It wasn’t hard for Schuyler Fisk to think of a career. Her parents are Jack Fisk, an Oscar nominated art director and set designer, and Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek. Raised on the family farm in Virginia, Schuyler Fisk began acting in school plays, tackling the title role of “Annie” in the sixth grade. Her first major film role was in 1995’s “The Babysitter’s Club.” Roles in films like “Snow Day” and “Orange County” followed.
But Ms. Fisk also has a second love: music. Having learned how to play the guitar from her mother, she began writing her own songs. After graduating from the University of Virginia she began recording and touring. She has been featured on the soundtracks of such films as “Gray Matters,” “The Last Kiss” and “Dear John.” In 2009 she released her first album, “The Good Stuff,” which hit #1 on the iTunes Folk Chart.
This year she will be back on the big screen in Gus Van Sant’s “Restless.” Her new album, “Blue Ribbon Winner,” will be released this coming Tuesday, March 1st. You can purchase the title track now on iTunes as a pre-release single. Ms. Fisk recently sat down with MovieMikes to talk about her acting, her music and working with Gus Van Sant:
Mike Smith: Thank you so much for your time. I caught you at the Record Bar when you played in Kansas City last year and really enjoyed your show!
Schuyler Fisk: Thanks! I always have a good time when I’m in Kansas City.
MS: Though your first name is pronounced “Skyler” it has an unusual spelling. Is there a story behind that?
SF: Haha, well, as far as I’m concerned my name’s “unusual” spelling is the CORRECT way to spell Schuyler! It’s a Dutch name that means “Scholar” (or so I’ve been told), but it is also the name of a rock quarry near where I grew up. I think my parents liked the name because it’s strong. Actually, it is originally a boy’s name. They wanted to give their girls strong names and raise them to be strong women.
MS: Was acting something you had always wanted to do or something you just decided you really enjoyed doing?
SF: Acting is something I loved doing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was in every school play and also involved in the community theater programs. I was particularly interested in musical theater because I loved to sing so much.
MS: After a five year acting hiatus you’ll soon be seen in the film “Restless.” Why so long between film projects?
SF: It was never something I really planned; it was just how things sort of worked out. I had consciously taken a break from acting to focus on my music (Ms. Fisk’s second album, Blue Ribbon Winner, comes out March 1, 2011). I always thought that I would continue acting at some point, but I wasn’t really actively pursuing it at the time. I had an opportunity to audition for “Restless” and, well, between the most beautiful script and an incredible director it was a no brainer. I really connected to the character of Elizabeth, and from the minute I went in to audition I was just convinced that I was Elizabeth. I guess they agreed! As far as juggling my two careers, my philosophy is to just continue to be creative, move forward, and go with whatever is feeling right to me at the time. There’s not some grand plan I have laid out.
MS: How was it collaborating on a project with Gus Van Sant?
SF: It was an experience I will never forget. He is very relaxed, and because of that the entire crew is relaxed. You hardly feel that you are working. There is something so interesting about Gus, almost like he knows something about the world that we don’t, but in a very good way. He is so creative and talented, and he makes it look so easy. I would look at him between takes as he smiled and joked, thinking to myself, “I would kill to know what is going on behind his eyes right now!” Certainly something incredible.
MS: What got you interested in music?
SF: I’ve always been interested in music. Music brings people together. Music makes you feel emotions. Music sets a mood. I remember my mom picking me up from grade school in her old white BMW and we’d crank the radio up really loud, roll the windows down and just sing at the top of our lungs! And my mom would always harmonize to songs on the radio and I remember thinking, “one day I’m going to do that too!”
MS: Your first album, “The Good Stuff,” was well received critically. Where do you draw your inspiration for your songs?
SF: For me, inspiration comes from all over. I’ve been inspired by films I’ve watched, by books I’ve read, stories people have told me, experiences from my own life, jokes… you name it. I think the key to being a good songwriter is to be connected to the world around you to and to be open to be inspired at all times.
MS: Tell us about your upcoming album, “Blue Ribbon Winner.”
SF: I am so excited about this new record. I got to record it in a barn on a farm in Virginia, where I grew up. It was just a really special experience for me and I think that comes across in the music. You can really hear all my influences from over the years come together in a way that is my own. I can’t wait for people to finally hear it!
MS: What do you prefer to do more, acting or music?
SF: You know, the answer to this question changes often, but right now I’d say that I prefer music more.
MS: Any other projects on the horizon?
SF: I continue to work with my hometown SPCA to raise awareness and money for their amazing organization. If you download my single “Love Somebody” on iTunes all the proceeds go to the SPCA! I also have a country-side project band called FM RADIO with my good friend and collaborator Tim Myers. It’s a lot of fun and very different than my solo stuff. www.facebook.com/ilovefmradio And of course, I’m hitting the road to promote my new record Blue Ribbon Winner! Tour dates are posted on my website www.schuylerfisk.com