Scott Patterson Gives Back By Serenading Fans
Humble, inspiring and talented are just three words one could use to describe Scott Patterson, whom most of you might recognize as the plaid wearing diner owner, Luke Danes from the hit television series, Gilmore Girls. However, what some fans may not know is that Patterson is not just a talented actor but a genius musician as well.
Taking his love of music into account, Patterson formed the band, SMITHRADIO and has been vigorously writing songs. Furthermore, the band is gearing up for the release of their new EP, “REVOLUTION,” featuring fan favorites, “HA HA SONG,” and “FORGOTTEN HERO.”
Despite his busy schedule, Patterson is gearing up for his second Stageit show taking place on June 21st. Fans can will enjoy being able to interact with the musician as well as hear some of their favorite songs. It is a true homage to the musician’s love and respect for the fans who have supported him and admire him.
Becca Rose recently caught up with Patterson and found out more about the new EP, the Stageit show and how fans can help the actor/musician donate to a good cause.
BECCA ROSE: How do your Stageit shows work and what can fans expect?
SCOTT PATTERSON: On June 21st at 7:00 p.m. PST fans, who purchase a ticket, will be able to watch a streamed concert from my home studio. I will have an acoustic guitar and I will be playing songs and interacting with fans. They can ask me questions, make comments and once the song is over I can respond. I take a couple of minutes in between each song to interact and answer questions. It’s very casual and a lot of fun. People love it and I get to play these intimate songs that I don’t play live with the band. The fans seem to really enjoy and I do too. It’s a nice way to stay in touch with the fans and to try out new material.
BECCA ROSE: How many Stageit shows have you done?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Just the one, so far. I am going to try to do them every month because I enjoy them so much. It keeps me focused and keeps my voice in performance shape. This provides me the inspiration to keep working hard and nailing it for the fans.
BECCA ROSE: Have you been receiving song requests from fans who have seen your previous Stageit shows?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Fans do have their favorites. They know some of my songs, but I have a ton of songs and I have written several more since the last show. There’s a song called, “TOEING THE LINE,” that they particularly responded to during the last Stageit show.
BECCA ROSE: You have an EP coming out at the end of June, is that correct?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Yes, I coordinated it with the Stageit show so that’s also coming out on June 21st. It’s called, “REVOLUTION,” and it will have six songs on it, four of which nobody has heard before. Both, “HA HA SONG,” and “FORGOTTEN HERO,” are also on the EP. Fans will able to purchase it on iTunes, Google and Amazon. Fans can also listen to “HA HA SONG" and “FORGOTTEN HERO,” on Spotify.
BECCA ROSE: I know that you are donating a portion of the proceeds of any purchases of the single “FORGOTTEN HERO” as well as the special edition hoodie, to a PTSD charity. How did you get involved with the charity?
SCOTT PATTERSON: I have suffered from it (PTSD) since childhood and suffered in silence but I had good people around me that urged me to get help. There are a lot of people out there, both military and non-military, who don’t have the support systems that I was lucky enough to have. These people are taking their lives at an alarming rate and it’s very tragic. I met some PTSD sufferers and got involved with a group of them and I just sat down one day and wrote a couple of songs about it. “FORGOTTEN HERO,” is from the point of view of a soldier coming back from a couple of tours of duty in Iraq and trying to re-adjust to civilian life.
I never question myself when a song is coming out of me. As long as it tells a story and it has some emotional power I am going to let it out there. Of all of the songs I write this one came through and it has had a very positive effect. People have been reaching out to us through social media and the website and thanking us and since they have joined the SMITHRADIO ARMY they feel like they have a family and supporters and that’s a really nice feeling to know that we’ve helped them. We are extremely proud of it.
It’s very important that they take that first step and get away from the shame that they’re feeling and that they reach out and seek help. It doesn’t necessarily have to be professional help. Talk to a friend, a parent, or a sibling and just talk about it. Allow them to guide you to some kind of healing or help. It’s important to talk about it.
BECCA ROSE: You said you just let things come to you when you’re writing songs but do you have a writing process?
