Interviews & Emails
Kevin Hearn Interview
They're five friends from Canada who made good in the world of rock 'n' roll. They're Barenaked Ladies. On the surface, they may seem an unlikely candidate for longevity, but that would be underestimating their dedication, resiliency and their friendship with one another. A testament to their persistence is the 'best of' compilation they've just released. Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001 is the album, and MUSICMATCH got to chat with Kevin Hearn, the band's pianist, keyboardist, guitarist -- and anything else they'll let him bang on -- about the release and other important things. Hearn is the survivor of a much-publicized battle with cancer, and perhaps more than anyone exemplifies the joie de vivre of this free-spirited group of guys. Unfortunately, we found him in a bit of unrelated pain, as he immediately let us know...
Kevin Hearn: Actually my arm's sore today. I fell off my bike yesterday.
MUSICMATCH: Ouch! What happened? Where were you riding?
KH: I was riding on the boardwalk, and I saw -- there's a bunch of birds like geese and ducks and they all looked so nice in the water, I was looking at them and rode right off the boardwalk.
MM: Nice
KH: Smacked my arm.
MM: That's the dying rays of summer, right there in a nutshell.
KH: (laughs) I felt like an idiot.
MM: It's good to feel that way every once in a while - reminds us we're human. So how have things been going?
KH: They've been going pretty well I think. We've had some time off from touring, so we've had a bit of a chance to see our families and friends.
MM: It's been a while since you guys have been off the road, hasn't it?
KH: Yeah, well we started our tour last September and it basically went until the end of this September.
MM: As far as tours go, how would you rate it?
KH: On the level of exhausting, I'd rate it about a ten. On the level of camaraderie with our crew and fans and general vibe, I'd rate it a ten as well.
MM: What made it so exhausting this time around, do you think?
KH: Well, not sure. It just seemed...
MM: You're just getting old, that's it.
KH: Yeah, possibly. By the end we were just all at the end of our ropes. Kind of like it was supposed to end, and then it went on for another month, so we all kind of psyched ourselves out. That month seemed longer than the rest of the tour.
MM: So, where is your favorite place to play? Where's the best city, the best response, that you guys get?
KH: We always get a good response in Detroit. Chicago has always been fun. I always love playing anywhere on the West coast. For some reason I just love the atmosphere there. I guess I should mention on our last tour, we played at Madison Square Garden in New York and it was sold out, and we played at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England and that was sold out, and those were totally highlights for us. Both those shows were very exciting.
MM: If those were the highlights, then what were the lowlights?
KH: The lowlights? (laughs) Do they have to be shows or can they just be...?
MM: They can be anything you want, or don't want as the case may be.
KH: I think the low point for me last tour was getting into an argument with one of my bandmates about how we dipped our chips.
MM: Was it a case of double-dipping?
KH: A case of scooping as opposed to dipping.
MM: Scooping versus dipping. Who won? And, did it come to blows?
KH: It didn't come to blows, but when the scooping breaks the chip, that was the offense right there. And, I was guilty of it. I was the scooper. I just don't get enough dip if I don't scoop, you know.
MM: I believe they have engineered special chips just for scooping. You may want to look into those.
KH: That's a good idea.
MM: It's amazing what science can bring us.
MM: So, a greatest hits album. It's been a long, long road for you guys. Is this ever what you envisioned?
KH: Umm, for myself personally or for the band?
MM: For the band, but then also for yourself personally. I know you've been through a lot, personally that may change your perspective on the whole entertainment thing.
KH: Yeah, it does, but I always knew I wanted to be in a band and be successful that way. So for me this is just my ambitions coming true, and I was lucky enough to find a group of guys that I liked working with and we make good music together. I think we all have worked so hard, and we feel good about this. We don't feel as if we're pulling the wool over anyone's eyes. We feel we deserve the good things that have happened to us.
MM: Do you think the work aspect gets overlooked sometimes with your band? I think sometimes people focus more on...
KH: The hijinks of the band? Yeah I think so, but I also think -- yeah, people don't seem to ask about that as much. I think certainly all my friends and people in the musical community know that we tour a heck of a lot. We're just always gone.
MM: Is there anything else that people don't ask you about that you wish they would ask you about?
KH: I think its changed over the past few years. I think originally we were approached more as a novelty item, and I think now people are - especially since Maroon, our last record - people are more in tune with the different dimensions of the band.
MM: Right, Maroon wasn't really a coming out party, but it did open a lot of people's eyes who weren't aware of that previously.
KH: A lot of people said it was our darkest record. I guess what we always commented back with was; Well, there's always been a bit of darkness in our work. It's just been wrapped in layers of happy music or happy melodies. If you look a little into it, there's more there to find.
MM: The darkest lyrics combined with happy music can really be striking. So you play just about every instrument possible, on Maroon.
KH: I'm just a show-off. (laughs) I have a little side band I've been touring with, lately -- The Thin Buckle Band. We just finished a little cross Canada tour, I just got back a few days ago. It was really fun and refreshing.
MM: So you have time off from touring with the Barenaked Ladies and then just launch out on more touring with the Thin Buckle Band.
KH: Yeah, I'm a nut.
MM: How do you find the strength to do that, is it just because it's so fun playing the music?
KH: I think I have some sort of new phobia about how short life is and there's so much I want to do that I just have to do it now.
MM: That's definitely understandable. Is there something outside music that you're ready to take a crack at that you've always wanted to do?
KH: Other than music? Not at the moment, no. Maybe a serious relationship.
MM: Are you not in one right now?
