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Ask They Might Be Giants About Almost 30 Years of Music
Back in 1982, John Flansburgh, John Linnell, and a drum machine formed They Might Be Giants. Over the last 29 years TMBG have released 15 studio albums, won 2 Grammy Awards, and have become one of the most nerd-loved bands ever. In addition to projects like Dial-A-Song, TMBG were one of the first bands to create their own online music store, and have been making podcasts on a semi-monthly basis since 2005. The band has agreed to answer all your questions about the naming conventions of Turkish cities, building spiritual bird houses, and the music business. As usual, ask as many questions as you'd like, but please keep it to one question per post.
Assuming you still listen to other bands and acts in your free time, by what method do you acquire new music? I've seen your albums in vinyl and I know you were the first major label artist to release an entire album exclusively in MP3. My preferred method is buying vinyl that gives me an MP3 download on the side. So what is your collection mostly of CD, iTunes, MP3s (lossless?) or do you personally enjoy the slight comeback of vinyl?
My work here is dung.
Thirty years are coming to an end and now you're even older...
"I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
In 1992 you guys were sending out news updates to your fans via Usenet Newsgroup, what are the next big things you want to try to do with the internet to connect with your fans? Are you working on anything crazy and innovative right now that you can talk about that sort of transcends the basic music to vendor to fan experience? Almost all bands send out updates now and allow samples of songs to be heard online, where do you see these methods heading in the future?
My work here is dung.
With all these activities mentioned above, is the band solvent? Are all those other activities worth it financially?
Where I'm coming from: back before the Joshua Tree album, even with all of U2's success up to that point, they said in an interview that they "had to tour a lot just to stay solvent."; which surprised me so much that I remember that statement 20 years later. It's not that I'm counting your money or anything, it's more of trying to understand the business. As David Sanborn once said, "People see your face on an album and think you're automatically a millionaire."
I think I can safely say that there is a large demand for a TMBG edition of Rock Band. Is there anything preventing this from happening?
I'm in the middle of trying to throw together a band, and finding a drummer isn't easy (if you don't already know one, and you're not willing to pay one).
What comments do you have about working with a drum machine, especially in a live setting?
Do you still use one?
Clearly you have both been through a lot of things together -- the band, touring, albums, families -- how do you maintain your friendship through all the stresses and changes?
Which are your favorites of the new season?
What is the most rewarding thing to you personally from the 30 years of being a band? A particular fan letter? A particular performance? Just being able to do what you love?
My work here is dung.
Do people in the business even care about it? How is it viewed from the inside?
In the song Space Suit there's a very distinctive tonal quality that sounds very much like it was modulated using a Cooper 1138 or maybe a 1138-A. Was this a bold artistic choice or were you just using it for the first time and you forgot to turn the Korg variance down to a more modest level? Just curious because to a pro like me it's like listening to a Casio keyboard on display at K-mart.
"I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
John and John,
Thanks for a lot of great music! What's the score with the kids/educational albums - will there be any more of them coming? My kids are growing up listening to them (ABC's, 123's) and know a lot of the lyrics by heart.
There's no reason they have to all be explicitly for kids either - I'd love Here Come The Philosophers or Here Come Astronomy.
Y'all started out with adult crowd and somehow got into kid's songs. (My daughter's a big fan). Which is easier: songs for the alphabet, math, or science?
Is it a rule, that there's an exception to every rule?
How much do they owe that little guy in royalties?
Did you encounter much of the "Hey Mr DJ" Payola going on in the industry when you started? Or was the song written about rumors in the industry at the time?
Is the situation any different now?
Test your net with Netalyzr
If I have a date with a girl in Istanbul, where will she be waiting?
Since the 90s, record companies have been mastering albums are loudly as possible. Typically, music is compressed dynamically, then normalized to the loudness limit of a cd, sometimes causing clipping. What are your feelings on the Loudness War?
I was at your show last Thursday in Indianapolis! It was a great show! What exactly is a Miasma of Incandescent Plasma?
