My name is Arturo King, and I’m told I’m a legend
in music. My band is called Nights and we got our start at the 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.
18+ due to sexual content
18+ due to sexual content
Links for The Legend of Arturo King
Character
Introduction: Arturo King
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 its 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 you have an upcoming ca 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?
A: I'd
suggest Goodreads
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23675986-the-legend-of-arturo-king) and
join our new group page on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/737318906359166/ ) for all things related to
The Nights. We love are fans. We know we wouldn't be anywhere without them.
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.
Other Books:
Links for the Sensations
Collection (if you wish to share)
Sound Advice by L.B. Dunbar
Taste Test by L.B. Dunbar
Fragrance Free by L.B. Dunbar
ABout the Author
L.B. Dunbar loves to read to the point it might be classified as
an addiction. The past few years especially she has relished the many fabulous
YA authors, the new genre of New Adult, traditional romances, and historical
romances. A romantic at heart, she’s been accused of having an overactive
imagination, as if that was a bad thing. Author of the Sensations Collection, Sound Advice, Taste Test, Fragrance Free, and the
upcoming, Touch Screen,
she is also author of the Legendary Rock Star series, beginning with The Legend of Arturo King. When
not writing, she’s usually driving one of her four growing children somewhere.
She grew up in Michigan, but has lived in Chicago for longer, calling it home
with her husband and children.
Social Media:
Instagram: lbdunbarwrites
Author
Sandra Love’s Interview Questions:
Thank
you so much for answering my questions!!!
1.
First off tell us a little about yourself.
I grew
up in Michigan, but I live in Chicago. I find it ironic that Michigan is the
focus of the Sensations Collection as I couldn’t wait to move away from my home
town. Now I see it as beautiful place to
visit. I’m a mother to four wonderful teenagers (well, one’s actually 20), and
I’m also a teacher besides being a writer. I love to read, but I’m finding it
harder to find all the time I need to read, write….and promote.
2.
At what age did you start writing? What was the
first thing that you written?
Actually
I started writing as an angsty teenager, angsty teenage poetry. I had volumes
of it and actually won a local award. That might be my crowning moment in
writing. HA, hopefully not. I also wrote a novel around 2004, but it wasn’t
great, and another around 2005 which was lost in the blue screen of death on my
old laptop.
3.
Can you tell us how you came up with the idea
of your latest book/project? Did anything inspire you to write it?
My
latest book, The Legend of Arturo King, was inspired simply by a drive home
from work. I teach King Arthur to my students and I was thinking that if King
Arthur lived today he’d be a rock star. Music inspires everyone, and like a
crusade, it spreads and connects people. Also the story of King Arthur has the things
we love: romance, love triangles, adventure, death, mystery. It’s classic, but
I wanted to modernize it. I’ll also say I had a blast writing this series. I
did research so it would be slightly historically correct and I loved twisting
the classic to meet modern times.
4.
Can you tell us about your next book/project?
Do you have a title/release date?
In the
Legendary Rock Star Series, there are five books total. Books two and three
will (hopefully) release simultaneously in April: The Story of Lansing Lotte
and The Quest of Perkins Vale. Book 4 was actually complete before book 1 was
finished so it’s just a matter of time.
I also
need to finish the Sensations Collection. Sound Advice, Taste Test, and
Fragrance Free will be met by Touch Screen in early March. The final book,
Sight Words, will be released by June.
5.
If you weren’t a writer what do you see
yourself doing?
Since
I was meant to be a mother, and then fulfilled the dream of being a teacher,
being a writer was the last of my bucket list. What do I see myself doing
instead…hmmm…that’s super hard. I
honestly don’t know.
6.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
The
list is so long but this year has been dedicated to Kylie Scott, Jay Crownover,
Samantha Young, Sophie Jordan, Penelope Ward. Love them all.
7.
What are your top 5 books that you have read?
Ever?!
Yikes. Definitely Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I am a huge fan of
anything JA. I also love Shakespeare, so I’d have to say Romeo and Juliet. A
book I’ve re-read too many times is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer so I can’t
leave it off. I also love To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. And just to round
out this random list, Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (re-read a few too
many times also).
8.
What was the last book you have read? What book
are you reading right now?
Just
finished Ripped by Katy Evans and Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward.
Currently
not reading anything since I’m in so many edits, but anxiously awaiting Asa by
Jay Crownover.
9.
Would you ever co-write with another author? If
yes do you have someone in mind?
I’m a
bit of a control freak, so probably not. BUT, if someone amazingly (is that a
word?) famous offered or asked, I would not turn down the chance. James
Patterson has that reputation of asking upstart writers, so I would not sneeze
at that offer.
10. Does
music inspire you? If yes what type of music usually does?
Absolutely!!
Since this is a rock star series, music has been instrumental (no pun intended)
in guiding my writing. The initial inspiration started as Snow Patrol, so more
alternative, but moved to Foo Fighters and even Pearl Jam. The playlists are
all over the place but mainly in the alternative or rock genre. The Sensations
Collection also has a playlists, but it’s more country and pop culture.
This
part is optional.
1.
Favorite Animal
2.
Favorite food
Avocado.
Love guacamole. And Coca-Cola. Popcorn.
3.
Favorite Holiday
Love
the 4th of July because it’s summer time!!
4.
Favorite Genre to read
I LOVE
historical romance. My favorite author is Sarah MacLean – A Rogue By Any Other
Name. Love it when it’s historical, but a bit raunchy!
5.
Favorite color
Lilac.
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