my top favourite Smiths songs... and a few Moz solo too!

in no order in particular.

The boy with the thorn in his side
this charming man
william, it was really nothing
heaven knows I'm miserable now
Ask
half a person
still ill
barbarism begins at home
rusholme ruffians
shoplifters (although I prefer the Moz-solo version off "Live at Earl's court")
girl afraid
You've got everything now (BOTH versions- including the "hatful of hollow" one)
Bigmouth strikes again (again, I prefer the Moz solo "Live at Earl's court" version, though both are excellent)
a rush and a push and the land is ours
I started something I couldn't finish
Stop me if you think that you've heard this one before
unhappy birthday
paint a vulgar picture
Reel around the fountain (once again- BOTH versions, including the "hatful..." version)
this night has opened my eyes
back to the old house
that joke isn't funny anymore
there is a light that never goes out (also the "live at Earl's court Moz solo version is awesome)
last night I dreamt that somebody loved me (also the "Live at Earl's court Moz solo version is awesome)
please, please, please let me get what I want
I won't share you
asleep

BONUS: Morrissey solo songs for those of you who love the Smiths.
these aren't as bombastic as his more recent work. you will love these, because I love them.

Alsatian cousin
Late night, Maudlin street
the end of the family line
there's a place in hell for me and my friends (original piano & vocal-only version)
Angel, angel down we go together (original strings-n-vocals only version)
Interlude feat. Siouxsie Sioux
At Amber
I'd love to
a swallow on my neck
black-eyed susan
I've changed my plea to guilty
Piccadilly palare
interesting drug
suedehead
ouija board, ouija board
november spawned a monster
such a little thing makes such a big difference
he knows I'd love to see him
yes, I am blind
Hairdresser on fire
Lucky lisp
sister, I'm a poet (also great is the live video version off the "Hulmerist" DVD + VHS

Q&A: Singer Kristen of The Crazy Ivans

I first met Kristen when I saw her singing and playing guitar with her band at the time, Jane loves Dick, at the notorious Bar of Soap bar/laundromat by Fair Park in Dallas. I took some photos of them and we became friends, and I've seen her perform many times since, including an impressive performance singing for her new band The Crazy Ivans.

Q: What made you want to be a rock and roller to begin with?

Kristen: When I was in High School I wrote and sang a lot of music, and one year decided to try to get one of my songs into the school's talent show. I didn't play an instrument back then and unlike most of the girls I wasn't singing some popular song I could just get a backup tape for, so it was pretty much just me up there, unaccompanied. And like a lot of my stuff, the song was pretty edgy and raw. I got laughed at by the judges and didn't even make it into the show. That motivated me big time, because I knew this stuff had potential, just not as an acapella. So as soon as I could afford it I got my first guitar and started teaching myself to play. I didn't ever consider myself talented guitar-wise. But I realized the louder and faster I played, and the realer I got with it, that raw talent mattered less and less. I'm not gonna lie... I think that's what appeals to most of us about rock and roll, that pretty much anyone can do it as long as they love it.

Q: What was the first record you ever bought?

Kristen: This is embarrassing. When I was very young, I saved my allowance and got MC Hammer - You Can't Touch This. I had a brief SWV phase right after that. This was back when things were still on tape, though. I'm sure my first CD was much much cooler.

Q: Tell me a little about the first band I saw you perform with- Jane loves Dick.

Kristen: That was a really great experience for me. I had been singing for a long while, and when I first moved to Dallas I started playing with a group that never got around to doing any shows. But JLD was my first real opportunity to get on a stage and just put it all out there for people, something I had been wanting to do for a very long time. And the format was a lot of fun. I was listening to a lot of The Donnas and The Muffs at the time, so the girl-band thing just made sense. I met Rachel at a show at the old Bar of Soap and we clicked right away, really feeding off each other musically. I wouldn't be surprised if after just a few months we had something like 50 songs in the tank between the 2 of us. And her (now husband) Rob (of Responsible Johnny) really helped me expand what I had been doing on the guitar. The whole thing was probably the best introduction I can imagine to Dallas Punk music and everyone that loves that scene.

Q: tell me how you got involved with your new band The Crazy Ivans

Kristen: Four of the guys had been together about a year and were auditioning singers. I was looking around at a few things, and a big part of me was actually contemplating a move out of the state at that time. But after meeting everyone and hearing a few songs, I absolutely fell in love and knew that this was what I was supposed to be doing. Then I just had to convince them. They might tell you it was because I worked my ass off at the audition, or maybe they just liked the sound. My version is that I was the only chick smart enough to bring cookies with me. Either way... it all worked out, and here I am. I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to have to spend the majority of my time with.

Q: How do you like only singing as opposed to playing guitar and singing?

Kristen: It was rough at first putting down the guitar. As a female in the music scene, there's something about even just holding an instrument that seems to give you a little more credibility up there. But Keith and Justin are phenomenal musicians, so me playing along would really just be overkill. And focusing on singing does have advantages... it's nice not being tethered to the mic stand, being able to move around and really connect with the crowd. Besides, I'm a total klutz... I can't count how many times I just start rocking a little to hard and end up falling over. It's nice knowing I have a free hand to catch myself with.

Q: What sort of guitar and amp do you perform with and why?

Kristen: My guitar is a Fender Highway 1 Strat and the amp is a Fender 2x12. It's a pretty clean sound but I usually end up going through a pedal anyway. I also have an accoustic Taylor I'd love to take out to a coffee shop or open mic someday. I'm not the type that picks out a guitar for a specific sound, for me, durable and easy to play is key. I can be pretty rough on my instruments and something that can take a beating without going out of tune after 15 minutes is important. They've also got some good stories, and a little history in an instrument is a pretty big deal to me too.

Q: what bands or artists do you enjoy listening to?

Kristen: Oh gosh this question is always tough because I'm so all over the map. I love Punk- Rancid, the Distillers and Dropkick Murphys are some favorites. I'm also a huge fan of the classics like Clapton, the Stones and SRV. I'm really digging some younger bands too, like the Fratellis, the Arctic Monkeys, stuff like that. And there's always going to be a time and place for some funk and some good ole 80s pop. But probably one of my favorite all-around bands that most people haven't heard of but should definitely check out is Dovetail Joint - I've gotten a lot of inspiration from their stuff over the years.

Q: what else do you do besides play music? what do you enjoy doing?

Kristen: Well most of the time that I'm not at work does revolve around music one way or another. If I'm not playing with the band, I may be out at a friends show, or have a new CD that I'm listening to, or writing and playing on my own. Most of the other stuff I like to do is pretty laid back... cooking or writing or swimming or camping or anything outside really. I'm almost always up for trying some totally new thing too.

Random topic round.

Topics: deep ellum. Dallas music scene. bars and clubs.

I've only been here a few years so I may have a different perspective on this, because I don't really know how things "used to be". I hear people say Dallas music is dying and it always feels like a cop-out. Frankly, I think we have as diverse, talented and envelope-pushing group of musicians here as they've got anywhere in the country. Sure, it's a big city, things are spread out, fans are spread out, venues are closing and spreading outside Deep Ellum, and there's a lot of driving around. It makes it tough for bands to get as many people out, it makes it tough to be successful. But as music fans, we've got it great. Every weekend there are a ton of great local acts to choose from. For like 15 bucks at the Palladium, we can get spitting distance from the same national acts I would have had to spend $50 to see from nosebleed amphitheatre seats in the Midwest. It seems like we're getting fresher stuff here too, bands trying a lot harder to stand out from the pack. I'm a musician, but I'm a fan first, so I really can't complain.