Is this the dumbest question you've ever been asked?
Thanks for a lot of great tunes, and a minor-sub culture I enjoy very much.
Blogging because I can...
Do you ever listen to your own music? Not just for production reasons, but for entertainment?
"When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!" -- Cave Johnson
You mention Istanbul and Constantinople, but don't say a word about Byzantium! What's up with that?!?
Are you my only friend?
Are you not my only friend?
But are you a little glowing friend?
But are you really not actually my friend?
A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
From your start back in 1982 and prior, countless bands and styles have come and gone or progressed. Obviously few ,if any, will be considered classical by surpassing generations not alive during the period. Can you name a few you think will continue to withstand the test of time? What do you think makes a band/album/song continue to stay relevant?
If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Tell us your opinions about the loudness war (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war ) and how it affects the release of your music.
This is not the thread you are looking for *waves hand*
I just saw you guys in Nashville. You look fantastic. It's impossible to believe you've been rocking out for as long as I've had a full-color range of vision. How are you both so amazingly well preserved?
but then again its such a silly place. who would wana go there any more.
Some of your fans felt that the album "here comes the science" was pushing a specific agenda that was never previously a part of your music. Do you feel that the (perceived) partisan tones on that album are real or imagined, and if they are real do they reflect a change in the attitudes of TMBG as a band or the individual members thereof?
Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
How do you guys come up with your song ideas, i.e. do you start with the lyrics, or the drum beat, or... ?
An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
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Who would win? Powerful man has money riding on this.
There was quite a bit of collaboration with the Chaps brothers of home star fame. They seem to have taken a break from the website... Any chance this is because they're collaborating on project with you? If not, any plans to in the future? It seemed like a perfect marriage to me.
http://www.homestarrunner.com/expfilm.html
Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
An entire generation knows who you are thanks to the episode of Tiny Toons that featured a few of your songs. I'd like to know, do you think this is something that not enough bands take advantage of to get their music out there, or did you guys capture lightning in a bottle?
Thirty years ago it was postulated that 'They' may indeed be Giants. After nearly three decades of study, is there conclusive evidence that They are, as a matter of fact, Giants?
Life==Jeopardy. All the answers are right in front us - the hard part is coming up with the correct question.
I have been looking for a shoehorn (the kind with teeth) and people keep beating me up, any suggestions where I can find one? (If required, I am willing to take a plane)
Well are they? You should know by now surely!
As a roadie here, I've heard less than flattering comments from local stagehands that have worked your live shows... Are you guys dickwads? or is it your production management? or were you just having bad days?
Regardless... Thanks for the music
RB
How has making albums changed over the last 20 years or so? What has influenced those changes? You, technology, or the business?
Great instrument, or greatest instrument?
I am officially gone from
Looking back on your career, do you have a favorite and least favorite moment? Looking forward, what awesome new tunes can we fans-since-we-were-in-diapers expect?
When you pick your lineup, how do you sift through your catalogue and decide what it is you'd like to play? For example, (I saw you guys last night in Richmond) I didn't hear anything from Mink Car, The Spine, and I know you have over 300 songs to choose from.
-TMBG IFC
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. indymedia
I loved being able to play TMBG for my boys instead of Raffi and other crap. No question, just saying thanks.
I don't know if some of these kids really understand what it is like working with someone for 29 years pretty drama-free. Can you each tell us 3 things that you really like about the other, and 3 things that drive you bonkers?
With the explosion of social networking websites, blogging and microblogging sites, etc., people are much easier to discover and contact -- some of whom may have been impossible to find in the 80's. Given these amazing tools, have you managed to speak with Ana Ng?
Working...
I think I know the answer
Back in my misspent youth some 20 years ago, someone gave me a song they swore was TMBG, recorded in someone's basement. The title was "On the Rag", and while the vocals bore some resemblance, the lyrics were predictably puerile. Was this really you guys, or was my friend just pulling my leg?
The truth about Scientology, Xenu, and you: Operation Clambake
Why Does the Sun Shine?
