Indie Ville TV #130 Lindsay Ross – Nominated for Actress of the Year

Written by Lillian  Rhine                                        


How long have you been in the film industry?              
I only recently started training and working in the film industry. I started acting in New York doing live theater. I moved to Nashville five years ago and started singing on the General Jackson Showboat. During that time I also decided to explore a different medium of storytelling and entertainment.

Can you tell us a little about some of the films you have been featured in?
“Take It All The Way” was by far one of the most enjoyable projects I have ever worked on. I’m a singer, so to be able to incorporate two loves into one film was wonderful. I’m excited about a new, more serious film I’m shooting at the end of March.

Was making film your first love? What other aspects of the film world interest you?
My first love was reading. I would read autobiographies and biographies about anyone, preferably everyday, unknown people. I’ve always loved figuring out what people do, why they do, how they do. When I met my husband he was a cinematographer and I became interested in film through that. However, I’ve always loved acting.

What is the most challenging thing about being an actress?
For me it’s that fine balance of caring enough and not caring too much. It’s being thick skinned and vulnerable.

If you could act alongside anyone, who would it be?
My immediate 13 year old reaction to this question is Leonardo DiCaprio. (Who’s kidding who, my adult self is saying the same thing. He’s a wonderful actor). But right now I’m really into Brie Larson’s work.

What is your process or quirks when you create?
This is weird and I’m honestly unsure why I’m sharing it but I like to rehearse in my bathroom with the lights off. Once I feel like it’s a little more in my body I will turn the lights on. Like a graduation.

Tell us about your best film experience.
“Take It All The Way” ignited a confidence in myself that I am truly thankful for. There’s nothing better than getting to collaborate and do something you love with your friends who inspire you on and off the set. It won Nashville’s 48 hour and went on to win top 12 and best song at Filmapalooza. We were also chosen to be screened at Cannes film festival. Couldn’t be more excited to go to France — Au revoir!!

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?
This is going to sound cliche but I promise you it’s not. Be you. Just go to your bathroom, sit in there with the lights off, and turn the lights on when you figure it out.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games
V for Vendetta
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Zootopia
The Wizard of Oz
Room

****Honestly though I’m feeling TV way more right now! Here’s my top TV shows.
Westworld
This Is Us
House of Cards
Law and Order SVU

Is being Lindsay Ross the actor just a dream, a career, or a side gig?
Being Lindsay Ross the actor is a dream career. I’m thankful for every project. Each one, big and small, reminds me that I’m making a living in the industry I chose.

Website: lindsayrossactor.com
Instagram: lindsayrosstalks
Facebook: Lindsay Ross Davenport // Lindsay Ross
Snapchat: lindsayrossk
Twitter: lindsayrossk
Other: IMDB—  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6935095/?ref_=tt_cl_i4

Indie Ville TV #129 Jamie Meyer Nominated for Indie Music Video of the Year

Written by K.L.Graham

Indieville Catches Up With Last Year's Swedeheart Jamie Meyer    

Jamie Meyer, one of Nashville's favorite Swede's is back with his new EP "Miss This Town."

We caught up with him and got a few answers on all the excitement for the new EP.

With songs like "Miss This Town," "Live to die another day, "Found Heaven on a Dirt Road," and "Somebody's Somebody" among others, Mr. Meyer does seem to have a favorite...

"My personal favorites changes on daily basis, but the response for Holy Ground To Me, is undeniable. It made an impact and connected with people all the way from Hising Island, Sweden (my home) to Long Island, NY!"

Jamie is excited to be back in Nashville recording with his friends at Omni Studios as well as all of his colleagues back home in Sweden.

 "It was recorded & Produced by Jimmy Mattingly & Johnny Garcia at Sound Emporium & Omni Studios in Nashville. Holy Ground & Miss This Town was recorded by Håkan Mjörnheim in Stockholm, Sweden. Also I have to give a big shout out to Jim Cooley who mixed most of the tracks!"

The biggest question though is, is the EP and title track about his beloved Nashville or Sweden?

Jamie says: "It's strange because at first it was obviously about my home town and tryin' to move on after the huge loss of my Grandparents. But lately it has become my Anthem for people and friends in Nashville. I always dedicate that song to Nashville in concert because moving to Music City helped in the healing process."

Healing through music and living it up in Music City has led Jamie to happiness, and acclaim. So what's next you ask?

