Interview - Margaret Cho

The inimitable Margaret Cho brings her Cho Dependant Tour to Boston’s Wilbur Theatre this Thursday night. Not only is Cho offering a brand new stand-up routine, but she’ll also perform songs off her new comedy music album Cho Dependent featuring songwriting collaborations with music heavyweights such as Andrew Bird, Tegan and Sara, Fiona Apple, Ani DiFranco and Ben Lee. (Check out Cho’s video for “I’m Sorry” featuring Andrew Bird below.) Want to go? E-mail melophobe.boston@gmail.com with the subject “Margaret Cho giveaway” for a chance to win two tickets to the show. Or be on the lookout on our twitter account, where you can simply retweet our giveaway announcement.

Cho was kind enough to tell melophobe a bit about the album and tour.

melophobe:You have done so much in the entertainment industry so far. Now you have a “singing” album out. People associate you mostly with stand-up. What are some of the things you’d want to tell people about the record before they listen to it?
Margaret Cho: The album to me is still stand-up comedy, set to beautiful music, which I think is such an exciting combination. I absolutely love it, and I am very proud of it and want to make more comedy music.

melophobe: Do you feel this record will only resonate with your core audience, or do you feel it has a broader appeal?
Cho: I think it has very broad appeal because it is funny, but it is also great songwriting with fantastic production. It’s a real record but with lots of laughs.

melophobe: The collaborations are diverse. When you were writing the songs, did you have a particular person in mind that you wanted to collaborate with?
Cho: I wanted to work with everyone. I am a fan of all the artists I worked with. Some were friends, like Jon Brion and Grant Lee, and others were people I got to know through the process, like Andrew Bird. I’m so happy that I got to work with them.

melophobe: Wish list time: which artists would you like to have on your next record?
Cho: David Bowie, Nile Rodgers and Linda Perry.

melophobe: Regardless of whether or not the record earns commercial or critical success, would you, or will you, do this style of album again?

Cho: Oh, yes. I really want to keep pursuing music. I love it, and it is a great medium for me

melophobe: You have been doing stand-up for many years; you have acted, designed fashion, become a published author; you are a political advocate, released a music album, and now you are on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” If you even have any free time, how do you spend it?
Cho: I’ve been trying to stay fit and active, which was never a part of my life, but now that I am older, it’s more important. I got a great head start in fitness with “Dancing With the Stars,” so I am trying to stick with it.
melophobe: Back to your tour: With this blend of music and stand up, what can fans expect from your live show?
Cho: It’s still mostly a stand-up comedy show, with all new material, and a few songs in there. I really never stop thinking like a comic.

melophobe: Do you write (music or comedy) while on the road, or do you just try to relax and sight-see in each city?
Cho: There isn’t really time for other work or play when I am out there touring, so mostly I just try to sleep as much as I can.

melophobe: You use Twitter, and sometimes you land a real gem of a one-liner in 140 characters. Do you ever feel you just wasted a gem on a smaller audience, or do you use it to hone your delivery?
Cho: Twitter is great! And no joke is ever wasted!