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
When he's underwater does he get wet?
I've enjoyed walking in the glow of your majestic presence! Thanks for the music...
How did you come about getting picked to score and perform the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" theme for the series currently airing? When I first heard it while watching with my son, I had my suspicions, but then confirmed them when I did a little searching. Awesome song!!
In their spare time John and John are prolific open-source browser developers.
When you play shows today, a lot of your older fans expect to hear tracks from Lincoln, Flood, and TMBG. Do you resent having to play the same thing over and over, or do you enjoy playing them as much as we enjoy hearing them? Do you ever play your other well-known tracks, like "Dog on Fire" or "You're Not the Boss of Me"?
How did you come about getting picked to score and perform the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" theme for the series currently airing? When I first heard it while watching with my son, I had my suspicions, but then confirmed them when I did a little searching. Awesome song!!
Are there are any songs you regret recording? Something that seemed like a good idea at the time, but now comes off oddly, or in poor taste?
Over the years I have seen TMBG work very hard at connecting with fans with things like Dial a Song, Pod Casts and the like. While I myself have been to at least three of your concerts. What I was wondering was what else you see value in trying out as you go into the future in the form of content and connecting with fans in light of the downward pressure on the value of pre-recorded music?
I've noticed issues regarding copyright tend to have rather opinionated discussions here on Slashdot. My question is a hypothetical one. When copyright law was initially established waaaay back in 1790 it granted protection for 14 years with the option to renew for another 14 years after that time period expired. If this were the way the copyright still worked, and assuming you filed the extension, it wouldn't be long before some of your original works were in the public domain. Would it be unacceptable or would it be considered OK? How do you feel about the current law (life + 70 years)? Is this something artists typically even think of/consider/care about?
I'm coming to see you guys at the Theatre of the Living Arts tonight (Sep 30)! My question is: can I borrow a copy of your latest album? And a couple of blank tapes?
Also, if you want to hang out after the show with someone nerdier than you, I wouldn't turn you down.
Slay a dragon... over lunch!
How did you get involved with this? And why wasn't this the official video for Particle man?
OK, I've been a fan since about 89, so I have a lot of questions to ask.
First: For each of you, which 1 song of yours is your favorite.
Second: The World's Address is a sad pun that reflects a sadder mess. Where did the idea for this song come from, and why the violin version?
Third: Who thinks she's Edith Head? Some specific person you knew?
Fourth: Any chance of releasing the visual song tie-in games from No on the Web?
Fifth: Do ya'll actually use metal detectors at the beach?
Sixth: What was it like trying to play the that bazookie thing in "older than you've ever been?" Was it a klezmer?
Seventh: I've seen you in concert a few times, and Angel is a tough one to get ya'll to play. It's a popular tune with the fans, is it out of favor with ya'll?
Eighth: What did ya'll think of the Tiny Toons episode your songs were in?
Don't Crease the Weasel!
Why is Flood your only good album!
My first exposure to your music was seeing the video for "Don't Lets Start" on a Dr. Demento video countdown on MTV in the mid to late 80s. Looking back, I don't really find that song all that weird, but then again I have spent all of that time being influenced by your music.
Were you always out to hit that weird nerve? Where you surprised to be picked up by the Good Doctor, who is perhaps best known for promoting parodies and songs that are humorous and/or ridiculous? Did this influence the evolution of your sound at all?
Thanks,
Matt
(/local/home/curiosity)-#who -u|grep thecat|cut -c 44-49|xargs kill -9
I've heard "Can't Keep Johnny Down" isn't about either of you. Is there any chance it's about your current opening act Jonathan Coulton ?
That episode of Tiny Toons with you music I think was one the greatest moments in Warner Bros Cartoons. Surpassing even the Kill the Wabbit mini opera. Would you ever do more collaborations again?
~
Artists don't always see eye-to-eye with their audience. I've heard anecdotes and stories from other artists where they expressed surprise that a piece that meant a tremendous amount to them was ignored by their audience, while a throwaway piece became immensely popular. Can you point to songs of albums that produced a reaction from your fans that was the opposite of what you expected?