KH: I'm trying.
MM: You may want to check with your partner about chip-dipping in advance -- just a word to the wise.
KH: (laughs) Have a pre-nuptial chip dip agreement.
MM: Exactly, It's best to get it out and up front. It could come back to haunt you later. So, do you ever get tired of giving interviews?
KH: Sometimes I get a sinking feeling after the first question. Some people are interesting and insightful and fun to talk to and others I don't click with as much.
MM: If you had to guess, how many interviews have you given in the past year?
KH: Umm, well I don't do quite as many as Steve or Ed do, but it's definitely up around a thousand.
MM: What's your take on music on the Internet?
KH: I think the technology is out there. I think the potential to have something really great for music is there. It just needs to be tailored a little bit so that it's fair for everybody.
MM: There are a lot of rules that are changing a little too fast for some people, I think.
KH: It's there. It's out of the box. It's not going to go away. It's just got to be figured out a little bit, but I think it's a great way for people to research and investigate new music - or old music.
MM: It's also a good way to interact with fans. There's also less danger of stalkers. Has that ever been an issue for you guys?
KH: Yes.
MM: What sort of form does that take? When does a fan go too far?
KH: I'd say when they start calling you. At home. At any hour of the day.
MM: What do they want, just to see how you are?
KH: I'd rather not get into it, but it was very unpleasant.
MM: Have you seen any good movies lately?
KH: I actually find it's kind of a dry spell right now for things that I like. I'm really anxious to see "The Mighty Tannenbaums". I went to see "Mulholland Drive", David Lynch's new film, and I loved that. I love his movie making.
MM: There's a little bit of a parallel as far as stream of consciousness between what he can do and what you guys do musically.
KH: Sure. I was reading that he just tries things whether they really work or not, he just does them. And, I don't know how many filmmakers do that stream of consciousness method, but I find it really exciting, even if it leaves you a little bit dumbfounded. It's still a great ride. I find that when we play, we go out on a limb. I think the risk of it is what makes it exciting, and what makes the tours bearable. Every night, it's entertaining for us.
MM: Would you say that's what sets you apart from other bands?
KH: Well, I don't think many bands would be comfortable doing it on a regular basis as part of their show.
MM: In a nutshell, what would you say the state of popular music is right now?
KH: I think there's a lot of great music out there, and there's a lot of great music that doesn't get a chance to be heard on mainstream radio. I think what's on mainstream pop radio is pretty limited, and I don't actually like a lot of what I hear on it. I have to dig deeper to find the music I like, and actually go to record stores and listen and read magazines.
MM: Who would you say is the best artist that nobody's heard of right now?
KH: Oh, good one.
MM: Besides the Thin Buckle Band.
KH: (laughs) Let me think about that. Let me look at what CDs I've been listening to. There's a great group called The Nits from Holland that I really like that no one seems to know about. There's a great Canadian group called the Rheostatics as well.
MM: Yes, I'm familiar with Rheostatics. I used to know a girl from Canada, and she'd make me tapes with Barenaked Ladies on one side and Rheostatics on the other.
KH: Like Canada's Beatles and Stones.
The MUSICMATCH interview with BARENAKED LADIES
Interview With Jim
From:
http://www.bonanzaradio.com/featuredartists/barenaked_ladies/interview
.html
It's dark in the back of the Barenaked bus when it sleeps.
Jim Creeggan and I are dimly lit by the trim of the interior, which
is studded with the Vegas-gauche tiny white lights that seem to come
standard in every luxury rock coach ever made. Luxury is a relative
term with these things. We're chilling in the velveteen `lounge' just
aft of the cramped stack of in-wall bunks, and it's not unlike being
on a German World War II U-Boat upholstered by Elvis. All that's
missing is a net hanging from the ceiling, full of potatoes and
salted meats. We've stolen away to Das Boot to escape the photo-ops,
the needy attention of star-struck radio contest winners, and the
bustle of the pre-show Barenaked backstage. There is very little
reprieve for this band, who endure being constantly drawn and
quartered with a smile.
To know the Ladies, a group of humble, grounded, warm, and profoundly
funny cats, it becomes easy to forget that they comprise one of the
biggest bands on the planet. Even despite their viciously loyal,
teeming legions of fans worldwide, they remain underrated. A BNL show
must be seen to understand that through their catchy, almost anthemic
songs, their razor-witted stage banter, and their propensity to make
everything look so damn easy, lies a group of lethally badass
musicians. So easily overlooked is the fact that Steve sings his ass
off, Ed is an incredibly good guitar player, Tyler is one of the most
rock-solid and choppy drummers swinging sticks, Kevin is a virtuoso
keyboard player (with a secret ability to lay down a super-tasty
guitar solo), and Jim has the kind of command of the low end that
makes girls randy and boys jealous. Funny, campy, clever, yes, but
BNL have balls.
The insistent hum of the generator and the distant rumble of the
opening band penetrate the floor and vibrate the bus, but Steve has
made it a point to tiptoe over the humming floor to use the MD80-
sized washroom, his index finger over his smile to point out how
silent and unobtrusive he's being. It is obvious that this is as
quiet and peaceful as it gets in Barenaked world. Their world is
constantly humming around them. Yes, these five guys have a great
job, and you won't hear them complain about it, but make no mistake,
it's a job, and they work their asses off. Jim has just come back to
the bus after being called away for another photo shoot, and is
relaxing on the couch again. Now about 30 minutes before jumping onto
a stage in front of countless thousands at an outdoor arena in
Chicago, a period of time when many would either be pacing or
vomiting out of sheer terror, Jim leans back into the bolstered
velvet of the couch in his perpetual Zen state, with the deportment
of a child watching Saturday-morning cartoons in his pajamas. Jim is
a deeply self-aware, spiritual redhead, and his ever-satisfied, dead-
center energy is contagious. The din of the generator does not seem
so urgent anymore. Jim is definitely chill.