Topics: tex-mex food. italian food. delis.

Love Italian food, but tend to think I'm pretty bad-ass at making it myself so I never eat it out. And I love that in TX you all put avocados in everything, even soup. My first and still favorite tortilla soup experience was at a local place called Posados. Yum.

Topics: people who drive pickup trucks. people who drive hybrids. People who have rims on their hooptie worth more than the car.

I am a pretty practical girl so I find hybrids and pickup trucks extremely sexy. (And by truck I mean the real kind - old, beat up, 2 seaters, not that big shiny 4mpg-so-I can-pretend-my-penis-is-bigger variety). And I don't mind hoopties, but the rims don't really do anything for me. Biggest pet peave are the people who armor up there cars, like those big front catches on trucks, or the hubcaps with the spikes sticking out, or the entire Hummer for that matter. Anyone who treats their commute like their own personal open war zone is generally not someone I care to be around.

Topics: playing in bands with girls. playing in bands with guys.

We definately have different ways of communicating, so having a mixed-gender group I think automatically doubles the amount of time it takes to say anything. Working with all girls is probably easier, and I imagine an all-guy group might say the same, but easier doesn't always mean better. Ultimately I think being a chick in rock music is weird enough on its own, regardless of who we play with. There are some that treat it like, "I am female therefore unique therefore more important..." These are the Divas. The rest of us, I think we're just trying so hard to be "one of the guys" (even in a girl-dominated band) that it can be hard to figure out where you fit in. Who knows... at the end of the day we still have to sit down to pee, we generally get cuter panties, and it is what it is I guess

Topics: dungeons and dragons. monopoly. life. sorry!. uno.

Funny you mention this. The Crazy Ivans actually have a D&D campaign that we all play. That's how the first 4 all originally met and decided to start playing (music) together. So yeah... I am now a level 9 Barbarian who focuses on two weapon fighting (short swords). That's right boys, picture a bad-ass amazonian warrior in studded leather standing over you cold, lifeless corpses and weep. And I really can't lie... I've known all about Lord of the Rings, World of Warcraft, and comic book super heroes since WAY before I started running with this crowd. I may be a punk rocker now, but the huge dork in me will never die. My dice are purple.

Topics: daytime soap operas. spanish station soaps. reality teevee shows.

Never really got into these too much. I think I have enough drama in my real life to keep me from seeking out any more on TV. And when I do have a desire to watch the interactions of scantilly clad women with no morals, I tend to just cut to the chase and go straight to the porn.

Topics: water parks. lakes. amusement parks.

Water parks are kind of like hotdogs for me. Deep down, I already know that if I did all the research, I'd find out all sorts of disgusting things about what's *really* in the water and never want to swim at one again. But I'll never do the research. Because I really just don't want to know. They're fun, and I like them and I just don't care enough to ruin it for myself. But deep down, way deep down, I think I kinda already know...

Topics: cell phones. laptops. social networking.

Technology has certainly made communicating easier. But it's also made me lazier, and I probably do far less of it now than I did before I could text, facebook, etc. I kind of miss the days when my friends would just "stop by" to see if I was home and wanted to hang out. It's hard to be surprised by anything when you're always wired in. I don't miss being clueless, but I do miss being surprised.

Go see The Crazy Ivans live. They will brainwash you. They did me.
www.thecrazyivans.com

Q&A: Archaeologist Julie Schablitsky

I recently began watching a great program on PBS called Time Team America, where a team of archaeologists goes tripping round America digging up historical sites. Julie Schablitsky is one of the three female members of the Time Team along with Meg Watters and Chelsea Rose. I think Julie and Meg are the most interesting members of the Time Team to listen to and watch on the show. I contacted Julie and to my surprise she agreed to a Q&A!

Q: What got you interested in archaeology to begin with?

Julie: Looking at the fossils left in the gravel of my driveway in Minnesota when I was 7. This is where I became interested in what life was like in the past.

Q: What sort of archaeology do you specialize in and why?

Julie: I am proficient in the study of prehistoric (American Indian) and historic-period (Euroamerican) sites, but I prefer the 18th and 19th century. I enjoy studying this period since we have maps, sometimes photographs, and diaries to help guide us in our search for what life was like over 200 years ago. I am also interested in the material culture from these periods....the objects are familiar....porcelain dolls, broken plates, and buttons.

Q: How did the Time Team America show come about and how did you get involved with it?

Julie: The creator and producer of the show, Tim Taylor, walked into a professional archaeology conference in York, England looking for archaeologists to participate in Time Team America. There is a Time Team UK that just finished its 17th season, so Tim felt it was time for a United States version. He found me by asking other archaeologists who might be good on camera.

Q: Is it odd to see yourself on television?

Julie: Not really. I was out on the shoot so I know what scenes would be in the show and what I said. It is not that enjoyable to watch myself since I am hyper critical about how I sound, what I say, and how I look. I had a baby just 2 months before I began filming so I felt a little subconscious about being in front of the camera.
For this type of series, I have learned to be as relaxed and unscripted as possible. In traditional documentaries, it is easy to sit there and talk very concisely about your subject matter and sound smart. In the Time Team shows, I need to be more relaxed and sound less like a professor...this is hard, since I spring right into my talking head role.

Q: How much footage did they have to condense for those shows? I am assuming you were all out there much longer than the show made it look like.

Julie: There were three camera crews out there for three days, filming for at least 11 hours. So that is 33 hours of footage condensed down into 55 minutes! The impressive part is that almost all of the scenes shot made it in to these shows!

Q: What do you like about educating and teaching, and lecturing? Would you rather be out in the field?

Julie: Educating, teaching, and lecturing allows you to talk about your favorite subject and sometimes inspire others to follow in your foot steps. Every archaeologist would rather be in the field digging. In fact, many of us in management roles complain how we never get in the field. I spend about 25% of my time in the field, while the remainder is spent managing the cultural resources program at the Maryland Sate Highway Administration. I also really enjoy that aspect of the job since it allows me to influence and direct a successful program that is integral to the building and maintenance of our highway system, which is the largest land developer in the state and largest funder of archaeological research in the state.

Q: What are the pros and cons of being out in the field? Most people have no clue what that experiance is like. Walk us through typical challenges you face in the field.

Julie: This all depends on where you work. The biggest complaint will be the bugs and the weather. In Oregon and Scotland it is hard digging in the rain all of the time due to wet paperwork and screening mud..not to mention just being plain miserable. In Maryland, we have the humidity, mosquitos, and ticks. The ticks don't really bother me, it is the lyme's disease that I am VERY worried about. About 20% of the archaeologists that I know have had lyme's disease...some of them twice.
The great thing about being in the field is that you are outside, you have a picnic everyday for lunch, and sometimes the views are outstanding. You don't need to work out at the gym. Views from mountain tops are the most beautiful. The work we do in the field is much like playing in a sand box, but you find things. It is a very comfortable environment where swearing and off color comments are okay. Although we are no good at it, sometimes we pass the day singing songs......not in a Mary Poppins way. Just enough lines to make the song stick in your dig partners mind for the rest of the day.

