Recently, we ( AP-RED.COM sister site of auditionportal.com) had the pleasure of interviewing a pop star in the back of his tour bus. Man, I love saying "back of the tour bus!"
Mark McGrath, lead singer of Sugar Ray, is known mostly for his vocals on smash hits like "Fly," "Someday," "Every Morning," "When it's over," and "Under the Sun," but the man has many talents, all of which he's very laid back about. Kudos for modesty!
Jason Drew, host of our new "Entertainment & Industry News" website has a particular way with artists and always seems to ask the in-depth questions most people wish they could ask IF only they could get a second with a celebrity. In this interview, Jason uses his candor and intuitive interviewing style to get Mark to trust and share. Mark talks about his career as a host on "Extra" and even delves into the good and bad experiences on the show, as well as other juicy tidbits about the amazing new album "Music for Cougars."
But as a company founded on Acting and Music, what we loved about Mark was his energy. If you watch the video you'll see a guy who loves to use his whole body as an instrument, and while he may be a singer he is obviously in touch with his "life" on stage as a singer and actor. While Mark laughingly confesses "in a sea of Marky Mark's there's landscape littered with Vanilla Ice's," he explains that he has too much respect for actors than to just jump in and be one. But is Mark headed for the big screen again? It's possible.
I guess the lines can get blurry for talented people, as they should. Music and acting have always been a package deal. Think about how Broadway requires such diversity and talent, or how a singer like Freddie Mercury from "Queen" brought drama and personality to a song on stage or even in a video. The ability to do both is analogous to "one hand washes the other," in that they can only help improve each other. If you're a passionate entertainer, there's no reason why you shouldn't do both. If you're an actor, study piano or vocals or anything musical. If you're a singer, study acting! Your acting skills will draw on the metering and rhythms that you already posses inside you, and you'll have a great head start.
Mark McGrath is an example of that as an artist. He posses a special gift to be alive and natural in front of a camera. Whether in an interview, on stage, or on camera, Mark exudes light, energy and warmth that seemingly sucks you in. You see– his acting, his body language, is musical and lyrical because as a singer he understands the foundations of music and how songs can move people. He uses those same natural skills to express himself when he's not on stage.
When going on an audition, on stage, or in front of a camera, try to bring that "light" with you. Trust me, it's contagious in a good way!
Now, go watch the interview to see what I mean! www.ap-red.com
Reporting for AP-RED.COM
Paul Brighton
