Project Famous Issue 9 - Anthony Lamarr by Project Famous

HALLOWEEN BEAUTY • FRUGAL FASHION MEETS AUDREY

Amy McNally • Bright Red Studios

009 No.

Anthony Lamarr Solo Artist & Soul Man

OCTOBER 2013 | projectfamous.com

Editor in Chief JOEY BROYLES

Managing Editor KELLY LAJTER

Ar ts Editor CHRISTY GRACE Fashion Editor ADELINE PECK Music Editor KAREN WHEELOCK Copy Editors FREDERICK HURST

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Contributing Writer s ABIGAIL BROWN ALLAN O’CONNOR GABE BURDULIS

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Contributing Photographer s ADELINE PECK CHRISTY GRACE JAMES ARROY PHOTOPHELIA RISE UP LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Project Famous, LLC . | PO Box 6292, Madison, WI 53716 Letters to the editor, advertising opportunities, and all other questions, please email info@projectfamous.com

OCTOBER 2013

FEATURE

Anthony Lamarr

Solo Artist & Soul Man by Anika Lautenbach

Photography by Adeline Peck

OCTOBER 2013

A Beautiful Halloween

FASHION The Art of the “Selfie”

Frugal Fashion Meets Audrey by Adeline Peck

BEHIND THE SCENES

BEAUTY Smilin’ On

by Gabe Burdulis

A Beautiful Halloween

06 07

MUSIC

The Frequency by Allan O’Connor

Amy McNally

the arts

by Abigail Brown

Spotlight on Bright Red Studios by Christy Grace

Do you write poetry ? Short stories ? Submit your poetry and short stories here. Project Famous Magazine is searching for artists ready to show their talent to the world! Submit your poems and

short stories to

info@projectfamous.com

From the desk of Joey Broyles

The Art of the “Selfie”

What the hell is a “selfie” and why should I care? A selfie is the modern-day mirror. A photo of yourself, taken by yourself: a digital scrapbook of you. It may come off as something conceited but truly, it is the way many of us document ourselves today. Instagram opened the door to a land of selfies, but if you look back in history, selfies have been around since the birth of photography. Selfies don’t have to be with just you by yourself, as long as you are holding the camera/camera phone it is considered a selfie. Anyone is welcome: friends, pets, extraterrestrials, and yes, even family. Again, why should you care? It is documentation and proof that you were here! For example within one year’s time, I lost 40 lbs. When I go back I can seriously see the changes in my face. How cool is this? It’s a beautiful way to look back at a previous time and see how you’ve changed. You’d be surprised how much one photo of yourself will remind you of what you were going through that day. Keep that memory fresh! Nothing should stop you from getting creative either. Due to the nature of being an artist myself, I often come up with looks just for a selfie and I never forget my hashtags. Don’t forget, hashtags are an easy way to classify what kind of photos you are posting to Instagram and Facebook. For example, if you are brilliant with makeup get specific: #makeup, #selfie, #blueeyeshadow, #purplelipstick, and #hotpinkhair. Nothing is off limits and having hashtags will increase your following on Instagram and Twitter. A shameless feed of my Instagram here: joeybroyles. Instagram is a great way to beckon back to the day of classic photography when photos had style. Today’s photography can be so bombarded with Photoshop that no one gets to see that raw version of one’s self. Apply a classic filter like “Lo-Fi” or leave it just the way it is. Instagram is a free App and a great way to connect with other selfie photographers. If you feel like getting a little more creative with your selfies and iPhone photography there are plenty of free and paid Apps out there. I use a combination of Apps like “Vint B&W MII,” “Camera!,” and “Camera+,” in conjunction with Instagram. Just like being in a darkroom all over again without the use of all those nasty chemicals! Recently I’ve embarked on a new project called: Art of the Selfie. For the next couple months my friends and I will be taking photos with Polaroid cameras and smart phones. We will be perfecting this art into a tangible medium where photos will all be printed and displayed at an art show next year. If you would like to participate in this project please contact me at joey@projectfamous.com and put “Selfie” in the subject line and I’ll give you all the details. Selfies are cool and you aren’t a “sellout” for trying something new. No matter who you are, don’t be afraid to pick up the camera, and capture that moment. Remember that selfies are the modern-day self portrait, so for the love of art, do it! P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

FASHION

Fru gal Fashio n Me e ts Au dre y

FROM: Guerrilla Thrifter

BY ADELINE PECK Hello All! Guerrilla Thrifter here. Inspired by the best holiday of all, Halloween, I've teamed up with the enchanting Sara Gomach. Sara is a thrifting Goddess in her own right and we tackled the seemingly impossible: imitating the style of ‘Queen’ Audrey Hepburn. Even with a limited budget, you can create a Halloween costume worthy of the pages of Vogue, or even better, Project Famous Magazine! Halloween is a time to live vicariously through a character via clothing. It’s great fun to be transformed while saving money! Check out these images and be inspired to head to your local thrift store.

