This is Me: Tilky Jones

Tilky Jones, Nashville, Zooey Magazine Tilky Jones, Nashville, Zooey Magazine

Tilky Jones, Nashville, Zooey Magazine

Tilky Jones | Age: 31 | Occupation: Actor on Nashville

Tilky, we love you on "Nashville." So first off, you're already an accomplished musician. Tell us how the audition process like for your new show!

I went in for Avery originally. But I was called in for Sean Butler months later. My agent asked if I could go audition in an hour. I went in with my guitar, sat it down and did a few scenes for the room. One of the scenes was where Juliette and Sean do a version of "Love Like Mine" together. I played guitar for that one, then got the call about the booking the following day and was on a plane to Nashville the next. It can happen like that at times.

Portraying Hayden Panettiere's love interest seems like quite the task! Since it must be such a responsibility. How did you prepare yourself for the role? What were your expectations of the role, Hayden, and the show itself? Have you learned anything new of the cast so far?

A task? We have a great time working together. It's a breeze. She's great at what she does, is considerate of the crew and ridiculously funny. A true pro.

There is much about Sean I can relate to. As a quarter back, it's imperative that he stays disciplined and for him, that translates over into his life off of the field. For me, when I'm working on a project I care about, I thrive outside of work as well. That's the case for me on this terrific show.

Also, I can see why Sean feels an obligation to stay on track. He's revered and wants to be an example. Sean's fallen into the place of a role model, and feels pressure to be a good one. But whole heartily wants to be also. He's amped the drills up in training too.

Can't really have too many expectations for a character on episodics. They keep it exciting and interesting. There are times when you show up on set and the scene is re-written. That's the fun part of my job, bringing to life the vision of the writer/creator/director, contributing my thoughts and ideas with so many others, in order to create that one thing and make it as genuine as possible.

Some of your roles have required you to be...well, shirtless. You must be comfortable in your own skin! Talk to us about how you prepare for scenes like that, especially with Hayden in "Nashville."

I eat lots of pizza. No, honesty, I'll cut back on dessert a little. I like to run also. So that keeps me healthy. Hayden is so good looking, and with her in the scene, I can guarantee all eyes are on her.

Now, tell us about your music. We loved your take on the Maroon 5 "One More Night." When should we expect to hear more from you? Any plans for being on "Glee?"

Thank you very much, I love hearing that. Working on music now and am hoping to have it out this year. I cut some tracks in Nashville. The production value of the records that are recorded by the writers and producers in this town is like no other.

It would be great to have a spot on the cast of "Glee." The right role is always the key.

Among all the roles you’ve portrayed, what has been your favorite and why? Was it the cast? The job itself, etc?

I can't really pick a favorite. I feel so blessed to be able to have worked on all the projects I've been on. In every cast I've worked with, I've learned so much from so many of them. Just by being around greats like Kevin Costner ("The Guardian"), and Live Schreiber ("Every Day"), Ashton Kutcher ("The Guardian") and Ezra Miller ("Every Day"), and working with directors like Andy Davis ("The Guardian"), Tamra Davis ("Single Ladies"), Mimi Lender ("Nashville"). Being able to watch them work, pick their brains and hear their stories have given me an opportunity to continue to grow. What one learns on set is unmatched.

Besides acting, singing, and playing music - what are some other things you have mastered? Cooking? Sports? etc.

Martial Arts. Judo, Jujitsu and Karate were the kinds of things that I studied. I love to cook, but I wouldn't say I've mastered that at all. I'm working on it. I love to surf, and wake board. I'm into anything water sports oriented. As a kid, I use to be involved in a ton of sports. Soccer, swimming, tennis. I rode a great deal of horses, too. I try to get outside a lot. Sometimes I can be kept up in the studio for forever and not even realize it.

Valentine's Day is a month away...what are your plans? If any?

No plans! Maybe I'll fancy someone by the time the holiday rolls around and bring her flowers and surprise her with a trip to Hawaii.

If you could play a role in a film or television show from the past, which would it be? And dream job for the future?

I would love to have played the character David from "David and Lisa" played by Keir Dullea. It was shot in 1962. A black and white film about a young man in a mental institution for teens who begins to understand his psychosis in the environment of others with mental and emotional problems. He finds intimacy with Lisa, a young woman suffering from schizophrenia. An amazing film.

The future dream job will come. I can feel it.

What are at least 5 things on your bucket list? Or what was on your New Year's Resolutions list if you had one?

On my New Years resolution list is to speak with my actions, think wiser, feel younger, be present and live in the moment more often.

Photographer: Vince Trupsin Grooming: Angie Miller Wardrobe Stylist: Adeel Khan

Clothing Credits Tweed Blazer: Zara Black Safari Button-up: John Varvatos Wax Coated Jeans: J Brand

This is Me: Aimee Garcia

Aimee Garcia, Zooey Magazine Aimee Garcia | Age: 34 | Occupation: Actress on Dexter So first off, we loved you in the "George Lopez" show. What do you think was the biggest career lesson(s) you gained from working on that show? If any at all? I learned from George that you can never take success for granted and to always work hard. No matter how tired or busy he was, he always took time to connect with his fans and the people he worked with. He taught me to treat the people you work with like family.

