Lance Lim – School of Rock

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I’m guest starring on an ABC show called “Speechless.” It’s a lot different than what you see me on in “School of Rock,” but really cool.

Q) It must be nice for you to get to fulfill a different outlet as an actor.

A) Yeah, because I feel with “School of Rock” you guys only get to see a certain aspect to me as an actor. It’s good to do different things and see me in different things to show my versatility as an actor.

Q) What can you tease is new this season with “School of Rock?”

A) Season Two has started airing. We’re three episodes in. He has certainly grown a lot since the first season. He’s a lot more comfortable in his own skin. He is a lot more comfortable with the band. He knows who he is now and is embracing it more. In the first season, everyone kind of had a battle within themselves and figuring out who they want to be. This season everyone seems to be embracing who they are and you see them do it through music and friendships.

Q) How do you personally connect with Zack?

A) Zack and I are really different, which also makes it fun for me as an actor. One of the things Zack and I have in common is that we really love the guitar. Zack has a huge passion for guitar and a really strong drive, which I don’t think a lot of people get to see. You see the challenge of him going against his father and figuring out what he wants to do with the band. He pushes through and he has his drive for the band, which I think he and I share in common.

Q) How will he fit in further with the band and will dynamics switch up this season?

A) You see a lot of internal relationship problems happening in Season two. Zack has definitely gotten closer to everyone as a whole, rather than just one person.

Q) Have you enjoyed learning about yourself through portraying this character?

A) Definitely! For research purposes I have watched the original movie. It kind of gave me a general grasp of it, but I figured with the TV I wanted to make it a bit more different and something I can relate to a bit more. I think that’s how I made Zack be.

Q) The show has a great comedy element to it. Was comedic timing something that came natural to you or have you had to study at it?

A) I guess I have always kind of studied it. I’ve always loved comedy, that’s for sure. I’ve always watched a variety of comedies, whether it be feature film comedies and kid show comedies. Even standup comedy! I don’t think I necessarily studied it, but comedy was just one of those things that was more natural to me. I guess it felt right for me. I do study it a bit more now.

Q) Where does your love of music come from?

A) I started music when I was eight years old and I always loved it. I actually started music before I began acting. So, it was because of music that I got here. Music has always been a big passion of me. Music is a different kind of art and another way of expressing yourself. That is why I love it so much. I feel like it has helped me grow as a person.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) So many! Lately, I’ve been getting into John Mayer. I really, really love his music. I think he is such a great artist with the guitar, singing and lyrics. I’ve always loved Ed Sheeran. He has always been one of my favorites. With John Mayer, you really feel he is putting emotion into the song.

Q) I know you have your own YouTube channel. How do you decide what you will feature on it?

A) YouTube wise, it is whatever I listen to. Especially since my voice has changed a lot, I’m just trying to get used to it. So, I’m trying to find artists that are a similar voice to me and songs that I really like. If I do find one, I post it up. I recently posted a cover of Shawn Mendes’ song “Treat You Better,” which I feel is imagined so well. That’s why I loved it so much and it is one of the prouder covers I have since I put so much work into it.

Q) How much time and practice do you put into your covers?

A) Everything is kind of always after practice. I don’t do anything in one take. I practice so much for every cover because I have to make it the best I can. Whether it be with the guitar and practicing chords and performing in front of the camera…I definitely practice a lot.

Q) You are a part of social media. What is your favorite part of the instant fan feedback?

A) I really love and don’t like social media at the same time. I someone who is an influencer, I love that I have an outlet where I can reach out to the people who support me so well. I can have a conversation with them. I also don’t like social media because it allows people to pick who they are as a picture and as a statement that other people say. As an actor, I really feel like social media is really great. I get to talk to fans, post pictures and keep up with people.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about what is to come?

A) There is an episode coming up with Breanna [Yde] and I and we end up making a love song together. It’s going to be a really fun episode to watch so keep an eye out for it. It’s one of my favorites of the season and one of my favorite songs of the seasons. It’s just my favorite episode. It’s a good one!