Photography ADELINE PECK Model SARA GOMACH

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

These looks were inspired from a photo of Audrey looking timeless in a men's white oxford button up. Timeless.

White Oxford Audrey

• Lands' End White Button Up Oxford - Saver's $2.99

• Silver Bangles - Saver's $0.99

• Hoop Earrings - St. Vinny's $3.49

• Vintage Rotary Dial Phone - St. Vinny's $9.99

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

FASHION

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

Audrey just may have made the "LBD" or Little Black Dress the staple in every woman's closet. Again, her timeless look spans generations and is chic in any era.

L.B.D. Audrey

• Vintage Black Sheer Razor Back Dress with Bow Detail - St. Vinny's $9.99

• Hoop Earrings - St. Vinny's $3.49

• Gold Bangle - Gifted from Grandma (Doesn't grandma always have the best style, really!)

So who will your transformation inspiration be? Whether it is Audrey, Madonna, Borat or Beetlejuice, do it with confidence and do it on a budget! Go forth and Thrift!

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

BEHIND THE SCENES

SMILIN’ ON Photography PROJECT FAMOUS

by Gabe Burdulis

ho said a four-chord song couldn’t fortify the soul? This is a special song that brought my friend Karen Wheelock and I together over music and over a cause we both believe in: Alzheimer’s disease. The video for “Smilin’ On” represents none-the-less. I had the pleasure of working with several members of Project Famous, including Karen, and I was thrilled when I heard we were shooting a video for the song she and I had just recently written and recorded! Within this two-minute and 22second video, many different emotions are captured.

If you didn’t know the whole story you could portray the meaning of the song as a lot of different things. And frankly overall, however you view it, the title tells it all! I have been in a few different music videos, but in

this video 100 percent of the smiles are real and the atmosphere was relaxed and beautiful. We took multiple shots from different angles - just the two of us with our instruments on a blanket. We had no idea how the final result would turn out, but regardless, we kept smiling on and made the best of it! Finally, once the sun began to set, we went further out into the woods where the sun was peeking through the trees with a beautiful golden glare and just did a couple takes of us goofing off. Of course, I was sort of sad knowing the video would be in black and white and that the viewers would not be able to experience what we were experiencing. So with this in mind, the end has a nice little surprise, which was a shot neither of us minded doing multiple times! Taking into consideration our real purpose of the song, we tried to portray and element of “the good times,” and I like to

think that we are sending the message to make the best of the good times to come and to never let them stop coming no matter the state of a person’s mind. Now, I kept thinking to myself about how this song is so cute and “poppy,” yet it’s not a love song. Yet, it is a song purely about love, in a whole different meaning. So call it what you must, but do it with a smile on your face, just as we were during the whole behind the scenes process of the “Smilin’ On” video shoot. It was special being able to do this, because it was more a joyful moment with friends than any aspect of business. Creativity was just flowing. The whole process couldn’t have taken any more than two hours! One camera, a little bit of hair gel, two instruments, a blanket and nature at its finest helped make everyone feel the true beauty of this video and what it stands to represent.

A compilation album with songs donated by musicians from Madison, WI. 100% of album sales benefit the Alzheimer's Association. FEATURING:

Smilin’ On • Karen Wheelock and Gabe Burdulis

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Mine Tonight • Sexy Ester

Better Days • Kay Laurent

Contrabando De Tristeza • Son Contrabando If This Is A Love Song • Joey Broyles Ovation • Anthony Lamarr

Star (You Don’t Know) • Sam Lyons She’s The Moon • Brandon Beebe AND MORE!

