Interview Redux: 'Of Montreal's' Kevin Barnes
We can't say enough good things about Of Montreal and their latest record. If you're still in the dark, check them out here. We interviewed Kevin Barnes back at the beginning of '06. Since they're currently playing a three night stint at the Great American Music Hall, we thought an interview redux was in order. Below is the original interview. If you've had a chance to see any of the shows, tell us about it in the comments below.
Of Montreal is known for putting on a great live show. In addition to their infectious indie pop tunes (we know you’ll be singing scraps of lyrics for weeks to come), they tend to mix up their sets with skits and costume changes--xomething that few bands without a full complement of roadies would dare attempt. Kevin, the band's frontman, was kind enough to answer SFist's questions below:
What's the best venue to play at?
San Francisco is definitely up there. We played at GAMH [where they’ll be again on February 3rd] and it was one of the funnest times we’ve had on stage. People weren’t inhibited at all. The got all drunk and sweaty and it was a real positive thing. Big cities are like that. Small college towns are like that too, so I can’t really pick the number one.
Favorite thing to perform.
"The Party's Crashing Us" from the new record is the most fun to perform right now.
Skits are a big, and unexpected part of your performances, how do you come up with them?
They’re random ideas. Some of them are good, some are bad. They break up potential monotony on the stage, with costume changes and all. We usually do a small skit at the beginning of the show—so it’s not your not run of the mill thing. For both of us, and the audience. When you’re on tour, it gets boring. We try to change the songs and set list, but skits provide moments of potential gah gah excitement.
Why don’t more bands do them?
They might feel like there is some stigma attached. They’re worried about being pretentious/ goofy. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we’re naturally inclined to let the freak flag fly.
How much time have you spent in SF?
Not that much... only when we play shows… we’ll get to spend some extra time between our two shows this tour. Haven’t vacationed there. To tell the truth, before I stayed in a gross part of town. I didn’t have the best experience in the tenderloin. I guess it’s like any city, so many crazy lost souls wandering around, shouting at me. I already had a lot of anxieties being there, and that didn’t really help.
What’s your favorite city?
New York. I’ve never spent enough time to get bored. I’m always a roller coaster because I have a lot of friends there so it’s always ‘go here, go to restaurants, play a show’.
High/lows of touring?
It doesn’t really feel so glamorous. It’s cool, it’s fun, and you’re connecting with so many other people so you don’t get bored with the environment. The downside is spending the night at generic boring hotels. And lots of time in the car. You’re in a really cool place, but you don’t have time to explore the city. You’re in p laces you’ve never been before but you just get to club, set up, eat, play, and then you have to leave, which is frustrating.
What differences in audiences have you noticed around the world?
Most dramatic difference was in Japan, and some places in Europe, where people are more reserved. Where I thought they were board. It can be hard to read an audience. All energetic audiences are fun to play for, if people are having fun it doesn’t matter.
Is it true that the same guy who does your artwork for your albums also does it for Okkervil River? http://www.jound.com/okkervil/
No he didn’t, it’s my brother, he does all of our art work.
Is Tim a real man? (referring to this song)
Yah, he is, he designed the front cover of that record.
What do people have to look forward at the two shows in SF?
We’re going to mix up the set and people will get to hear it. We might be more awesome the 2nd night ….
What question do you wish interviewers would ask?
Really, I have no agenda I’m trying to push through interviews. Just sort of like in life. Just pushing through.
What questions do you hate being asked?
I hate being asked about the band name and about the elephant 6. I don’t really know what it [elephant 6] is, and it would be impossible to explain even if I did.