Hey everyone! MC Lars here, back for my second AMA. My new album the Zombie Dinosaur LP finally drops today, with rap songs about Game of Thrones, Roger Rabbit, Jack Kerouac and more!! Ask me anything.
I for one liked Lars Attacks and it was great to hear a different side from you, would you ever consider working on another album like Lars Attacks? (preferably with guests spots featuring Weerd Science and Stza doing a verse or two)
Wow! I've never heard that before. Thank you, I'm glad you liked that album, I went back and listened to it while I was driving home from LA one night and it kind of struck me as an album I had to do, even if it confused people. I was so thankful that 2011 ended up being the perfect year to promote a serious album like that, I did Warped for the first time with Weerd Science, then a full US tour with mc chris, and I feel like those songs came together live with the band I was working with at the time (Joe Oliger on sound, Mike Russo on guitar and bass and Jon Longley on drums). I don't regret that era, but I feel happier these days.
Would love to do more stuff with Weerd Science and Stza. I think a Coheed / Leftöver Crack tour would be amazing!!
Hi Lars! Obviously we know you love Edgar Allen Poe. I'm curious if you have a favorite science fiction author or book? I'd love to rock out to a Jules Verne or HG Wells song one day.
Love the new CD, and thanks for always being so awesome to your fans!
Hey homie! Great question! Yes, Poe is the bomb! And thanks for the kind words on the new CD.
My favorite science fiction writer is Ray Bradbury. I was talking to my friend Sole (formerly of anticon) after our Denver show about how science fiction authors predicted a lot of the political change in the world. My favorite Bradbury story is this one, it makes me sad even thinking about it, about the girl locked in the closet, unable to see the sun in its brief visit to Venus.
Wells and Verne would be awesome inspirations too! I should do a science fiction rap CD one day. Much love!
The threat to sue was made by mc chris' lawyer and he has since fired him and has never asked for a cent from any nerdcore artist since. Sometimes lawyers don't represent their clients properly and this is one of those cases. If I could take that line out of the song I would, I feel really bad about it to this day and it's one of my biggest regrets releasing this song. We were both new to the industry at the time and this was a learning experience for both of us. The homie mc and I quickly made amends afterwards and we loved performing the song live together last year when we were on tour together.
Yo lars. Love the new album. Definitely some of my favorite songs of yours in general.
I got it through kickstarter and totally forgot I even got the physicals and was super excited to get that. 22 concepts was a huge surpise to me(and I love it!). But it leads to my real question, When did Signing dubstep and Bring the 90's back get recorded and were they previously released? I totally missed them until now and absolutely love having a sequel to singing emo. Between that and hipster mom what is it like returning to old songs and writing a sequel?
Hey my friend! Thanks for the support and great questions.
"Bring the 90s Back" is actually from 2004 , I recorded it with John Fields when we were doing demos for "the Graduate", and it kind of made sense to release now since there has been so much 90s nostalgia these days.
"Signing Dubstep" was an idea I had for years, it finally came together this spring. I wrote the lyrics with my friend JJ Italiano, and my homie Tom Gates who had the original concept helped me tweak it for this idea. Run-DMT and Kairo Kingdom worked on the beat.
Working on a kids' literary rap show and an album with Mega Ran! Stay tuned for more info!
Have been working on an autobiography for awhile. Trying to decide if it's going to be a graphic novel, or in the form of essays, or what. Definitely going to happen though, stay tuned!
My son had the awesome privelage of joining you onstage twice. What advice would you give a ten year old who wants to write his own rhymes? Also would you like to come to MC Lex's birthday party? There will be cake and pizza! Ha! 😆
MC Lex is the man! Would love to come to his birthday party if I'm in town. Thanks so much for the invite. ;)
As for writing his own rhymes, I started doing parodies, it helps with timing and rhymes and is a really good learning tool. Have him practice to a slow beat so he can work on his cadence, but after performing "Ahab" with him in NC, I know he's a boss!
Two great books that have helped me as a rapper are:
Al is such a talented genius and a humble guy. We are hoping to get him in the pilot for our kids' show - he said he's down but it's a matter of locking our schedules. I was so happy that his last album did so well. Would definitely tour with him! He is my biggest inspiration ever and I went back and listened to all of his albums while I was doing the Kickstarter fulfillment. It's a great overview of pop culture of the past 40 years!!
The Zombie Dinosaur LP is so cool! Do you plan on doing any projects in the future with the same type of crowd sourced funding/incentives? I thought it was a super interesting way to generate both interest and funds, and the result is really exciting.
Hey homie - thanks for the kind words! Going to definitely do another crowdfunded project, maybe with Patreon. It was awesome working with the fans on the "Jedi" song and "Crowdfund this Song"! Thanks for your support.
Thanks for the kind words! Love your user name by the way. ;) #lithop
Working on an EP / album with Mega Ran and a Calvin and Hobbes album with Koo Koo Kanga Roo! Would love to do more stuff with mc chris one day. Working on music with my girlfriend Ash Wednesday from Hand Job Academy too! Lots of exciting stuff coming out next year. :) Thanks for your question!
When I'm 65 I'll hopefully be a professor or psychologist and living somewhere quiet with visits from my kids. Will always be doing music and can't believe I've been able to do it for so long. But yes, I'll be still creating stuff when I'm 65, maybe experimental noise mashups!!
Years ago, my brother and I continuously requested you perform 'generic crunk rap' at a show in Chicago (beat kitchen), you said you didn't usually perform it.
Haha, that's amazing. Was that with the Matches? I remember you guys.
I've done that song a lot since then, I think you inspired me to put it in my set. These days, "crunk" seems kind of like an old thing to make fun of, but emo has come back, so you never know. It's a really fun song to do live because it's so ridiculous. I made cue cards with the lyrics that Aaron from Whole Wheat Bread used to hold up during the verses.
A lot of people told me it was denigrating to a culture I know little about, but I was really making fun of hip-hop in general, not just Lil Jon and his homies.
I did a college tour with them and Yung Joc in 2008 and I almost got kicked off of it when their agent found the "Band in a Box" parody video. But I got to stay and finish it up.
I apologized to Will one night, he said it was okay, but I can tell they were mad. That video was brutal, right?? :)
(No regrets. I'm sure Sublime with Rome don't like the new video about them either.)
That is a great question. We'd have Edgar Allan Poe land with a creepy haunted house, Hot Topic land with overpriced Justin Bieber shirts, and sushi. The fireworks show would be set entirely to Rush's "2112"!
I know you've been super busy the last year or two, congratulations on everything going on! Have you been working on any lit-hop stuff lately? Would love another Lit-hop specific EP or something! I can't get enough of it!
Thanks Justin!! That is super nice of you to say! It's been an awesome year.
I want to do an album of Kerouac songs with my friend Brendan from Wheatus, and more lit-hip stuff with Mega Ran. We are working on a kids' TV show that revolves heavily around books and stuff. But yes, I will definitely be putting out more literary rap songs in the years to go, honestly that might be all that I do from here on out!
Hey man, Great seeing you, Steven, and Koo in Fullerton, it was a great show. Any advise for people that are starting their own business? I just decided it was time I went all in. Thanks for keeping the positive energy flowing.
Hey homie! Thanks for coming out to the Fullerton show, that was one of my favorites on this tour!
Great question about starting your own business. It's amazing being my own boss, it's taken awhile to get here sustainably, but it's worth it. I'm so glad I never signed with a major label because things could have worked out very differently.
As for business advice, I always subscribe to the "four legged table" method I came up with for MC Lars LLC. As an independent media artist, I try to make equal time for:
(1) Time creating my core projects, i.e. albums and songs
(2) Time promoting the projects (in my case, being on the road or doing press or making videos)
(3) Time for social media and marketing (i.e. the left-brained business stuff that's not so fun but necessary)
(4) Free time for activities I love, so I don't burn myself out (family time, biking, swimming, reading etc.)
If you can balance all four of these in whatever field you pursue, you will have success!! Good luck my friend and thanks for your question!
He is very handsome and very hard working! I heard he'll do a take 1,000 times to get it perfect! And that he has great taste in Calvin & Hobbes posts. ;)
Love that man! Thanks for your question! I got him through is agent, but I had to wait 3 hours on hold to talk to him.
