I'm Weaker Than You Know, But Stronger Than I Expected
The Weakerthans came into my life with their 2000 release, Left and Leaving. The nasally vocals and catchy pop melodies stuck in my head immediately, but it wasn't until I listened to the poetic prose that John K. Samson (vocals/guitar) composed, that I fully appreciated the band.
Eight years later, I found myself preparing to interview the lyrically acclaimed Samson for an article in the March issue of REAX to preview their April Florida shows.
While I consider myself to be a pretty outgoing person, I get nervous every time I interview someone. The nerves range from "the slightly too much caffeine" jitters to "the whole box of No Doze" shakes. Did I mention I can be slightly dramatic? I've never actually ingested an entire box of No Doze, so I couldn't attest to that high, but let's just say that the adrenaline flows freely. I think Samson equated to the "I haven't eaten all day" fidgets.
Before my research begins, contacting the publicist is a feat in itself. This time, The Weakerthans' Anti- (Epitaph) publicist was communicative, helpful and expedited the interview process. Believe me, this is not always the case.
Once I knew the interview would take place, I spent some time preparing. Wikipedia always serves its purpose, while the band's website provides an up to date resource for the band's happenings (most of the time). Reading past articles gives a glimpse into different aspects of the band, but sometimes can influence the direction the article takes. For any ounce of originality, I try to avoid this. Research and question preparation began.
Next, the interview was scheduled with the Winnipeg resident, and even though I knew my transient lifestyle would put me on the road at this time, I made the commitment. The day of the interview, the questions floated around in my mind. I even found myself introducing myself to myself. Yeah, take that sentence in. Let me give you an example.
As I drove one of the many Orlando toll roads, I said "Hi John. This is MacKenzie with reAx, rEax Magazine."
Ok, I am teased about which syllable I annunciate. So I may talk to myself, let's call it practicing interviewing. That sounds a little better.
I pulled over to the first parking lot I saw as the interview appointment time approached. There I was, in the corporate nightmare that I hate more than Jimmy Buffet: Wal-Mart.
While sale hungry Americans herded in to fill their carts with items made in China, I pulled my laptop out and prayed for no complications since I forgot to print my questions. What can I say....lack of short term memory.
With everything ready, I waited for the clock to hit 1 p.m. and dialed Samson's number. As the phone rang in my ear, my breath deepened and I swear I could hear my heart rate rise. Ring. Ring. Ring. Nothing. Ring. Then....voicemail.
All that anticipation for voicemail seemed equivalent to "blowing my load," even though I wouldn't exactly know what that's like. Settle down fellas, it just seemed like a comparable phrase to relate to the buildup, then fast and furious letdown. I left my message and waited, watching the clock as each minute passed.
Ten minutes later, I decided to start driving home. As soon as I exited the parking lot, the former Propagandhi member rings me back.
"Fucking figures," I mumbled to myself. Yes, I said it out loud.
I pulled back around to Wally World, as the call was missed. My voicemail beeps and the phone tag began. With a quickness, my laptop woke up, while I called again. This time I got Samson on the line, and many "sorries" ensued from each of us for missing the other.
We bullshitted about the weather, which just so happened to be minus 40 for our northern neighbors. Some jokes were made about a mockumentary on their website, and after a few laughs, my blood pressure returned to normal and my nerves calmed.
Before I knew it, we were chatting about the wisdom and experience we've both gained since our punk rock days.
His voice was calm and welcoming, even though I was probably the tenth phone interview he'd done that day. A friendly voice sets the tone for the interview to follow, and Samson eased any phone phobias I may harbor.
We shot the shit a little more about how I look forward to meeting him at one of the Florida shows.
"I'll definitely be at the Tampa show, if not all the Florida shows," I said.
"Yeah, definitely come say hello for sure," he replied.
Uh, yeah, well that would be great and all, BUT they aren't playing Tampa. Hey, nobody's perfect.
www.theweakerthans.org
Look for the article in March's issue of REAX. Catch the band at the following (sorry Tampa) Florida dates:
April 04 Fri: Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder
April 05 Sat: Orlando, FL - the Social
April 06 Sun: Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
Eight years later, I found myself preparing to interview the lyrically acclaimed Samson for an article in the March issue of REAX to preview their April Florida shows.
While I consider myself to be a pretty outgoing person, I get nervous every time I interview someone. The nerves range from "the slightly too much caffeine" jitters to "the whole box of No Doze" shakes. Did I mention I can be slightly dramatic? I've never actually ingested an entire box of No Doze, so I couldn't attest to that high, but let's just say that the adrenaline flows freely. I think Samson equated to the "I haven't eaten all day" fidgets.
