Anthony Charles Interview Part3-Acting

And we are back with Part 3 of our interview with Anthony Charles.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Fridays are always going to be bittersweet for me.  Fridays are when we conclude our interviews, but that means I get to bring on another exciting guest on Monday.  But for now, I bring you the conclusion of my interview with Anthony Charles.

Anthony Charles Interview Part 3-Acting

How did you transition from musician and podcaster to actor?

Well originally I was a musician in my teens and transitioned into acting during college.  I figured that the recording skills I picked up through music and the knowledge of performance with actor could merge into a descent show host. 

What kind of classes and training have you gone through to become an actor?

I went through a performing arts program not unlike the bulk of them out there.  It was pretty much standard theater, acting, history, classes with performances capping off the years studies. 

What were some of your earliest acting gigs?

They were all various theater roles in which I was a guy that wore a top hat.

Tell me about your first role?

My first acting gig was in pre-school where I dawned a top hat and cape.  I was the master of ceremonies and all the students were different animals.  I remember being so gung ho about being the lead in the play. 

Out of all the acting gigs that you had, take me through your most interesting and memorable one.

One of the most memorable moments I’ve ever had as an actor has to be when I played a character called Brundibar in a play by the same name.  The play was originally performed in WWII to the red cross by children in the Jewish internment camps.  The aim of the play was to convince the world that the camps were innocuous instead of the death camps that we know today.  The character Brundibar was supposed to represent Hitler and his domination of Europe.  Most of the cast did not survive the Nazi death camps, but I met one of the original cast members that did. 

I had turned the character into a very external malevolent character that still drew the attention and adoration of the townspeople.  I was getting into character backstage before a performance when the director came around introducing this woman to the cast.  When she looked at me, our eyes locked and without knowing anything about me, the look on her face brought her back to those camps.  I felt such sympathy and loss in that moment.  I still carry that moment with me. 

Past, Present, Future: If you could play any character from (books, movies, TV, or music) who would it be and why?

Batman. Without a doubt. I would love to tell a very human side of Bruce Wayne’s story and what drives him to become the Dark Knight. 

What would your dream role be (action star, villain, super hero, drama, horror, etc) and why?

I would like to try my hand at comedy.  I feel like I have a real knack for it, but a lot of the projects that I get seen for are dramatic in nature.  A good comedic role would be a lot of fun for me. 

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Ah man, I really hate looking into the future because there’s so much to consider and worry about.  Ideally I’d be making a comfortable living as an artist.  I also want to keep having fun and going on adventures with other artists creating new things. 

Time to sound a bit creepy.  Where can people find you/follow you/or find out more about you?

That’s not creepy at all. Creepy would be something like, “So where can people watch a live webcam feed of you sleeping?”  I would say that www.anthonycharlespodcast.com would be the best bet.  You’ll find all the social networking sites on there, my blog, and episodes of my podcast.  If there was any one place to go for more content, that’d be it. 

Any last words?

Yes, I have no idea what I am doing. I am just making this whole thing up as I go along. 

Try not to succumb to the forces of entropy.  We are all temporary beings in this construct, and the fact that we exist at all is infinitely fascinating.  We are made of the same materials that form the cosmos, and the radiance of eternity dwells within us all.  So don’t waste that precious gift working some stupid job that you can’t stand. 

Join us Monday as I preview our next guest Melissa Bowersock, Stone's Ghost

Interview with Anthony Charles part 2-Anthony Charles Podcast

Happy Thursday everyone.  Hope everyone is enjoying this break from the hot and humid weather.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today, we will continue our interview series with our guest Anthony Charles.  In part 2, we will explore the Anthony Charles Podcast and how this incredible idea began.

Part 2-The Anthony Charles Podcast

Q.Earlier you told us about post production work and producing other musicians; which led to the creation of the Anthony Charles Podcast.   Tell me a little about it.

A. The Anthony Charles Podcast is about the insights of creative professionals and the lives they lead to make their dreams come true.  We discover the tools, motivations, and desires that go into a successful creative career.

The Anthony Charles Podcast is an interesting concept. What made you decide to start the podcast?

The idea for the podcast started after talking to two artist friends of mine that have done high profile gigs.  I talked to both of them about how they got to that level.  One is a musician and the other is an actor.  I was really impressed with how much their words helped me get through a funk.  It made such an impact on me that I wanted to share these stories with others to help them get through tough times.

How long have you been recording ?

I’ve been recording for quite a while now.  I honestly don’t know the exact number of years but it’s probably creeping up on a decade already. Time flies...

What’s been your favorite part(s) of recording the podcasts? The guests, the topics, planning it, or learning about people and equipment?

My favorite part is getting feedback from listeners.  There are so many talented people out there, but this business is very difficult.  Having somebody reach out in person or online to let me know that they drew some inspiration, hope, or learned something useful makes the entire process worth it.