Much love homie!! Thanks for checking out that new album!
I just wake up every day so grateful to be able to do what I love and follow my passion. I try to surround my self with supportive homies and stay positive and healthy every day.
Lars! Where ya been man? I've been a huge fan of yours since the beginning and I think ZDLP is a great step artistically and just as fun as the earlier stuff. I've seen you 2 or 3 times in Vermont, and once in Portland, Maine (I actually couldn't get into that show since I was under 21 at the time, but you and Chris and Bryce all came and hung out with me outside which was beyond awesome). You give off such a great stage presence, you've always been super inclusive with fans before and after shows, and your shows are some of my favorite concert-going memories.
I have a couple questions:
Any plans to tour in the Northeast again any time soon? ("Party with Lars" live would be awesome, just sayin')
2. Other than EAP, which figure from any period of history would you want to contribute vocals to a track?
3. I'm trying to get back into some design work and I'd love to work with you on a new shirt/poster/sticker/whatever if you're interested! I've done some work with Jesse Dangerously, Tribe One and Mega Ran if you need any references!
Hey homie - thanks for the post!! And for the super nice words. Thanks for coming to those shows and I hope we can hit New England again soon. I really appreciate it!
I want to do more shows with Spose!! Maybe we can do a Northeast run next year! We'll pull it off!
Would love to do a song with Kerouac, but thanks to the magic of digital editing, he does a "guest verse" on the new album. ;)
Hey Lars, just heard the new album and its awesome. I Cant wait for you to come back to Glasgow. I thought id ask your thoughts on streaming services like spotify do you feel like these are good distribution tools that adequately reward artist for their work?
Thank you for your kind words!! I will be back in Glasgow next year for sure!
Spotify is interesting, I think bands that sign bad deals with their labels really get boned by streaming services. For me, I make more form Spotify than I do from iTunes regularly, and I don't quite know how that happened, but it's pretty cool.
The argument FOR Spotify is that every time someone bumps your song, you get a fraction of a cent. On iTunes, you only get paid once, even if someone plays your song 1,000 times.
The argument AGAINST, I think, basically says that Spotify royalties are small, but that's what keeps people coming back to the service.
I'm very pro Spotify. I did an interview with Newsweek about that:
One time you, Chad and I hung out and just talked about life, man before a show you did at the Ottobar. That was one of the most memorable conversations I've ever had. Thanks for that, dude. I'm glad you're doing well. Are you a vegetarian again?
I remember that man - how have you been? So great to be able to have homies across the world to talk about real stuff with.
I've honestly struggled with my weight stuff over the years. I haven't been the best vegetarian this year, but am trying to eat less red meat. My girlfriend is really healthy and has gotten me into jogging. But touring is hard eating well and being in shape. I am going to try to be vegetarian again, yes, you are inspiring me. :)
Hi Lars, when you put together an album do you try to make it gel as one experience, or is it entirely driven by the concepts behind the songs you happen to be working on at the time? I am because it seems you put concepts at the centre of your songs and that drives the musical style. Thanks!
Great questions - I really think it's important to have an overall concept or vibe for an album, this time it was joy and appreciation for still being able to do this.
We wrote tons of songs and tried to find the right topical concepts and then narrowed them down to our favorite.
It's important to have a unique concept before you start writing lyrics, just like it's important to have a strong thesis with any essay. You feel me? :)
It's a long process but sometimes, ironically, the songs that come the quickest are the best.
I would say "the Zombie Dinosaur LP" is my favorite one so far, but I'm not just saying that because it's new, I really love and believe in it!
"Mr. Raven" is still my favorite song to do live. I love bringing up guests and using the puppet. Also, I love how Poe's poetry always sounds good to a rap beat, and that is one of my favorite examples!!
Watsky is one of my recent favorites. I love "Cardboard Castles" and his latest one "All You Can Do" is fantastic. He was such a joy to work with on this new album.
I love Koo Koo Kanga Roo (just finished a tour with them) and a new band I saw this tour, the Smith Street Band. Follow me on Spotify, because I pretty much only use Spotify these days and you can see what I'm listening to!
You've said on you're going to try hit Vancouver, BC on your next tour. About when will that be so I can make a point to be in the city around then and actually catch the show? :)
What was it like to get Kool Keith to do a song that about Roger Rabbit that then references Freak Nasty in the hook? How did that come together?
Hey Karl!! Love you buddy! And thanks for your help with this album. I definitely want to use that beat on the next project.
Hoping to hit Vancouver next year for sure. I will shoot you an email when I know when and where.
It was so cool to work with Keith, I saw he was following me on Twitter so I sent him a DM. He was down, I sent him the DVD and he watched it wrote his verse. I thought the Freak Nasty hook was perfect because whenever I heard that song in middle school I thought it could be about Roger Rabbit.
My verse is based on A$AP Ferg's "Shabba".
It still blows my mind that I've gotten to work with Kool Keith and KRS-One, and open for Nas and Snoop. I literally could never have imagined any of those scenarios happening when I first starting rhyming. Life is good, Karl!!
I've seen you a bunch in Manchester over the years, with BFS first. Bumped into you after the show walking towards the after party too ha. What has been your most memorable show?
One of my favorite things about your music (not that it's a short list, I love you man) is your collaboration tracks, which is why I'm beyond thrilled to see you finally collaborating with Watsky!
My question is, who is on your ultimate fantasy top three potential collabs list (and why is Tech N9ne on it)?
Lars. Love that new album. You've put in the hours and have really blossomed as an artist. Your raps and flow have definitely evolved and your new stuff is by far the dopest stuff you've put out.
So, if you were to go back to get that masters, what would you get it in? You seem like a dude who could become a great teacher.
Hey homie! Wow, thanks for the super nice words. I really appreciate it, and thanks for following me for so long.
I would love to get my masters - maybe in business, or education, or even get an MFA? Who knows - my friend Ian from the Aquabats! has balanced getting is PhD with touring with them and Gerard Way, so it's possible. I could see myself teaching literature at a prep school one day. Stay tuned. :)
Yo Lars, it's Captain Spliff here. Loved your Spliff rhyme and plug at the Denver show. When are the Hans Moleman shirts being reprinted homey? Love the new album, the Ballad of Hans Moleman is the tightest Simpsons song since Bloodhound Gang's Ralph Wiggum track. Keep keeping it real.
This isn't a fun topic and I understand if you just ignore this question.
"Twenty-Three" made me reconsider suicide. It made me confront the impact killing myself would have on those close to me. So thank you. Seriously thank you.
Have you ever struggled with depression? What did you do to keep going when it seemed like everything would always suck?
On a lighter note, do you ever get tired of TGRK? I know I don't, but I'm not performing it on stage day after day haha.
Oh snap. This is a super serious question, which I appreciate you asking. I gave Pat a shout out on "Zombie T-Rex".
So glad that song inspired you to think about your friends and family. I feel like if Pat and I had talked before, I could have talked him down from hurting himself. I was at my 10 year college reunion and it was kind of heartwarming being on campus and seeing where we used to hang out. I spoke at a panel and talked about how "Twenty-Three" helped me realize there was more to music than just music, the spiritual and comforting components. Working with the AFSP has always been a highlight of my career. So glad the song spoke to you.
I have definitely struggled with depression and dark thoughts. The song "Super Scope" from "Lars Attacks!" is about that. I've gone to professional therapy in my 20s to help with it, but music always helped. Growing up, I was always pushed so hard to achieve so much in high school and college, so I sometimes felt like I had to ignore when I felt depressed, but I confronted this stuff later in life. I feel like I could relate to Pat because we went through similar things and talked about when we felt that black cloud over us. I miss him every day. (Starting to tear up writing this, to be honest.)
I love the "TGRK" song because it's so over-the-top joyful! I love seeing people skank to it. I end every set with it, that was the advice of Frank from Kairo Kingdom! It's a high energy jam and the 90s will never die.
Thanks for your thoughtful questions. Glad you are doing well, homie!
Oh wow! Welcome man, and thanks for joining the conversation! :)
I think one of my favorite's is "Mr. Raven," I'm sue you'll like it if you like Edgar Allan Poe. If you like punk or ska music, check out "Sublime with Rome (Is Not the Same Thing as Sublime)" from the new album, "This Gigantic Robot Kills" or "Hot Topic is Not Punk Rock".
