it has a retro vibe, where it pays homage to the action thrillers of the ’90s and ’00s that millennials grew up watching and enjoying.

While it may not be perfect, mostly in part due to a subpar screenplay, it is worth more than just a passing glance. It is recommended for fans of the action, suspense, and thriller genre, and it garners a B+ rating.

The post Review: ‘The Painter,’ starring Charlie Weber, is a thriller involving a high-stakes survival game appeared first on Digital Journal.

INSP is an American digital cable television network, which primarily features westerns.

‘The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger’

The synopsis is: As a fur trapper, legendary mountain man Jim Bridger (Rib Hillis) explored the entire distant West and survived countless hair-raising adventures. Now, he’s a respected trail guide and army scout who knows every river, mountain, and trail of the frontier.

As a new generation of settlers, soldiers, and speculators crowd the Bozeman Trail, Bridger’s hard-won wisdom is more valuable than ever, even if his famous tall tales sound more like fiction than fact.

The West is still a perilous place, and with danger just around every bend, the greenhorns heading west quickly realize they need Bridger’s guidance for much more than the trail.

On being a part of this historical drama series, where he plays the title character, Hillis said, “It was a dream come true. I’ve been going up to Montana for 10 years to the point where I felt like I lived there. When I saw the show opportunity for it, I wanted to be Jim Bridger. I submitted myself but I didn’t hear back from anybody.”

“Once I did the audition for the part, which was an intense scene (that I self-taped for), but I got the role. To go up there and play him was a dream come true,” he admitted.

Hillis was drawn to the Jim Bridger character due to the location of where he lived. “The location was the main thing, I got to ride horses, I wore authentic era clothing, and I loved being outdoors all day long while shooting,” he said.

“From everything I’ve read about Jim, he sounds like a good guy,” he said. “Especially his physical prowess, ability to do things, and survive. He tried to de-escalate situations, and he sounded like a good, solid guy, who tried to keep the peace between the settlers and the pioneers. It was fun to play this guy who was both a good guy and legendary.”

“The shooting felt very authentic,” he said. “I was present. There is something about going back to a time that is simpler.”

“We felt like we were living these characters, and we were living ourselves,” he added. “It’s a fun little glimpse at a time in American history that never will exist again, and I think we do a good job honoring everybody that is involved. We have some incredible Native American actors.”

‘The Date Whisperer’

Hillis opened up about doing the romantic comedy “The Date Whisperer.” “That was amazing,” he admitted. “Getting to work with James Hyde was incredible; I got to work with James a long time ago in Milan doing runway shows 25 to 30 years ago Our kiss in that movie was the first male kiss that James Hyde ever had in his life. I felt honored, that was a lot of fun to play.”

“The lead actor, John Ryan McLaughlin in ‘The Date Whisperer,’ also came out and did ‘The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger.’ Even though John played two different characters, he was fantastic on both shows,” he said.

“We played Jim Bridger real. Our director inspired us to think about those people are real people. We didn’t caricaturize them or make them feel cartoonish,” he added.

The digital age

On being an actor in the digital age, Hillis said, “I came up in the business back in the day. I starred as a model in 1992, at a time when they faxed my picture to Milan. Now, we have cell phones and other forms of social media.”

“I feel like a bit of a dinosaur,” he admitted. “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and I have a very extensive resume, but these days, you have ‘kids’ out of nowhere who have millions of followers on social media.”

“I’m a bit of an old timer. I show up, I do my work and I want to go home afterward. That’s where I come from. At the same time, you need to play the game,” he added.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Hillis responded with a sweet laugh, “Finally.” “I’ve been doing this for a while,” he said. “I’ve had some success and I’ve been able to make a living. Doing ‘Jim Bridger’ was a culmination of 20-plus years of my life and work.”

“I am in an amazing marriage with Jessica, the love of my life,” he exclaimed. “Along with my kids, we have an incredible family.”

Success

On his definition of success, Hillis said, “To be able to do what I love to do and make a living out of it, and to be able to support my family and take care of my responsibilities. I pursue my acting career because I love it.”

