Steve Guynn, From Hardcore Punk Rock to Indie Film and Theater Wizardry! A Modern Day Renaissance Man.

Sometimes life takes interesting routes, especially when it comes to individuals that pursue careers in the arts. For one such young man, the path began in the world of hardcore and punk rock music, before he embarked on a serious acting career that has entailed both stage and independent film.

Steve Guynn, of Lexington, Kentucky, is one of the more active individuals in his home region. When he isn't doing something like jumping out of planes (he is an active skydiver), he is working on projects, rehearsing, and honing his craft. A self-motivated individual, a necessity in the indie film world, Steve has actively toured in professional theater.

In today's IMM interview, we will be visiting with Steve Guynn as he takes us into his world, from his music roots, to stage and film (with his thoughts on the two mediums), and his plans for the future.

As intense as he was during his punk rock days towards his music, so is he towards his film and theater endeavors. Without a doubt, Steve Guynn is well on his way towards a successful acting and production career.
-Stephen Zimmer for Indie Movie Masters Blog, September 21st, 2009

SZ: You have a music, theater and film background. Let's briefly touch on your music career. Tell us about the bands you've been in.

SG: I played guitar and sang backing vocals in a hardcore band called Ungrateful. We played shows in Lexington, Louisville, Somerset, Berea and so on. We were banned from most places we played in Lexington including The Wrocklage and Alcoholics Anonymous. The Dame wouldn’t even let us in their doors. It was hard to find a venue or club we were in good standing with, though Rock Haven was one such a place, not too dirty, not too clean, just right like Baby Bear’s soup. We released an album worldwide in 1996 titled ‘Southside Lexington Hardcore’ on Sound Pollution Records. I played guitar and sang backing vocals for Retribution, though I am not the guitarist on their EP recording. Retribution, The Infected, Brassknuckle Boys and other ‘back in the day’ punk bands thank Steve Ungrateful in the thanks section of their record sleeve or cd insert. That’s me. This is strange to me because no one called me Steve Ungrateful to my face, most people on the street called me ‘Hardcore Steve’. I guess it is worth mentioning that I also played in several bands (one called Ghetto Blasters for example) that did not release any recordings. I experienced so many good and bad times during those years. The Lexington KY Punk Scene will always be a family to me.

SZ: Did your years as a touring and recording musician help in any way when you went full time into theater and acting?

SG: Yes definitely. I can always look back on all the fights (literally) and problems with the police and just know that my problems now aren’t really that bad. At least I’m not in jail for a victimless crime you know. All that I went through just to perform the music I love makes me realize that I enjoy performing for people and getting ideas out there. No matter what I am doing to put a roof over my head or food on my plate, if I am not performing, I feel like I am not contributing to the world.

SZ: What has your formal training been in terms of acting and theater?

SG: I graduated May 2007 with a BA in Theatre at the University of Kentucky. I worked full-time as a maintenance man at a private school while attending classes at UK. Russell Henderson taught me vocal production; Margo Buchanan was my acting instructor; I took a playwriting class with Herman Farrell III. It was a real honor studying under Herman Farrell III. He was the kind of professor that really cared about his students and would make time for them. That’s it for formal training. I strongly feel that every time I take a theatre contract or work on a film set I am perpetually learning about acting and the entertainment industry as a whole.

SZ: What were your experiences in professional theater like? (touring, acting multiple roles in children's theater, etc)

SG: Wow, experiences in professional theatre. My first professional theatre contract was with The Lost Colony, it was their 2006 season. I have mixed feelings about that place. It is an outdoor drama located on Roanoke Island. They housed us in these town homes at Morrison Grove, which is a beautiful place. They have their own beach there, so you can imagine how often I was drunk and naked. To sum it up, my summer 2006 consisted of acting, skydiving, surfing, fishing, drinking and some other things too. That part of it was great. Here’s the bad part. I was hired as an AT. This means actor/tech. I acted in the show and I loaded scenery in the stage left and stage right scene docks during scene changes. They had shipped in new scenery that year. Each piece of scenery weighed 1000 pounds; no I am not exaggerating. Only four of us AT’s at a time would fit on a ‘book piece’ as we called them due to the way they folded. That means 1000 pounds divided between four people, multiple times a night, Monday-Saturday, 74 performances that summer. This was probably the most laborious work I’ve ever done in my life.

