Learning how things work. A talk with Kim Carnes.

So in the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, I got to talk to singer/songwriter/icon Kim Carnes about her 1985 album Barking At Airplanes. It was an amazing experience, and I'm glad to be able to share it with the public.

A Tribute to a dear friend.

The landscape of Nashville dance music culture changed irrevocably recently with Ron Slomowicz's move to Chicago. Having known him for what seems like an eternity (actually, since 1991), I talked to him for the Nashville Scene about his time here, the changing perception of the GLBT community, and landmarks devoured by progress. Take a look, if you will.

Famous people talked to me: Paul Thomas Anderson.

I can't believe I never managed to update this. I've been adrift in some weirdness for the last few months, I mean, it happens to us all, but really...

Chardonnay? No, Chardoyay! Why Everyone Should Heart Bridget Everett.

If you don't know who Bridget Everett is, just know this. She's coming to Nashville for two shows and you don't want to miss it. She is a blue mama and a Broadway baby and the diva closest to my heart right now, and I want everyone of you to feel the love. And if you go to the show, you may very well feel the love- motorboating happens at an Everett show, so be ready. But more than that, prepare yourself for a stunning avant-garde work of theatre, comedy, cabaret, performance art, and feminist activism like you've never seen it before. I got to talk to her in preparation for her performances. Have a looksy. I hope to see you at the show...

Some Quality Time with John Waters.

John. Waters. Christmas. Interview.

Famous People Talked to Me: Robert Redford and J.C. Chandor.

All is Lost is finally opening in Nashville, and to help promote it/bring awareness to this truly unique film experience, I'm running the discussion that happened after the film's screening at the New York Film Festival this year. This is well worth your time.

Famous People talked to me: Michael Haneke.

Another of my exploitations of the press conferences an attendant hoopla at the NYFF. Michael Haneke, talking about Amour.

Famous People Talked to Me: Ang Lee.

Life of Pi 3D was the opening night film of the 2012 New York Film Festival. For its press screening (which happened early that morning), a bunch of us waited in the torrential downpour. At the time, I complained, because I could be funny about it. But the film was transcendent and fairly moving, and some of the best 3D I'd ever seen. So here's the talk with Ang Lee from after it- it was a fun press conference, and Lee (in addition to being an NYU alum, so you know I have his back, he's a solid dude with amazing visual imagination) was a lot of fun.

A side note: if you are at all inclined to see this, do it in 3D. For reals, y'all.

Famous People Talked to Me: Roxanne Benjamin.

In honor of V/H/S making its Nashville premiere at this year's Nashville Film Festival, I got to talk with producing phenom/former co-worker/Renaissance woman Roxanne Benjamin. Have a look, won't you?

Famous People Talked to Me: Steve McQueen & Michael Fassbender.

So, one of the joys of the New York Film Festival are the Press Conferences, where you battle with likeminded critics and journalists from all over the world to get questions to creative folk who've just shown you their latest work. Here's some details from the press conference for Shame that you might find illuminating. Both Steve McQueen and Michael Fassbender were charming and forthright, and the whole event went swimmingly.

One thing I was never able to fit in anywhere in discussion of this film is how exquisitely Chic's "I Want Your Love" is used. Bernard Edwards' basslines always have a hint of menace to them, and this film makes them perform in that capacity in a most exceptional way.

Famous People Talked to Me: Gaspar Noe.

Noe way.

Famous People Talked to Me: David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin, Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield.

A fun day at the Walter Reade, getting to the heart of things.

Famous people Talked to Me: Michael K. Williams, Ally Sheedy, and Todd Solondz.

A chance to talk with Writer/Director Todd Solondz, Actor Michael K. Williams, and Actress Ally Sheedy at the 2009 New York Film Festival. This is where that photo of me and Omar comes from...

Famous people talked to me: Michael Shannon.

In advance of his latest film, Werner Herzog's My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done, I interviewed Michael Shannon for The Nashville Scene. Check it out. Let me know what you think.

Famous people talked to me... NYFF '09 Edition.

So at the 2009 New York Film Festival, I was more than willing to spread it around and talk to anyone at any kind of gathering I could. Press conferences, semiformal events, bum-rushing the stage following meaningful moments... No shame here, is what I'm saying. So I got to interact with two interesting directors, and both write-ups have been featured in this week's Metromix in my hometown. As I'm almost exclusively print-only for them, this is a big deal.

So here's some words from Lee Daniels, director of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, and Lars von Trier, writer/director of Antichrist.

Panic, Chaos, and the Art of Storytelling.

Picture it. A pleasantly divey bar in the east village. The personae: John Lichman, Vadim Rizov, Matt Prigge, and me. It was an absolute honor for me to be part of, taking part in an in-depth discussion about cinema with people who not only get published in high-profile venues but who are also known electronically.

I had a blast, and would love to do so again.

Listen here.

Pity it couldn't have gone on, when the Nightmare on Elm Street movies and death were under discussion.