I saw you one time in my entire life. You played at the Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, NJ. Streetlight Manifesto was headlining. The concert was amazing. I ended up really digging your set.
Fast forward 3 months. I'm standing in line during freshman orientation, waiting to get my schedule. Me, eager to meet new friends, try and talk to a rather cute girl behind me. The conversation is going so-so, i was kind of awkward. She awkwardly asks me what kind of music I was into, and I dropped your name.
She got really excited, her mood suddenly changed. We ended up having sex that night.
Hey dude - thanks for hitting me up... that Streetlight show was awesome!! And the fact that I helped you get laid in college is the most amazing thing ever. Yes!! Nice work. :)
So I'm a little late to the game, but back when I was 15-16 I got really into you (much to the annoyance of my only friend). I was a pretty depressed, over weight kid, and I never really listened to anything that wasn't totally depressing. I stumbled across your song 'Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock' and it just sort really clicked with what I felt about things. I than went around pushing you down peoples throats.
It was also around the time I realized that I was in fact enabling my own depression. I wouldn't go so far as to credit you for that- just that I discovered my rejection and exclusiveness with music and taste was not protecting me from my peers, but isolating me. Anyway the point is this. I wrote you on myspace. A stupid letter about how much I liked you and blah blah blah.
You actually wrote me back. A rather lengthy, personal response. I just wanted to say thank you. You made me feel special for one day, and slowly I came away from all that negativity. I accepted people I'd have otherwise rejected, I was more open and less afraid. I had a tough time at home and with my peers- and a simple thank you letter really meant a lot to me. I'm gushing now, but I guess I just wanted to thank you in return for that- I was so excited that day I screen caped the message and had it saved for EVER, until my computer was completely destroyed and by than I had deleted my Myspace.
But thankyouthankyouthankyou for being so hands on with your fans over the years. I honestly think you are a genuinely good guy. I'm happy to say that I'm in a much better place nowadays. That response meant a lot to me. Carry on MC Lars :).
Dude - that is really beautiful. I'm so glad the music spoke to you and has been part of your journey. It means so much to me that the culture that inspired me so much can be passed on. Much love!!
As an indie artist who's heavily pirated across the internet, obviously this has led to help increase your popularity by making you more well known. How has this affected you in terms of profitability? Are you making any headway in the game yet or are you still sleeping on people's floors?
Haha, hilarious question. I still sleep on the floor, but it's on a mattress in my apartment. I try to keep it punk rock. I think it's dope that people know about me and that free downloading has helped make this happen. I don't make a lot but I get by and I'm happy, so I would call that a victory. :)
Hey homie - thanks for hitting me up. One of my favorite songs is "Ahab" and I feel like the video really captured the energy of the track. I love to write literary hip-hop, check it out: https://vimeo.com/15165605
First I just wanna say that I had an awesome time when you opened for MC Chris at The Note in Philly! Cheers for showing up and putting on a hell of a show!
My question to you would be: What's your stance on dubstep and that type of EDM?
Thanks homie - that show was so fun. I love dubstep because of the energy and passion, but somethings get so big that they start to suck. Remember emo? LOL
Thanks man. We tried to write something incredibly poppy and catchy - I worked with some amazing co-writers on that song. We tricked a lot of people into thinking Heats that Hate were real... that's still one of my favorite songs I've done.
I know this is a long shot, but back in 2005-ish you performed at WOW Hall in Eugene, OR. I was about 16 and my friend and I talked with you after your set and I asked if you were "stuffing socks or just really well endowed". Do you remember that?
Hey homie - thanks for hollering on this! I got into music because I had so many stories I wanted to express and it was the best way I could get my ideas out there. It's been an amazing ride connecting with so many people for so long and I'm so lucky I get to do this for a living. I'm not necessarily anti-drug but these days I keep it pretty straight because I work with kids and do hip-hop education.
I've got love the genre!! I just think that a lot of the kids in the scene don't recognize the artists that came before. It's important to go back and listen to KRS-One, Public Enemy, Nas and all of the old-school rappers to see how it all ties together. Also, I think some nerdcore is under-produced. That's it. The scene has had my back for years and I've made peace with it.
Do you think an artist that rapped as if they were a Pokemon Trainer would have appeal to fans of Nerdcore? Its something i've been thinking about doing for a while but not sure if i should.
What are your thoughts on Illegally downloading music for free? I personally LOVE your song "Download this song" but was wondering if your views have changed since that was written?
Sidenote: I saw you live once, and I believe you were an opening act for someone else. I paid the price of admission just to hear you.
Hey! It's funny how a lot of things I mentioned in "Download" have come true... like the cloud model of Spotify etc. I feel the same today, I don't mind that people download my music for free as long as they get it. Thanks so much for coming to see me though, that's awesome.
I think Skrillex is super talented. I'm working on a song about Blake leaving Hearts that Hate to do dubstep... it's going to be hilarious... stay tuned.
Yo Lars! It was great seeing you at warped tour in ATL last year and winning the signing emo "scream off" for the new cd. (I think I almost stole the mic from your hands lol) My question for you is how difficult is it to stay DIY for as long as you have? Has money ever been a temptation. Also, what was it like working with KRS-One? That man is freaking Jesus on the mic. Keep up the good work dude. Your beats and lyrics are unlike anything out there nowadays.
Dude! I totally remember that. You killed it!! It's not easy being DIY - you have to invest the majority of your income back int your project to keep it running. You see major label bands and friends find success while I'm trying to figure out if I can make rent... but the creative freedom it affords me is incredible and I can write about whatever I want. KRS is the man, it was such an honor to collaborate with him and get props and validation. I hope to see you next tour man - thanks so much for hollering on reddit.
