Success Circuit

Normal People, Living Their Dreams!

Author Archives: Michelle

About Michelle

I have had many requests lately from people wanting to know more about Success Circuit, normally I just say 'I am a people watcher, a good listener and a finder of inspirational people'. I guess now is a good a time as any to say that this description is all true! SC was originally created in 2009 by my son Shane Hudson I took over the site in April 2012 and have since enjoyed interviewing people that inspire me in one way or another. Anyone that I feel is interesting or has worked extra hard through adversity will be featured. If you know anyone that fits that description then please contact me and I will look in to interviewing them. Please note though that we do not usually accept guest bloggers. I hope this more indepth bio satisfies your curiousity, if you would like to know more than please feel free to contact us.

1. Tess Hunt and Josh Sussman Disclose All

   June 14, 2013 12:12 pm Leave a Comment

   There have been many requests from a few of my readers for an interview with actress Tess Hunt and actor Josh Sussman. Your wish is my command! I have to admit that they are one of the sweetest couples that I have interviewed so far! If you have not heard of them, read on. If you know who they are, enjoy! I would also like to thank Sarah Tock and Bee Louise for providing a few of these questions

   Can you both start by telling me a bit about yourselves please?

   We are both American actors living in Los Angeles. I’m from the Bay Area, and Josh is from Teaneck, New Jersey. I have a dog named Bonnie.    We live together and have been dating for three years as of June 21^st.

   Nearly your anniversary!!  Congratulations! How did you both meet?

   We met at a movie premiere through a mutual friend named Patrick Gallagher (you may know him as Coach Ken Tanaka from the first season of Glee) on our first date we went hiking and then played Connect four. Bless, that is so sweet lol

   Can I ask Josh, in what ways has being on Glee changed/affected your life?

   It meant that wherever I went, people started to recognize me.  It opened a lot of doors and I began to get invited to things I didn’t before and meet a lot of people.  It also helped me financially, although I haven’t been on it much lately.

   He has been missed on it lately! His absence has been noticed by Gleeks!

   I know!  He says that means a lot to him and he’s super appreciative of all of the fans.  He knows the character hasn’t been popular and so when people say nice things it really means so much.

   For those of you that do not watch Glee (Why not?!) Josh plays Jacob Ben Israel the editor of the school newspaper and gossip blogger. He has been compared in the media to Perez Hilton, that should tell you all you need to know! I think it is one of those characters that people love to hate.

              

   Tess, what has been your favourite role so far?

   My favorite role was in a pilot for a series on Fox. I was cast as a series regular, but it was not picked up by the network unfortunately.  It was called Life of Leisure   I played an ex-stripper/entrepreneur and kind of a crazy person, it was an amazing group of people.  I wish it had been picked up! That sounds like a fun show!

   Josh, you were also in The Disney Channels Wizards of Waverley Place, how was that one for you?

   Wizards of Waverly Place was so much fun.

   I’ve done 8 episodes of it and 2 of them were in the first season before the show ever aired. It was fun coming into it at such an early stage and meeting Selena Gomez at the beginning of her career. Wizards was the nicest, most friendly environment. It felt like a family. Working for Disney is amazing!  I would be a very happy person if I was on a Disney Series again.

   

   Only 8? It seems so much more! You were a very popular character with the children.

   What has been your favourite role Josh?

   Playing a character called Cecil on a show called Warren the Ape which was on MTV and nobody really ever got to see it.  It’s a really funny show.

   

   If you could both choose any role/film/TV program, which would it be and why? A dream role for you both I guess.

   Josh’s dream role is playing a superhero in a movie. Any particular super hero or a new one? A new superhero I would also like to be part of a comedy ensemble show like Friends.

   Tess’ dream role would be a role on a show like Modern Family or Arrested Development, it’s amazing.  It just got voted one of the 20 best written series of all time.

   Can I ask you both, what has been your biggest struggles in life so far, either personally or professionally?

   Getting good representation has been a struggle for me (Tess) and I’ve struggled with depression a lot.

   Tess, how have you managed to deal with your depression, it is something so many suffer from, what kind of things help you?

   Exercise and therapy when I can afford it!

   I wish you all the love, respect and best wishes with it. I know how difficult it can be to find positivity at times.

