Frank Black

Earwig Chat, May 1998

Moderator says, "It's FRANK BLACK kids!!!"

Frank Black says, "Pleeze excuse me for being tardy hardy."

Ranch51 says, "They all-mighty is here!!!"

Flashboy says, "I love you!!!!!"

Frank Black says, "Good evening. Nice screen names."

Topherman asks: "You once talked, I think, about doing the music for a film. For what kind of film would you like to do it?

Flashboy says, "Frank, do you like suede?"

Frank Black says, "OK, here we go I hope."

Quixotic asks: "What is your favorite band of all time?"

Frank Black says, "A good film would be nice. There are so many bad ones."

Guest31 says, "What is your favorite movie of all time?"

Frank Black says, "Favorite film of '97 -- Rocket Man' (the kid's flick)."

Flashboy says, "Frank, do you still drive a cadillac?"

Guest31 says, "Does Frank Black enjoy gore movies?"

Frank Black says, "Meet the Deedles had a coupla good lines."

Host says: "A fan asks: I couldn't help thinking of you when "alien autopsy" was broadcast here in the US. What did you think? Also, when can I expect to see you tour the Michigan area again? I'm an "ultramega junkie" of everything you've accomplished musically over the years. Thanks for all the great tunes. Jeff Griffin (copland@tir.com)

Frank Black says, "OK ... We will play Michigan again, with Pearl Jam? ... I didn't see Alien Autopsy. No, I don't listen to my own records."

Ranch51 asks: "Frank, do you drink beer when you write songs? Do you have any writing secrets??? Jim Korycinski Florida."

Frank Black says, "No beer with writy writy. But coffee is good."

Host says: "A fan asks: Frank, who is your current favorite pop artist in America? Who is currently on the Billboard Top 200? (Please answer this, I am dying to know!!!!!!!!) From, Chelsie Cawley Detroit, Michigan."

Frank Black says, "Hold on, while I consult my charts. Probably nuttin'."

Johncandy asks: "Does the fact that Frank's newest album was released so long after it was recorded (July 1997) mean we can expect more new material soon?"

Neemo asks: "When is your new album coming out in North America?"

Frank Black says, "No deal, yet; maybe summer."

Mach15 says, "He is an enigma wrapped in a mystery."

Neemo asks: "Was Dick Dale one of your influences? If so, have you ever met him?"

Frank Black says, "Dick Dale is an influence on everybody. ... I have been in his presence."

Host says: "A fan asks: Frank, will you ever go on stage and sing the Will Smith version of "Men in Black?" I think Lyle would do great "Here come the men in black" backing vocals. Chris Tinker"

Topherman says, "Lyle is no longer with Frank."

Drzdo says, "Lyle is a fucking master, too."

Frank Black says, "What a horrible movie Men in Black was. Meet the Deedles was better."

Miette asks: "Do you read often? (titles?) Oh yes, and dreams. ... What was your last memorable dream about?

Frank Black says, "I don't read too much. I recently read a biography about Peter Cook. I like books about Native Americans."

Johnnymalta says, "Do you read Carlos Castaneda???"

Frank Black says, "I started a book about Fats Waller."

Neemo asks: "What is your favorite guitar that you own?"

Frank Black says, "I love all my Telecasters."

Johnnymalta says, "Telecasters rule!"

Topherman says, "I appreciate your new album a little more each time I listen to it."

Frank Black says, "While I'm waiting to hear the next "official question," let me say a few things about my pets."

Topherman says, "Your cat."

Frank Black says, "I have a cat named Nemo."

Neemo says, "Really? After Captain Nemo?

Johncandy asks: "Can we expect a return of synth/keyboard-laced tunes of Teenager and Frank (s/t) records anytime soon?

Frank Black says, "No synth soon. We're into live to 2-track old-school stylings at the moment."

Margolik asks: "Do you believe that all of the spiffy genre's in the music industry drag it down?"

Frank Black says, "Oh, Margo. Music does not drag me down. Music lifts me up."

Dwight asks: "Why, considering that you have yet to produce an unprofitable album, did you get so much shit from the record companies concerning the Catholics?"

Frank Black says, "Record companies are really about the business. So while some people might think I'm good, it's never about music, it's about making money."

Neemo asks: "What do you mean by 'I want to live in Los Angeles, not the one in Los Angeles'?"

Frank Black says, "It's a reference to other places in America called Los Angeles."

Mike asks: "I really respect your music. How much do you make a year?"

Frank Black says, "I love your question. I almost want to answer it, but I don't really want to get into the statistics."

Frank Black says, "Bigger than a bread box."

Host says: "A fan asks: Chuck -- In Men in Black, what does the line 'Are they grey or is it my own nation?' refer to?" -- Dave"

Frank Black says, "Are they from the alien race or are they part of a government conspiracy?"

Beefheart says, "Grey are alien creatures that can possess humans. That's so easy."

Host says: "A fan asks: I wrote about a tribute album to James Brown. Is it true that you are playing on song on it?"