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

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ANTHONY LAMARR

SOLO ARTIST & SOUL MAN by Anika Lautenbach

Photography ADELINE PECK

he first time I saw Anthony Lamarr it was clear that his mouth is his instrument. He filled the tiny Red Dragon TV studio with sound and energy, replicating the bass drum, snare drum, and cymbal with ease. Recently I had the opportunity to speak with him about his own music, his journey from vocal percussionist to solo artist with a message. Whether you’re in the presence of Anthony Brown the Behavior Specialist or Anthony Lamarr the performer, you will be struck by his optimism and desire to bring people together. The man said it best himself: “I was born with a smile.” Anika Lautenbach: Have you always lived in Madison? Anthony Brown: No. I went to school at University of Minnesota Twin Cities. So, I was gone for about five years. AL: But you were born here? AB: Born and raised. AL: Did you always plan on coming back? AB: No, I was going to be on Broadway. I came back home to regroup as most college graduates do. Music wasn’t even my focus. I’m a playwright. I’ve written a couple plays and a musical and then doing music full time just kind of started up. AL: When you were a kid what was your dream job?

“It’s going to take a city effort to make that [community support] happen. We need more music venues downtown, we need to be able to bring other artists from other cities so that we can work together.”

most recent projects, Brown described how he has tailored such a unique sound. After exploring many genres, his work has evolved into a fusion of: jazz, hip hop, pop, and classical. AL: You said that at first you were a playwright, so how long have you actually been doing music?

AB: I know I definitely said I wanted to be a doctor. That went out the window when my older sister would come home with her friends and they would turn on MTV and I was like, oh man, I want to be a rock star.

AB: I guess it depends. When I was in college I was in the a cappella group, so I sang. I founded the University of Minnesota’s first ever a cappella group. So, that gave me about three years up there singing. I was also with an a cappella group here in Madison with a bunch of friends from high school but, as far as making money and being professional, I would say the last six years.

AL: Does any video stand out in your memory?

AL: Do you find the Madison music scene to be supportive?

AB: It’s really hard to not mention Michael Jackson. It’s really, really tough. Michael Jackson, whether it be “Thriller” or “Beat It.” I just remember watching those but there are also other artists. I have a very eclectic taste. Green Day was actually the first CD I ever owned—the Dookie album, Boyz II Men, and Brandy—all three of those were my first albums. I got them all at my sixth grade birthday party.

AB: It depends on what you’re asking as far as who the supporter is. I think that Madison musicians support one another; there are still bands I’m discovering and finding out about every single day. The ones that I do know—coming from blues, folk, rock, or hip hop—everyone kind of mingles in together. I think the community needs to do a better job getting out and supporting local artists at shows, actually paying to go into shows. It’s going to take a city effort to make that happen. We need more music venues downtown, we need to be able to bring other artists from other

It is obvious that Anthony Lamarr’s musical tastes as a child have informed his creative side as an adult. While discussing his

cities so that we can work together. Also buying merchandise, that’s a big one. AL: Do you feel like you’ve built a following? AB: My following is very different for me because I didn’t start out as a solo artist. I was a vocal percussionist (beat boxer) for Compass Rose, playing with Mike Droho the last six years. So I built my following within the group and then, as I started to kind of have my side projects, I developed the following. I wrote “We’re smelling Roses” for the UW football team, for the

Badgers when they went to the Rose Bowl a few years ago. When that song and that video launched—I won’t call it an accident because I don’t believe in those things—that moment happened and I brought in fans that would have never listened to my music ever. That was the first year that I had cut an album and then when I had that song released it instantly changed my position.

When you’re as talented and outgoing as Anthony Lamarr, exposure isn’t an accident. It’s imminent. He is the kind of performer who is always looking for an opportunity, not just to promote

his own music but to work with other musicians in the community and improve the scene for everyone. As consumers and music lovers we don’t always consider the part we play in the success of the artists we love. Thankfully, Anthony Lamarr and his fans found each other. If you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing his music, October is the time. AL: When in October are you performing? AB: I will be at the Chazen Museum on Saturday, October 5th at 2:30. There’s a special program that they’re putting on and there are going to be dif-

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

ferent performers that day. There’s going to be African drumming and the Boys and Girls Club is performing the Drum Line with Joey B. Banks, who is a drummer on almost all of my songs. Then I’m going to be performing with Meghan Rose. We’ve gotten together and started collaborating, so she is going to be playing piano and doing vocals. Then I will be at Crescendo off Monroe Street on October 12th and that’s with three other artists: Meghan Rose, Beth Kille, and Brett Levy. That’s a song writer circle. We’re each going to play one song a piece and then rotate. That’s kind of a cool experience. You don’t play a set and then sit down. I’m looking forward to that. AL: Do you have any dream collaborations?