   

   Josh – it’s just a difficult profession because you never really know when your next job is coming, there are a lot more actors than there are jobs.

   Now, I know that you are quite big on YouTube Tess, do you find it easier to find YT roles than TV roles or do you just prefer it?

   It is easier to find them YouTube is a lot of fun, though.  There is a lot of great stuff on the internet these days. It’s getting a lot more respect than in the past couple of years. We recently went to the Streamy Awards where they gave out awards to ‘the best of the net’.  It was fun.

   Did you win any?

   LOL  no.  They were focusing on the huge channels that have hundreds of thousands of subscribers and millions of views. One day!

   Can I ask Josh, you have worked with quite a few famous leading ladies, do you ever get star struck? Lol

   I was most star struck meeting Jim Cummings, the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Mary Lynn Rajskub from 24.  You met Winnie The Pooh?!!  Everyone’s childhood fantasy!

   You too Tess, have you ever been star struck on a show or awards ceremony?

   I was star struck the first time I met Meryl Streep.  Brad Pitt was up there too!

   Now with names like that, no one can blame you! I just love Meryl Streep.

   Who would you both love to work with?

   Josh says Tom Hanks and Christopher Lloyd or being in a Steven Spielberg movie.

   I’d love to work with Sam Shepard , Jessica Lange or Jason bateman.

   Some fabulous names!!  I agree with them all, especially Christopher Lloyd and Tom Hanks lol   Do either of you find that you have been typecast in roles?

   I get a lot of blonde ditz and Josh gets nerdy.

   I had noticed, I hope that changes for you both though, I think it is always better to show a wide range of abilities. Although after seeing Josh as Hugh Normous, I am not sure how I could take him seriously My youngest son wanted to know if Josh ever managed to fit in his little bed

   Awww a lot of kids ask stuff like that actually. Josh still owns the tiny Hugh Normous glasses, they are on our bookshelf. Fabulous! It seems such a fun role!

   What are you both currently working on?

   I’m working on a Kickstarter campaign at the moment for a film called Personal Demons.

   What has been your worst experience on set?

   My worst experience on set has been wardrobe malfunctions!!  Things falling out.

   Josh – working on this commercial for Burger king was the worst experience on set.  (He appears about thirty five seconds into the commercial) The director made him feel like he couldn’t do anything right and that he was a terrible actor. That is obviously not true!
   

   Why did Josh chop off his hair?

   Josh cut his hair because people kept saying that he looked too much like Jacob Ben Israel (Glee), and certain casting companies would only bring him in if he cut off his hair.

   Ah! That makes sense, such a shame though.  Luckily he looks good either way

   If your kids watch Fish Hooks too, Josh plays Randy Pincherson.

   Yes, I did notice that one! How did voiceovers differ from acting?

   It’s different because you’re in a room by yourself and no other actors to work off of…also you do things over and over sometimes and it’s harder on the voice!

   I do voiceover as well; if you get a chance to check out a podcast called The Katniss Chronicles…it’s an audio drama of the Hunger Games The new season comes out later this month and I’m featured a lot in this one as I’m one of the lead commentators

    

2. From Backing Singers to West End Stars

   June 10, 2013 11:44 am Leave a Comment

   As regular readers will know, I recently attended a concert by the wonderful and talented Stuart Matthew Price. It was a wonderful evening, although what I did not expect was for his three backing singers to be so talented too. Each of their voices was enthralling! I was so besotted by them that I felt they too required interviewing. However, unusually for me, I felt that instead of posting individual interviews, I would give you a triple interview. Before you read on to find out a little about Ben Fenner, Aimee Hodnett and Natasha Ferguson, have a listen to the three of them singing with Stuart.

   Firstly, I asked Ben to tell me a little about himself.

   Well, I’m 21 born and raised in Chichester, have a mum dad and an older sister, sang in church as a kid, I was part of Chichester Youth Theatre where I took part in a few Christmas productions at the Chichester Festival Theatre, I did a B Tech in musical theatre and then came to Arts Ed at 18 years of age.

   Which college do you attend now?

