CHAT-A-LOG: THIRD EYE BLIND
Earwig ChatCave; ©1997 ElectricVillage, Inc.
Wed Dec .1, 1997 - 7p.m. PST
Host says, "Welcome to tonight's chat with Third Eye Blind!! Singer Stephan Jenkins and drummer Brad Hargreaves will be joining us tonight. I'm your host, Marlene Goldman, editor of Earwig."
Host says, "You were nominated for a number of Billboard and California Music Awards. What do the nominations mean to you?"
Stephan Jenkins, "We only put this record out in the middle of April. We've been doing really the same thing, making the music, and that's exciting to us. We've been out playing it for the fans -- these are people who come to the shows and sing all the words. It's very much an organic thing, so we were surprised that the critics embraced the record the way that they did. The nominations are made by critics, so we were quite surprised."
Host says, "The critics like your record. How has it changed since the popularity has come your way in the local scene?"
Stephan Jenkins, "We haven't played in the local scene since -- but we want to, we intend to. We hang out in the local scene. We had people who were close to the band and we kept hanging out with them, so nothing has changed. Any scene is like a knitting circle -- there's a lot of gossip about. We've had questions about this, some people in the local scene gossip about us. It happens."
Tebgroupie says, "Stephan and Brad: My friend and I saw you guys play at the Palace in Hollywood. You all ROCKED!!"
Luna440 says, "Stephan -- you said on MuchMusic that it's GREAT if you're music actually "touches" someone ... well, I just wanted to let you know, it's REACHED MY HEART!!!"
Heroes says, "How do you guys feel opening for bands like U2 and the Stones?"
Largeinpants says, "What's it like to run across the stage for the Stones and U2?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Our drummer Brad does not like playing stadiums -- it's a little bit like playing in a mall. We really enjoyed the camaraderie with U2, and the way that we've been received by the fans is really good. U2 has a big, fat plane that is really fun to go flying around on."
Heroes says, "You guys like clubs better than stadiums? It's more personal ... a cooler show in my opinion."
Host says, "Did you get to meet Mick or any of the Stones?"
Stephan Jenkins, "I think we're meeting Mick in Miami."
Alienz50 says, "I was wondering what the song,"Jumper" meant?" "Jumper" was the song that had the most impact on me. I'm assuming that it was one of your more serious songs."
Stephan Jenkins, "Jumper"? All the songs that we like have a special meaning at one time. I probably think the most universal meaning of "Jumper" comes from the chorus, "I would understand." It just comes down to the idea that we should all give each other a break. Beyond that, it's in part inspired by a friend of our manager's who killed himself by jumping off a bridge in high school because he was gay. It was a bridge in San Diego -- so, needless to say, it's a song about understanding."
Jennar says, "3eb -- was it hard for you to write some of the songs on your CD because of personal experiences? Because I have to say, they really have a lot of meaning to me."
Host says, "What inspires you to write the songs?"
Stephan Jenkins, "They come from moods and emotional impulses. And those come from everywhere. But they are about the lives we lead and the lives we see."
Firefish says, "Is San Fran your favorite place?"
Luna440 says, "Stephan, did you guys like it in Vancouver??? There was a MASSIVE buzz over the city when you guys left. You left your mark!!!"
Stephan Jenkins, "Yes, we do like it in Vancouver. When we played there the other night -- I said 'San Francisco, Vancouver -- same city, different place.'"
Host says, "'Semi-Charmed Life' is about addiction. Isn't that ironic that it has been so successful on mainstream radio?"
Valleygirl says, "I love that song, host!! :)"
Stephan Jenkins, "We didn't think 'Semi-Charmed Life' would get played on the radio at all. There's nothing crypic about the lyrics. It's about snorting speed, and fellatio. Amongst other things. So, it's not something we thought they would play on the radio."
Valleygirl says, "That must be why I like it so much!!! j/k".
Stephan Jenkins, But it's also a song about always wanting things. And that's probably what most non-junkie sex-addicts can relate to."
Luna440 says, "Quote from Stephan: "Although 'Semi-Charmed Life' has a sort of bright sheen to it, it's really about speed junkies and the decline of a relationship due to speed addiction." That is burned in my mind because I watch the interview 500 times a day!!!"
Guest11 says, "Hey, I got a good question for ya, why didn't Brad play the drums on all the songs on the album?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Brad's lazy. We were playing with Michael Urbano before, so we just used some of those tracks."
Valgirl says, "Stephan, what makes you smile : )"
Stephan Jenkins, " What makes me smile? Brad, what makes you smile?"
Brad Hargreaves, " Room service!"
Stephan Jenkins, (Laughs) "My friends when they're around me, laughing."
Alienz50 says, "I read somewhere that said 'I Want You' is your favorite song. Is that true?"
Luna440 says, "I heard that "God of Wine" is Stephan's favorite!!!"
Caveman says, "How's It Going to Be?" rules!!"
Stephan Jenkins, "I Want You" is my favorite song. Both "God of Wine" and "I Want You" are BOTH my favorite songs!"