Frank Black says, "Yes, I sing a song called 'Popcorn.' The record was put together by my good friend Tony Maimone of Pere Ubu fame. The song, not the record."

Host says, "A fan asks: Frank, I have heard about a possible B-sides release called Oddballs. Will this be released any time in the near future? I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore next month. The new album is a masterpiece." Erik-eangel1@gl.umbc.edu

Frank Black says, "Thank you Eric, see you in Baltimore. Maybe I'll bring you a cassette advance of the B-sides album, Oddball. I don't know when it's going to come out."

Guest26 asks: "Do you type fast or slow? Is it a major pain in the ass to do this?"

Frank Black says, "Um, I don't type that fast, but I would type faster on a typewriter keyboard. (I'm on a laptop right now.)"

Drzdo asks: "What are the things most important to you in life? Is music the highest priority?

Frank Black says, "I don't know that music is the highest priority, but it certainly is important to me."

Memphis asks: "This may sound dumb, but I really need to know how you drink your coffee."

Frank Black says, "Hello Israel. ... I like it with what we call half and half, no sugar. But I also like it black. Especially if it is served in France or Italy. But I do like coffee in the Middle East with a little sugar, as is the custom."

Colinz asks: "Who's the most bizarre person you met in the industry and why?

Frank Black says, "Dave Thomas from Pere Ubu is one of the most interesting artists I've ever had the pleasure to know."

Manta-ray asks: "Everyone in the nation is wondering, Frank. Windows or Macintosh?"

Frank Black says, "Both."

Gregoryb76 asks: "Frank, what do you think of all these cybersnots who think they personally know you?"

Frank Black says, "Depending on whether or not the powers that be ... Well a snot is a snot"

Host says, "A fan asks: "Frank, what is your favorite Ray Bradbury book/story? Mine is The Illustrated Man. I love the story about the shooting star. Jenny Vee, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Va."

Frank Black says, "Luv that shooting star story, too -- one of my faves."

Topherman asks: "Would you like to write songs for someone else, and if so, who?"

Frank Black says, "Iggy."

Colinz asks: "Any chance of a book about the years with the Pixies?"

Frank Black says, "No, not one of those."

Topherman says, "There's one in France."

Dwight asks: "Possible U.S. release date for Frank Black and the Catholics?"

Frank Black says, "By the way everybody, Internet slowness aside, I'm enjoying this."

Ranch51 asks: "Hey Frank, I've never been to Europe. What is your favorite thing or place in Europe?"

Frank Black says, "May 4, outside North America. ... South of France -- wow. Luv Spain. Would like to live there one day. "

Moderator asks: "I've seen clips of your older music videos ("Headache" and "Los Angeles") on various Web sites. Do you know of any way a fan could, say, order those of videocassete? I don't know exactly how that works -- do you own the music videos you make? Do you make money off them? Jon (allenjm@okstate.edu)"

Frank Black says, "You can't buy the videos at the moment."

Margolik asks: "I think that your scream kicks hardcore ass. How did you develop your scream? Did you get pissed one day and just start yelling or what?"

Beefheart says, "Someone in California taught him to scream when he was a kid, I remember :)"

Frankblack says, "A guy in Thailand taught me how to scream (seriously)."

Dwight asks: "May 4th is outside North America? When is North American release?"

Frankblack says, "North America ????????? Dunno."

Deadflower asks: "At the risk of sounding lame, do you realize how much of an affect your music has had on me and your other fans???"

Frank Black says, "Glad you got your money's worth."

Gregoryb76 asks: "Frank, are the various rumors and gossip surrounding your entrance in the ultimate fighting championship true?"

Frank Black says, "Yes, possibly in the Huskies division."

Manta-ray asks: "Is it true that you have used New Order's Manchester studio? If so how did that come about?"

Frank Black says, "Well, the Pixies used to rehearse in Manchester a lot, and once we realized we were in one of their rehearsal/recording rooms (they had many I think). I like Manchester. I have some good friends there."

Doctorlove asks: "Frank, If you were not a rock star, what would you want to be and why?"

Frank Black says, "A roadie for Iggy."

Gregoryb76 says, "Frank, tell us more info about your alleged Internet radio show, please."

Frank Black says, "That show never happened. By the way, what do you guys think? A U.S. label wants to add an extra track for the U.S./Canada release??? ... OK. I have a few minutes just hanging in the hotel with Matt (sound guy) and Scott (drums)."

Deadflower asks: "Is there any special advice you ever got that you'd like to pass along?"

Frank Black says, "I'll come to Israel! Soon! As for advice -- 1. Get the money; 2. Remember, get the money; 3. Don't forget to remember the money."

Frank Black says, "Well, I had fun. Time for a shower and put on the suit."

Host says, "Frank's gotta go!"

Frank Black says, "Thanks to all and especially for great screen names."

Host says, "Goodnight, Frank!!!! Goodnight, all!!"

Frank Black says, "Pleasant dreams to all..."

Moderator says, "Thank you all for coming!!!"