   I’m at Arts Ed in Chiswick. I amin my third year, just rehearsing for the final production at the moment which is Spelling Bee 6th – 15th June we finish in about 4 weeks and then it’s continuing to audition and try and get a job, I am signed with an Agent which is great so yeah, living the dream lol

   We sort of met when you performed (amazingly) at Stuart’s concert, have you performed in shows like that before? How did it feel for you?

   Yeah I’ve done a few gigs here and there not usually with such a prestigious name, but I was fortunate enough to sing a couple of solos on ‘Friday night is music night’ when ArtsEd had their own show, but this concert was very special for me to do as I have been a big fan of Stuart for years so was very excited to get to work with him.

   Let me just say that you stunned everyone! Your voice is exceptional.

   
   What dream roles/songs do you have for yourself if you could chose anything?

   Oh thank you, that’s very lovely; I had a lot of fun and was fortunate enough to sing two great songs. Oh no this is the tough question, I have parts I would love to play like Galileo and Elder Price, but I would love to be fortunate enough to just be successful is this career and will be satisfied with anything I get.

   When you did that duet with Stuart, it was fabulous! Not just your voices but the portrayal of the song.

   That duet was a lot of fun, just the chance to jam with someone who I used to try and sing like was great.

   You certainly appeared to have a lot of fun!

   Do you have any idols that you would love to perform alongside?

   Just people that I can learn from and can help my journey as an actor.

   You are appearing on an album? How many songs are you singing? How does the studio compare to singing to an audience?

   Yes I am, I’m playing the part of Matt and I have a song and a few other solo lines here and there, and it’s completely different because you haven’t got a vibe to bounce of off, but the great thing is if you go wrong it can be deleted and you can do it again. lol

   Which do you prefer?

   I like both for different reasons, but nothing beats singing live, especially in settings Stuart’s show.There was a great atmosphere!Such an amazing atmosphere.

   You appear to have an amazing range; you hit a note that had the audience in a stupor! How old were you when you realised how high you could sing?

   Well I’ve been singing all my life since I was very young but then my voice broke and I started re-singing at 14 and just kept singing songs and discovered what I could I do and it was only at Arts that I realised that singing technique actually helps lol but it’s really just been about experimenting and exploring what my voice can do.

   I very much doubt that you have reached your full potential yet either!

   Also, what has been the lowest point if any? Have you had to overcome any obstacles in pursuit of your goals?

   The first two years of college I had a massive battle with my tonsils and got tonsillitis every month, and that was a really tough time because I kept getting held back by an illness but I had them taken out over the summer and now I’m free and that’s the exciting thing, I enjoy having fun with the instrument I have got but I know I have so many more things to discover and have many years of development ahead.

   So you have no lasting effects on your voice due to the tonsils?

   Not anymore which is lovely.

   Is there anything that you want readers to know about you?

   Just that I’m so grateful to have the family I have and how much sacrifice and support they constantly give me, and thank you to Arts Ed for the perfect training they give us. Also a massive thank you to Chris Hocking who is the head of the MT course and our 2nd year jazz teacher, he is the reason why arts is one of the best places to train he has constantly put us first and giving all of us so many amazing opportunities.

   Do you have a favourite genre?

   Contemporary Musical Theatre definitely, my style more suites the pop and rock musicals as I can express myself more.

   Do you currently have a favourite show?

   It changes as I go through phases of loving shows, love Wicked, We Will Rock You, Book of Mormon and Next to Normal, I recently got to see Once which is absolutely stunning and deserves a sell out audience every night.

   They are all amazing from what I have heard. I love Wicked!

   Yes I’m a big fan, especially of Rachel Tucker who was recently Elphaba, it’s a bit of a running joke at college now lol

   The second interview was with Aimee.

   I started studying at Arts Ed at 18 after doing my A Levels at Peter Symonds Sixth Form. Prior to getting into Arts Ed I attended classes at the Claire Goodwin School of Performing Arts where I did ballet, modern, tap, street dance and singing lessons. I also sang as a chorister at my local church and went on to sing at Winchester Cathedral. I’ve always know that I wanted to sing and I loved dancing too. I didn’t know much about theatre schools so concentrated more on academic subjects to get in to university. I did my research about theatre schools with the help of some of my teachers from the theatre school and decided to audition at 6 institutions in London; I was extremely lucky and gained places at the schools I auditioned for. I loved Arts Ed and knew where I wanted to go and there has been no looking back. I can honestly say it’s been a very hard 3 years but I can also honestly say it has been the best three years of my life. I’ve had so many opportunities which I’m so grateful for and I’m now looking forward to my next job in September.

