LB Dunbar is starting a new series!!
The Legend of Arturo King
My name is Arturo King, and I’m told I’m a legend in music. My band is called the Nights and we got our start at the underground Round Table in New York City. Raised by a foster father, I didn’t know the extent of my inheritance until I was twenty-one, and it was all more than I bargained for. I wanted to play the guitar and rule the world with song, but I learned I have a mother from old money, a dead father who was once a real estate mogul, and a record company that needed some rebuilding. Mure Linn, my friend and mentor, has been by my side through it all, teaching me to play, strengthening my lyrics, and guiding me in the music industry. There was one area he couldn’t guide me, though, and that was love. Guinevere DeGrance changed everything for me, I suppose, including the reason I’m here learning the legend of my life without remembering any of it.
The legendary rock star series begins..
And a facebook group for all things The Nights:
SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH THE BAND!!!
Paisley Belle reporting for Guitar Central. Today's interview is with Arturo King, leader of the rock band, The Nights. As images of Arturo splash social media in preparation for the band's new release, I was able to sit down with the notorious Mr. King. We sit inside the dimly lit Round Table, an exclusive underground bar, known to make or break musical careers. The table seats only two in this cylinder domain with it's mirrored bar opposite the semi-circular stage. Speaking from experience attending concerts here, the few tables will be removed when the night life begins. The brickwork is something you'd find in a Medieval castle, and the empty style is known for its acoustics. Sitting behind Arturo, but nearby, are the other band members: Lansing Lotte, Perkins Vale, and Tristan Lyons.
Let's start with how you got your beginning in music...
A: It all happened by chance. It wasn't meant to be me, but my brother, Kaye, who had the spotlight. When I performed on that stage, it was only to prompt Kaye. Get him to sing. I never meant to steal the show. (He takes a deep breath, uncomfortable with this explanation). That day I met Mure Linn, my mentor and oldest friend, literally. (Laughs). He taught me everything I know. He's the father I never had.
And speaking of family. Tell me about yours. You come from a wealthy heritage.
A: Ingrid Tintagel is my mother; Locke Uther is my father. You can find that information on public record. I never met my father, and regardless of inheriting his real estate empire, it's music I intend to make. Camelot Records is a small company owned by Pendragon Empire, Inc. and that's where my focus will be. Growing Camelot.
So you have an upcoming concert? Tell us about it.
A: 2015 is going to be a legendary year for the band. We've developed a new album and it will feature songs written by our own guys. Lansing, Perk and Tristan each showcase their awesome talent and write their own story through song. It's epic.
Why?
A: Because I'm the leader, per se, and it's always my story people want. I'm the songwriter, the storyteller on guitar and lead vocals, but now they each get their turn. It's cool to share, Paisley. (He winks at me and I fight the blush that creeps up my cheeks).
Yes, well speaking of sharing, tell me a bit about those nicknames you earned?
Arturo smiles slowly at me and I can't report what his dark, dangerous eyes do to women. It's best reserved for a more promiscuous magazine. He laughs softly and replies.
A: I've been told I'm the Chivalrous Lover. I like to satisfy. (He winks again and I dare to recall). I don't have drama in my life after women because I take care in how I treat them. It's a code of honor for me. As for the other guys (he looks over his shoulder and smirks), you'd have to ask them how they "earned" their names.
This reporter knows that Lansing Lotte is labelled Lady Killer, Perkins Vale is considered the Hands-free Lover, and Tristan Lyons is just a Heartbreaker. His harem of women are reputed to be nicknamed 'flavors' but he never tastes twice. His green eyes and model good looks have paralyzed me for a moment from across the bar and I have to shake my head to clear the pleasurable sting.
It's been reported in the tabloids that there is only one woman for you now. (Arturo's lips slowly curl to smile again, although this time a bit sheepishly. I might dare saw he's blushing and his brown eyes sparkle).
A: Yes.
P: Care to expand?
A: Caring is sharing? (I'd think he's flirting with me, but I know better. I've seen the photos of him with her).
A: Guinevere DeGrance has changed everything for me. She's my future. My Once. She's been my muse for our new album.
Ms. DeGrance is a musician in her own right as a cellist, and the daughter of Leo DeGrance, owner of Round Table.
Can you tell me which bands inspired you?
Snow Patrol first and foremost, but also One Republic, Cage the Elephant, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Milky Chance, and GooGoo Dolls to name a few. They're all noble warriors in the world spreading music just like us. These bands have helped drive our success.
Is there anyone else you'd like to credit for your success?
A: Well, Mure Linn, of course, and Leo and Kaye. We have a behind the scenes manager, L.B. Dunbar, and she's our promoter, storyteller, supporter of all things Nights.
How can fans follow you or learn more about you?
Any final words for those fans?
A: Just thanks for your support. We love you all and we look forward to sharing on January 27.
At this point, a beautiful young woman saunters up to our table and touches Arturo's shoulder. He leans over to kiss her hand before grabbing it and holding onto her as we say our goodbyes. The Nights are cordial, flirtatious, and respectful. I dare say Ms. DeGrance is one lucky lady, but so would be any damsel who snags the attention of the other fine men who are collectively rocking history in their love of music.
Paisley Belle, reporter for Guitar Central, 2014.
I’d like to say I was always a writer. I’d also like to say that I wrote every day of my life since a child. That I took the teaching advice I give my former students because writing every day improves your writing. I’d like to say I have my ten-thousand hours that makes me a proficient writer. But I can’t say any of those things. I did dream of writing the “Great American Novel” until one day a friend said: Why does it have to be great? Why can’t it just be good and tell a story?
As a teenager, I wrote your typical love-angst poetry that did occasionally win me an award and honor me with addressing my senior high school class at our Baccalaureate Mass. I didn’t keep a journal because I was too afraid my mom would find it in the mattress where I kept my copy of Judy Blume’s Forever that I wasn’t allowed to read as a twelve year old.
I can say that books have been my life. I’m a reader. I loved to read the day I discovered “The Three Bears” as a first grader, and ever since then, the written word has been my friend. Books were an escape for me. An adventure to the unknown. A love affair I’d never know. I could be lost for hours in a book.
So why writing now? I had a story to tell. It haunted me from the moment I decided if I just wrote it down it would go away. But it didn’t. Three years after writing the first draft, a sign (yes, I believe in them) told me to fix up that draft and work the process to have it published. That’s what I did. But one story let to another, and another, and another. Then a new idea came into my head and a new storyline was created.
I was accused (that’s the correct word) of having an overactive imagination as a child, as if that was a bad thing. I’ve also been accused of having the personality of a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, unable to relax, and always one step ahead. What can I say other than I have stories to tell and I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, that’s okay. We all have our book boyfriends. We all have our favorites. Whatever you do, though, take time for yourself and read a book.
L.B. Dunbar