It's time to put him back to work…
Maroon is a damn fine piece of work. If you could step back in time
to when you began recording, is there anything you'd want to change
about this record?
I think it was a pretty great experience for all of us. We worked
with Don Was and Jim Scott. Those guys were both really great. Jim
Scott was our engineer, and Don was our sort of producer/overseer,
and it was just a really great collaboration. It was probably my
favorite process of all the records we've done. So I don't know if
I'd change anything. I'm not that smart to know if anything
was "missing."
The production on the record is amazing, it sounds great.
Yeah. Yeah, Jim's a great engineer. The idea throughout the whole
thing was to catch us live off the floor, just playing live, and so
we just sort of carried that ethic throughout the whole session, and
it was great. We just all felt we were playing well as a band, and
Don was really tuned in. And he also brought it to our attention when
we were playing like a band… leaving space for each other, and
keeping that balance that a band only gets if they've spent time with
each other.
So it was a good cross-section of Barenaked Ladies captured on tape.
Oh yeah. A lot of good stuff.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how happy are you in this band?
[Laughing] Well, y'know what, I was just reading some Patanjali Yoga
Sutras, and it was saying, this is like a higher objective, or this
is something that might be holding you back in life, and I was
reading this thinking, geez y'know, I have every opportunity in the
world, right around me all the time to work out my stuff… to, y'know …
Hammer out your ghosts.
Yeah, hammer out my ghosts, work on myself as a human being, `cause I
have these people I've been around for twelve years, and they're sort
of reflecting who I am back at myself. That's a real gift. As far as
being happy, I'm happy for the work, I'm happy for the experience,
and the opportunity to work and live and share these things with
these guys. It's been pretty great, it's definitely worth it. So as
far as how happy I am, I'm happy, but also my happiness is a day-by-
day piece of work…
A work in progress…
A work in progress, and it's like a sculpture that I'm constantly
trying to get to the core of. And some days it's easier than others.
Why is bass such a goddamn sexy instrument?
Ooh that's a good question. Bass is a sexy instrument for a number of
reasons. Number 1, its shaped very voluptuously. It's got those wide
sort of shoulders and this wide … bottom. It does fit a human being
well because it actually compliments the human body. It's like a
human body, y'know it's like a voluptuous woman. It's also planted in
the ground, so you have this connection to, like, a good dance
partner who's planted down on the ground. You feel like you know
where they are. The bass has this end pin that sticks in the ground,
you can dance with it, it's like a good dance partner. So you can do
the tango. Also the swirls. You have that scroll on top, which is so
ornamental and sexy. And the bass tone… it moves your … sorry to be
so Yogic, but it moves your lower Chakra. It really touches those
things. It moves your hips, it moves your ass. I think that's one of
the great things, like in Salsa bands, the bass has such a
predominant role in showing where the beginning and end of the beat
is. It has a big part in that rolling effect. So, yeah, the bass can
be very sexy obviously.
It is your lover.
Yes, it's your lover, what's it like.
Every now and then, do you ever just stop yourself while in the
middle of say, shopping at the supermarket or while doing your
laundry, and say to yourself, "Woah, I'm a huge fucking rock star."
Y'know, I have amnesia about that whole thing, about being a huge
fucking rock star. It's funny, we've sold many records, like Maroon's
sold like a million and a half [so far], and Stunt, five million or
something worldwide, but it seems to me that it's something I do, and
I always forget when I go home and deal with my life. And even on the
road, my life consists of simple things, like did I play piano today,
or did I say hi to my friends or whatever. So its something that
seems attached to me, and it's something I forget, because it's what
I do, but it's not what I concentrate on.
You certainly don't wear it on your sleeve.
No it's way too heavy. It's too heavy for any one individual.
Which word better describes you, fly or chill?
Well, I'd like to think I have a little bit of both in me. I probably
think I'm more chill, but I'm actually more fly.
Do you guys have any plans to release a Wang Chung tribute album?
Y'know, that is such a great idea.
You can actually have that if you want. I will let you have that.
Really? You're not gonna slap on some royalties or something for
yourself? Your own cut?
I'm not like that. No, if I offer it up, it's on a platter for you to
enjoy.
God, that's awful generous… it's so off the cuff, just like that…
Thank you.
Consider that my gift to you. I'm looking forward to hearing the
album.
Speaking of which, I have a stellar idea for your next tour.
Mmhm?
Once again, if I give this to you, you of course will have to use it.
Oh, of course! You are our master.
Imagine go-go dancers… in cages, lowered from the ceiling. And
monkeys. Lots of monkeys, just running freely around the stage for
the entire show… Oh, and elephants. There would be monkeys riding
elephants. From beginning to end.
Okay, keep talkin'… or wait, is that the finale?
Well that pretty much goes on throughout the entire show.
So it's like a constant finale. Yeah, I don't know how we'd be able
to like… sort of…
Kick it up a notch?
Yeah, kick it up a notch.
Well, clearly, with showgirls… and penguins.
That is excellent.
So I'm looking forward to seeing the next tour.
Thank you, once again. I think we have to run it by production… our
production manager. Just to see if we could pull that off.