Guest11 says, "Hey, "Background" is the greatest song ever. What is it about?"
Stephan Jenkins, "'Background'"? "Background" is about .... Let me put it this way: Have you ever felt like your life was in high gear, and you were right in the moment, and you were happy, and rolling into some glorious unknown future ? And then have that all taken away? And .. then lived in sort of the post-period of that high? That's what it's like to live in the background."
Luna440 says, "Stephan ...You read too much!!!! Just kidding!!!"
Jawbreaker says, "Will you be dead at the age of 27 like most of the greatest musicians of the world?"
Largeinpants says, "Stephan, I think will be alive when he is 27."
Stephan Jenkins, " I lead a healthy life. There's a lot of things I'd like to destroy ...."
Jawbreaker says, "Destroy? Like what? Corporate America's disinterest?"
Stephan Jenkins, "... but none of them include myself. I intend to leave a very old, yet beautiful corpse."
Luna440 says, "Stephan, you ARE beautiful, and I'm POSITIVE your corpse will be, too..."
Jennar says, "How do you guys feel about the press? Have they had a positive effect on you? Negative, or none at all?"
Stephan Jenkins, "The press has ignored us. Everything that's happened with us has happened through word-of-mouth and the personal connection the fans make with the music. We've never been in Spin magazine. And we've had one page in Rolling Stone."
Largeinpants says, "Well, I have seen a lot of great press for you guys in S.F. That Examiner cover? Wow!!!! You look so young and wonderful. Keep working hard. I see the cover of Spin in your future one day!!!!"
Firefish says, "I have to let u know that my friend Cy luvs u guys more than life itself."
Heroes says, "The 'How's It Going To Be' video is really great ... do you have any idea why it's never played?"
Largeinpants says, "Well, if the fans call MTV, they will play it ... you just have to take control, as the fans."
Luna440 says, "Oh, GOD!!! Everytime I look at the TV, there it is ... the video for "How's It GoingtTo Be"... I like it, though!!!"
Stephan Jenkins, "Well, 'How's It Going to Be' is the new single."
Alienz50 says, "Where did the idea for the album cover come from (the girl with the hand over her face)?"
Stephan Jenkins, "That came from me. It's intended to be an image that evokes several things at the same time. A tarot card, ecstacy, conflict, sex, and death."
Jawbreaker says, "Why a brown cover and a red cover. What's the difference?"
Stephan Jenkins, "It was our manager's idea. He wants to change the record cover every 500,000 copies. He thinks that kind of thing is cool."
Host says, "The songs are considered darker lyrically. Is that going to change with the next album?"
Stephan Jenkins, "I don't know -- we're certainly not going to make this album all over again. And if you look from song to song, I usually don't write about the same subjects over and over again. But I still have a lot of hopes and fears that get expressed through lyrics. So I wouldn't be surprised if there's at least some dark themes being addressed."
Dannius says, "Hey 3eb waz up you guys makin a new CD soon...."
Luna440 says, "When do you think you'll have a new album out? No pressure!!!"
Stephan Jenkins, "We don't have a timetable yet. We have more than a second record's worth of material we'd love to record, but it looks like we'll be touring this one for a while."
Luna440 says, "If the next album is as good as this one ... it'll SOAR!!!"
Host says, "Are you tired of playing the same songs every night?"
Stephan Jenkins, "It's totally exciting to play them every night. The whole idea is to bring the song alive, the way it felt when we first played it together. And that's pretty much what happens every night. We love to play live."
Heroes says, "You guys are great live."
Host says, "If you had a chance to be or do something different, who or what would you be?"
Brad Hargreaves, "In the words of James Brown, 'The way I like it is the way it is!!'"
Alienz50 says, "There is one Web site ( http://www.slip.net/~3eb ) that claims to be the official Web site for the band. Do you have any idea if it's really official?"
Heroes says, "If it is official, it's hardly never updated."
Guest11 says, "Is it true that Brad helped make the offical Web site???"
Brad Hargreaves, "Yes."
Stephan Jenkins, "It's run by Brad's Brother."
Heroes says, "Cool."
Stephan Jenkins, "Ergo, all information issued forth from said Web site is official 3EB policy!!!!"
Firefish says, "Stephan, my friend wanted to let you know that you have really great forearms."
Guest11 says, "Did 'Semi-Charmed Life' win the Billboard song of the year???"
Stephan Jenkins, "Uh, I'm not supposed to tell you. TO rephrase it, we're nominated next week. Hint, hint, hint, wink, wink, wink."
Stoneparasite says, "Cool."
Firefish says, "Do they have a fashion stylist working for them at their video/photo shoots?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Somebody took us shopping yes. However, ... on the first video. For 'Semi-Charmed Life,' we had Jani Nussetter -- on both occasions I ended up wearing my own clothes.""
Jennar says, "Are there any band's or artists that you guys want to tour with?"
Stephan Jenkins and Brad Hargreaves, "Smashing Pumpkins, Tricky ... who else? We'll probably play with U2 again."
