Getting weird with Amanda Palmer
Bella El Makdessi
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Arts
AP: Well, the Internet has put huge power into the hands of artists. That kind of power is unwieldy, sometimes. As far as my own work is concerned, I think I've gotten better at some things but ignored others. I don't spend as much time writing music as I did when I was young, but when I do, it counts a lot more.
You seem to have a fair amount of LGBTQ teens and young people in your fan base. What do you think it is about you and your work that attracts them?
AP: I think my music probably resonates with anybody who feels marginalized. A lot of it is about pure personal expression and personal power.
There is a video of you and Neil Gaiman conducting an interview in a bathtub. Yet, your fans are never too shocked by your actions since they're accustomed to the openness and eccentricity that you portray. Where exactly do your boundaries lie?
AP:My boundaries lie somewhere between the third moon of Saturn and Your Mom.
Many of your lyrics have very rough, and sometimes deeply disturbing edges to them. But the music can also be peaceful, happy, or magical - such as the violins in "Runs In The Family." Have you always been drawn to this kind of synthesis between seemingly contradictory meaning and sound?
AP: Yes.
What is the most exciting thing about Who Killed Amanda Palmer, and what inspired you to name it that way?
AP: It's a full-on David Lynch joke. But I also liked the idea that you can kill yourself, fictionally, for fun. Why not, right?
People quote top 10s in magazine listings and awards frequently, but what do you personally consider your biggest achievements?
AP: Keeping the band going for as long as we did was quite a crowning achievement. Playing with NIN. Playing with Cyndi Lauper. Fronting the Boston Symphony. Those things are huge but also feel small. Mostly I'm proud that I did what I said I was going to do when I was younger.
I can easily imagine people desperately trying to think up something unique to say to you, or do in your presence to garner your favor or attention. What's the oddest thing someone has done?
AP: Eek. I don't know, nothing so creative that it's immediately memorable. Brian once signed a girl's sphincter after a show in Santa Barbara. That was impressive.
When life is simply too much to handle you …
AP: sleep and read.
When life is awesome and you're bursting with glee you …
AP: twitter, twist and shake.
You seem to have a fair amount of LGBTQ teens and young people in your fan base. What do you think it is about you and your work that attracts them?
AP: I think my music probably resonates with anybody who feels marginalized. A lot of it is about pure personal expression and personal power.
There is a video of you and Neil Gaiman conducting an interview in a bathtub. Yet, your fans are never too shocked by your actions since they're accustomed to the openness and eccentricity that you portray. Where exactly do your boundaries lie?
AP:My boundaries lie somewhere between the third moon of Saturn and Your Mom.
Many of your lyrics have very rough, and sometimes deeply disturbing edges to them. But the music can also be peaceful, happy, or magical - such as the violins in "Runs In The Family." Have you always been drawn to this kind of synthesis between seemingly contradictory meaning and sound?
AP: Yes.
What is the most exciting thing about Who Killed Amanda Palmer, and what inspired you to name it that way?
AP: It's a full-on David Lynch joke. But I also liked the idea that you can kill yourself, fictionally, for fun. Why not, right?
People quote top 10s in magazine listings and awards frequently, but what do you personally consider your biggest achievements?
AP: Keeping the band going for as long as we did was quite a crowning achievement. Playing with NIN. Playing with Cyndi Lauper. Fronting the Boston Symphony. Those things are huge but also feel small. Mostly I'm proud that I did what I said I was going to do when I was younger.
I can easily imagine people desperately trying to think up something unique to say to you, or do in your presence to garner your favor or attention. What's the oddest thing someone has done?
AP: Eek. I don't know, nothing so creative that it's immediately memorable. Brian once signed a girl's sphincter after a show in Santa Barbara. That was impressive.
When life is simply too much to handle you …
AP: sleep and read.
When life is awesome and you're bursting with glee you …
AP: twitter, twist and shake.
Be the first to comment on this story