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Story...
Xenia Seeberg
Then and Now
To
try and assemble a complete historical bio on a superstar like
Xenia may actually read more like
a classic romantic novel. This actress has such an elaborate
and robust background, with too many sub-chapters to mention.
It might be easier to focus on some key moments that give enlightenment
to Xenia the wonderful and beautiful person
as well as Xenia the Star.
Some
people know that Xenia was born
in a small countryside town called Geldern, Germany. Her mother
was a painter and her father an accomplished guitarist. What
you probably don’t know is that growing up near the
Dutch border allowed this quiet, soft-spoken little girl to
live in an area that was surrounded with horses. She wasn’t
on a “farm” per say, just a vast amount of countryside
attached to the outstretch of her home! These beautiful pastures
allowed Xenia to develop into quite an accomplished equestrian
major. Whether performing spontaneous tricks on the horses
or engaging her imagination to stage a play of galloping the
delivery of a “secret message to the king,” Xenia
knew she had acting in her blood. In fact, at age 4 her grandmother’s
cousin (an actress herself who was 86) told her “Some
day all of your gifted talents will be called upon to be a
famous actress for all the world to love.” It’s
nice to know grandma’s cousin was right! Xenia’s
first role on stage at age 7 was starring in the lead
role of “Red” in
Little Red Riding Hood.
Her
natural talent being a born gift, it’s surprising to
learn that Xenia appreciated
how valuable education was at a higher level. As a teenager
she studied to be a classically trained dancer. Her hours
and hours of practice and hard work has certainly paid off.
We see this in the way she gracefully enters a room, walks
down the red carpet or dances her way on to film or stage.
Another interesting fact about her education is that Xenia
has also performed and sung with the Dusseldorf Theater House.
This was no easy accomplishment. People who’ve auditioned
for years many times get turned down. It’s a little
easier to now understand how she sings her soaring vocals
effortlessly in Vertikals’
songs today. The Vertikals have
a way of writing melodies that take a strong and gifted singer
to deliver the songs’ performance.
I
think Xenia is proudest of her
degrees in Latin and Philosophy. Scholastic achievements such
as these shed light on her depth as an intellectual and exemplifies
her personal commitment to work ethic. Ultimately, this is
what luminates her presence as a performer.
After
obtaining her college degrees, her passion for growth as a
Thespian led her to an extended tenure at Lee Strasberg Acting
School in New York. Xenia was also lucky enough to study under
Joan Costopoulos at the Actors Studio in New York, not to
mention Margie Habor, Cherry Franklin and Annie Grindley of
Hollywood Actors Workshops (HAW). Her recognition at these
legendary academies has given Xenia international acclaim.
We
are all familiar with Xenia’s
famous modeling career which led to endorsements for Triumph
Lingerie, Douglas Perfume Store in Europe, Manhattan Cosmetics
(oh, those eyes and lips!) and fashion. For years
Xenia and Angelina Jolie have been confused as sisters,
which has accidentally helped both careers. Xenia
has graced the covers of FHM Magazine, U.S. Maxim and TV Guide.
Television
seemed to be the next natural step for our superstar. This
would include two international series for TV. The first she
played the captivating role of “Xev
Bellringer” in the critically acclaimed “LEXX”
Sci-Fi TV series, now in syndication in over 17 countries.
Her second series (Canada, US) was “Total
Recall 2070.” Both of these shows helped pave
the way for Xenia to gain the
honor of host to shows like “Pop
Rocky TV” and the popular TV series “Cult.”
Role
after role keeps coming to Xenia for
work on the silver screen. Her influences in film have helped
develop a unique creative edge in her delivery of performances.