Q: Where would you like to go if you had unlimited backing to start up digs? What sort of projects appeal to you?

Julie: Our Scotland project has unlimited backing. We found a funder who supports our excavations at John Paul Jones' birthplace in southern Scotland. We finished off digging around John Paul Jones' cottage and now we are off to excavate the estate house....which is a mansion that still stands today. If I had unlimited backing to choose another site, it would have to be a brothel in New Orleans. I have always wanted to dig a brothel.

Q: When I was a child I was fascinated with archaeology- Egypt and central America held such fascination with the pyramids and such. There wasn't much in the way of television programs then, but in recent years, we've had shows like "Digging for the truth" that makes it look like a blast to go adventuring and exploring. How do you think these shows and channels such as PBS, History channel and Discovery channel are helping bring attention and funding to your field?

Julie: The problem with these shows is that the public expects archaeology to be all about Egyptian pyramids and golden idols with ruby eyes. Sometimes archaeology is not as sexy, especially in the US, but it does not mean it is not important. I think these shows actually negatively effect the way people view our own history, insinuating that it is not as important or worthy of preservation or financial support. Hopefully Time Team America will help change this perception.

Q: Would you like to see more government monies put into expanding research? How do you feel about increasing classes at early ages to get kids more interested in this sort of thing?

Julie: More money into research is a great thing, but I appreciate we are in a recession where health care and jobs are much more important at this time. I do think education should be a priority and introducing children to archaeology earlier would be great!

Q: how does Oregon compare both as a state and in other ways with other states in it's museums and archaeological fare?

Julie: Every state is different, and each has a unique history. Oregon has some beautiful collections from dry sites from the eastern half of the state. I think their prehistoric history is amazing and the preservation of fiber sandals, for example, is outstanding!

Q: Alot of girls would probably like to know what do you pack when you go out in the field? How do you stay looking great when you're out there in the elements? Do you have any beauty tips or secrets?

Julie: The number one beauty secret is sunscreen and a hat. When I was younger I loved to lay in the sun and get a great tan.....I know better now and it is never too late to start lathering on the 40 SPF. I do prefer the spray sunscreen for my body. Before I head out in the field I use a face cream with SPF 15 already in it. The outfit includes think cloth baggy pants with lots of pockets (for cell phone, sharpie markers, artifact bags, etc.) and a thin cotton T-shirt. Sometimes I leave the hair down since it keeps the bugs away from my neck. Other times, it is best to put the hair in braids or pull it back.....especially when camping.

Q: Are you a bag lady? I mean, do you have lots of handbags and if so, do you have any favourites and why?

Julie: I do have a special black glam bag. It is a love-hate relationship. I love that I can throw all of my junk in it, but I can never find any of it again. If you looked into my purse all you would see would be crumpled sticky notes, receipts, business cards, and coupons. I have tried to semi-organize by clipping them altogether.

Q: What about shoes? What do you pack to go in the field, and what do you like wearing regularly? Are you into heels?

Julie: I wear flip flops to the field and change into my boots once I get to the site. I use to wear a lot of heels, but have transitioned into lower shoes ...anything that looks unique, yet not to crazy. I like boots, alot. Sometimes I wear boots with heels...it depends on how long my pants are. When I feel in a feisty mood I put my REAL cowboy boots on. My most recent shoe purchase was yesterday....I bought a pair of red low top Converse.

Q: Do you take music with you out in the field? What music helps inspire you?

Julie: I do not take music in the field with me since I like the sound of nature and quiet. I do listen to music when traveling on planes and on my hour long commute to work or to a site. I like all music, except for Jazz (the Spyro Gyro type--not Billy Holliday, love her)

Q: Are there any particular bands or artists you're into these days?

Julie: I like alternative rock best. Anything with some power behind is great. I like Lady GaGa, Gwen Stefani, and Pink. I also like Cold Play and other similar groups.

Q: Do you think there will be guitars and electric instruments left from this time period for archaeologists of the future?

Julie: If you put them in the ground now, I am sure they will eventually find them. We do find violin tuning pegs, brass instrument parts, mouth harps, and tons of harmonica parts.

Q: What's your take on that? It appears to me we do not create anything modern that will stand the test of time and that perhaps 1000 years from now, there may not be anything left to represent humanity at this juncture. What do you think would be left to dig up?

Julie: The cities. Remember Planet of the Apes?

Q: Ground penetrating radar is mystifying to me. On the Time Team programs, it didn't look like there was anything to be made of on the radar results. How do you realyl know what's there, how do you decide where to dig? What's the process and how long does it take?

Julie: GPR works much like Superman's x-ray vision. Radar waves are sent through the soil and then bounce back. The signal that bounces back from regular clay soil will be different than the signal from a rock foundation, for example. Meg does a much better job than me explaining this and you can find explanations on our website.

Q: Most people don't know the extent of DNA markers and DNA in archaeology. What is the latest exciting developments using DNA in helping to trace back the history of humanity and matching it up with other archaeological data to help in creating a complete history of mankind, in a way that regular folks can grasp?

Julie: I think the most exciting thing is that archaeologists are using DNA extraction methods to lift genetic material from objects like syringes and pipe stems. We have all seen forensic shows where DNA is lifted from cigarette butts and drinking glasses. Now even archaeologists can pull DNA that is well over 100 years old from personal objects. Of course, the preservation environment has to be perfect.....no exposure to sunlight and a dry environment.

Q: Do you watch PBS? Or History or Discovery channel? What sort of programs do you like to watch? What are you into and what makes you tick?

Julie: For television series I watch American. I usually find myself flipping to all of the Dateline shows and anything on the crime and punishment channels. If I had a second choice at a career it would have been a forensic scientist.

Q: I have what I call my own "unifying theory" where I take pieces of science, archaeology, religious texts, mythology, hand me down type tales, etc- and piece it all together to create a history of mankind. I truly think it can all work together and if you look at things the correct way it does work. many newer technologies such as DNA advancements seem to be bearing this out, and books such as "The Jason voyage" are a neat way to look at mythology or religios tales as based on something factual but exaggerated and twisted into something unrealistic. However, there seems to be this rift where both religious folks and scientists refuse to acknowledge that you can reconcile many things with each other. What do you think of all this?

Julie: I also think there is truth to be found in all religions and all scientific disciplines. In my 20s I was trying to reconcile my scientific background with my religion....specifically the controversial subject of evolution. Then, I learned that the odds for one species to evolve to another takes a mutation, which is pretty rare. I really liked the idea of scientific creationism. I also became comfortable with the fact that most of the BIG questions in life we are never going to be able to comprehend the truth. I think it is important that you have hard core scientific beliefs and the extreme right wing conservative religious scholars. We need those two camps to move the conversation forward.

Q: What do you think the future of archaeology holds? Do you think there will ever be anything more groundbreaking than simply trowelling aways and finding cool stuff?

Julie: Archaeology is constantly evolving as a discipline, it just may not always be in technological ways. Each generation of archaeologists has a new set of research questions and a different focus. Twenty years ago everyone was really interested in arrowhead typologies or historic artifact dating. We have moved past that and are now looking at different issues in our field....the African American diaspora is really big in historical archaeology right now.

