Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
David Wax Museum Interview — ‘Knock Knock Get Up’
I requested an interview with David Wax Museum immediately after watching their video for “Harder Before It Gets Easier.” The memorable masterpiece is the first single off their latest record, entitled, ‘Knock Knock Get Up.’ Their unique sound is relatively difficult to describe, but David Wax coined the catchy term, “Mexo-Americana” and it has since stuck. The band’s core members include Wax and Suz Slezak, who are currently touring the new record. I’m told by my friend who saw their show in Santa Monica that it’s one of the “best live performances [he’s] ever seen.” The very kind Suz Slezak took the time to graciously answer all of my nosey questions. Read below.
Can you take me through the making of your video for “Harder Before It Gets Easier”? It looked intense.
We wanted something bright and fun. [Our producer and his partner] asked us if we were okay with face paint, but we had no idea that we’d be completely covered for three days. We were game, though. The funniest part was walking outside and interacting with people on the street.
I know you’ve worked with the same producer for two records. Can you tell me a little about his influence?
He talks about wanting The David Wax Museum to sound more like The David Wax Museum. For the past two records he’s made our sound unique. He’s had a hand in bringing our stage energy to our records.
The donkey jawbone has become a staple in your live acts, and I know David initially suggested that you learn to play the instrument for percussion. Did he have any idea it would become such an integral part of your brand?
I don’t think so. When we started the band, I was just playing fiddle. But it didn’t work on the songs with a more Mexican sound. We looked into some Mexican instruments, and the jawbone was a pretty inexpensive purchase that we knew would add something we were missing.
You are really great about connecting with your fans. Is there any part of you that would like to hand over the business side so you could focus solely on music?
No way. What I love about being in a band is that it involves running a business. Thinking about artwork, videos, and all the other pieces that come along with this are what keeps me going.
I read that your parents were very encouraging of your musical pursuit. Had you not had that encouragement, do you think you would have found your way down the same path?
It’s different for everyone. For me, music was a basic part of our life. We had to practice our instruments every day before breakfast. It was a regimented part of our day.
There’s a song on this record called, “Wondrous Love.” Is that about someone in particular?
David doesn’t talk about what his songs are about. There’s a sense that a lot of art comes from a deeper, bigger place, rather than being about a certain person.
Do you test out your new material during your live performances? Are you ever surprised with the audience’s reaction?
It’s album by album. For ‘Knock Knock Get Up,’ we actually didn’t play a lot of the songs live. We wanted the record to be exciting and new for our fans. But audiences don’t realize how much they are a part of the music. What they give back with their energy is a huge part of what we give out.
You guys have been at this for a long time. Today’s music is so much about a slow growth. Did you ever get impatient about your success?
That’s a great question. No one has been honest enough to ask that. We’ve definitely had ups and downs. We see this as a long-term career choice. David and I aren’t teenagers. We made this choice after doing other things in our life, and we take it very seriously. When you’re a musician, you’re putting your heart and soul in front of people every night. It’s really important not to give up.
Watch below to see their video for “Harder Before It Gets Easier,” and click HERE to catch the band on tour.
.
Tabloid Gossip — Week-in-Review — Lets Get Newsy
- Lindsay Lohan has a new boyfriend. Daily Mail
- Bradley Cooper & Zoe Saldana broke up again. ICYDK
- Brandi Glanville sold her wedding dress. Radar Online
- Bethenny Frankel filed for divorce. People
- Justin Bieber doesn’t want to let you down by smoking weed. TMZ
- Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez broke up . . . again. Hollywood Life
- Real Housewife NeNe Leakes is engaged. LA Times
- Sofia Vergara got into a bar brawl. The Superficial
- Lance Armstrong might admit he doped. Crazy Days and Nights
- Is there a Teen Mom Ryan Edwards/Maci Bookout reunion in the works? WetPaint
- Hugh Hefner & Crystal Harris tied the knot. E! Online
Jimmy Kimmel Bashes Leno — Playground Bully?
I certainly take shots at celebrities I dislike, but that’s mostly driven by my inside knowledge about how they treat their staff. And my inside sources tell me Leno treats his staff with the utmost respect. Additionally, if it’s true that the guy sold out, then I’d like to scream “SO WHAT” from the rooftops. He’s employed a plethora of people, and if selling his soul includes telling schmaltzy jokes publicly while maintaining his comedic integrity during his stand-up gigs, then so be it. Lastly, I will once again reiterate that I do not hold Leno accountable during the NBC/Conan debacle. Conan pushed Leno out, and Leno fought to maintain his gig. Anyone in their right mind would do the same — including Kimmel. Have some tact.
Samuel L. Jackson Demands Reporter Say N-Word
Kathy Griffin on Blowing Anderson Cooper: “I Won’t Apologize”
Dave Letterman on His Sex Scandal: “I Blame Myself”
Movie Review– ‘This is 40’
This film felt like an extended episode of ‘Modern Family’ minus the laughs. And though I have no idea what forty feels like, this certainly shed light on all of its unwanted woes. The Judd Apatow directed flick stars his wife (Leslie Mann), which is concerning, especially considering all her unlikable traits. If I were her, I’d have long conversation with my husband after reading a script that may or may not be based on his personal life. As for her on-screen husband, played by Paul Rudd, he’s predictably more likable, and I’d venture to guess that has a thing or two to do with what I deem to be Apatow’s sexism, an observation I gained from ‘Knocked Up,’ which is now solidified. Apatow has a keen ability to turn his women into vile naggers with sweet husbands who are just trying to survive their wrath. There’s not much else to say other than — it’s probably a good idea to make movie characters likable — and funny.
RATING: 2/5 DISHES
Quote of the Day — Howard Stern on Kim Kardashian’s Pregnancy
Movie Review — ‘Jack Reacher’
Prior to entering this film, there was a lot of social media speculation as to the plot. After exiting the film, my speculation remains. Though it is always enjoyable to see Tom Cruise on the big screen kicking ass, I’m still at a loss about Jack Reacher. From what I gather, he’s an ex-military guy who solves crimes, much like Sherlock Holmes, except he beats up the bad guys while he’s doing it.
The film opens with a random shooting leaving five civilians dead, one of which was carrying a child. I mention this because of the very unfortunate timing, given the recent events in Newtown. This was obviously filmed well before the tragic massacre, but I found myself in tears during the beginning scene and quickly realized it was simply too soon to be watching it. Luckily, it was short and soon picked up in other places.
The story gets complicated when the man on trial for the murder calls upon Jack Reacher and then subsequently enters a coma so he can’t explain the reason for his request. Jack Reacher arrives, and the investigation begins. It’s still unclear why a man of Jack Reacher’s stature, intelligence, value, and crime-fighting ability took such an interest in this case, other than for sport. Sure he knew the guy in question, but did he know him well enough to risk his life?
My other issue with this film is the casting. Though I’m a massive Tom Cruise fan, I gained renewed respect for him while watching him with the other actors. In short, they weren’t good enough. Rosamund Pike couldn’t contend with Cruise and her performance was therefore distracting. My guess is Cruise’s high quote demanded less expensive actors — but if you’re going to be on screen next to Cruise, you better hold court.
Despite my aforementioned criticism, I’d still encourage my readers to see the film. It’s action packed, it’s suspenseful, and it’s Tom Cruise. It’s a standard popcorn flick, and it’s enjoyable enough to bring a group of friends for a fun time. Plus, there’s a great no-guns-allowed fight scene that’s worth seeing.
RATING: 3/5 DISHES