6 ms·

Nardwuar on his best and worst interviews

138 points by herbertl 2y ago

_whiteCaps_ 2y ago
Interesting. Would have thought the worst interview was where the guys from Blur were going to beat him up. And finding a long lost VHS tape is the most on-brand thing for Kingsgate Mall.
- mikrl 2y ago
  Sonic Youth were dicks to him too. Honestly whenever I’ve watched an interview with a musician I like they’re mostly either matching his energy or just pleasantly surprised. Whenever I’ve heard of a bad interview it was never an artist I particularly enjoyed… or even heard of.
  - hluska 2y ago
    Henry Rollins is another good one - I still enjoy watching the expression change on his face when he realized that Nardwuar actually knew his stuff, but he had gone too far down the path of tough guy to save the interview.
    - justin66 2y ago
      Both of the Henry Rollins interviews. The second one really reveals something about Rollins: he accepted a second interview knowing exactly what to expect and nevertheless couldn't help behaving like a dick.
  - aguaviva 2y ago
    Sonic Youth were dicks to him too. No they weren't. That's just a meme.
    - mydriasis 2y ago
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu0B898X6ow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu0B898X6ow
      - aguaviva 2y ago
        Disagree, and from the way the Nard was handling the situation (basically taking it all in stride) I don't think he saw that way either.
  - comfysocks 2y ago
    Narduar changed his style over the years. Today, he’s a lovable goof who’s all about gifts, research and warm fuzzies. Back in his earlier days, he’d ask intentionally annoying and provocative question as a form of performance art. That some people would react badly seemed to be part of the plan.
- brailsafe 2y ago
  Name checks out, reference to Kingsgate Mall checks out, are you a spy!?
  - _whiteCaps_ 2y ago
    Been a fan of Nardwuar since his CiTR days :-)
    - jdougan 2y ago
      CITR! There be some 80s memories.
4gotunameagain 2y ago
While the research of this guy is certainly impressing, the shtick never failed to repulse me. It just seems so forced and over the top, and for me personally incredibly annoying. I get it that it is a love it or hate it kind of thing, so I would be curious to hear about the opinions on people from the other side ?
- mewse-hn 2y ago
  His interview style is kind of like Sean Evans from Hot Ones crossed with the manic energy of Richard Simmons. It's mentioned in this article, but he tries to ask the questions that nobody else is asking, which can make for great interviews. But, yeah, his schtick can be incredibly annoying. Part of the fun is watching the interview subject react to it.
  - bag_boy 2y ago
    The Richard Simmons comparison is PERFECT
- mikrl 2y ago
  If you think about it, he pioneered the style of completely annoying, insufferable yet somehow entertaining content that you see all over TikTok… But he had to commit to a full interview and release it on classic media, then later on, internet, then finally platforms.
  - rnd0 2y ago
    >If you think about it, he pioneered the style of completely annoying, insufferable yet somehow entertaining content that you see all over TikTok… That's a good thing?
- runjake 2y ago
  He used to repulse me, but I've gotten used to him and find him endearing now. No, it doesn't make any sense. He is a genuinely kind person who does some seriously deep research and asks interesting questions.
havefunbesafe 2y ago
I'd love to learn about Nardwuar's research process. He can uncover what your best friend from 4th grade's favorite flavor of soda was. It's truly amazing.
- noman-land 2y ago
  My theory is that he tracks down the yearbooks of people and then finds and interviews classmates who reveal all sorts of specific and unusual memories.
brailsafe 2y ago
I think Nardwuar's approach is beautifully disarming in a way the reveals an artist's lack of awareness or humility. Surely that's not always the case, and a person can have their own reasons for not liking the vibe, such as maybe not getting the humour in it all, but that's the impression I get, particularly when they try to keep their front up.
- lukey_q 2y ago