You made a big leap from comedy to drama, and you're now on a beloved show -- Dexter. Tell us about how much this show has differed from other projects you've worked on! What were your expectations of this new role? And working with an established cast. "Dexter" has a HUGE fan base, so I knew I was coming into a high-profile show... But, the cast was so welcoming that I was never intimidated. It's a dream to be on a show that hits that sweet spot of being critically acclaimed, but also being commercially successful. On top of that, the writers tailor the script to an actor's natural sensibilities - C.S Lee is hysterical, so Masuka is snarky...Jennifer Carpenter has a hug heart, so Deb wears her heart on her sleeve. However, in the finale this year Jamie shows her darker side, so I have no idea where the writers drew that from! Or what the writers have in store for her next season.

What other things do you have coming up in the new year that you can tell us about? Right now I'm shooting "RoboCop" alongside Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton... so I'm learning a ton and having a blast! Our director Jose Padilha is amazing, so I really am living the dream right now.

Aimee Garcia, Zooey Magazine Talk to us about New Year's resolutions! What's on your to-do list, or even your things you'd wish to improve, etc? Yoga, cooking, traveling and golf! I keep SAYING I'm going to do yoga on a regular basis, but I never do it! I'm the world's worst cook, so I'd LOVE to master a good salad, vegetable, and salmon dish this year. I'd also like to go to Cape Town, South Africa, or Berlin.

Among all the roles you've portrayed, what has been your favorite and why? Was it the cast? The job itself, etc?

Jamie on "Dexter." She's fun, flirty, smart and feisty...when she has to be. I LOVE working with Michael C. Hall. I really think he's one of the best actors of our generation. And, the writers are amazing! TV lives and dies by the writing, so I feel lucky that "Dexter" has smart and creative writers who keep you on your toes.

Now tell us about your Christmas and New Year plans! Are you baking, cooking, DIY-ing, etc?

I'll be in my hometown Chicago spending the holidays with my family. While I'm there, I'll hang with my Northwestern girls and grade school buddies. Then, I'm off to New York to see some Broadway shows and hang with more friends.

If you could play a role in a film or television show from the past, which would it be?

Meg Ryan in When "Harry Met Sally." She was funny, smart, sexy, charming, quirky, and absolutely adorable. I love Billy Crystal too...their chemistry and banter was AMAZING! And, how fun would it be to do that scene where she has a fake orgasm in the diner!

Five things you just can't live without...?

  • Chocolate
  • Tosh.0
  • Massages
  • Friends and family
  • My Rag & Bone skirt
  • Aimee Garcia, Just Fab

    Talk to us about the outfits you chose to put together for this feature. How would you describe your style? Your favorite designers are...?

    My style right now is natural chic. I love earth tones, black & white, and muted solids that have an amazing, but simple cut. I don't have a lot of pieces in my wardrobe, and would rather splurge on a few that I can't live without. Then I mix them up with cool accessories and different hairstyles to turn it into a whole new outfit. I love my Vince black leather jacket, Elizabeth and James, Rag & Bone, Derek Lam, and I mix it all in with some classic vintage pieces.

    If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

    To live abroad! I have very few regrets in life, but I regret never living abroad. When I was a sophomore in high school, I had the opportunity to live with a family in France for the summer. Instead, I stayed in Chicago and did a movie! I probably would have been much more fluent in French by now lol! Work will always be there... you have to grab experiences when you can.

    In the next 5 years, where do you see yourself? What are some of your goals?

    Now that "Dexter" is ending, I'd like to find the next Dexter-esque show working with talented actors and writers. I'd also like to start producing my own projects, be more involved with charity, and check some places off of my travel bucket list.

    Photographer: Derek Wood Hair Stylist: Stephen Lewis, Exclusive Artists Makeup Artist: Agostina, Exclusive Artists Production Assistant: Connie Wang Special Thanks: A-Line Media and Jennifer Mitzkus

    Accessories Alert: Aimee is wearing a bangle from Local Socialites, seen in the second image. Shoe Alert: Aimee wears the Hashini wedges from JustFab.com available online for $39.95.

    This is Me: Riley Smith

    Riley, our "This is Me" feature is meant to learn about you - we want to find out more about your career and about your personal life as well. You've been in a ton of television shows - what is it like to explore so many different sets and meet that many people? I've always felt fortunate to have been apart of so many different shows and films throughout the years. In some ways, there is something nice and comforting about doing one role or job for a long period of time, but in a lot of ways, it's exciting and fresh to have stints on so many different shows. I'm like a journey man, just traveling through a lot of peoples lives. It's hard when you get on a really great set and have to leave, but the business is so small and I have had the pleasure to work with a lot of the same great people multiple times.