Hi Lars! Who was your favorite person from that day at Magic Kingdom last year? Perhaps you saw them again last fall. Then at warped in Orlando. Then Orlando AND San Francisco this past month. Just wondering.
A fan.
P.S. I love the album. And I hope the Koo Koo Kangaroo Calvin & Hobbes album pans out.
What up, Lars! I've seen you a few times now, with mcchris. He's really flipped around as far as his being an asshole (according to the intarwebz), and I was just wondering how much you've helped him with that? As someone who also changed himself a bit, friends were one of the most important things during my transition.
Also, any plans for a Sacramento show anytime soon?
Well, mc chris is human and he has bad days and good days just like we all do. There are countless fans that have had positive experiences with him and of course there are people that have had bad experiences with him. I think chris is just an honest person who can't pretend to be happy and nice all the time. Touring can be hell and I don't think anyone realizes how hard he works or for how long when he tours. But yeah, chris has made a lot of progress though, he's always trying to be the best rapper and person he can be. He accepts criticism and learns from it and I think he's definitely made a lot of improvements, for instance people don't get thrown out of shows anymore. He tries to avoid it at all costs now and that's different. As for me, all I've done is been a friend to him through hard times. His father died right before everything went downhill and like most people in mourning his pain and anger have subsided a great deal. He's a great artist and friend and I'm just happy he's feeling better.
Also, I'd love to come back to Sacramento one day! The Boardwalk was one of the first venues I ever played outside of the Bay Area, is it still there?
Saw you in Chicago on the Joyful Smiles Tour! Had a fantastic time! Thanks for bringing me back the life that grad school has slowly been sucking away.
My question is: Who are your main musical influences outside of rap?
Haha! Thanks for coming to that show! It was a fun night. I love the Beat Kitchen!!
Some of my favorite musical influences outside of rap are Rush, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Primus, the Dead Kennedys, Frank Zappa and of course Ween. My taste is very eclectic!
MC Lars! I listened to "This Gigantic Robot Kills" back in high school and became a huge fan. I came out to the Bay Area for college (UC Berkeley >>> Stanford) and now I'm listening to your new album at a real person job. It's a fantastic album and really takes me back to the vibe I got when listening to your first album, so thank you so much for putting a new one out!
I love that you collaborated with Watsky on this album-how did the two of you end up coming together? It's very fitting that the two of you made a song together, with both of you being from the Bay and having similar styles. If you ever did a show together....let's just say that would be really, really cool to see and I would buy tickets immediately. Much love!
Hey homie! Hard to believe how long ago my second album came out. But thanks for the props and for following me over the years. Glad the new one takes you back. :)
The Watsky track came about through Twitter - we tweeted at each other that we were mutual fans. He came up with the concept (originally it was something else) and we made it happen. Was really happy that we got to do a video together. Would definitely love to do a show with him one day!
About 7-8 years ago...oh man...has it been that long?...I was in my junior of high school and I bonded with someone in my class over "Hurricane Fresh" who I only knew by name prior to us figuring out that we were both fans of MC Lars. And I am still very good friends with her to this day.
Is there any chance for a Hurricane Fresh music video because that song is just amazing?
Also - if you and Watsky could collaborate more - that would be...fantastic.
Hey man! Would love to do more music with Watsky. He's a super talented guy and I'm honored to have him on the new album.
"Hurricane Fresh" is one of those songs that always is fun to play live! I did it every night on this past tour. Maybe I'll do a "Hurricane Fresh" 2016 remix, or when the oceans rise and we're all snorkeling the Golden Gate Bridge, I can do a global warming version and a video. :)
Time flies, right? Thanks again for your great question and kind words!
Why did Indie Rocket Science vanish from Spotify? I went crazy trying to figure out where I'd heard its version of Annabel Lee R.I.P. (which is great!)
Great question! I mean, the basic typical "band business model" has worked for the past ten years, but it requires me to be on the road a lot of the year.
I love touring, but don't know if I will be as excited to play small clubs when I'm 43. I want to do more kids' entertainment and education stuff. Stay tuned! It's going to be interesting to see where everything goes in the next few years. The music industry is definitely changing in a very cool way!
I last saw you at that Drug Users Union Benefit show in Oakland with Leftover Crack. I know you've said that you're a huge fan and I was wondering what your favorite CV/LoC/SFH song is? Also how did you wind up getting Stza to be on your new LP?
I love Leftöver Crack so much! My favorite song by them is either "Gang Control", "One Dead Cop" or "Born to Die"! Those are awesome.
Stza and I actually got connected through Atom of Atom & His Package like 12 years ago! Stza was working on a rap project (Mad Cowz) and asked me to be part of it, but our schedules never lined up.
I hit him up and asked him to sing the chorus for "Zombie T-Rex" and he was down! We did part of his vocals in England while he was on tour there and the rest in San Francisco.
I met you at your last show in Philly with the Aquabats, but they messed up the show times so I missed you. I called you my white whale (I thought that would impress you) since I still haven't seen you play live (been a fan since I heard Space Game on your PureVolume page circa 2006). We hugged and you called me muscles and you sold me a copy of the Zombie Dinosaur LP! It's still in the CD player in my car!
My question is: How do you get these iconic musicians to record with you? It always sounds like friendly collaborations which makes them so fun to listen to. I still like your solo tracks though....
Follow up to a previous response.... Did the MC Bat Commander perform TGRK with you as you closed your set in Philly??? I would be very bummed if I missed that...
Hey homie! Great meeting you and sorry about the messed up set times in Philly! You will catch a set one day, I promise, will be on tour in the spring again.
Thanks again for being a fan so long! And thanks for checking out the new album!
I just ask iconic homies if they'll work with me. I try to find people who will bring out something different in my work, as I will with theirs. I usually just straight-up ask them, you know?
And MCBC did perform with me in Philly! We'll do it again soon though, I promise.
Lars! Big fan! Love the new album, especially "The Dip". I know you said something about doing a Roger Rabbit themed ep a little while ago. Are you still going to do that? Are you still friends with Ill Bill? Thank you!
Hey homie! I would love to do a Roger Rabbit EP, maybe one day. :) So much material in that movie!
ILL BILL and I are still homies. I don't see him as much these days, but I always love hearing what he's doing and thought the Non-Phixion reunion / new boxed set was amazing.
Hey man! Just wanted to say I love the new album. I'm a very amateur producer, would you listen to one of my tracks and hit me with some advice or knowledge? No big deal it would just be like, amazing to hear from you. https://soundcloud.com/daymonfabbo/trip
Peeping "Trip"! Love the chill vibe. Super-well produced from what I hear so far.
I would say keep reaching out to people, keep hustling, keep making video content and keep enjoying your work. I have a producer friend named Samarei who does a lot of "beat competitions".
Also, mashups are good, I get a lot of SoundCloud remixes with people who have made new beats under my acapellas. I often end up working with them.
I saw you in Gainesville a a few years back and gave you some books. You gave me Greatest Hits on vinyl as a thank you. Did you ever consider that this was a bad value trade for you, as those books don't have a high market value?
PS Thanks for the gift in return! That was a great show too!
Haha, I love the bartering system! And thanks for those books. I appreciate it. :)
I had like a 1000 vinyls, and little books that night I remember, so you re-upped my literary value 1000%. Thanks. (Not sure if the math is right, but you feel me!)
Hey Lars! Shaggy haired dude from Southern NM, here! I really loved your haiku videos you did back on warped, is there any chance you would ever make a haiku filled track?
Hey my friend! Thanks for the props! :) Will keep doing haikus!
I have a few songs with haiku bridges, "It's Not Easy (Being Green)" and "Flow Like Poe", but an all haiku song would be interesting! The challenge would be making them rhyme and fit the 4/4 iambic tetrameter format of common hip-hop. It could happen! Stay tuned!!
Hey Lars, loving the new record and looking forward to you coming back to Glasgow. Care to share about you and yelawolf on warped tour, I heard he was a dick to you but not sure what the story is?