AB: Before this band kind of blew up I was supposed to do a song with PHOX. There was a song that I had written for us and I’m hoping that there will still be that opportunity to do that. On a bigger scale, my taste is so eclectic, it would be so great to do a song with Fleet Foxes, Raphael Saadiq, and tell me why Adele has never done a duet with somebody! AL: You said that you work for the school district, that you’re a Behavior Specialist? AB: I have several titles. I’m an Educational Assistant but under that umbrella I am a Behavior Specialist. It means I work with all students, I’m in and out of all classrooms, and I’m on call if there’s a situation where a student might need some behavior support. AL: Does music influence your

job? AB: A little bit. It depends on the student. Some students really respond to that. A lot of the students are aware of what I do. Every year so far I’ve been asked, by at least one student, “Mr. Brown, are you famous?” I respond with: Yes I am!

Because this is the October issue, Brown decided to have a little fun and change into his Alvin and the Chipmunks costume for the rest of the photo shoot. But, according to Brown, the “A” stood for “Anthony.” Like any good self-promoter, this musician is not afraid to say that he believes in himself and the work that he does.

AL: Was there anything you wanted to talk about in this interview, how you do your writing, what inspires you, is there a message you wanted to convey?

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

AB: Anybody that knows me knows that all of my music is uplifting. It’s soul-searching. A lot of people try to put me in this R&B category. I like the Soul category because I’m not just focusing in on a certain type of sound. I focus in on your soul, your spirit. We have so much negative stuff going on in the world and when I write I’m inspired by really awful, painful things and I try to filter those things into something positive. There have been a couple times where I might leave you with questions after listening to a song, other times I try to provide something but I’m a man of God and I definitely try to put some messages in the songs that could be meditation or be maybe even prayerful. I have questions every day; I wake up and I question things. Some29

times I even put on my own songs because I have to remind myself that things aren’t always going to be like this. A couple of my fans have reached out and appreciated those messages. AL: That has to be a great thing to be able to use your own art as support in your daily life, to be able to listen to yourself. AB: People thought I was kind of crazy with these last three albums because I did it as a trilogy and there’s definitely a story. A lot of people aren’t really into the concept albums but I really like it because it does have a story, it’s not just: pop song, pop song, ballad, dance song, love song. It’s really just like that journey because that’s what life is.

Anthony Lamarr recently completed his new EP and hopes to release the full album by the New Year. I hope many of you will make the resolution to support local artists and buy a copy of Jump Start the Soul. It is sure to inspire many, if not to change their lives, then to move their feet at the very least. Until then, boost your spirit at the following sites: Anthony’s website

Anthony on Facebook

Love to Write About Local Music?

Get in touch with

Music Editor: Karen Wheelock karen.wheelock@projectfamous.com

BEAUTY

A B E A UT I F U L H A LL O W E EN by Candi Fuller Robbins

Halloween can be as simple or complicated as you want, but you can create really neat characters and looks from just about anything. Look to your favorite characters for inspiration for your final look and then begin looking into your very own closet for what you may already have. Here, we used The Wizard of Oz’s “Glinda the Good Witch,” Star Wars’ “Sith Lord,” DC Comics’ “Poison Ivy” and Disney’s “Maleficent” as inspiration. Ask around and think outside of the box. You can find real treasures at your local thrift stores and fun things to accentuate your costume can be found in any craft store. All of our looks were created with what our models already had and then added to with simple touches of creativity!

Photography JAMES ARROY Glittering Good Witch, Creepy Hooded Slayer, Ivy Temptress: Makeup Artist CANDI FULLER ROBBINS Hairstylist CASSIE REDMOND 31

Glittering Good Witch Model: Sara Moyer-Disch

The Good Witch's eyes were done up with L'Oreal Infallable in Flash Back Silver and topped with NYX in Cherry. Jewels accent her look and can be found at your local craft stores. The Good Witch's hair was set on extra-large hot rollers for added volume and shape and finished with Pureology's Supreme Control Hairspray. Her costume is simply a re-purposed prom dress. Cassie made a crown from fabric, paper and sequins. Candi made a wand from glitter, foil and precut wood star. P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

Creepy Hooded Slayer Model: Rokker Inker

To create this look, Candi used Mehron's Liquid Makeup for Face, Body and Hair in white and black. This is great theatrical makeup that can be found online and in your local Halloween shops. It is an easy-to-use paint that dries matte and can be layered for different looks. His costume was custom made, but even a simple black hooded cape and black clothing can replicate this look.