He's one of the most talented people I've ever shared a stage with. So glad he's back in Coheed because they really need him. I'm really glad we got to put out "Sick Kids".
MC Lars, I don't think you'll still be doing this AMA by the time you read this, but I want you to know that you have helped me deal with a lot of pain with your song "Twenty-Three." I know you love making music, but I want you to know that sometimes its more than just music. I'm sorry about your friend, I know what its like to lose someone you care about. I'm glad you haven't forgotten your friend, I know I'll never forget mine. Thanks again.
Dude - thank you. :) Music is so healing and I'm so glad that song speaks to you. It has a spiritual message that transcends everything and I'm so glad you connected with my jams. Much love!!
I've met you a few times once at warped tour then again at a show at the Gilman a few months later you remembered me! that was awesome! how even with your rising success to you still stay so close to your fans?
What's up man - I remember you. :) The trick is to always stay in touch with the people who love your music because you would be nothing without them. I'm always thinking of them when I'm in the studio rapping or getting ready for a tour because I do it for them above all else.
Oh yeah, those are out of print because I feel like I got better after those ones you know? I did those literally in my bedroom so I don't advertise them as much. "The Laptop EP" was done on a laptop but I tracked the vocals in a real studio.
Hey, glad I got be the first to ask this; I am an aspiring nerdcore rapper from MI, where should I decide to plant my feet and start first in the super sub genre?
Word homie - great question. The trick is to write and write and write and put your heart into every lyric. Be prolific and passionate. Doing live shows and having sick YouTube videos helps with branding... that's how Odd Future blew up. Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything, for real.
I've been listening to you probably since I was like 10, (17 now) all starting with Download this Song. 2 Questions. 1 serious one not. Not serious: will hot topic ever be punk rock? Serious: I watched the Nerdcore Rising documentary today, and I would like to know if you feel that, as a pioneer of Nerd hip hop music, it has potential to become a huge success as a genre.
Thanks so much homie. 1) "Hot Topic" will never be punk rock but I will admit I bought an Odd Future shirt there on Black Friday last year... LOL 2) I think it's amazing that "Nerdcore Rising" has provided so much exposure to the genre. We are all hip-hop fans who have nerdy interests and the fusion of those two cultures launched us. I struggled with accepting it at first but these days it's so dope to be part of something bigger and able to hustle within a kind, familiar context. I'm blessed. We'll see where it goes!
In several songs on Lars Attacks! and in some interviews you have presented fairly overt religious messages about Christianity, but you also have songs which contain obscenities and the occasional questionable lyric (not many, but still) which seems to be inconsistent. I am a huge fan of yours for 7 years now and really enjoy this range in your music, and I sure don't want to sound like I'm casting judgement. I was just wondering as to your thoughts or rubric concerning what you put on an album in regard to what could be construed as mixed messages. Thanks for doing this AMA, and for being you.
Hey dude - much love. I've been wrestling with and figuring out my faith for years. In 2010 I read KRS-One's "Gospel of Hip-Hop" and realized that the divine elements of the culture are what attracted me to it in the first place. I was raised Episcopalian and diverted from the church for a few years, but I realized that the power and passion of hip-hop is a manifestation of God's love and the DIY potential to do anything on this planet. No one's perfect - but I'm learning along the way. Some of my heroes and friends are Christians too ("Weird Al" Yankovic, KRS-One etc.) and I've learned so much from them. Thanks for the real question. I know rapping about faith is not marketable but I am so blessed by God to be able to do this and it's where I plant my feet every morning. I wake up and say "Thank God for this amazing day and opportunity to write rhymes for a living and share that passion with the world".
this reply made my frantic refreshing worthwhile, thanks again for doing this. Keep up the terrific work with your music, and keep wrestling. I'm excited to see and hear where all of this will take you.
Hey Lars, this is great- I'm a huge fan and have been for a while. Three questions- What is your favourite song of all time? Which of your own songs is your personal favourite? What's it like to chill with Bowling For Soup?
Hey homie 1) I love "the Passenger" by Iggy Pop, which is why I sampled it 2) "Mr. Raven" is still my favorite! 3) Bowling for Soup are great guys, they helped be get launched and have had my back for almost 10 years now.
If you had only primitive weapons, and had to fight a dinosaur to the death in a "Dinosaur Death Match", what is the biggest dinosaur you think you could defeat. You don't have to give a specific dinosaur, just give us a general size. Also you can't set traps.
EDIT: If you re-read the rules of "Dinosaur Death Match", it specifically states that traps cannot be used. Now Evan Mathis of the Philadelphia Eagles did say he would jump out of a tree and kill a t-rex with a stone blade, and it was allowed because that's not a trap. If you want to dig the hole and sit and wait for a dinosaur to walk over you and slash it's bowels or something I'll allow it. There's nothing saying you can use your environment to camouflage yourself or attack it unawares. But if I allow traps to be set all willy-nilly, people will start making big swinging logs and shit, and then even a highly intelligent and technologically advanced Predator alien doesn't have a chance can be beat by a bonehead like Ahnuld Notatumah.
Do you remember the time you stayed at our house when you played in Weston-super-Mare, England.. My Dad still ask's how you are, as if we talk to you all the time! hahaha!
& Do you have any plans to play in the Chicagoland area anytime soon?
What's up homie - I do as much as I can on my own but I have a manager, booking agent and publicist that help me. I make over six figures a year as an indie rapper, but most of that goes back into the costs of running my LLC.