Alienz50 says, "I heard a clip from "Tattoo of the Sun." Just wondering why you guys left it off of the album?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Good question! I love that song, those are probably the best lyrics I've ever written in my opinion, but it just didn't seem to fit onto the record. Thanks for asking."
Jennar says, "Do you guys feel like celebrities now or the same as you always did? Have you lost friends, gained friends? Do you appreciate your fans?"
Stephan Jenkins, "It depends on the time of day. Sometimes we're walking around, nobody knows you, and other times you go to a restaurant and they bring us food for free. Which, of course, makes you feel pretty snazzy!"
Heroes says, "Wow ... free food ... you must be huge."
Jawbreaker says, "Is this at McDonalds or Taco Bell?"
Guest11 says, "I gotta go, YOU GUYS KICK @$$!!!! ROCK ON!!!!!"
Firefish says, "I heard a rumor that said that Stephan was dating Shirley Manson from Garbage."
Host says, "Someone else wrote in about you and Winona Rider. So what's the story?"
Jawbreaker says, "Would you pull a Dave Pirner [Soul Asylum]? Dump your girlfriend of 13 years, to go out with Winona Ryder?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Wynonna Ryder: Oh come, come: That story's as old as last summer. Re: Shirley Manson: Yes, it's all true. She and Brad are expecting their twins in the spring. "
Brad Hargreaves, "I would appreciate it if fans would write in with name suggestions...."
Firefish says, "Name one of them Chaos for me."
Brad Hargreaves, "Name one Chaos? Done!"
Heroes says, "Jude and Sadie."
Host says, "And a boy?"
Stephan Jenkins, "For a girl, they're thinking Lily .... And for a boy, Shecky."
Jawbreaker says, "Chad."
Jawbreaker says, "Tad!"
Bethany says, "Dimebag."
Jawbreaker says, "Brak."
Heroes says, "I thought Stephan was back with the girl he wrote "Motorcycle Drive By" about."
Stephan Jenkins, "I said that at a show? No, I didn't. I am, as always, alone and lonely in my hotel room."
Heroes says, "Awww...."
Firefish says, "I'm with you in spirit, Stephan."
Heroes says, "I'll come pay a visit..."
Host says, "In a lot of interviews, you have prided yourselves on being independent. Have you made concessions now that you're on a big label?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Yes, we have. Sometimes. The videos, first. We haven't had control over them, and thus we feel they don't really represent what the group is about. We hope to make our own videos in the future."
Firefish says, "That would rock."
Alienz50 says, "That's cool."
Stephan Jenkins, "The other thing is, sometimes I hold my peace rather than totally speaking my mind. I intend to remedy that too, in the future."
Valgirl says, "How do you guys keep your individuality under such pressure to conform?"
Stephan Jenkins, "We wear all black, talk about how we were all sure that we were vampires in past lives, and listen to a lot of Joy Division."
Heroes says, "Joy Division is brilliant."
Jawbreaker says, "Too bad Ian [Curtis] is dead."
Jennar says, "Have you ever had any embarrassing moments on stage??? If so, what happened? :)"
Stephan Jenkins, "Arion fell one night. It was raining on stage in Miami, Florida. "... But later that night, the Edge slipped on his ass in the same place. We commiserated about it and thought it was hilarious."
Stoneparasite says, "Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh Heavens on Fire."
Host says, "Someone wanted to know what you thought was the worst song of all time."
Stephan Jenkins, "I don't know. We're players, not critics. I will say this, listen to the Carpenter's "We've Only Just Begun" some time. In all sincerity, that song rules !!!!"
Host says, "We're going to have to wrap this up so last question: Are you looking forward to breaking from your touring?"
Stephan Jenkins, "We're going to have a little break over Christmas. Brad and I will be snowboarding in Lake Tahoe. The other two guys will be hibernating ... and then we tour Japan."
Firefish says, "Third eye...come back to Los Angeles soon!!!"
Host says, "Any parting comments to your fans?"
Stephan Jenkins, "Of all the things that have happened to us in the kaleidescope that's made up the last seven months, the most touching .... thing for all of us has been .... the connection that the people have made to our music. We always make an effort to talk to people. And to see them connecting in a real way to the music that we made from a real place is humbling and great at the same time. Thanks to everyone!!!"
Luna440 says, "Stephan: Do you still have the 3eb vead embolum I made for you???? That bead thing took me 15 HOURS to make, buddy ... tons of frustration, and pricked fingers!!!"
Firefish says, "Luv Third Eye Blind!"
Valgirl says, "You guys rock!"
Heroes says, "I love you guys. Stop by Chicago SOON!"
Alienz50 says, "3EB is awesome and it inspires a lot of my own music writing."
Lilcaesar says, "Thanks 3rd Eye Blind!!! Take care, guys!"
Jennar says, "I love you guys!!!!"
Heroes says, "Later Stephan and Brad. I love you guys"
Host says, "Thanks for coming out tonight with Third Eye Blind."
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