To learn more about Rib Hillis, follow him on Instagram, and check out his IMDb page.

The post Rib Hillis talks about starring in the series ‘The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger’ appeared first on Digital Journal.

Water is an interesting element as it is at the centre of all life, but can also be unbelievably destructive. Many people have fears related to water, but it’s most often connected to large bodies of water and frequently about the possible presence of fish — Jaws is a common source for these phobias as it gave swimmers reason to believe man-eating sharks could be lurking anywhere below the surface. Thus, swimming pools tend to be a safe haven as it provides a sense of security and familiarity. But the latest Blumhouse horror movie, Night Swim, wants to take away that last refuge.

The Walter family is looking for a fresh start. After years of moving whenever Ray (Wyatt Russell) was traded to a new baseball team, it’s time to put down roots as he recovers from a career-ending diagnosis. While house hunting with his wife, Eve (Kerry Condon), and two kids, Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle) and Elliot (Gavin Warren), they settle upon a large house with a big backyard swimming pool. Ray benefits from the in-home water therapy and the rest of the family enjoys some recreation time. But as Ray experiences a miraculous recovery, everyone else grows fearful of something hiding in the water.

This movie is what one would expect based on the title and premise. Late night dips in the pool are accompanied by eerie visions from beneath the surface that know their names and the games they play. Then there’s the moment that recalls Pennywise the Clown hiding in the sewer grate as someone answers a voice coming from the rectangular skimmer hole in the side of the pool wall. There’s so many moments in which viewers will want to yell at the Walters to stop or get out of the water, making it one of those horror pictures that are frustrating to watch because the characters have no common sense.

One of the film’s more positive elements is the legend attached to the pool’s water as it’s the most plausible part of the narrative. It dates back to before the land was even cultivated and explains the present-day phenomenon. Nonetheless, the actors all play their parts well, portraying a loving family dealing with some significant changes. The siblings have good chemistry, while the parents’ relationship shifts from caring to suspicious as they develop opposing feelings about the pool. Their biggest shortfalls are the poor choices the script demands of their characters.

Director: Bryce McGuire
Starring: Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon and Amélie Hoeferle

The post Review: ‘Night Swim’ drowns in poor choices appeared first on Digital Journal.

“Rue David Bowie” will be officially inaugurated in the capital’s 13th district on the left bank of the city.

No former dignitary’s name will need to be removed to make room for Bowie, as the street was created recently as part of a major makeover of the neighbourhood which also includes modernist university library Bibliotheque Francois Mitterrand.

The thoroughfare — around 50 metres (165 feet) long — was previously known to city planners as “VoieDZ/13”, a working title that could have appealed to Bowie himself who wrote songs such as “TVC15” or “5:15”.

Bowie, who died on January 10, 2016, of liver cancer would have been 77 on Monday.

Bowie counts as one of the most influential, as well as best-selling, musicians of the 20th century, mostly thanks to his unparalleled ability to reinvent himself artistically throughout his career that took off with hit single “Space Oddity” in 1969.

His landmark songs and albums include “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and “Aladdin Sane”, and commercial smash hits “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl” as well as gloomily experimental works such as “Low”.

– ‘Dancing in the Street!’ –

Paris played less of a prominent role in Bowie’s life than London, Berlin and Los Angeles, but French avant-garde theatrical culture was an influence on his visual style.

He also successfully covered French-language songs “Amsterdam” and “Ma Mort” (My Death) by Jacques Brel, who was not actually French but Belgian.

A cryptic line in Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” song refers to “Paris or maybe hell”.

He still has a cult following in France, where fan clubs such as “Bowie France” sell merchandise, organise concerts and Bowie conventions drawing thousands, and where cover band “Bowie Reloaded” fills even large venues with nostalgic fans.

Monday’s unveiling of the plaque is scheduled for 4:15 pm (1515 GMT), the mayor of Paris’s 13th district, Jerome Coumet, said on X, former Twitter.

An avowed Bowie fan, Coumet launched the idea for a Bowie street in early 2020, and won Paris city approval later that year, arguing that the star had “a strong link with the city of light”.