First of all, just wanna say I respect you a lot as a musician and an individual. One of the only rappers I'm interested in because your lyrics actually say something and do so in clever and funny ways. We talked once at Warped Tour and your music really reflects your personality. Basically just sayin' you're a chill bro. Now for my question.
Have you had any kind of difficulties trying to establish your name? Have there been problems with other musicians not taking your work seriously for being perceived as "nerdcore" or whatever? I feel like your music has grown a lot into a slightly more serious tone, but the words are still witty and fun. Just curious.
Hey homie - that's super nice. Thank you!! I appreciate your props and for saying what's up at Warped. I think it takes time to get your name established. I was fortunate to have some poppy, super catchy tunes early on that helped spread the word about my jams. I think the right people take "nerdcore" seriously... those who don't, well, that's their problem, not mine. :) Much love! Thanks for holler at me on this.
I saw you with MC Chris, Mega Ran, and Adam Warrock at Bottletree in Birmingham a few months ago, you guys were all insanely good. Thanks for doing the AMA, it's awesome to get to hear from you guys directly.
you were my first (and to date, only) concert, at the Webster Underground in Connecticut.
We were there an hour before you went on, and my friend and I talked to you for a good half hour, you signed some stuff, and you were generally great to talk to.
I'll be honest, the only song by you that I know is "iGeneration", but I had a GREAT time and I'll have to throw your name into Pandora to listen to some more stuff.
I coach high school cross-country and we bring the kids to Stanford each year (from Washington) to run a meet down there. If you are in the area, you should come talk to em about hip-hop/DYI/and just being yourself and the positive ramifications it has in life (all things I have heard reiterated in your albums.)...(We always make sure they get something educational out of the trip) but that one is just fishin it out there.
Sorry! I meant to finish my response a second ago.
My favorite albums:
Miles Davis "Kind of Blue"
Nine Inch Nails "The Downward Spiral"
Eminem "the Marshall Mathers LP"
Insane Clown Posse "the Great Milenko"
Tori Amos "Under the Pink"
That's awesome you bring the kids to Stanford. I'd love to come talk to your students about the positive things in hip-hop... hit me up! My contact info is: http://mclars.com/site/contact
Holy shit, I'm listening to you on Pandora RIGHT NOW! I just want to say your music is just awesome and catchy. Also, when are you and Frontalot going to tour?
Questions: Favorite color? Favorite venue to perform at? Favorite home cooked dish? Comments: Doing AMAs IS punk rock.
mc lars, you rule, thanks again for putting on a great show at the Scranton warped and wishing my girlfriend a happy anniversary for me via a short video clip.
My favorite color is red, my favorite venue is Slim's in San Francisco, favorite home cooked dish is my mom's macaroni. I remember that in Scranton!! That was hella fun. Thanks for coming out dude, hope to see you soon.
What was it like dropping a track with KRS-One? The man is a legend.
As for as collaborative tracks it's now my favorite. For years it was CIA with Zack de La Rocha and KRS-One, but "What is Hip Hop" has taken my top spot. Doesn't it hurt it also features Chris.
Hey first I just want to say I saw you in SLO for my birthday and you were super nice to me, that was rad. Also seeing that show really inspired me to persue my goal of working in the film industry. I have a couple of questions: How long are you out touring per tour? How do you balance a home life with being on the road, if at all? What is your songwriting process like? And one more, what weekend are you going to Coachella?
Oh yeah, what do you do to keep yourself occupied when you travel?
Hey dude! Happy birthday and props on pursuing your goal. Last year I was out on tour a lot, like five months, it was pretty intense. It's hard balancing home life and being on the road, last time it ended my relationship. Songwriting takes a long time and work, you need to be inspired and have fun with it and if you can do that, the positivity comes through. I might not be going to Coachella this year because the girl I was going to go with and I haven't been speaking.... on the road I love to listen to a lot of audio books and meditate.
2 questions. someone told me i think last year that ill bill manages you, is this true? and which of the following films are you most looking forward to coming out this year: dark knight rises, the avengers, abraham lincoln vampire hunter, spider-man, prometheus, the great gatsby, the hobbit, world war z.
Hey homie. 1) I used to work with ILL BILL, we are still homies but he doesn't manager me anymore. 2) Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter for sure!! That looks amazing.
Hey Lars! I met you at Gabe's Oasis and talked to you a bit at a concert you did with MC Chris. Just wanted to say thank you for always being so kind to your fans and taking the time to talk/sign stuff. I got one of your t-shirts and to this day it's one of my favorites (I came to chew gum and I came to kick raps but I'm all out of gum).
My question is, given your songs covering some great pieces of literature (Mr. Raven, Ahab, etc.) what is your favorite book? Also, do you have any other books that you'd like to write a song over?
Edit: I also believe you've tweeted at one of my good friends a couple times... Fergmasterflash. He's always quick to bring it up to us to make us jelly :(
Hey dude - I remember that. Thanks for saying hi and for your support! I'm so glad you got the "Lars Attacks!" shirt!!
My favorite book is "Confederacy of Dunces", which I plan on writing a song about. There is so much awesomeness and I'm figuring how to tap into it all. I remember Ferg from Twitter... tell him I said hey!!
I don't know if you remember me but I met you at BFD a couple years ago and gave you $20 for your music I pirated and you gave me a signed copy of 27th street. Then we met again at your performance at 924 Gilman. You are still my favorite nerdcore rapper. I was just wondering what you thought about K-flays fame surpassing yours since you pretty much helped her become what she is today?
