Singer/Songwriter, Actress, and Author Kasey Lansdale
Kasey Lansdale is an singer/songwriter, author, and actor who has had quite a lot on her plate recently. Fresh off the set of the film Christmas with the Dead, in which she not only plays a main character but also has two songs on the soundtrack she returns to the studio this November to finish her long awaited album. Fans can look forward to her acoustic version of the song Crossroads available free on her newsletter as well as her new YouTube videos posted every Tuesday. Kasey is also producing the film Castaways. Her anthology Impossible Monsters is slated for release in 2012.
What was it like to work with Keith and Joe on Christmas with the Dead? Do you find work goes smoother or is more challenging when working with your relatives?
I think it’s a double edged sword. Overall, I would definitely choose to work with my family over anyone, but it can also be the most complicated choice. When you work with people you don’t know, they have no back story, no history of what will or won’t work for you, again, this can be bad or good. I had a good time on this project. My brother wasn’t on set a lot, and my dad usually knows when or when not to intervene.
How do you think Christmas with the Dead differs most from other zombie flicks?
I think the difference of Christmas with the Dead as opposed to other zombie films is the heart of the story. Ultimately, it’s about a guy who loves his family, and wishes he had made better choices in life. I think it is something everyone can relate to. The zombies are an afterthought. They just keep the story alive as Calvin, (my husband and main character of the film played by Damian Maffei) tries to right his wrongs best he can and be the man he wants to be.
What was it like to work with the cast and crew on this film? Any stories from the set?
I had a good time overall. I am still in touch with many of the people involved in this project. In fact, Damian and I are collaborating on another project right now. Stories… Well, The central theme of Christmas with the Dead was the hellacious weather. It was hot.. Damn hot. Africa hot. So just use your imagination when I tell you the ac was off, ten people are cramped in a hot room with lights bearing down on you, and it’s already 1,000 degrees outside.
I understand one of the cast, Bosco the Bear has had a rather bad spell of late. Did you enjoy working with him? Do you know how he is doing? Any improvements in his state of health?
Bosco was a champ. I thought I had it bad due to the velvet Santa outfit I was wearing, not to mention tights and boots that turned my feet into space heaters, but this guy had to wear a full body suit. He was pretty crotchety with the crew when he got hot, but when the little girl came on set, (Madeline,) he was aces. Mannered, sweet, I think that is all that matters really. He was good to work with. I learned a lot. It has a lot to do with the eyes, and the facial expressions even more than lines sometimes. That’s what Bosco taught me. I hear he is doing better. He’s at a facility, and he’s got a pool, Barbies galore, I think he is a happy bear. Plus, the lawsuit is looking to go in his favor, so I think it worked out as it should.
Do you have any feelings about that whole…incident?
Well, my feelings are really that sometimes things just get outta hand before you mean for them to. Doesn’t make any of those guys bad, just one of those things. Passion before thought. It’s good though, means there’s a fire for the project, and that can only bring about good things.
Are you excited to be producing Castaways?
I am excited. It is a different type of venture for me. I think it will be a real success, and I know the guys on board are top notch, so that’s what is important to me, working with good people. Ted Rypel, Jon Wagner, Damian Maffei, and of course Brian Keene. This lineup is bound to bring about some amazing things. I look forward to the creative process ahead.
Are there any little known facts about you that your fans might be surprised to learn?
Well, I don’t know if this is fact worthy, more like, my quirks.. I always clean the house before I leave on a trip, and I always start with the kitchen. Here’s a fact, I am hyper flexible. How’s that? Weird, random..
Can you tell us a little about Impossible Monsters?
Impossible Monsters is a project I am really excited about. Growing up in an author household, you meet other authors and appreciate the plight. I pitched a project and was given the editing go for an anthology for Subterranean Press. IMPOSSIBLE MONSTERS will feature 12 stories by 12 amazing writers. All the monsters are non-traditional, which I think gives it a unique flavor. It’s been great to work with these authors, most of whom I have known for years. I am learning a lot, and look forward to holding the finished product.
Speaking of monsters, is there any one particular monster or creature of myth that you’d consider your favorite? Why is that?
I always enjoyed the vampire. I couldn’t tell you why. I grew up watching all the creatures, but there was something about the Vampire that I found intriguing.
As an author yourself who are some of your favorite writers? What was your first favorite story?
