What do UFOs and country music have in common? Their fandoms both get to share in the multiple talents of Wesley MacInnes. If you’re not following country music news and have already checked out his latest album Soul, you’ve likely seen him in one of your favorite shows. He’s played fan-favorite guest roles on “Supernatural,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “iZombie,” or “The 100,” to just name a few of his acting credits. Most recently, we were able to watch him portray a soldier named Damon on HISTORY’s hit UFO drama series “Project Blue Book,” which returned for its second season on January 21, 2020. “Project Blue Book” focusses on an intriguing mix of history and fiction. Set in the Cold War era, it blends UFO theories with historical events, appealing to many fans of conspiracy theories.
Nerd Alert News had the chance to catch up with Wesley MacInnes, or Wes Mack how fans of his music will know him, on his many projects. We were excited to learn about his impressions from the set of “Project Blue Book,” stories from his previous acting experiences, and hear about his passion for creativity and mashing up his multiple skills!
MJ: Mr. MacInnes, first of all, thank you for taking the time to talk with us here at Nerd Alert News, and second, congratulations on joining the UFO series “Project Blue Book!” We’re very excited for the new season. We and other fans of the show love it for its mix of historic nostalgia and dramatic conspiracy storylines. How did you first find out you were cast as a soldier, Damon and how did you prepare for the role?
Wesley MacInnes: It is my pleasure. I totally hear you on that. The quality and attention to detail on the show and the mixture of history with imagination is really captivating and fun. I think like most roles, I would have got a call or text from my agent and then it’s off to the races.
I did a lot of reading on the period, military practices at the time, the actual Roswell incident and a lot of the conjecture that followed. On the day they actually had a military advisor on set who served and I really love when you get that. I have great respect for the armed forces and any time I’m playing a character in that world I want to do it justice. So, having someone there that you can ask questions and for feedback is really great. It allows me to come and do what I know how to do, while still knowing that there is a check-in place to look at that side of things.
MJ: Many viewers particularly enjoy the authentic look of the show. From haircuts to costumes, to set designs, one truly feels transported into another time. How was your experience on set, diving into this different world?
WM: I would agree with that assessment. I do think this show and the great crew on it put a lot of time and energy into getting all of that stuff right, drawing from all kinds of period references. It is a pleasure to be submerged in and makes the work so much fun. It really satisfies my inner child when I can look around on set and from the costumes to the props to the vehicles and locations etc.. it is all so elaborate and allows to you slip into that world and just play.
MJ: You’re no stranger to joining shows with a cult following. Many of our readers will fondly remember your role of angel Thaddeus in “Supernatural,” or your portrayal of a cheeky leprechaun hanging out with Marilyn Monroe in a1962 Las Vegas Casino in “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.” Do you have a favorite
memory or a fun story to share with our readers from any of the sets from your past roles?
WM: My audition for “Supernatural” was one of the most memorable I’ve had. I was in the middle of directing two music videos in a month, which is too much to take on. I had just shot one and was editing it and was supposed to go to camera for the next one in a day when I got the call for the audition. I slept perhaps one hour the night before as I was up editing and prepping to meet deadlines. When I got into the audition, I forgot a line midway through the scene. I very seldom ever drop lines but I was running on empty. Normally this is not a big deal. You call for a line or you start over and it’s all good. But no – not that day – in all my exhaustion I decided to just stay in character and wait for the line to come back. I was playing a messed-up rock star so I just kind of walked around strangely eyeing the reader and playing with my hands and a chair. 15 seconds passed, which is an eternity in that room. I recalled the line and continued.
When I left, I called my agent immediately and asked her to call and damage control the weird thing I had just done. The folks casting it had put me in “Smallville” and a few other shows so I hoped that it wouldn’t leave a lasting problem, but I really felt I needed to explain myself for the weird silent staring contest.
My agent called them and then called me back, saying I had the part. I laughed and from there on have decided you just never know….
MJ: In addition to acting, you’re also a renowned country singer and we here at NAN are excited to learn about the upcoming release of your latest single, Just Getting Warmed Up, off of the album Soul. Your genre is known for transporting a lot of emotion and drawing from personal experiences. Where do you find your inspiration for your music?
WM: I think I would say that I draw inspiration from everything. I think that every life experience changes you a little bit and affects what you might create. I don’t think it’s just the beautiful and bright things that inspire. A huge part of my creative work comes from the sad parts or even the boring parts of life. I think if you are mindful there is an inspiration in everything around you.
MJ: As someone focusing on both the world of acting and the world of music, I am sure you have thought about writing (a) song(s) for a movie or a show. If you could dream up any scenario to bring together your multiple talents, what would that show or movie look like?
WM: Great question. I’ve been fortunate to have songs I’ve written appear in a few shows over the years and it is really cool to watch those elements come together. I think music is such a key part of good filmmaking. My single favorite moment in any film is when Luke Skywalker stares out at the binary sunset on Tatooine (in ‘A New Hope’), seeing his whole future change in front of him – virtually a goodbye to his childhood. But that moment would be nothing if not for John Williams’ powerful score swelling up from the deep to give the moment the gravitas it needs.
I think doing composing like that would extremely fun. I’ve done it in a limited capacity and I love it. If it were to be more of a song, I love the sort of epic power ballad like “Into The West” that plays at the end of “LOTR: Return of The King.” It pulls in all the emotional weight of the trilogy and is delivered with such power and intimacy by Annie Lennox. I would love to create pieces like that for moments like those.
MJ: Last but not least, do you have any other upcoming projects you’re allowed to share with us?
WM: My lips are sealed, but I’ll be back.
Nerd Alert News gives a big thank you to Wes for talking to us and wishes all the best for upcoming projects!
Written by MJ (Another Galaxy Far, Far Away)