Watch Julie and her fellow team members on Time Team America on PBS. Digging up the past near you.
http://www.pbs.org/opb/timeteam/about/

Q&A: Derby Girl double-team: Trigger Mortis & Sloane Gunman of ACDerby

I got to meet Shandra Simpson, aka "Trigger Mortis" (photo 1-3), a long time ago and we became friends. We've helped each other with our crazy promotional schemes for music and derby and she is extremely awesome! Thru Trigger, I got to meet all the gals in her roller derby league, Assassination City, and one of those gals was Kerri Delaney, aka "Sloane Gunman" (photos 4-6). They're both mega-tall and kick tail on the hard wood. I finally got 'em nailed down for a lil' Q&A action!

Q: how did each of you get turned on to roller derby, and how did you end up getting involved, and how long have you been derbying now?

Sloane: I had a friend that skated for a short time when the league first started and she nagged me to death about playing! It was January 2008 and you could say that derby was a part of a new year's resolution to try something different. I have been playing for two seasons now.

Trigger: I went to watch a bout with some co-workers and I fell in love! The women that I saw skate were strong, intimidating and beautiful. My co-workers talked me into joining. Turns out, my mom was really excited about it because she wanted to join roller derby when she was 18, but she got pregnant with me and never got to do it, so I’m living my dream AND hers!

Q: Both of you are very tall. How does your height help or hinder you in any way on the hard wood?

Sloane: At the beginning it is a hinderance in keeping your balance and not getting knocked over easily. After playing basketball for 20 years where height is such an advantage, it was hard to find a new way to use it in derby. Once you find your center of gravity on skates, though, it can definitely play to your advantage.

Trigger: I every sport I’ve ever played, size was such a disadvantage. I always felt awkward and gawky. Derby is the first time I’ve ever felt that size was an advantage. You are actually more sought after if you are tall. It’s really made me much more comfortable in my own skin, and a much more confident player.

Q: How did you pick your derby names, and why did you choose those names?

Sloane: I definitely had some help from other skaters in the league. My creativity was a little low! I picked Sloane Gunman because of the tie-in with Assassination City and the Deadly Kennedys.

Trigger: I went through weeks of the agony of finding the perfect name. Then I dreamt it one night. I woke up, wrote it down, and said it out loud, and I know “Trigger Mortis” was just meant for me.

Q: What sort of skates do each of you use? are there special types of skates and wheels that work best for derby? Or for your height?

Sloane: I started on what most skaters start on - Riddell R3s with Devil Ray wheels. I didn't trade up to Riddell 965s and D-Rod wheels until I was comfortable on my skaters and I felt that I had improved enough for them!

Trigger: I am actually still on the same style of skates I had when I first joined. They’re Pursuit 2000. Everyone hates them and and says, “girl, it’s time to upgrade!” I just haven’t gotten around to getting new ones. I work a different style once or twice, and ended up breaking my leg while wearing them, so I don’t do new skates unless the ones I have are falling apart. When I actually do have a little extra cash to spend on equip, I usually just buy new wheels. I’m on D-Rods right now. Love ‘em.

Q: ACderby teams have creative uniforms. Tell us about your teams and how you pick out the uniforms you do.

Sloane: I can only speak for the team I'm on - the Deadly Kennedys. We consider ourselves the "rebel punk kids" of the league, so we chose to have the twisted school uniform look. Eech skater on every team has their own personal style in accessrizing and wearing makeup.

Trigger: It’s a team effort. We want something that the crowd will like—something with a hint of camp, but we also want it to be comfortable and athletic, especially since derby is getting more and more popular, and the sport is being taken seriously. I’m on the Lone Star Assassins. Last year, we did the cow-punk thing, but pearl snap buttons tended to pop open at the most inopportune moments. So we went a little more simple…all black spandex-y material, and we look very Lara Croft.

Q: are there special moves each of you enjoy doing on the rink or pride yourself in? What are the roles each of you has on your team?

Sloane: My favorite move is using my legs to take up about half the track when frontal blocking. Playing with Nebrass Kick'er on travel team, we form quite the "wall of tall" up front! I am primarily a blocker for the DKs, but I also jam or pivot when needed.

Trigger: I pride myself in my kill shots. I reserve them for special moments though…when the crowd and the players are least expecting it. I am a blocker, since I’m a hard hitter and very sturdy. I’m not build for speed, like a jammer is, but you never know….I’m working on it!

Q: Each of you is a leader on the rink and in life in different ways. How has derby helped develop your leadership qualities and would you look at yourself as a role model in any way?

Sloane: I have always been involved in team sports and have always held a leadership position in some form or fashion. I also coached for 8 years. Assuming a leadership position in derby is a little different and challenging because you are dealing with all ages, all walks of life, and many different personalities. I look at the women in this league, including myself, as being role models for young girls and other women in that we are strong, independent, and willing to take a chance on something new.

Trigger: I think the Trigger Mortis alter-ego has really helped me become the best me I can be. When I don’t feel like I can handle a stressful or difficult situation, Trigger steps in and takes over to get the job done. In my mind, nothing really gets the best of Trigger, evn in the toughest of times. It’s made me strong, and I hope that the next generation of girls can look up to me and say, “I wanna be like her.”

Q: Do you think that derby girls are sex symbols? Do you think derby adds or takes away from sex appeal and femininity and why or why not?

Sloane: I think that derby girls are sexy, but not for your average reasons. Derby girls sexiness comes from their strength, their confidence, and their ability to play different roles in their lives with grace and effectivness. I believe that derby gives each skater what they needed to fill the void they were looking to fill. For some, it is a release, for others, a community, etc.

Trigger: I’d like to think derby girls are sex symbols. I find them sexy for sure. Not sure how the boys see it. ;)

Q: Do all of you travel to away bouts and do you enjoy travelling thru derby and why?

Sloane: Most of the travelling is done by the Special Ops team, our travel team. We have had the opportunity to send our "B" travel team, the Dirty Little Secret Service, on a couple of road trips as well. I really enjoy travelling with Special Ops because it gives me time away from my normal life, almost like a twisted girls weekend!

Trigger: I travel with our travel team, Special Ops. I love traveling with my derby sisters, getting to know them off the rink, and meeting new people across the country that are derby-minded.

Q: Are there any crazy travel stories you can legally share with everyone?

Sloane: Well, I heard there was a good time had in New Orleans, but that's all I have to say about that!

Trigger: Ummmmmmm…..No.

Q: What are some of the tough parts about being a derby girl while holding down a job and a relationship?

Sloane: Time constraints are hard. Derby is a lot more than showing up and skating a couple of times a week. It is a business run by the skaters that are league members, and a business has a lot of responsibilities. I personally am involved in league finance, training, and represent the league as an active board member for WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association). You have to have people in your life who support you, and your derby life.

Trigger: I have a job and a relationship?

Q: What sorts of artists/bands/singers do each of you enjoy listening to?

Sloane: I am all over the board as far as music goes, but my favorite places to go and bands to listen to are the ones right here in Dallas that play the dives that we all like to go to!

Trigger: I love local music. Ghoultown, The Jungle Rockers, Spector 45, Flametrick Subs and old Hogpig. Non-local, I’d have to say The Black Keys, Modey Lemon, Murder City Devils, The Starlight Desperation, Stray Cats, Adam and the Ants.

Q: What do each of you do for a job? Or for fun in your spare time away from the rink?