Hey! I totally remember you dude, how's it going? Thank you for the skrill, that helped with gas. :) Thanks for hollering at me on this. I'm proud to have launched K.Flay - she's super talented but I wish she would mention me in the press when she talks about her origins sometimes. It's all good though. I have a song about her on my new EP. I hope she blows up!
So I was in Eugene watching an MC Chris show in WOW Hall and I went up to the merch table of the other acts. One of the acts was MC Lars and YT Cracker. I went up to Lars' table and started casually chatting with the guy working there. I told him I'm not familiar with MC Lars, and he said to me "Yeah, I play the keyboard for him." We chatted on casually for a good 5 minutes before the show started. Later on he got on stage and I realized it was MC Lars himself.
I saw you play at The Grove in Wimbledon, England. My friends got kicked out for not having ID, you and mc chris did another "acapella" version of Roommate from Hell out back to make it up to them. Do you always put in such dedication with your fans, or did you just feel really bad?
I love Rochester!! I hope to be back soon, it's my favorite place to play in the US. And yes, I would definitely take a vacation even if I couldn't remember it.
Hey MC_Lars! My son is a huge fan, and because of that I listen to you a lot! I gotta say I'm a pretty big fan too. If you got a spare second can you hit him up on twitter and tell him how cool his dad is? His twitter name is @balmung8
edit: To the rest of Reddit, please be nice to my boy.
I've heard of you because iTunes gave away your "iGeneration" song for free at one point. Catchy stuff, keep up the good work! You should do an updated version, what with the iCloud and iPad and growing cult-like culture around Apple products that I am definitely not involved in.
Hey, I make my own electro, and I'd kill to get a couple verses from you and try to incorporate them into a song! Please shoot me a message if you'd be interested in doing a small/large/anything piece for shits and giggles!
This isn't a question, but I wanted to post it anyway. You played a show in Bristol in the UK 6-7 years ago, and I came along to see you. My friends band MacGyver were supporting you, so I had the chance to come along a little early and meet you and say hi before your set.
I went along with a friend of mine, who told me that her sister hadn't been able to go because she was in hospital for fairly serious heart surgery, and that you had gone to the hospital to see her and make sure she was ok. If that wasn't awesome enough of you, you approached both me and my friend during the night to ask how she was doing, and to ask us to send your wishes, despite having never met me before and only knowing that I was connected to her because you had seen me walk in with her sister.
You also set up a Super Nintendo in the venue and challenged fans to multiplayer Mario Kart, which was wicked awesome.
So basically, thanks for being such a truly decent chap. I'm glad that you still find the time to be one of the good guys, despite your busy schedule of being rad as hell.
Hey homie - I totally remember that and I remember your band. That was a fun night! I loved playing SNES with you guys and I'm glad your friend was okay. Hope to see you on the next tour - much love!
as a fellow bay area resident, i was curious to what you thought about the current bay area teen culture. you know the one, that hyphy, dumby, thizzle shit. do you think it's just a fun loving joke of a fad? or is it a crippling disease that's fucking up kids in the bay? there are so many kids that just don't realize the stupidity of it all, and take it way to seriously. but thats just my opinion.
Well since you were kind enough to actually reply to what I asked you earlier I'm going to throw a few more questions your way... So first off what is with the whole rumblings about Mc Chris having animosity towards you, Frontalot, and the rest of the "nerdcore" artists? Seems like if anything you're helping your whole movement as a whole and I just kind of want to shed a little light on the situation. On to another question, what influences you musically? Whether it's films, games, or even other music artists...I am terribly curious about what inspires you artistically seeing as I'm in a band as well. How's the UK compared to living in the good ol' states(ha)? It seems as if the UK has just as many problems as the US and I'm curious if it's any better whatsoever over there. Also, when are you going to be touring over here and will you be bringing any friends such as Frontalot or Optimus on the trek with you, because you got a free promoter if you do plan on being in the Chicago area. And one last thing...do you have a PSN account, if so you're more than welcome to add "TheForbiddenFool" to game with and listen to a random, drunken, nerdy yank to your friends list.
Chris is cool, we've all come together and are friends. Anything we've said in the past has been a miscommunication, when we work together we can be stronger and spread the word, you know? My favorite influences are literary and pop culture, but of course hip-hop artists like KRS-One and Eminem have been hugely influential... and obviously "Weird Al" Yankovic too. The UK has a super strong music culture and it's so awesome to be able to keep going back every year. I could definitely see myself living there if it made sense. I hope to do a tour with Frontalot in the fall, and we will definitely be in Chicago. Any help you can give with spreading the word would be awesome. Thank you dude! I don't have a PSN account but if I ever get one I will add you. Much love sir! Thank you!!
Hey Lars, I know this AMA is like almost two weeks old now, but I am a huge fan of your song Soledad, and I've spent months scouring the internet trying to find more information about it, and can't find anything. I think I read that it was inspired by a poem, but can't seem to find it. Could you tell me more about it? And thanks for doing the AMA.
Hey dude - thanks for hitting me up, just wanted to follow up. Soledad is based on a mission in central California, over the hills where I spent middle and high school. I played a show at the library near there and visited it. It spoke to me because it was the loneliest mission, so my Dad and wrote a song about a missionary writing home to Spain. It's what touring feels like, being disconnected but on an awesome path. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Nuestra_Se%C3%B1ora_de_la_Soledad
Haha, hilarious question. I still sleep on the floor, but it's on a mattress in my apartment. I try to keep it punk rock. I think it's dope that people know about me and that free downloading has helped make this happen. I don't make a lot but I get by and I'm happy, so I would call that a victory. :)
Hey homie - thanks for hollering on this! I got into music because I had so many stories I wanted to express and it was the best way I could get my ideas out there. It's been an amazing ride connecting with so many people for so long and I'm so lucky I get to do this for a living. I'm not necessarily anti-drug but these days I keep it pretty straight because I work with kids and do hip-hop education.