I’ve done a few musicals. This was local work at the Actors Guild of Lexington and the Lexington Opera House. I played an ensemble member in The Music Man, this was performed Spring 2008 at the Lexington Opera House. I must say, for the finale we performed the song 76 Trombones; we had the Lexington Christian Academy Marching Band on stage, we had a chorus of 60 singers, and we had a pit orchestra, all performing the same song. I have now been part of an ensemble with a marching band and an orchestra. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life, thank you Ryan Shirar. I love musicals, although I am not the best singer or dancer.

Summer 2008 I did the show Tecumseh! in Chillicothe, Ohio. I can’t say enough good things about this place or this show. I played the lead bad guy, a character named Tompkins. A lot of stage combat in this show. I got to scalp Indians and cut off their chest skin and shoot them and stab them all summer. It was great. I was one mean dude you did not want to mess with. I want to make it clear that I do not hold any prejudice against Native Americans, I just like stage combat. Outdoor dramas are very important because they educate our youth and the general populace on American history. I have maid some life-long friends at outdoor dramas.

I worked with a children’s touring company Fall 2008 called Hampstead Stage Company. That was interesting. Some touring companies send teams of five, six or more out on the road. Some send two. That is Hampstead Stage Company. Since they only send two out, one man and one woman, both players have to play multiple roles. In the stage production of Prince Caspian I played Professor, Peter, Edmund, Trumpkin, Dr. Cornelius, King Miraz, Reepicheep and Aslan. In A Christmas Carol I played Fred, Ebenezer Scrooge and Solicitor. They send both shows out on the road. I played eleven different characters in two plays. Rehearsals drove me crazy. 11-12 hour days for a month straight. I was on ‘team standby’. This means my partner and I performed at a town hall in Barnstead, New Hampshire. We did not tour. It was very rewarding in the end to actually get these shows up and on their feet.

SZ: What do you find to be the biggest challenges or differences regarding film vs. theater acting?

SG: The challenges are very different and very much the same. In film a director wants to get an angle. In theatre a director wants to get a composition. A lot of hard work goes into both.

SZ: Do you tend to enjoy theater or film more as an actor? Is one more satisfying than the other?

SG: I get this question all the time. It’s a good question. Theatre and film are both magic to me. In a stage production, I love being in the same room as the people I’m telling the story to. In a film production, I love the relationship with the camera; it feels otherworldly. Both are my children. I love both.

SZ: You have worked with director Jerry Williams on more than one project. What were they, and what was it like working with Jerry? Did you need counseling after working on his projects?

SG: Jerry Williams is one of the most creative people I have ever worked with. Many people don’t know that Jerry has a MA in Creative Writing from Morehead State University, thus the references to myth and folktales in his scripts. In 2007 Jerry put me in Misadventures In Space as Captain Tiberius and his twin brother Jessup Tiberius. That was a blast, mostly improvised work. That same year I played a zombie in Zeppo: Sinners From Beyond The Moon! Goatboy Films recently finished production on Saucer Sex From Beyond. This piece showed at Fright Night Film Festival 2009. I play Captain RobRoy Tiberius in that. Jerry let me write a monologue for that character. This was a real privilege. It is not often in film or theatre that you get to write in your own part, especially when the writer/director has a concept for the part. I know how it is to write your own work, you do not want anyone else to change it because it is yours. Jerry relinquished that control and gave me a creative license with his work. That’s rare. Thank you Jerry Williams. I am also in several of his films that are as of yet unreleased. He’s going to kill me for posting links to them below. And yes, I am definitely going to need counseling.







SZ: What have you found to be the most frustrating elements of the indie film world?

SG: Poverty. It comes with the territory. Some think that if the independent film community had more support and more exposure then they wouldn’t be independent. I don’t know. I don’t have all the answers. I just know that I am Bum #1, you know, like Public Enemy #1, except with no money.

SZ: Conversely, what do you find most beneficial about the indie film world?

