WEEZER INTERVIEW | I HEART RADIO | 2014
If you’re expecting Weezer to shy away from quirky on their new album due out on October 7th and titled “Everything Will Be Alright in the End,” think again. I mean — isn’t that why we love Weezer in the first place? While sitting in the press room (front row center I might add) and having gotten sick three times earlier in the day; I was delighted when it was announced Weezer would be stopping in for some questions. It’s not every day you get to meet one of your favorite bands and such an iconic one at that!
For two decades, this band has taken us on a colorful journey from the Blue album, to the Green to the Red and then some. If you’re wondering what the band is like in an interview situation — given the bizarre vernacular that exits their mouths on album — the best I can come up with is, uh…well, like you would expect Weezer to be in an interview. It’s completely awkward (mostly on the reporter’s part) — but there’s an abundance of genuineness from this band that puts a smile on your face.
Later, while watching their performance at I Heart Radio and hearing the classics such as “My Name is Jonas” and “Buddy Holly,” something magical happened. I realized everyone was cheering them on and knew all the words to all the songs. Sure, that’s what people do at concerts. But, most of this crowd wasn’t there to see Weezer specifically. Now, onto the interview with questions mixed in from other reporters.
OTHER REPORTER: What can you tell us about this new album?
WEEZER (Rivers): “It is everything we love about Weezer…dark, funny, complex, guitar solos, beautiful melodies, emotional, stomping drums…
WEEZER (Scott): “Distortion, feedback, progressive kind of music. Just like heart-wrenching solos..amazing.”
WEEZER (Rivers): “Alternative Rock”
OTHER REPORTER: Is that title sarcastic or sincere?
WEEZER (Rivers): “Well, I’m not going to make that decision for anyone. I like to leave it open to interpretation. That’s one of the things I liked about the phrase.”
MIKE DORIA : What advice would you give your younger self?
WEEZER (Rivers): “Be yourself. I think that’s something Weezer was always good at but still good advice I think.”
MIKE DORIA: Great band by the way — huge fan!
WEEZER (Rivers): Thanks.
OTHER REPORTER: You’re here side by side with bands like One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer — what advice or industry insight do you have for some of these bands on the rise today?
WEEZER (Scott): Don’t break up. Don’t break up and don’t stop writing. And, stick together and do what you love.”
WEEZER (Rivers): “Yeah, I think that’s really good advice. It’s easy to start squabbling with band mates or whatever and take it all for granted and before you know it, it’s all over. There’s real value in committing to each other and working through whatever problems have come up.”
OTHER REPORTER: How have you guys navigated those waters and stayed together so long?
WEEZER (Scott): “We did all those things I just mentioned. Yeah, we’ve had some exciting moments and every time we get closer and closer the music just keeps getting better and better. And, since I’ve been in the band, there’s hasn’t been a time where we all haven’t been having this much fun and had this kind of camaraderie. Rehearsing backstage…working on the new songs for the new record as we’re getting ready to go out on tour and some cities to play our new album. And it’s working hard and helping each other and being encouraging. There’s always a little bit of competition going on. There’s a perfect mix of keeping it spicy and keeping people on their toes.
MIKE DORIA: You guys don’t have a song I don’t like — which is a great talent for a band to do and continue to put out record after record after record with great songs. What is your one favorite song — if you have one — and one song that you don’t actually like?
WEEZER (Rivers): “Hmmm. I think we’re so jazzed about the new album. I think I’d have to vote for the Futurescope Trilogy which is a three part epic ending to the album. A lot of it is instrumental and we all get to shred. In fact, Scott had to have a special guitar built for him — it’s one part bass and one part guitar so at one point there’s five of us playing guitar solos at once. So, that’s my favorite.”
WEEZER (Scott): I’m a big fan of that too. And, then this song “Cleopatra” is really cool. It’s kind of like everything I love about Weezer and a little package around it.”
WEEZER (Rivers): “Yeah, it’s really cool to see that it’s on the Spotify viral 50 playlist right now — because it’s one of the most shared songs and the record isn’t out and it’s not a single or anything, but our fans are just going crazy. And they really love it and they’re sharing it with everyone.”
MIKE DORIA: Looking forward!
WEEZER (Scott): “Yeah, me too!”
OTHER REPORTER: You guys are playing at I Heart Radio – -curious to know your thoughts on the state of radio right now — better, worse or the same?
WEEZER (Scott): “I’ve been listening to more K-ROC lately and I’m kind of digging it. I got into satellite radio for a while and I’ve been listening to more K-ROC and I’m still getting turned on to a lot of new music.”
WEEZER (Rivers): “I think alternative rock is super interesting right now. It’s way different than when we started. And, luckily we don’t have to choose. I still love 90’s rock. There’s just amazing bands that we came up with that I love to listen to. But what they’re playing right now on alternative is different and super interesting.”
