20 Questions: Hot Panda

Hot Panda
Volcano... Bloody Volcano
Mint
2009-02-10

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

Venus on the Half Shell by Kilgore Trout. “The Earthmen didn’t mind this because Arcturans looked so laughable when they sneered, twirling their long genitals as if they were keychains.” Tears of laughter, but still tears.

2. The fictional character most like you?

Jesus. For obvious/controversial reasons.

3. The greatest album, ever?

How do you choose the greatest album ever? All four of us would have different answers. The greatest album would have to be original, seminal, creative yet accessible, depending on how you listen to it, it should seem very complicated and deep, or alternatively simple and beautiful. Finally you should be able to listen to it while having sex, and not laugh… But I can’t think of anything that fits that criteria. Therefore, the greatest album has not yet been made! Challenge!

4. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Trek. Star Wars is for geeks!

5. Your ideal brain food?

Bathtubs, vinyl, house plants, Apples to Apples (the game), crossword puzzles, beer, being in other countries (the further outside your comfort zone the better), extra terrestrials, Naomi Klein, fresh food, fresh air, and French kisses.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

I’m proud that we’ve actually finished an album that’s being released. I’ve always felt that I was capable of doing this, I just lacked the discipline to make it happen, so the fact that it’s finished is, to me, a great accomplishment in itself.

7. You want to be remembered for…?

I want to be remembered as the guy who won really big in life, but then took his winnings, went into a casino and put it all on black and lost them all, everything in a matter of seconds. I’ll plead with the roulette guy, ask him if there’s anyway I can get some of it back, but he’ll shake his head and say “Of course not. What kind of fool would bet everything he has.” I’ll scream “This fool!” and storm out of the casino, but not until I get my free vodka tonic that I ordered before I placed the bet.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

The one’s who make you look at things differently.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

Maghan says: The sculpture of Daphne and Apollo by Bernini. It is hands down the most beautiful piece of art I have ever seen.

10. Your hidden talents…?

I’m really good at gymnastics…

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

There’s never one right way to do something.

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?

Bought: A Samek beginners guitar amp combo I was 15. Man did i ever play “Poly” a lot on that thing.

Stole: I only stole something once. It was a pack of Punky’s (remember those?) they’re like giant Nerds. I stole it from the convenient store across the street from my junior high. I ate like four of them then I felt so guilty that I threw the rest into the garbage.

Borrowed: I currently wearing black corduroy pants that I borrowed from my brother. At this very moment they’re the most important thing I’ve borrowed.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or…?

Pajamas. They’re nothing better than haning around the house in some nice pajama bottoms.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

Someone I knew would be okay with covering the tab.

15. Time travel: where, when and why?

To the future. 2015. Hill Valley. I’d stop Marty from buying Grays Sports Almanac. I’d also be curious to watch Jaws 15, apparently the Cubs also win the World Series….

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

Coffee, Vodka, Cigarettes, Chocolate.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or…?

Gotta go with water… or love?

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

I like cities, big ol’ cities. I enjoy being surrounded by busy strangers. Being surrounded by large groups of people I know on the other hand, is extremely stressful and unnerving but being surrounded by strangers is wonderful and comforting.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

How much money would it cost to get things the way I want?

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

Writing our second album while planning the release of our first one getting ready to tour and then tour some more. Also trying, unsuccessfully, to find a way to balance personal life with work.