 "Man, just go with the flow, Right! And enjoy the journey! I'm also planning on a Live Christmas EP 2017."

You can download "Miss This Town" on Spotify.  You can also see more of the Swedish heartthrob at www.jamiemeyer.net and on instagram @jamiemeyermusic.

Indie Ville TV #128 Cody Rogers – Nominated Indie Film of the year

Written by Lillian Rhine

How long have you been a filmmaker?                        

I’ve been in the film industry for 4 years now. I started out as an actor and moved into the directing side 2 years ago.

Can you tell us a little about your nominated film?

“Take It All The Way” was created for the 2016 Nashville 48 Hour Film Project. For those unfamiliar with that, it’s a short film competition where filmmakers have 48 hours to write, film, and edit a 7 minute short film. I decided this year I wanted to take on the extra challenge of taking on a musical, so the songs were also written, recorded, and mastered within that same 48 hour time frame.

With the film, we got 16 award nominations and took home 6 awards including Best Director and Best Film. Because we won Best Film, we went to the 48 Hour Film Project’s international festival, Filmapalooza. While there, the film made top 12 out of 140 films and took home the Best Song award. The film will also be featured in the Short Film Corner at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

Was making films your first love? What other aspects of the film world interest you?

Looking back, I wish I would have realized years ago that film making is what I wanted to do. I grew up in a small town in Kentucky where film making wasn’t really a part of the community. When I moved to Nashville 5 years ago, that’s when I realized that there could be something there.

I’m also interested in the acting side of the film industry. If I had to pick between the two though, I think directing is more my forte. However, starting out as an actor, it’s helped me not only be able to better direct the talent, but I also know the best actors in Nashville that I’m able to handpick for my films.

What is the most challenging thing about being a filmmaker? Which is more difficult, writing or shooting?

I’m not much of a writer. I have story line ideas, but putting that together in a nice little story just doesn’t work for me. I did stand-up comedy for a period of time, so I know jokes. With that, I can punch up a script, but again, not so good with actually creating a story arc on my own.

With directing, the most difficult part is ALL decisions come down to you. “What color should the wall be?” “Where should this cup go?” Things that I never even thought about now become important parts of the process.

Who are some of your favorites in the industry now in regards to other filmmakers or actors?

I’m obsessed with David Fincher. His entire story about starting with commercials and music videos before going on to create some of the best films of our generation intrigues me. I’m also a huge fan of the Coen Brothers and how they setup their shots. Very rarely will you see an over the shoulder shot in a Coen Brothers film because they want you to feel like you’re in the middle of the character’s conversations; a tactic I now try and use in my films.

What is your process or quirks when you create films?

When I create films, the first thing I do is try and find the best way to visually tell the story. When I do this, I normally can picture exactly who I see in each role (whether it’s an actor I know, or an already known actor), so I get a type down. From there, it goes to breaking down the script and thinking up my shot list.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who chew ice… But in the industry, I’d say selfish filmmakers. I get it, it’s all about distinct personalities, but I am a very collaborative director. I enjoy getting feedback and ideas from my Director of Photography and it irks me when I’ve worked with people who is a “my way or the highway” type.

Tell us about your best film experience.

I’d say this film, “Take It All The Way” has been my best film experience. It was my first ever Best Film win and is my first film to go to Cannes. The entire process from start to finish was just a joy. In my opinion, 90% of my job as a director is getting the best team together. I had the most amazing team behind me that made it all possible. The leads, Alan Powell and Lindsay Ross are both phenomenal actors and singers (the main reason I decided to do a musical). Alan is also a great producer that helped get the music side of the film together.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

Don’t wait; create your own content. There are so many affordable ways now to create your own content, there is no excuse to not constantly be creating. 

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games.

Top Five Movies:

— Zodiac

— No Country for Old Men

— The Wizard of Oz

— Mad Max: Fury Road

— Toy Story

Is being Cody Rogers the filmmaker just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

Right now, it’s still a dream, at least it still feels like I’m dreaming. While it’s not currently a full time gig, I can see that happening within the next few years.

We at IndieVille TV would like to thank you for letting us get to know Cody Rogers and congratulations on the nomination.

Website:  http://codymrogers.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ActorCodyRogers/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/CodyRogers

Other:   http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4976382/

Indie Ville TV #127 Toran Turner –Nominated for Male Model

Written by Lillian Rhine

How long have you been a model?             