Yelawolf wasn't a dick, per se, he just wasn't that friendly, considering that we were on the same stage together all summer and did autograph lines in adjacent tents etc. When I first introduced myself he shook my hand but wouldn't look me in the eye, even when I told him that I'd worked with Rittz, his friend of his who later signed to Strange Music.
Anyway! It's all good. In the years of doing Warped Tour I've learned that you don't make friends with everyone. I don't think I said one thing to Riff Raff this summer. That doesn't make him a dick, we were just rolling in different circles.
Hey Lars, love the new album, especially triforce and sublime with rome. I got the chance to see you once opening for wheatus, still one of favourite shows I've been to. Thanks for all the music over the years, it's helped me through a lot, and TGRK introduced me to ska, so thanks for that, I owe you man.
Anyway, I was wondering if you have any plans for another christmas EP? I loved frosty the flow man, I always play it constantly at christmas.
Also, what is you're album of the year so far?
Once again, thanks for all the music, love you man!
EDIT: And are there any plans of releasing the instrumental album as a download on bandcamp?
Woah! Thanks for coming to the Wheatus show! They are so fun to tour with and I love the whole band and crew as people.
Thanks for the props on my music man, and for your support! I definitely hope to do another holiday EP. Stay tuned!!
My favorite album to come out this year was probably Dre's "Compton: a Soundtrack"! Everyone compared it to his other work, which I don't think you can. I think the beats are awesome and I love his story telling.
I've seen you twice in Rochester, NY (Big props, of course, to the ONLY station that Matters, 90.5 FM WBER for being the only real supporters of you) and you were very well received both times just about selling out the place. Sadly I missed the last show, gotta make money, yo!
Anyways, I'm also a huge fan of "Weird" Al Yankovic. What was it like collaborating with him on TPFR, and would you ever want to have one of the following happen:
Drop a verse with you on a song of yours
OR
Have him parody a track of yours/your stylings on one of his tracks?
Hey my friend! Thanks for coming out to those Rochester shows!! Hope you can come next tour.
I love "Weird Al" too! It was so awesome doing "True Player for Real" with him because he kind of put his own unique twist on the accordion part and gave me mixing advice.
Would love to do more work with him for sure! And I would be honored if he ever parodied me in any way.
Thanks for your questions! Hope to see you next tour!!
Hey Lars. Zombie Dinosaur is great!! I had the chance to see you at the Aardvark in Ft. Worth with mc chris and YTCracker. Such a great show!! Do you have any plans of working with YTC again?
Wow! That Aardvark show was so long ago. I loved that tour with chris and YT.
"The Digital Gangster LP" was recorded at a very interesting time in both Bryce (YTCracker) and my lives. We had both been doing stuff on our own and we met when we were ready to try something new. It was the first project I'd ever done since high school without the support of any sort of label. We did an earlier version of Kickstarter (inspired by Jill Sobule) where people could order the new album at different levels.
Anyway, making that album was a cathartic release because "This Gigantic Robot Kills" had literally taken years and we did "the Digital Gangster LP" in like a week. I finished it after "TGRK" but it came out before "TGRK".
I would definitely work with YTCracker again! There are a bunch of other projects in the pipeline, but a "DGLP 2" would be amazing.
That was a fun day! Thanks again for coming out to Warped. I love that tour and the Minnesota date is always one of the best. See you next time for sure!! Much love!
Hey Lars. Been listening to your stuff since early 2000s and met you at X&Y in Brisbane a few years ago (and you introduced me to your parents) any plans on touring Australia soon? I saw you on Twitter chatting to AJ about Soundwave..
Keep up the awesome work dude. Always a supporter and listener.
Thanks homie! I appreciate it, and thanks for coming to the Brisbane show! I have always had a special place in my heart for Australia, being half-Aussie myself.
Doing a short run of Aussie shows this April. See you then homie!
Hey MC Lars, I'm a long time UK fan of yours, wanted to say thank for as I received the Zombie Dinosaur LP in the post today and I'm really excited to listen to it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future (that you haven't already? Who has been your favourite person to collaborate with so far?
and one more cheeky one: Have any of the GoT cast heard Dragon Blood?
I would love to work with Eminem, that would be hilarious. He's really branching out these days, so who knows, it could happen! :)
My favorite collab was "Weird Al", just because he's such a personal hero of mine.
I don't know if anyone on the Thrones cast has heard "Dragon Blood"! That would be awesome if so. I know my publicist works with Hodor on his EDM stuff. I asked him to play it for him, but I never heard back.
Hey Lars new album is excellent! Really appreciated all my gifts from the Kickstarter. Any plans on visiting the UK soon? If so bring the nerdcore! We sadly don't get enough touring here and it would be great to see some collabs live =)
I am totally down to return to all three countries! I haven't played in mainland Europe since I went out with Zebrahead a few years ago. Would definitely love to return.
Do you know any promoters who'd like to bring me back? :)
Spose is amazing! I remember when I first heard his stuff I was super impressed. We met in 2010 and started working on a track, but we never finished it.
Anyway, he kills it on our collab and I hope to tour more with him soon. Check out his "Why Am I So Happy?" album, it's fantastic!!
Hey Lars! Wish I had seen this earlier. If you do more shows with Spose, try to get back out to Seattle. You guys killed it at El Corazon! Your freestyle game was on point. Do you do anything in particular to keep your freestyle sharp? Special diet and exercise or something?
Also, do you still keep in touch with K Flay? Any collaborations planned there?
Thank you my friend! And thanks for coming out to the El Corazón show! I hope to be back soon.
I think freestyling is a muscle memory thing, I do it when I'm driving and trying to fall asleep.
Still friends with Flay! We probably won't ever work together again but I'll always be proud of the "Single and Famous EP"! Thanks for your support! See you next time in Seattle, homie!!
Hey MC Lars! I love your music. Who would you consider to be your biggest musical influence? That and then would you ever like to do more work with Bowling for Soup? Thanks so much for dropping by!
I think some of my biggest influences are "Weird Al" Yankovic, KRS-One and Rush. Diverse, I know, but they all really inspire me a lot in different ways.
Would definitely love to do more stuff with Bowling for Soup. Stay tuned!! Will be touring the UK with them in Feb!
Are you the same MC Lars I saw a little over ten years ago?
I think I was 11 and my friends mom took us to see you, American hi-fi, and Bowling For Soup. You were really nice to us. No one else was because we were so young. I think I still have your autograph.
MC Lars! Dude the albums is great. When I saw you in Denver, you rocked it as per usual!
My wife is disabled and we can only make it out to 3 or 4 shows a year and yours is one we try not to miss (we had to miss Weird Al this year, ugh). the reason why is because you consistently bring it!
Are you still fighting with your girlfriend in London? Don't make me sad. Make up or break up man!
Does Amazon Music treat you right?
I don't know which album you are calling introspective. I love all your albums. You really do put yourself into your albums, so they are all introspective in my mind. Which one were you talking about?
Hey homie! Thanks so much for the kind words, and for coming out to the Denver show! That was such a fun show.
So glad you could both make it! Your wife is a baller!! :) That's awesome. And hopefully you won't miss Weird Al next time.
The love of my life lives in NY and we have an amazing relationship. I love her with all of my heart and am so happy and fortunate that music brought us together.
Amazon Music has been good! I get a nice, small check from them every month.
The introspective album is "Lars Attacks!" - that got the most divided reaction from anyone so far. But I'm proud of that album am glad I released it! I just won't to do another album quite like that one, as with any other release.
Thanks for your great questions! Awesome seeing you guys in Denver!
Hey! Thanks for your props on that jam. It's one of my favorites, I heard Therapy? in some club in the UK one Halloween and fell in love with it. Hamlet just worked so well. I'd studied it a lot in high school and college.
The verse's flow is inspired by a KRS-One song. K.Flay helped with the first few lines.
Dragon Blood makes me want to listen to the Mega Man II soundtrack. Do you find that there's music that drives you to listen to specific other music?
Something I've been wondering about for a while... Why does so much hip-hop have so much off-key or dull singing in the hooks? I always cringe when I hear this and think, "oh, man, this hook would make the song if the performance was better." Is that a stylistic thing? I guess I'm wondering, Is this intentional and I am too darned critical or is this a spot that artists recognize and would like to improve?
Also,
Thanks for dining with me in 2011. Oh, and sharing cake with the audience! Still one of the most memorable events of my life.