  Exactly, his weirdo vibe works because he pairs it with an incredible love for music and respect for the artists he speaks to. I think Drake said it best in the hourlong interview they have together, along the lines of "I don't do interviews because most people want to catch me slipping up and find some dramatic quote to drag me with, but with Nardwuar it's 100% about the music, that's why we're here" Best example of this is probably the first Pharrell interview. This was before Nardwuar was famous at all, outside of Canada anyway, so Pharrell wouldn't have heard of him, and Pharrell spends the first part of the interview obviously a little weirded out at the goofy-looking guy in front of him and probably wondering why his manager booked this for him in the first place. About five minutes later Pharrell says "This is one of the most impressive interviews I've ever been a part of" and as mentioned in the OP article immediately calls Jay-Z and says hey you gotta talk to this Nardwuar guy.
  - StayTrue 2y ago
    I had never heard of Pharrell before this interview but he seemed instantly likeable. Nardwuar confuses people and I think a bit of their true selves comes through (whether that’s passion, narcissism, etc).
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
- Yhippa 2y ago
  When he asks what sounds like an obscure question and the interviewee's face lights up, that is a beautiful moment.
pentagrama 2y ago
> Whenever I scroll down, the spinning ball of death appears. It’s like when you try to check someone’s old Tumblr page out. It usually takes me 20 minutes to get to the bottom of a document. Yes, Tumblr profiles doesn't have pagination, is all progressive loading when scrolling down [1], but there is an archive page where you can pick the month/year of posts [2] ;) [1] https://www.tumblr.com/3000s https://www.tumblr.com/3000s [2] https://3000s.tumblr.com/archive https://3000s.tumblr.com/archive
toomanyrichies 2y ago
https://archive.ph/iHxAh https://archive.ph/iHxAh
kypro 2y ago
Often things are popular that I don't like but can understand why they are popular. Even in cases like "Hawk Tuah" I kinda get how these meme blow up and create celebs which people follow as a new form of pop culture. But Nardwuar is one of those that every time I listen to an interview of his, I just don't get it. Like at all. His persona isn't just fake but overly exaggerated and annoying. It reminds of the people in my school who would do something stupid and say, "I'm so random haha!" His vibe makes me feel uncomfortable and I often feel celebs feel uncomfortable in his presence but try to play along because they don't want offend or upset. Some really like his vibe, but many seem uncomfortable. He'd be way better if he just dropped the early 00s "I'm so random" crap. That said, I don't really follow his stuff because I find him so annoying. Perhaps I am missing something.
- augusto-moura 2y ago
  > That said, I don't really follow his stuff because I find him so annoying. Perhaps I am missing something. Yeah, you are definitely missing something, go watch some interview compilations from him. You will absolutely know why he is popular. Don't judge a book by its cover
  - kypro 2y ago
    I may have been understating the amount I've watched his stuff. I watch a lot of interviews with music artists so I've watched a lot of his interviews over the years. I meant it in the sense that I'm not a fan so don't actively follow his content. I just watched a compilation as you suggested and I can't say my opinion has changed. And to be clear, I'm aware this is a me thing. The reason I left the comment is because I know he's popular and people like his stuff, it's just that I don't get it. I guess I wondered to what extent that's just me or if others find his interview style annoying too.
    - justin66 2y ago
      I think in 2024, if you're looking for people who share your annoyance with any given thing, and particularly annoyance with any given media personality, you will be able to find them. A triumph of social media. It warms the heart.
chrsw 2y ago
His Lydia Lunch interview struck me as particularly acrimonious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E92qnnRlQ2w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E92qnnRlQ2w
- a57721 2y ago
  All three of them are trying not to break their character, and it's uncomfortable to watch. Many of his questions are inappropriate and disrespectful, I'm more surprised they could stand 15 minutes of this before walking off.
navjack27 2y ago
Imagine if there was a Nardwuar for developers and hackers. Not the same awkward, stilted, or just canned interview question stuff but actual Gonzo journalism, getting in there and being able to talk shop but also at the same time disarm the nerd so they divulge more personal and sensitive things so you could get more of a feel for things.