SG: A level of expression and creativity rarely found in other mediums. Most indie filmmakers are not afraid to be experimental. That takes courage and I respect that. Courage and sensibility are two qualities that distinguish a great director from a good director.

SZ: What are your career goals regarding both theater and film?

SG: I am going to continue acting on stage & film. That’s plan A. There are certain novels that, one day, someone is going to make into a stage and/or film production. When they do, I am going to be there. It will probably be in the United Kingdom. That is all I can disclose at this time.

SZ: Give us a list of your indie film credits to date.

SG The years here are during the production, not necessarily the same year as release.

2009 Saucer Sex From Beyond Captain RobRoy Tiberius Goatboy Films

2007 Misadventures In Space Captain Tiberius, Jessup Tiberius Goatboy Films

2007 Zeppo: Sinners From Beyond The Moon! Zombie Goatboy Films

2006 The Edison Death Machine Rex the EMT Zombie Planet Productions

2005 Sirens Bobby the Manager Ever After Media/ Cineline Productions

2004 Promise Bank Robber It Doesn’t Matter! Productions

2004 Theatre Live Today Famous Guest Cindy Yu

2004 Know Your Chronic Masturbator Robbie Optimal Riviera Productions

SZ: How can people find some of your work or you on the internet? (websites, any Facebook or MySpace pages, etc)

SG: Here are some links………….

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63331862

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63332047

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63332092

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63332241

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63332407

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63332507

An Interview with Mike "Gonzo" Gonzalez, lead singer of Spent. A few words about the band, the new CD, and independent film...

In many ways, good rock bands are often alot like a quality wine. Given appropriate time, they begin to reach their full potential. The unfortunate thing is that alot of talented bands don't let themselves go through the full process, imploding or self-destructing before ever hitting their stride.

Time allows band members to develop a good chemistry amongst themselves. It also allows members to better know each other's tendencies as musicians and songwriters. A period of development can also result in the right lineup settling into place, as well as the improvement of the band's live act.

Spent is one such act that I have had the great privilege to watch develop in such a way over the past few years. Having always exhibited talent, the band is really coming into its own. They are about to take things up yet another notch with the release of their brand new CD, "Scars".

On the verge of their CD release party in Lexington on Friday, May 22nd, I was able to interview Spent frontman Mike "Gonzo" Gonzalez, regarding the band, the new CD, and even his forays into independent film acting.

I have to say that some of the answers were surprising, but then again Gonzo is a very multi-faceted individual, and certainly not predictable!

Fans of metal and heavy music should give the new CD a listen, and those in range of Lexington can take advantage of a great metal show this coming Friday night! Now, let's get to the interview!
-Stephen Zimmer

(Cover art for the new Spent CD, "Scars")

SZ: Tell us how Spent originated, and a little about the band’s history.

MG: Testing my memory so early...geez. Well, it was SEVERAL years ago during our college years at UK. Myself and two friends(Phelps and Chad, our original drummer) had been talking about starting a band for months. Our dilemma was Chad didn't have his drumset in town. So, one day after visiting his family for the weekend Chad came home with his set. We started jamming out as a 3 piece. I then asked a mutual friend, Ken to come in for a little bit on guitar until we found a permanent guitar player. Ken still hasn't left. We played with this original lineup for several years and released one CD in 2003. Late 2005 we all decided Spent had run it course and walked away from the band. Early 2007 we decided to get back together but Chad said he wasn't ready to get back into the music world. So, with his blessing, we moved on and decided to add a second guitar player to come to the 5 piece band we are now.

SZ: What is the current lineup of Spent?

MG: Current lineup consists of 3 of the 4 original members:
Mike Phelps-Bass
Ken Mars-Guitar
Mike Gonzalez-Vocals

We've added a second guitar player, Brian Stinnett and he's been with the band for over 2 years now.

The newest member is Chris Morgan on drums. He's been with us for about 5 months now.

SZ: What other releases have been issued by Spent to date, in terms of both CDs and videos?

MG: In 2003 we released our first CD, an 11 song full length CD called "American Pasttime"(yes, it's still available).