   I heard you at Stuart’s show and your voice is stunning! Have you performed in shows like that before, how was the experience for you?

   Thank you! No I haven’t, I sang as part of a backing choir for Stuart at Richard Beedles concert so it was a lovely step up to not only sing with Stuart again but also perform on the same stage.

   You certainly gave the impression that you had done it many times before!

   It was all very exciting I couldn’t believe my luck so I wanted to make the most of the opportunity.

   There is obviously such a variety of genres in the world of musical theatre, do you have a favourite, a role that you have always dreamt of playing?

   I love the versatility of Musical Theatre and can truthfully say that I would enjoy taking on any genre of role. I love shows like Wicked and We will Rock you for the amazing songs to sink your teeth into but I’ve always loved the class of more traditional legit shows too. I watch London Road at the National and loved the complexity and realism of the more modern approach to Musical Theatre.

   I have noticed quite a large interaction in recent years between Broadway stars and the West End stars, have you ever considered going to Broadway?

   Broadway is a dream that I won’t give up on but I think it’s very much waiting for the opportunity. The West End has such a great Musical Theatre scene and industry so I count myself so privileged to be a part of it. in the future if I’m lucky enough to be given an opportunity to explore jobs in American then it won’t be something I will turn down.

   That sounds fair!

   What would you say is your biggest struggle so far in your life?

   Learning to trust that everything will be ok in the end, and if things aren’t okay, then it isn’t the end. I think sometimes because the industry can be very competitive it’s easy to get a bit bogged down in negativity so you forget how amazing it is and how great it is you get to do something you love every day, even if that’s just an audition or a class. I’ve learnt to keep my head above water and look forward

   From the little I have seen of you so far, you seem an extremely positive person. I am sure that you will always find some positivity when things look bad.

   Is there anyone that you have dreamt to work with?

   I walked past Steven Sondheim at the Olivier awards three years ago and my heart nearly stopped.

   What has been your biggest achievement or best memory so far?

   I performed on BBC radio 2s Friday night is music night with Michael Ball, that was pretty awesome but best memory must be when I sang for the first time as part of Arts Ed in a choir for the Olivier’s. We sang ‘Our Time’ and it’s kind of become the anthem for my year at Arts Ed so won’t ever forget that feeling.

   It is always great when a song just strikes the right chords of how things are in your life.

   It was, I sang all that Jazz and loved every minute. It was a cheesy goose bumps moment.

   If there has been a comment or advice from someone that you would always remember, what would it be?

   One of my best friends is absolutely obsessed with Liza Minnelli and I remember one quote from Liza herself. “Never be satisfied” I think that’s a pretty good advice if you ask me. And then also when my Mum says “whatever happens I’m proud of you” that’s the best thing to hear from two amazing ladies.

   Finally, I spoke to Natasha Ferguson.

   Well I started performing at the age of 3 when my mum took me to the local dance school and ever since then I’ve always wanted to be on stage. I began singing lessons at the age of 5 and stayed with the same teacher until I was 16! After school I wanted to go straight to drama school but my parents didn’t want me to leave so young, so I went to Stockton Riverside College to do a BTEC in performing arts. During that time I played various roles in the college shows such as Gabriella in High School Musical, Charity in Sweet Charity and Serena in Fame. Whilst in my second year I auditioned for Arts Ed and gained my place with a DADA, which I was over the moon about! I’m now just finishing off my final year at Arts Ed and I have had the most amazing three years of my life there!

   What would be your dream role?

   Well my dream role has always been Elphaba in Wicked.

   Elphaba is definitely the best character!

   Yeah by far!

   Well, I saw you at Stuart’s show and you were fabulous! Was the second show even better? Have you performed in shows like that before?

   Aw thank you! It was so much fun, I think we all felt a lot more relaxed with the second show because we were more comfortable with the material, but both of them were amazing, there was such a great atmosphere in the room! I haven’t done anything like that no; I’ve done musicals and gigs but never a cabaret in a space like that before.

