Chad Michael Murray for his soon to be released graphic novel, “Everlast.”
If that’s not weird enough on its own, said graphic novel has apparently been in the works for over six years.
Um, am I the only one surprised by this? Who knew that nearly the whole time CMM was portraying broody Lucas Scott on “One Tree Hill,” he was secretly drawing frames of his book between takes? Just another case of art imitating life, I suppose.
Rumor has it there will even be a book tour this summer. Keep your fingers crossed, kiddies.
Slightly less awkward but still somewhat of a surprise…
The Decemberists’ lead singer, Colin Meloy, also has a series of books in the works.
Meloy recently signed a deal with HarperCollins to distribute a trio of children’s books he wrote. The first one is titled “Wildwood” and is supposedly a story of “adventure, magic and danger.”
Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until fall 2011 to pick it up at your local Borders.
Overall…
Unlike Murray, Meloy majored in creative writing in college and has a kid, so his endeavor seems a little more appropriate.
Michael Grubbs must know that it’s almost finals week and I need something to cheer me up, because his band, Wakey!Wakey!, just unveiled another new music video.
“Car Crash” is one of my favorites off of their new album and the video features Grubbs’ “One Tree Hill” co-star James Lafferty.
Wakey!Wakey! frontman Michael Grubbs is a triple treat—singer, songwriter and piano man extraordinaire. After releasing two LPs and a live album last year, the band’s first full-length disc, “Almost Everything I Wish I’d Said The Last Time I Saw You,” was released on Feb. 2. In addition to the new album, Grubbs can be seen on the CW’s “One Tree Hill” as a bartender named, well, Grubbs. Spartanedge caught up with the Brooklyn based musician during a break in his busy schedule.
Spartanedge: Of the eleven tracks on your new record, which song are you most proud of?
Michael Grubbs: That’s like asking a parent which is their favorite child (laughs). Right now I’m bouncing between “Feral Love,” “The Oh Song” and “Almost Everything.”
SE: What was the recording process like? How long did it take to complete the album?
MG: We did it over about four months, but the biggest chunk was done in the first month, then it was a lot of cleaning and mixing. I recorded it with Chris Cubeta at Galuminum Foil in Bushwick (in Brooklyn, NY). It was really relaxed and there was a lot of room for experimentation.
SE: Your loyalty to New York is obvious. What is your favorite city to play in? Is there a particular show that sticks out in your mind as the best you’ve ever played?
MG: I love New York. One of my favorite nights was the first time I played Nashville, though. It was a tiny club, but it was packed, and I have no idea why because no one knew me at that point. I sat down solo on stage and everyone just tuned in. It was a pretty magical night. We made a ton of friends.
SE: What is your favorite song to play live?
MG: “Almost Everything.” When we do it with the full band, there’s just so much energy. It’s really thrilling.
SE: Who are your major influences?
MG: Early in life I listened to a lot of classical. More modern influences are definitely Brooklyn indies like Grizzly Bear, Beirut and Dirty Projectors. I also love Arcade Fire and Radiohead.
SE: You are an amazing songwriter. Do you write from personal experience?
MG: I think songs start with sparks from my personal life, definitely. Then my brain just kind of goes. Some of them are things that have happened quite literally, but a lot are things that I wish would happen, or really hope don’t.
SE: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
MG: We’ve had so many great nights. Probably the best was the first time we played the Bowery Ballroom. I had the number of the club in my phone for 10 years prior with just the word ‘Someday’ beside it. I’m so dramatic sometimes (laughs).
SE: What is one thing you haven’t done career wise that you would like to do eventually?
MG: Madison Square Garden comes to mind (laughs). But more realistically, I’d like to just be able to tour and support a family from music.
SE: What are some of your passions outside of music?
MG: I love food. I love nothing more than going into a really great restaurant and just unwinding for a few hours with great company.
SE: If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?
MG: Radiohead or Arcade Fire. I can’t imagine ever getting tired of watching those guys play every single night.
SE: Any plans to tour in the near future? Come to Michigan, please!
MG: I love touring. Hopefully after SXSW we’re gonna be launching something pretty expansive.
SE: How are you enjoying your role on “One Tree Hill”? Do you think you will try acting again?
MG: I’m so into acting. I really love it. I don’t know how much time music will afford me for it in the next few years, but I would love to do more whenever the time was there.
SE: What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring musicians?
MG: Just be a musician. Touch your instrument at least once a day. And be kind. Every time we go into a sound check, we make a point of being really nice to the crew. Why would anyone be a jerk to anyone? Especially the guy that’s controlling the sound…it’s just stupid. Don’t ever assume that being a musician is a ticket to developing some mystique that means you’re no longer respectful of other humans.
The Decemberists’ lead singer, Colin Meloy, also has a series of books in the works.
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