Do you have apprehensions about the monkeys running about freely,
what with their propensity to masturbate and fling poop and whatnot?
Well, I don't have a problem with the masturbating or the poop, it's
just that they are probably better musicians than us, and I don't
want them to show us up on stage. It would hurt my sort of rock star
pride… Cause we can masturbate and poop as well as the next guy. Or
the next monkey.
It's even better than my original idea, which was bees.
Bees?
Thousands of agitated bees on stage. Throughout the entire show.
Fuck, that would be so… There would be quite buzz on stage, wouldn't
you say?
I see what you've done there, sir.
To conclude our interview… I know you don't want it to be over, do
you…
Please let it not end.
I will now administer a short but extremely accurate psychological
test battery, which I call the BonanzaRadio Comprehensive Personality
Inventory.
Mmmm.
Your answers will reveal much of your true self.
I need one-word answers, but feel free to elaborate. Ready?
Please.
Cats or dogs?
Well… I'm just thinking about monkeys now, really…
I'm allergic to cats, but, I'm drawn to things that I'm repelled from
or repulsed by, I'm both shited and repulsed, so I will choose cats.
That is a psychological gem that you have just given me.
Really?
Ocean or mountains?
Well, you can't have one without the other, but…
Actually, geographically speaking… you can.
Really? Well, yeah I guess. You could say a plateau is something that
rises above the ocean, so… okay, yeah, these are tough questions… I
would have to say a mountain. I like the high peaks. I like to get
the aerial view of a place.
Beatles or stones?
Y'know, I can definitely say Stones, actually. I just like them
because they're just dirtier or something.
Red or blue?
Umm, red hair. I'll go with red.
Soup or salad?
I like Supersalad. I actually ordered that at a restaurant once.
Baked potato or fries?
I like… umm, could I have gnocchi? I'd like some gnocchi instead. I'm
gonna say I'm a baked potato kinda guy.
Anything to drink?
Just something like a hibiscus lemonade or something.
Is this going to be on separate checks or all together?
All together man. Let's not fuck around. Let's just all have a good
time and not think about the check. Somebody take it this time, and
somebody else take it next time.
Let's expense it.
You can, but nothing's for free.
It is if you expense it.
Yeah? Stick around my friend.
I still don't understand how that works.
Baths or showers for Jim?
That's a simple one. I'm a total shower guy. As if you couldn't tell.
Like I said about the chill and fly thing, I'd like to think I'm a
bath guy, but I'm a shower guy.
Go-Go's or Blondie?
I'd have to say Blondie, cause she's … cooler. She touches people in
a real deep way. I mainly like Blondie because I know her through
people who love her, and I love the way they love her. I don't know
her music that well, but I know people that are just soo passionate
about it and that it meant something in a period in their life. She
was definitely holding a torch, and… leading a … leading a …
Leading a generation!? C'mon, be trite! Don't be afraid to be trite.
I'm not that smart to be trite.
Beer, cocktail, or pot?
What kind of cocktail?
That covers well AND top-shelf tonight sir.
Hmmm. Then I would have to say … I'm drinking like, a Guinness.
Something mealy.
Guinness is really kind of a combination of beer, cocktail, and pot.
Yeah, God! I think a meal beer, something dark and crunchy, something
I could chew on, like a Guinness.
Big crystal meth fan?
Y'know I don't know their music so well really … [laughing]
Baking or Barbecueing?
[Long pause, he's deep in thought]
A man that drinks Guinness doesn't bake.
Yeah, obviously. But I've been baking some pretty nice mushroom and
thyme and stuff. Though I like an open flame, man. I'll go with BBQ,
but if I can be even more Stones and more Blondie… an open fucking
fire.
Goddamn right.
Farrah Fawcett or Bo Derek?
I like Farrah Fawcett. She's got those swirls in her hair.
Paper or plastic?
I like to think that whatever one is recyclable in your town, that's
what I'll use.
Final question.
Who's in the house?
Barenaked Ladies in the house! I think they are, in fact, home.
Indeed, Barenaked Ladies were dans la maison on this night, rocking
the shed with much aplomb. As the throngs filed out through the
gates, smiling, laughing, still vibrating from the spectacle, the
Ladies went quietly back into their home-on-wheels and set off for
another city, where they'll do this all again. Eventually they'll get
a short break, but then they'll be right back on tour again, only
next time around, there will be go-go dancers, and elephants, and
monkeys, and showgirls and penguins and bees to contend with, making
their job that much harder.
The next time you have chance to see BNL live, they are not to be
missed, and I would do it soon before there is some kind of
catastrophic elephant stampede incident. Those things get really
weird when they're being attacked by bees.
-Dan DeMichele
Interview with Steven Page
Steven Page and the Barenaked Ladies have to be wary of writing songs
containing catchwords that encourage fans to hurl projectiles on
stage. Shows are now punctuated by flying underwear and boxes of
Kraft Dinner. Someone could put an eye out. As a result, you will not
hear their great new song about deadly ninja stars on Disc One: All
Their Greatest Hits (1991-2001), in stores Nov. 13. They can't be too
careful.
Here's a look inside the mind of the frontman of Canada's beloved pop
jesters:
1. What was the last movie you saw that you loved? I just rewatched
Stardust Memories by Woody Allen and it blew my mind.
2. What was the first album you ever owned? The first one I bought
with my own money was Get the Knack. Still one of my favorite
albums.
3. What was the last book you read? I'm reading Atonement by Ian
McEwan right now.
