Chris Detert
I’ve been lucky throughout my career with all the amazing people I have been able to meet. Chris Detert owner of American Rebel PR in Hollywood, CA is one of those amazing people. Chris and his wife Heather have built a successful business in Hollywood by hard work and knowing what works in the entertainment business. With clients such as Rock Revival, English Laundry, Metropark, Fender: The Clothing Collection, King Baby Studio, Macbeth Footwear, JVC Mobile Entertainment, and many more Chris has his thumb on the heartbeat of the music and entertainment world. I was excited to ‘Check Chris’s Brain’ about life, work, MTV, and more.
RF: What five songs would you pick to describe the sound track of your life?
CD: 1. Hold you in My Arms by Ray LaMontagne
(Our wedding song)
2. Change by Blind Melon
(Uplifting song- always makes me smile)
3. Two Step by Dave Matthews Band
(Takes me back to my high school days)
4. Mad World by Gary Jules
(Haunting and beautiful-if you’ve never heard this song, drop what you’re doing and go download it now)
5. Second Chance by Shinedown
(Great song about redemption by one of my favorite bands who are also good friends)
RF: What was life like before American Rebel?
Before American Rebel, my life was definitely a lot more relaxed, though it got increasingly more challenging as I’ve gone along in my professional career. Straight out of college, I went to work at an entertainment management company called The Firm, which was the most powerful management agency of it’s time. I worked there for nearly 2 years, but left after the company’s focus shifted from music to film and television. From there, I went on to the job that set the path for my career. Von Dutch was a little known niche car and motorcycle culture brand in 2003, when I started working in their marketing department. In only 2 years, the brand became a $70 million fashion phenomenon and I ascended to the position of Vice President of marketing and PR. This is what set the stage for me to start American Rebel PR with my wife, Heather.
RF: What made Heather and yourself start up American Rebel?
When Von Dutch was unraveling in late 2005, I decided that I was going to leave and start an agency where I could use the relationships I had built with celebrities and the media . From the experience at Von Dutch, I figured out a new blueprint for exposing brands through the use of celebrities and the mass media. I realized that it was shortsighted of me to be doing this for just one company, so with that in mind, I started my agency so that I could apply my brand building strategy to many different clients. It started with fashion and accessory brands, but has branched out into all sorts of different lifestyle products, including electronics, beverages, and cigars.
RF: Generally people have a hard time working with there spouse, let alone running a successful business together. What has set Heather and yourself apart from this stereo type?
I think that we work so well together because we have a genuine love for what we do and each other. I think the key element to working together successfully is being able to establish our roles for the business. I am the face of the company and the one who deals with the clients, celebrities, and media, while Heather is behind the scenes making sure that the internal structure of the company is sound and that our staff is doing the necessary things to produce viable results for our clients.
RF: What do you like to do to unwind from the insanity of work?
CD: We’d love to get away for vacations more, but that rarely ever happens because we’re so busy, so instead we take our dogs out for hikes at Runyon Canyon and we go to the gym often. We also love to eat, so we go to a lot of restaurants. We’re also really into music, so we like to go see live shows.
RF: American Rebel has represented a lot of amazing brands since 2005. What is the process of choosing who you represent?
CD: We have always sought out brands that we really like and thought would be appealing to celebrities and the media. I’ve always looked for brands that I wanted to wear personally, as lifestyle
marketing and PR is most effective when the person working with the brand genuinely likes and wears the products. On any given day, you can see me in JUMP Shoes, Rock Revival jeans, a Curtis & Co. watch, and a Metropark jacket.
RF: Has a product ever approached you for representation and you just went, ummmmmm HELL NO!
CD: Yes, a few years back, I was approached by a designer that I worked closely with many years ago and he asked me to do PR for his new namesake clothing line. The line was really ugly and tacky, so I said that I would only do it if he paid me double the rate that I usually garnered. He tried to cut it in half and I told him to forget it. The line is very well-known, but seen as cheesy by most, so I am very happy that we didn’t do it.
RF: How does American Rebel celebrate when it takes a client from one level, and transforms it into a household name?
