Interview from the-raft.com:

the interview with Stagecoach Joey Waronker

JOEY
PLAYS DRUMS FOR I’M A ROBOT

What is your favourite track when you are playing live?

I guess my favourite track that I enjoy playing is ‘Scream’. I am so proud of that beat because it’s a straightforward beat that’s a little syncopated. You know it’s a little bit simple but at the same time a little challenging and you kind of feel like it’s hooky and it’s fun to play.

What can people expect from your show if they haven’t heard you play live yet?

Expect a very charismatic freaky lead singer and a very tight band with kind of great pop songs but it’s doing it’s own thing!

How did you get involved with the band originally?

Oh lets see, yeah I go way back with Justin. We played together on a bunch of stuff for years and then he kind of asked me to come and help out so I instantly found love with the band.

What was your reaction when the band got signed?

I came into the group even after the band were signed so my reaction was oh okay cool!

What about the travelling around, does it agree with your constitution?

Yeah I have travelled a lot for a long time so I guess it’s nothing new really.

What would you say is the best thing about being the drummer for I’M A Robot?

The best thing for me honestly is behind the scenes and all the joys of making music without much of fuss.

Is that less stressful for you, just sitting back?

I never have to be at the front of the stage and that is just my personality as I like to be behind the scenes.

Is production more where you’re comfortable?

Yeah definitely although I have been touring and playing for most of my life. Yeah being in production and writing is more what I like to do.

Do you notice the size of the crowds at the gigs that you have been playing most recently to the ones you do as a band on your own?

I am noticing that the bands that we are opening for, are more established bands and we’re coming from nowhere. People have been respectful of us and it’s been really nice.

You can’t say fairer than that - doing you’re first gig in the UK supporting Blur!

I can’t believe it you know and it’s such a great opportunity. They are so great and to play for their fans as an unknown band is terrifying and they were actually nice and everyone there was responsive and nice!

Who would say are your musical heroes?

Pretty obvious pop like The Beatles, The Clash. Then definitely jazz and I was into Brazillian music. I definitely have a lot of Miles Davis in my background and Chicago Blues and a lot of Brazillian music....

There’s a lot of talk about the disparate personalities but what one thing do you all have in common?

The one thing is a similar approach to a song that’s what it is. We come up with musical ideas and we have a disparate but singular vision of how to tie it into a song and that keeps it together.