   Stuart must be an amazing performer to work with though.

   Yeah he’s incredible it was such a privilege to work with him.

   Apart from Wicked, what other dreams do you have for the future?

   I’d love to be in We Will Rock You, that’s another favourite of mine!

   What has been your biggest struggle in life so far?

   Well my second year of training was a difficult one! It was extremely intense but it was so worth it. It was extremely demanding, the work load was incredibly high and there was constant multiple pressure from all subjects. Everyone wanted to succeed and be the best they could be. I learnt so much and now I have the skills I need to hopefully succeed in the business.

   Do you have anything that you would like to say to readers who dream of being on stage but do not know where to start?

   Audition for drama school! The training I have received at Arts Ed has been incredible. Also never give up! It’s not easy, at all. It’s been a fun but difficult three years of training. But I knew this was where I wanted to be and I was determined to succeed.

   Thank you to these three amazing upcoming stars!

    

3. Colby and Brandon Laid Bare

   May 29, 2013 11:44 pm Leave a Comment

   I wonder how many of our readers followed the 2012 American Presidential Campaign and watched a video with 5 male models in and around a pool singing about Mitt Romney’s policies? The video, ‘Disclosure’ which was a parody of a One Direction hit was a huge hit worldwide. I spoke to two of the stars from that video, Colby Melvin and Brandon Brown about their lives and how they aim to make this a more equal world to live in.

   Colby and Brandon are both underwear models but do not let that fool you, ignore the stigma attached to the image as there is much more to these boys than meets the eye!

   We try and keep our days as healthy as possible. We work in a lot of bars so can’t be getting sick!

   You will have to let me know if you ever do an event in the UK or is it a boy’s night only?

   No a large number of our fans are women! We are hopefully coming back to the UK at the end of summer. I was in the UK for 10 days last year, first at Manchester Pride and then London for 3 days.

   Could you both tell me what your biggest ambitions were as children?

   I wanted to grow up to be a super hero lol

   Brandon- I wanted to be a pilot like my dad.

   Any particular one Colby? I would guess Superman lol
   

   Nope, just my own super hero.

   Brandon, what changed your mind?

   Just growing up haha. I realized it wasn’t the career for me and ended up going into business.

   Could you both tell me a little about your lives growing up?

   C- I grew up in Southern Louisiana on a farm, in a very small town.

   B – I grew up in orange county, CA. My mom raised me pretty much on her own until I was 10 when she met my step dad (my biological father has always been more of a friend and wasn’t around a lot when I was growing up).

   What did you both do after leaving school?

   After High School I moved to Alabama for college. I have a degree in Psychology. I was also one of those over involved students haha. I was student body president, fraternity life, etc.

   B- I went into real estate while I was still in college and that became my career, I wasn’t involved with school activities much, as I had come out at an early age (18) and my social interests were more aligned to going to pool parties in Beverly Hills than frat parties haha

   There has always been a stigma attached to models so it is great to see two models that are obviously intelligent.

   It’s one we get a lot, the funny thing is, most dancers and models we’ve worked with at LEAST have a college degree, some even have a PhD!

   So Brandon, how did you go from Real Estate agent to Cordon Bleu cook? Loved the cooking videos by the way!

   B – Well unfortunately a couple years into my career in real estate the “bubble” burst and the market took a dive.  With thousands of people out of work it made it virtually impossible to continue in that field.  I had always enjoyed cooking for my friends and family and started taking more classes.  I haven’t graduated from a formal cooking school but it’s always been a passion of mine.  After real estate I continued in business working in international sourcing (basically my company worked with major companies here in the USA having their overseas goods produced and imported).

   Colby, do you use your psychological knowledge often? I can just imagine you pulling a Freud with some of Brandon’s antics!

   I use Psychology everyday!  LOL not so much Freud (I’m a cognitive behaviourist), but it helps in everyday interaction with people. It’s also helped our relationship.  We’re very honest with each other and have found a way to communicate that is very effective for us. Psychology also helps me relate to a lot of the people I’m trying to help, more so with empathy, being able to really understand and connect with other peoples experiences adds a whole new dimension to our work.

