Questioning Chief Swan: Billy Burke on Kristen Stewart, his debut album

Questioning Chief Swan: Billy Burke on Kristen Stewart, his debut album



The Ministry has previously highlighted the struggles of "The Twilight Saga's" ordinary humans, and perhaps the most popular is Kristen Stewart's on-screen dad, Billy Burke.

It's arguable that some of Stewart's most comedic and relatable moments come from her scene work with Burke, as bone-dry rural police chief Charlie Swan. In our chat a while back with "Twilight" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, the scribe said Burke's character was her favorite to write for.

Our Q&A with Burke provides more insight.

Ministry of Gossip: So this is the third time around playing Bella's dad. Are you and Kristen on autopilot at this point?

Billy Burke: We sort of jumped right in from the get-go. We naturally have a similar relationship [to Charlie and Bella], you know, we don't bring a lot of baggage. But I feel like she could take care of me. She's a very strong and solid individual.

MoG: You're a fan favorite, but we don't see many photos of you grocery shopping or working out. How do you avoid the attention?

BB: It happens once in a while on the street, but I'm really not recognizable without the Charlie mustache.

MoG: Is that bad boy real?

BB: Yep, it takes me about a month and a half to grow out, so I've got to start soon.

MoG: Yes, for "Breaking Dawn." In the meantime, you're releasing your first solo album, "Removed." Not many people know you as a singer. What's the record like?

BB: It's about 12 songs chosen from a catalog of material I wrote in the last 15 years. They're songs you'd hear in your local bar. Melodic, ironic sad drinking songs.

MoG: Any tracks about the eternal debate of Team Edward versus Team Jacob?

BB: I don't play that game. I like both.

Talk about removed -- and a wise choice. Burke's album is available for download on iTunes. Fans also can order the disc from his official website, complete with a 12-page booklet of photos and lyrics.