audio buhdge. archived interviews from the Pure Pop radio show, by Alan Haber. have you really heard the words? buhdge

audio buhdge have you really heard the words?

audio buhdge is the place for one-of-a-kind, archival interviews from the libraries of the Pure Pop radio show. Look for more to come, and soon, including an extensive, career-spanning, never-before-heard talk with Stephen Bishop.

archivepp001: Ben Folds, interviewed by Alan Haber at the 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C., March 26, 1996. Behind the Scenes: Playing on the strength of his breakout, debut, self-titled indie album with Robert Sledge and Darren Jesse (as Ben Folds Five), Folds attacked his piano with abandon, even popping a string at one point, as he ran through songs from Ben Folds Five, songs at that point unreleased, and choice covers, including a faithful (and loud) version of the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." The crowd was of the diehard variety, drenched from sweat, punctuating the air with a whole lot of love. Looking back, it is interesting to note how confident Folds was so early in his career. As he mentions in this interview, the road to major label signing from his indie release was short. He seems to have maintained that confidence throughout his career, which has brought him to a new solo album, Songs for Silverman, released on April 26, 2005, exactly nine years and one month to the day this interview took place. Timing is everything, after all. The 17-minute interview you are about to hear was set up in advance, but didn't come off as scheduled. For whatever reason, being interviewed didn't seem to be at the top of Folds' to-do list on that March night. I stood around after the show, outside of the dressing room area at the 9:30 club, waiting for Folds to end a couple of conversations, not wanting to interrupt. I figured my time would come. But when I finally approached Folds, he was getting ready to pack up the truck--he and his band were their own roadies, even having to transport their leader's beat-up Baldwin piano--and, if I was going to get an interview, it was going to be on the fly. And so it was. I followed Folds down the stairs, asking him questions as we trampled step by step, hoping to God my recorder was working. He stood still long enough for both of us to catch our breath, and out came a pretty good chat, mostly about his first album, but also about his influences and other topics. This interview never aired on Pure Pop, although all these years later, I can't remember why. It might have been posted on the old Pure Pop site, but if it was, it was only for a brief time. And, anyway, it's interesting to hear it again, in view of Folds' accomplishments racked up since. (Please note that there's a bit of allegedly salty language in one or two spots, so don't listen if you're easily offended or aren't used to hearing language that would hardly make your 10-year-old blush.) So here it is. I hope you enjoy it. Alan Haber April 24, 2005 Listen to: Ben Folds at the 9:30 Club, March 26, 1996, interviewed by Alan Haber (Total time: 17:46) (c) 2005 Alan Haber. Reproduction in any form is prohibited.
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archivepp001: Ben Folds, interviewed by Alan Haber at the 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C., March 26, 1996.

Behind the Scenes: Playing on the strength of his breakout, debut, self-titled indie album with Robert Sledge and Darren Jesse (as Ben Folds Five), Folds attacked his piano with abandon, even popping a string at one point, as he ran through songs from Ben Folds Five, songs at that point unreleased, and choice covers, including a faithful (and loud) version of the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." The crowd was of the diehard variety, drenched from sweat, punctuating the air with a whole lot of love.

Looking back, it is interesting to note how confident Folds was so early in his career. As he mentions in this interview, the road to major label signing from his indie release was short. He seems to have maintained that confidence throughout his career, which has brought him to a new solo album, Songs for Silverman, released on April 26, 2005, exactly nine years and one month to the day this interview took place. Timing is everything, after all.

The 17-minute interview you are about to hear was set up in advance, but didn't come off as scheduled. For whatever reason, being interviewed didn't seem to be at the top of Folds' to-do list on that March night. I stood around after the show, outside of the dressing room area at the 9:30 club, waiting for Folds to end a couple of conversations, not wanting to interrupt. I figured my time would come. But when I finally approached Folds, he was getting ready to pack up the truck--he and his band were their own roadies, even having to transport their leader's beat-up Baldwin piano--and, if I was going to get an interview, it was going to be on the fly.

And so it was. I followed Folds down the stairs, asking him questions as we trampled step by step, hoping to God my recorder was working. He stood still long enough for both of us to catch our breath, and out came a pretty good chat, mostly about his first album, but also about his influences and other topics. This interview never aired on Pure Pop, although all these years later, I can't remember why. It might have been posted on the old Pure Pop site, but if it was, it was only for a brief time. And, anyway, it's interesting to hear it again, in view of Folds' accomplishments racked up since. (Please note that there's a bit of allegedly salty language in one or two spots, so don't listen if you're easily offended or aren't used to hearing language that would hardly make your 10-year-old blush.)

So here it is. I hope you enjoy it.

Alan Haber
April 24, 2005

Listen to: Ben Folds at the 9:30 Club, March 26, 1996, interviewed by Alan Haber
(Total time: 17:46)