Above Hell’s Kitchen – A Conversation with Jonathan Spottiswoode

Jonathan Spottiswoode takes time during a rehearsal break to talk with Robert about Above Hell’s Kitchen. Jonathan is the Composer, Lyricist, Bookwriter, and stars as the main character DJ. Check out the video to hear the interview!

Spottiswoode grew up in London and now resides in New York. His songs have been covered by numerous artists and featured in a variety of independent and Hollywood films.

The New Yorker has called him a “genius” and a “downtown ringleader.” S&M, his recent duo collaboration with Riley McMahon, was voted the Best DIY Release of 2007 by Performing Songwriter Magazine and nominated for an Independent Music Award. He has also put out two solo CDs, including the 2010 Old Soul release, PIANO 45.

Spottiswoode’s 7-piece band, Spottiswoode & His Enemies, has released four acclaimed CDs, toured nationally and internationally, played at Lincoln Center, and performed residencies at some of New York’s most prestigious venues. In 2008, in honor of the band’s tenth anniversary, Spottiswoode was profiled on NPR’s “Weekend Edition.”  In 2009, the band and six actors performed a staged reading at Joe’s Pub in the Public Theater of his new opera, ABOVE HELL’S KITCHEN. The project has been selected for the 2010 New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Spottiswoode is also a filmmaker. He flew to Los Angeles two years in a row to thank the Academy and receive consecutive Student Emmys for music videos he wrote, produced and directed. THE GENTLEMAN, an anti-romantic comedy he subsequently wrote and directed, screened at the BBC Short Film Festival and played for several years on the Independent Film Channel. He currently has two feature film scripts in development: UPPER PENINSULA, a Midwestern domestic drama to be directed by Brian Dilg, an NYU Film School Graduate; and THE LONG WALK, a dramatic and lyrical portrait of New York City on a Friday night, with the Cesar-nominated French actress, Audrey Dana, attached.

There are still chances to see Above Hell’s Kitchen! Get your tickets now before the festival ends!

Tuesday, Oct 12th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Wednesday, Oct 13th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Friday, Oct 15th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, Oct 17th, 2010 at 1:00 pm

- Robert (Marymount Manhattan College)