4. What's your favourite hangout? My kitchen.
5. Do you have a pet peeve? Indecision.
6. What's your idea of the perfect Sunday? Underpants and booze.
7. What's your favourite food? Anything with mushrooms.
8. What was the worst job you ever had? Cleaning up puke from the
lawn at the Kingswood Music Theatre. I was a maintenance worker.
9. What gadget or gizmo can you not live without? My G3 PowerBook.
10. Do you have a hobby or habit that you think would surprise
people? I'm a gourmet cook - Italian and French are my fortes - and I
fancy myself a wine aficionado.
11. What's your favourite piece of clothing? My little black suit.
12. What would you change about yourself if you could? My breasts -
I'd reduce one and enlarge the other.
13. Do you have a favourite quotation? I'll paraphrase a Leonard
Cohen poem: "All the 15-year-old girls I wanted when I was 15, I have
them now. It is very nice. I suggest you all become rich and famous."
14. Whom do you most admire? Leonard Cohen.
15. What is your greatest extravagance? I have a stupidly expensive
car - a Lexus SUV.
16. Have you ever been mistaken for another celebrity? Yes, Drew
Carey.
17. What is your greatest weakness? I'm trying to quit smoking and I
feel very weak right now.
18. If you are reincarnated who or what would you like to be? An
elephant in India - large, sought after, admired, frightening.
19. If you had to go back in time to live in another decade, which
one would you choose? I'd want to live in New York in the 1950s.
20. If you had to rename your band, what would it be? Barenaked
Ladies U.K.
EMAIL I GOT FROM ED ROBERTSON
Hi There,
If you're reading this, I have your mail... somewhere. Thanx for taking the time to write to me (Yes, by the way, it IS me. This is not some management computer's auto-reply.) If you have questions about Tour scheduling and general band info, Catalogue, Merchandise etc, you can find most of this stuff on-line. www.nettweb.com is a good place to start, it's our official management page.
Here are some frequently asked questions-
What's your full name? Lloyd Edward Elwyn Robertson
When's your Birthday? October 25th 1970
What time is it? Depends
Did you like Titanic? No, not at all. Special effects does not a movie make. "greatest love story of all time" my arse!
How long have you been playing guitar? I started in the fifth grade (so I guess that's well over 5 years now!)
How long has the band been together? Steve and I started barenaked ladies in September of '88.
What are you lookin' at? Nothing.
What's you favorite breakfast food? Fruit and cottage cheese.
Can you name a cool thing about celery? Yes. Negative calories. (To say nothing of that wonderful crunch!)
Are you married? Yes. I've been married to Natalie Herbert since June of 94 and we had Hannah in November of 95.
Are you looking forward to the new Star Wars trilogy? ...what do you think?
What do you like better, Salt or Pepper? Pepper.
Where id you grow up? Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. I now live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Do you like good music? Yeah, Yeah.
Sweet soul music? Yeah, Yeah.
Any Pets? A dog named Connor, he's a Rhodesian Ridgeback. 3 Cats named Owen, Hester, and Finley, and a bunch of fish.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Nope.
Do you have a light? Yeah, your ass my... no my face... no, I've got a match.
What's your favorite colour? Green.
Do you like to BBQ? Sure do, some of my favorite meals have been had standing up.
Should people in glass houses throw stones? No.
I hope you found this at least mildly entertaining. I will certainly try to read every bit of mail I get but I can't promise to respond personally to every one. Thanx again for taking the time to write to me and thanx for listening.
barenaked wishes,
ed
Heres a little snipit that ed wrote about Rock Spectacular
Hello Folks,
Those of you who've seen a Barenaked Ladies show know that anything can happen - we make up songs, sing other people's songs, sing songs blue, dance, sculpt things, speak Chinese, eat baby carrots, synchro swim, whatever takes our fancy.
This is a collection of songs recorded in Chicago and Montréal on the Pirate Ship Tour. At the end of the program you will find a couple of examples of the kind of improv music that happens every night. (I think there are a few more on the multimedia program included on the CD.) No Barenaked Ladies live show would be complete without them. They happen on a whim and never happen again. They're part of what makes the shows fun and challenging for us and unique for the audience. We thought you'd like to hear 'em, so they're there at the end of the Program (Although in a Real Live show they would, of course, happen throughout the night).
Thanks to everybody who has supported the Ladies Live show over the years - this collection is for you.
Take Care,
Ed.
Online interview with Steve
Barenaked Ladies Chat:
BarenakedLadies: Greetings from our hotel room in Indianapolis, this is Steve from Barenaked Ladies!
BlueBoxx : Why did you allow one week to be the first release off of this album?
BarenakedLadies: As soon as we wrote the song we knew it was going to be the first single, so there was no question it was going to be the first.
Capitals37 : How is Kevin doing?
BarenakedLadies: Kevin, our keyboardist, for those you don't know has been diagnosed with Leukemia and is in the hospital. He's doing well. He's in a lot of pain. But we look forward to having him back when he's ready.
G_dog1_98 : What is the movie about?
BarenakedLadies: We're in The Wrong Guy starring Dave Foley in which we play singing cops.
Rmme_98 : Could you elaborate on the Bone Thugs bathroom incident?
BarenakedLadies: It was actually in the hallway of our hotel in Nashville, and Tyler was running up the stairs, he had to go to the bathroom badly. At the top of the stairs one of the Bone Thugs was waiting and scared the crap out of him which embarrassed us. Now we can't invite them to sing on our record.
Blubar : Where did you find the "Giles-mobile"? What make and model is it?
BarenakedLadies: No idea.
