This is the first part of a two part interview
I’ve heard of Bob Schenider but I’ve never HEARD Bob Schneider until this month.
As I told him in the outset of our interview by email in my unorthodox informal way:
“Hi, Bob. I think I recognize your name – I seem to recall you winning a bunch of awards at South by Southwest when I went a few years ago – but this was the first time I heard your music. (Or I’m confusing you with Todd Snider. I’m terrible with names.)”
I later confirmed he was indeed the one who won lots of awards at that Austin music conference for his albums and live performances, which I hear are quite stellar.
I listened to the two albums I was sent, I’m Good Now and The Californian, and was blown away. I’m an instant convert, feeling the urge to play his stuff for friends and say, “You have got to hear this!” Speaking of which you can hear three of his recent songs at his MySpace page as well as samples from the Amazon ads on this screen. There is more information about what’s available now and in the near future – something we will discuss in part two – at All Access Today.
Schneider lives in Austin, Texas. He was raised in Munich, Germany, the son of an opera singer. He fronted several bands, first Joe Rockheard (funk and rap) then Ugly Americans (a jam band, which opened for the Dave Matthews Band) then The Scabs (essentially Ugly Americans under a new name), according to Wikipedia.
He went solo in 1999, first calling himself Lonelyland – also the name of his next album – before going with his own name.
I think you are the first person I have interviewed who was the child of an opera singer. How did that affect you as a future musician?
Well, more than my dad being an opera singer, he was a very talented singer and musician and used to play guitar and sing around the house all the time when I was growing up. So I was exposed to creating music and entertaining people all my life. of course, he'd invite opera singers over to the house as well, and you'd get a chance to hear these amazing voices in your living room, which is pretty wonderful. It definitely made me feel like i didn't have such a great set of vocal chords, at least not compared to those singers.
Article comments
1 - Amanda
Wow. Great interview. It is great to get the scoop on some of Bob's greatest songs (Piggyback is an all time favorite) and know a little about the inspiration behind them.
I too, feel like I need to inform the universe about this guy. He is great on record and even more amazing live. Nothing really compares to his live shows, whether it be solo acoustic, with Loneyland, or the best of "Dirty Bob" with the Scabs. He is true talent.
2 - SCott Butki
Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I don't know how I ever lived without this guy - he is so talented.
3 - Rob
Where is part 2... you left us hanging!
4 - Scott Butki
sorry about that. it's coming in a week or two.
5 - Kimmypie
If you like the cd versions, you have GOT to see Bob & the boys live! When you go to a show, make sure to order the live version (the FRUNK) at the show. I actually prefer listening to my FRUNKS rather than the studio albums!
6 - Zelma
i too am a lyrical person, who pays very close attention to the words and not so much to the music itself... i think bob is an incredible, amazingling gifted poet... i am obsessed w/ his work and listen to it daily, at work, home, car.... glad to hear that he has the same effect on others....
7 - Scott Butki
Thanks for the feedback.
Part two on this is going to be a while because it's going to include comments from him - and reviews by me - on his upcoming stuff.
8 - Rob
Is part 2 still coming?
9 - Scott Butki
Yeah but part 2 will include references to his next albums which haven't come out yet.
10 - Scott Butki
If you like Bob Schneider you will probably like these guys
11 - Rob
Give it up Butki
12 - Scott Butki
My hands are tied - part 2 is tied to his next albums and I can't make him work faster. If you want me to email this link to his publicist and include your comment I can.
13 - Rob
Naw! I'm just joking with ya. Hopfully FAYM will be coming soon... recent reports say March.
14 - Scott Butki
My theory is Rob is actually Bob and he's just promoting himself.
15 - Rob
I guess we'll never know how the interview ends...