SCOTT PATTERSON: I am very loose and open within my discipline because I do it every day and many times during the day, and sometimes all through the night. Let me try to give you an analogy. If your guitar is your fishing rod and you’re casting your line and bait out in the water you can potentially catch something, if you’re not it’s kind of hard to do it. If you don’t go fishing a lot you’re not going to catch a lot of fish. I fish a lot because I believe there are songs out there that are fully formed and are ready to come in but if you’re not there then you’re not going to catch them and someone else will.
I think there are songs that come from deep within your soul and they can come very quickly or they come in spurts. Then there are songs that some other power hands down to you but if you’re not focused and open to it you’re not going to receive it. Sometimes you don’t eat that night because you didn’t catch anything and other times you’ve got a whopper. That’s pretty much what I’ve been addicted to for a very long time.
BECCA ROSE: Sounds like you have a good handle on fighting writer’s block.
SCOTT PATTERSON: I don’t push it. If it’s not there I do something else. I have so many songs in various stages of completion that I don’t have time to try to receive a new song if I’m not feeling it. I have to get to the other songs and finish them but I always make the time for new songs to come in. It’s not all 100% ah ha moments or golden inspiration, you have to get back to a song that you haven’t worked on for a month and beat yourself up to finish it.
BECCA ROSE: What first drove you to music?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Like anybody else, I love music. It was always the soundtrack to my life. I felt compelled to write my own material and I picked up a guitar early and taught myself. I started a band in third grade with my best friend Tom Poitras in Southern New Jersey. We played, “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone,” and “Back in The U.S.S.R.,” all throughout junior school and high school we played a lot of gigs. Since that time I’ve been trying to pursue it but life sort of takes you on a journey that you least expect. I have always been writing, recording and demoing songs and have always been involved in it. In the mid to late 90s I was performing a lot in L.A. and then the movie business took over but I’m back again as of June of last year and it’s worked out pretty well.
To purchase tickets for the June 21st Stageit show and to learn more about SMITHRADIO visit: SMITHRADIOBAND.COM
To purchase the “FORGOTTEN HERO,” single and/or the special edition hoodie visit: SMITHRADIOBAND.COM/STORE A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a PTSD charity.
Taking his love of music into account, Patterson formed the band, SMITHRADIO and has been vigorously writing songs. Furthermore, the band is gearing up for the release of their new EP, “REVOLUTION,” featuring fan favorites, “HA HA SONG,” and “FORGOTTEN HERO.”
Despite his busy schedule, Patterson is gearing up for his second Stageit show taking place on June 21st. Fans can will enjoy being able to interact with the musician as well as hear some of their favorite songs. It is a true homage to the musician’s love and respect for the fans who have supported him and admire him.
Becca Rose recently caught up with Patterson and found out more about the new EP, the Stageit show and how fans can help the actor/musician donate to a good cause.
BECCA ROSE: How do your Stageit shows work and what can fans expect?
SCOTT PATTERSON: On June 21st at 7:00 p.m. PST fans, who purchase a ticket, will be able to watch a streamed concert from my home studio. I will have an acoustic guitar and I will be playing songs and interacting with fans. They can ask me questions, make comments and once the song is over I can respond. I take a couple of minutes in between each song to interact and answer questions. It’s very casual and a lot of fun. People love it and I get to play these intimate songs that I don’t play live with the band. The fans seem to really enjoy and I do too. It’s a nice way to stay in touch with the fans and to try out new material.
BECCA ROSE: How many Stageit shows have you done?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Just the one, so far. I am going to try to do them every month because I enjoy them so much. It keeps me focused and keeps my voice in performance shape. This provides me the inspiration to keep working hard and nailing it for the fans.
BECCA ROSE: Have you been receiving song requests from fans who have seen your previous Stageit shows?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Fans do have their favorites. They know some of my songs, but I have a ton of songs and I have written several more since the last show. There’s a song called, “TOEING THE LINE,” that they particularly responded to during the last Stageit show.
