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New Music: interview with Gemma Ray
I first discovered Gemma Ray's music when I saw the haunting video for "100Mph (in 2nd gear)". I watched it over and over as I realized this is someone whose music and overall artistic appeal is extremely intriguing. This singer-songwriter from Essex admits her love for 50's music and her voice and guitar do have a certain vintage garage-sound raw clarity. While this was not her first album, Gemma Ray really broke through with Lights out Zoltar, out in 2009 on Bronzerat Records, with a broad range of styles represented - 50's, 60's, jazz, country - it's a treat. This was the album that featured the captivating film-noir "100 mph (in 2nd gear)". Gemma's latest album - It's a Shame about Gemma Ray is a collection of covers - songs she loves that she turned into her own. It's unconventional and spur-of-the-moment, and a beautiful take on great songs like Buddy Holly's "Everyday" and Memphis Minnie's "Looking the World Over" - my favorites from the 16-song set. There is something dark and lonesome in her voice, and added with the brilliant guitar skills, Gemma Ray is definitely someone to watch. I asked her a few questions on her music and history in this interview.
When did you first discover guitar? Do you write your own music and lyrics?
My uncle gave me a beaten up classical guitar when I was 13 or 14 which I learned to hammer out basic sounds from. When I was 15 my dad found me an old amp and electric guitar (in a skip I think) - I promptly found the reverb button and cranked it up11. I remember being mesmerised by playing a top e over and over in my bedroom.
I write my own music and lyrics but "It's a Shame About Gemma Ray" is a covers album so the songs are re-workings of the original tracks.
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Top DVD picks: Summer 2010
This time we've got quite a variety of flicks for you - from dark comedy to historic drama, documentary to comedic horror - it's a bag full of surprises. Mostly driven by young actors, these movies are different, fun to watch and worth talking about. Read on for our top DVD picks for Summer 2010.
Youth in Revolt
The story is old as day - a teenage boy is anxious to lose his virginity; so when he meets a new girl he immediately falls head over heals in love and will do anything for her. But it works thanks to the absolutely brilliant dialogue. The screenplay is so sharp and witty, you will listen to every word. And it helps that Michael Cera (of the Juno fame) is cast as the main character, Nick Twisp. His alter ego - the suave and dangerous Francois adds a touch of thrill to the story. The girl - Sheeni, played by Portia Doubleday - is perfect too - a little bit sweet, a little bit bad and very smart and understanding. Despite the predictability of the relationship, the story has a great pace and you will often be surprised by the course of events and fun characters that pop up throughout. A few such charaters that stood out for me were Jean Smart as Nick's mom, funny man Zach Galiaflanakis and Ray Liotta as mom's boyfriends and Steve Buschemi as mom's ex-husband. With a brilliant screenplay by Gustin Nash based on C.D. Payne's novel, this film is must-see.
Buy Youth in Revolt