There is no record of a David-Bowie-named street anywhere else.

In his X post, Coumet announced that “the 13th welcomes David Bowie! Dancing in the Street!”, a reference to a hit song performed by Bowie and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

Monday’s unveiling of the street name plaque will be followed by an evening of homage to Bowie at the district’s city hall, featuring Bowie friend and biographer Jerome Soligny as well as Clifford Slapper, producer of a tribute album “Bowie Songs One”.

A Bowie exhibition, also at the mayor’s office, is to run to the end of next week.

The post ‘Rue David Bowie’: Paris to name street after rock icon appeared first on Digital Journal.

Song selection approach for the CD

On the song selection process of her debut album, she said, “After I released my first two EPs, I knew that I wanted to make an album next—it’s always been my dream to work in that longer format.”

“So, I was pretty much starting from scratch. I was kind of writing and recording all at the same time, just making my way slowly through everything, and started recording when I only had about half the songs done,” she said.

Martinez continued, “I’m not a super prolific writer, I think a song will brew inside me for a while before it’s ready to come out, so all these songs were written really intentionally during this time.”

“It can be a scary way to write, because it’s very easy to feel like, what if I just never write a good song again? But I’ve learned to just have faith that it’ll happen, and the more you think about writing, the more you write. It’s a headspace you can get into,” she added.

Favorite song on the album

On her favorite song on the CD, she said, “My favorite song on there is called ‘The First and Last of the Perfect Parties.’ I love it so much that I gave it a long and dramatic title! It’s inspired by Fountains of Wayne, one of my all-time favorite bands, and my favorite genre of music which is essentially 2000s pop rock.”

Fountains of Wayne

Martinez noted, “Fountains of Wayne had a way of being so funny and so tender at the same time, making music that was both ridiculous and heartbreaking. They knew how to be really hooky and clever and fun while also folding in this incredible vulnerability and emotionality.”

“Their songs are so detailed, their storytelling is really rich, and that’s always a priority of mine as a writer. I wrote this song in early COVID, after Adam Schlesinger died, which absolutely gutted me. He was one of the founding members of Fountains of Wayne and a truly great songwriter. I would go on long runs at twilight and listen to their album ‘Welcome Interstate Managers’ on repeat and cry,” she elaborated.

Martinez continued, “This song is my tribute to them, and it’s about a ridiculous college party, and every word of it is true. The first line, ‘I was stone cold sober eating pizza on the lawn when the cops came,’ is actually a verbatim message I sent in a group text reminiscing about it in lockdown,” she added.

She noted that there was a band some of her friends were in called the Hammers.

“It was insane ‘80s inspired rock, the singer sounded like Steve Perry,” she said. “They played this house party at the end of my junior year that was the most magical, absurd, electric night, and it was one of the most important nights for me where I was completely falling in love with someone who would shatter my heart into a million pieces a few years later.”

“I never could’ve imagined it at the time, what was coming. It’s just such a poignant thing, and I think I really captured it. I’m very proud of that song,” she added.

Music and songwriting inspirations

On her music and songwriting inspirations, she said, “I really love to draw inspiration from my favorite artists. I know that there are people who are very focused on being original in all things, but it is honestly so beautiful to me to be able to tap into an energy another artist created in you and follow that energy all the way to your own creation.”

Martinez continued, “I think I have a strong enough identity as a songwriter where I can play with that and still make something that is all my own. For this album, basically every single song is inspired by one of my musical heroes, and there is such a comfort and a coziness in that.”

“Lyrically, a lot is taken directly from my life—the way I think of it, a song is a feeling stretched out all the way. Writing a song is mining a specific emotion to its deepest possible point. It doesn’t mean that it’s literal, or that it’s the whole truth about everything you feel about a certain person or event in your life,” she elaborated.

“You might hear a song you wrote about something, and it’s not necessarily aligned with your overall feelings about it. It could just be a glimmer of something you noticed inside your head or your heart, that you brought to the edge of its possibility. Or it might be, you know, your anthem, your headlining thesis. And the range of that is also so exciting and inspiring to me,” she explained.