    You were also in our all-time favorite, "Freaks and Geeks." Essentially, most talents from that show is somewhere higher than they were then. What is your take on that? Are you surprised as to how loyal the fan base was even if the show only lasted a season? I think every one that was apart of that show could feel they were apart of something special at the time, but I don't think anyone (including me) realized how iconic it would become. Or how far so many of the people involved would go. I consider myself really lucky to have been apart "Freaks and Geeks" for the short time it was around and all the years its lived on.

    You now have a recurring role on CW's hit show "90210." Knowing that the show has been around for a while, what were your expectations of the position? Before signing on? And what have you discovered about the people and the show that you hadn't known before? I knew going in that the cast and crew would be tight knit and close. My pre-conceived idea was that they may be a bit "clique-y", which is a little intimidating, but they weren't at all. They are a very close big family and so humble and sweet. It's been one of the most enjoyable sets I've been apart of.

    Talk to us about your music! Where are you hoping to take it in the next few years? Are you still recording? Anything new we can expect to hear soon? I started a band with 3 best friends back in 06' called THE LIFE OF RILEY. The style is singer songwriter/pop. It's really just an outlet for me to express my feelings, thoughts and ideas. Another artistic outlet in between acting gigs. We are independent and intend to stay that way so that we can do things at our pace and vision. We have been fortunate enough to have played all over the world and even got to open for Jordan Sparks, which was a really cool experience on a bigger stage. We are about to release our third album titled "By The Way" this December. All the albums are avail on iTunes and all the multimedia outlets. In fact, I just got back from a 10-day tour across Europe supporting the record release over there. It's always a great crowd across the pond and we love playing over there!

    Among all the roles you've portrayed, what has been your favorite and why? Was it the cast? The job itself, etc? I have so many favorites for so many different reasons. "24" will always be one of those at the top. It was a highly acclaimed show that was written and done so well. My season (3) was at the height of its popularity, so there was a lot of excitement with that. And the role of Kyle Singer, was such a high intensity role every single second, which made it so fun to play. "Radio" will also hold a special place in my heart forever. To get to work with 3 Oscar nominees/winners on a daily basis was such a great learning experience and opportunity for me at that age. I grew up a lot during that film and took so many lessons from it. I also, think the movie had a great message to the audience, which makes me proud to be a part of it. And I can't forget "Mottocrossed." Although it was a teen Disney movie, it did so much for me on a public level. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was iconic for that generation. And not many people can say that were apart of something like that. For years I shied away from that, but now that I'm older, I sort of embrace it and feel blessed to have had that opportunity.

    "Not Another Teen Movie" was another one of those films that gave so many of us our breaks and I think holds a place in a lot of peoples DVD collection. So I cannot forget that one.

    A movie called "Weapons" I did will always resonate with me. It was a gritty indie film I fought for because I knew it had a great voice and would do well. I got it, shot it and it did just that at Sundance. To see that come together like it did, was a really cool thing to watch unfold.

    There's been a lot of great pilots that have not made the air that I thought were great and was proud to be a part of as well. Recently there have been so many, but when projects are so fresh, they are hard to be favorited. Sometimes you dont realize how special they are until you get time to sit back and reflect.

    I do feel like "90210" has come along at the right time in my life and playing a paraplegic character is a great opportunity that doesn't come across your desk everyday. Being able to give that demographic a voice has been an honor. So I know that someday I'll look back at this role and be proud of the role and work.

    Now tell us, what are some of the things you are just obsessing over right now? Besides the Election a few weeks ago of course!

    The Holidays. I'm a big fan of this time of year. The changing of the weather, the love that's in the air during the holiday season. The sports on TV. You've got the end of Football season which is always exciting, mixed with the beginning of Basketball season. So my weekends are pretty much booked in front of the TV with Sports. Its just a great time of year!

    5 things on your bucket list...?

    Wow, thats a tough one. I try to live everyday to the fullest and if I want to do something "someday," I usually just do it "now." I'm scared of heights so jumping out of a plane is out of the question. I would like to run with the Bulls though. I tried to scuba dive in the BVI a few years back and failed. It's a long story, but I basically got down there, got claustrophobic, forgot how to breath and had to come up. So I'd like to work on that and then go swim with Sharks. It seems so peaceful down there in the ocean, but it's a fear that I haven't been able to overcome as of yet.

    I'd love to sit courtside for and NBA finals game, behind home plate for the World Series and front row for Super Bowl. So if there is anyone reading this that can help facilitate that, I'm all ears!

    What would be a total dream job for you?

    Exactly what I'm doing. I love my job. I get to be the voice of a different person with every show I take.

    If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

    Don't let the highs get too high or the lows get too low. And when things are at their best, stay hungry. There is always someone ready to take your place.

    In the next 5 years, where do you see yourself? What are some of your goals?

    I want to continue to grow as a person and as an artist. The more layers I can peel off of both the more I can give to the world.

    Where ever that takes me is where I'm suppose to be. It's my job to just make the best of it and enjoy it to the fullest.

    Photographer: Vince Trupsin Grooming: Angie Miller Stylist: Monty Jackson