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Chat Transcript-from 1997(I think)
Sneaker
Pimps Become X (from JamTV)
Kelly from Sneaker Pimps says: Hello,
everyone out there. I'm looking forward to all the questions. The whole
band is! We're having a great time out here!
From nancy@interference.com: Will you
guys be doing any work with bands like GARBAGE!, Underworld, the Chemical
Brothers?
The Sneaker Pimps say: That's an interesting
question. We tend to move in circles that people would expect us to move
in. While it would be terrific to work with someone like Garbage, it would
be more likely that we would do work with someone a little less well known.
We always like to work with people that we like, but who knows.
From gothic-depression@wesnet.com:
would the girl go our on a date with me? write me mail at ruiner_@hotmail.com
The Sneaker Pimps say: I haven't got
much time these days...
From gottaknow@aol.com: how did you
come up with your band's name?
The Sneaker Pimps say: It actually
comes from a Beastie Boys interview. They have this friend who isn't particularly
good at music, but they like to put their friends on their payroll. They
sent him out looking for a pair of old school trainers for them to wear,
and they called him a sneaker pimp. And now it's become a huge thing, you
can make a lot of money looking for old Nikes and sending them to Japanese
tourists.
Congratulations to Jason Makurof of Almont, Michigan! He's won a
Sneaker Pimps t-shirt and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from the
groovy cats at All Access!
From Drachgon @aol.com: What's the
weirdest experience you ever had with a fan and what's the weirdest thing
a fan's ever sent you in the mail?
The Sneaker Pimps say:I don't actually
get that much in the mail. The weirdest experience with fan...one girl
wanted to kiss me on the lips for her birthday, she said it was a dream...it
was kind of weird, but also kind of nice that someone is thinking of you
like that that you have never met. So I was happy to do that. But other
than that, the really creepy stuff hasn't happened.
From jarnold3@juno.com: Sneaker Pimps--
i have been searching everywhere for a cd from you but i have only found
one song of yours on the saint soundtrack--do you have any other albums
released?? if so --why can't i find them???
The Sneaker Pimps say: You should be
able to find the album, "Becoming X", and also a couple of singles, including
"6 Underground", the one from the Saint soundtrack. You should be able
to go to any good record store and find it. It's definitely out there.
From mac@netcom.ca: Who are your influences?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We as a band
have many influences, mine are PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, and Chris really
likes David Silvian, and Liam really likes Kraftwerk and like that. But
we all cross over.
Congratulations to Kristi Browne of Howell, Michigan! She's won
a Sneaker Pimps CD and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from the good-looking
staff at All Access!
From boot pimp: Hey how's it goin?
The Sneaker Pimps say: It's going good..thanks.
We're really excited, with everything. We've had a brilliant tour in America,
and we just feel really optimistic about our future.
From astrokick: where did you do your
first show?
The Sneaker Pimps say: The Blue Nose
in London, a really cool little club.
From boot pimp: Are you guys really
pimps?
The Sneaker Pimps say: In our spare
time....
From Tmblweed16@aol.com: Hi..I was
wondering if Liam found his way back to the hotel after leaving the KROQ
studios?
The Sneaker Pimps say: He did, in fact.
It was a very typical Sneaker Pimp night.
From Rhi: How do you guys categorize
your band? Like is it alternative, rock...etc...etc...?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We tend not
to do that, simply because we use so many instruments and have so many
influences...from long before electronica..from pop to punk. We like to
have people use their imagination.
From Destiny: I have to be honest...I
don't believe I've ever heard your music, but my sister absolutely loves
you guys. What's the best part about your new-found fame?
The Sneaker Pimps say: To tell you
the truth, it's been a nice slow progression, so it doesn't feel to us
like it's exploded. We still like taking our music to people. I think the
best thing is that we get to travel to all these different places and play
for people we otherwise might not. You should grab your sister's CD and
have a listen.
From astrokick: Are all the original
band members still with the band?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Yes, we've only
been together two years, so that's a bit premature.
From christy@aol.com: what is the song
6 underground about?
The Sneaker Pimps say: It's about claustrophobia
in a small town, about growing up having your activities stifled. It's
also about being six feet under, like that feeling you get when you think
no one understands you, feeling alone. But we also like to say to people
that whatever they think is cool.
From astrokick: Does the band have
and idol or someone they look up to?
The Sneaker Pimps say: I know mine
is my mum. I really look up to her, she is so calm and so strong. There
are so many amazing things about her, and I know that all my life I will
look to her as an influence.
From chad@pacbell.com: what are you
doing for memorial day? wanna party with me?
The Sneaker Pimps say: I'd be happy
to...I'll probably be in London somewhere...