Take me back to the first podcast. Tell me how you felt. Were you nervous, excited? How did you set it up?

The first podcast was sort of a cop-out. I basically announced that I started a podcast.  I introduced myself, things I’ve done, and where I think the show would head in the future.  I was a bit surprised that I was doing it but I was invested in the idea behind the show.  I basically hooked up some audio equipment that I originally bought for recording music.  It was collecting dust and it was bumming me out.  So by recording a podcast, albeit spoken word and not full band production, it made me feel more productive.

Everyone has the one moment that sticks out in their minds. What was your most memorable moment or guest from conducting the podcast?

I’d have to say that I’ve been very fortunate with the guests that I’ve been on the show.  Personal heroes like Sahaj Ticotin from the band RA really blew my mind.  To be such an intense fan of someone’s work is one thing, but seeing their name on your caller ID is something completely different.

Another amazing episode was Paul Russell.  He is such an outstanding resource; who is gracious and empowering.  It was quite amazing to read his books and then speak with him.

But one of the coolest moment for me, was the episode that I did with Andrew Goffman & Charles Messina from the off-broadway show “The Accidental Pervert.”  They really put on a great show and treated me really well.  It was cool to take my show on the road and experience the guests in their own setting.

How has doing the Anthony Charles Podcast affected you and your life?

Honestly, it has enriched my life.  I feel humbled and thankful that all these people took the time to share their stories and things that they’ve learned along the way.  It has opened up some doors that I normally would not have had access too, but it has also been a great avenue to showcase personal friends of mine that are in the arts.

I consider the shows that I’ve done with friends as a sort of audio time capsule.  I know that even if nothing else happens, I’ll be able to look back on those episodes as snapshot in our lives.

Where do you see the show going from here?

I honestly am not sure. I just hope that the show continues to grow and inspires more to follow their passion.  I think that the show will keep evolving as the episodes climb though.

Where can our readers find and listen to the Anthony Charles Podcast?

You can find everything for the show at www.anthonycharlespodcast.com

Here are a few of the fan favorite shows from the Anthony Charles Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlespodcast/episode-23-paul-russell-author
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-26-joseph-spano-stuntman-actor-author/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-20-andrew-hess-authorpoetblogger/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-17-andrew-goffman-charles-messina-of-the-accidental-pervert/

Join us tomorrow for our final part of our interview with Anthony Charles

Anthony Charles Interview Part 1 Music

Here we are the start of the first of many interviews in our summer series.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today we are about to journey down the life of a musician/producer/actor/Podcaster Anthony Charles.  Tonight we explore where he began his journey; as we look at his life in music.

Q. Let’s get to know Anthony Charles. Describe yourself in 100 words or less.

A. I am a human trying to navigate this dimension with a light heart. Hopefully we all can live, laugh, love, and learn together.

That’s an interesting look on life.  But then again, there’s a lot that our readers might find interesting about you.  Let’s go a little more in depth.

How did you first get into music?

Growing up, there was always a musical presence in my house.  It wasn’t until I was thirteen when I saw a special on MTV that showed how to play riffs from some very well-known popular songs.  I remember hearing these riffs and being amazed that someone could create something so powerful.

I agree.  Hearing powerful guitar riffs and solos are incredible to listen to.  I feel they contribute more to the impact of the song. 

So tell me, what was the first instrument you played?

Originally, my mom bought my first guitar when I was still small enough to fit inside the case, but the interest didn't bloom until I was a pre-teen.

So how when did you finally start playing?

After seeing the MTV special, I couldn't wait to pick up a guitar.  I begged for my mom for one for months, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.  She told me if I wanted it bad enough, I had to save up for it.  So I did.  I saved all of my pennies until I had enough to purchase my first guitar.  I truly fell that massively long waiting period made the moment so much better.  I played that guitar until my fingers bled.

I think at one point or another every kid or teenager has wanted to be a rock star.  So tell us, who were some of your musical inspirations?

I’d have to say 311 was a huge influence on me, because of how their songs had a lot of groove and funky elements in a rock context.  Other than 311, I’d say Pantera, Sevendust, and Jimi Hendrix.  All of them really made a statement with their art and demonstrated how incredibly talented they were and what could be done on the guitar.

I remember listening to a lot of their songs growing up as well.  They’ve inspired a lot of guitarists over the years.  Now as I understand, you were a guitarist for a band.  Tell us a little about that.

I’ve been in a few bands. Usually I’ve met people socially which leads to everyone jamming in a room together. From there it tends to grow into a serious project if the chemistry is right.

Did your band release any albums?

Technically no, but I did release an album under the name “Gnosis”. The album is called “Awakening.”   It’s a concept record about the subjective experience of realizing a spiritual self.

Take me back to your first gig. What was it like? Where was it?

My first gig was a middle school talent show. I was in a band that I joined after having a guitar for three months.  It seemed like a very unlikely goal, and I probably wasn’t really ready, but it turned out okay.  I ended up getting twenty-five dollars as prize money for winning and I used it to buy my first CD.