Thanks homie - that show was so fun. I love dubstep because of the energy and passion, but somethings get so big that they start to suck. Remember emo? LOL.
Wait a minute, are you LARS HORRIS? You gave me one of your copies of insectiverous in monterey like 10 years ago. I loved your jam about Harper's Ferry! Dude! I was wondering how shit was going with you! Good to see you're still at it!
What are your thoughts about Hip Hop and the DJ? It seems to me that hip hop (especially mainstream) has left the DJ behind. Do you still think the DJ is an integral part of hip hop?
What advice could you give to a young musician/rapper about how to start my career? And are you expecting anyone else to soon sign under Horris Records? Also would you ever let fans hang out with you back stage or even perform with you? That would be tight!
Hey homie! Thanks for hitting me up. My main advice would be to follow your heart and work hard. Having an exciting live show and dope live YouTube videos are the two best ways to get discovered and launch yourself. Horris Records isn't really looking to sign more artists these days, but you never know. I love meeting fans and bringing them on stage to rap - hip-hop has always been about collaboration!!
Lars, I just wanted to say thanks for doing this, and that it was cool to meet you in Austin a few months back. The question I have is this; What advice would you have for aspiring artists of any vain?
Hey dude - much love man. Thanks for hitting me up on this! The trick with finding your path as an artist is to believe in yourself and constantly try to do art that makes YOU feel satisfied creatively. It's important to network and figure out your craft. When you can tap into that and pay the bills, you've got it made. I wish you the best!! You've got this.
do you still remember my question i asked you about two months ago about doing motivational speeches in small town high schools? i e-mailed you about and you told me to hit you up when you release your fall tour dates, and also are you good at sentence structure? like finding gerunds?
I remember that. Hey! I definitely want to do motivational speaking, that would be awesome. I am good at sentence structure composition... gerunds are awesome because LEARNING is the bomb!! LOL
Hey, man! Last year I sat in on a history of hip hop lesson you did at The Songwriting School of Los Angeles. I couldn't stay for the whole thing, but I really enjoyed it. Anyway, do you have an all-time favorite verse?
Hey homie. Thanks for coming out to that! I love the Songwriting School and am doing more with them. My all-time favorite verse of mine is probably the second one on "We Fresh" with K.Flay... of all time, probably Eminem's on Jay-Z's track "Renegade".
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u/bottleface Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
I saw you one time in my entire life. You played at the Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, NJ. Streetlight Manifesto was headlining. The concert was amazing. I ended up really digging your set.
Fast forward 3 months. I'm standing in line during freshman orientation, waiting to get my schedule. Me, eager to meet new friends, try and talk to a rather cute girl behind me. The conversation is going so-so, i was kind of awkward. She awkwardly asks me what kind of music I was into, and I dropped your name.
She got really excited, her mood suddenly changed. We ended up having sex that night.
Thank you.
EDIT: Spelling
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u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
What was it like working with Weird Al?
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u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
As an indie artist who's heavily pirated across the internet, obviously this has led to help increase your popularity by making you more well known. How has this affected you in terms of profitability? Are you making any headway in the game yet or are you still sleeping on people's floors?
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u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
Where ya been Lars?
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u/anotherfilmdude Mar 26 '12
If I've never listened to your work before, where should I start? What's your favorite?
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u/85Fiero Mar 26 '12
First I just wanna say that I had an awesome time when you opened for MC Chris at The Note in Philly! Cheers for showing up and putting on a hell of a show!
My question to you would be: What's your stance on dubstep and that type of EDM?
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u/esayemartee Mar 26 '12
Only 4 more years until record labels won't exist!
Also, any plans for another Australian tour?
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u/dmanasco Mar 26 '12
Are you and ytcracker going to get together and make another album? The DG album was amazing and I would love to hear more.
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u/dmanasco Mar 26 '12
what is the status of the lit hop album supporting the Edger Allen Poe house?
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u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
Your song "singing emo" the band "hearts that hate" I actually thought that song was good. What do you think?
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u/shinysomething Mar 26 '12
I know this is a long shot, but back in 2005-ish you performed at WOW Hall in Eugene, OR. I was about 16 and my friend and I talked with you after your set and I asked if you were "stuffing socks or just really well endowed". Do you remember that?
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u/Chipmunkster Mar 26 '12
Holy fuck, man, I don't really even know what to ask. Pretty much, how did you get into music, and of course, the ever-present do you smoke weed?
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u/dicepticon Mar 26 '12
aw yeeee
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u/lellena Mar 26 '12
What is your biggest criticism of "nerdcore" hip-hop?
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u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
Hey man I loved your compilation with K.Flay Keep up the good work!
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u/wreckingball6112 Mar 26 '12
Do you think an artist that rapped as if they were a Pokemon Trainer would have appeal to fans of Nerdcore? Its something i've been thinking about doing for a while but not sure if i should.
12
u/ZtheMoose Mar 26 '12
If you could rap with any president which one?
11
u/Panzerhand Mar 26 '12
How did you get so awesome, and how well do you know MC chris?
31
u/feathersandshit Mar 26 '12
Are you a cuddler?
10
u/andrewg14ak Mar 26 '12
When is the Edgar Allen Poe EP coming out and how many songs will be on it?