From nick@att.com: what is the tattoo
on your arm? do you have any more?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Yeah, I have
got two tatoos. On one arm I've got a panther, and on the other arm I have
"vive la rock n' roll", and I have a new tattoo that I got yesterday in
Phoenix and it's a star on my leg. I've never thought to count them before,
I have five altogether. One on my chest...
Congratulations to Nadine Pinon of Whittier, California! She's won
a Sneaker Pimps CD and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from the staff
at All Access!
From lala@att.com: where did you get
your "big break" into the business? did someone see you at a show?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We did things
back to front really. Liam had a deal on the label we're on now, so we
didn't have that big showcase thing that most bands have. I suppose that
signing to Virgin America was really the big thing, they were really there
from the beginning. It's been a really steady progress. I suppose everything
you do counts, we have been willing to work with so many people, and you
make all those connections. I think we've been really lucky, and have been
really dependent on lots of A&R guys.
Chris from the Sneaker Pimps says: Hello
boys and girls, hit me with some funky questions.
From Speedflirt@aol.com: When will
you be coming back to the US for more touring?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Quite soon really,
maybe towards the end of summer, and we may be coming out with another
band, or by ourselves. It's going to be pretty frequent this year.
From mrcow19@idt.net: What is your
guys take on what happened on Loveline?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Liam and I had
a huge argument off the air, because he was drunk, and so was I. So we
nearly ended up fighting. Then Liam walked out.
From gothic-depression@wesnet.com:
you should tour with a band named brainiac there from dayton ohio you would
fit perfect together would you ever think about it?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Really....
From Tmblweed@aol.com: Would you be
willing to perform at my 18th birthday party..it's not until next year
but, I figure I'd better ask now while I have the chance.
The Sneaker Pimps say: Where is it,
when will it be?
From SilverRaine@lonet.com: Hello from
Canada! You guys rock! Chris and Liam, I think you are hot. Kelli, you
are an amazing chick! I have two questions: What was it like growing up
in England compared to places that you have played outside of England?
What are your favorite movies?
The Sneaker Pimps say: I can speak
for both of us...we love a film called the Wicker Man. It's from the early
seventies, a British horror film. One of the tracks on the album, the last
one, is taken from that film. As for the growing up in England, where Liam
and I grew up was a very small town, much like your version of Hillbillies.
It was all backwards and freaky, that was pretty hard, trying to get out
and do what we wanted, to be creative and musical. It makes traveling around
the world really, really nice.
From sheila@wesnet.com: What really
goes on backstage before, after and during a show? I'm dying to know!
The Sneaker Pimps say: Aside from boredom,
usually a lot of drinking, a lot of childish messing around and the rest,
well, you can use your imagination for that. General social interaction...
From Sweetpea@leonardo.com: Are any
of you married?
The Sneaker Pimps say: NO! Of course
not, we're a band!
The Sneaker Pimps say: Kelly's attached
though, she has a full on boyfriend.
From Tmblweed16@aol.com: Do you enjoy
listening to the Spice Girls?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Liam and I absolutely
love the Spice Girls! We had a little debaucerous night in LA with them...Geri's
a big fan of us, as well, so that helps.
From DimTrav@aol.com: How did your
recording of the Star Wars theme turn out and do you plan to play it in
concert?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We haven't actually
recorded it yet, and that topic is quite vague at the moment, because we
don't know quite what they want us to do yet. It's going to be great. We
were both obsessed with Star Wars as children, so it's a little weird.
If we get it done, maybe we will play it live.
From Drachgon@aol.com: Oh my gosh!!!!
That's soo great that you guys actually answered my question!!! Thanx sooo
much!
The Sneaker Pimps say: No worries...we
love you!
From dstaton@earthlink.net: where has
been your favorite place to perform?
The Sneaker Pimps say: There have been
various ones...I thought Atlanta was fab. Phoenix just last night was really
good as well. There are so many that I keep forgetting. Generally the whole
vibe in the US has been amazing. So thank you, everyone!
Congratulations to Kendra Borowski of Groton, Massachusetts! She's
won a Sneaker Pimps t-shirt and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from
the night crew at All Access!
From Drachgon@aol.com: What's your
favorite song to play?
The Sneaker Pimps say: If I had to
pick a tune to play at this very moment, I would do a really beautiful
one called River Man by Nick Drake. It always moves me.
From Tmblweed16@aol.com: If you could
be any fruit, what fruit would you be and why? I would be a kiwi.
The Sneaker Pimps say: Probably something
simple. A simple, plain, apple. Because wacky doesn't really appeal to
me. I have been so wacky this whole tour, I want to calm down now.
From Astrokick: How did you get to
be on the Saint sound track??
The Sneaker Pimps say: Apparently Val
Kilmer sat around his pool one day, and someone brought him our cassette,
and he loved it. And apparently the director's daughter had it and he listened
to it and loved it. So there we are slap bang in the middle of the movie.
I'm not sure how well it suits the love scene, though.
