I’m Shane Kippel, aka ‘Spinner’ from Degrassi: The Next Generation. AMA!

Aubrey did an interview a few years ago with VIBE and said this is him & a few others were "done" with Degrassi

"Drake: I can't really say I left that show. One day we came in and all the names were just changed on the dressing rooms. Everyone got cut. We go upstairs and it's like, "Who are all these people auditioning in the front?" They owe us a lot of money. The amount of loyalty, the years we put in with these people…they did us foul. As far as the producers go, I don't talk to anybody over there."

Any truth to that?

My experience was different from what Drake described about his own, so let me elaborate a bit. That quote makes it seem like the cast was blindsided, and ousted over night. Handing the show off to the new crop of characters was a gradual process, as it needed to be, and no cast member at that point had delusions of being on the show forever. We knew the story lines could run out for our characters at anytime. When my character’s run was over, they were very cool about it and gave me more than half a season’s notice. So, there were no surprises for me, and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about how it all wrapped up.

wow okay hi! Ten years ago, when I was 13 I sent you the most embarrasing love letter ever. I asked a question about why kids on degrassi didn't swear because "i'm in middle school but kids say worse things than they do on degrassi" and because I read once in an interview that your ringtone was apple shampoo by blink 182 I felt the need to tell you how much I liked that song as well. I still can't listen to it without cringing and remembering the fact that I sent you that letter. I hope you never got it. Besides mine, what was the weirdest piece of fan mail you've ever gotten? Have you had any weird or uncomfortable fan experiences? haha.

First off, totally remember that. And apple shampoo still has a special place in my heart (or on my hair?).

Actually, a lot of fantail was about people's relation to my character's storyline and the show itself. It feels good that through my role, I was able to open people's eyes to the fact that they weren't alone with their problems. It was actually very humbling.

The weirdest fan gift I got was an extra large g-string with their favourite spinner quotes written on the crotch... thrown at me from the balcony of a mall where I was signing below. For real.

So. Many. Questions. (Love it) http://instagram.com/p/lbQn0XoMgL/

For whatever reason, "Stop it, I'm tender" will always be the most memorable line from you as Spinner. A random one, but I loved it!

Stop it, I'm tender.

Even more now than before.

do you care that skrillex stole your hair?

He knows what he did.

Do you like watching Degrassi?

Every day is like a Degrassi episode for me - minus the teachers and lockers. And VD.

Do people give you a lot of shit for being on Degrassi?

It doesn’t happen as often as some may think. But when it does, you just have to smash a kneecap or two with the trusty sledgehammer. (Actually, I just cry a little inside).

BIG FAN OF DEGRASSI! I had no idea this AMA was happening. I'm so excited. I'm so scared.

1) Favourite storyline/acting opportunity within Degrassi universe?

2) Tell us a really salacious story about Drake. Don't hold out bro, I know you have one!

3) Biggest diva on set. If you don't want to name names, I will accept initials

4) What should I watch next on Netflix? (Netflix Canada, queue sad trombone sound because of the selection lol)

I'll check out your band!

1) Cancer episodes were challenging and rewarding 2) One night he was the only reason I made it home from a party where my last memory is being wrapped around the porcelain god. On set the next day we told everyone I had food poisoning. It was not food poisoning. 3) SK 4) Always Sunny in Philadelphia

What were your initial thoughts on Spinner and Emma being end-game?

When we first read the script, everyone was skeptical, due to the fact the fact that they had no romantic past at all. But then we saw the make-out scenes and we were all for it.

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http://imgur.com/lAWp3NH

I saw you in Chicago once and yelled "SPINNER" just out of annoying excitement. You didn't look that happy. My question is can you forgive me?

I can forgive, but I can never forget. And I don’t really want to… cause I cherish you. and that moment. and your voice.

If asked, would you ever act on degrassi again? X

Good ol’ Uncle Spinner? Show me the script…

Hello there Shane! I just wanted to tell you that you have always been my favourite character on Degrassi! I just wanted to know how it felt seeing Aubrey Graham again after not acting with him for several years. Was it an emotional meeting? Thanks for doing this AMA

Are you referring to the reunion at the King of the Dot event here in Toronto? That was the first time in a few years that I had the chance to catch up with him, and all that was on my mind was to tell him how proud I was of how his career has been going. It was emotional, sure, but in an exciting way more than anything. Also, we saw some sickkk battles that evening.

