Interview with Actor/Musician Alicia Witt …
Alicia Witt has been acting since the age of seven (David Lynch’s Cult Classic Dune). However, she is also a musician with multiple albums to her name.
Paul Booth: Alicia, I know you from your episode on Two and a Half Men and your recent work in (a film) Pasadena. I really admired how on TV you were hilarious and in the movie you showed incredible dramatic range. It really floored me how you hit both sides of the spectrum.
Alicia Witt: Well, thank you. I’m very proud of Pasadena and of course doing Two and a Half Men was very fun.
PB: When I researched you, I came across the fact you’re a musician?
AW: Yes. I love music even though I have more experience in film.
PB: Well you’re playing the Viper Room which is historical (for a tragic reason–River Phoenix overdosed there on Halloween ’93).
AW: Yes, but I’ve been fortunate to play all over. I’ve played in New York City and many other venues in California.
PB: What do you love more music or film?
AW: To me there are differences. In film you have the camera and can re-do a scene or try multiple takes. In music, it’s just you out there. There is no safety net like acting.
PB: What genre do you consider yourself?
AW: I would say Elton John, BIlly Joel, anyone who loves Piano music would be my audience.
PB: Everyone loves Elton John. Do you play with a band? Solo?
AW: Sometimes I play solo. I’ve done shows with a band. I’ve also done shows with just a drummer or bassist.
PB: I have to go back to what you said about Piano music. Many songs or artists whom we credit, owe a lot to their pianist. Like Chuck Berry, many of his songs are piano based and yet no one knows Johnnie Johnson the way EVERYONE knows Chuck Berry. The timing or well, I wouldn’t know to say key or chord, but…
AW: Exactly. I know exactly what you’re saying.
PB: So many groups owe their tunes to old boogie woogie or Jazz piano players.
AW: Yes, Jazz. I grew up listening to Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson…
PB: I love Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.
AW: Yes, Nina Simone is just…just..so much truth in her words.
PB: Do you have albums or is your music on iTunes?
AW: Yes, I have multiple albums and songs people can find online or on iTunes.
*you can also find her songs at www.alicia-witt.com*
NOTE: Alicia’s upcoming show at the The Viper Room is 21 and over and standing room only. Doors open at 7:30 P.M.
PB: Come check out this show. Alicia’s spirit is great. I could sense it during our interview and I’m anxious to see how it translates in her music.
Photo by Patrick McMullan.
Interview by Paul Booth