In 2008 we released a DVD that included 3 live songs, 2 videos and a trailer for a film that our current single, "Breaking Down", will be featured on.

SZ: Tell us a little about the recording sessions for the new CD, in terms of the length of time that you spent in the studio, the individuals responsible for engineering and producing these sessions, etc.

MG: We started recording this CD over a year ago, if you can believe that, with Phil Weisenberger. The initial recording session was to get "Breaking Down" recorded for a film it's going to be featured on, "Bulletsong". We recorded that song over the period of a weekend. From there we spent a couple of months in pre-production and then got our drummer at the time to record all of the drum tracks in a weekend. Luke Stevenson, the drummer on the CD, was getting ready to move to Nebraska with his wife so we wanted to make sure we got the foundation down before he left. After that we periodically went into the studio and recorded one instrument at a time for the album as a whole. By the time we finished recording the tracks we had difficulty finding the right drummer to fit in with the band so that added some needless delay in getting this to you. We wanted to make sure that we could do a CD release and have the right guy playing with us so that we can really push the album. I think we've found that in Chris.

Just to get back to Phil for a second, what an absolute pleasure working with him. The guy knows his stuff for sure but I think he was able to take our vision and really make it happen. It was a great give and take relationship and he really improved many of the songs. He recorded, mixed and mastered all the songs and I hope you think he did as great a job as we do. I can guarantee we'll be recording the next album with him.

SZ: Describe the songwriting process for Spent. Are there any principle songwriters in the group? Or does the full band write the material together?

MG: I'd say the principal songwriter in Spent would be Ken. Ken, or Brian, will usually come in with a song idea and then the band normally adds/expands so that we've all contributed in some way. That being said, Ken is usually the one that tries to put the musical theory behind the songs and keeps them somewhat structured. He add the Spent touch that makes Spent sound like Spent.

Lyrically, to this point, I'm the only one who writes lyrics. Phelps has contributed on some of our older songs.

SZ: What are your goals for Spent in the upcoming year, following the release of the new CD?

MG: That's easy...write and record a third CD. Never wanted to stay complacent, we really want to get back into the studio ASAP. To be honest, most of the songs on "Scars" have been kicked around for a bit so we're ready to start writing and getting back in the studio. It won't be 5 years until the next disc, that's for sure.

SZ: As an up and coming band, you sometimes get opportunities to open for well-established, major label level artists. Have you had any acts that you have really gotten a thrill out of opening for or playing with?

MG: To date, the show that's given me the biggest thrill has to be when we opened for 36 Crazyfists. One of my favorite bands and to be able to open up in our hometown as direct support was awesome. Straight Line Stitch was also on that bill and I became a huge fan of theirs from that show. Really cool bunch of people and just a thrill to play with.

Still waiting for the call to open for Sevendust or Killswitch Engage.lol

SZ: As a lead singer, who are your influences musically?

MG: Wow, that's a really tough call. My musical interest really runs the gambit. As part of my top 5 all-time favorite musicians I have Prince and John Mellencamp. I listen to some salsa and spanish music, I listen to rap, R&B, pop, mainstream rock, metal, pretty much everything. I like to think that I try to stay as true to who I am as I can be. All this great music has influenced me in different ways so it's tough to nail it to just one or two influences. I know that's kind of a cop out but it's the best answer I can give you.

SZ: Anyone that has seen Spent knows that you are anything but shy on stage. You exhibit a great energy and presence, which adds a lot to a live show. In terms of being a front-man and stage performer, do you have any influences in this specific area?

MG: I've seen so many great frontmen but no one has controlled an audience like Prince. I wouldn't say he's influenced anything directly but I don't think there's anything worse than going to a live show and watching 4 or 5 guys stand around. Especially at a smaller level when you're really trying to win fans over and make your band stand out over the other bands on the scene I think having that stage energy/persona is what sets someone apart.

Some other bands I think put on a GREAT live show, Sevendust and Nonpoint. Helps that they have really rabid/loyal fans. I strive to acheive a fanbase that feels as passionately about our music as I do about theirs.

