The Kroll Show’s unique blend of classic sketch comedy and reality TV

Courtesy of MCT

Although Nick Kroll may not be a household name like more seasoned comedians like Will Farrell or Steve Carell, his star has only been rising since his days of performing improv in college nearly a decade ago.

With the taste of life on stage, Kroll was hooked and fell in love with the art of comedy.

Since his improv days of hosting low profile events to gain exposure, he has since guest starred on Parks and Recreation, Community and Portlandia among many other shows.

Kroll has also dipped a talented toe in the water of comedic writing as well.

He has written for I Love the ‘30s, a TV series short titled Shutterbugs, and his own array of characters for Comedy Central stand-up specials, such as Fabrice Fabrice and Bobby Bottleservice.

Kroll, along with his college friends, even managed to sell a story to the highly successful Comedy Central show Chappelle Show.

It was a storyline about a white family whose last name was spelled “N-i-g-g-a-r.”

“We sold them that idea, they then turned that into the sort of the Leave it to Beaver ‘50s mold, which was so, so smart,” Kroll said.

Kroll continues his career in comedy as a member of the hit FX show The League, which follows a group of friends obsessing over their fantasy football league, teams and trophy.

As if that isn’t enough, Comedy Central premiered Kroll’s new sketch comedy show Jan. 16 that he created, wrote and stars in.

The Kroll Show gives viewers an honest reflection about current pop culture trends and situations, particularly the reality TV obsession.

Although you can likely guess who inspired some of his bizarre characters, you’ll never hear him name names.

“We wanted to make something that felt relevant and completely current, but without being tied to references to people and things that will not feel important in six months,” Kroll said.

Although it may be hard to imagine that all of Kroll’s unique characters have been drawn from pop culture references, a deeper look will give viewers a huge laugh about the overall message of his show.

One character, Dr. Armond, is a canine plastic surgeon who literally lacks any type of facial movement aside from the occasional flick of his eyebrow.

Kroll said that he likes to think of his show as “a bunch of mini-series” that will have something to appeal to everyone.

Another similarity, other than the one between his characters and our reality TV-based culture, is that between almost all of his characters.

“It seems as though a lot of my characters like to think that they’re very important when they’re not,” said Kroll. “I guess there’s something funny to me about that, people who aren’t self-aware.”

Although a character like Liz may be physically uncomfortable for Kroll to play simply because she’s a woman, there may be other awkward times on set when the jokes about a character or situation become clear.

And although Kroll is not one to shy away from awkward situations, he says that he will never use shock just for shock’s sake.

“Part of it is the joy of sitting in the awkwardness,” Kroll said. “There’s a lot to be learned from those awkward moments, and I tend to enjoy that.”

Regardless of the awkwardness, viewers can expect wit and idiocy in a beautiful combination with all of the characters and situations that are depicted on Kroll Show, as well as a slew of surprise guest appearances.

Kroll says that among the many things he loves about his job and the industry he’s a part of is the collaborations and friendships made along the way.

“The comedy world is an incredibly collaborative world and I think a real model for how artists can create their own material and also participate in other people’s material … the water really rises,” Kroll said.

Regardless of being on two TV shows, one of which is named after him, the comedian does not expect to be a paparazzi target anytime soon.

He jokes that “they’re not really interested in me, I’m not handsome enough.”

But if this is as far as his star is meant to rise, he appears to be satisfied.

“If this is what the career is, then I’d be over the moon about it,” Kroll said.

Viewers can watch the Kroll Show Wednesday nights at 10:30 p.m. after Workaholics on Comedy Central.

 

 

 

This article was written for the Daily Titan and ran on 1/28/2013. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2013/01/the-kroll-shows-unique-blend-of-classic-sketch-comedy-and-reality-tv/

The Heavy Guilt to scale down Becker stage

Photo courtesy: Rebecca Joelson

As another semester begins for students at Cal State Fullerton, so does another series of weekly concerts at the Becker Amphitheater.

Every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., the stage of the outdoor music venue will be taken over by a new band to provide an hour of amplified entertainment for the campus.

The first band to seize control of the amphitheater is The Heavy Guilt, a San Diego-based rock ‘n’ roll band.

From an array of musical backgrounds, this six-man band is approaching the release of its third while continuing to aspire toward the ultimate music haven: a record deal.

Alfred Howard and Josh Rice were former members of the funk band K23. In 2008, when the rise of gas prices and vocal exhaustion made touring more difficult, the band called it quits.

When Howard and Rice were once again ready to pursue music careers, an email brought them exactly who they were looking for, singer Erik Canzona. From there, phone calls were made and friends joined together, thus creating The Heavy Guilt.