Male and Female Actors such as Al Pacino
and Johnny Depp, Nicole Kidman and Jodi Foster, Brad Pitt
and William DeFoe, Kate Blanchet and Julia Roberts, Mel Gibson
and Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks and John Goodman, Rene Russo
and Judy Dench, John Torturro, Jean Reno, Jennifer Aniston,
Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, Sandra Bullock, Sigourney Weaver,
Penelope Cruz, Selma Hayete, Meg Ryan, Charlise Theron, Viggo
Mortensen, Betty Davis, Greta Garbo and of course, Marlene
Dietrich have all played in the creation of many of
Xenia’s characters. Her performances in “Knockin
on Heaven’s Door,” “Down Load a Demon,”
and her part as “Clarice” in “Beyond the
Limits” led her to today’s films of acclaimed
notoriety. Xenia’s role in “Talking Feet”
directed by Jean Marie Van Blome and her startling performance
in director Nick Lyon’s “Hilda Humphrey”
re-titled “Hell Child” has stretched Xenia’s
acting talents to new heights.
Much
excitement has been anticipated about her new feature film
“The Clown.” This happens to also co-star
“Sven Martinek” (who has also acquired
the distinguished and privileged distinction of being Xenia’s
husband). Sven, a huge superstar
in Germany, definitely has the leading-man star-type quality
of presence and good looks. He has his own style of James
Bond type mystique and character. Critics have said
Sven is to become the new Jean Claude
Van Damn. To see the two of them together in public,
cameras get confused on who to photograph first! That much
beauty shouldn’t be in one snapshot!
Sven
was present during Xenia’s recent
recording sessions with The Vertikals in Laguna Beach, California.
He found The Vertikals’
writing and producing process fascinating. “They totally
go by feel and what sounds cool -- not necessarily what is
classically correct - These guys are wildly fantastic! Sort
of like the way Fellinni does film but they do it in music!
I’m a total fan!”
Xenia
has many musical artists to thank for her warm, captivating
style of singing. Music from the past and present always bring
a smile to her face.
Just mention The Beatles, The Rolling
Stones, Oasis, The Moody Blues, Prince, The Cranberries, The
Mama’s and the Papa’s, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald,
Melisa Ethridge, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Blur, The Doors, Jim
Morrison, Blink 182, U2, Cold Play, The Clash, White Stripes,
Radio Head, Depeche Mode, Kraft Werk, Dr. Dre, Lenny Kravitz,
Justin Timberlake, Outkast, Christina Aguilara, Fleetwood
Mac, ELO, Dolly Parton, Quincey Jones, Air, Mike Olefield,
Cesaria Evora, Vangelis, George Michael, Portishead, The Beach
Boys, Jan and Dean, Papa Doo Run Run, The Turtles, Adrian
Baker, and of course, The Vertikals (we certainly can’t
forget them!).
The
music Xenia and The
Vertikals are creating right now should soon prove
to be a very unique and pleasant listening experience. The
new CD is said to be stellar! Stay tuned for new and upcoming
details.
For
more on Xenia Click Here
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Vertikals Update:
Pretty Lucky Guys!
The
Vertikals have been indeed very fortunate.
Some of their accomplishments as singers, songwriters and producers
over the last couple of years have been widely acclaimed.
Vertikals
Jam at John Stamos’ Beach Bash 2006
Click here
for photos...
Most
recently, Forty years of friendships reunited Sunday,
March 19th, as The Vertikals waxed
up their surfboards and safaried out to Beach Bash BBQ
2006 hosted by old friend and buddy, John Stamos.
Stamos, a member of the Beach Gang Clubhouse
since the early ‘80’s, transformed his Beverley
Hills Estate to the largest Beach Party Jam Session
that Beverley Hills has seen in some time.
Celebrities
galore were in attendance to also celebrate Beach Boy
Mike Love’s 65th birthday. Barb-B-Que fun and
good times were the order of the day, climaxing with the world’s
largest jam session inspired and conducted by Stamos
himself. “This was a chance to get all my musical heroes
on stage together at one time. I have wanted to do this for
over 20 years.” The line-up included music legends Mike
Love and Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys;
Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America; John and Bob Cowsill;
Doug Fieger of The Knack; Jeffery Foskett and Billy Hinche of
Brian Wilson’s Band; The Vertikals; The Original
Papa Doo Run Run; plus new and old members of The
Beach Boy and Jan and Dean Bands.