From rich-jen@worldnet.att.net: How
long have you guys been around? I am not too familiar with you, but I like
"6 Underground". I would like to know more about you guys.
The Sneaker Pimps say: Really, not
that long. It's been about a year and three quarters since we really formed,
and it's just coming over to America. What do you want to know?
From dstaton@earthlink.net: Do you
prefer performing before an audience, or being in the studio better?
The Sneaker Pimps say: It depends.
The grass is always greener. When you've been on tour for a long time,
you really want to get into the studio. When you've been in the studio,
you want to get out there with people. At the moment I really want to be
in the studio, but that's only because I've been out. It's all a little
crazy right now, it makes you do crazy things, like go out and get a tatoo
of a nike symbol on your wrist...
From veggiebat@aol.com: i saw your
show at the galaxy on sunday and it was great
The Sneaker Pimps say: Yeah, that was
a good one as well...quite a lot of people...
Congratulations to Angela Luckman of Minot, North Dakota! She's
won a Sneaker Pimps CD and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from the
folks at All Access!
From rich-jen@worldnet.att.net: where
are you guys right now and do you do this often? I'm in San Diego and are'nt
you guys playing down here somewhere soon?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We are now in
San Diego...if you want to come down, give us your name and I'll stick
you on the guest list. Tonight at 9:15.
From mrcow19@idt.net: How did you guys
get hooked up with the beastie boys?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We've never
met them, it's just through other people we associate with. Mike D did
come down to the Sunday night show, but apparently we rudely closed the
curtains of the dressing room, so he didn't dare come in.
Liam from the Sneaker Pimps says: Greetings
to everyone who is online. This is Liam the Sonic Beautician.
From D'arcy: I'm going to London in
the fall--what clubs and other cool places do you suggest i check out???
where have you played at in London???
The Sneaker Pimps say: Club wise Bar
Rhumba on a Monday evening. That's a Mo' Wax event. Metalheads on a Sunday
evening in Hogston square at the Blue Hotel.
From rich-jen@worldnet.att.net: Are
you afraid of hitting BIG fame or do you welcome it?
The Sneaker Pimps say: It depends how
big BIG is. I think at the moment we're welcoming any fame whatsoever.
I think fame is good if you have the enthusiasm for music or whatever makes
you famous. As soon as you lose that enthusiasm, you lose interest in that
fame. Now we are welcoming the attention.
From Astrokick: I'm in a struggling
band. Do you have any advice you wanna give to me concerning my band?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Don't do it
unless you absolutely have to. I think you do have to have a level of obsession
in order to get anywhere at all.
From Spun@lonet.ca: I am looking for
something to bake, any ideas?
The Sneaker Pimps say: Try some hash
cakes....
Congratulations to Joshua Present of Orlando, Florida! He's won
a Sneaker Pimps CD and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from your friends
at All Access!
From mrcow19@idt.net: Are you guys
signed up for any big concerts/festivals....e.g .lollapalooza, horde
The Sneaker Pimps say: We haven't got
our itineraries that far ahead. But if there is anyone out there in Japan,
we touring with Beck in the Mt. Fuji festival. And possibly one in Hawaii
as well.
From mrcow19@idt.net: Are you guys
going to maybe release any remixed songs by other artists....other than
imports?
The Sneaker Pimps say: 6 Underground
is being released in England with a large remix package, Post Modern Sleaze
is being released with Roni Size. And as far as us remixing other people,
there is a song we have recorded with Neneh Cherry, and we're doing some
work on the next Star Wars soundtrack.
From Tmblweed16@aol.com: Do you think
it's weird, that to me you are the ones with the accents, but to you I
am the one with an accent? I think it's weird..I don't know why though.
The Sneaker Pimps say: It's all relativity,
I suppose. But without being anglocentric, you could go back to Shakespearian
times, and that's why we've got silly accents.
Congratulations to Kim Menocal of Annapolis, Maryland! She's won
a Sneaker Pimps CD and a snazzy Ticketmaster Online t-shirt from the groovy
cats at All Access!
From dstaton@earthlink.net: i was wondering
(and hpoing that you will) if you will ever play on saturday night live
The Sneaker Pimps say: what's that?
From Jenzie: I love you guys soooo
much!! What type of musc do you losten to and are you going to come to
Canada again? If you do....can I meet you?
The Sneaker Pimps say: We're definitely
going to come back to Canada. The most recent thing we've been listening
to is Dr. Kevorkian's CD..Dr. Death. It's called the Kevorkian Suite.
Thanks to Kelli, Liam and Chris for joining us tonight, it was a
blast! We wish you best of luck and can't wait to see you back Stateside...
The Sneaker Pimps say: Thanks so much
to everyone for participating. We hope to be in a town near you very shortly
to entertain you with some more Sneaker Pimp magic.
