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RITA ROCKS AN INTERVIEW WITH RITA WILSON
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“All life experiences are things that you’ll use at some point creatively.”
Kara and Rita worked on a song, bringing in songwriter, Jason Reeves, to further flesh out the tune. At a certain point, Rita says she became incredibly emotional, “…because how the song sounds and feels is exactly what I wanted it to feel like.”
could be good at [fill in the blank].” How many of us stop at the thought and continue doing the things we’re already doing? But Rita’s willingness to take risks and stay true to herself have a pretty good track record of paying off. We could all stand to learn a little something from her.
Since then, Rita’s written over 60 songs with no sign of slowing down. “I love songwriting so much. I feel that creatively it’s so satisfying. I feel connected to it in a way I wasn’t expecting.”
It was Rita who championed a little known film called, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Written by and starring the then-unknown, Nia Vardalos, it was certainly a risky move to produce. But Rita trusted her gut and her own experiences as the child of immigrant parents. And did it pay off? The 2002 romantic comedy became the highest-grossing independent film of all time, with a sequel currently in theaters in which Rita plays a role.
When asked about her songwriting process, Rita says anything and everything can lead to a great track: “Every songwriting process is different; you don’t quite know what to expect. Sometimes you’re with a writer and you’re talking for three hours, just yakking about life, and sometimes you get to work right away. Sometimes it’s really emotional and sometimes it’s really funny.” What really tells her a song is good? “I’m always attracted to storytelling in the songwriting. And the melody–something you can’t get out of your head.” When Rita is asked about musicians who inspired her, the list is impressive, including Carole King, James Taylor and Fleetwood Mac. She mentions Linda Ronstadt as an inspiration, as well, who didn’t write songs, but interpreted them in a beautiful way. “The disco era had really great women, Stevie Wonder and the Supremes; the 80’s had the Police…” Rita adds. We could honestly keep cataloguing Rita’s favorite musicians, but that would be almost as long as the list of varied roles Rita’s had throughout her acting career. In fact, her first album AM/FM was a sort of homage to all the artists that have inspired her, filled with covers of 60’s and 70’s radio hits and accompanied by contemporary singers with hefty resumes. Accompanied by the likes of Jackson Browne, Faith Hill and Sheryl Crowe, Rita makes a compelling entrance into the world of music, flanked by established crooners. Rita’s new album is filled with songs she’s penned herself, inspired by life as she’s lived it. “There’s a song called What You See is What You Get … women are complex characters; they aren’t just the obvious, so this song plays with that. Girls Night In is a song about exactly that: being with your girlfriends, cutting loose, letting your hair down, you don’t care what you look like—but I wrote it with a man and a woman!” Each of Rita’s new songs show her willingness to share herself and her openness to the creative process. (Bonus points to the male songwriter who was able to accurately musicalize a girls’ night in, by the way.) Rita’s decision to begin writing songs is a big one, since we’ve all had moments where we’ve thought, “I should try something new,” or “I think I
Even though her focus is currently on music, Rita’s past experiences on stage have certainly helped her career. “The live performance of both, (and) the connection to the audience is something I really love and thrive off of because the audience is your partner in a way.” Looking back on Rita’s life, connection to her past experiences and to others has really shaped her career. If she hadn’t kept in touch with her Greek roots, she might not have supported the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding as much as she did. If she hadn’t been so friendly and connected to talented songwriters, she might not have gotten the initial push she needed to enter the world of music. Rita, it turns out, has some thoughts on the matter. “All life experiences are things that you’ll use at some point creatively, whether you’re trying to access an emotion for a character or you’re trying to put it in a song’s lyrics or melody, which can be painful. It can feel like ‘oh god I’m going there,’ which can ultimately be the most satisfying because it’s more truthful.” It’s fitting that Rita’s decision to first write a song was driven by a desire to express gratitude, since now she has more inspiration than ever. “I feel really humbled by the people I’ve worked with,” Rita reflects, and who wouldn’t? Rita’s acted alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. She’s produced successful films that have garnered worldwide acclaim. And the producers on her latest album are definitely no strangers to accomplishment. Top Nashville songwriters such as Matraca Berg, Jessi Alexander and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush played a part in Wilson’s album, as well as producers, Nathan Chapman, Richard Marx, John Shanks and Babyface. Rita just finished up a residency at New York’s famed Café Carlyle, with a nationwide tour to follow. While that means Rita’s got a lot to think about logistically, the newfound singer in her certainly hasn’t slowed down. At the beginning of our interview I asked, as an ice-breaker, what her favorite breakfast cereal was growing up. Rita Wilson picked the most musical answer, crying out, “Rice Krispies, of course—snap, crackle, pop!”
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Poolside
EXTRAVAGANCE HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR SUMMER SOIREE LIFESTYLE EDITOR PANDORA VANDERPUMP SABO
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his summer is all about decadence and lavish entertaining and I love it! Poolside meals no longer need to be a matter of simplicity; let’s embrace their potential for stunning visuals and delicious displays. Have the ladies over for a beautiful lunch, host a swanky evening cocktail party, or set up a dramatic dinner table, laden with extravagant details. Here are some of my favorite summer inspirations.
Overstuffed Tables & Jewels The more the merrier this summer. The combination of a relaxed and easy poolside meal with a decadent tabletop display makes for a really memorable experience. The easiest way to spoil your guests is with tabletops overflowing with tasteful abundance. Jewel encrusted ice buckets, fabulous flowers, twinkling candles and outdoor chandeliers … this is the season to really go for it! Bright Summer Bouquets Summer brings a variety of bright flowers and greenery and this is the perfect way to adorn your table. Try mixing up the way you present your florals: you don’t have to stick to just one vase in the center of the table. A large, low arrangement in the middle of the table is easy to talk over … couple it with some tiny vases filled with individual stems peppered around the table and you have the perfect combo.
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Playful Pastels & Prints Summer is the easiest time to embrace your playful side! Try pairing bright, beautiful pastels with floral prints for a striking summery tablescape. You can make your display more grounded with a black or grey napkins and placemats if you don’t want to be too “twee.” I love slightly unusual color combinations: lilac paired with reds and pinks, pale blues with crisp mint, or nectarine with dark purples … be unique! Decadent Details Heaping bowls of lemons, tiny crystal vases, tassel napkin rings, jeweled placemats … this summer is all about attention to detail. Adding some unusual visual elements is the perfect way to achieve the summer abundance that defines this season.
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