Bare_nakedlady : Who wrote the lyrics to "One Week"?
BarenakedLadies: Ed Robertson
BNLJeff : Gentlemen, What can we, as fans, do for Kevin to cheer him up and make him feel better and get him 100 healthy again and back behind the keyboard?
BarenakedLadies: Kevin has asked that fans make donations to Leukemia charities. Particularly our Canadian fans can donate to the Princess Margaret hospital.
Taragon23 : Who are your musical influences???
BarenakedLadies: Everybody from Beatles to Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash to Public Enemy. We love all kinds of music.
BNLJeff : Why does your newsletter The Ladies Room only come out every 4 months? As a fan I would LOVE to have one every month.
BarenakedLadies: Better than once a year. We're just trying to get this thing together.
Bare_nakedlady : I love you guys! How long have you been together now?
BarenakedLadies: Ed and I started the group 10 years ago this October, but we've been a full band since 1990. Uncle_elwyns_neices : BNL what is your favorite song or songs to perform live???
BarenakedLadies: I always love to play Brian Wilson because I get a kick from the audience singing along. BNLJeff : What DOES it mean to "wake out of a dream and be wearing someone else's shorts?"
BarenakedLadies: You have to ask Ed, he wrote that song. I never understood that part myself.
BNLJeff : I love Stunt. Are there ANY plans for a new multimedia album in the near future?
BarenakedLadies: We're not sure, we decided not to do multimedia, we wanted to get the album out by summer. Maybe the next one will have some multimedia content
BarenakedLadies: But if you hold it up to the light you can see all kinds of holographic images dancing before your eyes.
Monkeygyrl24 : Now that your popularity has increased greatly in the U.S. in the past year, will you still be playing smaller venues?
BarenakedLadies: Only in the places where we are not very popular.
Carelesbuttrfly : Do you like punk or ska better?
BarenakedLadies: As a teenager I liked both. But now I'd have to say punk SKA seems more like a trend whereas punk is more like a form of music.
Punto_Bob_is_here : Do you enjoy working with the Smashing Pumpkins?
BarenakedLadies: I've seen them twice in the last couple days, and although I was not a fan before, I've come to like them. They have 3 percussionists, one of the best piano players of all time, and Billy Corgan is a great guitarist.
Shoebox209 : What do you guys think of the Dave Matthew’s band?
BarenakedLadies: We played a show with them in Colorado and I was really impressed. I don't know much of his music but we have a lot of fans in common. In that case he must be great.
Shoebox209 : What’s more fun to play, the US or Canada?
BarenakedLadies: Right now the U.S. because we are more popular. Canadian audiences tend to be more reserved. Although there is something exciting about playing in your own hometown, Toronto.
Rmme_98 : What would you buy if you had a million dollars?
BarenakedLadies: Check the song lyrics.
OksyMoron : Where did the ritual of throwing Kraft on stage start? Who was responsible? :)
BarenakedLadies: The first show I remember that happening was the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. Nov. 1991.
Ted_the_Bug : Do most of your songs come from personal experiences, or are you just really imaginative?
BarenakedLadies: The magic of writing a good song is when you can blend all of your stories and making them seem real. I'd rather not say which is which.
Bozak27 : What made you decide on the name Barenaked Ladies?
BarenakedLadies: When we were teens Ed and I were at a Bob Dylan concert bored out of our minds and we started making fun of bands that did not exist. One was Barenaked Ladies. It made us laugh and reminded us of when we were 8 years old, and would look at the women’s underwear section of the Sears catalog. When Ed got us our 1st gig he told them we were called Barenaked Ladies, and after that there was no backing out. Because if we changed our name how would the 7 people that were there find us again?
Capitals37 : Why did Jim not write anything for the new album?
BarenakedLadies: I think because he had more time between records to work in Creeggan Brothers Records with his brother. So a lot of songwriting energy went to writing on that project than on Barenaked Ladies.
Creepoh : Are any of you guys married and do any of you have children?
BarenakedLadies: Both Ed and myself are married and both of us have children. Ed's daughter is 2 1/2, and my son is 1 1/2.
Jpaul34 : Will you headline your own tour after you're through with HORDE?
BarenakedLadies: Yeah, our own tour will begin Oct. 1st.
Movinfast_98 : What is a typical day like for you guys when you are not touring?
BarenakedLadies: I don't know when that is. We're never not on tour unless we're making records.
_LastChild_ : Do you remember Cheryl form Shoppers Drug Mart on Spring Garden Road? and did you ever give her sweater back?
BarenakedLadies: She told me I could keep it unless I found her. When we played in Halifax the other day it was freezing cold and I did not bring a jacket. We stopped there to see if they sold anything like sweatshirts etc. but they didn’t, so Cheryl was nice enough lend me her sweater. Which was very small, but I still have it at home.
CHICKITY_CHINA : Are you Guys Sad about Geri Leaving the Spice Girls?
BarenakedLadies: Um, sadder about that than we are about Jerry leaving Seinfeld. I think now the Spice Girls can really party now that their mum's gone. She was 60 wasn't she?
STEVE : In The Car is a really great song. It seems like it could be very well based in fact. Is it?
BarenakedLadies: I think most of us have had experience groping in the car when we were teenagers. But for me the song is about the details we use in songs and how they impact other people in their lives.
Burleyo : I've been listening to you guys for years on Zed95 (even though I'm from the states). Despite your newfound U.S. fame, do you still consider yourselves true-to-heart Canadian musicians?