BECCA ROSE: You have an EP coming out at the end of June, is that correct?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Yes, I coordinated it with the Stageit show so that’s also coming out on June 21st. It’s called, “REVOLUTION,” and it will have six songs on it, four of which nobody has heard before. Both, “HA HA SONG,” and “FORGOTTEN HERO,” are also on the EP. Fans will able to purchase it on iTunes, Google and Amazon. Fans can also listen to “HA HA SONG" and “FORGOTTEN HERO,” on Spotify.
BECCA ROSE: I know that you are donating a portion of the proceeds of any purchases of the single “FORGOTTEN HERO” as well as the special edition hoodie, to a PTSD charity. How did you get involved with the charity?
SCOTT PATTERSON: I have suffered from it (PTSD) since childhood and suffered in silence but I had good people around me that urged me to get help. There are a lot of people out there, both military and non-military, who don’t have the support systems that I was lucky enough to have. These people are taking their lives at an alarming rate and it’s very tragic. I met some PTSD sufferers and got involved with a group of them and I just sat down one day and wrote a couple of songs about it. “FORGOTTEN HERO,” is from the point of view of a soldier coming back from a couple of tours of duty in Iraq and trying to re-adjust to civilian life.
I never question myself when a song is coming out of me. As long as it tells a story and it has some emotional power I am going to let it out there. Of all of the songs I write this one came through and it has had a very positive effect. People have been reaching out to us through social media and the website and thanking us and since they have joined the SMITHRADIO ARMY they feel like they have a family and supporters and that’s a really nice feeling to know that we’ve helped them. We are extremely proud of it.
It’s very important that they take that first step and get away from the shame that they’re feeling and that they reach out and seek help. It doesn’t necessarily have to be professional help. Talk to a friend, a parent, or a sibling and just talk about it. Allow them to guide you to some kind of healing or help. It’s important to talk about it.
BECCA ROSE: You said you just let things come to you when you’re writing songs but do you have a writing process?
SCOTT PATTERSON: I am very loose and open within my discipline because I do it every day and many times during the day, and sometimes all through the night. Let me try to give you an analogy. If your guitar is your fishing rod and you’re casting your line and bait out in the water you can potentially catch something, if you’re not it’s kind of hard to do it. If you don’t go fishing a lot you’re not going to catch a lot of fish. I fish a lot because I believe there are songs out there that are fully formed and are ready to come in but if you’re not there then you’re not going to catch them and someone else will.
I think there are songs that come from deep within your soul and they can come very quickly or they come in spurts. Then there are songs that some other power hands down to you but if you’re not focused and open to it you’re not going to receive it. Sometimes you don’t eat that night because you didn’t catch anything and other times you’ve got a whopper. That’s pretty much what I’ve been addicted to for a very long time.
BECCA ROSE: Sounds like you have a good handle on fighting writer’s block.
SCOTT PATTERSON: I don’t push it. If it’s not there I do something else. I have so many songs in various stages of completion that I don’t have time to try to receive a new song if I’m not feeling it. I have to get to the other songs and finish them but I always make the time for new songs to come in. It’s not all 100% ah ha moments or golden inspiration, you have to get back to a song that you haven’t worked on for a month and beat yourself up to finish it.
BECCA ROSE: What first drove you to music?
SCOTT PATTERSON: Like anybody else, I love music. It was always the soundtrack to my life. I felt compelled to write my own material and I picked up a guitar early and taught myself. I started a band in third grade with my best friend Tom Poitras in Southern New Jersey. We played, “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone,” and “Back in The U.S.S.R.,” all throughout junior school and high school we played a lot of gigs. Since that time I’ve been trying to pursue it but life sort of takes you on a journey that you least expect. I have always been writing, recording and demoing songs and have always been involved in it. In the mid to late 90s I was performing a lot in L.A. and then the movie business took over but I’m back again as of June of last year and it’s worked out pretty well.
To purchase tickets for the June 21st Stageit show and to learn more about SMITHRADIO visit: SMITHRADIOBAND.COM
To purchase the “FORGOTTEN HERO,” single and/or the special edition hoodie visit: SMITHRADIOBAND.COM/STORE A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a PTSD charity.