Sneaker Pimps Become X
It's five in the afternoon. Chris has only been awake for a couple of hours and is already on his second cup of wine. He grins affably, plops down on the couch and attacks the sandwich provided by some caterer. "I know I'll eventually tire of these meals," he explains between bites. "But right now, it's just brilliant to wake up and have your food and wine waiting for you." Liam joins us, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Sound check was bollocks... Hello, that's a very nice DAT player you've got there."
While Liam Howe, 26 and Chris Corner, 23, co-founded the Sneaker Pimps only last year, they are no strangers to the music scene, having previously DJ-ed together under the names "F.R.I.S.K." and "Line of Flight." Their musical origins date back to 1992, when the two small town blokes began to noodle around with an 8-track in the protective haven of Liam's Hartlepool bedroom. Hartlepool is a small town in northeastern England.
"The most interesting thing about Hartlepool," according to Liam, "is that in the 19th century, the inhabitants hung a monkey because they thought it was a French spy. "
"I, for one, can understand the confusion there," chimes in Chris.
Liam shoots Chris a bemused look. "Hartlepool is a very strange place -- kind of the hillbilly town of England. It's inbred...but it's the good sort of inbreeding."
"It's totally freak," Chris chuckles.
Liam and Chris cooked up the Sneaker Pimps when they began to tire of the faceless DJ gig. They picked up lead singer and sumptuous Lolita, Kelly Dayton after happening upon one of her performances with a punk band in a Birmingham pub. The newly formed trio worked out their kinks by recording a few tentative 7" singles in the first half of 1996, including the macabre, goth-tinged "Precious," written by Dayton. By the release of Becoming X that August, the Sneaker Pimps had leveled off their opposing influences, and settled into a catchy fusion of pop, trip-hop and blues.
The album shifts seamlessly between fuzz guitar and crisp, roots blues riffs, all laced with a tawdry electronic sludge (à la Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing"), fat bass and Dayton's babydoll vocals. More upbeat than Portishead and less overtly sexual than Tricky (both bands of a similar ilk) the Sneaker Pimps have managed to produce some of the most accessible trip-hop to date. That, and Dayton's special brand of 'PG' sleaze have generated a sizable buzz on both sides of the Atlantic.
But the buzz, at least on this side of the sea, has yet to translate into celebrity status. And when you get right down to it, Liam, Chris and Kelly are just three normal twentysomethings roaming about in a foreign country. Case in point: Last night, Liam and Chris found themselves wandering around Chicago on their night off, searching for something to do.
"It was a bit silly," says Liam. " We don't know anyone in this city. We don't know where to have a good time. Kelly was feeling a bit ill, so Chris and I hopped into a cab and told the driver to 'take us somewhere cool.' And he took us here, to the Metro. We turned to him and said, 'hmmm, we're playing here tomorrow night.' Nevertheless, we went to the club downstairs. Our intention was to pick up women, but we felt too unattractive to do anything."
Really, the only people Liam and Chris know in the States (save two mysterious girls from Washington D.C. dubbed "Trixie" and "Dixie") are those in the Sneaker Pimps tour entourage.
"It's like a traveling circus," explains Liam. "You go around with this really strange bunch of people who should never be put together --but they are, and you have to make due. Most people think touring is glamorous and cool. But a lot of it is hell."
Chris agrees. "And you are with these people day in, day out for so long, that it becomes really hard to relate to those outside the group. When you go home and try to talk to people, you don't seem to have much to talk about."
For Chris and Liam, it seems, the hardest thing about their success with the Sneaker Pimps is the toll that it takes on friendships back home.
"You tend to fuck up a lot of relationships doing this," laments Chris. "You're gone so much. Things change. People think that you've changed. They think you can't relate to them anymore, and they become quite bitter about your success."
"I want to say to them, 'calm down. We've just got a bit fucked up, that's all.'" Chris sighs. "I guess I am so far removed from the person I used to be -- sort of sitting around Middlesbrough and Hartlepool..."
Liam also admits that they've gone through some noticeable changes. "We go back to our local pub in Hartlepool a lot, and it's getting progressively more bizarre each time. Because of living in a bubble like you do when you're in a pop band, you don't realize quite how stupid you look until you get into a group of normal people. Our hair is dyed stupid colors, and we wear silly shirts and sunglasses. You don't realize -- until you go back to your local pub and then you think 'my god! I've been consumed by this madness.'"
Still, being consumed by the whirlwind of press interviews, big record deals and their first major American tour is part of the story for the Sneaker Pimps, as it is for any hot new band.
"It's very easy to lose your sanity," says Liam. "But, this is our debut album. We're really taking it over the top. It's all new and exciting. Who knows? Five albums down the road, I might be driven mad by the whole thing."
"Certainly, I don't want to be doing this when I'm forty."
-- ISAAC JOSEPHSON