Who was your best friend on set?! Huge fan and still watch degrassi to this day :)

I had a few! To name a few, there was Aubrey, Mike, Adamo, Dalmar, Paula and the Jakes, and Melissa.

As someone who both watched sporadic episodes of Degrassi as a kid and has, in the last few months, marathoned seasons 1 through 9 to get me through a rough bout of unemployment, I just want to say that Spinner IS Degrassi, and millions of fans have you to thank for that.

I also have a mighty need to know your thoughts on the viciously teased Spinner/Holly J relationship. Jane was amazing. I love Jane. BUT IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE, COULD SPOLLY J HAVE WORKED? This is important.

Hahaha that'd be a great one.

What's your favorite Britney Spears song?

It's gotta be "Stronger". Reason being: I won a contest when I was 14 to go to Rio De Janeiro for six days and watch her perform at Rock In Rio after meeting her earlier that day. If only I wasn't young and chubby in those days, K-Fed woulda had noooo chance.

My father-in-law and I are both huge fans of yours (he is 58 and I am 29). We take a lot of flack when we hush the rest of the family during Degrasai re-runs. Anything we can tell the peanut gallery?

That's very flattering! Hearing that Degrassi had an impact across generations reenforces how proud I am to have been part of it.

I just recently watched "Dog Pound" and that movie really got to me emotionally. It was just too real. Your acting skills are amazing. You had me crying so bad by the end of the movie. After reading the script, what made you decide to play the part of Davis?

Ps. Will you marry me? ;)

The script to me was so raw and dangerous that it seemed to me like if Degrassi was on HBO or something. We had freedom to take it to more graphic and darker places. It was also my first lead role in a feature film - so that was exciting!

Just wanted to say that I've been a fan of Degrassi since it started and Spinner was always one of my favourite characters. <3

Ass-kissing aside, tell us about your most memorable encounter with another celebrity.

There were three. When I introduced myself to Kevin Smith and he said “Yeah, dude I know who you are.” Another time, I bumped into Seth MacFarlane at the MMVAs (who was dating my friend at the time), and I didn’t realize it was him cause I was too busy catching up with her (that, and he wasn’t a dog or a baby). Lastly, I was walking through a hotel lobby in Vegas and had Bob Saget tell his whole posse to wait as he b-lined over to me and said that he HAD to have a picture with me cause his kids wouldn’t believe him.

dude, what happened to kendra?! didn't spinner have an adopted asian sister at one point? it's been driving me insane. she just vanished!

Your guess is as good as mine.

What was your reaction to drake taking off like he did after working with him for so long, and do you still keep in touch?

I’m really proud of my old buddy and all his successes that are growing by the day. We touch base from time to time, but it’s not like I need to talk to him to know what’s going on with him. And he knows he’s got my love and support! (He hooked me up with some OVO stuff for Dear Love's first video too lol)

Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts?

Drizzy

Have you ever bragged to anyone that you knew and worked closely with Drake?

I actually fantasize about him bragging about me. And I'll allow it.

Do you feel like you lived relatively regular childhood? Did it impact your life in an overly negative or positive way?

Do you feel like a lot of people are fake to you? Are true friends hard to come by?

Just saying, Spinner and Emma were my favorite characters from the show and I enjoyed watching the show as I grew up.

It was certainly unconventional. There were amazing aspects about it. There were some struggles too. Definitely allowed me to experience things I never thought I’d be a part of. When I was was 19, sitting at a signing table in Atlanta (a gazillion miles from home), and meeting thousands of fans telling me how much the show meant to them, how far they drove to meet me and my fellow castmates, and that they slept in line over night to get to the front first - these are some memories that I definitely keep with me forever. The adjustment to moving from a hit TV show into the uncharted land of being a musician continues to be an awesome challenge. When you’re acting, everything is created and then handed off to you to prepare and show up. With a band, it’s building something from scratch, so it’s all you - successes or failures.

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It was definitely the most trying of any storyline I had on Degrassi. It took a lot out of me. Many, many hours working on my own and with my acting coach, but I’m very glad they gave me the opportunity to take it on.

Who are you still close with from degrassi?

Dalmar, Adamo, Paula, Cassie, Danny and Jake I'd say

What did you think was the craziest story line in Degrassi? Did you ever think "man, this is cheesy..." (No offense of course. I grew up watching your seasons)

There were so many cheesy moments, I ran out of crackers years ago.