Sloane: I am a high school teacher, and yes, my students know that I skate! My fun time is best spent just relaxing with friends on a patio listening to good music and enjoying an adult beverage!

Trigger: I work for a local weekly entertainment guide.

Q: What are some of the crazy injuries each of you has sustained thru derby? Tell us some gory details.

Sloane: I have luckily not had any serious injuries to date, but rolling out of bed in the morning gets more and more challenging! And I now have a chiropractor on retainer!

Trigger:I shattered my leg in eleven places at practice one night. I have two plates and 32 screws now, but I’m a better skater now than I was before the accident!

Q: What do you like best about roller derby, and why should the general public come check it out? What's so great about it?

Sloane: Roller derby is a fresh change of pace for people that need something new to check out. It's definitely something that sports lovers need to see - because it is so different from what you saw in the 70s on TV. Imagine getting to hit someone, just like in football, but going 15mph around a curve on skates - while looking cute and wearing fishnets! It is one of those things that not many people know about, but once they do, they become instant fans.

Trigger: I like that derby tests my physical limits, and when I find my physical limit, I find that I can push myself just a little more. I also love that a group of women who never really got along with other women can come together for a common cause and create a successful business, a presence in the community, and a unique experience for fans. The general public should come to see it because there’s nothing else like it in the world! It’s almost like watching your favorite superheroes battle it out right in front of your eyes!

Q: Where would you like to see derby end up in the future, regardless of whether you are involved or not, and how long doo you think you will be involved with derby, whether you are skating or not?

Sloane: I would like to see derby grow to a more respected and organized sport. A goal would to be included in the mainstream X games. I'm not sure how long I will be skating, but I'll continue to skate as long as I can. Even when I decide to hang up the skates, I'm sure I will still remain active in supporting the league. I have grown to love it!

Trigger: I would love to see derby being so huge that skaters would actually be paid to skate. I plan to stick it out to be part of that time. If we never get paid, that’s ok though. I’ll do it for the love of the game for as long as my body can handle it!

Q: Any last comments for the readers?

Sloane: Don't believe the stereotypes - just come out and check it out for yourself!

Trigger: Come check out Dallas’ roller derby league, Assassination City Roller Derby. ACDerby.com, baby!

Q&A: Royal Crush of the Green Country Roller Girls

I got to meet Sylvie Thompson, AKA Royal Crush, at a Assassination City roller derby bout recently. She's one of the Green Country roller girls from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Everyone knows I love tall athletic girls, so I had to get her up on the blog. After After my gmail botched an attempt at the standard Q&A, I threw her a curve with my new random topic format. Here's what happened:

Topics: shamwow. bubblebath. the price is right.
RC: shamwow - my cat just got a haircut and my friend said she looks like a shamwow
bubblebath- hellz yeah
the price is right- I'm bummed I never got a chance to kiss Bob. One day I'd love to play plinko. best. game. ever.

Topics: yellow legal pad vs white paper. college ruled vs regular lined paper.
RC: yellow cuz it's my fav color and college ruled because regular makes you feel like a kid. who wants to write that big anyway?

Topic: bottled water brands.
RC: I never met a water i didn't like.

Topic: people who pee in the pool.
RC: should swim in my toilet.

Topics: Roswell/aliens. atomic bombs.
RC: aliens are real. bombs are for men with little....wait. what was the question?

Topics: Mcdonalds vs Burger king.
RC: Mcdonalds all the way.

Topics: hot tub. steamroom. sauna. the gym.
RC: yes, yes, no and and a rink please.

Topics: guitars. live concerts. bars.
RC: I have 6 guitars. My newest baby is my takamine. She's named play-doh. True story. I heart concerts. Saw Jonny Lang recently...blew me away. Looking forward to airborne toxic event in Tulsa later this year. bars....hmmm, well i don't frequent them much these days unless it's a derby after party.

Topic: toploader vs sideloader wash machine.
RC: upside down would be awesome.

Topics: dryer sheets. laundry detergent. shampoo/conditioner.
RC: I hate doing laundry. but I prefer gain. makes me smell pretty.

Topics: grills.bling. rims that cost more than the hooptie they are on.
RC: oh, don't get me started.

Topics: rollerderby/your derby league. your roller skates.
RC: roller derby is my new love. I skate for the green country roller girls in Tulsa, OK. my skates - ridell

Topics: singing. recording studios. MP3s/CDs/Vinyl/bands
RC: music is my life. I recently graduated with my bachelors in music. I've done opera, musicals, you name it. Since school, I've really focused on my songwriting. I play a lot of shows around town, just me and my guitar. I've turned one of my rooms into my home recording studio and hope to have my first album out soon. I love all forms of music, but lately I have really gotten into vinyl. I got a record player a couple of years ago for christmas and I dig it.

Topics: bowling.shuffleboard. cruise ships. badminton.
RC: never been on a cruise and I suck at all those games! lol

Topics: oklahoma. texas. truck stops. dinosaurs.
RC: oklahoma is fabulous. truck stops yes, if they have a wicked diner. I want to be a dinosaur when I grow up.

Find Royal Crush at:
www.greencountryrollergirls.com
www.myspace.com/greencountryrollergirls
www.myspace.com/sylviethompson

Q&A: Darley Newman, host of the TV show Equitrekking

Darley!


at Arenal volcano in Costa Rica


Riding in the mountains in Wales


Riding in Utah's Bryce Canyon


Riding in the Platanar River in Costa Rica.
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I'm a PBS nerd. I prefer to watch programmes on the telly that are educational, but in a fun way, because I love to learn. I also love travelling and there's so many places I've never been, so when I stumbled upon a great, fun show entitled Equitrekking I was in! The beautiful host Darley Newman takes adventures and journeys all over the world on horseback accompanied by locals of whatever area she's in, and experiances the local colour and area. It's fun, entertaining and will have you writing a list of all the cool places you see Darley visit in hopes that you will one day go there to visit as well. Additionally, she makes horseback riding look like a fun and adventurous experiance for those of us who have never ridden (like me!) but find the idea intriguing. I contacted her through her website, and to my pleasant surprise, she agreed to do a Q&A! Read on and learn more about the wonderful Darley and her fun show!

Q: In all your travels, do you have a favourite place or places you've been to and why?

Darley: I love Costa Rica. The diversity of riding and wildlife there is amazing. We rode through the rainforest to see howler monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs and colorful macaws. We rode at the base of Arenal Volcano at sunset. We were filming, so we wanted to catch the sunset, which meant staying up by the volcano longer than we thought. Monica, who leads rides along with her husband Esteban, and I ended up riding back in the dark. Of course the horses knew the way. As we rode, I kept looking back at the volcano, which had neon lava spewing down its side. Monica explained that the chunks of rock we saw tumbling down the volcano were actually car-sized. It was an amazing sight! It’s such a lush, beautiful country. The people and horses were amazing. After the volcano, we headed to some hot springs. Not the touristy ones, but the hot springs that only the locals know about. We also went up in a hot air balloon (my first time) and I climbed a ten-story tree. It was a true adventure. Central Turkey also tops my list. We rode in Cappadocia with Ahmet, a local who knows everyone. We explored underground cities, old rock villages and local markets. All of the food tasted so fresh and wholesome, and I loved the strong Turkish tea, served piping hot in glass cups. We stayed in an old monastery for part of the trip and in a family-run pension, both owned by Ahmet. At the pension at night, there was always live music and inevitably people danced. We were fortunate to meet up with Ahmet in Istanbul too and he took us to hear a rock band in the Kurdish section of the city. It was an exotic adventure that I wouldn’t have experienced had I not ridden with a local.