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

Ivy Temptress Model: Jen Ekenberg

Ivy Temptressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eyes were created with Ben Nye's Aqua Pallette in Green and topped with NYX loose shimmer powder in Jade Pearl. The NYX Jade Pearl was also dusted around her face and through her cheek bones instead of a traditional bronzer. Her lips are done up with Viva Glam from MAC. Cassie used red hair chalk from Amazon.com to bring a little more of the traditional character into the model's blonde hair. Her hair was then curled, crimped, braided and decorated with ivy vines and finished with Pureology's Supreme Control Hairspray. Her costume was simply a corset piece that Jen had and simple green shorts from Amazon.com. Cassie then used more of the vines to accent the overall look of the costume. P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

Evil Sorceress

Model: Erin Thompson

Makeup Artist: Candi Fuller Robbins Headpiece: Candi Fuller Robbins Hairstylist: Candi Fuller Robbins

The Evil Sorceress's makeup started with the Kryolan Bruise Wheel's purple and navy creme makeup. Ben Nye's Aqua Pallette in Green brings out her eyes. Black adhesive pearls were used to make her moles. These can be found in the scrapbooking department of any craft store. Mehron's Liquid Makeup in Black was used on her lips and topped with a simple lip gloss for shine. To create her hair, Candi made a head piece out of hair extensions and wire and incorporated Erin's hair into it. Erin used a simple black dress she already had and topped it with a cape from another costume and a heavy canvas apron was used to create her collar. 45

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

THE FREQUENCY 121 W. Main Street Madison, WI 53703 Tel: (608) 819-8777

OCTOBER SHOWS

10/15

BELLA RUSE w/ Wilder Maker, Griswald, Reina del Cid • 9:00 PM

10/16

MAJESTIC LIVE, COMMUNION MUSIC & 105.5 TRIPLE M PRESENT: COMMUNION MADISON • 8:00 PM

10/17

SOMEONE STILL LOVES YOU, BORIS YELTSIN w/ A Great Big Pile Of Leaves, Little Legend • 9:00 PM

10/18

ROKKER VODKA, MAXIMUM INK + WORT 89.9 welcome REV. NORB AND THE ONIONS • 9:00 PM

10/19

THE SHONDES w/ I Saw The Creature, Anna Wang and the Oh Boys! • 10:00 PM

10/20

ALI’S POWER HOUR DRINKING GAME • 8:00 PM

10/21

MAJESTIC LIVE presents BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR w/ Walker Lukens • 9:00 PM

10/22

MAJESTIC LIVE presents UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA w/ Fargo • 9:00 PM

10/23

MAJESTIC LIVE & PASTE MAGAZINE PRESENT SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION & HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF • 9:00 PM

10/24

MAJESTIC LIVE presents THOSE DARLINS w/ Gambles • 9:00 PM

10/25

MAXIMUM INK’S 11TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR presented by Rökker Vodka and Max Ink Radio • 9:00 PM

10/26

MAXIMUM INK’S 11TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR presented by Rökker Vodka and Max Ink Radio • 9:00 PM

10/27

FRANZ NICOLAY • 9:00 PM

10/28

DAPHNE LEE MARTIN w/ McDougall, Acousta Noir • 8:30 PM

10/29

MAJESTIC LIVE presents JOHN VANDERSLICE w/ Samantha Crain • 9:00 PM

10/30

THE EARTHLINGS w/ Hired Rivals, Take Me Tick Tock • 8:30 PM

10/31

MAJESTIC LIVE presents WILD CHILD w/ Hannah Luree • 8:30 PM

11/1

ELI AUGUST w/ Sexy Ester, Compass Rose • 9:00 PM

11/2

MAJESTIC LIVE presents LINDI ORTEGA w/ Brett Detar • 9:00 PM

11/3

MAJESTIC LIVE presents TURQUOISE JEEP • 9:00 PM

11/5

MAJESTIC LIVE presents TONY FURTADO • 8:30 PM

11/7

MAJESTIC LIVE presents THE BESNARD LAKES • 9:00 PM

11/8

MAJESTIC LIVE presents THE DEEP DARK WOODS • 9:00 PM

11/9

MAJESTIC LIVE presents YOU WON’T & THE SPRING STANDARDS • 8:00 PM

11/11

MAJESTIC LIVE presents NOBUNNY • 9:00 PM

11/13

MAJESTIC LIVE presents JESSICA HERNANDEZ & THE DELTAS w/ The Traveling Suitcase • 8:30 PM

11/15

MAJESTIC LIVE presents DIRECT HIT! w/ Dr. Manhattan, The American Dead • 10:00 PM