Well, I was the ugly duckling, which I thought through grade school. I was bullied because my enigma was different. I'm the black sheep in my community. At the age of 20 I became more accepting of my look and owned it ever since. So about 5 years now.

Was modeling and fashion something that always interested you?

I never in a million years thought  I'd pursue a modeling career.. but being a good person and believing in truth, love, and freedom in the path of healing friends family and the world, modeling is who I am naturally.  In every form and fashion.

I grew up wear hand-me-down clothes but would always up cycle them into new creations that fit my flow.

What is the most challenging thing about being a male model in the fashion world?

Well since I'm an UNISEX Model, so  it works out for me. Male or Female casting calls I attend both. And I'm bless to say I get more callbacks then turn downs now that I can transform into freedom naturally.

Who is your favorite model and why?

My favorite model is Aaliyah. She was known as a Singer-Model. Everything she did was natural and still able to be herself in anything she represented for. Being her own brand and image.

Do you prefer high-fashion or commercial print?

I love both but high fashion gives me more freedom to be the face of a new  creation of fashion trends.

What makes you tick?

My poised avatar energy and spirit. I turn heads in every environment. The peacekeeper.. the balance of human beings.

Tell us about your best modeling experience?

Honestly, this opportunity the IndieVille Awards is giving me the second time around. Last year I didn't win but to know my hard work is being seen around the city and then some. I'm forever grateful for this.

Do you have any advice for upcoming male models?

Enter your void. Be yourself. Don't over think and let go of your creation.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games.

Top Five Foods:  Lasagna, Gumbo, Pot Stickers, Chicken Green Bean Casserole (Auntie Recipe), Grandma’s Turkey Dressing

Is being Toran Turner the model just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

It's a dream that I dreamt  of as child. Everything is like De ja vu now.

We at IndieVille TV would like to thank you for letting us get to know Toran Turner and congratulations on your nomination.

Website:  www.toranUnlimited.com

Instagram:  2ranUNLIMITED

Facebook:  2ranUnlimites

Snapchat:  Toranunlimited

Google Me:   "TORAN TURNER"

Indie Ville TV #125 Dead Deads – Nominated Alternative EP of the year

Written by Lillian Rhine

Tell us about the Dead Deads?       

The Dead Deads are comprised of a pair of best friends who came together for a girls' jam that turned into much more.  We explore sounds from 90's bands like The Pixies and Sonic Youth to more modern bands like the Foo Fighters and Mastodon, creating a diverse mix of drum-driven, hooky grunge, metal and punk music.  We've been creating music together for about 3 years now.

How did you come up with the name Dead Deads?

We started as a Dead Milkmen tribute band, but wanted to write our own music.  We liked wearing XX's over our eyes, and wanted to keep that "dead" branding.  There are several Dead _______ bands or the _________ Deads, so we decided on The Dead Deads.

Have you always wanted to do music?

Absolutely; several of us have been musicians for many years - it's our livelihood.

What is the most challenging thing about being an artist?

Probably the physical wear and tear on our bodies.

What was the inspiration behind your album?

For Your Obliteration was our second full-length album, and I think our motivation was to really find our musical genre, or where we best fit.  Our music is quite different than anything out there, and each song differing quite a bit from each other, but we attempted to find a common direction with the record.  Also, I think this goes for any artist, we were better musicians for this album, and we wanted a more challenging, rock-driven record and I think we achieved that, especially with Page Hamilton (Helmet) producing. 

What is your process or quirks when you create music?

We like to be a bit weird.  Anyone can write a catchy hook, and song structures can be really similar, but we like to think outside of the box for both.  We create music rather quickly in a room together, like the band has its own stream of consciousness. 

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Haha, I'm not sure any of us are embarrassed by the music we like, even if it's Taylor Swift, or whomever (and we love her).  I can only speak for myself, but I (Billy, the drummer) tend to like pop music and some of the artists I like are not even close to being as heavy as our music is.

Tell us about your best performance.

I don't think we've had it yet, but we've had some great shows!  We played Webster Hall in NYC and that was a lot of fun, and I think we sounded great, too.  We've played a few festivals, but we headlined Chattanooga's Riverbend Fest in 2015 and that was one of our best shows.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

Work VERY hard.  Review your own videos and get better.  Be honest to yourself and don't compromise that.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games

I think the easiest is the movie category for me:  Mary Poppins, Aliens, Dumb & Dumber, Casino and Robin Hood (the cartoon one).