SZ: You are also a film actor, with a starring role in the upcoming independent crime-drama from writer/director Nathan Day called "Bulletsong". Tell us about your role, any other acting roles you have had, and a little about your experience starring in an independent feature.

MG: I really don't have much experience in acting. Other than being Birdie in "Bye Bye Birdie" in a school play "Bulletsong" is my first real shot at acting. I've had a couple of extra roles(Murderer and Sirens) but other than that, nothing.

I play the role of Cesario Mendez in "Bulletsong". Basic gist, I'm a father/husband who used to do some bad stuff but is trying to get my life right for my family. My best friend keeps bringing me back into things as he's a perpetual f-up and he comes to me to help him out. After agreeing to help him one last time we rob a gas station. After that, things go sour and a little girl is killed. Without giving anymore away, the girl's father comes after us for revenge. It's a story about revenge/redemption but I think the depth of the characters is something you don't see a lot in indie films. The director, Nathan Day, put a lot of trust in me with giving me this role. I certainly hope I've lived up to my end of the bargain.

SZ: On the subject of independent film, Spent has music in "Bulletsong" (and did a music video for “Breaking Down” that included footage from the movie), as well as the short horror film "The Sirens" (Released on the Indie Movie Masters Festival of Horrors Vol. 1 DVD). Does having your music in independent movies help to raise awareness of the band and your music? Do you recommend these kinds of opportunities to other bands?

MG: I'd recommend any band getting their music in as many different arenas as possible. You never know who may be watching that might never have the chance to hear you before. We had a few sales the night of the Indie Movie Master Festival of Horrors screening just because our music was featured on it. Our motto has always been one fan at a time. So, if putting our music in a movie opens up one more person then it was certainly worthwhile. We take great pride and responsibility in knowing that someone is choosing to either watch or listen to us. It's our obligation to make sure that person is entertained. You've spent your hard earned money to see us or buy a CD so you should feel like you're getting your money's worth.

SZ: Give us some more information on the CD release party. Time, date, set-length, and opening acts (if any).

MG: Gladly...never shy about promotion.lol May 22nd, 9pm at the Skylight Lounge in Lexington, KY. Our friends in Falling to Rise are playing with us. This will be our first show together but we've seen them several times and I think this might be the best combo, style wise, we've ever played with. Each other's fans should enjoy the entire night of music. We're looking at playing a little longer than usual but it will be a full on show for the entire night. So come out and be prepared to be rowdy. We hope that people walk away blown away by what they saw at the Skylight Lounge.

SZ: Where will the CD be available following the release party? How can fans get it?

MG: As of right now, it'll be available via our myspace page (www.myspace.com/spent) and at all shows. We're planning to get the album added to iTunes as well.

SZ: Is there anything else that you would like to share with your fans, and heavy music fans in general?

MG: I wish there was a way that I could honestly let each and everyone of them know how truly they are appreciated by every last one of us. We continue to do this because people continue to come to our shows and continue to show their love for the band. In every sense of the words, we could not do this without each of you. We've put a lot of hard work into this CD and are so very proud of the final product. We hope that you enjoy the CD as much as we do. Please continue to support and spread the word. Word of mouth is the best promotion in the world. Thank you for the loyalty and patience you've had with Spent throughout the years. The best is yet to come. Can't wait to get this CD into your hands. See you Friday night, May 22nd at the Skylight Lounge.

Peace and horns up.

(Below is the music video for "Breaking Down", which is on the new CD "Scars", and is also featured in the upcoming feature film "Bulletsong". The video was shot and produced by Jason Scolf of Wish'n Wel Films)
"Breaking Down"

Report on the Indie Movie Masters Lexington screening!

We are a little behind on getting up a report on the movie screening back on April 9the at the Kentucky Theater, but here it is!

Here's another image from the night:



(from left, Jake Workman, Larry Vires, Stephen Zimmer, Dave Workman, Sven Granlund, and Matthew Perry)

First off, Indie Movie Masters' Matthew Perry, Sven Granlund, and Stephen Zimmer went up on stage and gave out a bunch of free DVDs off of a drawing from ticket numbers, including DVDs from the heavy metal band Spent, the new Festival of Horrors Vol. 1 DVD featuring The Sirens and Murderer, Shadows Light, a couple copies of the novel The Exodus Gate, Stash, and a Zeppo Soundtrack.