NOVEMBER SHOWS

MUSIC

Spotlight on The Frequency

elcome to The Frequency! One of Madison’s favorite rock clubs celebrated its fifth year this past summer. The Frequency is situated on a historic block on West Main Street and Fairchild Street. The club features live music catering to all genres of music with an intimate atmosphere, reasonable drink prices and a very neighborly vibe that will make people feel at home. I was recently able to catch up with owner Darwin Sampson to get a feel for how things came together. Allan O’Connor: Tell me about yourself and how you arrived in Madison? Darwin Sampson: I came here after graduating high school and spent a few years getting to know the club scene. I became a fan of Okay’z Corral and Club de Wash and saw many great bands play. I then moved back to Fond du Lac 49

by Allan O’Connor

Photography PHOTOPHELIA

for a while and began developing my band Uncle Eddy. The band and I decided to move back here in 1995 and I’ve made Madison my home and I have played bass in tons of bands since then. I am quite a band-whore and will play with anyone who wants to play. Currently, I play with Droids Attack and have other projects in the works. AOC: How did The Frequency come into being? DS: After spending time getting to know club owners and playing shows for years, I began to feel that I wanted to make a transition into a different avenue of music. Running a club seemed like a natural fit for me. I was working at Anchor Inn years ago and was offered the opportunity to run a club by two business acquaintances that liked the work I was doing. Although that quickly fell through, there became an urge to make it happen. It was

just a couple years later when the space that we have now became available. Those same acquaintances asked if I was interested and I jumped at it. AOC: What are some of the challenges that you have faced while owning the club? DW: Although I had worked in clubs for years before, I didn’t have any idea how to own one. I learned many lessons the hard way and made a lot of mistakes. I also had support from other owners in town that helped me tremendously. I don’t really want to bring it up but the situation where a gun was fired outside the bar was a really difficult time. There are always mundane things to take care of such as building maintenance and upkeep of the sound system and these things can be very challenging. AOC: What are some of your

Toree’s Long Island

favorite parts of being here at The Frequency?

DS: Well, I do give some money to police and fire organizations when I can. I am most active with Domestic Abuse Intervention S e r v i c e s (DAIS). I really like their organization and the help they

AOC: You’ve made through the five-year mark, do you have any expectations for the next five years? DS: Well, we have formed a partnership with the Majestic, which has been a benefit for both of the businesses and has allowed me to focus my energy better towards the club. Also, as long as the building holds up, we are gonna be alright.

DS: I believe it really is the people and the music. We’ve had so many great bands and a few not so great bands. I’ve had the privilege of meeting many great musicians and lots of characters. I have a really great staff, too. They really help make this place go as much or more than I do. I thank all of them for their help. Also, the building, in Leslie pours a Tequila Shot fountain of pleasure it’s infinite past, was a funeral home and many of the people who work here and myprovide. Domestic abuse is Be sure to stop in and say self have had experiences with hello to Darwin and the staff! something that affects many apparitions and weird things Check out The Frequency at 121 people and it’s something that happening. We’ve got some West Main Street, and online on is very hard to talk about for the ghosts here but we all get their website and Facebook. victims, let alone get the help along. they need. The Sparetime Stop in to see The Frequency Bluegrass Band, one of my AOC: I know that you will occagang! longest-running acts, is in here sionally do some charitable every third Thursday of the work for the community. Are See page 48 for The Frequency’s month and they collect food for you currently involved with any October/November calendar. the food pantry at their shows. groups? P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

L to R: Toree, Ellie, Chris, Darwin, & Jake

Why the Frequency Is So Cool, According to the Dedicated Staff:

Ben Ahlenius: “The most enjoyable aspect about working at The Frequency for me is working as a team to get the job done. We all have a part in making The Frequency a great venue.”

Chris Kasper: “The most enjoyable things about working at the Frequency for me are the people I work with. It truly is a family. That mentality really comes from the top down. Darwin is a fun guy to work for and we all love the place and really do care about the business being successful. Most nights, I look forward to going to work! We all hang out outside of the Frequency as well. It’s not uncommon to find half of the staff gathered around a campfire somewhere on a Friday night.”

Dustin Boyle: (AKA Detune Audio) “My favorite part is and always will be getting to see and interact with great musical acts from all over the world. I also love being able to meet various local groups of musicians and see how the shape of the Madison music scene is continually evolving. That and having an amazing boss that truly loves and cares for the scene in this town.”