Hi, I actually have a few questions. Answer as many as you want.

1. What was your favorite episode of Degrassi to film?

2. What is you all time favorite episode to watch?

3. Did you ever watch Degrassi when you were on it?

4. Any storyline that you think they could've handled better or a storyline they didn't do that you think they should've?

5. Any musicians would you like to work with?

6. Do you think you and Cassie Steele or Drake will ever do a song together?

7. Do you hate when people ask about Drake?

8. Favorite Degrassi character that was not Spinner?

1. Cancer episodes and Degrassi takes Manhattan.
2. The one where Marco comes out to Spinner.
3. Yes, but always with a critical eye on my performance.
4. In my experience, everybody could always use that second shot. But what’s done is done - be proud!
5. Do you have three weeks?
6. Ahem. http://youtu.be/iJ7UCm6uxNc
7. Who?
8. Craig

Ok let me rephrase the question into a statement ... YOU NEED TO COME TO TEXAS :)

Yes, we do!

I have it on good authority that some guy lost a $400 pair of your Prada sunglasses at the bottom of a lake and you didn't even get mad at him! The two of you just crushed a couple more Sam Adams and kept the party going. My question is, why are you such a nice guy????

I have it on good authority that a hundred dollars was supposed to be paid out but was never received. This nice guy is about to get not so nice! Sam Adams for life!

If you weren't in the entertainment industry, what would you do for a career?

This is the scariest questions yet lol. And I ask myself every day. I’ll get back to you when I figure it out.

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What, these hair choices? http://imgur.com/AxXud65

How would you defend yourself against a chimpanzee attack? Baring in mind that the first thing they usually do is bite off your genitals and hands.

Step 1: attempt American sign language Step 2: if step one fails, hand him a typewriter

That's it, that's all I've got. These may not work.

Which of Spinner's hairstyles do you regret the most?

Flock of seagulls.

Have you ever read the website "Boycott the Caf?" And if you have how do you feel about their love for you?

I have! And I've never figured out what I did to avoid their crosshairs. Why did they hate every other character but me???? Since they didn't hate me, I have nothing but love for em!

What was the most rewarding part of being on Degrassi? Like, connections you made in the industry, making friends, etc.

These little danishes they had in the green room. And the craft service people - they would make you annnnything.

1) Favorite memory from set? 2) were u ever romantically involved with a co-star/who?!! Cause I'm sure you were

There were a few. I'll never forget that night.

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Favourite show? Simpsons, for sure. Can Bart do an AMA?

My AMA will have to end eventually - but everyone's been so great I may just have to do another!

3 things

1) We live in a time of huge change for LGBT individuals on an international scale, and also for those in the limelight - celebrities, sports stars, etc., all coming out. The episode where Marco comes out still holds a lot of weight. But what did it mean for you then, and what does it mean for you now?

2) Let's get crass - Spinner popping a boner. Any recollections on that? I hesitate to be more blunt...

3) As a drummer who are your biggest inspirations?

1) I was always grateful for being one of the key players in that story line for the reason to how important it has been in terms of bringing the issue into the spotlight - even if I had to play the antagonist. 2) Greatest part of popping the boner was one of the class reaction shots when I was off-camera, and turned around with a giant salami poking through my pants. Candid reactions were captured, let's just say.

Describe the craziest fan encounter you've ever had. & also, do you think your acting background is helping your band's fanbase development at all?

1) The most entertaining and memorable encounters are the ones where no words are exchanged due to overpowering tears and hysterical gasps for breath. I just want to hug all of you, it's so sweet!

2) Absolutely! And thanks for the support and interest!

I went to FAU and one semester I took a class and the guy next to had rumours going around the classroom, 'thats the guy that was on Degrassi'. Turns out it was Daniel Clark, I ended up taking two classes with him and got to cordial level of conversation. Do you still keep in touch with him or any other alum?

I actually just spoke with him today!

Does watching the show now make you feel super uncomfortable?

Not as uncomfortable as it makes my bandmates.

How long is it going to take Dear Love to come to Halifax?

Since 75% of the band is from Hali - I’d say not too long at all!

Were there ever dramatic Degrassi-like moments between cast members? Can you tell us about some such moments, please?

Bring your band to Baltimore!

