NEW: Michael Showalter 12.10.09

Michael Showalter is 1/2 of the duo who make up the Comedy Central series "Michael & Michael Have Issues", he is 1/11th the folks who make up the comedy troupe THE STATE, he is 1/3rd the comedy troupe STELLA... but he is 100% hysterical! You may know him as writer/director of the IFC film "The Baxter" or as COOP from the cult comedy "Wet Hot American Summer", but I know him as one of the funniest people on the planet... Ladies and Gentlemen... MICHAEL SHOWALTER!




Zach Galifianakis interviewing Michael Showalter (The Most INDIE Rocker of All Time)


POPVIEWS: Michael, Thanks so much for joining us today! I've been a big fan of The State and Stella for a long time now.

MICHAEL SHOWALTER: My pleasure.


PV: So, in my interview with Thomas Lennon, I had asked him about a STATE full length film (which I had originally heard about through Michael Ian Black's blog)... That was in Jan of 2009, are there any details you can give us about this upcoming film?

MS: Er...uh...it already seems like you might know more about it then I do. Maybe I've been kicked out of the group and didn't know it.


PV: We know and love you from TV Shows, your comedy troupes (Stella/The State), your college humor show "The Michael Showalter Showalter", the film you directed and wrote "The Baxter", "Wet Hot American Summer", etc... What have you been working on as of late?

MS: Michael Black and I made a TV show for Comedy Central called "Michael & Michael Have Issues." Which ran this summer. We're currently writing episodes for a second season. I'm also finishing a book called "Mr. Funnypants" which will be coming out in early 2011.


PV: Which, of the many ventures do you find most comfortable, personally?

MS: I like making TV shows. I like the daily grind of it. It feels more like a regular job than the other stuff. I like the other stuff too of course.


PV: I recently told my girlfriend that the things that make me laugh most are: angry eating, sad eating, and crying in the shower... What are some trusty things that always make you laugh?

MS: My cats make me laugh. My girlfriend makes me laugh.


PV: You play your iPod when you do stand-up and I heard that you DJ a bit around the NYC area... What artists/bands have been blowing your mind lately?

MS: Aaron Copeland. He's dead now.


PV: What's the best live concert you've ever attended?

MS: Al Jarreau and Chaka Khan.


PV: I asked Andrea Rosen and David Wain this question, and I can't wait to hear your answer: What do you miss most and least about doing the STELLA series on Comedy Central?

MS: Driving to work in the morning and listening to the NY classical music radio station.


PV: What is filling up your TIVO right now? Do you watch the new Stephan Seagal series "LAWMAN?" He has a cajun accent, black paint for hair, and a beer gut!

MS: "Tabitha's Salon Takeover." It's like "Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares" but instead of restaurants it's hair salons.


PV: After The State ended, you and the other 2 guys in STELLA started making comedy shorts for your live shows, how do you feel knowing you guys were pioneers in the comedy short genre, which can now get people slots on SNL and can totally make their career?

MS: I didn't know we were pioneers. That's cool.


PV: What is "Night of the Living Dorks?"

MS: It's a zombie movie about dorks. It's a really funny script that I'm hoping to direct soon. Right now it's "in turnaround." That's a movie term and I don't know what it means.


PV: What would you say is the main thing people seem to most commonly misunderstand about you?

MS: People interpret my social anxiety as "asshole-ness."


PV: Michael, David, and yourself did the "Barack Rock" benefit back when Barack Obama was running for President, how do you feel he has done thus far?

MS: I'm behind him 100% He's doing great.


PV: What are the holidays like at the Showalter household?

MS: Festive; digestive; sleepy.


PV: What advice, if any, would you give to someone who is attempting to get into Comedy/Acting/Writing for a career?

MS: Work hard and stay positive.


PV: I'm a pretty big fan of what AD Miles is doing over at LATE NIGHT w/ Jimmy Fallon, how much pot do you think they go through in any given day?

MS: No clue. But just for the hell of it I'll say "a lot."


PV: I'm gonna name a couple people, and you tell me the 1st thing that comes to mind...

MS: My pleasure.

PV: Joe Lo Truglio

MS: Kind.

PV: Justin Theroux

MS: Dog lover.