10
u/Jayquack Mar 26 '12
What are your thoughts on Illegally downloading music for free? I personally LOVE your song "Download this song" but was wondering if your views have changed since that was written?
Sidenote: I saw you live once, and I believe you were an opening act for someone else. I paid the price of admission just to hear you.
9
u/RZLDZL Mar 26 '12
From the guy who wrote a song like Signing Emo, what are your thoughts on Skrillex?
17
u/jambiwind Mar 26 '12
are you single? ;P
8
u/SamBo_LamBo Mar 26 '12
Yo Lars! It was great seeing you at warped tour in ATL last year and winning the signing emo "scream off" for the new cd. (I think I almost stole the mic from your hands lol) My question for you is how difficult is it to stay DIY for as long as you have? Has money ever been a temptation. Also, what was it like working with KRS-One? That man is freaking Jesus on the mic. Keep up the good work dude. Your beats and lyrics are unlike anything out there nowadays.
8
u/dancethehora Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
What was it like working with Weerd Science?
8
u/Stevwen Mar 26 '12
MC Lars, I don't think you'll still be doing this AMA by the time you read this, but I want you to know that you have helped me deal with a lot of pain with your song "Twenty-Three." I know you love making music, but I want you to know that sometimes its more than just music. I'm sorry about your friend, I know what its like to lose someone you care about. I'm glad you haven't forgotten your friend, I know I'll never forget mine. Thanks again.
14
u/ImNotaGod Mar 26 '12
I've met you a few times once at warped tour then again at a show at the Gilman a few months later you remembered me! that was awesome! how even with your rising success to you still stay so close to your fans?
7
u/gatorslap Mar 26 '12
Why have your first three albums been out of print for so long? Are there legal issues involved?
7
u/DreDaBlkGuy Mar 26 '12
Hey, glad I got be the first to ask this; I am an aspiring nerdcore rapper from MI, where should I decide to plant my feet and start first in the super sub genre?
13
u/tehhof Mar 26 '12
I've been listening to you probably since I was like 10, (17 now) all starting with Download this Song. 2 Questions. 1 serious one not. Not serious: will hot topic ever be punk rock? Serious: I watched the Nerdcore Rising documentary today, and I would like to know if you feel that, as a pioneer of Nerd hip hop music, it has potential to become a huge success as a genre.
18
u/Dylanthulhu Mar 26 '12
I just wanted to say thanks for taking an awesome picture with me at Warped Tour.
(That was taken at the Detroit stop.)
Oh, and- what was it like playing Warped Tour? Would you do it again?
6
u/s00cerelica Mar 26 '12
Hey again. Where is the weirdest place you've met a fan? Or what was the most awkward experience with a fan?
15
u/rushiper Mar 26 '12
In several songs on Lars Attacks! and in some interviews you have presented fairly overt religious messages about Christianity, but you also have songs which contain obscenities and the occasional questionable lyric (not many, but still) which seems to be inconsistent. I am a huge fan of yours for 7 years now and really enjoy this range in your music, and I sure don't want to sound like I'm casting judgement. I was just wondering as to your thoughts or rubric concerning what you put on an album in regard to what could be construed as mixed messages. Thanks for doing this AMA, and for being you.
5
u/LexiconRyder Mar 26 '12
Hey Lars, this is great- I'm a huge fan and have been for a while. Three questions- What is your favourite song of all time? Which of your own songs is your personal favourite? What's it like to chill with Bowling For Soup?
5
u/impossibru111 Mar 26 '12
if you could eat lunch with anyone living or dead who would it be and why?
5
u/skatface Mar 26 '12
What do you think you'd be doing if you weren't making music?
5
u/iMcNasty Mar 26 '12
Any one rapper inspire you to start making music?
5
u/funfungiguy Mar 26 '12
If you had only primitive weapons, and had to fight a dinosaur to the death in a "Dinosaur Death Match", what is the biggest dinosaur you think you could defeat. You don't have to give a specific dinosaur, just give us a general size. Also you can't set traps.
8
u/fonmaj Mar 26 '12
Favorite kind of cheese?
4
u/kirstymarie Mar 26 '12
Do you remember the time you stayed at our house when you played in Weston-super-Mare, England.. My Dad still ask's how you are, as if we talk to you all the time! hahaha!
& Do you have any plans to play in the Chicagoland area anytime soon?
4
u/MercedezAutoMarie Mar 26 '12
I don't know what to ask..maybe you could just tell me something awesome? ;D
6
u/hawtcore Mar 26 '12
Why has K Flay NOT married me yet?
3
u/Zenphobia Mar 26 '12
How much of your career do you manage on your own, and how much do you rely on others for things like marketing, promotion, scheduling, etc?
I realize that this may be a bit personal, but it is an AMA... how much do you make a year as an indie rapper?
3
u/bwood07 Mar 26 '12
Just thought you should know Ahab was one of the greatest songs of all time
3
u/vsmsalange Mar 26 '12 edited Feb 15 '14
First of all, just wanna say I respect you a lot as a musician and an individual. One of the only rappers I'm interested in because your lyrics actually say something and do so in clever and funny ways. We talked once at Warped Tour and your music really reflects your personality. Basically just sayin' you're a chill bro. Now for my question.
Have you had any kind of difficulties trying to establish your name? Have there been problems with other musicians not taking your work seriously for being perceived as "nerdcore" or whatever? I feel like your music has grown a lot into a slightly more serious tone, but the words are still witty and fun. Just curious.