Travel Down a Stardust Road with Sweet Cyanide
Today the rock world should be rejoicing as the New York based band, Sweet Cyanide has finally released a new album. Stardust Road, has it all and if your ears aren't screaming with pleasure by the end of it then you need to have them checked.
This album pulls you in with songs like the title track, "Stardust Road," which has a rock and roll/Beatles-esque sound to it. It's one of those songs that gets better every time you listen to it, and I've listened to it at least 10 times in the last 24 hours. From there the music only gets better with "Solitude, Wishing Well and Damage Done, All My Broken Dreams, No Future," and so many more songs you'll want to listen to over and over again. . But the boys of Sweet Cyanide are not just going to rock your ears out they want to make you feel things with their music as well. This is where songs like "All My Broken Dreams," come in. This melodic ballad, with a rock twist, pulls at your heart strings. One of my favorites is "New Illusions," which mixes rock and ballad melodies, but the influence of The Beatles is clear. This song is good enough to make even the master, John Lennon jealous. It seems as though every time this band releases new music is gets better and better and believe me when I tell you, this album is one of their best. If you're looking for new music that is guaranteed to have you singing and rocking out in your car, get "Startdust Road," today and I promise you'll be thanking me tomorrow! So what's next for these guys? Only one of the biggest festivals for rock music, Sturgis Buffalo Chip where they'll be performing with bands/artists such as, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 3 Doors Down, Cheap Trick, among many others. For more information and to purchase the album visit www.sweetcyanide.com.
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Fear The Silence with Fear Factory and SoilworkThe Gramercy Theatre has been home to many thrilling and newsworthy shows over the years but the energy level during those shows pale in comparison with the electricity oozing from the venue on Monday night. The reason? Well, there were two...Soilwork and Fear Factory. Fans of the heavy metal bands flocked to the theater feeding on one another's excitement at the fact that in just a few hours they'd be seeing two bands they have worshiped for years. Both bands have been rocking venues and the heavy metal world for quite a while but the wide-eyed, jaw-dropping look on fans' faces as their favorite songs were played made it seem like neither band had ever toured before. After the opening band finished their set, an octane filled set one must add, Soilwork took to the stage. Fans screamed, sang and jumped along to every single note as if it were their last. And even if you weren't a fan of the music you still couldn't help but appreciate and watch in awe as Bjorn "Speed" Strid belted out notes no human should be able to hit. Dirk Verbeuren pounded away at the drums igniting a fire in the crowd and creating a sea of horns to rise from the crowd. As fantastic as the openers were there was a major difference in stage presence and overall performance between the bands. The proof was in the performance, the members of Soilwork were born to perform. At around 10:00 pm on Monday night, the eleventh hour had hit and the moment everyone, even a few security guards, had been waiting for...Fear Factory took to the stage. A fiery wave of energy soared through the crowd and gasps of joy and admiration could be heard even in the lounge area below the main floor. But what made this performance all the more rock worthy? The band was playing every track from their hit album, Demanufacture, an album that was released in the late 90s. An album that the band has not toured with since then and certainly not one they've played cover-to-cover with. When a band can recreate an album live and in your face there is truly nothing else like it. Hearing those songs you banged your head to over-and-over again, sung live, could make the hairs on your arms stand on their ends. Heavy metal can be considered one of those genres of music that is an acquired taste however, even the most skeptical of music critics had to admit that Fear Factory is one of those "not to be missed," bands. If you're lucky enough to see them on tour then we salute you and if you're not, we encourage you to get out there and check them out! |
Apocalyptica Breathes Life Into Music AgainAs journalists we're supposed to remain unbiased and not voice our opinions but most of all we're not supposed to speak in the first person, but to be honest, I was so inspired by a concert I went to recently, I simply have to break the rules. Music in general has become extremely mainstream and predictable. One can almost always tell what type of song is going to come on the radio next and it's incredibly sad. Long gone are the days of originality and pure, unabashed talent. Virtuoso musicians have faded into the shadow of lack-luster "artists" like Justin Bieber but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that light is a band called, Apocalyptica. The band from Finland, known for their melodic and beautifully crafted renditions of