BarenakedLadies: We are first and foremost a Canadian band because that is where we live and how we identify ourselves. We know that most of our fans identify us as a Canadian band and we are proud to be one.
Johnny_boffo : Are you involved in any of the fan pages? Cause your label page, is so outdated!
BarenakedLadies: Although we are not associated with the official pages be sure to check out bnlmusic.com or repriserec.com, or a great unofficial fanpage bnl.org, or our management website nettwerk.com.
Rcgcpa : Do the "ladies" ladies travel with them on tour?
BarenakedLadies: Very rarely because it's pretty dull unless you are playing. Most of the time we are doing interviews, so it's pretty dull. So they stay home.
Shoebox209 : Do you have a strong Jewish identity Steven? (from a fellow Jew)
BarenakedLadies: I certainly identify myself as a Jew but I'm not the rock n' roll equivalent of Philip Roth but perhaps someday I'll be. For better or for worse.
Kb2swc : What is the little guy on the front of STUNT represent?
BarenakedLadies: We've been calling him the stunt man but he is a composite of five of our body parts. For one he has my hands and lips.
Carelesbuttrfly : What’s the kewlest fan you've ever met?
BarenakedLadies: I would hate to alienate all of our other fans but it was cool finding out Jason Priestly was a fan and that he was famous.
Johnny_boffo : What jobs did you have before you became "Stars?"
BarenakedLadies: Most of us were pretty lucky to have been students with part-time jobs, so we were able to commit to the music. However, Tyler did have a part-time job as Super Dave Osbourne's personal driver.
Beth825 : After listening to your song "One Week," I was wondering if you guys were big X-Files fans?
BarenakedLadies: We are indeed big X-files fans. We were hoping it would get us free tickets to the premiere of the movie but it did not work.
WashUfize : Was the album "Maybe You Should Drive" in reference to the Trash Can Sinatra's song "Maybe I Should Drive"?
BarenakedLadies: I knew nothing of that reference. It came from a song on the record that said "You drive", which evolved into "Maybe you should drive" which was inspired by the first paragraph in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas".
Fiznarp : Does anyone in the band go online on a regular basis?
BarenakedLadies: We have all succumbed to the cyber-revolution, although I refuse to believe that the Internet exists.
AnnieKinsella : I read an ugly review of Stunt in Details...are you all really insulting your audience in "Never is Enough?"
BarenakedLadies: We were certainly not trying to insult our audience although it was something we discuss. We have enough sympathy with our audience as we too have been in a position of being overeducated and underemployed. No offense intended.
DUTCHWMN_ELZOOL : Will your first two tapes, Buck Naked and Barenaked Lunch ever be released commercially?
BarenakedLadies: No, Buck Naked was made in an edition of approx. 150 in my basement. Barenaked Lunch, about 1000 copies were made. Maybe we will release highlights but they are not recordings we are particularly proud of, except for historical reasons.
Fiznarp : In "One Week", what is Chickitty China the Chinese Chicken?
BarenakedLadies: That is a reference to Chickity Chaco, the Chocolate chicken as said by Busta Rhymes in the Tribe Called Quest song "Scenario" But it is also a reference to the Hong Kong Chickens which were contaminated and all had to be killed.
Teresa75_98 : Are you proud to be Canadian?
BarenakedLadies: Yee-Ha, I'm a flag waving Canuck.
T_bone115 : Does BNL Like Weird Al?
BarenakedLadies: He was kind enough to invite us to his show last year and it was fun. He was really nice to us. He's very weird.
Lea_14 : How were you as a teen, popular , geeky, what?
BarenakedLadies: I was a "new waver" so I was kinda geeky and popular with the small group of people, but most people called me a fag.
LilithBoy : Will you sing McDonalds Girl at HORDE Festival in Atlanta for me?
BarenakedLadies: Nope we haven't done that song in about 7 years. we have nothing against it but we have lots of other stuff to sing.
SillySydd : Do ya'll ever hang with the Kids in the Hall?
BarenakedLadies: Well, I have hung out with them before and we are good friends with Dave Foley and have hung out with all those guys at one time or another, but since they broke up it's harder to hang out with them all at once. But we are big fans however.
Rascal2099 : What is your favorite Beatles album?
BarenakedLadies: My favorite Beatles album changes all the time but it's usually The White Album. Although I love Abbey Road and have a soft spot for the Magical Mystery Tour album.
The_reaper_62 : WHAT CYMBALS DOES THE DRUMMER PLAY??
BarenakedLadies: He is proud to play Sabian cymbals, a Canadian company, I may add.
Chaos345_chaos : Do younz like pro wrestling?
BarenakedLadies: When I was in high school I saw Honky Tonk Man wrestle because he had big sideburns. Last year we sang an anthem at the WCW Championship. I really did not care, but Kevin was excited.
Missyunb : Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
BarenakedLadies: I guess from Sesame Street my favorite muppet is Ernie, and most people say I identity with Bert, but they're wrong. I am truly Ernie. Does Al Jareau count as a muppet?
Belldandy15 : What's your guy's favorite cartoons?
BarenakedLadies: Classic Bugs Bunny are the best. But I also love Ren and Stimpy.
Johnny_Rotten17_1998 : When you go on tour who is your warm up band?
BarenakedLadies: We will probably have different ones in different cities. I know for sure some shows will be opened by Chris Brown and Kate Fenner. Chris Brown is the guy that is filling in for Kevin while Kevin is ill.
Shoebox209 : What’s your favorite Hockey team?
BarenakedLadies: Toronto Mapleleafs.