   I get tons of messages every day from people all around the world about their coming out experiences, life challenges, and thank you letters about Brandon and I helping people in one way or another, I cry almost every day when I read my inbox but it is what keeps me driven, people need us!

   I expect a few of the letters will even be from outside the LGBT community.

   Oh absolutely. One of the cutest is an 8 year old British boy who is living in Germany, his mother moderates content but he follows and cooks what he sees on Brandon’s shows. He even recorded the sweetest birthday message for me. He isn’t gay but his mother said she is more than elated for us to be his role models.

   That is great to hear! Why would she not be elated? These are two obviously intelligent men who are making it their life’s work to not only make each other happy but to help anyone that needs it.

   Can you explain for the readers exactly what your work is?

   Our work is a bit all over the place. We are dancers, models, own an entertainment production company, Brandon has his cooking show, I’m doing a lot of event hosting, we are also about to film a reality show about our lives. I’ve also got an underwear line coming out; we are also producing a lot and have some amazing video and photo shoots coming soon.

   We work a lot with a variety of charity organizations, most recently Wade Davis’ YOU BELONG’ LGBT youth sports camps.

   These young men obviously have a lot going on in their lives so it seems only fair to focus a little on each of their projects.

    How did you both get into the modelling?

   I got into modelling by chance. I was discovered by a local underwear brand in Texas at a pool party. I’m 5’7″ so I have never considered modelling but figured why not! Less than a year later I was moving to L.A. to work as a full time model. We actually met on an underwear photo shoot.

   B – I had done a few small shoots over the years but never had much interest in modelling, Andrew Christian had been after me for a while but I kept turning them down until they showed me Colby’s profile and told me they were flying him out for a shoot and asked if I wanted to be in it with him.  I immediately agreed haha.  And the rest just snow balled from there. I can totally see why! Those eyes are hypnotising! Right?!

                           

   I have to say that in all the videos and photos I have seen of these two, the love in their eyes when they look at each other is palpable! They look amazing together, how can anyone consider this to be wrong?!

   We have been together about a year and are often pretty surprised ourselves at how the “honeymoon” phase hasn’t ended lol We tell each other how lucky we feel and how much we love each other every day.

   Forgive me whilst I swoon! I sincerely hope that these two never lose what they have; it is truly beautiful to see, so many couples do not make the distance, I am pretty sure with their philosophy on life, these two will.

   Andrew Christian seems to have been a great initial move for you both; you always seem to have a lot of fun. Have there been any downsides?

   We left AC in December, they were moving in a direction that was no longer in line with our image or beliefs so we decided to move on to new things!

   We often have a hard time getting people to take us seriously, our message is sort of a bait and switch technique where people typically follow us because they see skin but shortly after realize that most of the content we produce is from an activism stand point.

   We didn’t start modelling to become famous, it was just a platform for us to have a voice to help people. We will always keep moving forward.

   I think it is safe to say that when the general public look at underwear models, especially in the skimpier garments, it is easy to see how many models can take the next step to full on nudity. Whilst researching these boys, I admit to thinking that some of the videos I watched seemed a little risqué. I noticed how they did not always look too comfortable in their environment and gravitated towards each other. The tour bus video looked fun but Brandon especially seemed more reserved. Well done for making the brave choice to leave gentlemen. I am sure they have gained much more interest and respect without resulting to showing their all.

   Can you tell me about your Full Frontal video?

   Full Frontal was a collaboration between ourselves and Full Frontal Freedom and no it’s not Colby’s voice haha.  The idea was our friend Conor’s who is the owner of Full Frontal. Hmmm! A future interviewee possibly?

   Reaction wise, as the video went viral we got more and more recognition from a constantly expanding fan base.  About 1 month after it had launched it had well over  1 million views and we were getting messages from friends and family all over the country telling us that their friends had seen it and asked “Hey was that Brandon and Colby in that Mitt Romney video?”   We knew almost everyone involved with shooting and production and those drinks in our hands in the video were real lol, we had a great time shooting that day!

   When we found out that the Obama family and Hillary Clinton had seen our video and that it actually exceeded the views Mitt Romney’s actual speeches were getting we knew it was going to be a big deal. That video and its massive response was what really showed us that social media was the way to go to build our futures and effect real change.