PV: Elizabeth Banks

MS: Leading lady.

PV: Ken Marino

MS: Passion fruit.

PV: Michael Ian Black

MS: Saturnine.

PV: Waino

MS: Uncensored.

PV: Tom Lennon

MS: Swiffer


PV: A-Ro (Andrea Rosen)

MS: Craftswoman

PV: Zach Galifianakis

MS: Man of the people


PV: I read on your blog that you watch a lot of reality TV, would you say that you have a pretty big dick?

MS: My pleasure.


PV: Well thanks so much for spending time with us this evening, I just want to say personally how much your work has made me laugh and inspired people to keep pushing the boundaries of comedy! We'll stay tuned to Michaelshowalter.net for all of your latest news. Happy Holidays! Any famous last words?

MS: Stay cool.

Welcome to the new home of POPVIEWS on the web!

Hello Dear Friends,

Welcome to the new home of POPVIEWS here at http://popviews.blogspot.com

We will be featuring Interviews with your favorite Actors/Comedians/Musicians/Bands, Articles, Film reviews, Album reviews, and anything else we deem worthy. This is a community, so please feel free to email me any thoughts or just drop us a line at popviews@gmail.com

Warm regards,

Ron Solomon (Editor/Creator POPVIEWS)

Steve Agee 1.7.2009

Steve Agee is one of the funniest people in the world. He kills it every week on The Sarah Silverman Program (as well as tons of comedy shorts circulating the web). Please welcome the STELLAR, the MAGNIFICENT... STEVE AGEE!










Hank Sugarman's 2nd Video Blog

STEVE AGEE – 1.07.09 by Ron Solomon

PV: Well good evening, Steve and thanks for becoming a part of the POPVIEWS family! You recently wrapped season 2 of The Sarah Silverman Program, what have you been up to during your hiatus?

SA: I've just been doing some stand up, some writing and working on some internet stuff for Comedy Central/Atom Films.....


PV: Had you known a lot of the cast prior to joining the show?


SA: I knew everyone in the cast except for Jay Johnston. It was a huge relief to finally meet him and find out that he wasn't a jerk

PV: A lot of the Sarah Silverman Program cast are "Mr.Show" alumni, do you think we'll ever see a cameo from Bob Odenkirk and David Cross?

SA: Bob has actually made a cameo, briefly, in the episode where Sarah has her maid deported. He had a bizarre British accent, so it was probably hard to recognize him (ha ha). As for David,I'm sure everyone would love for him to show up and do something. It's a little bit harder because he lives in NY and we shoot in Los Angeles. Oh, and also we have to wait and see if we get picked up for another season. If we don't, I have a feeling it'll be really hard to get him on the show.


PV: You're a musician, what instruments do you play?

SA: Bass guitar is my main instrument. I actually moved to Los Angeles because I wanted to be a professional musician/rock star. I was going to school at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood and playing around town with my band, The Grazers. One thing led to another and some how I ended up in acting/comedy


PV: I saw somewhere that you play shows with Mary Birdsong (of Reno 911) as the band 99 CENT WHORE, any plans to record a cd or play shows out of the L.A. area?


SA: I'm sure there will be some shows in the future. After we got things going, Mary went to NY to do Hairspray and then I started shooting the second half of Sarah's show, so things got put on the back burner. That's the biggest problem with being in a band with other actors. As soon as someone gets a gig then everything gets thrown out of whack.


PV: Any other bands/music side projects you are in, that you could fill us in on?


SA: Well for a very VERY short time (I mean like a week) I was playing bass with a band called Smith & Pyle. That band is made up of my friends Missi Pyle and Shawnee Smith both actresses with incredible music talent (Missi you'd recognize from movies like Galaxy Quest,Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dodgeball, and a million other films, and Shawnee you'd know from the Saw movies, Becker and one of my favorites - The Blob!). You should check them out on iTunes


PV: (this question is a parody of Inside The Actors Studios) Steve, please give us a bit of Hank Sugarman... Hello? Hank Sugarman, Are you there?


SA: Uh, I'm OK. My ass kinda itches and my wife won't die


PV: Hank, who are your BIGGEST inspirations/influences?

