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of The Dandy Warhols Interview by Brian Hoekstra |
August of ‘08 welcomed into the world the release of Earth to the Dandy Warhols, by, um, the Dandy Warhols. These Portlanders are alright, and this would be their 6th proper album. They trip it out, speed it up, slow it down, and cover all the rock and roll bases. They really have had a pretty chameleon-like career thanks in major part to front man Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s shape-shifting singing style, while best-known for his signature lazy hushed vocals. Traces of the Velvet Underground, David Bowie, and everything else rock-friendly fuel the Dandy catalog. Since 1995’s Dandies Rule…Ok? The Dandy Warhols have never taken themselves too seriously, as rock music should always insist, but have earned the right to play live, and put out records for as long as they wish. They sing of drugs and excess, but have always managed to maintain and deliver – See the classic 13 Tales from Urban Bohemia for evidence. Earth to the Dandy Warhols is a first for the band – they now own their own label (Beat the World). As the mucho-talked about/brilliantly entertaining documentary Dig! showcased, the band had touches of success while on major label EMI (better overseas really), but ultimately, that relationship went to hell. Kaboom! Now they control their own spaceship. Here be the new and improved Dandy Warhols, whether you are ready or not.
Wide-Eyed: The Beat The World label… your own label… You must be pretty confident in your abilities as responsible business people to pull off your own label, no?
Courtney Taylor: We have some really good people. Also we are quite naïve about a lot of it so I think that’ll help us to only do things that feel right.
WE: The Odditorium… the house that Dandy’s rock built… how does this space influence your recording process? Inspire?
CT: Seems to make it easier to stay “on” as well as stay in there and keep working on 
whatever.
WE: Earth To The Dandy Warhols is another exercise in showing of your chameleon abilities from song-to-song (different styles, personality sounds, singing styles). Isn’t this just like acting up on the big screen?
CT: For great actors I’m sure it must be except way better. Music is primal. Acting is not.
WE: Earth to The Dandy Warhols is heavy on space exploration themes in terms of artwork, websites etc - this is all from your love of science fiction? Partially David Bowie Stardust fantasy?
CT: We got some serious sci-fi geeks. Most good bands do.
WE: How has the band developed in terms of recording an album since the Dandy’s Rule? Is it more of a meticulous process? More anything goes?
CT: We have a lot more toys. I think that besides that it hasn’t changed that much at all. We recorded our first record mainly in my bedroom so that we’d have unlimited time. Time, genius, money… pick any two.
WE: What are proving to be the best new songs to rock out while on your current tour?
CT: They change from night to night. My two favorites most often were “Wasp in the Lotus” and “Welcome to the Third World.” “Now You Love Me” probably got me higher a couple of times though.
WE: Do your new songs evolve into something new entirely on the road? Do you ever think… “Man we should have recorded this a lot faster or slower!”
CT: Oh hells yes. This is a good reason to keep re-recording them and documenting each of their little lives. Also a good reason to remix the living shit out of the little bastards that got away.
WE: Are the three hour plus Dandy’s show over?
CT: Pretty sure, but who knows. Bitch hard work, but man…
WE: There is this song “Valerie Yum” curious about how that song was written, and how an idea or song like that gets tossed around in your group.
CT: Can’t really remember the path. They’re so long and all.
WE: How often would an excited member of the Dandy Warhols describe the new album?
CT: Often.
The Dandy Warhols play the Wiltern in Los Angeles on Friday October 3rd.