There were. And I cannot. And yes, Baltimore sounds great. Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

Ever met anyone with the last name 'Degrassi'?

No joke - I have. Once.

What is your favourite song of all time? Favourite Dear Love song? P.s. I still have my left foot yellow Cd and I still love the journey.

1) Amsterdam by Coldplay. Pet by APC. 2) Favourite Dear Love song? Lost! 3) Ha! Thanks for the LFY shout out, the Journey was my fav song on there too.

shane, you & the rest of the guys from dear love are straight-up awesome to all of your fans! Will you ever come & perform in the states?

Oh, you know it! You'll be well-aware when the time comes!

I loved you on Degrassi and I just wanna say that I hope you and your band have major success. I'd love to see you guys live :)

We're playing in Toronto on April 12 if you're local. If not, we hope to visit your town asap!

I have no questions but you're a cool dude so have a good day. (:

No, you’re cool! I just work here.

Do you watch any of the more recent seasons of degrassi? If so, what do you think of it?!

I’m out of the Degrassi plot-loop, however I do know a lot of the current cast members personally, and they’re definitely qualified to be carrying the torch!

Shane, I still love you oh so very much. Any plans on a tour soon? Would love to have you perform in Austin!

We're working hard to build our name and hope to visit everywhere we can! Austin is on the dream list! Thanks so much for the support!

Ah Degrassi! I would watch it at Christmas with my best friend and she was in love with you! Also, every time we went to Canada to visit family, I would tell my parents we had to find the Degrassi school. Unfortunately, never did :( Oh a question, what's the best memory you have of being on the show? And why did they cancel Life with Derek???

There are too many Degrassi memories to pick just one. As for LWD, what I was told was that it was never supposed to go beyond Derek and Casey graduating from high school.

Where can I buy a dearlove tshirt? X

Being an independent band means doing everything on our own. We are a little inept when it comes to setting up online stores but we're learning - I swear it’ll be happening soon (isn?). But you can get our EP on iTunes!

How often do you travel to the states ?? Any plans on visiting soon ?

The band and I are entertaining the idea of playing some cities in the nearish future (Boston, NYC, Chicago perhaps?)

Will you ever come to Scotland or ever been? x

I’ve never been. Mel Gibson made it look beautiful, so I would love to come... But seriously, I'd love to come!

Hi Shane!!! I have a few questions. First thanks so much for doing this!!! U rock

1. What has it been like to have been on degrassi from the very beginning and to watch it grow? Do you personally think the older seasons were better than the newer ones?

2. Who was the most talented actor/actress you've had the chance to work with on degrassi? Why?? :)

3. Does it bother you when people recognize you in public from degrassi? Me and my friend want to come to one of your dear love shows to watch your band play, but we really just know you from degrassi. Would it bother you if we were like omg we know you from degrassi?? Haha kinda a weird question but whatever

I love you!!! You're so talented. Thanks again for doing this. I hope to see u in the future

1. All seasons = good!
2. It was an amazing day when I got to work with Colin Mochrie of Whose Line Is It Anyway, etc. Also, it was sweet to have a few scenes with Kevin Smith. As for colleagues, the actor I was always fascinated by, and looked up to, was Jake Epstein. What a talent!
3. Absolutely, fan-out if you need to! But I bet you’ll love the music too!

I don't even know what to say.

You're amazing. I follow you on Twitter and find myself constantly laughing at your posts (laughing WITH, I should say) and wishing I knew you in real life because I'm pretty sure you'd think I was pretty awesome too.

That's all. Big fan, dude.

You're awesome!

Are you still friends with Drake?

No new friends. No no no.

How long have you been playing the drums? And why did you choose drums out of all the other instruments?

Been playing 14 years. They chose me.

A few questions, but my biggest one:

I don't mean this to discount your time on Degrassi as an actor, and I certainly feel you gave a lot as the series went on, but when watching Dog Pound I felt you had really grown as an actor. I say this as a young director (and one who dabbles in acting). This leaves me wondering when, or if, you'll return to acting? Not Degrassi, or even TV, but film. I know of course that music is your priority at the moment, but I also know I'm not alone when I say you should definitely come back when the opportunity strikes.

Related to that - what is your own personal process as an actor? How do you approach and engage material, both during rehearsals and during shooting?

To go back to Degrassi, were there any storylines, whether they were about bullying, relationships, sex/sexuality, etc., that mirrored your own life experiences?