138 points by herbertl 2y ago

Interesting. Would have thought the worst interview was where the guys from Blur were going to beat him up. And finding a long lost VHS tape is the most on-brand thing for Kingsgate Mall.

mikrl 2y ago
Sonic Youth were dicks to him too. Honestly whenever I’ve watched an interview with a musician I like they’re mostly either matching his energy or just pleasantly surprised. Whenever I’ve heard of a bad interview it was never an artist I particularly enjoyed… or even heard of.
- hluska 2y ago
  Henry Rollins is another good one - I still enjoy watching the expression change on his face when he realized that Nardwuar actually knew his stuff, but he had gone too far down the path of tough guy to save the interview.
  - justin66 2y ago
    Both of the Henry Rollins interviews. The second one really reveals something about Rollins: he accepted a second interview knowing exactly what to expect and nevertheless couldn't help behaving like a dick.
- aguaviva 2y ago
  Sonic Youth were dicks to him too. No they weren't. That's just a meme.
  - mydriasis 2y ago
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu0B898X6ow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu0B898X6ow
    - aguaviva 2y ago
      Disagree, and from the way the Nard was handling the situation (basically taking it all in stride) I don't think he saw that way either.
- comfysocks 2y ago
  Narduar changed his style over the years. Today, he’s a lovable goof who’s all about gifts, research and warm fuzzies. Back in his earlier days, he’d ask intentionally annoying and provocative question as a form of performance art. That some people would react badly seemed to be part of the plan.
brailsafe 2y ago
Name checks out, reference to Kingsgate Mall checks out, are you a spy!?
- _whiteCaps_ 2y ago
  Been a fan of Nardwuar since his CiTR days :-)
  - jdougan 2y ago
    CITR! There be some 80s memories.

4gotunameagain 2y ago

While the research of this guy is certainly impressing, the shtick never failed to repulse me. It just seems so forced and over the top, and for me personally incredibly annoying. I get it that it is a love it or hate it kind of thing, so I would be curious to hear about the opinions on people from the other side ?

mewse-hn 2y ago
His interview style is kind of like Sean Evans from Hot Ones crossed with the manic energy of Richard Simmons. It's mentioned in this article, but he tries to ask the questions that nobody else is asking, which can make for great interviews. But, yeah, his schtick can be incredibly annoying. Part of the fun is watching the interview subject react to it.
- bag_boy 2y ago
  The Richard Simmons comparison is PERFECT
mikrl 2y ago
If you think about it, he pioneered the style of completely annoying, insufferable yet somehow entertaining content that you see all over TikTok… But he had to commit to a full interview and release it on classic media, then later on, internet, then finally platforms.
- rnd0 2y ago
  >If you think about it, he pioneered the style of completely annoying, insufferable yet somehow entertaining content that you see all over TikTok… That's a good thing?
runjake 2y ago
He used to repulse me, but I've gotten used to him and find him endearing now. No, it doesn't make any sense. He is a genuinely kind person who does some seriously deep research and asks interesting questions.

havefunbesafe 2y ago

I'd love to learn about Nardwuar's research process. He can uncover what your best friend from 4th grade's favorite flavor of soda was. It's truly amazing.

noman-land 2y ago
My theory is that he tracks down the yearbooks of people and then finds and interviews classmates who reveal all sorts of specific and unusual memories.

brailsafe 2y ago

I think Nardwuar's approach is beautifully disarming in a way the reveals an artist's lack of awareness or humility. Surely that's not always the case, and a person can have their own reasons for not liking the vibe, such as maybe not getting the humour in it all, but that's the impression I get, particularly when they try to keep their front up.