SA: John Wayne and Bing Crosby

PV: Have any "Around the House" tips for hiding boners, Hank?

SA: Marry my wife...it's a problem you won't have to deal with ever again

PV: Ok Steve, you mentioned once that you lived with a member of the comedy troupe The State, ever get stoned and fall asleep in their bed on accident?

SA: That would be Ken Marino, and I actually still live with him and his wife, Erica in their guest house. I don't do drugs because they're against the law. Ken does though. He grows his own heroin and sells it to Joe Lo Truglio

PV: Speaking of The State, you caught the reunion in L.A.with 9 original members, will you be in my town to catch all 11 members for the REAL reunion at SF Sketchfest this month?

SA: I'm going to try and drive up just for that show. The LA shows were amazing and I'm sure the shows in San Francisco will be just as good, if not better

PV: If so, want me to bring some delicious pot cookies or rice krispy treats?

SA: I can't do edibles. I had a bad experience ten years ago when I ate about 8 cookies without knowing there was pot in them. It was the worst experience of my life. Oh, and also, I don't do drugs because they're against the law. By the way, I keep saying "against the law" because I don't know how to spell illegal (that was just spell checked)

PV: What music has been frequenting your iPod as of late?

SA: Lately I've been listening to a lot of Bowie. He's one of my favorites. I've also been listening to the New York Dolls, Velvet Underground, Hank Williams, Fu Manchu and the new Eagles of Death Metal album.

PV: What are your top 3 concerts that you have ever attended?

SA: Oh my god, that's really hard to pick just three. I'd say Jane's Addiction in 1989, Guns n Roses (also 1989) and probably Nirvana with Pearl Jam in 1991 (maybe it was 90)

PV: Andrea Rosen (from STELLA and Variety Shac) is on the 1st (season 2) episode of Flight of the Conchords, you did a music video for "Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros", are you going to make an appearance on that show in season 2?

SA: Oh my god, I wish! FOTC is one of my favorite shows. I'm excited for the new season, but sadly will not be on it

PV: Who would win in a fight, you or Brian Posehn?

SA: We'd probably both die of heart attacks before a winner could be determined.

PV: If you and Bill Murray hung out, what would you guys most likely talk about?

SA: It would probably be a lot of me asking him about stuff that happened on the set of Meatballs and Stripes and a lot of him asking me who the fuck I was.

PV: I heard that you and Matt Berry (The Mighty Boosh, The IT crowd, Snuff Box) were going to collaborate on some things, aside from the last episode you guys did of TSSP, care to let us in on it/them?

SA: We're working on a web series right now for atomfilms.com (Comedy Central's website). It's musical and it's basically me writing horrible songs about him and him writing horrible songs about me. Kind of a musical feud.

PV: Matt Berry is going to be on POPVIEWS as well, any message you'd like me to pass along?

SA: Tell him that Denny's called and they really miss his business (he ate there for almost every meal when he was here in LA. No joke)

PV: You post a lot of iChat pictures on your myspace, how much cyber sex do you have on a daily basis?

SA: Zero, dude! I can't have cyber sex with the help of a web cam because even though you're looking at the other person,there's a small window with your image looking right back at you. Picture in picture sex doesn't work for me when I'm in one of the pictures. Maybe I'll look into Skype.

PV: Well thanks so much for taking the time to hang out with us, Steve. You're a comic genius, a stellar photographer, brilliant comedy short maker, and I've never heard you play music so I simply don't know if you're any good at it... We'll stay tuned to steveagee.com for updates on your performances, appearences, and things you may be selling!

SA: Thank you, sir! I've had fun and now I'm going to go eat a donut.....


(it's ok to leave comments on this interview blog, but any rude, offensive, or otherwise dickhead-ish comments will be deleted)

Ron Sexsmith 1.4.2009

Ron Sexsmith is an amazing songwriter. He was on the 2001 version of =POPVIEWS= and I was elated when he agreed to be a part of the 2009 relaunch! Without further ado, I give you... RON SEXSMITH!










This is How I know (Live)

RON SEXSMITH – 1.04.09 - by Ron Solomon

PV: Ron, Thanks so much being part of the relaunch of POPVIEWS! You were one of the original interviews back in 2001, You were promoting "Blue Boy", how have the last 8years treated you?