Q: What was the genesis of Equitrekking? How did it come about and was it difficult to start up and work out?

Darley: Equitrekking combines my passions for horses and travel with my experience working in TV. I studied radio and television in college and was working in TV when I started the series. It wasn’t easy to start, and we still struggle as a small business and PBS series. When we started, I was young (hopefully still am) and didn’t have a lot of money or production credits or anything. All I had was a good idea, a passion for the subject and the ability to learn a lot of new things. My goal initially was just to get one of the shows on PBS. I started the show locally on PBS in New Mexico, where we had strong ratings, and grew it from there. It’s taken a lot of hard work and a few years. Now it’s airing in over 94% of the U.S. on PBS and in over 25 countries around the world. We have a companion book and were just nominated for two Daytime Emmys.

Q: How do you decide where to go travelling to?

Darley: It’s a complicated process. Of course, I have a long wish list of places that I want to ride, but I also get a lot of specific recommendations and requests from viewers. We definitely take into account what people want to see and try to balance between U.S. and international episodes. I plan the episodes based on where viewers want us to go. We take into consideration time of year, weather, availability of the locals that we’re riding with, etc. We’ve already been to some amazing destinations like Ireland, Alberta, Uruguay, Belize, Hawaii, Arizona, Utah, Iceland and others. At some point, I’d like to hit Africa, Mongolia, Ecuador, Peru, Oregon, Montana and beyond. Oh… and there are a lot more. Many people don’t expect to find horses in places like Iceland where horses were the main source of transportation up to the 19th century, Japan where there are wild horses and a school devoted to the ancient art of archery on horseback (think samurai) and beyond. Horses are such a big part of our world’s culture and history, that there are a lot of great stories to tell.

Q: How long have you been riding horses? Do you play any horse-related sports or watch horse-related sports such as polo or equestrian events like the Rolex Global champions tour?

Darley: I’ve been riding horses since I was seven. I’ve never competed, but am an avid trail rider and study jumping at a hunter jumper barn at home. I definitely enjoy attending and watching competitions and events, like local polo matches, the Rolex-Three Day, Hampton Classic and recent Calgary Stampede. It’s exciting for me to watch equestrians who excel at a certain discipline, because they and their horses are so well trained and so good! I’ve tried a lot of different riding disciplines. I’ve tried barrel racing, ridden a championship cutting horse (like a roller coaster), taken polo lessons, played polocrosse in Ireland (cross between polo and lacrosse) and more. I’m always willing to try something new once. I’ll need more practice before I get back on one of those well-trained cutters though. Whew!

Q: Do you have any favourite kinds of horses to ride? Or favourite colours of horses?

Darley: I don’t have a favorite breed or color. I like a good, experienced trail horse for the most part. I have a few favorites from my travels. Presumida is a beautiful Paso Fino mix that I rode in Costa Rica- smooth and rather bombproof. I rode her at the base of the Arenal Volcano and Chip, our executive producer and still photographer galloped on her with film equipment in a Calbalgata, a huge Costa Rican festival where horses are mixed with trucks, motorcycles, and other drunken Costa Ricans on horseback. (see EquitrekkingTV on YouTube “Behind the Scenes Cabalgata.”). Jesse, a strong and particularly attractive Irish Cob owned by Niall Connolly of Ravensdale Lodge, took me around peat bogs and high in the mountains of the lesser-visited Cooley Peninsula in Ireland. I wanted to take Jesse back to the states with me. Figo, a beautiful white Andalusian that I rode through Doñana National Park in Southern Spain, was wonderful to canter on the beach. Figo is the horse that the Queen of Spain rides when she visits the park. He looks and feels royal.

Q: What should people keep in mind if they plan to attempt riding tours similar to the type that they see you do on your show?

Darley: Viewers can recreate everything that we do on Equitrekking. The important thing is that people get matched with a riding vacation that suits their riding ability, fitness level, goals and desires. We’ve done short day rides in state and national parks like Bryce in Utah or in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in California Wine Country. These shorter rides are adventures that people can incorporate into their vacation. That’s a good idea if you’re not a big rider and have never taken a riding vacation. That way you can test it out. There are also longer rides like pack trips, inn to inn rides, stationery rides where you stay at a ranch or B&B or inn and ride out each day. There are a lot of eco-friendly, exciting choices. You have to ask yourself what you want and what you are capable of doing. And you can always travel somewhere and learn to ride. It’s a fun, active way to travel. On our website, Equitrekking.com, we have a vacation guide with a listing of places to ride around the world and people can always look at my blog for ideas on places to go. We’re also showcasing video we’ve filmed around the world online so that people can watch online.

Q: Do you currently or have you in the past participated in other types of sports?

Darley: I’m a sporty girl. In addition to horseback riding, I also run and bike. My good friend and I bike a lot, though I can’t trust her right now, as she took me on a crazy bike ride the other weekend and I still haven’t recovered. She failed to tell me the last mile or so was straight up hill, and I wasn’t quite prepared. In the past, I’ve been into tennis, skiing and dance.

Q: What sort of music do you enjoy listening to? Any favourite artists or bands?

Darley: My favorites change, but right now I’m listening to Jonathan Swartzman’s new project Coconut Records. The song “Nighttiming” and “Microphone are very catchy. Metric is another band that finds its way into my playlists. Duncan Sheik, Pixies, Radiohead and the Smiths are old favorites. When we’re traveling, I like to put on the radio to see what’s popular elsewhere. After filming in Spain, Nena Deconte’s “Tenía Tanto Que Darte” was stuck in my head for weeks. It’s now on my ipod.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about riding? Do you ever take the MP3 player with you while you ride?

Darley: I wish I could take the MP3 player, but I have to listen to what’s around me, which can be just as interesting and invigorating. Riding can put me in a zen-like mode. When I’m on horseback, I listen to that bird I may not have heard chirping before and the rustling of the leaves, the sound water gurgling in a spring. I’m hyperaware of what’s around me. It can be peaceful or wild and adventurous. That’s what I love about riding- the diversity, not just of the surroundings, but of the horses. Horses are different all over the world, so whether I’m herding bison on a Quarter Horse in Utah or riding Criollos with the gauchos in Uruguay, I’m constantly challenged and learning something new. There are so many amazing destinations to explore with local people and beautiful remote and pristine areas that are only accessible on horseback.

Q: What other things does Darley do when she's not riding? Any hobbies or fun activities you like?

Darley: I recently ran in an 8K and like to find new trails to hike in the area. I like to eat and have recently gotten into cooking. I lived in New York City for a while and didn’t cook much there (small kitchen and too much good delivery). Now in the DC area, I’m starting to get into it. I like to try to make things that I’ve tried on my travels like paella from Spain, Guinness Stew from Ireland and pineapple cake from Maui. As you might guess, they all tasted better when I tried them traveling.

Q: What about fashion? Let's hear some travelling fashion advice from you. What can make a gal's life easier when travelling to faraway places?