   Unsurprisingly, due to the amount of attention it rightfully received; this video became one of the most watched political videos of the 2012 campaign. Due to its controversial content and worldwide audience, Colby received the Human Rights Award for Political Performing Arts from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club in New York.

   So tell me more about one of your other ventures.

   We’re about to film the pilot for a new reality show following Brandon and my relationship, our travels fighting for marriage equality, family life, etc

   Can you explain more about your fight for equality, what do you do to encourage others?

   We lend our faces and voices to a variety of LGBT causes. A lot of the time we are brought in when marriage equality is up for vote. We do bar appearances in our underwear and talk about what’s going on. The biggest thing we do is finding a way to relate relevant content in a way that will get people to care. In our community we have porn stars and men in suits, we are the sort of in between. I’m also about to start a speaking tour, I’ll be speaking at the HRC Gala in Louisiana in a couple weeks. I hope to find out more about this at a later date and will keep you informed if you would like to attend.

   So you basically explain how multi-faceted the community is?

   People often underestimate the power of social media and its ability to create change, Politics is so messed up and corrupt that what needs to be done often isn’t. We try and add social pressure by firing up the community via social media, people don’t typically just “Want” to know about what’s going on in gay politics.

   We are currently having another marriage equality debate and policy changes happening in our Parliament (UK) but the way the politicians word their policies and expect people to understand is ridiculous!

   Exactly! So Brandon and I like to break it down for people to understand.

   We are planning to do a live cast soon where people can see Brandon and me on webcam and ask us questions, sort of like a little talk show. Once again readers, as soon as I can find out more details, I will let you know. I for one would be very interested in watching their webcast and I am sure many of you would too.

   Could you tell me what your biggest personal struggles have been, how you overcame them and what your biggest goals for the future are?

   My biggest personal struggle is really learning to love myself. It’s a hard world out there. Once I learned to accept myself for who I am and no longer looked for validation from other people I became a much happier person.

   B- I’d say my biggest struggle has been to find something in life that I really enjoyed doing. I’ve had plenty of jobs where I made a lot more money than I am now but they were all just a way to pay the bills. Now that I have started building this crazy life and social empire with Colby I really feel more fulfilled and happier than I’ve ever been before. As for the future haha who knows.   At the rate we’ve been going this last year we could be anywhere a year from now!  So many of our biggest plans are already in the works! A year ago I would never have dreamed that I would have my own cooking show and here I am

   The boys mentioned that they have their own production company but unfortunately we ran out of time before I could ask more about it. For those interested, Colby and Brandon founded COLBRA Entertainment and are currently working on numerous projects to expand the brand over the coming years.

   Another point of interest that I did not have the time to cover with these gentlemen is the fact that they recently became engaged so I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them and wish them every success in their personal and professional futures.
   

                                                      

   On a more serious note, as discussed above Colby and Brandon are working hard for equal rights, with Colby’s political knowledge and understanding he is able to dissect the confusing legal language and explain what is going on in layman’s terms. On his Facebook page he creates videos where the legal proceedings are explained. One of the most prolific legal propositions in recent years has been about Prop 8, a constitutional amendment that eliminated the rights of same-sex couples to marry in the state of California.  For those in non-US countries (like me) here is a video made in 2012 with some celebrities that you may just recognise, lending their voices and hearts to this controversial topic. It is a powerful account of the case filed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) in the U.S. District Court in 2010 to overturn Proposition 8. Framed around the trial’s historic closing arguments in June 2010, 8 provides an intimate look of what unfolded when the issue of same-sex marriage was on trial. This video is then followed by a video from Colby explaining what has been happening in the US courts more recently.

   ‘8’:

   Colby:

    

    

4. Stuart Matthew Price Revisited

   May 13, 2013 11:56 am Leave a Comment

   

   I really do not know where to start with this! Last night I attended The St James theatre in London to watch a concert/cabaret by Stuart Matthew Price, a West End actor and singer whom you may recall an interview from recently. I did not know what to expect from this experience although I knew a great night would be had. Did I say a great night? Well…..it was astounding! After hearing Stuart sing last year at the American Composers evening, I knew he was good but boy! He bought the house down this time!