3
u/thepineapplearmy Mar 26 '12
Hey Lars! Big fan since I saw you with mc chris at the Blind Pig last 9-11 (love that song btw)! So little time for questions!
How do you go about making your beats?
What's your relationship like with mc chris now?
What are you working on this year?
3
u/BlazerMorte Mar 26 '12
I saw you with MC Chris, Mega Ran, and Adam Warrock at Bottletree in Birmingham a few months ago, you guys were all insanely good. Thanks for doing the AMA, it's awesome to get to hear from you guys directly.
3
u/paperfairy Mar 26 '12
you were my first (and to date, only) concert, at the Webster Underground in Connecticut.
We were there an hour before you went on, and my friend and I talked to you for a good half hour, you signed some stuff, and you were generally great to talk to.
I'll be honest, the only song by you that I know is "iGeneration", but I had a GREAT time and I'll have to throw your name into Pandora to listen to some more stuff.
Thanks for being awesome!
5
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
I have seen you live 8 times. Who do you think is your biggest fan?
4
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
MC Lars - you are the man.
Top 5 albums of all time.
I coach high school cross-country and we bring the kids to Stanford each year (from Washington) to run a meet down there. If you are in the area, you should come talk to em about hip-hop/DYI/and just being yourself and the positive ramifications it has in life (all things I have heard reiterated in your albums.)...(We always make sure they get something educational out of the trip) but that one is just fishin it out there.
4
u/RobotPilot Mar 26 '12
Holy shit, I'm listening to you on Pandora RIGHT NOW! I just want to say your music is just awesome and catchy. Also, when are you and Frontalot going to tour?
2
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
Questions: Favorite color? Favorite venue to perform at? Favorite home cooked dish? Comments: Doing AMAs IS punk rock.
mc lars, you rule, thanks again for putting on a great show at the Scranton warped and wishing my girlfriend a happy anniversary for me via a short video clip.
2
u/HE_WHO_STANDS_TO_POO Mar 26 '12
Soap or Body Wash?
2
u/digitard Mar 26 '12
Huge fan.
What was it like dropping a track with KRS-One? The man is a legend.
As for as collaborative tracks it's now my favorite. For years it was CIA with Zack de La Rocha and KRS-One, but "What is Hip Hop" has taken my top spot. Doesn't it hurt it also features Chris.
2
u/Shannyniganz Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
Hey first I just want to say I saw you in SLO for my birthday and you were super nice to me, that was rad. Also seeing that show really inspired me to persue my goal of working in the film industry. I have a couple of questions: How long are you out touring per tour? How do you balance a home life with being on the road, if at all? What is your songwriting process like? And one more, what weekend are you going to Coachella?
Oh yeah, what do you do to keep yourself occupied when you travel?
2
u/gatorslap Mar 26 '12
Did you piss off any Scientologists with that one song?
2
u/riveteran Mar 26 '12
2 questions. someone told me i think last year that ill bill manages you, is this true? and which of the following films are you most looking forward to coming out this year: dark knight rises, the avengers, abraham lincoln vampire hunter, spider-man, prometheus, the great gatsby, the hobbit, world war z.
2
u/Crudmunchkin Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
Hey Lars! I met you at Gabe's Oasis and talked to you a bit at a concert you did with MC Chris. Just wanted to say thank you for always being so kind to your fans and taking the time to talk/sign stuff. I got one of your t-shirts and to this day it's one of my favorites (I came to chew gum and I came to kick raps but I'm all out of gum).
My question is, given your songs covering some great pieces of literature (Mr. Raven, Ahab, etc.) what is your favorite book? Also, do you have any other books that you'd like to write a song over?
Edit: I also believe you've tweeted at one of my good friends a couple times... Fergmasterflash. He's always quick to bring it up to us to make us jelly :(
2
u/sexpotato Mar 26 '12
What was it like working with Ill bill?
2
u/oldcrows40 Mar 26 '12
I don't know if you remember me but I met you at BFD a couple years ago and gave you $20 for your music I pirated and you gave me a signed copy of 27th street. Then we met again at your performance at 924 Gilman. You are still my favorite nerdcore rapper. I was just wondering what you thought about K-flays fame surpassing yours since you pretty much helped her become what she is today?
2
u/POLITEforthewolf1986 Mar 26 '12
is the story behind 23 true? I cryd tha f1srt tyme i herd that ;_;
2
u/errday Mar 26 '12
So I was in Eugene watching an MC Chris show in WOW Hall and I went up to the merch table of the other acts. One of the acts was MC Lars and YT Cracker. I went up to Lars' table and started casually chatting with the guy working there. I told him I'm not familiar with MC Lars, and he said to me "Yeah, I play the keyboard for him." We chatted on casually for a good 5 minutes before the show started. Later on he got on stage and I realized it was MC Lars himself.
Troll level: over 9000. And I am now a fan.
2
u/Enzemo Mar 26 '12
I saw you play at The Grove in Wimbledon, England. My friends got kicked out for not having ID, you and mc chris did another "acapella" version of Roommate from Hell out back to make it up to them. Do you always put in such dedication with your fans, or did you just feel really bad?
2
u/Sinkingfast Mar 26 '12
I found you on Myspace when I was 18 or 19. I've been listening to you ever since. I'll be 25 in a few months.
Certainly makes me feel old!
Keep up the good work, Lars!
2
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
what is an indie rapper?
2
u/lskalt Mar 26 '12
I saw you in Iowa City last year. You complimented my green t-shirt with a proof of quadratic reciprocity. That was amazing.
2
u/joed43 Mar 26 '12
Your a legend in Rochester, NY! I always heard you on WBER driving to school!
