The Thermals are two girls and a guy - Hutch Harris (vocals, guitar), Kathy Foster (bass) and Lorin Coleman (drums) - who turned down 50 grand when Hummer tried to buy a piece of their scratchy, raucous rock’n'roll for a commercial. Total. Badasses. When they’re not busy laughing in the face of evil, The Thermals light up skanky basements, dirty dorm rooms and rowdy rock clubs with the politcally charged indie punk that’s solidified their rabid cult following. Their latest release, the critically-acclaimed The Body, The Blood, The Machine, threatens to catapult them to the big time with its contagious manic energy (I CARRY MY BAY-BAAAY!). Watch what happens when we squeeze all three of them into the Hot Seat for a stern cross-examining.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: The first time we were in Copenhagen there were student riots going on all morning. The city was quiet for a few hours, then when we started playing they started up again right outside the club! We were so loud no one in the club noticed, and the promoter didn’t tell anyone cause he didn’t want people to leave.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: Underwater Basket-weaving just cause that joke never gets old.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: Cleveland, because they drink more than all other American cities combined.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: The worst advice I’ve ever been given is “Don’t take any wooden nickels” cause come on, have you ever seen a wooden nickel?
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: Zapp, Babyshambles, Masta Killah, Fat Lip, Clinic, Ramones, Deerhoof, Wham.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
A: The last good book i read was “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess. I am (still!) addicted to The Office, the original U.K. version.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw and how was it?
A: I think it was Depeche Mode on the “Violator” tour and, uh, it was sweet!
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: “The Next Exit” book, Cliff Bars, and (censored)
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: kim deal, dee dee ramone, rivers cuomo, slash
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Remember to keep the sound on your t.v. turned on! Videos are much better with the sound on.
xoxo