CD: We don’t usually celebrate that, as it is something that is more or a gradual process that happens over time, rather than overnight. Though we do quarterly parties at our office where we bring in a bunch of sponsors and invite all of our colleagues and friends. We’ve found that doing events like these are helpful in spreading the message of what we do and it generally helps us find new clients.
RF: One of my favorite artists of all time is Scott Weiland of STP, how did you come about creating English Laundry with him?
CD: Scott and I met back in 2004 at the World Music Awards in Las Vegas. I actually hit it off more with his ex-wife, Mary Weiland who was doing a celebrity gifting company called Double Platinum Swag, so we would talk often about working together. I invited her and Scott to come into Von Dutch to get a bunch of clothing from the store and Scott and I ended up spending over two hours together picking out clothing. We started out by talking about just doing a couple of custom pieces together and from there the idea for the line was born. Scott has a very late 60’s, early 70’s sense of style, so he was looking to do Saville Row style, bespoke tailored suits. As things started breaking down with Von Dutch, it became increasingly apparent that we would not be able to create this line, so I put it on hold for 2 years until I found the perfect partner in Christopher Wicks and his brand, English Laundry. When I first started working with Christopher Wicks, I realized that this was a perfect match, so I suggested it to Christopher. He was really excited, so I set up a meeting with Scott and it took off from there. Most recently, we just got a nationwide order from Nordstrom for the line, so that is a really big success that I am very proud of.
RF: So for those that haven’t seen you on MTV can you let them know what they missed out on?
CD: My company and I were the subject of the premiere episode of a new MTV show called MTV Hired. It is a documentary series about young professionals and their search for employment in today’s tough economy. Every episode, they profile a different company that is looking for an employee. After we filmed our episode and the show was green lit, I had the opportunity to place 3 of my clients on the show. King Baby Studio, Blowfish Shoes, and Energy Muse Jewelry all were amongst the first 20 episodes of the show. It is a really informative and entertaining look at how companies conduct their hiring process.
RF: You have had an amazing career as an entrepreneur. What advice would you give someone that is trying to achieve the same success with their own business?
CD: Be bold and be willing to take risks. Have faith in yourself, even if you aren’t necessarily sure of what you are doing. Also, it’s very important to be honest with people and deliver on your promises. Great businesses are built upon relationships, so be sure to understand the importance of them.
In This Moment
My music must have pick this issue is “A Star-Crossed Wasteland” from the band In This Moment that is in a record store near you right now. If your wondering how great this album is I’ll let a quote from my eleven year old daughter Pamalatera Charmiane (Yes, named after the greatest band ever Pantera!) say it all…. “Dad I need a double bass pedal so I can play ‘Gunshow’ by In This Moment please!” Now there is no way I can say no to that? She is a huge fan of their drummer Jeff Fabb now and it looks like their will be a ‘ddrum’ drumkit in the future! For myself, if it is possible to wear out a digital album by playing it to much, this will be the one I do it to.
Singer Miria Brink is one of the most powerful singers in the business! She will have you in awe with the opening track ‘Gunshow’ as she screams “Welcome to the Gunshow!” and then wrapping up the album by seducing you with the soft tones of her voice on ‘Worlds of Flames’. This band is an all around package that will be entertaining us for many years.
To get a full breakdown of the new album check out “Check My Brain” online at
Website: http://beverlyhillstimes.blogspot.com
For more info on In This Moment visit http://www.myspace.com/inthismoment
Follow them on twitter at http://twitter.com/officialitm
Sabine Roemer
Sabine is one of the most kindest souls who has a passion of bringing the beauty out of everything she is involved with. I was excited to ‘Check Sabine’s Brain’ and see what this amazing artist has been up to.
RF: What was the first piece you ever created and why did you decide to create it?
SR: I always have been creative, drawing, painting, crafting and making things since I was little. When I was 15 years old I did a week work experience with this traditional goldsmith/jewelry Designer Dietmar Kohn in my hometown Karlsruhe. I finished my first piece that day after he introduced me to all the tools, materials and techniques. It is a chunky ring with one diamond and a floral band around it, which I still wear until now.
RF: What event sticks out in your mind when you think of your time at Pforzheim Goldsmith and Watchmaker School?
