Debbie Gibson – Music In Me

By starrymag | April 13, 2015

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What can you tell us about the premise for Music In Me and about your character?

A) “Just a small town girl…” Actually, yes, I play small town girl Jessica who is always putting others first. Finally, my long lost musical ambitions that I put aside for many years come to fruition through an unexpected series of events! Jessica is fearful and, though she is generous and a natural caregiver, she is hiding a bit behind that out of fear of really going for her dreams.

Q) What made you want to be a part of this project?

A) The fact that it centers on music and that I get to play a normal character that isn’t running from giant critters! Though, I would star in another SyFy movie in a heartbeat…it was nice to play a grounded normal relatable young woman.

Q) Was there anything that you added to the role that not have originally been scripted for you?

A) There was definitely some adlibbing in the scenes where I direct the choir. I also dove into the script and requested that the speeches given by the pastor would give people a new perspective. The words “hope” and “faith” are overused and misunderstood. They actually represent “repressed doubt,” where as “knowing” is just that. Knowing requires no hoping or believing or promising. It’s more in depth and, hopefully, will elevate the audience and teach them a new outlook on things.

Q) How was working with director John Bradshaw and what kind of tips/guidance did he provide?

A) John is one of the nicest human beings you will ever meet! He worked with me a lot on finding the line between being alive in the moment yet natural and understated without projecting, which is always a challenge for me because my acting roots are in theater.

Q) You wrote and performed the original song “Promises” for the film. What areas or moments were your inspiration?

A) Well, in reading the script through the first time, the title and the words, “promises made” were in it. That hook melody dropped in instantly. It was like I was reading and hearing the melody in real time. Thank you song angels! But I was most struck by the fact that here’s a girl who is so responsible and committed when it came to everyone, but herself. I wanted to reflect that she needed to learn to keep promises to herself and then she would truly be a woman of her word.

Q) Did you write the song before or after the movie?

A) Before. I was basically done tuning and recording up until I got on the plane to shoot!

Q) Will “Promises” be released as a s ingle or is it strictly for the film?

A) It will be available on my website (http://www.debbiegibsonofficial.com/shop) and CD Baby.

Q) If you could give advice to your character about music or songwriting what would it be?

A) Great question! I would say, “You don’t have to try so hard to find the words. They will find you!” Also, I would tell her to live her life fully and without fear. That is the greatest inspiration.

Q) What was the most difficult aspect of filming and why?

A) The first thought that came to mind was that it was so cold in Sudbery, Canada! But, seriously, I was in almost every scene. I’ve never carried a movie to that degree. It was new and exciting!

Q) What was the best part of playing opposite of Gloria Rueben?

A) That’s an easy one! Absolutely everything! The woman has lived in front of the camera and is so alive and present. It kept me on my toes to work with someone so seasoned. She’s also just a real deal cool tell-it-like-it-is gal so we hit it off onscreen and off. Plus, she loved my Chiquita Banana impromptu performance, which takes a certain kind of humor to get!

Q) What message do you hope that people take away from watching the film?

A) Once you learn to keep promises to yourself and live without fear, your life will take on new meaning!

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback it provides?

A) Oh yeah! My fans, who call themselves DebHeads, absolutely cannot wait! For non-DebHeards, please be kind!

Q) Are there anymore music releases coming soon?

A) New music was slightly put aside to deal with some health issues, but I’ve recently started demo-ing the new material I’ve been writing  for the last several years. It’s my favorite group of songs to date that truly reflect the real world and relatable situations. When the moment is right, I can’t wait for you all to hear them!

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) Thank you for the love and loyalty through the years!