You mention the internet, with your myspace, and your own website and all the other aspects, does that change the way you interact with the fans?
I've been tempted to go on our Myspace and just give a little note. It was the first anniversary of Karl's passing just a few weeks ago and there have been so many really nice tributes to Karl. But, you know, I kind of try to stay out of it. I guess I don't want to be "one of those bands."
If someone comes up to me in a restaurant or after a show I'm always really polite and all that and I like to meet people who are touched by the music. But I don't think I want to be like the webmaster guy. I just don't think it's in my bones.
Do you mean the technical aspect?
No, not like that. I have a website, and I'm pretty versed in websites. I'm sure it's an old adage…I don't know. I don't know if there is any mystery left to the band, but if there is, I'd like to keep it.
In the video clip on your Myspace you dedicate "Crazy Mixed Up World" to Karl. Is there a reason behind that particular song?
I think that's actually from videospace. That was from a show at First Avenue that turned into like our EPK. I think in every city we play at some point in the show we dedicate something to Karl. I guess we still see him as our musical director.
Karl was certainly the guy in the band that had the bullshit detector and that's just a clip from what I think was the first show we played after Karl's passing. It was incredibly emotional and pretty down right scary for Dave and I. Familiarity breeds your comfort level. You get use to looking over to the guy you've always seen and it was kind of an emotional show. And that clip ended up on our EPK which ended up on our Myspace.
You know, I think if you listen to the lyrics, and the song titles, I mean "Stand Up and Be Strong" seemingly could be about Karl, even though it was all written before he got diagnosed. So it's kind of ironic in many ways, kind of the saga of the band.
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
Well done, Connie. You asked all the right questions and got a very good interview here.
2 - Connie Phillips
Thanks/ I've probably enjoyed doing this interview the most of any so far.
Dan was really willing to share and talk about what the band has gone through in the past and putting together The Silver Lining.
3 - Jon
Wonderful interview! Thank you so much!
4 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, Jon, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
5 - Todd
Connie - Excellent piece! Good work. Request/question: Would you be able to get in touch with Dan and/or Soul Asylum? A personal friend of theirs (and mine) from their hungrier days passed away and I thought they might want to know, but have no way to contact them. I was thinking if you did, I could relay something through you - obviously you wouldn't want to give me access initially - and they could contact me if they want. [Personal contact info deleted] Thank you VERY much! I hope you can help.