Post by Heather on Apr 13, 2009 13:22:41 GMT -5
Full Article
Interview:
Tell me about "Black List Club". What kind of record did you want to make while you were writing and recording?
Evan Taubenfeld: "The Blacklist Club" is really two things, first and foremost its the family, friends and collective of all people in and around anything related to my record. I don't like the concept of fans, it puts me on a different level then the people I owe the most to, so I visualize us as more of a club all in it together. The second part of the BLC is the actual record, which is more like an inaugural, tangible start to our inevitable journey together. My only standard and goal for the record was that it be the absolute most undeniably best record that was possible for me to make from start to finish.
What's your favorite song on the record right now and why?
ET: Right this second I'd have to go with "Pumpkin Pie" only cause it was such a huge personal victory for me to have it end in the current state from where it started. It's also a very revealing story of my romantic trials and tribulations.
How did you get the Avril gig and at point did you decide to give it up and go solo?
ET: My former babysitter had grown up and become an A&R guy at Arista Records and I had grown up and become a singer-songwriter trying to get signed. At some point my band broke up and he offered me the audition. I was hired on the spot the next day. After a few incredible years of touring the world, I decided I needed to take a shot before years went by and I didn't have the chance. So one night, with her blessing, I left to pursue my solo career.
What's the biggest crowd you ever played in front of with her?
ET: I believe it was New Year's Eve, Times Square, 1.5 million people. Not too bad right? In fact, at one point I looked across the sea of people and saw myself on the Jumbotron right below where the ball had dropped a minute prior. It is still surreal.
Honestly, do you get sick of the Avril questions?
ET: Nope. You can't hide who you are or where you come from. I'm incredibly proud for all of her successes and I'm honored to have been a part of all that I was lucky enough to be involved in. More importantly, she's a close friend so its never bothersome to talk about it.
Adam from The Academy Is.. said he gets more nervous playing at these small acoustic shows than he does at big arena shows. Is it the same for you?
ET: I don't get nervous for performances, never have (only maybe 3-4 times I can remember in my entire life). Photoshoots on the other hand keep me up at night.
What's it like touring with TAI? Are you a fan?
ET: It is like the tour from heaven. The guys in TAI couldn't possibly be any cooler, nicer, more talented and inspiring. William, Sisky and I have become family and I'm going to miss them incredibly when we're finished. They've got such an incredible thing going on and it's just been an honor to have been their guest for this wonderful journey.
Do you prefer acoustic sets over the full band?
ET: They're so different. It's like pancakes versus pizza, both are very very yummy but it depends on the mood.
Are going to produce any other albums in the near future?
ET: I've got some very special top secret things in the works ... I'm insanely selective as a producer because I know I won't do a good job unless I'm absolutely in love with the artist or the song. Because of that I barely produce anymore.
Where are your favorite cities to play music?
ET: Everywhere! I don't find specific cities to be good versus bad. Its all in the audience. I've had some of the best and worst shows of my life in the same cities.
What kind of magic tricks can you do?
ET: Cards, Money magic, different sleights, some mentalism and general trickery.
What are your top five albums of all time?
ET: Alice In Chains - "Unplugged"
The Beatles - "1"
Third Eye Blind - "Third Eye Blind"
Stone Temple Pilots - "Purple"
Days Of The New - "Red"
Since the acoustic shows are somewhat early, do you like to explore the cities after the gig? Or do you call it a night?
ET: Even the early, early shows still have us wrapped up until around midnight, we usually hang and sign until everyone has left and that can take hours. By that time I'm always fried and since I wake up in the mornings around 8 a.m. to go to do radio promo performances, I pass out.
Anything else you want to say?
ET: Love me or hate me I promise you this -- if you give my album a listen I truly believe you'll find at least one song you like and I welcome you to our wonderful family!
Interview:
Tell me about "Black List Club". What kind of record did you want to make while you were writing and recording?
Evan Taubenfeld: "The Blacklist Club" is really two things, first and foremost its the family, friends and collective of all people in and around anything related to my record. I don't like the concept of fans, it puts me on a different level then the people I owe the most to, so I visualize us as more of a club all in it together. The second part of the BLC is the actual record, which is more like an inaugural, tangible start to our inevitable journey together. My only standard and goal for the record was that it be the absolute most undeniably best record that was possible for me to make from start to finish.
What's your favorite song on the record right now and why?
ET: Right this second I'd have to go with "Pumpkin Pie" only cause it was such a huge personal victory for me to have it end in the current state from where it started. It's also a very revealing story of my romantic trials and tribulations.
How did you get the Avril gig and at point did you decide to give it up and go solo?
ET: My former babysitter had grown up and become an A&R guy at Arista Records and I had grown up and become a singer-songwriter trying to get signed. At some point my band broke up and he offered me the audition. I was hired on the spot the next day. After a few incredible years of touring the world, I decided I needed to take a shot before years went by and I didn't have the chance. So one night, with her blessing, I left to pursue my solo career.
What's the biggest crowd you ever played in front of with her?
ET: I believe it was New Year's Eve, Times Square, 1.5 million people. Not too bad right? In fact, at one point I looked across the sea of people and saw myself on the Jumbotron right below where the ball had dropped a minute prior. It is still surreal.
Honestly, do you get sick of the Avril questions?
ET: Nope. You can't hide who you are or where you come from. I'm incredibly proud for all of her successes and I'm honored to have been a part of all that I was lucky enough to be involved in. More importantly, she's a close friend so its never bothersome to talk about it.
Adam from The Academy Is.. said he gets more nervous playing at these small acoustic shows than he does at big arena shows. Is it the same for you?
ET: I don't get nervous for performances, never have (only maybe 3-4 times I can remember in my entire life). Photoshoots on the other hand keep me up at night.
What's it like touring with TAI? Are you a fan?
ET: It is like the tour from heaven. The guys in TAI couldn't possibly be any cooler, nicer, more talented and inspiring. William, Sisky and I have become family and I'm going to miss them incredibly when we're finished. They've got such an incredible thing going on and it's just been an honor to have been their guest for this wonderful journey.
Do you prefer acoustic sets over the full band?
ET: They're so different. It's like pancakes versus pizza, both are very very yummy but it depends on the mood.
Are going to produce any other albums in the near future?
ET: I've got some very special top secret things in the works ... I'm insanely selective as a producer because I know I won't do a good job unless I'm absolutely in love with the artist or the song. Because of that I barely produce anymore.
Where are your favorite cities to play music?
ET: Everywhere! I don't find specific cities to be good versus bad. Its all in the audience. I've had some of the best and worst shows of my life in the same cities.
What kind of magic tricks can you do?
ET: Cards, Money magic, different sleights, some mentalism and general trickery.
What are your top five albums of all time?
ET: Alice In Chains - "Unplugged"
The Beatles - "1"
Third Eye Blind - "Third Eye Blind"
Stone Temple Pilots - "Purple"
Days Of The New - "Red"
Since the acoustic shows are somewhat early, do you like to explore the cities after the gig? Or do you call it a night?
ET: Even the early, early shows still have us wrapped up until around midnight, we usually hang and sign until everyone has left and that can take hours. By that time I'm always fried and since I wake up in the mornings around 8 a.m. to go to do radio promo performances, I pass out.
Anything else you want to say?
ET: Love me or hate me I promise you this -- if you give my album a listen I truly believe you'll find at least one song you like and I welcome you to our wonderful family!