Ellie Maybe: “The Frequency is special because it's one of those clubs that makes you feel like you've found the best-kept secret in town. It's got that cozy neighborhood rock-n-roll dive feel with a powerhouse sound system and a staff that genuinely loves live music and working with each other. Folks are often surprised to learn that certain huge bands have played here, but we're notorious for treating touring artists well and showing them a good time. When the bands are happy, the show is better, and they want to come back.” Marty Alstad: “What sets the Frequency apart for me is no matter what night I work, the music is always changing. It never gets dull or boring. The venue has a great vibe to it, and has established itself as a prime venue for the Madison Music scene. We have lots of live local music, as well as bigger name national touring acts. I feel that we have been a launching pad for some great upcoming young talent, mostly in part to the booking that Darwin does. We have cheap covers, and always $2.50 PBR; how can anyone go wrong?”

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

Fiddle Me This: An Evening With

Amy McNally

by Abigail Brown

Photography Rise Up Lights Photography

It was raining; I was slicing apples in the kitchen, Hazardous Fiddle was playing in the living room and I was expecting company at any moment. That company was Amy McNally, a good friend and an even better violinist. Fresh from the release of her first album, Hazardous Fiddle, McNally is perhaps best known in town as the eclectic/electric-blue-haired “infamous fiddler” and is a woman of vast musical talent.

the violin when she was three years old. Her mother was involved with a luthier (violinmaker) at that time and was able to provide instruments for McNally to use. At 11, she found a deep interest in folk music, and at 13 she was able to go to a Scottish fiddle camp. When asked about her preference for this genre, she says, “I love the Scottish idiom because there’s a lift to it… It’s music informed by dance. It’s much less

music, it’s obvious that I was trained classically. In some ways, I don’t fit in anywhere because my playing-style is so mixed, but in another way, it’s a product of who I am and that means there’s nobody who does it quite like me. There may always be somebody who does it better, but no two musicians are the same.”

As I was preparing for the interview that evening, it struck me very clearly how McNally’s music was so very like her as a person - cozy, a little bit mischievous, energetic but tender. It was the kind of music you could warm your hands to on a cold day, like a mug of hot cider or a chair by the hearth. It couldn’t have set a better stage for the musician herself, who arrived moments later, armed with two of her violins.

rigid than Irish dance. The strathspey (a Scottish dance) looks like the dancers are dancing on air. It’s so beautiful to me.” Scottish music alone is not all that informs McNally’s work, though. She has a blend of styles and techniques that creates its own brand of folk.

ardous Fiddle, the intricate but subtle mix of classical and Celtic inspiration does create a very unique sound. True, there’s nothing else quite like it, but you’d also be hard-pressed to find anybody who could do it better; McNally’s liveliness and joy are a constant accompaniment to her playing. That kind of passion makes for the best music, no matter what style or training.

McNally started playing

McNally herself describes her playing-style as a kind of “mutt.” She explains, “When I’m playing with a classically-trained group of players, it’s obvious I play folk music. When I play folk

From what the listener can tell from McNally’s work in Haz-

When asked to describe herself as a musician, McNally

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013

had to pause for a moment. “As a person, I might be described as depressive-go-lucky,” she says wryly, and laughs. “I’m not naturally a happy person. I’m goodhumored and I try to find the silver-linings in things, but I’m really happiest when I’m playing.” How does the music change her? “I’m distractible, improvisational. I embellish, harmonize, I’m fluid, graceful in a way I rarely am otherwise - even a little silly. Improv musicians are always telling little jokes to each other with their instruments.” McNally’s reverence and love for her instruments are clearly seen when she plays them. There’s a small smile, the slide and flutter of her fingers and a sense of excitement as she puts the bow to the strings. At the close of the interview, I asked McNally if there was 55

anything else she might wish to add. “You get trained to do a lot of self promo,” she chuckled, “but if there’s anything I want them to really come away with, it’s that music is so vitally important. It connects people in ways that nothing else can. I’ve been so lucky if my mom hadn’t dated a luthier, if I hadn’t been able to get scholarships and if other people hadn’t thought that music was important to give to children, I would be nowhere. I had no money growing up, and my school system didn’t have an orchestra in our high school. I’m happy we’ve got the Madison Area Music Association here, whose job it is to encourage young people musically, and put instruments in their hands if necessary, like my mom did for me through a twist of fate and a lot of scholarship applications. So if you know someone who’s thinking

about getting into music, no matter what, it’s important to help them make that dream a reality.” McNally plays frequently around the Madison area with bands such as the Tooles, Mad City Jug Band, Wild Mercy and Play It With Moxie, and upcoming events can be found at her website. As it is the fall season, it’s hard to ask for a better evening than a rowdy pub with some excellent folk music, and I for one would certainly recommend it. Visit www.amymcnally.com and http://facebook.com/infamousfiddler. Her CD can be found at numerous places, such as iTunes, CDbaby.com, Amazon.com, or if you’re a wonderful shop-local kind of person, it can be found at Room of One’s Own bookstore here in Madison.