The
200 people in attendance quotes the unanimous comment “WOW!
These guys sound great!” The songlist was filled with
Beach Boy classics “Little Deuce
Coupe,” “KoKoMo,” “I Get Around,”
and “Surfin’ USA.” These were intertwined
with hits like “Ventura Highway”
and “Sister Golden Hair” (America)
and a resounding all-star cast versions of “Hair”
(Cowsills) and “My Sharona”
(The Knack). The party highlight had to be
the acoustical version of “Good Vibrations”
with everyone on stage singing and intricate record harmony
part. Surely, this will be included on a Beach Bash
Live Party Album to be boot-legged on the Internet
for certain! Parting words of everyone were “LET’S
DO THIS EVERY YEAR!” A great way to kick off
Summer!
Memorial
tribute to Surf Rock Legend Jan Berry of Jan and Dean.
Click here
for photos...
The
Vertikals were invited to attend the live memorial tribute to
Surf Rock Legend Jan Berry of Jan and Dean.
His sorrowful and untimely passing was shocking to the rock-n-roll
world. People at the memorial who knew Jan were using words
like “numb” and “empty” to express their
feelings now that he’s gone. The good news is, rather
than a mournful funeral service (which Jan hated) a “Celebration
of Life” Rock Party send-off was held at Lou Adler’s
famous Roxy Theater in Hollywood on April 18, 2004.
Jan’s family and Dean were surrounded by friends and fans
alike for a 5-hour party and musical tribute. After a few short
memorial speeches by Rock Journalist and DJ Jim Pewter
and TV Host Lloyd Thaxton, The Vertikals joined
on stage old and new members of Jan and Dean, Beach
Boys, Astronauts and Chantay’s bands. The original
Papa Doo Run Run re-united to perform with
Dean on stage and was supported by old friend
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers)
for an all-out Star jam session. Backing vocals were
cheerfully provided by The Honey’s, a
favorite 60’s girl group who re-united just for the occasion.
Other notables on hand at the event were Nancy Sinatra
and Actor Bo Sevenson. The tribute made everybody’s
hearts full of Spring and endless Summers, reminding us of a
time when Life was not so complicated. The Vertikals
(Alquist and Armstrong) will always treasure the moment.
Scroll down (on right) for pictures and highlights). Click
here to see Larger Pictures
Since
releasing their first CD “Skyward”
in 2002, The Vertikals have been admired for
their versatility and range in songwriting. Having a career
so strongly influenced by The Beatles, Beach Boys, ELO,
Cheap Trick, The Who, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones
has certainly lent energy and reverie to Vertikals
songs. However, according to The Vertikals,
the key was being able to work directly with Rock’s
royalty, like Jan and Dean, the Beach Boys and The Turtles
over the years. This has helped mold The Vertikals
into craftsmen at songwriting, arranging and producing.
Notably,
their island-flavored reggae remake of “Barbara
Ann” was featured on the Dean Torrence
Anthology CD (released by Varese Sarabande).
This track has been a top pick from CD buyers at Amazon.com
and VH1.com. In fact, there has been so much buzz about The
Verticals’ “Barbara Ann” track that rock journalist
“Mr. Music” Jerry Osbourne had to step
in and clarify how many versions of “Barbara Ann”
Dean has actually sung on. Web reviews by Scott
Homewood and Swivelstick praised The Vertikals’ “Barbara
Ann” as one of Dean’s best, all-time tracks.
Xenia
Seeberg, star of the Lexx Sci-Fi TV series,
has been keeping The Vertikals songwriting
duties in full swing. The release of “Send Him
My Love” penned by The Vertikals
was a constant audience request when Xenia did a series of radio
and TV talk shows in Germany. Singing the song on TV let her
fans know she’s a lot more than a great film actress.