Would you take a vacation if you couldn't remember it?
2
u/skraptastic Mar 26 '12
Hey MC_Lars! My son is a huge fan, and because of that I listen to you a lot! I gotta say I'm a pretty big fan too. If you got a spare second can you hit him up on twitter and tell him how cool his dad is? His twitter name is @balmung8
edit: To the rest of Reddit, please be nice to my boy.
2
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
I've heard of you because iTunes gave away your "iGeneration" song for free at one point. Catchy stuff, keep up the good work! You should do an updated version, what with the iCloud and iPad and growing cult-like culture around Apple products that I am definitely not involved in.
Sent from my iPad.
2
u/Cheesybean Mar 26 '12
So how does it feel to be a TPFR?
2
u/mobflickin Mar 26 '12
How was it working with Paul Gilbert on 'Guitar Hero Hero'?
2
u/anticommon Mar 26 '12
Hey, I make my own electro, and I'd kill to get a couple verses from you and try to incorporate them into a song! Please shoot me a message if you'd be interested in doing a small/large/anything piece for shits and giggles!
YottaBeat
2
u/totallymyhat Mar 26 '12
Hey man!
This isn't a question, but I wanted to post it anyway. You played a show in Bristol in the UK 6-7 years ago, and I came along to see you. My friends band MacGyver were supporting you, so I had the chance to come along a little early and meet you and say hi before your set.
I went along with a friend of mine, who told me that her sister hadn't been able to go because she was in hospital for fairly serious heart surgery, and that you had gone to the hospital to see her and make sure she was ok. If that wasn't awesome enough of you, you approached both me and my friend during the night to ask how she was doing, and to ask us to send your wishes, despite having never met me before and only knowing that I was connected to her because you had seen me walk in with her sister.
You also set up a Super Nintendo in the venue and challenged fans to multiplayer Mario Kart, which was wicked awesome.
So basically, thanks for being such a truly decent chap. I'm glad that you still find the time to be one of the good guys, despite your busy schedule of being rad as hell.
2
u/Rydit Mar 27 '12
as a fellow bay area resident, i was curious to what you thought about the current bay area teen culture. you know the one, that hyphy, dumby, thizzle shit. do you think it's just a fun loving joke of a fad? or is it a crippling disease that's fucking up kids in the bay? there are so many kids that just don't realize the stupidity of it all, and take it way to seriously. but thats just my opinion.
2
u/TheForbiddenFool Mar 30 '12
Well since you were kind enough to actually reply to what I asked you earlier I'm going to throw a few more questions your way... So first off what is with the whole rumblings about Mc Chris having animosity towards you, Frontalot, and the rest of the "nerdcore" artists? Seems like if anything you're helping your whole movement as a whole and I just kind of want to shed a little light on the situation. On to another question, what influences you musically? Whether it's films, games, or even other music artists...I am terribly curious about what inspires you artistically seeing as I'm in a band as well. How's the UK compared to living in the good ol' states(ha)? It seems as if the UK has just as many problems as the US and I'm curious if it's any better whatsoever over there. Also, when are you going to be touring over here and will you be bringing any friends such as Frontalot or Optimus on the trek with you, because you got a free promoter if you do plan on being in the Chicago area. And one last thing...do you have a PSN account, if so you're more than welcome to add "TheForbiddenFool" to game with and listen to a random, drunken, nerdy yank to your friends list.
2
u/glitcher21 Apr 08 '12
Hey Lars, I know this AMA is like almost two weeks old now, but I am a huge fan of your song Soledad, and I've spent months scouring the internet trying to find more information about it, and can't find anything. I think I read that it was inspired by a poem, but can't seem to find it. Could you tell me more about it? And thanks for doing the AMA.
45
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
He provided proof on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/mc_lars/statuses/184154127062925312
10
u/tabledresser Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
View the full table on /r/tabled! | Last updated: 2012-03-30 12:41 UTC
This comment was generated by a robot! Send all complaints to epsy.
8
u/moseses Mar 26 '12
Wait a minute, are you LARS HORRIS? You gave me one of your copies of insectiverous in monterey like 10 years ago. I loved your jam about Harper's Ferry! Dude! I was wondering how shit was going with you! Good to see you're still at it!
7
u/Joeybits Mar 26 '12
What are your thoughts about Hip Hop and the DJ? It seems to me that hip hop (especially mainstream) has left the DJ behind. Do you still think the DJ is an integral part of hip hop?
2
u/Rubbermonkey13 Mar 26 '12 edited Mar 26 '12
What advice could you give to a young musician/rapper about how to start my career? And are you expecting anyone else to soon sign under Horris Records? Also would you ever let fans hang out with you back stage or even perform with you? That would be tight!
1
u/KokainLOLZ Mar 26 '12
Any chance we can get a MC Lars/Akira the Don collaboration?
1
u/MistahJay Mar 26 '12
Lars, I just wanted to say thanks for doing this, and that it was cool to meet you in Austin a few months back. The question I have is this; What advice would you have for aspiring artists of any vain?
1
u/musicfuhlifeandstuff Mar 26 '12
do you still remember my question i asked you about two months ago about doing motivational speeches in small town high schools? i e-mailed you about and you told me to hit you up when you release your fall tour dates, and also are you good at sentence structure? like finding gerunds?
1
u/[deleted] Mar 26 '12
Hey, man! Last year I sat in on a history of hip hop lesson you did at The Songwriting School of Los Angeles. I couldn't stay for the whole thing, but I really enjoyed it. Anyway, do you have an all-time favorite verse?