Metallica songs, ventured to a middle-of-nowhere venue, called, The Starland Ballroom recently and put other musicians to shame. With electric cellos, violins and instruments you wouldn't normally see at a rock concert, Apocalyptica re-defined rock music. The night began with a few opening bands, including Ten Years, who had energy that couldn't be denied. Although I didn't know any songs, with the exception of one, I couldn't help but watch in awe as they dominated the stage and brought the crowd to a screaming frenzy. But the best was yet to come... From the moment Apocalyptica took the stage the entire room fell into a trance, captivated by the magic unfolding before them. With a mixture of original songs and of course, Metallica renditions, the Finnish band breathed life into music again. Regardless of the songs they were performing they were far different than anything else I've ever seen. They combined rock and symphony beautifully and found a way to embed a little bit of goth in the mix. Talent poured out of them and their songs only sounded better and better as the night drew to a close. No one in the room, including myself and my photographers, wanted the night to end. Their's was the kind of show you could spend days watching and never grow tired of it. It was one of the best shows I've seen by one of the most talented bands out there today. Mainstream artists should take note of what true talent looks and sounds like. |
Dive into Chris Brochu's 'Life'
These days it seems as though Hollywood has brought about some seriously talented people who not only can act but they have other incredible talents as well. One of those seriously talented individuals is The Vampire Diaries own, Chris Brochu who not only can act but is also an incredibly talented singer/musician.
Brochu burst into fans hearts when he appeared as Luke Parker, the mysterious and sometimes frustrating, witch on the hit CW series, The Vampire Diaries. Fans fell in love with his spectacular acting and upon meeting him at conventions; they fell in love with his personality. Now fans will have even more to love when Brochu’s newest EP,The Life drops on August 4th.
We recently spoke with Chris about his new album and got all of the details you need to know:
BECCA ROSE: Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming EP?
CB: Its The Life EP it’s a mix of records that funded independently so everything that we’ve done thus far has come out of our pockets. It’s been a real labor of love that has been three years in the making. So in a way it’s quite surreal that it’s done.
BR: I can imagine that it’s a comfort or breath of fresh air knowing that it’s done.
CB: Yeah. It’s really nice to be able to say that at the end of the day it’s the truest thing that I’ve been able to release thus far in my life. So that’s a very good feeling to be at a place where you’re proud of what you put your time and money into. It’s a financial investment and an emotional one and its just now at the point where I hope the world enjoys it as much as my family and I do.
BR: What inspires your music?
CB: That’s another reason why I’m doing it on my own is because I couldn’t tell you how it happens. It happens sometimes with just a phrase that I really like, which will mold into a song or a concept for a song or a guitar part that comes out of nowhere. Last time I was brushing my teeth and a chorus came to me so I sang the chorus before bed and thought about that, as I was getting ready to sleep. I think it’s just being in that place where you’re open to receive whatever inspiration is going to come at you.
BR: When you mentioned brushing your teeth and coming up with a chorus I laughed because I’m a writer myself and I always noticed that inspiration always comes at the most awkward time.
CB: I think there is something to be said about that because I believe that’s when you’re really being natural and open because you’re vulnerable in a situation. You have to get somewhere in time but your very susceptible to different things that I think as artists, getting as close to the source of all inspiration whatever it may be and just letting whatever happens happen.
BR: Do you have other a routine for when you sit down to write?
CB: I wish there was a method to that. Truthfully its kind of whatever is packed into a day because I am coming and going a lot but I just have my guitar out at all times. For instance I’ve picked it up 5 or 6 times today to play this song that I was working on over the weekend. I think it’s just those hours of time when I write. It’s very much a puzzle piece where I’m trying to tell a story in 3-minutes.
BR: In terms of the songs on album, is there one that means the most to you?
CB: I think what will end up being the single track is the song called, Out There, and if I were going to have anyone listen to any of the songs it would be that one. That song is just being your voice of positivity in a world where we’re very much defined by outward appearance. It’s basically a song talking to the world and just saying that people may try and define your beauty or decide your free thoughts but I’m not about that. And no matter what at the end of the day we’re all kind of beautiful in our own way.
BR: What’s next for you?