Then, as we like to promote and expose all manner of indie filmmakers, we showed trailers from Jerry Williams and Eric Butts' Zeppo, Mark Poole's Requiem for the Fallen, Aaron Champion and Justin Ford's No Town, Stephen Zimmer's Shadows Light, and the new trailer for Nathan Day's Bullet Song. We also showed independent music videos from Jason Scolf for Spent's Breaking Down, and a new music video from director Vince Bingham.

The Sirens and Murderer were then screened.

The night went very well, turnout was strong, and the feedback was positive. We saw alot of indie filmmakers that night, including Cherokee Hall, Nathan Day, Aaron Champion, Jason Scolf, Eric Butts, Jerry Williams, Greg Brock, and others. We hope to have all of these names on IMM titles in the future! (and in Aaron and Jerry's case, we will soon! ;) )

Out in the lobby, we had exhibitors other than the IMM table, including Lori and Susan from ScareFest, the paranormal and horror convention returning to Lexington this September.

Nic Brown, author, photographer, movie journalist, and all-around good guy and friend to indie filmmakers everywhere was present with a table displaying his novel Werewolf for Hire, Book One.



Jerry Williams and Eric Butts were on hand with an exhibit for Zeppo, and Spent had a table with their CDs and DVDs. Alot of traffic and conversation around these tables!

It is important to us to mention the exhibitors and trailers and music videos, as this underscores our philosophy; doing everything that we can to help promote and expose indie filmmakers.

A sincere thanks to everyone who attended and supported the screening!

This Thursday, in Lexington, Premiere Screening of Sirens and Murderer from Festival of Horrors Vol.1

Thursday night in Lexington features the premiere screenings of The Sirens and Murderer. If you are in range of Lexington, please come on down to the Kentucky Theater at 7:30 pm for a full night of indie film.

Trailers will include brand new ones from No Town (from Aaron Champion and Justin Ford), as well as the forthcoming indie drama Bullet Song (from Nathan Day). Others will include Zeppo (Jerry Williams and Eric Butts), and more.

Music videos from Spent and another from director Vince Bingham will also be screened, followed by The Sirens and Murderer.

Support Indie Film and let's kick off this new series that will open up many, many new opportunities for alot of indie filmmakers!

On another note, be sure to start sending in your news and announcements to us, through our website at www.indiemoviemasters.com or through our myspace page at myspace.com/indiemoviemasters We will soon begin including indie film announcements in our blogs, as well as links to new trailers and other new information.

Kentucky area screening on Thursday, April 9th

We are having an Indie Movie Masters screening and DVD release party in a little over a week, on Thursday, April 9th, in Lexington Kentucky, at the historic Kentucky Theater. The program will begin around 7:30 pm, and will feature trailers from upcoming indie films, an indie music video or 2, and then the two short films featured in Festival of Horrors Vol 1, Sirens and Murderer.

If you are within driving range of Lexington, come on down as it is going to be a great night for indie film in a fantastic venue!

Local Screening and DVD outreach!

The Indie Movie Masters group is looking forward to April 9th at the Kentucky Theater, where there will be a DVD release party starting at 7:30 pm for Festival of Horrors Volume 1. The night will be a great indie movie night, and we will be showing several trailers from indie filmmakers, some indie music videos, and screening The Sirens and Murderer from the Vol 1 DVD. Several filmmakers will also have tables in the lobby with indie films and other related items available. If you are within range of Lexington Kentucky, come on out that Thursday evening!

We would also like to extend a major congratulations to director Jacob Ennis, Billy Blackwell, and the rest of the Stash team. Stash was released last week nationally, and will be in the April issue of Fangoria magazine. It is available at many outlets, online and stores, from Amazon.com, Hastings, Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery, and others.

Word has it that Stephen Lackey's Middling Meat project in Nashville is making progress. Were very excited about that project and will definitely keep some updates here.

On the IMM front, our publicist has been in the process of outreach for reviews and press, and we hope to have some new reviews and such being posted shortly.