The digital age

On being an artist in the digital age, she said with a sweet laugh, “I should probably say it’s cool, but I hate it! Everything I love about making music comes from being in rooms with people or by myself with a guitar, nothing I’m getting from a screen.”

She continued, “Honestly though, career-wise, I really don’t have anything to compare it to, because all of that was exploding just as I was starting. The digital age of being an artist is all I’ve ever known. I definitely feel very thankful to be able to put my own music out in the world in a format that anyone can hear, all of my own volition.”

“There is power for an artist in being able to have that control, the means to put your art into the world, and it’s wonderful that that is so accessible, and you don’t have to have a record deal to release music,” she said.

Thoughts on streaming

“Streaming doesn’t do it for me as an artist or a consumer,” she admitted. “I missed having to make decisions about what I was going to choose to listen to, knowing I had $20 and could pick 2 CDs, so really thinking that through and investing a lot in that choice. If I picked something I didn’t like, it felt like a real waste, but I was able to hone my taste that way and learn how to find what I really loved.”

“Adding an album to your collection with care and consideration is a much better way to consume and discover music than as a utility, if you ask me. We get to have everything now and it feels like nothing,” she said.

“I have memories of trips to record stores and which CDs I bought on specific days, I really do, because some of those days, and the records I bought, changed my life. I miss that, the stakes of it, and I want that for people again,” she recalled.

“With social media, man, I try to just use it in the least soul sucking way possible and have fun with it. But I’d do away with it all in a heartbeat. We all need to touch grass,” she added.

Dream duet choices in music

Martinez listed Robyn and Jackson Browne as her dream collaboration choices in music. “I would love to duet with Robyn,” she exclaimed. “Robyn is an absolute queen to me. On the opposite end of the spectrum pick is Jackson Browne—he’s my all-time favorite artist, and I’d die happy if I worked with him.”

Future plans

On her plans for the future, she said, “I truly cannot wait to release this album and hope to be able to make some cool videos for it and take my time with it and milk it for all it’s worth.”

“I’m going to play some more shows in LA, and I would really love to get on the road and play in other cities as well. And I’m already excited about the prospect of a sophomore album,’ she added.

Success

Regarding her definition of success, she said, “That is such an interesting question, and something I think about quite a bit. Honestly, if I get to continue making art throughout my life, that’s success for me.”

“Success is in the work,” she admitted. “If I figure out how to keep on writing and keep on performing, and get to know what that’s like at 40, 60, 80—that’s all I can dream of.”

Closing thoughts about her new music

For her fans, she remarked, “I hope that they can find catharsis in it, I hope that they can feel seen by it. I hope it can make them feel less lonely, the way my favorite music does for me. And whoever does listen, I want them to know how thankful I am to them for being on the ride with me.

“The connection I feel to other people through music is the most beautiful thing about it for me, it’s what I hope to build my life around. It’s an honor, truly, whenever somebody takes the time to listen. We’re in this together,” she concluded.

To learn more about singer-songwriter Ren Martinez, follow her on Instagram.

The post Ren Martinez talks about her new music, songwriting, and the digital age appeared first on Digital Journal.

It was directed by John Murlowski, and it also stars Jenna Michno as the female lead.

The synopsis is: Date whispering is the new trend in dating, and of all the date whisperers in Los Angeles, Sam (played by Jenna Michno) is the best.

When the value of her service is called into question by her father’s life coach, Mattie (John Ryan McLaughlin), she will learn the real worth of true love.

The subject matter of date whispering is timely and relevant, especially in this digital age that we are living in. It brings a neat concept to the rom-com genre.

Actors James Hyde and Rib Hillis also star in the memorable roles of Don (Sam’s dad) and Frankie respectively.

The Verdict

Overall, “The Date Whisperer” is worth checking out. John Ryan McLaughlin and Jenna Michno have solid chemistry together. It is feel-good, entertaining, and a fun carefree movie to watch, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. This film garners a B+ rating.

The post Review: ‘The Date Whisperer’ is a new rom-com starring John Ryan McLaughlin appeared first on Digital Journal.