10
Questions
By Amanda Palmer
Amanda Palmer is, really, indescribable. A living statue, actress,
writer, singer, musician, yoga enthusiast... the list goes on and on.
When asked to describe what kind of band her group, The Dresden Dolls,
were she called them "Brechtian punk cabaret" and left it
at that. When her record label wanted to cut some shots of her stomach
out of a music video because they thought she looked fat, she inspired
her fans into what they later termed a "ReBellyon", bombarding
the company with e-mails, calls and pictures of their own less than
perfect abdomens.
Clearly we are not dealing with just some rock star here. Nor just some
writer or popular blogger. Amanda Palmer is a new breed of talent. eGO.com
was lucky enough to get a sliver of her time just days before she set
off for China and disappeared off the grid. With no further delay:
Ten Questions for Amanda
Palmer
1. As a successful artist, singer and cabaret force of nature how do
you actualize your dreams?
I simply grapple on an every
morning basis with the fact that nothing will manifest perfectly. Then
I leave the house at top speed and regret nothing.
2. What are the greatest
obstacles you have faced in doing this?
My own expectations. And fear.
3. When creating/songwriting do you just start and let the piece "find"
itself or do you plan meticulously to "discover" what you
want to do?
It's different for every project. And song. Sometimes I simply let things
go wild and pare down afterwards, and sometimes I build bit by bit with
anal precision . Usually the former. I'm better at that, I think. And
I like doing what I do better.
4. What is your overall goal,
as an artist?
I don't have one. Do other people? How terrifying. If you put a gun
to my head, I'd probably say that it's no different from my overall
goal in life: being present.
5. What is the most courageous
thing you've ever done, as an artist or "just" as a person?
Leaving the band and going solo. That was hard. Massive paycuts.
6. How do you decide that
something is "finished"?
When there's no possible way I can improve it, even if it's not perfect.
7. LOFNOTC- Explain.
Losers Of Friday Night On Their Computers. It started one Friday on
Twitter and I found thousands of other losers out there online. We started
a movement. With goals to get the government to issue us vodka, pizza
and sweatpants. I love twitter.
8. Please share your favorite bit of wisdom (learned or heard) with
us?
My mentor Anthony, taught me this one: honor those who seek the truth,
beware of those who've found it.
9. When it comes to knowledge,
which do you feel is stronger, learned wisdom or inherent sense?
Inherent sense will tell you to incorporate your learning, so I think
that one trumps.
10. What are you working
on next?
My next big project is the Evelyn Evelyn record, a concept album by
two conjoined twin sisters that I produced with my friend Jason Webley.
Cythia Von Buhler is making some wonderful art for the album and also
working on a graphic novel to be released after the record. After that?
World takeover.
More Info:
Amanda Palmer has released six albums in the the last seven years, five
with the Dresden Dolls and one as a solo artist, she has written or
co-written three books and has tweeted over Forty-Five hundred times.
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