Darley: Don’t pack too much, because a heavy bag is just a pain. But with riding and film gear, it’s hard to live by that standard. I’m definitely into comfort. For long flights, you’ll find me with an ipod filled with movies and tv shows, as well as my ultra light Apple Macbook Air (for writing and blogging on the road) and wearing comfortable pants and shoes, because I’m always running through airports. I’ve resurrected Tretorns, these sneakers I used to wear as a kid (I used to play tennis in them). They are smaller than tennis shoes and light and comfortable- good for traveling. My fashions depend on where I’m going. I was cowgirl’d out for my recent trip to Alberta and though my Western chaps are heavy, I broke down and packed them and was glad. I rode through two hailstorms in the Rocky Mountains and got scraped by many branches in the woods. My chaps saved my legs. I pack a lot of hats.

Q: What about beauty products? All women have things they just can't live without. What are yours?

Darley: Sunscreen is my main beauty product, and being fair skinned with strawberry blonde hair and freckles, I need it. The way we film and ride, I usually am lucky to be able to carry some lip stick and powder, so I don’t wear a lot of makeup, which is just as well when I ride through hot rainforests, rainy trails and windy open expanses.

Q: Are you a bag lady? What I mean is, do you have a handbag collection? Are there any you like better than others and why? And what sort of bag is conducive to taking along on a ride?

Darley: When I’m riding, I’m lucky to have a saddle bag and if I do, I put the essentials, sunscreen, water, a granola bar, a little camera so I can try to take some photos and maybe some powder and lipstick. The guides carry the safety supplies. I do have some handbags, but like to get things that aren’t too trendy and are a mix of style and utility with lots of pockets, so that I can stay organized. Longchamp is a brand I like because it’s both equestrian-inspired and timeless.

Q: Look in your closet (figuratively, unless you're at home!). Do you have any favourite shoes and why? What shoes do you take with you travelling and do they require their own checked bag?

Darley: I have a lot of riding gear in general. Some of it is fun stuff that I have accumulated on my travels, because I know that they are items that I can’t find in the states. Like in Uruguay, the gauchos there wear these elaborate silver and gold belts. I was eyeing them the whole trip and ended up in a small shop in the very small town where a father and son team handmade these belts for the gauchos. They usually make them for men, so the ones they had on hand were a bit to big for me, but I got them to adjust it there in the store and brought a big gaucho belt that I love. Whenever I wear it, like to the recent Calgary Stampede where showing your rodeo belt is a big deal, people ask me about it. What I pack in general depends on where I’m headed. I have a pair of riding boots that are cross trainers, meaning I can wear them for hiking and riding. These have been essential for riding in places like the jungle of Belize, where I got off of my horse a lot to hike across streams and to waterfalls where slippery rocks were par for the course. You need some good treads for this. I also like to bring a change of shoes, because in places like Alberta, where we rode through rain and hail, your feet do get wet and you want to be able to change and dry them out at the end of the day.

Q: Hermes has been well-known for their riding gear, and recently I discovered Carolina Herrera now has a saddle they are selling. What do you think about designer riding gear versus gear you can get at a riding-specific shop? And what about western shops? What does someone need to know or consider when shopping for riding gear?

Darley: Consider whether you are serious and committed to the sport or if you are an occasional rider. This will determine whether or not you should invest in some of the sport's specifically manufactured gear. You are more likely to be helped by riders in a specialty shop such as Manhattan Saddlery, one of our sponsors, which believe is or not is located in New York City. Most if not all of the staff are riders themselves. They can help you with your selection and give you choices depending on the frequency that you ride. A Hermes saddle is an example of great artistry in saddle making. Hermes’ saddlers in Paris do the stitching by hand, and a single craftsman creates a saddle in its entirety. They are beautiful and functional.
Whatever you purchase, make sure it’s comfortable and well broken in before you travel with it. I’ve had a pair of simple, black paddock boots and half chaps for years. I always wear them for English riding. I actually just got the chaps re-furbished at a local shoe repair shop, because I have worn them out a bit, but they are so well broken and comfortable in that I can’t bear to break in another pair. Well-crafted leather goods can truly last a lifetime. It’s worth paying a bit more for something you won’t ever have to replace, just refurbish. I also have a few good pairs of jeans. I don’t subscribe to a specific brand, but you definitely want little or no inseam for jeans that you are going to ride in. You also want some stretch. I have a few pairs of cowboy boots that I wear on the trails and out at home. They are really comfortable and eternally stylish and fun. Riding gear should be functional, but can also be a lot of fun.

Q: Do you have any crazy or funny stories you can legally share with us about your travels that would make us cringe or laugh?

Darley: I have many. We were two stories underground in an underground city in Turkey when one of our producers tripped the lights. It was pitch black and we were all in different locations at the time. Our director of photography used the light from his camera. I was alone and crawling on the floor towards a small light from our executive producer’s flashlight. There are holes in the floor that drop down twenty feet to the levels below, so I was trying to avoid those. (see EquitrekkingTV on YouTube’s Equitrekking Bloopers Underground City in Turkey).
We sometimes film things at odd times to avoid disturbing regular travelers. In Scotland, we actually filmed our whiskey tasting at 8am, so I was drinking whiskey for breakfast. We toured Scotland’s smallest distillery, Edradour, which was really interesting as they still have three people manually making the whiskey. They don’t use computers or new technology in the process. They also age their whiskey in interesting casks. I tried a whiskey that was almost clear because it was aged in a spiced rum cask from the West Indies. I’m not a big whiskey drinker, but it was good. A little hard to stomach so early in the morning though, so I brought a few bottles back to the states.
In Alaska, we were filming in Cooper Landing, an old gold rush area, and on our way into the Chugach National Forest on horseback, when we got a call from someone back at the ranch below that there was a bear at the ranch. We wanted to get it on film, so Greg and Chip, our director of photography and executive producer, left us to continue our ride and raced down the mountain to try to get this bear on film. They were at a safe distance from the bear and just about to push record, when, as Chip describes it, tiny explosions appeared over the bear’s head. It turns out a state policeman fired off a few “cracker rounds” to frighten the bear back into the forest. Instead, the bear ran towards the crew, who dove for safety into their vehicle.
We’ve got some more of our mishaps online on YouTube. (Equitrekking Bloopers)

Q: What does the future hold for you and Equitrekking and what goals or dreams are you working toward?

Darley: I’ve more than reached my dreams and goals with Equitrekking, but I’m always striving for more. I want to keep traveling and riding and showing others the wonderful places and horses that the world offers. I hope that Equitrekking inspires people to think globally and get out and experience active adventures in faraway places or their own backyards.

Just so you know, we have a station finder on our website, so people can search for Equitrekking in their area at http://www.equitrekking.com/tv/schedule.php We also have DVDs, our book and equestrian travel inspired jewelry and photography in our online store http://www.shopdarley.com Our YouTube Channel is at http://www.youtube.com/EquitrekkingTV

Q&A: Hallie of the band The Unlovables

So I first met Hallie back in good ol' 1998. I was working at this indie fashion shoppe called Moda (it was a Hot Topic-ish shoppe before there was Hot Topic). One night, this gal bounces in the store and my manager, who happened to like my music, was playing one of my CDs, the Mess band CD "Pretty Ugly". Hallie liked it and soon we were in conversation. She was on tour with the Rent musical. Fast forward to when I moved to New York for a few months. We hung out and she was way Rad. The indie label Melted Records featured her as the model on the cover of their compilation CD "My so-called punk rock life" which featured my song "Six" (set in New York- I wrote it there while on tour in 1997). Melted released 2 CDs of my music, "Mess you up" & "Split" (which also featured the Huntingtons). Hallie and I kept in touch when I left NYC. She started her own band, the Unlovables, and I got to perform with them on tour 3 times in 2005 in New York- at CBGB, at the Continental, and in Brooklyn. When they were on tour, they performed with me at the Barley House here in Dallas. They are a great band and tons of fun! If you like poppy fun music, you will love them! She's a wonderfully gifted singer and songwriter and a wonderful friend as well. Get to know Hallie right now and read on!