SR: I was always trying to be creative in different fields. The school was amazing to be at, as we got educated in such a wide range of subjects from gemmology, watch-making, drawing, art history, chemics, stone cutting, engraving, setting and silversmithing. But I guess the proudest moment during that time was when I created the Medals for the European Basketball Championship, as I was playing myself since the age of twelve and I am still a big fan.
RF: You have traveled and worked every where, and I am sure a lot of inspiration comes from all the different places you’ve been. Has there been one that really surprised you that you were inspired by?
SR: It’s hard to pick one, as I get my inspiration from everywhere landscapes, architecture, people and of course animals. To go into the world and work in all kind of different workshops was an amazing experience. I discovered so many unique techniques, which we are losing unfortunately bit by bit, from the granulation in Italy, etching in Greece, stone-carving in New Zealand, tool-making in Australia, Ostrich egg jewellery in Botswana to the inlaid work in France. I’m also very excited to go to Little Tibet now and work and learn from the Ladakhis about their craft and skills.
RF: You have worked with some amazing people in the past, one of my favorite is Stephen Webster in London. Is there anyone out that you are hoping to work with in the future?
I have to say I feel very lucky, that I’m in the situation, that I can express myself under my own name. But I always like collaborations with projects or brands and there are a lot I admire. I’m a big fan of my fellow countryman Karl Lagerfeld , Tom Ford is a genius and in the Jewellery world I have to say I admire Van Cleef&Arpel, Cartier and Harry Winston.
RF: How did it feel to hear Morgan Freeman talk about you on Jay Leno?
SR: He seems extremely happy with the work you did for him.
It was so unexpected as I just wanted to help and promote this amazing 46664 Bangle project .When I saw Morgan Freeman talking about me at the Jay Leno show and on the red carpet interviews during the Oscars I have to say I was quiet shocked and couldn’t believe that he said my name. He is a wonderful talented person and so supportive.
RF: How did that project come about?
SR: I’m working with Nelson Mandela and his foundation now since 2007 where I create one-of-a-kind sculptures to help raise funds for his causes. Morgan Freeman bought my last sculpture I made for Mandela’s 91st birthday celebration in NYC last year and when he got nominated for an Academy Award for the role of Nelson Mandela it just seemed a perfect fit to create something special for this achievement and to help promote the cause of the 46664 bangle.
RF: Is there any other celebrity that you are hoping to design for in the future?
I have to say it is an amazing feeling to see my pieces on the red carpet and big events to reach a wider audience. I love the style of Beyonce Knowles, Charlize Theron, Heidi Klum and of course Lady GaGa as there are no boundaries for a designer.
RF: Does life seem surreal right now? You just sold The Emerald Queen, a life-size elephant using Gemfields Zambian emeralds, to an anonymous bidder for £150,000.00, and now have launched your first official collection, Arabian Nights, exclusively at Harrods by Appointment.
SR: Yes of course it does, I still can’t believe what all happened in the last three years since I started on my own. One day you are leaving your job and jumping into the cold water and hope for the best. The next day you are meeting people like Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton. And now to show my collection in Harrods is a dream comes true. It all seems to happen so quick and I’m so happy to be in this position to just do what I love.
RF: With your insane busy business schedule, when you do have time to for you, what do you do to unwind from the craziness?
SR: To unwind I do some yoga, pilates or just see my friends and family. For me it doesn’t feel like I have to take time off from what I do as I truly found my vocation.
RF: I have a neckless that I received from my grandfather that I never take off, do you have a piece of jewelry like that you wear all of the time? And why is it so special?
SR: Yes , it is a very small golden watch my grandmother gave to me just right before she passed away and a small golden heart my mum gave me, which was a present from her dad to her. That is exactly what I want, to create pieces that tell a story and which you want to give to your children one day to keep these memories alive.
For more about Sabine Roemer visit
Website: http://www.sabineroemer.com
Andy Mackenzie
Andy Mackenzie is a musician, actor, and family man. The nick name Daddy Mack fits perfect for a man who puts his family first by being the best at his craft and constantly striving to be the best he can everyday. I had a chance to ‘Check Mack’s Brain’ about life and what makes him a triple threat in Hollywood, Actor, musician, and family man.