I WA N T YO U F O R P RO J E C T FA M O U S

F O R P RO J E C T FA M O U S BE A WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, OR SUPPORTER OF OUR MAGAZINE.

Project Famous is a volunteer-based magazine and we are looking for enthusiastic members to join our cause. CONTACT US info@projectfamous.com for available positions, letters to the editor, and advertisement. Support your local arts and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cover them.

THE ARTS

Spotlight On Bright Red Studios Story and Photography by Christy Grace

n life, there are those that are defined by their passions. We can identify these people because they surround themselves with their interests, talk about them all the time, take classes, do research, even seek out people with similar likings so that they can share their enjoyment.

Madison’s Evan Bradbury found his passion for art at a young age. “At times art became so much of an addiction that it would get me in trouble. It would rob me of sleep and focus; I would cover my desks, my bedroom walls, my text57

books, notebooks and anything that would accept ink or graphite. Eventually, my parents started buying me sketchbooks and accepting that the only way this was ever going to be enjoyable for them or anyone else was to let me practice. And so practice I did.”

In his college years, the call of New York’s Art Students League of NY and the National Academy of Design took Bradbury away for a little while. He shares, “Maybe it was the smell that finally did it, or perhaps in was the cost of milk, but I gladly left after two years and returned to my home and love - Madison. I hunted for a place to experience the same level of artistic explo-

ration and challenge that I had found in New York City and quickly discovered that it was going to be a feat to even find a place to paint.” In 2012, Bradbury claimed a creative place of his own and opened Bright Red Studios at 9 Ingersoll Street.

Bradbury created Bright Red not only to serve as a gallery and studio space, but also as a place to help others learn and grow in their artistic skills. Every Thursday, from 7-10pm, the studio is transformed into a life drawing workshop. A semicircle of easels and chairs is set to look inward onto a red chaise lounge chair where a male or female model sits in a robe and chats with

the artists before the sessions begin. Drawing supplies are available for use, though artists are also encouraged to bring supplies from home - pastels, paint, airbrush or other medium.

At the beginning of class, artists are greeted by either Bradbury or Paul Smith, another talented local artist. They are there not to teach, but to facilitate. They

encourage artists of all levels to join and guide the workshops through various timed drawing sessions. The workshops have entertained a wide spectrum of creative souls - from people trying their hand at figure drawing for the first time, to architectural draftsmen working on the softer side of design, to practicing local artists who want to brush up or keep sharp. Bradbury likes to make art of his own during the classes, enjoying the company of other creative types. Smith delights in seeing the process and technique of each person and will find comparisons with the styles

he sees to some of the betterknown artists from his own studies and experiences.

When it is time to start drawing, a time length of the pose is decided upon by general consensus. Unless anyone has ideas for a pose, the model removes the robe and finds a comfortable position for that amount of time. Sometimes the workshop is started

with a few 10-15 minute drawings, just to get into the right mindset and become accustomed to the setup and materials. After getting warmed up, each session will last for 20-40 minutes, punctuated by stretch breaks for both the model and the artists.

Each artist brings an individual flair to his or her sketches; not every artist draws the whole scene. Some pick a section of the body and do a close-up, highly detailed rendering of that portion. Other artists take a more abstract approach and work elements of the figure into swirls, doodles and

splatters. It is up to each person to adapt the experience to individual creative needs; treat the workshop like a class and study the figure closely or use it as a time to start a new piece that can be added upon at home. By 10pm, it has been a full night of art and each person leaves with four-eight different drawings. The modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, the space, and

the supplies are definitely worth the cost of $20 per workshop (or $15 when purchased in advance/bulk). Some artists are regulars and you will see them almost every week, while some try to stop in about once a month or when their time allows. For more information, contact Bradbury by calling 608206-1613 or emailing brightredstudios@gmail.com. To get up-to-date information and get connected, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LifeDrawingatBRS. Hope to see you there!

P RO J E C T F A M O U S . C O M | OCTOBER 2013