Every musician has their favorite moment or favorite gig they played. Tell me about your favorite gig.

I think my favorite gig was at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY.  The standard practice at the time was to play a series of smaller clubs until you drew enough of a crowd to play the big stage at The Chance.  My mom told me that path was not the one I would take.  I ended up making a press kit, shaking some hands, and skipping the entire process of playing smaller clubs.  It was also my mom’s birthday.  Ever since then, we recall that experience as a paradigm shifting moment.  The lesson learned was, there isn’t just one road.  We can create our own path in life if we work hard and get out there.

Now all good things come to an end. Tell me what happened to the band and if you guys ever get together to jam anymore.

Personally I never felt like I was able to get all the pieces together with band members. We were always missing a bass player, or a singer, or the right drummer.  After a number of years it gets to feel like swimming upstream.  You could have songs, live gear, T-shirts, CDs, and a beautiful website, but without a complete lineup you’re not playing any shows.  You’ll be stuck in perpetual rehearsals.  I’m still friendly with most of the people, if not all of them, but you lose touch with some people over the years.

What have you been up to since your days with the band?

Since music, I wanted to find a form of expression that wasn’t dependent on others with great gear and music chops.  I wanted to find something that I had more control over.  So, in college I studied acting.  I’ve been able to do a lot more projects in acting than I ever have in music, but at heart I still consider myself a musician.  I do post production work with music and have also kept a foothold in music by producing other artists and bands.

Where can our readers find you and your albums?

You could find “Awakening” by Gnosis on iTunes, CDbaby.com, and Amazon. 

Anthony Charles-Preview

Welcome everyone to the first installment of our summer interview series.  I am your host, the man behind The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today we're going to preview the upcoming interview with Anthony Charles, a man of many talents including; guitarist, songwriter, producer, interviewer, instructor, and actor.  So let's take a closer look at the man behind the Anthony Charles Podcast.

Anthony Charles has grown up in the greater New York Area.  He is an accomplished musician and songwriter; in which he released a concept album under the name Gnosis, with the album "Awakening."  Since then he has helped produce a few indie artists, created the Anthony Charles Podcast, and started a career as an actor.  His most recent role was the real life Civil War Captain, Robert Newlin Verplank in a historical drama "On the Side of the Angels," which was written and directed by Joanne Zipay (Founder and Artistic Director/Producer of the Judith Shakespeare Company).  This play has received lots of attention that culminated in the winning of the 2012 GHHN Award of Excellence; a ceremony held at the Revered Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY.  

As stated earlier, Anthony is also the creator and host of the Anthony Charles Podcast.  A show all about creative professionals and the lives they lead; where you learn about the tools. motivations, and desires that lead you to a successful creative career.

Join us tomorrow for part 1 of my interview with Anthony Charles, but for now I'd like to share a couple of the Anthony Charles Podcast episodes to give you further insight into Anthony Charles.

http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-1/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-2/

Bonding Friendships Over Videos and Writing

There are many people you meet daily.  Some say hello in passing, others are strangers or customers, and then there are the people that were put in your life for a reason.  When I was younger I kept to the same set of friends and didn't like to welcome change into my life.  That was forced to change several years ago. 

When I lived in New Paltz and Poughkeepsie, I worked in an environment that I was very familiar with; a video store.  I met a lot of interesting people through the years.  Some were related to friends from my past, others I had romantic feelings for, some became my confidants, but a select few became very close to me. 

One in particular was a musician who had great aspirations to make it big and help others along the way.  We bonded over work and that we both watched pro wrestling.  He became one of my favorite people to work with.  We would crack jokes all night as we waited on the horrible and sometimes highly amusing customers of Poughkeepsie.  We talked a lot about my first novel the Phoenix Blade and his music.  Towards the end of my time in that store, he told me about how he wanted to dabble in acting.  I thought this was a great chance for him and could lead to more possibilites. 

When I moved back to Long Island, I lost touch with a lot of people and he was included in that.  It was something I didn't want to happen, but most people know that's what happens when you move away from your friends.  Thanks to social networking and social media, we were able to continue our friendship even from a 2-3 hour drive away. 

Last year he told me about an idea he had.  He met a lot of interesting people over the last couple of years who are musicians, writers, make up artists, actors, and producers that haven't necessarily had a chance to be recognized or have been recognized and wanted to help others who may be interested in taking up a career in that field.  I thought it was a great idea and supported him every step of the way.  He has truly embodied the spirit of being kind to others and shedding light on all types of artists.  For that I applaud you Anthony and am happy our paths run parallel to very similar goals.

Here are a few links to his podcasts.  I strongly recommend you listen.

http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/the-anthony-charles-podcast
http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/episode-5-andrew-hess-writer
http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/episode-16-michael-hamel