Finally, you're an excellent drummer. For me, how drums are captured during recording is one of the most important components of music production. In your case, do you have a preference in terms of how the sound is captured/how the drums are miked? I know I like fuller drums, like how Steve Albini rocks it, but I'm curious what your opinions are.

Eh, whatever - two things that don't need an answer due to their frivolousness, but still fun queries regardless: You lost a fair deal of weight between Season 1 and 2. What triggered that? Also, I've seen a transcript of the Degrassi.tv chat you did ages ago. That shit was hilarious.

1) I'm a child of the arts. If I can pursue both at the same, that's the ultimate dream from me. 2) Depends on the script, cast involved and subject matter. It varies. 3) Oddly enough, it was my life experiences that started to mirror Degrassi story lines. 4) The drum mix I will always strive for would be between Abe Cunningham on White Pony and Jose Pasillas on Morning View.

Where is your favorite place to go in Canada? Also if I were to visit the area you live/are from where is the best place to go to eat?

Wherever the geese are flying.

If you could be any inanimate object, what would you be and why?

And just wanted to say you're super cool and thanks for doing this AMA. Please bring your musical talents to Chicago!

Floss.

No question here, just wanted to say that I saw you guys play at Horseshoe a few weeks ago and it was great! :)

Amazing - thanks for coming! Next time (April 12 at The Rivoli) come say hi!

Will you go to prom with me in two years ;) My other serious question is do you plan on acting in the near future or will you be focusing on just singing?

If I could act and drum at the same time, I'd be all over it. If I could sing, I'd leave it all behind. (I'm the drummer)

If you were trapped on an island with a mermaid would you rather the mermaid be Top half human and bottom half fish or top half fish and bottom half human (could be any fish of your choice)

I've always imagined what a hammerhead shark with sexy legs would look like. Let's go with that one.

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Do the double rolls count?

I just want to say hi hi hi!!!!! I'll be 23 this year but I remember being young and watching degrassi early in the morning when teennick was still noggin! I still keep up with degrassi, but nothing will ever be like the Spinner-Paige days! Please just say hello to me and I can melt and die happy!!

Hello! Say hi on Twitter too - I'm often on!

Dear Love rocks! When and where is your next show?

We’re hitting up The Rivoli in Toronto on April 12 with our friend The Little Black Dress. If you're around, come out!

As I'm sure you're well aware that your enabling the inner fangirl in many of us, just curious, is there anyone you would be all giddy and excited to meet?

Colonel Mustard. In The Library. With a candlestick.

I'm just so curious to know who leaves the posts, comments, and likes on the Dear Love Facebook fan page? Do you all take turns or do you all just sit around the computer together? How do you guys work that out?

There are times when Dave (lead singer) is in the pilot seat. There are also times when we all hold hands and post together.

Hey Shane :)

Sup?

Hey Shane! I probably missed this question already but any plans for Dear Love to tour the US anytime?

We're working hard to build our name! Always plans to visit - we'll let you know when we're on the way!

I'm too impatient to post questions one at a time so please forgive my curiosity oh great ShayKippz:

1) Aside from your band & acting career, what else would be on your resume (part-time jobs... I'm curious haha)? 2) Who was your favourite power ranger of all time? 3) Which Dear Love song shall I check out first? 4) ONE DEGRASSI QUESTION IM SORRY I HAVE TO: Which girlfriend of Spinner's was your favourite to film with?

Thanks a bunch! Love ya you handsome bastard!

1) Ambassador and speaker for the BodyProud organization! And also, I have an honorary degree in giggalo-ism. 2) Green ranger. White ranger, maybe. 3) Don’t Miss The Brakes http://youtu.be/-RONUWva1hA 4) If I wasn’t afraid of the fallout, I’d answer this question differently than, “I loved them all!”... maybe Jane.

When I was in college my friends and I were going to fly from LA to Toronto to see Soundspeed perform. Our friendship was bound by our love for Degrassi, so it only made sense. We wanted to be groupies and hook up with Degrassi characters.

Anyways, I just want to say sorry I couldn't make that flight, but I would have probably been kicked out for being a crazy fangirl anyways...

Well, the great thing about Dear Love, we've yet to meet a person that we were truly terrified by, and needed to have kicked out of a show - but we're always up to the challenge. So, bring it!