RS: Um..well it's been a productive time... I've released I think 5 or 6 albums since "Blue Boy"
and so there's been a lot of touring as well.

PV: You've done many tours, I caught up with you at Cafe Du Nord in SF a while back, do you ever get to catch other artists shows? If so, which ones stand out to you?

RS: It doesn't happen much when I'm on the road, but whenI'm home I try to catch a few shows. Saw Tift Merrit in London recently.


PV: Speaking of which, we wouldn't be POPVIEWS if we didn't ask what has been frequenting your iPod as of late?

RS: I don't own an ipod actually but my favorite cd this year has been Ry Cooders new one "I Flathead"



PV: Your new song "This is how I know" really speaks to me on a spiritual level, how did this song come about?

RS: I wrote it on the piano..I was writing about all the things that remind me that we're not alone.



PV: The song definitely transcends the limits of what most songs can be, has it become an anthem for you, as it has for me?


RS: It means a lot to me, I wouldn't call it an anthem necessarily but I enjoy singing it, It's a hopeful song.



PV: I saw Elvis Costello's performance recently on "A Colbert Christmas", do you ever get to see that guy?


RS: I haven't seen him in a few years but we email each other sometimes.



PV: You're from Toronto, as a Canadian, are you as psyched about our President Elect as I am?


RS: Yea, I think we're all pretty excited up here, I don't envy him though.



PV: If the world could reach a peaceful status, what changes do you think we'd need to implement immediately?

RS: I think there needs to be more dialogue in general and more acceptance of opinions that run counter to our own. More understanding too



PV: You're 44 (I believe), how the hell do you still look like you're in your20's?!?



RS: I think I've aged a great deal but thank you..I don't really do anything special..I have always had trouble with my weight though and I am currently trying to get to the bottom of that



PV: Wikipedia states that your girlfriend's name is Colleen, who is Brandy Alexander?


RS: Brandy Alexander is the name of my favorite cocktail



PV: Your song "God Loves Everyone" speaks to me more than most of the gospel songs I heard growing up as a pastors' kid. Are you a religious man?


RS: Not really, I was as a kid...... but I'm more of a God conscious person
I believe in free will and forward thinking



PV: You do collaborations with other artists (Chris Martin, Ane Brun), do you have any upcoming collaborations you can tell us about?


RS: I've been co-writing with different people, but not for my own record but in hopes to get some covers


PV: Who'd be your dream collaboration?

RS: I'd like to write with Feist again....I love the Fleet Foxes, Beth Orton



PV: speaking of which, Ane Brun is going to be on POPVIEWS, can I relay any message for you?


RS: Give her my love



PV: Is Jools Holland as cool in person as he seems?


RS: Yes, we're both big fans of Charlie Rich, he's a good man



PV: What are the top 5 things that you're passionate about?


RS: Music, coffee, walking, breakfast, movies (and Colleen)



PV: What bands/artists would you like to see sent into space and never returned?


RS: Yikes...I wouldn't wish that on anybody but there are A LOT of bands/artists that I do wish would just go away or at least I wish I could avoid them. I think bad music,especially when it's real popular is like a crime against humanity.


PV: Seen any good films lately?



RS: Yes...."Man On Wire" is a beautiful documentary about Philippe Petit who walked between the WTC. I loved "Ghost Town" with Ricky Gervais too.



PV: When was the last time you laughed until you cried?


RS: During "Tropic Thunder"



PV: Do you think there will be record labels in 5 years time?


RS: Good question, I think they'll exist in some form



PV: What are some things you can always count on to inspire you?


RS: People, the seasons, moods



PV: What would your dream concert (to play) be, who would share the bill?

RS: Anywhere with Ana Egge..she's one of my favorite songwriters out there



PV: Bill Shakespeare, any good?

RS: Yes, but I prefer Dickens



PV: When Ron Sexsmith is no more, what would you like your legacy to be?


RS: A few good songs, I don't really care if I'm remembered or not



PV: Any famous last words?

RS: If I ever become famous I'll let you know


PV: Thanks so much for spending time with us, Ron. You're the genuine article,and we'll have to have some Guinness next time you're in San Francisco!