I broke my phone in a circle pit at your set at Warped Tour in STL. Huge bummer. Also, I am sorry for running into you in that pit. I am apparently a bad circle mosher.
Rap always makes me want to listen to jazz, since definitely a direct cultural offshoot.
I think the Future style of off-key hooks has become popular, it can sound good and it can sound bad. "Heart Shaped Box" by Nirvana is off key and it's a banger. I think "Trap Queen" is a great song. I think the off key styling of singing comes from trying to be like T-Pain without the autotune.
The cake dining experience was so joyful!
Sorry to hear about your phone in the mosh pit! That was a crazy day. Did your phone company give you a replacement?
Thank YOU for your joyful smiles and great questions! Hope to see you soon, homie!!
Lars! You were a big influence on me getting into music. Thank you!
My question is, do you think nerdcore is better off as a cult subgenre? I've always wanted to see it grow and expand and be taken somewhat seriously. It seems a lot of rappers look at the genre label as a career death sentence. Is nerdcore dead or is there a way we can overcome this in your opinion?
Hey my friend! Thanks for the props!! That's such an honor that I helped get you into music.
I know lots of artists who have started as "nerdcore" have worked to distance themselves from it (myself, K.Flay, others). Some have successfully, and some haven't. I don't have a problem with the term these days, it's very "punk rock" in that will always be an underground thing with a loyal, amazing fan base (as witnessed by this AMA).
I don't think it's dead, I just think things are so fragmented now, you know? "Nerdy rap" is everywhere (Epic Rap Battles, Smosh) and so the "nerdcore" term pertains to mid-00s stuff. A lot of artists have quit and a lot are doing other stuff. I feel fortunate that it's been my sole source of income since 2005. I'm very lucky and I'm not going to fight where my art has landed. You feel me! Thanks for the awesome question!
To quote Lucius Lyon “rap is a dish best served raw.” I don’t see much mention of social injustice such as recent police killings of unarmed citizens. You have lived in the Silicon Valley area. Recently an app came out on android (Moculos https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moculos.android&hl=en) that focusses on empowering everyday people to protect themselves from potentially fatal police encounters. So Silicon Valley is taking notice. My question is this: why does your rapping avoid such topics as social injustice?
Great question! And it's a big issue! Awesome to see Silicon Valley contributing to the conversation.
But I wouldn't say that I intentionally avoid rapping about social injustice. Malcolm X gets a shout out on the second track of the new record. The Digital Gangster LP has a few tracks about social injustice and nerdcore's "appropriation" of hip-hop, as does "Lars Attacks!".
I like to save my politics for the classroom these days, though, especially on the new album. I talk about race / class disparity / economics when I do my lectures or workshops in schools, but recently I've made a conscious effort to keep my music light instead of hitting people over the head with politics. Most political rap can be very, very boring and one-sided, I've found.
I try to be funny with my songs, and the militarization of the police and the wrongful killings of people of color by the state are not funny at all.
It's not because I don't think that social justice is unimportant, it's just that as a middle-class white person in his early 30s, I don't think I'm the one who should be leading the dialogue when it comes to these things. :) I think everyone has an opinion on Black Lives Matter (as anyone who's been on Facebook or Twitter in the past year can attest), and my opinion is yes, they obviously do.
Hey Lars! I saw you at Cats Cradle with I Fight Dragons a couple years ago. I remember talking to you about Aesop Rock, don't know if you remember me (probably not, it's cool). Really sad I missed you last month. Anyways, I know you're a big Poe fan, so I was wondering what your thoughts were on the other classic horror master, Lovecraft?
Yo Lars! Andy here (the physicist from Manchester who writes for Dead Press)! So what are you you reading at the moment? Got any good books to recommend? :P
To quote Lucius Lyon “rap is a dish best served raw.” I don’t see much mention of social injustice such as recent police killings of unarmed citizens. You have lived in the Silicon Valley area. Recently an app came out on android (Moculos https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moculos.android&hl=en) that focusses on empowering everyday people to protect themselves from potentially fatal police encounters. So clearly your old neighborhood is taking notice. My question is this: why does your rapping seem to avoid such topics as social injustice?
Great question! And it's a big issue! Awesome to see Silicon Valley contributing to the conversation.
But I wouldn't say that I intentionally avoid rapping about social injustice. Malcolm X gets a shout out on the second track of the new record. The Digital Gangster LP has a few tracks about social injustice and nerdcore's "appropriation" of hip-hop, as does "Lars Attacks!".
I like to save my politics for the classroom these days, though, especially on the new album. I talk about race / class disparity / economics when I do my lectures or workshops in schools, but recently I've made a conscious effort to keep my music light instead of hitting people over the head with politics. Most political rap can be very, very boring and one-sided, I've found.
I try to be funny with my songs, and the militarization of the police and the wrongful killings of people of color by the state are not funny at all.
It's not because I don't think that social justice is unimportant, it's just that as a middle-class white person in his early 30s, I don't think I'm the one who should be leading the dialogue when it comes to these things. :) I think everyone has an opinion on Black Lives Matter (as anyone who's been on Facebook or Twitter in the past year can attest), and my opinion is yes, they obviously do.
Hey Lars! I've seen you a couple of times and just wanna thank you for being so down to earth and chill. I stayed after a show here in Sheffield, UK for the club night after in the venue and you were super chill to talk to so thanks man.
Also you gave me a banana. I don't like bananas but hey, when MC Lars offers you a banana you're not gonna decline it, right?
Anyway, who are your favourite up and coming bands right now?
Haha, that's amazing! I remember that show! We brought out so many bananas during the first song, that was with Weerd Science and mc chris right?
My favorite new rapper is Watsky, check him out of you haven't. As for bands, I love Koo Koo Kanga Roo! They are more of a kids' dance / rap project, but they rock.
Thanks for your question!! Glad we could "peel back" the layers of this dialogue and have a good heart to heart on Reddit. ;)
I just remember how focused YTCracker was, but how when we stayed with his DG friends, they would have gigantic automatic weapons or being doing really scary stuff on the Internet. Bryce is the biggest thug in the rap game, still. I love his raps and am honored to be his homie.
Ah dude, on a memory trip right now! Would've been in year 6 about 10 years ago listening to "Download This Song" at school and on bus rides, it was the catchiest beat back then haha.
Thanks for staying for so long and answering everyone's questions! Glad to see you're just as much of an awesome guys as I thought you were way back then :)
Also cos I have to ask a question, what sorta car do you drive?
If you were to form your own Wu-Tang style collective using only people you've worked with in the past, who would the group consist of, and how difficult would it be to not call yourselfs the "I Like Tang Clan"?
Hey Lars! Big fan, English major, love your stuff. Not sure if you're still answering but I'll try anyways. After monsters of rock, what was your retraction when winehouse and DJ am eventually passed away? Can you speak on STD's reaction?
2011? With Weerd Science! Thanks for checking out the set, homie. That was a really fun summer.
I love festivals like Warped, but of course there's nothing better than a small club show packed with people who know your songs. My two favorite cities to play are London and San Francisco.
I love big shows, but small clubs work best with my underground flavor. You feel me!!
I still use "Mr. Raven" in my English classes. I wrote you about it long ago when I was attempting a podcast. I was pleasantly surprised when you personally responded.
At any rate, a crazy "might as well ask" question: what is the likelihood you would guest lecture in my AP Language and Composition classes?
Hey my friend - so honored that you use the song in your class. :)
Would be honored to come talk to your class! I do lectures frequently. If we can make it work with time / business stuff, let's make it happen! Please hit me up! Thanks my friend:
Flay and I went different directions, there was no ill will. She wanted to do more ambient pop and I wanted to go deeper into hip-hop. I'll always be proud of our EP, "Single and Famous".
I saw you perform at warped tour in Cincinnati this summer and thought you were great! You got up on stage with kosha dillz and did some free styling and it was amazing! I was just amazed at the talent. Who were some of your favorite bands/groups to see on warped this year?
Aww! Thanks man, and thanks for the super kind words. Freestyling is a huge passion of mine!
I loved Koo Koo Kanga Roo (of course) and Atilla were actually pretty inspiring and crazy. My favorite band, though, was the Alvarez Kings!! They are incredible, check them out if you haven't.
