I was lucky enough to get an interview with the multi talented actor Nathin Butler who portrays Dr. Ewen Keenan on General Hospital... Nathin is very driven! But what I find most cool about him is that he also remembers his family and his roots. I see big things happening for him... I hope you dig my interview with him...

Thanks so much for the interview Nathin. Can you give the readers some background on yourself?

I was born and raised in Australia, I grew up on a cattle property in outback Queensland. In my younger days I had a keen interest in playing guitar and singing, and by high school had participated in numerous theatrical productions. At the age of 17, I was accepted into the prestigious Sydney-based National Institute of Dramatic Art.

At age 23, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional career in acting, where I landed roles in X-Men: Origins, Australia and HBO's The Pacific, among other film, television, and theatrical projects. I am also a songwriter and lead singer of the band The Sugar.

You are multi talented... You are an actor and you also sing and play guitar with your band The Sugar . At what age did you start singing and playing guitar?

My mother gave me a guitar at the age of 5. Its the one on the picture I sent you.

Tell us about growing up in the outback of Australia and who were some of your musical influences?

I grew up riding horses, herding cattle, flying helicopters and going to rodeos. My musical influences were mainly my family. My mother and her brothers were very musical. They were always rehearsing for an upcoming show which I often performed in. I was on the stage singing at the age of 5. My grandmother's name is Patricia (Patsy) Garde – she taught me and my sisters to play the guitar correct. Patsy is no longer with us. R.I. P. She passed away late last year at the age 89. She taught her children and her grand children to perform as singer/song writers. Many of them going on to have varying levels of success. My mother's name is Valmai Patricia Butler-Garde and she gave me my very first guitar.

How cool to have grown up in such a musical family! Were you in any bands while you were in school?

In high-school I played in a punk band.

Any other family members who involved in entertainment business?

My little sister Chloe Butler who is 24. She trained at the Australian institute of sport before getting selected to play in the Lingerie football league LFL for LA Temptation. She scored a touch down in her first match against Minnesota. I have a an older brother Colin who is 41. He has four kids. His oldest son is named Nathan. Colin drives heavy machinery in the coal mines of Queensland. He also sings and plays guitar. My older sister Kalesti 29 who won the Bush Balladeer Star Quest at Tamworth. She is currently touring Australia and just released a new country album.

When did the acting bug bite you?

Due to my musical background I ended up getting cast as the lead in the high-school musical. This was how I got into acting. I auditioned for the National Institue of dramatic art when i was 17 and was accepted. With such graduates as Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Guy Pearce, Sam Worthington and Baz luhrmann I felt like I was with pretty good company.

So did you start with doing theatre or did you make your start on film?

I started with the theatre and moved to the screen when I graduated NIDA.

Who were your some of your acting influences then?

My acting influences are Hugh Jackman, Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger and Tom Hardy.

Did you enjoy films like Muriel's Wedding, Romper Stomper, Road Kill and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert?

Loved all these films. They're all Aussie classics!

When did you move to America and did it take you long to get work?

I worked at a horse riding ranch in Topanga Canyon for 2 years breaking in horses and taking people on rides through the Santa Monica mountains. My office was on the back of a horse. I would take calls from my agent and manager about casting from the top of a mountain on the back of a horse. I guess you'd say I was a modern day cowboy. It took me 3 and half years to book a my first job in the states. General Hospital.

You were in "X Men: Australia Origins.." Tell us about that?

Wolverine was awesome to work on. I played a orderly and had a 50 worder with Hugh Jackman.

Did you enjoy working with Hugh Jackman?

I worked with Hugh again on Australia. I was more involved with this film. I had fight scenes, horses stunts and lots of other Aussie outback stuff.

You also landed a role in "The Pacific" . Tell us about working with that cast that included John Seda and Tom Hanks?

Working on the "Pacific" was like being a kid again. I got to play with guns, dress up like a soldier, speak with an American accent, drive in tanks and not get hurt... I mean it doesn't get much better than this ;)

What other projects have you been involved with?

In the film Black November : I was the 2nd unit Director of photography; and played three characters – all speaking a different English accent: Texan, South African and Australian was the third accent. My main part was 'Jack Rowland' the Texan oil executive.. I also was the cinematographer on a feature film last year called 'Broken Spirits' starring Australia's Andy Mc'phee

You currently are a contract player on General Hospital... Tell us how you got the role of Dr. Ewen Keenan?

I auditioned as an American and booked the roe as and American. In the audition I was out of control. In a good way. Which is what I thought the character called for at the time. We ended up changing the character a whole bunch. Making him Aussie was the first thing. We'll be making some interesting changes to this guy in the coming months.

Sound cool!! You are must be in heaven working with such actors as Jane Elliot, Jonathan Jackson, Robin Mattson, Finola Hughes, Tony Geary and the other immense talent on General Hospital...

Such a privilege to be working with such amazing, knowledgeable and well versed actors that you've mentioned.

Are you enjoying the Kate / Connie storyline?

Obviously it was influenced by Frank Valentini taking command.. Love these scenes. There is so much intensity and compassion that goes into this storyline.

Who are some of your favorite bands?

The Black Keys, The White Stripes, Rage Against The Machine, Skrillex, Alex Clare

Tell us about your favorite venues to play?

The Viper Room

Do you have anything released yet?

SUGAR album release in coming... SUGAR merchandise and goodies available soon. We have a new album coming out. The album launch with be at my General Hospital Fan Club event on the 22nd of July:
http://afctrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ghfcw-nathin-butler-in-person-07-22-12-tickets

Any tour plans?

Yes a SUGAR tour is coming...

Do you have any web addresses you would like to share with Punk Globe readers?

thesugar.bandcamp.com My fan club website will be launch within the month :).. Google for the address.....

What does 2012 have in store for you?

Great things. I producing and directing a feature film called 'The Cage' which is a psychological thriller. I'm very excited about that. It will be a cult classic for sure.

Have you ever met Dame Edna?

Yes. She also graduated from NIDA. She would come in a give a lecture for the current students.

Any parting words for Punk Globe readers?

Thanks for having me and don't stop believing in yourself ;)