Today kicks off a series of Lollapalooza previews on RFC where we talk to various artists on the bill about how they're preparing for the big gig. Starting off the series in style is DJ mash-up madman Gregg Gillis, aka Girl Talk:
RFC: So, what are you doing to gear up for the big Lollapalooza performance?
Gregg: I'm listening to Jane's Addiction while staring at myself in the mirror everyday.
What do you like best about playing outdoor festivals?
It's always a celebration, and I specialize in party music so it works out well. I love playing in small, cramped clubs, but the degree of difficulty in that environment can get intense sometimes. When I'm playing at a large festival, it's like I've been training with ankle weights on and now I can finally run free.
What do you like about playing Chicago?
Many of my close friends have moved to Chicago over the years. My fanbase is solid there. I like hot dogs. It's a match made in heaven.
How is your competition stacking up on the schedule? (fan conflicts, band rivalry, personal interests, etc.)
I'm playing at the same time as Gnarls Barkley and Love & Rockets, both of whom I'm a fan of, but that's how these festivals work. You have to play during somebody unless you're Radiohead! As long as I'm not missing The Toadies, I'm cool.
Any other summer festival stories to share (Chicago or otherwise)?
I went to Lollapalooza '95 in Pittsburgh, and it was completely pivotal event in my life. The line-up was insane: Sonic Youth, the Jesus Lizard, Beck, Redman, Cypress Hill, Pavement, Elastic, and a bunch others. My dad took me, and he got busted trying to sneak some candy in the front gates. But they let him slide. I met a legendary Pittsburgh promotor named Manny Theiner there, and he was giving away this zine that was "Pittsburgh's Guide to Indepedent Music." From that, I learned about college radio, local bands, local venues, and all of that sort of stuff. I dived in deep. I started making music and playing out a year later. If I wouldn't have done that show, I don't know what the hell I'd be up to right now.
Download: Girl Talk - "Here's The Thing"
photos of this dude always make me want to slap him
Posted by: Jeremy Farmer | Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 07:33 PM