   Not only did he have a mixture of songs, all of which were songs that he would never play the role for, either because he was, in his words, ‘too old, too young or too male for’ but he delivered the songs with a mix of finesse, joviality and heart-wrenchingly beautiful tones.  Now, I am no theatre buff or critic, so just let me state that quite clearly. These are just the thoughts of someone who knows what they like when they hear it, and let me tell you, I like his performances! If you ever get the chance to see him on stage, either in a role or in his own shows do not miss out!

   I was intending to choose a few of my favourite songs of the evening and explain why they were so good but to be honest, they were all marvellous! Amazing songs such as The Circle of Life, I’m The Greatest Star and As If We Never Said Goodbye were sung so passionately, it would be easy to see him in these roles if he fit the characters. For me, one of my favourite songs currently is Bring him Home and Stuart blew this one off the planet, seriously, if he does not record this on an album I will be rather miffed. The audience were practically in tears, you could feel the collective held breaths as his voice soared through the roof, incredible I say! Pure genius!

   One audience member told me ‘Stuart Matthew Price has to be one of the most brilliant, talented singer/songwriters of this generation. What an amazing voice and the way the songs were arranged was just out of this world – kept you riveted.. I was almost in tears when he sang “Bring him home” so choked… the concert was definitely not long enough, before you knew it, it was over, such an outstanding performance. It was a truly fabulous evening, well worth coming all the way from Belgium for’.  

   One of the main surprises of the evening was his rendition of Billie Jean/Smooth Criminal/Thriller which were made into a medley to a jazz arrangement, you heard correct…Jazz! Stuart pulled so much focus; he even had the audience joining in for Thriller. I can still not wrap my mind around a jazz version of these songs but it was truly incredible and I say again, this man is a genius!

   The next song in the program, They Just Keep Moving The Line, was sang by one of Stuart’s three backing singers, Ben Fenner (look out for his interview at a later date!). What can I say about Ben? Well, there are no words! Phenomenal, just does not cover it. His range was astounding, the audience literally roared with applause with his ending note. Watch out for this young man, I guarantee, with his voice, stage presence and appealing nature, I guarantee that he will go far in the world of show business.

   The first part of this show ended with another of my all time favourites Defying Gravity which was preceded with The Wizard and I. For these, Stuart was assisted by his 3 singers and the sound they created was astounding! I really am running out of different words to describe how incredible this was!

   I am missing out a few of the songs from last night believe it or not, I am focussing on the ones that, not only do I know better but that shock me to the core, for one reason or another.

   With that said however, another outstanding performance was from Aimee Hodnett singing The Girl in 14G. I admit to not actually hearing this song before so I had nothing to compare it too but WOW!   I found this version of the song by the fantabulous Kristen Chenoweth as there is no way I can explain the intricacies of this song so take a look and then think of Aimee singing it better! Yes, I said it! Aimee was amazing, she sang with more passion, personality, range, comical persuasion and all round astonishing stage presence.

   The stage once again went back to Stuart as he sang a medley of Losing My Mind/Not A Day Goes By/Being Alive which once again was astonishing! Being alive is another of my favourite, yes, okay I have quite a few favourite musical songs, who doesn’t?! Stuart singing Being Alive literally made the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

   As we were nearing the end of the show, Stuart’s third backing singer, Natasha Ferguson took the stage for Listen, and boy did she make us listen! Another powerhouse of a voice! Wherever Stuart found these singers, he should keep them, never give them back, they were terrific!

   Obviously, after such an awesome show and a standing ovation for this epic performer, an encore was called for, Stuart sang Who I Am Today which he composed last year for his family. It was a fitting end to an amazing, beautifully performed, captivating show. I could keep going and use every letter of the alphabet to describe the evening but I am sure that you get my gist.

   So there we have it, a great show, great singers and as Stuart said ‘not forgetting the amazing MD talents of Mark Aspinall and the fantastic guitar playing of legend Charlie Laffer!’

   Watch out for this gentleman, he is on fire right now! Truly one of the most exquisite voices and talents of this generation!

   Just so that you are aware, if and when any videos appear from this event, I will include them here, so if you see it pop back up, you know that edits have been made so come look!