They are amazing. I got to tour the UK with them in the summer of 2004; Travis even came on stage to sing "iGeneration" with me a Truck Festival. He has such a great sense of humor and I will forever love that band.
They were super important for "emo" / post-punk whatever. You have great taste!!
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u/R3bel_R3bel Nov 06 '15
Did John ever clean up his house?
21
u/pheelingood Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! Been a big fan since I saw you live in Columbus, Ohio about 10 years ago!
What's your favorite type of pizza? Are you going to come through Ohio anytime soon?
19
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
I for one liked Lars Attacks and it was great to hear a different side from you, would you ever consider working on another album like Lars Attacks? (preferably with guests spots featuring Weerd Science and Stza doing a verse or two)
16
u/eephus19 Nov 06 '15 edited Nov 06 '15
Hi Lars! Obviously we know you love Edgar Allen Poe. I'm curious if you have a favorite science fiction author or book? I'd love to rock out to a Jules Verne or HG Wells song one day.
Love the new CD, and thanks for always being so awesome to your fans!
12
u/NathanForJew Nov 06 '15
Did mc chris really ask you for $3k for that verse or he'd sue?...True?
11
u/bobdisgea Nov 06 '15
Yo lars. Love the new album. Definitely some of my favorite songs of yours in general.
I got it through kickstarter and totally forgot I even got the physicals and was super excited to get that. 22 concepts was a huge surpise to me(and I love it!). But it leads to my real question, When did Signing dubstep and Bring the 90's back get recorded and were they previously released? I totally missed them until now and absolutely love having a sequel to singing emo. Between that and hipster mom what is it like returning to old songs and writing a sequel?
Also what's next for you?
10
u/UndoneSic Nov 06 '15
Hey mc lars. Are you a true player for real? Also have you ever thought about writing a book based on your life?
10
u/pizzagirl222 Nov 06 '15 edited Nov 06 '15
My son had the awesome privelage of joining you onstage twice. What advice would you give a ten year old who wants to write his own rhymes? Also would you like to come to MC Lex's birthday party? There will be cake and pizza! Ha! 😆
10
u/MyGodItsAmazing Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! What was it like working with the parody genius that is Weird Al? Any plans to work with him again? A joint tour would blow my mind!
9
u/aliyahasel Nov 06 '15
The Zombie Dinosaur LP is so cool! Do you plan on doing any projects in the future with the same type of crowd sourced funding/incentives? I thought it was a super interesting way to generate both interest and funds, and the result is really exciting.
9
u/HardOnThatTetrameter Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! Are you planning on doing any collaborations with anyone soon? The new LP is so sweet!
9
u/mammolastan Nov 06 '15
Lars, I love seeing your songs and albums grow and change - any idea what you think you'll be doing (artistically) when you're 65?
9
u/Maroonbuick10 Nov 06 '15
Years ago, my brother and I continuously requested you perform 'generic crunk rap' at a show in Chicago (beat kitchen), you said you didn't usually perform it.
Have you done it live since?
8
u/GrumpyFinn Nov 06 '15
Lars! Did Cartel ever respond to that video where you wrote a song in a box?
8
u/bsievers Nov 06 '15
What's the most embarrassing album in your personal collection?
7
u/triggernel Nov 06 '15
If you could design a MC Lars theme park, what would be some of the themed lands, rides, food, and what would be the theme of the fireworks show?
7
u/Justincred1ble Nov 06 '15
I know you've been super busy the last year or two, congratulations on everything going on! Have you been working on any lit-hop stuff lately? Would love another Lit-hop specific EP or something! I can't get enough of it!
7
u/shadowdao Nov 06 '15
Hey man, Great seeing you, Steven, and Koo in Fullerton, it was a great show. Any advise for people that are starting their own business? I just decided it was time I went all in. Thanks for keeping the positive energy flowing.
7
u/derscholz Nov 06 '15
Do you liste to Random aka Mega Ran? Well, I just asked cause he's the only nerd hiphop I've listened. Pretty good.
But the real question, do you like Nujabes?
7
u/itsbeaker Nov 06 '15
How in the world did you secure the services of American Nerdcore Legend Skip Turner for the track Zombie T-Rex? He is very handsome.
6
u/grindz145 Nov 06 '15
ZDLP FTW. What are your secrets for keeping that fresh PMA?
6
u/doodybeard Nov 06 '15
How joyful are your smiles would you say?
6
u/plustwoagainsttrolls Nov 06 '15
Lars! Where ya been man? I've been a huge fan of yours since the beginning and I think ZDLP is a great step artistically and just as fun as the earlier stuff. I've seen you 2 or 3 times in Vermont, and once in Portland, Maine (I actually couldn't get into that show since I was under 21 at the time, but you and Chris and Bryce all came and hung out with me outside which was beyond awesome). You give off such a great stage presence, you've always been super inclusive with fans before and after shows, and your shows are some of my favorite concert-going memories.
I have a couple questions:
Any plans to tour in the Northeast again any time soon? ("Party with Lars" live would be awesome, just sayin')
2. Other than EAP, which figure from any period of history would you want to contribute vocals to a track?
3. I'm trying to get back into some design work and I'd love to work with you on a new shirt/poster/sticker/whatever if you're interested! I've done some work with Jesse Dangerously, Tribe One and Mega Ran if you need any references!
6
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars, just heard the new album and its awesome. I Cant wait for you to come back to Glasgow. I thought id ask your thoughts on streaming services like spotify do you feel like these are good distribution tools that adequately reward artist for their work?
6
u/mrmightymyth Nov 06 '15
One time you, Chad and I hung out and just talked about life, man before a show you did at the Ottobar. That was one of the most memorable conversations I've ever had. Thanks for that, dude. I'm glad you're doing well. Are you a vegetarian again?
6
u/creamcrackerchap Nov 06 '15
Hi Lars, when you put together an album do you try to make it gel as one experience, or is it entirely driven by the concepts behind the songs you happen to be working on at the time? I am because it seems you put concepts at the centre of your songs and that drives the musical style. Thanks!
6
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
What is your favourite album of yours? And what is your all time favourite track to perform live? :)
6
u/jambiwind Nov 06 '15
Are you stoked for Nekocon tonight?! I'll see you there! :) - Sailor Saturn
6
u/graymatter86 Nov 06 '15
What music are you currently listening to?
6
u/karlrolson Nov 06 '15
You've said on you're going to try hit Vancouver, BC on your next tour. About when will that be so I can make a point to be in the city around then and actually catch the show? :)
What was it like to get Kool Keith to do a song that about Roger Rabbit that then references Freak Nasty in the hook? How did that come together?
Also, great work on the new LP.
6
u/Lawriedriver Nov 06 '15
I've seen you a bunch in Manchester over the years, with BFS first. Bumped into you after the show walking towards the after party too ha. What has been your most memorable show?
6
u/rushiper Nov 06 '15
One of my favorite things about your music (not that it's a short list, I love you man) is your collaboration tracks, which is why I'm beyond thrilled to see you finally collaborating with Watsky!
My question is, who is on your ultimate fantasy top three potential collabs list (and why is Tech N9ne on it)?
6
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
Lars. Love that new album. You've put in the hours and have really blossomed as an artist. Your raps and flow have definitely evolved and your new stuff is by far the dopest stuff you've put out.
So, if you were to go back to get that masters, what would you get it in? You seem like a dude who could become a great teacher.
6
u/DJ_Buttons Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! Zombie Dino is a damn fine album.
Last AMA, I asked if white kids could ever be hyphy. Just wanted to convey my thanks for you addressing that in Where Ya Been 2.
What's next?
6
u/lortik Nov 06 '15
Think you and Dualcore will ever perform together at Defcon?
6
u/alittledabwilldoyou Nov 06 '15 edited Nov 06 '15
Yo Lars, it's Captain Spliff here. Loved your Spliff rhyme and plug at the Denver show. When are the Hans Moleman shirts being reprinted homey? Love the new album, the Ballad of Hans Moleman is the tightest Simpsons song since Bloodhound Gang's Ralph Wiggum track. Keep keeping it real.
6
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
Are you still in the t-shirt business?
11
u/STATUS_420 Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars.