lukey_q 2y ago
Exactly, his weirdo vibe works because he pairs it with an incredible love for music and respect for the artists he speaks to. I think Drake said it best in the hourlong interview they have together, along the lines of "I don't do interviews because most people want to catch me slipping up and find some dramatic quote to drag me with, but with Nardwuar it's 100% about the music, that's why we're here" Best example of this is probably the first Pharrell interview. This was before Nardwuar was famous at all, outside of Canada anyway, so Pharrell wouldn't have heard of him, and Pharrell spends the first part of the interview obviously a little weirded out at the goofy-looking guy in front of him and probably wondering why his manager booked this for him in the first place. About five minutes later Pharrell says "This is one of the most impressive interviews I've ever been a part of" and as mentioned in the OP article immediately calls Jay-Z and says hey you gotta talk to this Nardwuar guy.
- StayTrue 2y ago
  I had never heard of Pharrell before this interview but he seemed instantly likeable. Nardwuar confuses people and I think a bit of their true selves comes through (whether that’s passion, narcissism, etc).
deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
Yhippa 2y ago
When he asks what sounds like an obscure question and the interviewee's face lights up, that is a beautiful moment.

pentagrama 2y ago

> Whenever I scroll down, the spinning ball of death appears. It’s like when you try to check someone’s old Tumblr page out. It usually takes me 20 minutes to get to the bottom of a document. Yes, Tumblr profiles doesn't have pagination, is all progressive loading when scrolling down [1], but there is an archive page where you can pick the month/year of posts [2] ;) [1] https://www.tumblr.com/3000s https://www.tumblr.com/3000s [2] https://3000s.tumblr.com/archive https://3000s.tumblr.com/archive

toomanyrichies 2y ago

https://archive.ph/iHxAh https://archive.ph/iHxAh

kypro 2y ago

Often things are popular that I don't like but can understand why they are popular. Even in cases like "Hawk Tuah" I kinda get how these meme blow up and create celebs which people follow as a new form of pop culture. But Nardwuar is one of those that every time I listen to an interview of his, I just don't get it. Like at all. His persona isn't just fake but overly exaggerated and annoying. It reminds of the people in my school who would do something stupid and say, "I'm so random haha!" His vibe makes me feel uncomfortable and I often feel celebs feel uncomfortable in his presence but try to play along because they don't want offend or upset. Some really like his vibe, but many seem uncomfortable. He'd be way better if he just dropped the early 00s "I'm so random" crap. That said, I don't really follow his stuff because I find him so annoying. Perhaps I am missing something.

augusto-moura 2y ago
> That said, I don't really follow his stuff because I find him so annoying. Perhaps I am missing something. Yeah, you are definitely missing something, go watch some interview compilations from him. You will absolutely know why he is popular. Don't judge a book by its cover
- kypro 2y ago
  I may have been understating the amount I've watched his stuff. I watch a lot of interviews with music artists so I've watched a lot of his interviews over the years. I meant it in the sense that I'm not a fan so don't actively follow his content. I just watched a compilation as you suggested and I can't say my opinion has changed. And to be clear, I'm aware this is a me thing. The reason I left the comment is because I know he's popular and people like his stuff, it's just that I don't get it. I guess I wondered to what extent that's just me or if others find his interview style annoying too.
  - justin66 2y ago
    I think in 2024, if you're looking for people who share your annoyance with any given thing, and particularly annoyance with any given media personality, you will be able to find them. A triumph of social media. It warms the heart.

chrsw 2y ago

His Lydia Lunch interview struck me as particularly acrimonious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E92qnnRlQ2w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E92qnnRlQ2w

a57721 2y ago
All three of them are trying not to break their character, and it's uncomfortable to watch. Many of his questions are inappropriate and disrespectful, I'm more surprised they could stand 15 minutes of this before walking off.

navjack27 2y ago

Imagine if there was a Nardwuar for developers and hackers. Not the same awkward, stilted, or just canned interview question stuff but actual Gonzo journalism, getting in there and being able to talk shop but also at the same time disarm the nerd so they divulge more personal and sensitive things so you could get more of a feel for things.