My first favorite story.. hmmm, I remember reading a lot when I was little, so it is hard to pinpoint. Going back to the vampire thing, there was Bunnicula, always fun. Dogzilla & Cat Kong, The Cay, the R.L. Stine series. Oh, and the Sweet Valley High Twins and Nancy Drew. Right now I am reading the last novel in the Emily Giffin collection. I have the Help next, and have Lee Lankford’s Blonde Lightening after that. I just read Blackburn by Bradley Denton,that was great. I like a lot of true crime as well.
Are looking forward to getting back into the studio in November? How is the album coming so far?
I am beyond excited. The completion of this project has been a long time coming. I held off on finishing it until I felt like I had everything just how I wanted it. I wanted to be sure the songs I chose were right and representative of my art. I wanted to be sure the producer I ended up with saw my vision and that the timing to promote would all line up, among other things. The completion of this album is very special and personal to me, I look forward to having something that I feel really tells who I am, as a person, and an artist.
Do you enjoy to play live or in the studio?
They are two different animals. When you play live, you have the crowd to feed off of, the energy. You know what’s working and what’s not immediately. It’s easier for me to get in that “zone” for a live performance, and if you flub, it’s no big deal because there are so many different elements at work. In studio, it’s just you in a tiny room with a camera watching you, (for the producer and engineer to see you) and a mic. You have to mentally breakdown the feeling you are trying to portray in the song. I’ve seen people light candles, bring in childhood toys, all kinds of things to make them comfortable, as it is a much more raw experience. I prefer to just soften the lights and try to visualize the story. It’s harder in studio to me also because every phrase and every breath is picked up. You have to be very careful not to leave out certain things that live, you wouldn’t even realize.
Can you tell us a little about the festival in Italy coming up next week? What are those like? What do love most about the country?
Italy is amazing. I have a special love for Italy. The festival I am going to next week I have never attended before, but I know the guy running it and I know he is passionate about the arts, so it will be great. My favorite thing about playing in Europe is the appreciation of the arts. Not to say there isn’t appreciation elsewhere, but it is presented differently, on a more real level. They remind me of the south with their kindness and hospitality. I think it’s the people I love most, followed by the amazing food.
You also do some cover modeling for the Rancho Diablo book series. Do you like modeling?
I have done some small modeling work here and there, most recently for this series. I like it on this level, but could never do it professionally. I don’t have the dedication it requires because I don’t have a passion for it the way I do other things. It’s harder than you would imagine. It is actually in my mind similar to the studio experience. It’s you, your partner or prop and a photographer. You gotta make people want this product. I feel comfortable with the camera, but learning proper body placement and looks that work for you on film is an art. It’s also different than my other works in usually I am promoting a project for me, with this type of modeling, it’s about the product, not you. You have to blend in and stand out at the same time.
Do you think modern society puts too much emphasis on looks on not enough on the more important things?
I do. I think that there is an unfair bias and that many talented amazing people are overlooked immediately just because they don’t fit the profile of someone’s agenda. However, I think we all do this on some level and to some degree. Even babies will “choose” someone they feel is more attractive, and so in a way, you can’t blame marketing for wanting to present a certain type of “product.” Does it make it right? No.
What advice would you offer the girls of today who will be tomorrow’s women?
I could write a book on this. Some of this is cliché’ but I still believe it. I think a few keys are:
1. Love yourself, cause if you don’t, how can anyone else.
2. Learn to say no, it’s ok to be disliked. Not the goal, but it’s gonna happen, so it may as well happen with you not being locked into something you don’t want to do.
3. Learn to accept a compliment. Someone says something nice, say thank you.
4. Remember that kindness can change a life. Do your best to do right and live right every day. You may not always succeed, but trying is half the battle.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you get a no, then you are no worse off then you were when you started.
Is there any one thing you’d most like to accomplish next?
On a personal level, I would love to play guitar really well, and I want to improve my knowledge of the Italian language. I do well enough to get by, (on both) but I want to be better.
On a professional level: Just to put out this album and have a good reception to it. I want everyone to love it as much as I do, maybe even more.
Anything you’d like to say in closing?
Thanks for the interview. If anyone is looking, they can find me at:
www.kaseylansdale.com
on twitter at www.twitter.com/kaseylansdale
facebook at www.facebook.com/kaseylansdalefans
and to watch those weekly videos… www.youtube.com/user/kaseylansdale