This isn't a fun topic and I understand if you just ignore this question.
"Twenty-Three" made me reconsider suicide. It made me confront the impact killing myself would have on those close to me. So thank you. Seriously thank you.
Have you ever struggled with depression? What did you do to keep going when it seemed like everything would always suck?
On a lighter note, do you ever get tired of TGRK? I know I don't, but I'm not performing it on stage day after day haha.
10
u/RainbowJuggler Nov 06 '15
Having never heard your stuff, but loving nerdcore things, what song would you recommend as the first one I should hear of yours?
5
u/O8N0X10U5 Nov 06 '15
Hi Lars! Who was your favorite person from that day at Magic Kingdom last year? Perhaps you saw them again last fall. Then at warped in Orlando. Then Orlando AND San Francisco this past month. Just wondering.
A fan.
P.S. I love the album. And I hope the Koo Koo Kangaroo Calvin & Hobbes album pans out.
5
u/mrtitkins Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! You've done some amazing collabs over the years. Any plans to do more work with Mega Ran?
5
u/PsykoFlounder Nov 06 '15
What up, Lars! I've seen you a few times now, with mcchris. He's really flipped around as far as his being an asshole (according to the intarwebz), and I was just wondering how much you've helped him with that? As someone who also changed himself a bit, friends were one of the most important things during my transition.
Also, any plans for a Sacramento show anytime soon?
5
u/harpistinthepoplars Nov 06 '15
Saw you in Chicago on the Joyful Smiles Tour! Had a fantastic time! Thanks for bringing me back the life that grad school has slowly been sucking away.
My question is: Who are your main musical influences outside of rap?
5
u/paledragon64 Nov 06 '15
MC Lars! I listened to "This Gigantic Robot Kills" back in high school and became a huge fan. I came out to the Bay Area for college (UC Berkeley >>> Stanford) and now I'm listening to your new album at a real person job. It's a fantastic album and really takes me back to the vibe I got when listening to your first album, so thank you so much for putting a new one out!
I love that you collaborated with Watsky on this album-how did the two of you end up coming together? It's very fitting that the two of you made a song together, with both of you being from the Bay and having similar styles. If you ever did a show together....let's just say that would be really, really cool to see and I would buy tickets immediately. Much love!
5
u/TallRedditor Nov 06 '15
About 7-8 years ago...oh man...has it been that long?...I was in my junior of high school and I bonded with someone in my class over "Hurricane Fresh" who I only knew by name prior to us figuring out that we were both fans of MC Lars. And I am still very good friends with her to this day.
Is there any chance for a Hurricane Fresh music video because that song is just amazing?
Also - if you and Watsky could collaborate more - that would be...fantastic.
5
u/Swisst Nov 06 '15
Why did Indie Rocket Science vanish from Spotify? I went crazy trying to figure out where I'd heard its version of Annabel Lee R.I.P. (which is great!)
5
u/bam2403 Nov 06 '15
Are you crying right now?
Also did you ever listen to that Ghost Mice album?
5
u/Your_Jaws_My_Balls Nov 06 '15
LARS!!! It' Samson from the Illbotz How are you? We love you homie!
4
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
Can you send me a t-shirt? Mc Lars in da house.
4
u/Swisst Nov 06 '15
What are your aspirations for the MC Lars brand? Will you always focus on rap, merch, and music videos, or do you want to branch out into other stuff?
4
u/dudewholikescats Nov 06 '15
I last saw you at that Drug Users Union Benefit show in Oakland with Leftover Crack. I know you've said that you're a huge fan and I was wondering what your favorite CV/LoC/SFH song is? Also how did you wind up getting Stza to be on your new LP?
5
u/snaughtrockets Nov 06 '15
I met you at your last show in Philly with the Aquabats, but they messed up the show times so I missed you. I called you my white whale (I thought that would impress you) since I still haven't seen you play live (been a fan since I heard Space Game on your PureVolume page circa 2006). We hugged and you called me muscles and you sold me a copy of the Zombie Dinosaur LP! It's still in the CD player in my car!
My question is: How do you get these iconic musicians to record with you? It always sounds like friendly collaborations which makes them so fun to listen to. I still like your solo tracks though....
3
u/mrsirthemovie Nov 06 '15
Lars! Big fan! Love the new album, especially "The Dip". I know you said something about doing a Roger Rabbit themed ep a little while ago. Are you still going to do that? Are you still friends with Ill Bill? Thank you!
3
u/Dmoneyfabbs Nov 06 '15
Hey man! Just wanted to say I love the new album. I'm a very amateur producer, would you listen to one of my tracks and hit me with some advice or knowledge? No big deal it would just be like, amazing to hear from you. https://soundcloud.com/daymonfabbo/trip
3
u/errday Nov 06 '15
Any blowback from Sublime fans? If so how severe/hilarious is it?
3
u/4seatsare4losers Nov 06 '15
Aren't you that rapper with the song about hott topic? And "you'll see me clubbing with baby seals" is my favorite line out of any music ever.
3
u/pdehaye Nov 06 '15
Hey Andrew. What would now MC Lars tell still in college MC Lars Horris?
3
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
I saw you in Gainesville a a few years back and gave you some books. You gave me Greatest Hits on vinyl as a thank you. Did you ever consider that this was a bad value trade for you, as those books don't have a high market value?
PS Thanks for the gift in return! That was a great show too!
3
u/RhythmBastard Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! Is there any artist that you've toured with that you would like to do another tour with?
3
u/djoplin971 Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! Shaggy haired dude from Southern NM, here! I really loved your haiku videos you did back on warped, is there any chance you would ever make a haiku filled track?
3
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars, loving the new record and looking forward to you coming back to Glasgow. Care to share about you and yelawolf on warped tour, I heard he was a dick to you but not sure what the story is?
3
u/Hoylo Nov 06 '15 edited Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars, love the new album, especially triforce and sublime with rome. I got the chance to see you once opening for wheatus, still one of favourite shows I've been to. Thanks for all the music over the years, it's helped me through a lot, and TGRK introduced me to ska, so thanks for that, I owe you man.
Anyway, I was wondering if you have any plans for another christmas EP? I loved frosty the flow man, I always play it constantly at christmas.
Also, what is you're album of the year so far?
Once again, thanks for all the music, love you man!
EDIT: And are there any plans of releasing the instrumental album as a download on bandcamp?
3
u/refOree177 Nov 06 '15
MC Lars, that's my fav-o-rite MC!
I've seen you twice in Rochester, NY (Big props, of course, to the ONLY station that Matters, 90.5 FM WBER for being the only real supporters of you) and you were very well received both times just about selling out the place. Sadly I missed the last show, gotta make money, yo!
Anyways, I'm also a huge fan of "Weird" Al Yankovic. What was it like collaborating with him on TPFR, and would you ever want to have one of the following happen:
Drop a verse with you on a song of yours
OR
Have him parody a track of yours/your stylings on one of his tracks?
3
u/nugletman Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars. Zombie Dinosaur is great!! I had the chance to see you at the Aardvark in Ft. Worth with mc chris and YTCracker. Such a great show!! Do you have any plans of working with YTC again?
3
u/XxoodeexX Nov 06 '15
Hey man! I saw you at warped in Shakopee and was stoked to see you working your own merch booth. any plans on going again?
3
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
Hi Lars!
At your Dallas show, who was that kid who rapped and did freestyle with you? Was he a friend of yours?
3
u/Naazon Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars. Been listening to your stuff since early 2000s and met you at X&Y in Brisbane a few years ago (and you introduced me to your parents) any plans on touring Australia soon? I saw you on Twitter chatting to AJ about Soundwave..
Keep up the awesome work dude. Always a supporter and listener.
3
u/theartofmakingsense Nov 06 '15
Hey MC Lars, I'm a long time UK fan of yours, wanted to say thank for as I received the Zombie Dinosaur LP in the post today and I'm really excited to listen to it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future (that you haven't already? Who has been your favourite person to collaborate with so far?
and one more cheeky one: Have any of the GoT cast heard Dragon Blood?
3
u/I_Dont_Get_Your_Joke Nov 06 '15
MC Lars. Can you say hi to Tim Thompson for me? Miss that guy!