RS: Okey doke

Please check ronsexsmith.com for all info on Ron's upcoming releases/concerts!


(it's ok to post comments on this interview blog, but any rude, offensive, or otherwise dickhead-ish comments will be deleted)

David Wain 1.4.2009

David Wain was a member of the comedy troupe THE STATE, which ran on MTV from '93 - '95. His next venture was to join Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter (fellow STATE alums) to form STELLA, a 3 man comedy show with suits. Since then he has gone on to direct such films as Wet Hot American Summer, The Ten, and the smash hit: Role Models. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you... DAVID WAIN!













Wainy Days - Episode 1/Season 1

DAVID WAIN – 1.04.09 by Ron Solomon



PV: First off, David, allow me to say what a true honor it is to have you join the POPVIEWS family!

DW: Oy these are a lot of questions (I'm reading ahead!)

PV: You've made some amazing films in the past 8 years, do you get stressed a lot during the film making process or do you try to keep it light on set?

DW: I try to keep it as light as possible but of course it can be very stressful! There is always lots of money being spent. But I try to keep it fun.No reason not to and tends to show up on screen.

PV: You recently toured with your comedy troupe STELLA, how do you feel that the shows were received?

DW: Great response - couldn't have asked for nicer audiences.

PV: Which do you prefer, film making or live comedy shows?

DW: I love that I get to go back and forth - it's a wonderful balance and perspective-giver.

PV: I live in San Francisco, did you happen to catch the film "Milk?"

DW: I'm dying to but haven't yet.

PV: Have you ever showered with any other members of The State?

DW: Yes.

PV: What bands/artists have you been listening to as of late?

DW: Ex-lovers, Dinosaur Pileup, Awesome Wells, Indica Ritual, Seedy Seeds,PixelH8, Envelopes, Picture Books in Winter

PV: Peter Salett joined the POPVIEWS family in 2001 and will be back for an interview in the newly launched 2009 version, how did you begin working with him?

DW: I met him at Brown University in 1990 and when he graduated he moved to NewYork and started playing live shows regularly and I became a huge fan (and friend).I think the first time we collaborated on a project was Wet Hot American Summer.

PV: Is it true that Peter's hair nests a family of birds?

DW: No.

PV: Do you miss doing STELLA the tv series?

DW: I miss many aspects about it - it was very fun and I loved the show, and thought we had a lot of great directions we could have taken it. On the other hand, it was a brutally hot summer in Brooklyn and we were shooting either outside in the sun or inside in very hot locations or our sound stage where the A/C was broken. And we were insanely overworked -- writing, acting, editing,directing, casting, etc all at the same time on a very fast schedule.

PV: Let's talk about THE STATE, my favorite comedy troupe of all time. You guys are reuniting in SF (thank you for the city choice) for Sketchfest this month.This will be the first reunion of all 11 members in 10 years! Have you guys begun writing and working on the material yet?

DW: Yes we have most of it ready -- we did a version of this show in L.A. in March but we did not have the whole group.

PV: Are there plans for more STATE shows in the near future?

DW: TBD

PV: This is more of a statement than a question but: Congrats on becoming a father recently!

DW: Thanks!

PV: How often do you google yourself?

DW: Depends. For example if I'm writing something on my computer, I tend to google myself when I get to the end of each sentence, unless it's a really long sentence.

PV: How do you feel your film ROLE MODELS was received compared to your other films?

DW: Better than I could have every expected -- most audiences and critics seem to have gotten from the film what I was hoping to make: a familiar hollywood comedy story infused with a different sensibility.

PV: Well I'll be in attendance for the STATE reunion in San Francisco this month, and I know you are a busy man, so I'll let you get going, but thank you so much for chatting with us today! Give Black and Show our love!

DW: Will do!

Well thanks so much for spending time with us today, David. We'll stay tuned to davidwain.com for more info on all your future releases/shows!

(it's ok to post comments on the interview blog, but any rude, offensive, or otherwise dickhead-ish comments will be deleted)

Kevin Max 1.9.2009

Seek (live)

KEVIN MAX – 1.03.09 by Ron Solomon

PV: Kevin, thanks so much for spending time with POPVIEWS today! What's it been? About 8 years? So, what have you been up to?