TMBG has maintained a relatively steady pace of new music for the past 30 years. This no doubt requires both creativity AND dedication. Over the years what are some of the tricks and techniques you've developed to maintain both discipline and creativity?
You've seen both the big label approach to music and the grassroots sell directly to the customer over the internet approach. How do you compare the two?
If someone from CERN offered you the use of some faster-than-light neutrinos in order to send some advice to the 1982 versions of yourselves, what would that advice be?
I am sure each song comes about differently. But in general, do you find you come up with lyrics first, or the music first? Or do you come up with each independently and then try to fit them together later?
Accordion Hero: TMBG Edition!
"There are people who do not love their fellow human being, and I _hate_ people like that!" - Tom Lehrer
There have been some famous rants against the recording industry contracts (think Prince and his SLAVE forehead protest among others). Tell us what you really think of recording company contracts and RIAA.
"It's the height of ridiculousness to say for those 9 lines you get hundreds of millions."
How do you feel about the music of Pip Moss?
Did you enjoy the show Pushing Daisies and their implementation of "Birdhouse in Your Soul?" If not, from what featuring of your music in film, television, or hologramatical device have you gained the most glee/tingling?
Seems like music fans, music critics, and the industry itself are obsessed with categorizing artists and drawing attention to the similarities between them, real or imagined. A music service like Pandora is completely founded on this premise, and it's success suggests that for better or for worse, this is the way people relate to music. Does it bug you that your music is often lumped in with artists as stylistically diverse as Weird Al, the Barenaked Ladies, and Ween, or do you find that good company?
cities ... almost all of the city names come from ancient historical roots, some names go back into 1500 BC, evolved over time. you will find ankara as ankyra, ancyra, angora throughout history. izmir as smyrna. and many more. even the small town names are as such. some hasnt even changed in spelling throughout thousands of years.
Read radical news here
I have a 1987 Chevy Blazer that keeps burning through alternators. Should I spend more on a higher quality alternator, or is it just destined to keep doing this and I should just carry a cheap one with me in the event of another failure?
Sesame Street recently said they planned to focus on math and science as a way to help teach these important topics this season. Is there more room for TMBG / Sesame Street collaboration, or perhaps even a place on Sesame Street for The Avatars of They?
--- bruce CaddyInfo.com: Cadillac Automotive Information
After almost 30 years, can you, with any degree of certainty, tell us whether or not they ARE or ARE NOT, in actuality, giants?
I have a non-scientific theory that you guys are atheists like me. I would like to put it to the test. I'm basing my theory on the following lines:
"A fact is just a fantasy unless it can be checked."
"I like those stories about angels, unicorns and elves."
I interpret those lyrics to mean that religion is a fantasy and angels are simply fun stories. Am I correct?
P.S. My daughter is only 3.5 but is now interested in science and I can't thank you enough for helping me to light that spark!
What is a shoehorn with teeth? And do you know where I can get one?
You guys are great songwriters but have you considered having great singers perform your songs? What cover of your songs do you like the best?
I've always loved your music because it tells a well thought out, interesting, and quirky story. Where do you draw inspiration from? Is there a massive underlying theme controlling everything? A hand inside the puppet-head?
Wooden armaments to battle your imaginary foes!
My 3.5 year old daughter Eloise is a big fan. She asks:
"Why are pants wet all the time? Why are blankets wet all the time? Why will pillows get burned in the light? That's all the words I want to make and look up in the computer."
She also says her favorite They Might Be Giants song is: Ten Bowls of Soup, because she likes it... "Woah, woah! Good thing they didn't all spill."
I'd love to hear how you guys came up with "Fingertips". Oh, and please pass the milk, please.