Today the band consists of Alfred Howard (writer), Josh Rice (keyboard), Erik Canzona (lead vocals), Jason Littlefield (bass), Sean Martin (guitar) and Jenny Merullo (drums).

With a sound that is part rock ‘n’ roll, indie and Americana, the band will release its self-titled album showcasing their new amped up sound, due sometime in April.

There is no doubt that their sound has evolved from the first two albums. Their first album, Lift Us Up From This, was released in 2009, followed by 2011’s In the Blood.

“Truth be told, playing slow brooding folk songs in loud bars on weekend nights is a challenge that our amps and attitudes rose to,” said Howard. “To eclipse the whiskey warmed conversation of a Friday night dive bar we needed to be louder and more engaging.”

He adds that for now the quiet ballads that shaped much of their early career will be played only “when people are familiar enough to care.”

The upcoming album will only show the evolution and progress made by the band and according to lead singer Canzona, it is the best work they have done yet.

“It combines the simplicity and richness of the first album with the live energy of the second,” said Canzona. “It’s the album I’ve always wanted to be a part of.”

With the new year, The Heavy Guilt has a new agenda and a new album. They plan to hit the road in support of their forthcoming album and gain more exposure outside of their hometown.

For those attending the live show at Becker Amphitheater, you can expect their rustic Americana folk rock sound, only amped up for the enjoyment of a live audience.

“It’s kind of like our albums on steroids,” Canzona said.

The show at the Becker Amphitheatre is free for everyone and takes place between the Titan Student Union and the Pollak Library. For more information on the band, visit their website: TheHeavyGuilt.com.

 

 

This article was written for the Daily Titan and ran on 1/28/2013. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2013/01/heavy-guilt-to-scale-down-becker-stage/

Weekly Underrated

As far as rowdy Irish-punk music, we tend to only think of the heavyweights who dominate the category: The Pogues, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and maybe just maybe Flatfoot 56.

As far as a band, especially a song, that is way underrated in this particular category, it is none other than “Mad Men” by The Briggs.

The song, to put it simply, is insane. From the second it starts you feel the need to stop your feet and clap your hands. There is none of the waiting around idly for the “good part” when it comes to “Mad Med.” On the recording of the song they even Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys doing some guest vocals.

With a fast tempo, pounding rhythm and the vocals of Joey and Jason LaRocca (yes, brothers)- the song is everything Irish-punk should be.

I suggest you take a listen to this amazing song by an amazing band. I only wish they did more shows in Southern California because they seem like they would be so fun to see live!

A new year means a new start

Although my absence and lack of dedication to the upkeep of my beloved blog was unintentional, it did, nonetheless happen. In an effort to reboot this bad boy, I am trying to stick to what I should have been doing all along, writing on a schedule.

I will start my new semester on Monday, Jan. 28th, and therefore, I have decided that the easiest choice was to dedicate every Friday morning from here on out to strictly blog-writing- unless my attention is absolutely required somewhere else.

I’ve missed the world of WordPress, the random chats that would spark out of a comment or a mutual interest with fellow bloggers. I’m happy to be re-focused and back with some serious determination to write.

My Weekly Underrated series will continue, even if it kills me (which it won’t because I absolutely love talking and writing about music).

Tomorrow is the kick-off, come check out what my first pick of 2013 will be!

 

~Sima

2012’s good, bad and unwelcome

 

Courtesy of MCT

People and Things that wouldn’t be missed in 2013:

Every year, sometimes every season, people find themselves trying new styles, exploring new avenues, revisiting old ones and often following the trends of popular culture.

Sometimes these trends end up being staples to a new era in technology, fashion or social media. But admit it, sometimes you just want to punch the next person who starts dancing “Gangnam Style.”

Some of the things that most people wouldn’t mind saying goodbye to for 2013 include: Yes, we already gave it away, “Gangnam Style.” Both the song and the dance from K-Pop sensation Psy have had their fair share of attention.

The song is borderline “Macarena” with how repetitive and trendy it was, but it’s just time that he either releases a new hit or people stop playing it.

Staying on the music scene, a few of the tween heartthrobs that most wouldn’t mind seeing go (into either an insane asylum or a desolate island in the middle of nowhere with no bottle to send messages in) would be Taylor Swift, known to all KROQ listeners as Taydolf Switler, and Justin Bieber.

The reasons for leaving these two gems in 2012 should be obvious, so the long list isn’t even going to be bothered with.

Another couple of Hollywood gems that shouldn’t be allowed to make the pop-culture trend shift into 2013 are Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes.

In fact, all young child stars that have been arrested more than once should probably just give up.

Although there may be many more people and things that could be mentioned on the list of things that should stay in 2012, there are a variety of new trends that many can’t get enough of, and for good reason!

