



[Cartoon by Brian Michael Weaver]
The feedback on MC Steinberg has been 110% positive. After a long day at the Dollar Store, MC Steinberg was kind enough to answer a few questions for Hipster Runoff at a public library. It was intimidating to interview the man known as 'the hipster Barbara Walters,' but it turned out to be an amazing learning experience.
If you aren't familiar with MC Steinberg, you should watch this interview with the Shins to get to know what he's all about.
INTERVIEW WITH MC STEINBERG
Hey MC Steinberg. We love your interviews. What's it like to be able to interview your favourite bands?
Hello blog. I love your... posts? It's a good time interviewing bands, although most of the time, I know nothing about them beforehand. Like, when I interviewed The Shins, I had never listened to their music. Someone actually had to tell me who they were. I just thought they were some "cool Dads" or something.
Do you get nervous before an interview? What do you do to prepare? What type of research is necessary to make a such a genuine connection with the members of the bands?
I never get nervous, NEVER. As far as preparation goes: I check the camera, microphone, and look up on Gugle what they look like. It helps when I have to find them. To be honest, I'm more into old school hip-hop, and don't understand today's music. Like... those two French guys with the crucifix... what's the deal with those guys?
How do you handle the fame that comes with being a Youtube and NYNoise sensation?
The fame can get a little tough. I have a lot of people that will find my dolla stow and try to get all fanboy/fangirl on me. I try not to let it get to me, because I can get fanboy/fangirl on other people as well. FUNNY STORY. I once broke into Gene Simmons house. It was his fault, really. He had this reality show that just told the world everything about his home. Then he gets all "get out of my house" and I'm all "make me" and he's all wrestling me to the ground. So I understand how it is to be on both ends of the "fame stick."
Do you think the label of being the 'indie Chris Crocker' is fair?
Who is that? I don't know who that is. I'm gonna Gugle him. brb...
That's unfair.
We read that you work at a Dollar Store. Could you tell us a little bit about how you are able to juggle your multiple commitments, and explain more about your daily functions at the Dollar Store?
Anyway, the job can be a little rough. I've had the store robbed (like armed robbery) twice while on duty, so I'm kind of on the third strike with Ramiro, the manager. Also, I occasionally go out to the local deli to grab some Fig Newtons while at work, and something ALWAYS happens then. Usually it's the skateboarder kids who come in and trash it. Word of advice: If you see some long-haired kids in hoodies that say "SK8 or DESTROY", avoid them at all costs.
That sounds difficult. Are there any other hardships in your life that the world could empathize with?
Yeah the dolla stow job is just there to pay the bills, until Mom gets out of rehab. She's been there since '03, and I kind of hope she gets better one of these days. Mabye she's just in it for the, um... sisterhood? Yeah.
On the lighter side, what's in your CD player these days?
Cassettes. I've been rocking the Krush Groove soundtrack. Technically, not the official one. I put a microphone up to the TV last week when it was on, recorded it, and edited all of the songs together. I don't have a CD player. Or a computer. I'm at the public library right now.
Are the internet rumors true about your pilot for a prank show called 'STEINBERG'D' being picked up by Bravo?
I have a bunch of projects out there. The prank show is still in its early stages of development. I sent out MC Steinberg: The Animated Series to Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Kids WB... no reply. The MC Steinberg Movie (imagine Rock n' Roll High School, with more of an edge) is still being looked over by studios, not to much interest. It's quality, though, I can guarantee that.
I noticed you mentioned that your favourite movie is Weekend at Bernie's in your Hot Chip interview. What do you think about the rumors swirling around about a potential remake and who do you think would be the best actors to star in the new version?
Boring! Next question.
What element of the web do you think is hurting the youth of the world? Would it be Youtube, Myspace, blogs, or something even worse?
Wait... what? The web is not hurting anyone, get your facts straight, buster.
In your interview with the Shins, you made a great point when you said that you can always keep learning when you stay exposed to TV and reading stuff and stuff like that. That's kind of why we blog.
That's not even a question. You should rethink your interviewing style. It's unprofessional.
How would you have done this interview differently?
Okay, sit back, student. This is "Interviewing 101."
People know all of this information about me. I'm a huge star! You should try and get more of a feel for the personal side of me. Tug at my heartstrings. Pull a Barbara Walters.
There are plenty of interview tools on the world wide web. Use them! For example I just got a self-administered interview from a 14-year-old Steinberger sent to me via MySpace bulletin. you really get a feel for who she is at this very moment. I used this interview to help you learn a better style:
1. Where were you 1 hour ago?
In the bathtub.
2. When is the last time you went to the mall?
A month ago.
3. Are you wearing socks right now?
Yes.
4. Last fast food you ate?
Fig Newtons.
5. What time did you wake up today?
I didn't sleep. : (
6. What are your plans for today?
Ride the D train around New York, spit my rhymes for the passengers. Mabye pick up few bucks.
7. Do you miss anyone?
No.
See how easy it can be?
Wow. I'll have to use that format in the future. How should I end the interview?
I'll end it.
Visit myspace.com/mcsteinberg for more Stein-goodness, and check out New York Noise and The Best Show on WFMU for more information about Steinberg's activities outside of the "dolla stow".