Before my research begins, contacting the publicist is a feat in itself. This time, The Weakerthans' Anti- (Epitaph) publicist was communicative, helpful and expedited the interview process. Believe me, this is not always the case.
Once I knew the interview would take place, I spent some time preparing. Wikipedia always serves its purpose, while the band's website provides an up to date resource for the band's happenings (most of the time). Reading past articles gives a glimpse into different aspects of the band, but sometimes can influence the direction the article takes. For any ounce of originality, I try to avoid this. Research and question preparation began.
Next, the interview was scheduled with the Winnipeg resident, and even though I knew my transient lifestyle would put me on the road at this time, I made the commitment. The day of the interview, the questions floated around in my mind. I even found myself introducing myself to myself. Yeah, take that sentence in. Let me give you an example.
As I drove one of the many Orlando toll roads, I said "Hi John. This is MacKenzie with reAx, rEax Magazine."
Ok, I am teased about which syllable I annunciate. So I may talk to myself, let's call it practicing interviewing. That sounds a little better.
I pulled over to the first parking lot I saw as the interview appointment time approached. There I was, in the corporate nightmare that I hate more than Jimmy Buffet: Wal-Mart.
While sale hungry Americans herded in to fill their carts with items made in China, I pulled my laptop out and prayed for no complications since I forgot to print my questions. What can I say....lack of short term memory.
With everything ready, I waited for the clock to hit 1 p.m. and dialed Samson's number. As the phone rang in my ear, my breath deepened and I swear I could hear my heart rate rise. Ring. Ring. Ring. Nothing. Ring. Then....voicemail.
All that anticipation for voicemail seemed equivalent to "blowing my load," even though I wouldn't exactly know what that's like. Settle down fellas, it just seemed like a comparable phrase to relate to the buildup, then fast and furious letdown. I left my message and waited, watching the clock as each minute passed.
Ten minutes later, I decided to start driving home. As soon as I exited the parking lot, the former Propagandhi member rings me back.
"Fucking figures," I mumbled to myself. Yes, I said it out loud.
I pulled back around to Wally World, as the call was missed. My voicemail beeps and the phone tag began. With a quickness, my laptop woke up, while I called again. This time I got Samson on the line, and many "sorries" ensued from each of us for missing the other.
We bullshitted about the weather, which just so happened to be minus 40 for our northern neighbors. Some jokes were made about a mockumentary on their website, and after a few laughs, my blood pressure returned to normal and my nerves calmed.
Before I knew it, we were chatting about the wisdom and experience we've both gained since our punk rock days.
His voice was calm and welcoming, even though I was probably the tenth phone interview he'd done that day. A friendly voice sets the tone for the interview to follow, and Samson eased any phone phobias I may harbor.
We shot the shit a little more about how I look forward to meeting him at one of the Florida shows.
"I'll definitely be at the Tampa show, if not all the Florida shows," I said.
"Yeah, definitely come say hello for sure," he replied.
Uh, yeah, well that would be great and all, BUT they aren't playing Tampa. Hey, nobody's perfect.
www.theweakerthans.org
Look for the article in March's issue of REAX. Catch the band at the following (sorry Tampa) Florida dates:
April 04 Fri: Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder
April 05 Sat: Orlando, FL - the Social
April 06 Sun: Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
kenny
I read your blog, very entertaining read. You've got a great style, keep it going!
I wonder if they caught the non-existent Tampa show remark or if they just gave you the benefit of the doubt.
re:Helmet Post
I saw my second show ever (first was lollapalooza) at the Edge: Gwar. I arrived in some basic white t-shirt; by the time I left, it was more of a Bill Walton tie-dye of a monstrosity from the shit they were shooting out into the crowd. Good times. I still remember the rank overflowing troughs they had for bathrooms in that venue. Not so good times. that was probably the closest Orlando ever got to a CBGB equivalent. Either there or Visage (sorry Will's Pub, Back Booth). I went back when it was :08 because I had a friend in college who was into that sort of stuff and I was horrified with what's become of the place.
...I liked the bike borrowing story in between sets (in NC, was it?) because it is just nice to think relative strangers would lend you something as valuable as a bike.
...World Cafe: i've been to shows before we were the only ones in the crowd. The bands thank YOU for showing up it's a bit awkward and also kind of pisses you off that other people aren't showing up to support good music.
posted Mar 3rd, 16:46