Nando & Val Emmich

As you may or may not know, I don't have cable. I don't even have a television set in my home. Now, before you all turn on me and write me notes drenched in anger and comments expressing hate towards me, there's a philosophy behind this: to dedicate my time at home to the art of creating. What does that mean? It pretty much translates to, "I'm not making enough money to afford cable and this is a great excuse to use to not sound cheap." But does it mean I'm out of the loop on current issues? Hell, yeah! But not the important ones, I learned a few months ago that I was "Gay for Jaime!"

Picture it: I settled down for a lonely night in my Brooklyn apartment when I decided to take advantage of internet T.V., I mean besides porn, I don't really have much use for my laptop (No offense to the HP company). I clicked on an episode of 30 Rock with the hilarious Tina Fey (Tina, if you happen to read this and need a new writer for the show--I will WORK FOR FOOD...and PORN!).

30 Rock started and before I knew it, I fell in love with Jaime (the coffee delivery guy), who in a bold move, asked Tina Fey's character out on a date. He was so hot, that even the straight guys in the office were falling for him, quoiting the phrase, "I'm gay for Jaime!"

At that moment, I knew my mission in life, to stalk this guy and learn everything about him. Anyone who would listen (My friend, coworkers, strangers on an elevator)heard my high pitched screeches as I explained how I needed help finding this guy because I knew his star would soon be rising and I wanted in!

After three sleepless days searching on the internt I finally found him: VAL EMMICH. Val Emmich is the stuff fantasies are made of. I discovered that he's got smarts, talent and the looks. He later appeared in my life again in an episode of Cashmere Mafia where his character made out with the infamous Lucy Lu. (I now hate her). Then, the universe sent me a secret code telling me Val and I belonged together, because there he was again in an episode of Ugly Betty, with the talented and amazing America Ferrera.

I stalked...I mean, tracked him down and Val agreed to do an interview for the NANDOISM blog. We touched based yesterday and discussed his acting, his writing and the NEW ALBUM (LITTLE DAGGERS) coming out this TUESDAY SEPT 23rd. The interview ROCKED!


NANDO: You have a hot sexy album releasing on Sept 23rd, what can you tell us about this baby? And how does it differ from your other 5 albums?

VAL: My intention was to make a smart pop record. Something that hit the listener immediately but also had plenty of layers to keep people coming back for repeated listens. I also wanted something that was fun to listen to. I would never describe my past records as fun. They are often quite moody and I suppose you have to be in a specific state of mind to turn to them. Ideally, this new album can be put on at a party and yet in the lyrics there's still a healthy dose of sadness.

NANDO: How would you describe your music? Your style?

VAL: I hope that it comes across as smart, dramatic, powerful, careful and detailed. I hope that it speaks to the inner core of people. Overall I hope that it is human and honest. As far as a particular musical genre, I think it varies. I've never felt limited by one style. At times it's rock, other times it's folky, sometimes sleepy, sometimes super aggressive.

NANDO: Who are your major musical influences? And what have you learned from them?

VAL: For this particular album it was The Beatles, The Beach Boys and the great early Motown singles. I learned to first make them sing along and then bring the heartache.

NANDO: You're an actor as well--I first saw you on 30 Rock and I became "Gay for Jaime." (I'm having T-shirts made) What was that experience like--cause I know what it was like for me--I began stalking you (you know it took me almost 3 days to discover your name!

VAL: Well, thanks for the persistence! We need more people like you. I used to do the same thing. Find an artist I liked on the radio or TV and spend hours and hours hunting them down. As far as being on the show, it was great. It's a big, talented cast. They welcome improv which is great but it's hardly needed considering the show is so well-written and so smart. I feel lucky to have been part of that particular episode because I think that was a particularly good one.

NANDO: Since then I've seen you on Cashmere Mafia--"getting it on" with Lucy Lu, and now Ugly Betty. How do you select your roles?

VAL: To be honest, as I move along I'm getting more selective. At first, an actor will take anything just to get to work. Lately, it has to make more sense. Ugly Betty made a lot of sense because I play a musician and the timing of that with the release of my new album was too good to pass up. Also, I like the character. I've seen a lot of roles come my way for musicians and they hardly ever ring true. But I like this guy. Also, this summer I shot a film that I'm really really excited about called Fighting Fish. It's a role you've never seen me in. So my goal is to just test my limits at this point.

NANDO: You've said--and I quote "I think I'm waiting for that extended role that I can really dig deep into before I can sit here and say that I am absolutely in love with it and that I'm actually an actor. I would say at this point, I'm still exploring what that world has to offer." Do you think you're closer to that point now?

VAL: I do. Mainly because of Fighting Fish. It allowed me to do that. I've been telling people that I finally caught the bug. I fell in love with acting during this shoot this past summer. First off, it was a new type of character that you've never seen me play. Plus it was a hard role and I welcome the challenge. If it comes easy then I don't feel like it's work. I always want to feel like it's work. Finally, I prefer the type of acting that you see in film. It's more understated and more true to life. So yeah, I see more films in my future. It was a very rewarding experience.

NANDO: What insight can you give us on what motivates you as an artist; acting, singing (performing) or even writing your novel...cause I heard you wrote one-yeah?

VAL: Yes, I did. I've had very little time as of late to get the novel published but I'll get to it eventually. I promise that. What motivates me is really just to test my limits as a human being and to not be a waste of space in this world. I want to create. I want to build things. I like the process of building things. Creating tangible stuff that didn't exist prior to you coming along. I like the rush that comes with that. After the stuff is done, my only interest is moving on to the next thing.

NANDO: And lastly, where can we get your music? I will enforce that no one illegally LIMEWIRES your shit! And where can we catch you performing live?

VAL: The new album Little Daggers should be available in most stores including your Best Buy, Virgin Megastore, Borders, Amazon.com, etc. My last few records are only available on CDbaby.com. But ALL MY STUFF is available on Itunes.

NANDO: Anything you want to leave us with? Your philosophy on life, your underwear status (boxers or briefs?) Anything?

VAL: Briefs.




Click here to listen to Val's new single GET ON WITH IT.

Watch Ugly Betty's Promo clip that includes VAL.

Follow Val's career here and see his hot photos!

Visit his website for all things VAL EMMICH.