Dfw_hoser : What High School did you and Ed go to? (Tyler went to Huron Heights)
BarenakedLadies: We went to Woburn Collegiate.
PantlessMan : What sort new music do you listen to?
BarenakedLadies: I am a big fan of an Irish band called the Divine Comedy. We also really like the Swedish band Komeda.
X29pointhandx : If you could destroy one other band, who would it be and why?
BarenakedLadies: Hard to say, it might be The Verve.
Bearnaked_Joe : What’s the best thing about playing music?
BarenakedLadies: Best thing about playing music is the 2 hours we spend on stage, being a room full of people doing the same thing, having a good time.
BNLJeff : Steven any truth the BNL book rumor?
BarenakedLadies: Yes, we are planning on putting out a book within the year. We were hoping before Xmas, but hopefully, it will be before next summer. It's going to be a mix between a autobiography and an activity book.
Mredding98 : Are you insulted by the stupidity of most of these questions?
BarenakedLadies: I've heard considerably worse questions from better paid journalists than you guys in this chat room You guys are doing just fine.
ILikeVanilla : Have you played at any Salmon Festivals lately?
BarenakedLadies: It's been several years since we have played any salmon festivals, but the last one I can think of was in California, and that was about 4 years ago.
Ted_the_Bug : What advice would you give to someone trying to write their own songs and having writers block?
BarenakedLadies: I've had the same problem myself, and I would say give it a rest, read and listen to other kinds of music. Then come back to it. It's a craft, not just an art. You don't often hear of carpenter's block.
Arianna08 : Do you consider yourselves sexy?
BarenakedLadies: I certainly don't consider myself sexy, I won't speak for the other members of the band. Although I do consider the rest of the world other than myself sexy.
Spud9 : Will you ever do a version of Be My Yoko Ono with Yoko???
BarenakedLadies: If she ever wants to sit in with us, she's very welcome to.
Jason_Huhn_ESQ : Regis and Kathie Lee?
BarenakedLadies: I have no opinion other than I'd like to be on their show. I feel bad for Kathie Lee, people just want to see her fall, and I don't think that's fair.
NWO_Sporty_Spice : What's the best free swag you ever received?
BarenakedLadies: We got to raid the Warner Brothers record warehouse in Chicago. It was a dream come true, but I buckled under the pressure. I got every box set I could lay my hands on.
LadiesMan_BarenakedHeaven : Who were your roll model growing up?
BarenakedLadies: Nell Carter, Charlotte Raye, and I'd have to say Scott Baio from Charles In Charge.
Nate_man_69 : What do you do to pass the time?
BarenakedLadies: I read a lot, we watch movies on the bus, the other guys do sporty and I pretend they don't exist. But I've decided to take up golf, because if it will work for Hootie then it'll work for me.
Victor_2Q : A war between Canada and the US, who wins?
BarenakedLadies: Canada because we are world-renowned for our kick-ass army.
Master_Mann : What's the worst piece of advice you ever got?
BarenakedLadies: I can't think of anything. All the mistakes I've made have been my own. They've been big ones.
Bloinkster_98 : Why don't you release the song that you made for FOX in between cartoons about the Spaceman? It was really cool.
BarenakedLadies: I dunno, maybe it'll show up somewhere sometime.
JenNBox : What influenced you to write the song "Alcohol." Are you an alcoholic or something?
BarenakedLadies: No, but I enjoy a good alcoholic beverage or seventeen I know when to say no, I just choose not to.
Rachey_baby : Any solo projects in the works?
BarenakedLadies: No, not as of yet. Right now all out time is consumed by Barenaked Ladies.
Anterabae : When are you guys going to tour Australia, now that you're getting airplay there?
BarenakedLadies: We're hoping to go for Big Day Out which is Jan or Feb of 1999.
Spaceboy18 : DID YOU LIKE MY SIGN IN KANSAS "1 MILLION $ TO GET ME BACKSTAGE"? WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE ME?
BarenakedLadies: Because I did not believe that you had the cash up front. If you did I would have brought you back no problem.
N_Hexum311 : Will you guys play in next years Tibetan Freedom Concert with the Beastie Boys?
BarenakedLadies: If they'll have us, we'd love to do it.
MockbaMN : Can you think of a reason why your popularity in Canada has severely waned at the same time that your U.S. popularity has skyrocketed?
BarenakedLadies: I think our popularity started to decline in Canada way before that. I think we burned out in Canada, we were overexposed. But we're back with a vengeance.
FunkyGrooveThang : What do you think of censorship?
BarenakedLadies: I love it. I think people have to careful not to hurt other people. But it's a scary line if you try to legislate what hurts and doesn't hurt other people and the that they can make sensible decisions on their own.
HydePark16 : Who is your best friend in the band?
BarenakedLadies: I can't play favorites now! Although Tyler and I hang out the most.
Cagliostr0 : Has any band member been through a relationship breakup lately? Many songs on this album suggest it.
BarenakedLadies: There haven't actually been any break-ups in the lives of the writers. That's that whole fact vs. fiction thing I was talking about.
Guinivere3 : I noticed Ed has lead vocals in more songs on the past album do you guys talk about who gets to sing what or do you flip a coin to pick who gets to sing it?
BarenakedLadies: A lot of times the person whose musical idea it is gets to sing the song. Occasionally, it gets flipped around. Plus Ed paid $25,000 cash to sing more songs on this record.
BarenakedLadies: I'm going to go see a movie, so I have to leave. But I look forward to seeing everybody out in the H.O.R.D.E tour this summer.
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