KM: Well
as you know just put out Crashing Gates, it was a nice departure from
trying to compete with what is 'accepted' in the marketplace...as you
know, i enjoy creating music without boundaries; that said, i am back
in the studio soon to complete the project, with added songs and a full
length release with dpulse/universal.I have also been working on a
novel, it has sucked at my mental energy like nothing else, but it is a
dream come true to see through the process.

PV: Last time we spoke (in interview format) you were coming out like a 45, how has the response been among the gay community?

KM: Coming
out like a 45' was more of reference to the old way of making recording
available...i had a lot of people wondering if i meant the gun as well.
As far as the Gay audience is concerned, i think they enjoy my music as
much as the Hetero's.

PV: Did you see "MILK?"

KM: I have not had the pleasure of viewing Milk yet, but intend to.

PV:
You moved from Nashville to L.A., from L.A. to Vegas,and from (i think)
Vegas to east. Nashville... Did you get the partying out of your system?

KM:
To a degree, yes. The 'partying' aspect of my life kind of dwindled
around my late 30's. When you have kids, which i started at 39, the
brakes are put on the all night rambling, real fast. There is nothing
dodgier than a father changing diapers with a hangover.

PV: What bands/artists have been inspiring you lately?

KM: Lots
of bands and artists inspire me, but not alot of current artists. That
is the tragedy of growing old, you get a bit more cynical, and can
smell the bullshit from miles away. But there are always those who
appear above the refuse...Radiohead continue to make great albums, and
continue to change....U2 still holds the Heavyweight Music Championship
of the world, and i think The Killers are doing a killer job of trying
to stay alive. Lately, the bands that have turned my head are:
Fleet Foxes
TV On The Radio
Scott Weiland ( new solo project)
Firemen (Paul Macca side project)

Human Highway and

Melpo Mene

PV: Top 5 favorite British comedies (tv or film)?

KM: Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Extras, Ricky Gervais stand up and Eddie Izzard Standup- I'm kinda old school.

PV: Your wife is beautiful as are your kids, what activities would a Max family outing bring?

KM: Most likely going to the park, running after soccer balls, swinging on swings, chasing after the dog.

PV: What is (in 2009) the most commonly misunderstood notions that people seem to have about Kmax?

KM: That i am misunderstood.

PV: Are you planning any tours to support the recent release of "Crashing Gates?"

KM: Yes of course, there is talk of aligning some shows up in Europe in the early summer, not sure about the states.

PV: I know that you're a HOG enthusiast now, tell me what draws you to the motorcycle life?

KM:
I have been riding cycles since i was a kid. Growing upin rural
Michigan, my first bike was a Yamaha Z80, i terrorized the neighborhood
by setting up ramps in our field, and having people lay in a row,as i
jumped over them. As i grew up, street bikes became a fascination, and
i always enjoyed the look of the 40's American Bikes. That is why my
current bike, the "Cross Bones' is a mock of that. I recently rode the
105th from Nashville to Milwaukee and back in 2 days, it was amazing.

PV: Who'd win in a fight, you or Liam Gallagher?

KM: If we were both sober probably Liam, if there were lager involved, i could wipe the floor with him.

PV: Would you PLEASE consider covering "Who wants to live forever" by Queen? For me? Please?

KM: Yes, of course i will consider it. Although i wouldn't count it as my favorite Queen song, it would be good fun.

PV: Who are your top 5 favorite male vocalists?

KM: umm.
Elvis Presley
John Lennon
Bryan Ferry
Freddy Mercury
Morrissey

.. ......

PV: Ever meet a musician/actor and feel floored by their presence?

KM:
Musician- Sting, it was a very strange encounter. We were at a banquet
for a pre-Grammy award thing at the MET in NYC. I was making a salad
and a bumped into him. I didn't realize it was him until after we
shuffled further down the line. He is a tall mother. Simon Le Bon,
another strange encounter. He bought me and a female friend drinks at
the bar inside the Sunset Marquis hotel, he was quite lit, and very
funny. I have also spent time with Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams,
backstage and on planes, although i was not floored by either
experience, it was good fun. The only actor i was ever 'floored' by
would have been meeting Gary Oldman at The Belmont, while in LA.