Stupid subject limits...relevance. I was wondering how as artists, the primary way you stay interested in content creation. What do you do to "recharge"? Also, what steps do you take to "aim" your content...if any? I speak of things like, what content to sing about, what ideas to promote. I gather a lot of artists are kind of either or on this type of subject. I hear some just play and do what they like, while others pay attention to trends, follow other bands as influences, etc. Thanks for all the joy you have brought to my family and myself...you are one of the most amazing musicians I currently keep up with. (not your biggest fan, but likely one of the few in my part of texas...cultural wasteland of the south) If you ever need a place to crash, or want to know where the cool parks are in the HEB area of DFW, look me up...im publicly listed...; )
werd
Open source seems to be a big thing here at Slashdot... Soooo...
Have you ever used or considered using any open source software in the production of your music. (At least as an experiment in making one song.) There seems to be a lot of good software for audio recording, soft-synths, and audio workstations being released under GPL these days. Something like Ubuntu Studio seems like it has just about anything an upstart musician would want, so what would an established band such as yourselves have to say about it?
Or are you locked in to using only commercial stuff because of studio contracts and the like?
Not Constantinople?
Upward mobility is a slippery slope - the higher you climb the more you show your ass.
Do you agree with me that your albums tend to become more and more conventional as pop albums? If so, why does this happen? If not, what in Join Us seems to you to compare with the Pink Album in this regard?
(Just to note--this may sound like a criticism but it's not intended that way. This author enjoys tracks from across the entire temporal TMBG spectrum.
Your music has long occupied a sort of middle ground between "real" pop rock and the kind of music you used to hear on Dr. Demento. These days, the Internet has sort of lead a revolution in novelty-type music, from flash cartoon showtunes to YouTube remixes to rappers who write rhymes for a deliberately nerdy audience. I'm sure you're at least familiar with part of this phenomenon due to your recent tour with Jonathan Coulton. What's your observation on the future of the silly song?
Libertarians somehow believe that private businesses should be stronger than governments but weaker than individuals.
Why do I have to be a grown-up to go to your concerts? I want to sing too. John and John is my favorite band.
Now that you've done the theme songs for both The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, are you looking to do any more TV work?
Hi John and John. When my daughter was 5, she absolutely loved your music, and we attended a few of your bookstore shows. They were great. For one of those shows, she drew a picture of Triangle Man. We brought it to your show, stood in line, and presented it to John L. He was about to sign it when she said that the picture was a gift. So I was wondering, do you guys still have that picture?
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nt
Is there some agreement in place between John F. and John L. on what should happen if either of them die? i.e. Would the surviving John be allowed to continue using the TMBG name and performing TMBG songs, or would they have to pick a new band name and start over?
Flans, why did you beat up that guy from Presidents of the United States of America?
Given that you've been creating music from Portastudio days and through the rise (and rise) of digital recording, how much of an effect has the progression of tech (especially in affordable home recording) had on the way you each go about songwriting and ultimately putting together your albums?
I'd love to know where you balance what's done in home production set-ups with bigger studios, what sort of gear you work with where, and where along the line people like Pat Dillet get involved. Are you take half-recorded tracks in to rework? Are you fiddling with mixes and such away from the studio? And are there any production techniques from the 80s that you still rely on, or recent techniques and effects that you avoid?
Thanks!
(Also, please come back to Australia some time soon, we miss you!)
?
Did Terry Pratchett talk with you before publishing Soul Music, or was it a complete surprise?
What's your reaction to Weird Al Yankovic's TMBGesque "Everything You Know Is Wrong"? Like it? Flattered? P.O.ed? Planning to cover it anytime soon?
Do you plan on or would you consider doing more collaborations with Mike Doughty?
I'm an uncle to three girls (5, 2 and 1 years old) and have been making sure they get a solid dose of learnin' and TMBG. "No!" is good. "Here Comes the ABC's" and "Here Comes the 123's" are big hits but not nearly as beloved as "Here Comes Science". Last time I saw them we joined hands and danced in a circle singing "Science is real!" at the top of our lungs (which is especially refreshing since they're getting a rather religious upbringing). So what's next for the wee ones?