By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Nicole Nodland
Q) The band has done cover songs previously for B-Sides, tribute albums and special releases. What made you all decide now was the time to compile these fan favorites and some new options for the upcoming album PIN UPS?
A) We’ve wanted to get these covers gathered into one release for quite some time. It’s a big chore and Pete [Holmström] was finally up to the task. Thanks Pete!
Q) You cover a number of incredible tracks on the album. What went into compiling the songs you were considering featuring?
A) I think we used everything we could get our hands on. [laughs]
Q) What were the discussions like for taking each song and how you would put a Dandy Warhols’ spin on it?
A) It was more like, a territory needed a “bonus track” for a release and since we rarely have bonus material of our own we would just pick a song we were into and cover it. Or, a tribute was coming out and we would choose a song for that band’s catalogue. Also, we chose approachable songs with accessible chord changes and melodies. Nothing too tricky for these old hacks.
Q) Since many of the artists you feature on the album are long time friends and/or peers did anyone get a heads up about the band covering their music?
A) I doubt it.
Q) I love Zia’s take on “Kiss Off” by the Violent Femmes! What has the fan reaction been to it?
A) I feel like people are digging it at least as much as I do.
Q) My personal favorite tracks on the album are “Blackbird” and “Jet Boy.” Which song(s) are you most proud of how they came out for PIN UPS?
A) “Blackbird” was the trickiest by far. When Micheal Jackson died, our fans blew up and demanded the cover of “Blackbird” due to the lyrics from the opening of our song “Welcome to the Monkey House” – “and won’t it be absurd when, no one knows what song they just heard, when Michael Jackson dies, we’re covering Blackbird.” Once we realized how tough the tune was, Courtney [Taylor-Taylor] apologized, saying, “Sorry guys, I just said it because it rhymes with absurd.” Peter did the dirty work of getting that track going. Again, thanks Pete!
Q) March 20 is when the album drops. How will the band be celebrating? Any live shows planned?
A) I don’t think any of us will be in the same state. I’ll be Tasmania… Live shows? Man, we don’t actually know how to play most of these songs. Though our recent acoustic version of “Sanctuary” is pretty sick.
Q) What’s new for The Dandy Warhols? Have you all headed back into the studio yet to work on some new music or is your current focus enjoying the release of PIN UPS?
A) We are working on a new album. I’d say it’s 60-70% done. Taking a year off of touring. We need a break from the road! I’ll be commuting to Australia for a couple different projects. It’s nice to be able to focus on our other interests a bit.
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of the incredible music you have and continue to put out?
A) Thank you! It’s really cool to be able to be guided purely by our interests and creative curiosities and still have loyal fans. It always surprises me how varied the “fan favorites” are. I guess we have made a little something for everyone over the years when we were making a whole lot of something for ourselves. So, yeah, thanks for coming along on this crazy, thirty plus year ride with us.
We have been, and ever shall be, The Dandy Warhols.
All Questions Answered By Zia McCabe
Watch The Video For “Kiss Off”