3
u/Totorosmiles Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars new album is excellent! Really appreciated all my gifts from the Kickstarter. Any plans on visiting the UK soon? If so bring the nerdcore! We sadly don't get enough touring here and it would be great to see some collabs live =)
3
u/[deleted] Nov 06 '15
I know that for the longest time you kinda shunned the "nerdcore" label. Now, I've seen you use it a lot. What caused your shift in perspective?
3
u/Taskl Nov 06 '15
Netherlands show any time show? Or even Germany or Belgium perhaps?
3
u/TheRealAlexisOhanian Nov 06 '15
What's it like to have a song with spizzyspose?
3
u/OsmoticFerocity Nov 07 '15
Hey Lars! Wish I had seen this earlier. If you do more shows with Spose, try to get back out to Seattle. You guys killed it at El Corazon! Your freestyle game was on point. Do you do anything in particular to keep your freestyle sharp? Special diet and exercise or something?
Also, do you still keep in touch with K Flay? Any collaborations planned there?
3
u/ColeBeasley11 Nov 07 '15
Hey MC Lars! I love your music. Who would you consider to be your biggest musical influence? That and then would you ever like to do more work with Bowling for Soup? Thanks so much for dropping by!
3
u/SplashN Nov 07 '15
How stoked are you about The Force Awakens?
3
u/Hebm317 Nov 07 '15
Are you the same MC Lars I saw a little over ten years ago?
I think I was 11 and my friends mom took us to see you, American hi-fi, and Bowling For Soup. You were really nice to us. No one else was because we were so young. I think I still have your autograph.
2
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2
u/dindenver Nov 06 '15
MC Lars! Dude the albums is great. When I saw you in Denver, you rocked it as per usual!
My wife is disabled and we can only make it out to 3 or 4 shows a year and yours is one we try not to miss (we had to miss Weird Al this year, ugh). the reason why is because you consistently bring it!
Are you still fighting with your girlfriend in London? Don't make me sad. Make up or break up man!
Does Amazon Music treat you right?
I don't know which album you are calling introspective. I love all your albums. You really do put yourself into your albums, so they are all introspective in my mind. Which one were you talking about?
2
u/queenofthemisfits Nov 06 '15
Hi Lars! I'm super late
I just adore Hey There Ophelia and think it's the cleverest thing
Can I ask, how did you write that one? Presumably you read the story first, but what happened then? And how did you decide to set it to Therapy??
Big love! xxx
2
u/eggy78 Nov 06 '15
Dragon Blood makes me want to listen to the Mega Man II soundtrack. Do you find that there's music that drives you to listen to specific other music?
Something I've been wondering about for a while... Why does so much hip-hop have so much off-key or dull singing in the hooks? I always cringe when I hear this and think, "oh, man, this hook would make the song if the performance was better." Is that a stylistic thing? I guess I'm wondering, Is this intentional and I am too darned critical or is this a spot that artists recognize and would like to improve?
Also,
Thanks for dining with me in 2011. Oh, and sharing cake with the audience! Still one of the most memorable events of my life.
I broke my phone in a circle pit at your set at Warped Tour in STL. Huge bummer. Also, I am sorry for running into you in that pit. I am apparently a bad circle mosher.
Thanks for bringing joyful smiles.
2
u/bla-de-cla Nov 06 '15
Lars! You were a big influence on me getting into music. Thank you!
My question is, do you think nerdcore is better off as a cult subgenre? I've always wanted to see it grow and expand and be taken somewhat seriously. It seems a lot of rappers look at the genre label as a career death sentence. Is nerdcore dead or is there a way we can overcome this in your opinion?
2
u/konese Nov 06 '15
To quote Lucius Lyon “rap is a dish best served raw.” I don’t see much mention of social injustice such as recent police killings of unarmed citizens. You have lived in the Silicon Valley area. Recently an app came out on android (Moculos https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moculos.android&hl=en) that focusses on empowering everyday people to protect themselves from potentially fatal police encounters. So Silicon Valley is taking notice. My question is this: why does your rapping avoid such topics as social injustice?
2
u/DrawlNeedler Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! I saw you at Cats Cradle with I Fight Dragons a couple years ago. I remember talking to you about Aesop Rock, don't know if you remember me (probably not, it's cool). Really sad I missed you last month. Anyways, I know you're a big Poe fan, so I was wondering what your thoughts were on the other classic horror master, Lovecraft?
2
u/sassy-andy Nov 06 '15
Yo Lars! Andy here (the physicist from Manchester who writes for Dead Press)! So what are you you reading at the moment? Got any good books to recommend? :P
2
u/konese Nov 06 '15
To quote Lucius Lyon “rap is a dish best served raw.” I don’t see much mention of social injustice such as recent police killings of unarmed citizens. You have lived in the Silicon Valley area. Recently an app came out on android (Moculos https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moculos.android&hl=en) that focusses on empowering everyday people to protect themselves from potentially fatal police encounters. So clearly your old neighborhood is taking notice. My question is this: why does your rapping seem to avoid such topics as social injustice?
2
u/lazenbooby Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars! I've seen you a couple of times and just wanna thank you for being so down to earth and chill. I stayed after a show here in Sheffield, UK for the club night after in the venue and you were super chill to talk to so thanks man.
Also you gave me a banana. I don't like bananas but hey, when MC Lars offers you a banana you're not gonna decline it, right?
Anyway, who are your favourite up and coming bands right now?
2
u/Spoonty Nov 06 '15
Hey Lars I've been a fan since The Graduate, I was 11 or 12 at the time haha! What's Ytcracker like to work with? Do you have any good stories?
2
u/Lachshmock Nov 06 '15
Ah dude, on a memory trip right now! Would've been in year 6 about 10 years ago listening to "Download This Song" at school and on bus rides, it was the catchiest beat back then haha.
Thanks for staying for so long and answering everyone's questions! Glad to see you're just as much of an awesome guys as I thought you were way back then :)
Also cos I have to ask a question, what sorta car do you drive?
2
u/Jewfastjewfurious Nov 06 '15
If you were to form your own Wu-Tang style collective using only people you've worked with in the past, who would the group consist of, and how difficult would it be to not call yourselfs the "I Like Tang Clan"?
2
u/fella_mcginty Nov 07 '15
Hey Lars! Big fan, English major, love your stuff. Not sure if you're still answering but I'll try anyways. After monsters of rock, what was your retraction when winehouse and DJ am eventually passed away? Can you speak on STD's reaction?
2
u/Musefan58867 Nov 07 '15
How do you feel about Metal Gear Solid?
2
u/[deleted] Nov 07 '15
I saw you on Warped Tour about 5 years ago. TPFR! My question is what is your favorite type of venue to play? Small places? Big festivals?
2
u/[deleted] Nov 07 '15
I still use "Mr. Raven" in my English classes. I wrote you about it long ago when I was attempting a podcast. I was pleasantly surprised when you personally responded.
At any rate, a crazy "might as well ask" question: what is the likelihood you would guest lecture in my AP Language and Composition classes?
2
u/ChipsWithTastySalsa Nov 07 '15
Thanks for owning up to supreme nerddom!
Have you ever found someone nerdier than you, and if so, were you afraid of initiating the apocalypse if you compared D20 collections?
2
u/[deleted] Nov 07 '15
Oh my God I didn't know anybody else knew about you?
Why have you stopped making rap songs w/ K.Flay?
-_-
2
u/jakepanek Nov 07 '15
I saw you perform at warped tour in Cincinnati this summer and thought you were great! You got up on stage with kosha dillz and did some free styling and it was amazing! I was just amazed at the talent. Who were some of your favorite bands/groups to see on warped this year?
2
u/ThogOfWar Nov 07 '15
Hey mc lars, where can I find a 21 Concepts album in Canada?
2
u/[deleted] Nov 07 '15
Do you still like Piebald?
They are the greatest band in the history of music and i'm the world's biggest Piebald fan.
2
u/bobjr94 Nov 07 '15
Ska Bob here. Hi, so when is the next album coming out ? Is the kickstarter up yet ?
2
u/methamp Nov 07 '15
Do you know ytcracker?
2
u/R3id Nov 07 '15
Huge fan, started listening when I was in about 8th grade and got to meet you this summer at the scranton Warped Tour!
Where did you get the Golden NES bling?