PV: Describe last nights NEW YEARS EVE activities in 10words or less:

KM: Home, Sushi, Sake, Wife, Friends, Wii, Kids, Couch,Cigar.

PV: Do you find that most Christians support you unconditionally or judge you under a microscope view?

KM:
Most Christians tend to jump to conclusions about me before they either
know, or have 'real knowledge.' There are a great many Christians that
i know however, that are wonderful examples of unconditional love.

PV: What would your dream concert be (to play) and who would share the bill?

KM:
Probably fronting either Led Zepp, or Queen. But it seems both are
being taken. An Alternative would be a co-bill tour with Morrissey, i
probably know more Smiths lyrics than he.

PV: What advice, if any, would you give to young fans who want to be a professional musician?

KM: Get out, or Blow Them All Away...no other options.

PV: What is the atmosphere usually like in the studio?

KM:
This project is different from every other... they are all interesting.
I love the studio atmosphere, the atmosphere of creating on the spot. I
am not a big fan of rehearsing demo material over and over again.With
'Crashing Gates', we were in a converted garage, literally. It was
amazing how much fun we had though.

PV: What are some things that you can ALWAYS count on to inspire you?

KM: Words, Melody, Life Experience, travel, kids, my wife, a good Cigar, a motorcyle ride, God's grace.

PV: It’s 3am, you’re on the road, where is Erik Cole and what is he doing?

KM: In his bed sleeping, he get's grumpy without good sleep.

PV: Do you think there will be record labels in 5 year’s time?

KM: I hope not, but i wonder at the Alternative. I think its good to have structure when it comes to business.

PV: When was the last time you laughed until you cried?

KM: Watching the Tom Cruise scene in Tropic Thunder with my wife.

PV: What do YOU think about ME?

KM:
I don't think about you that much Ron. (haha) But if i were to take my
time and consider you, i would say, you are a funny, witty and self
deprecating individual...who seems quite talented and into good music.
We have appreciated your friendship through these years.

PV: What bands/artists would you be happy to see sent into space and never returned?

KM:
well, haha....my choice would be those who walk the middle ground, or
as it is termed 'mainstream' or 'popular'....they hold music back from
becoming awe inspiring and challenging. They produce a type of sonic
malaise that effects the general curve of music. Not to name names, but
an example would be-
Nickleback
3 Doors Down
Hootie and the Blowfish
Big and Rich
Kenny Chesney
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz
Linkin Park
Staind
Puff Daddy
Brittany Spears
Justin Timberlake
etc etc...

PV: Are you as psyched about our president elect as I am?

KM:
Yes i think so. I don't know how psyched you are, but i can only guess.
He seems to be a great leader, and someone that has a grasp on where to
go. This country is in need of some major P.R. and healing from the
inside.

PV: Top 3 celebrity crushes?

KM: umm yeah my wife and i talk about this alot...haha, how surface is that?
1. Monica Belucci
2. Giada
3. Kelly Wearstle

PV: When Kevin Max is no more, what would you like your legacy to be?

KM: A singer that knew how to write. A father who knew how to love. And a husband that knew how to shut-up.

Thank you Kevin, for spending time with us today. We'll stay tuned to myspace.com/kevinmax for info on new releases/tours/books and anything else you're involved in. Cheers.

(it's ok to leave comments on this interview blog, but any rude, offensive, or otherwise dickhead-ish comments will be deleted)

you + i = popviews

Hey Everyone,

It's Ron! I just wanted to drop everyone a line to let you know that =P= is back! We're going to bring you some new interviews soon, as well as some articles and other fun stuff. We exist because of you. We love the music/tv/film fans and hope that we represent you to the fullest. If there are any artists YOU would like to see on here, please email me at popviews@gmail.com and we'll do our best to get them on here. You probably wont see Miley Cyrus or Lindsay Lohan here any time soon, but if you like indie rock/hop hop/film/tv/web series, then this is the place for you! See you guys soon, I'm off to play some Beatles rock band! Cheers!

Ron
Owner/Operator