The fourth season of USA Network's hit reality contest Nashville Star premieres tomorrow, Tuesday, March 14, at 10 p.m. To get you ready for more country western crooning and a whole lot of fun, we asked NS judge Anastasia Brown a few questions.
Anastasia has worked with Miles Copeland and Keith Urban, so she knows a thing or two about what makes a good performer tick. Anastasia also served as music supervisor on the Emmy Award-winning Steven Spielberg miniseries Taken and is a partner in 821 Entertainment, which helps film producers find killer music for their movie soundtracks.
TV.com: When it comes to musical talent, what do you look for? What are the signs of real musical talent?
Anastasia Brown: I look for an artist with a strong sense of who they are and what their music is. One sign is when an artist is able to perform a cover song and makes it their own so it feels like a brand-new song. The ability to really entertain and move me versus merely singing a song perfectly.
TV.com: What are you looking for in a Nashville Star?
AB: Talent, the desire to become the best artist they can be versus a celebrity and a gifted songwriter, musician, and entertainer.
TV.com: Is there a difference between musical talent and the ability to entertain?
AB: Yes!
TV.com: Which is more important?
AB: Both are required to become a Nashville Star.
TV.com: Are you hoping to sign any artists from the show?
AB: I'm always looking for amazing talent and music for films and TV!
TV.com: What attracted you to Nashville Star?
AB: The fact that they have always had a live band and required original songs to be performed throughout the history of the show. In other words, that fact that Nashville Star is not a karaoke contest.
TV.com: Why agree to take the time to judge?
AB: Music, aspiring artists, and Nashville has been and always will be one of the most important part of my life!
TV.com: Besides genre, in what way is Nashville Star different from American Idol?
AB: Our contestants play instruments, write songs, and while we [judges] are honest in helping the aspiring artists, we are not dream killers.
TV.com: In general, what kind of TV do you watch?
AB: Music-driven shows and Grey's Anatomy.
TV.com: Have you been a fan of Nashville Star previously?
AB: Yes!
TV.com: Can you recall any really dumb moves the judges have made in seasons past?
AB: Nope.
TV.com: What projects are you working on currently?
AB: Working on the Warner Bros. feature, August Rush, as music supervisor. Actors: Robin Williams, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Freddie Highmore, Terrence Howard, and Keri Russell. Launching my technology company, Crowfly, serving as the digital download engine for live shows of Mark Knopfler and Nashville Star. Released first CD for corporate client Silverton Lodge & Resort.
TV.com: What's playing on your iPod or turntable?
AB: George Strait, "Seashores of Mexico"; James Blunt, "Beautiful"; Keith Urban, "Tangled Up in Love"; The Notorious Cherry Bombs, "Making Memories of Us"; Brooks and Dunn, "Believe"; to name a few.
TV.com: Thanks, Anastasia!
Comments (2)
I didn't realize that Randy Owen doesn't have a personality. His attitude and personality is so "blah". Please replace him with someone who can smile and not be so serious all the time. Try to find someone who isn't stuck on himself because of his name. From Dusty
Sometimes you seem too blunt to performers, but I think that Randy Owens comments to Meg Allison last week were cruel and unjustified. What do you think? Has Randy never heard of Alison Kraus or her song "Back to Georgia"? He was as bad as the idiots on American Idol. I didn't know that he had such a mean streak in him. You offer constructive criticism; Randy's was destructive. I have lost respect for someone I always greatly admired.