Special Feature - CBGB’s

Concert Calendar MARCH 4

MONDAY Rolling Stones

Th e Forum Inglewood, Ca

TUESDAY

Th e Cult Henry Fonda Th eatre Los Angeles, Ca

WEDNESDAY

Jamie Cullum Anahiem HOB Anahiem, Ca

THURSDAY

KRS-One Viper Room Hollywood, Ca

FRIDAY

Motorhead Anaheim HOB Anahiem, Ca

SATURDAY

Th e Skulls Showcase Th eatre Corona, Ca

SUNDAY

Like It or Not Chain Reaction Anaheim, Ca

MONDAY

Shook Ones Chain Reaction Anaheim, Ca

15 MINUTES WITH AN ARTIST

By Kirk Dingley

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Pop artists Jasper Johns once said, “Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it.” This holds especially true for Cal State Fullerton student Miranda Madrano.

The 24-year-old has truly made art her being. She is now just a few units away from receiving a degree in illustration, and she spends most afternoons teaching children the art of painting and drawing.

We spoke outside the new campus performing arts center about a variety of topics, including her favorite daily activity: Breakfast!

Q: As a child, were you a natural artist? A: I used to draw a lot. I remember every time my mother bought a new Disney movie, I would draw the cover. I used to draw the Beauty and the Beast cover over and over.

Q: So do you have to be born with some sort of natural ability to be a good artist or can someone who has no artistic ability be taught? A: Well, I don’t consider myself a natural artist. I just had a strong desire to do it. I wanted to get good. Plus, I’ve always really enjoyed drawing. So I think you

By Kirk Dingley/ Daily Titan Staff

Illustration major Miranda Madrano uses her laptop to draw her artwork .

By Jamie Quarles

Daily Titan Staff Writer

Sadness is like a shadow that lingers and darkens the soul. Singer/songw r i t e r / p r o - ducer Teddy Thompson seems to know this emotion well. In his new CD, “Separate Ways,” released February 21, he sings about lost loves, bitterness, even depression.

Q: Who’s your favorite actor? A: Umm, that’s a tough question. I guess I would have to say Angelina Jolie, because she’s hot, and Charlize Thereon because she plays different types of roles.

Q: What do you see yourself doing after you graduate? A: There are a lot of things I would like to do. I would like to get into storyboarding for movies. I’ve always had interest in doing greeting card illustration, and I would love to draw for children’s books.

Q: So it’s Sunday, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and you just woke-up. Describe what your day is like.

A: I love eating breakfast in the morning. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Then after that, just whatever happens. I like to relax.

Q: So it’s a beautiful day out, and your only goal is to scramble some eggs! A: Yes, pretty much.

Q: Do you enjoy your job?

A: I love my job. I get to teach art to kids. It’s the best job ever. I get so much out of it.

Q: How old are the kids, and isn’t it always dangerous anytime you put paint in the same room with kids?

A: The ages range from 4 to 16- - and no, I’ve never had to deal with any major paint disasters surprisingly. There was one time when one of the kids decided to start painting on the walls, but that wasn’t too bad. Other then that though, the classroom stays pretty neat.

Q: What’s the most difficult part of teaching kids how to paint? A: Communicating to them on their level. I have to take everything I learn from my art teachers in college, and try to explain to them in a way that they can understand. It’s actually really difficult.

Q: Are there any baby Picassos in the class? A: Some kids are really good and some kids are really horrible. [Laughing] I hate saying that, but some kids just get so frustrated! But, they all improve with time.

Q: So do you want to go get an omelet? A: Sure, let’s go.

TEDDY THOMPSON DELIVERS SADNESS

Every song of Thompson’s echoes some type of struggle. Optimism is virtually non-existent. There aren’t many upbeat songs on this moody album.

have to have a strong desire to become a good artist.

In one song, “I Should Get Up,” the music is upbeat but the lyrics and undertones of the song are depressing.

Thompson laments, “The world goes on without me/ I know it/ I know it/ No one misses the quiet kid ... ”

Still, many of Thompson’s lyrics are refreshing. It is like a taste of reality when he sings about a love that cannot be saved. Thompson’s voice is nice, but many of his songs sound similar. There are no vocal surprises, which makes the songs boring.

His songs “I Wish It Was Over” and “Separate Ways” sound alike. Also, a lot of the lyrics are repetitive.

The most impressive songs

“...Not all who love are blind/ Some of us are just too kind/ We forgive to much”

TEDDY THOMPSON

on the album are “Separate Ways” and “Shine So Bright.” These songs are memorable.

“Shine So Bright” is easy to follow and catchy. The lyrics are emotional, but not so expressive that you’d want to pull out your hair.

The song “Separate Ways,” has the best musicality all around. Thompson’s vocals are strong and the guitar, bass and keyboards bring emotion to the song.

Also, the lyrics are the best. They are truthful and have the ability to leave the listeners thinking about their own lives. He sings, “And not all who love are blind/ some of us are just too kind/ we forgive too much/ and never speak our minds ... ”

Thompson also produced a couple of original songs including the song “I Wish It Was Over.”

In it, he wishes for the demise of his current relationship. Though humorous, the song sounds intentionally cruel.

Overall, the best feature of the album is the lyrics, which remain ever truthful and relatable to all who listen.