RF: First things first, you’re a successful musician and actor, along with a family man that includes two beautiful women in your life, Is there anything you can’t do?
AM: Ooh, tough question. I appreciate that. I try to do as much as I can do. If I can’t, I’ll try anyway. HARD.
RF: What is the key to balancing the many hats you wear in life?
AM: Stay calm, grounded, healthy, clear and present. I like to spread myself thick. Concentrate on everything. Especially the daddy part. And water. Lots of it.
RF: What do you do to unwind from all the chaos in your professional career?
AM: Exercise. Sweating. I love it. I need it. It feels so damn good. Gym. Pushing. Pulling. Tennis. And of course, our hot pool with the little one. We would stay in the pool ‘til we’re full body prunes.
RF: What was the reason you got behind a kit and started making noise?
AM: In high school, a few of my friends played guitar and bass, some wanted to sing but only two drummers. Great drummers but already in bands. So, I said “I’ll do the drums,” got a kit, took a couple lessons. But the dude couldn’t teach me how to rock the f#@k out. So, I fired him and basically taught myself. Transcribed my favorite songs and went with the flow. Still, I couldn’t save my life if I had to perform any major rudiments, or even a roll.
RF: What can we expect next from 33 Degree?
AM: Since we just released a full album, Regret The Heredity (iTunes, Amazon, etc.), we may get a video together for a single. Plus, we’ve been taking a break to write a lot of new material. Once we’ve got another album full of tunes, we’ll try to hit the road again.
RF: Do you remember your first casting call? What was it and what stands out?
AM: Oh yes. I remember. Reaching back to ‘89 for the remake of The Lord of the Flies. Casting Director came to my school, Harvard High School, asked the drama teacher to pull out his best actors. I made that first cut and auditioned right then and there. They called me back twice to their office in L.A., then flew me twice to New York for chemistry reads with Balthazar Getty. It ended up going to some kid connected to one of the producers, so the director told me anyway. Oh yes. I remember. Kinda funny though. Even when I was 14, I was already going out for the bad guy.
RF: What was your first paying gig as an actor?
AM: Ooh, you’re making me reach back. Actually, I was paid as an infant for a commercial with a lion or a tiger. I forget what it was. But when I really started back, my first real job was for a commercial for The Good Guys. I was in production as a P.A. at the same time, so I worked 12 hours at that job, went straight to the commercial set, a night shoot, worked 12 hours, swung by home for a quick shower, then back to the P.A. job for another 14 hours. I think I squeezed a few z’s at red lights.
RF: I dug the biker character you played on Burn Notice this year. Is there any chance that he can return to seek revenge on Michael Weston, or even help him out in a future episode?
AM: Well, since he wasn’t actually killed on camera, you just never know.
RF: If you could work with anyone wether it was an actor or musician on a project who would it be?
AM: I’d love to work with so many but I’d really love to fuse the acting and the drumming somehow. Someday. I can dream.
RF: I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me, and before I let you go, answer this with out thinking…. Top 5 songs ever recorded!
AM: Dazed and Confused – Led Zep,
One – Metallica,
Jesus Christ Pose – Soundgarden,
Aenima – Tool,
Black – Pearl Jam.
Honestly, I need more time! And more songs
For more info on Andy Mackenzie visit:
Website: http://www.imdb.me/AndyMackenzie
Twitter @Andy_Mackenzie
BHT Music Calendar
Log onto ‘Check My Brain’ at
http://beverlyhillstimes.blogspot.com
for full concert listings
Lady Gaga
August 11th and 12th – Staples Center
Ozzfest 2010
with
Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crüe
August 14th – San Manuel Amphitheater
Dave Matthews Band
August 21st – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
August 23rd – Hollywood Bowl
Sunset Strip Music Festival
Smashing Pumpkins
Slash with Fergi and Myles Kennedy
and many more
August 26th to 28th – Sunset Strip
West Hollywood, CA
Green Day
August 31st – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
For AD Rates email Kim Gardner
Kim.Gardner@BHTmag.com or call him direct at 801.473.7160