CB: Truthfully at the moment I am doing everything album related. Tracks are being mastered, I’m working on the artwork, I’ve got the printing process going so there’s a lot of those aspects that I’m doing. As far as acting goes it’s honestly just scripts come through, I read them and audition for them and they either go or they don’t go and right now I’m not working on anything but life happens to you in these ways sometimes. You just always have to keep your creativity muscles moving.
BR: Where can our readers keep up with you and find out when your album comes out?
CB: As far as the album, it is going to be released August 4. It will be available hardcopy as well as on iTunes and Amazon. As far as shows go I am having a big EP release party on August 4th and details are coming soon for that. Otherwise I’m going to play show this month in Georgia.
Brochu burst into fans hearts when he appeared as Luke Parker, the mysterious and sometimes frustrating, witch on the hit CW series, The Vampire Diaries. Fans fell in love with his spectacular acting and upon meeting him at conventions; they fell in love with his personality. Now fans will have even more to love when Brochu’s newest EP,The Life drops on August 4th.
We recently spoke with Chris about his new album and got all of the details you need to know:
BECCA ROSE: Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming EP?
CB: Its The Life EP it’s a mix of records that funded independently so everything that we’ve done thus far has come out of our pockets. It’s been a real labor of love that has been three years in the making. So in a way it’s quite surreal that it’s done.
BR: I can imagine that it’s a comfort or breath of fresh air knowing that it’s done.
CB: Yeah. It’s really nice to be able to say that at the end of the day it’s the truest thing that I’ve been able to release thus far in my life. So that’s a very good feeling to be at a place where you’re proud of what you put your time and money into. It’s a financial investment and an emotional one and its just now at the point where I hope the world enjoys it as much as my family and I do.
BR: What inspires your music?
CB: That’s another reason why I’m doing it on my own is because I couldn’t tell you how it happens. It happens sometimes with just a phrase that I really like, which will mold into a song or a concept for a song or a guitar part that comes out of nowhere. Last time I was brushing my teeth and a chorus came to me so I sang the chorus before bed and thought about that, as I was getting ready to sleep. I think it’s just being in that place where you’re open to receive whatever inspiration is going to come at you.
BR: When you mentioned brushing your teeth and coming up with a chorus I laughed because I’m a writer myself and I always noticed that inspiration always comes at the most awkward time.
CB: I think there is something to be said about that because I believe that’s when you’re really being natural and open because you’re vulnerable in a situation. You have to get somewhere in time but your very susceptible to different things that I think as artists, getting as close to the source of all inspiration whatever it may be and just letting whatever happens happen.
BR: Do you have other a routine for when you sit down to write?
CB: I wish there was a method to that. Truthfully its kind of whatever is packed into a day because I am coming and going a lot but I just have my guitar out at all times. For instance I’ve picked it up 5 or 6 times today to play this song that I was working on over the weekend. I think it’s just those hours of time when I write. It’s very much a puzzle piece where I’m trying to tell a story in 3-minutes.
BR: In terms of the songs on album, is there one that means the most to you?
CB: I think what will end up being the single track is the song called, Out There, and if I were going to have anyone listen to any of the songs it would be that one. That song is just being your voice of positivity in a world where we’re very much defined by outward appearance. It’s basically a song talking to the world and just saying that people may try and define your beauty or decide your free thoughts but I’m not about that. And no matter what at the end of the day we’re all kind of beautiful in our own way.
BR: What’s next for you?
CB: Truthfully at the moment I am doing everything album related. Tracks are being mastered, I’m working on the artwork, I’ve got the printing process going so there’s a lot of those aspects that I’m doing. As far as acting goes it’s honestly just scripts come through, I read them and audition for them and they either go or they don’t go and right now I’m not working on anything but life happens to you in these ways sometimes. You just always have to keep your creativity muscles moving.
BR: Where can our readers keep up with you and find out when your album comes out?
CB: As far as the album, it is going to be released August 4. It will be available hardcopy as well as on iTunes and Amazon. As far as shows go I am having a big EP release party on August 4th and details are coming soon for that. Otherwise I’m going to play show this month in Georgia.