Is being Dead Deads the alternative group just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

Well, being a musician is all of our careers now.  And we're definitely living a dream being in The Dead Deads.  We're on a righteous mission here!

We at IndieVille TV would like to thank you for letting us get to know The Dead Deads and congratulations on your nomination.

Website:  thedeaddeads.com

Instagram:  thedeaddeads

Facebook:  Facebook.com/thedeaddeads

Twitter:  thedeaddeads

Other:  longlivethedeaddeads.bandcamp.com

Indie Ville TV #124 Tramaine Arte’mis – Nominated R&B EP of the year

Written by Lillian Rhine

How long have you been in the music industry?     

The Industry has always surrounded me; but I would say I started making my mark about six years, rather I was hosting my own Jazz show or singing, I just did it!

What was the inspiration behind your R&B project?

I like to think of my project as Contemporary and Smooth Jazz with a hint of R&B. The inspiration comes from Love and the divine connection that comes with it when it’s authentic. 

What is the most challenging thing about being an artist?

The most challenging thing for me is being too hard on myself, I have to step back sometimes and breathe and remember that perfectionism leaves no room for growth.

If you could create music with any other singers/musicians, who would you choose and why?

Although there are so many greats to choose from, I would have to say first off Quincy Jones, Michael

McDonald, Jazz Pianist & Producer Marcus Johnson; and Female Vocal Extraordinariness: Connie Florence, Diane Reeves, and Rachelle Ferrell. They are all rich in talent and each has qualities and uniqueness that I admire and learn from.

What is your process or quirks when you create music?

My process I would say is tapping into real issues of life and allowing the music to happen...Quirks? Cannot really think of any quirks, unless you count occasional writer’s block lol

What makes you tick?

When I have accomplished a goal and come to a true understanding of my true inner potential on what I am working on.

Tell us about your best performance?

My best performance was my CD release party for “Connected” The energy in the room was beautiful! Having family and friends locally and out of town definitely drove me to a higher place in my performance and it was a magical night of music.

Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?

Be Authentic and Attitude is everything. Moreover, keeping a positive spirit through your artistic journey will help you stay focused though the ups and the downs.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”: food, cities, bands, movies, games

Food: Some of my Favs are:

5-Fresh to Order

4-Ghot Wings

3- Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

2- Sicilian Pizza

1- Virago

Is being Tramaine Arte’Mis the artist just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

Tramaine Arte’Mis is who I am inside and out. My vision as an artist is reality. My gift is a reality therefore, I strive to elevate and evolve allowing my gift to work for me letting it take me where I am meant to go with it.

Website: www.mstramaineartemismusic.com

Instagram: @tartemis777

Facebook: @TArteMisMusic

Indie Ville TV #123 Micah Dean – Nominated for Comedian of the Year

Written by Lillian Rhine

How long have you been a comedian?

It has been 4 years this month!

Was doing comedy something that always interested you?

Always, it was never a bucket list thing…it was a why haven’t you started doing this yet.

What is the most challenging thing about being a comedian?

Writing a good joke.

Who is your favorite comic and why?

Greg Giraldo. Intelligent, loud and the quickest guy in the room.

What is your process or quirks when you create comedy bits?

When I have a new joke I’m working on I go to this empty room in my house. I’ll post pictures of anyone whoever broke up with me or pictures of smurfs on the walls and then turn off the lights. I’ll do the new joke and shout and stuff and then turn on the light. If I can look at the photos and still feel horrible then I know I’m on to something.

What makes you tick?

Comics who take themselves too seriously.

Tell us about your best performance?

Haven’t had it yet. But one time in Kentucky a woman liked a joke so much she bought me a coke. That was pretty great.

Do you have any advice for upcoming comics?

Embrace the bomb. Bombing is a thing that happens no matter how long you have been doing it, don’t be afraid just embrace it when it happens, learn from it and repeat.

Choose one of the following topics and give a “top five”:  food, cities, bands, movies, games.

Top Five Bands:  Nerf Herder, Nirvana, Turbo Negro, The Bronx, Deftones.

Is being Micah Dean the comedian just a dream, a career, or a side gig?

A way of life!

We at IndieVille TV would like to thank you for letting us get to know Micah Dean and congratulations on the nomination.

Website:  http://micahdean.com/

Instagram:  deanspirit

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MicahDeanMachine

Twitter:  micahdean

Other:  myspace.com/micahlovesstacie