You can add soaring vocalist to her resume. Interviews by Anne
Carlini, the Sad-Geezer and FHM Magazine focusing on
Xenia’s music with The Vertikals hasn’t
hurt either. This has given Xenia and The Vertikals
a chance to acknowledge their influences like Dion &
Belmonts, The Flamingos, Dick Dale, Ronnie Spector, Darlene
Love, Supremes, Byrds, Donovan, The Temptations, The Spinners,
Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Frank
Zappa, Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Lovin
Spoonful, The Monkees, Beau Brummels, Moby Grape, The Grateful
Dead, Syd Barret, Pink Floyd, Sons of Champlin, The Doors, Little
River Band, Duran Duran, The Grass Roots, The Eagles, Al Green,
The Stylistics, The Raspberries, Sly and the Family Stone, Boz
Scaggs, Steve Miller, The Guess Who, Abba, Alice Cooper, The
Cars, Blondi, Elvis Costello, Dave Edmonds, INXS, U-2, Robben
Ford, Eric Clapton, Cream, Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, The Police,
Aerosmith, Chicago, Tower of Power, Marshall Crenshaw, Dudley
Moore, Peter Cook, Bill Champlin, and of course, Sandy Koufax.
Yeah, that’s right, Sandy Koufax!
They
also want to take time to thank friends like Dick Clark,
David Chow, Jay Bernstein, Flo & Eddie, B.J. Thomas, Mary
Wilson, Rob Grill, Tommy James, Johnny Rivers, Eric Burdon,
Martin Gertzawitz, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Frankie
Avalon, Ron Bushy, The Iron Butterfly, Lou Christie, Glen Campbell,
Mike Love, Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Bruce Johnston,
Adrian Baker, Mike Kowolski, Al Jardine, Matt Jardine, John
Stamos (Stame-ALou and all the Alou Brothers), Mike Roe, The
Lost Dogs, Jan Berry, Dean Torrence, Paul Freeman, John Vestman,
Steve Briggs, Phoenix Henderson, Coliday Media, LEXX-NET.RU,
Rodney Bingenheimer, and Dr. Fred Bell who have been great supporters.
Much
anticipation has been generated about Xenia’s
new recordings written by The Vertikals. The
first song is a mysterious and ethereal techno-dance track entitled
“Lonely People”. The song gives
the feeling of spirits from the past and present patrolling
the dark and empty streets of all lonely cities in the world,
giving hope, strength and love to all who are weak and in need.
The second track is a driving funk-hop song called “Tryin’
To Get Over You”. The song title speaks for itself.
Both songs push Xenia’s vocal talents to new heights.
Once again, lyrically The Vertikals seem to have written poetic
magic.
Following
the lead of established artists like Elton John, David
Bowie, Peter Gabriel and others, you may be able to
purchase Xenia’s new tracks before her full CD comes out.
Very soon, you can download the songs from Xenia’s new
right here. Click here
to go to on-line store.This will be a new way to stay current
with Xenia’s music career as it progresses.
Finally,
much has been written about the actual “sound” that
comes across in Vertikals music. Alquist
and Armstrong credit rock-n-roll’s founding fathers
as dominant influences. In their music, you hear the fire cracking
spirit of Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry,
Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. This definitely provides the
“jumpin beans” to the back beat of their musical
tracks. Warm vocal overtones like The Zombies, Crosby Stills
Nash and Young, The Hollies, The Animals, The Yardbirds, Lou
Christie, The Bee Gees, Badfinger, and The Everly Brothers can
be listed as elements in their singing style. The flavor of
the overall sound production from The Vertikals has always had
ingredients of Phil Spector, George Martin, Jeff Lynn, Mutt
Lange, Terry Melcher, Bruce Johnston, Mike Chapman, Nile Rogers,
Ted Templeman and of course, (best friend and buddy) the legendary
Brian Wilson! Add these influences up and you have
an atom bomb of Vertikals sound!! Read here
for more interesting Vertikals history.
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