Q: Tell us how the unlovables began, and what's going on with the band now.

Hallie: The Unlovables really began like 10 years ago! It's seems impossible that
it's been that long, but back around 1999, I was teaching myself to play bass and I started writing songs basically just to entertain myself. How I got from playing my songs alone in my room to playing them up on stage with a band is still kind of a mystery to me... it just kind of happened! I was a huge music fan, so I guess I knew a lot of musicians just from going to shows all the time. And when the word got out that I was playing bass and writing tunes, suddenly I had people offering to play with me, and a label offered to put out an EP, and the next thing I knew I had a
band :). Recently, the band's been taking a little hiatus. Like I said, this whole
adventure started 10 years ago, so it seemed like the right time to take a step back. We are all busy working on other projects. It's been great. I've been acting full time (check out my show! www.fuerzabrutanyc.com), and Frank and Mikey are in like a million other bands. And Frank's also been diving into the film world, producing documentaries and stuff. We wanna put out a 7' soon, it's just a question of finding the time.

Q: how did you begin singing and playing bass?

Hallie: I've always sang. Always. My mom was a professional singer, and she had
me singing before I could talk. So I grew up singing all different kinds of music... from being in choirs and performing in musicals, to belting out Cure songs in the shower, haha. Playing bass came a little later when I started listening to punk rock. The music just... god, it just got me so amped! Listening to bands like Screeching Weasel and the Muffs really changed my life.It was like I HAD to teach myself to play. I wanted to be a part of all this music that was so exciting to me. It wasn't enough to just listen and sing along at home.

Q: I know you used to do musicals, because that's how we met! Tell us a bit about your background in performing, and what effect that's had on singing in a rock and roll band.

Hallie: Totally! I met you all those years ago when I was performing in the
national tour of RENT, and my tour came through Dallas. Actually, can I tell that story? Cuz it's so awesome... I was shopping in Deep Ellum, and I wandered into this shoe store, and the music that was playing in the store was some amazing pop punk band that I didn't recognize. You were working at the store, so I asked you what band it was, and you were like "Oh, this is my band!" And we've been friends ever since! That was back when you were playing with Mess, which is still one of my all time favorite pop punk bands :). OK, back to yer question. Musicals. I actually haven't really done one since RENT. The shows that I've done since then have been a lot cooler, haha. But I used to really love musicals! And it was really by being in
musicals when I was growing up that I learned to sing, to harmonize, to be comfortable on stage, etc. And it's probably why so many of my songs are like little stories... because in musicals the whole purpose of the songs is to help tell the story, to push the narrative forward, to reveal something about the characters. I think even though my songs are written for a band, and not for theater, there is still something a little theatrical about them. Just because that's my background and it's inside me.

Q: You've appeared on album covers, have you done any other sort of modeling?

Hallie: I really don't like modeling, but I have done a little bit of it. I've
posed for a ton of New York photographers and I've done some print ads (The Gap paid for the first Unlovables album, haha. Because I did a big ad for them, and used that money for our recording costs). Mostly I find it pretty boring. Acting is way better, cuz you still get to dress up and wear fun makeup, but then you get to actually DO SOMETHING. Not just stand around looking pretty. I don't have a lot of patience for that.

Q: Are there any crazy tour stories you can legally share with us?

Hallie: Well, the other guys probably have wilder stories than me. I am the big
nerd of the band, the one who goes to bed early, and tries to stay healthy when we're on tour. But once we were driving through a state forest at night... we were in the Northwest somewhere. And Chelsea and I really had to pee, and we were in the middle of NOWHERE. No gas stations, no 7-11's, just trees and tress and more trees. And we finally got desperate and asked Frank to pull the van over so we could pee in the woods. It was really dark and we were totally scared. And the only light to see by was the van headlights. And just as Chelsea and I were back in the woods with our pants down, at our most vulnerable, Frank turned the headlights out. JERK! It was freaking pitch black, and totally terrifying. We screamed our heads off. I was sure that Bigfoot was gonna get me.

Q: what sort of bass guitar and amplifier do you play and why?

Hallie: Oh, god, I am so not a gear-head. I still play the first bass I ever bought. It's a lousy cheap bass called a Lotus, and I've just never replaced it because I'm so used to playing it and I can't imagine playing on anything else :)

Q: Can you play other instruments too and which ones?

Hallie: Nope, no other instruments. I can barely play bass, haha.

Q: What's performing in New York like compared to other places, and what are some of your favourite places to perform and why?

Hallie: New York City rules! We have a really fun scene here full of great bands.
Sometimes it can be hard to get people to come out to shows, just because it's such a busy city and there are always 800 other fun things going on. But mostly the shows here are fun and well attended. Lately we really like peforming at this place The Alligator Lounge (it used to be called Lost and Found) in Brooklyn, because we have friends that work there and they give us the freedom to set up the shows however we like (with no cover charge, whatever other bands we want, etc.). And we really like
playing at the Cakeshop on the Lower East Side, too. Any place where you can see a punk rock show AND eat a delicious piece of cake is good by me.

Q: What other bands and artists do you like and listen to regularly?

Hallie: Hmmm, lately I'm all over the place. Punk: Dillinger Four, Toys that Kill, Monikers, Chinese Telephones, The Tranzmitors. Pop: Tegan and Sara, Stars, Spoon, The Thermals, Santogold... a mish-mash of stuff.

Q: What inspires you to write songs? Are there any songs you've written that are your favorites and why?

Hallie: I write songs because it's fun! That's really what mostly inspires me. But I guess a lot of times I'll have something in my life that I'm trying to make sense of, and writing a song about it helps me to sort it out in my brain. Mostly relationship stuff, I guess. My favorite song I've ever written is probably "I Already Know" off of our first full-length CD. I've always just liked the way the melody and the harmonies play off eachother in that one. And the lyrics really capture what I was was going through at the time in a really simple, sweet way. I
don't think it's considered one of our "hits", haha, but it's always been my favorite. "Dance Party" is probably the other one I'm most proud of, because I love the little story that it tells of 2 people getting to know each other and falling in love through their favorite music.

Q: What does the future hold for yourself and the Unlovables?

Hallie: I am having so much fun performing in the show that I'm in, Fuerzabruta,
so I'm gonna keep doing that for awhile. And there's talk of that show touring to other cities like London and L.A., so that would be really cool. As for the band, hopefully we'll get around to recording that 7" before too long. Cuz we've got some new songs that we're excited about, and we want to get them out there!

Q: Do you ever plan a return to musicals?

Hallie: Probably not, but you never know. I hear they're working on a Green Day
musical. Maybe I'd do that one :)

find Hallie online at:
www.myspace.com/theunlovables