People and Things that we can’t wait to see next year: 

Give the world more Instagram! Although Facebook owns the smartphone application, many users have actually started using it more than the parent company.

With the ability to share photos instead of trying to think of funny or smart status updates, Instagram is definitely something that will stick around.

Who doesn’t love seeing the hashtag pages dedicated to puppies, sloths and purple hair?

Speaking of purple hair, some beauty trends that should stick around in the new year include “ombre” hair and accented fingernails.

The “ombre” style is best described as a darker shade from root to about 70 percent of the hair length with a lighter color (usually blonde) for the remaining 30 percent of the hair length.

Accent nails, although many take them to a ridiculous level with 3-D images and such, are most easily described as having one different colored nail, which is called the “accent nail.”

Going back to the digital online media, another thing that has saved many people from boredom or creative stunts, thanks should be given to Pinterest.

A site dedicated to helping people everywhere cook, decorate and bring out all kinds of creative juices.

As far as the celebrities that haven’t been voted off the island, so to speak, it’s fairly easy to assume that most people (both men and women) can’t get enough of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mila Kunis. Talented, funny and extremely easy on the eyes, these two are welcome in 2013 with open arms.

Another welcome trend is the food truck. Although they have been around for years, the hype that took over the world of the food truck business is not something to be overlooked.

With pit stops that make lunch easy and accessible, coming to you instead of wasting your own gas and delicious food for reasonable prices, food trucks are only getting bigger.

So even though not everyone is on Instagram or Pinterest, and not everyone is a Mila Kunis or Joseph Gordon-Levitt fan, these various trends and people have proven to be something to pay attention to for the future.

 

 

This article was written for and ran in The Daily Titan. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2012/12/2012s-good-bad-and-unwelcomed/

Essentials to perfect the pin-up look

Essentials to perfect the pin-up look.

Essentials to perfect the pin-up look

Photo illustration by Blanca Navarro

Whether you are getting gussied up for a big date, a holiday party or New Year’s Eve, a different style that fits any special occasion is the pin-up look. The term pin-up generally refers to models and centerfolds, but it can also correspond to the graphic and often cartoon-like images of turn of the century models.

Some of the most notorious pin-up models that have heavily influenced the rockabilly culture and look include Bettie Page, Betty Grable, Veronica Lake and Ava Gardner.

Bettie Page, although perhaps lesser known than Marilyn Monroe (who actually has more covers!), contributed her infamous bangs to the modern rockabilly and pin-up look that is used today. The “Bettie bangs” are a staple for women in the rockabilly culture.

For ladies who wish to mimic these glamour turn of the century styles, a few essentials will help you on your way.

Perfect hair accessory:

A flower or bow can compliment any outfit, spicing up both casual or evening wear. With some help from Michaels and a glue gun, hair flowers are easily made at home, which also makes them more unique. Clipped into the side of a down style, or with a victory-roll updo, accessories always had a flare.

Polka Dots:

The awful polka dots of your parents ‘70s youth is no more. Today one can easily match the trendy print with cuffed jeans or even a black pencil skirt.

Leopard Print:

No longer is the animalistic jungle print associated with Peggy Bundy from Married With Children. The print, often seen in re-prints with Bettie Page posing provocatively either on top of rugs, in costumes or next to actual leopards, is a staple in the rockabilly trend. But like all things, this should be used in moderation. Too much leopard and things can get ugly. Usually the print is to add a splash or something special to an otherwise average outfit. A leopard cardigan can go a long way, especially with a basic black tank or T-shirt.

Petticoats/crinolines:

The once torturous requirements that women in the 19th century were imprisoned by are actually still around! Used frequently for volume and to give an extra boost to any swing style dress, they add flair and fun to your party dress. No lady needs limp and lifeless fabric in their party dress when these updated (thus more comfortable) petticoats and crinolines will add spring to your swing.

Red lipstick:

With the advances that technology has made, it’s no wonder that cosmetics have taken giant leaps forward since the original era that made red lipstick so sexy. With various shades of red that can literally match any skin tone, all day wear and smudge proof qualities, it’s a wonder more women don’t don sexy lips. With an application that can last all night, red lips are the perfect finish to the perfect pin-up look.

Additional tips to help you along with the perfect pin-up look would be to lay a thick coat of black eyeliner, with the ends winged out. The cat-eye liner will draw attention to your eyes and very little shadow is needed with this look. It goes especially well with sultry red lips.

Whether you are new to trying out this style, or a longtime participant of the rockabilly and pin-up culture, these basics should help you on your way or for that one big night out!

This article was written for and ran in The Daily Titan. Link: http://www.dailytitan.com/2012/12/essentials-to-perfect-the-pin-up-look/