Fightin’ Words
PD: How’s the weather?
JO: It’s a nice day here in New York.
Well, it’s raining here. But it still feels like 90 degrees thanks to the humidity.
Oh, I’ve had my share of those days in Kansas City. But that’s OK. It’s much better than minus-30 degrees in Montreal.
Do you prefer Central Park or Times Square?
I just went for a walk in the park. There’s such a unique vibe there that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. I’m not a big Times Square guy — I tend to avoid the tourist madness — but we did play “100 Years” at the 100th anniversary of Times Square a month ago. That was pretty cool.
Did you write “100 Years” just so you’d get invited to play at 100-year anniversaries?
I wish I was that crafty.
You were a math major at UCLA?
In a prior lifetime, yes. My dad was an astrophysicist. He worked for the jet propulsion laboratory and would always bring home the latest pictures from Jupiter and Saturn, which was pretty cool. That’s kind of how I got into math. But I don’t think I could provide any calculus answers now. That part of my brain is gone.
Was it reassuring to have “100 Years” become a hit so you knew “Superman” wasn’t a fluke?
In a way, I think they’re both flukes. They are not typical songs that you hear on the radio. They sound like pop songs, but if you listen to the lyrics, they’re a lot deeper. I’m glad that I won’t have to be on VH1’s One-Hit Wonders in five years, but I’ve never really judged artistic merit by commercial success.
Have you gotten bored with “Superman”?
You know, I went to see Prince, and I wanted to hear “Purple Rain.” I’m sure he was thinking, Oh god, here I go again, but he still played it. And it was great. But I’m also still so new to success that to hear people singing my song back to me is still a really wonderful thing. Maybe I’ll feel different if I’m still singing “Superman” in 20 years.
Who would win in a fight between Superman and Batman?
[Laughs] Superman is my favorite. As a red-blooded, lusty American boy, I envy the practical uses of his X-ray vision. Plus he could fly over all the traffic we have in Los Angeles. Then again, Batman could have Robin do a little sneak attack. That’s a tough call.
What could we expect on Late Night With John Ondrasik?
That would be a very interesting show. I would have lots of sports, politics, culture, a little family stuff, a little lusty stuff. There would be some Paris Hilton stories in there but also interviews with John McCain. It’d be Americana. Who knows — when I can’t hit those high notes anymore, maybe I’ll look into it.
You already have your start, commenting on VH1’s I Love the ’80s Strikes Back and Best Week Ever. You know those shows are like crack, don’t you?
They are addictive. I spent, like, 14 hours one Saturday watching ‘80s.
Are they as fun to make as they are to watch?
I actually just did the I Love the ’90s. They grill you for three hours, and then you get tired and just start spouting off, which is exactly what they want. I try not to be too mean. I’m just a singer — all the comedians come in with their zingers they’ve been practicing for months — but it’s still fun.
You’re on a crazy bill in Kansas City. Tell me the first thing that comes to mind when I say the following names: Liz Phair.
A friend. I like Liz a lot. I give her much respect.
Richard Marx.
You’re kidding.
I couldn’t make up something like that.
Wow. Hey, you know what? The guy can play the piano. And for his time, he was the dominator.
I think you’re the first person in history to call Richard Marx “The Dominator.”
[Laughs]. Yeah, you’re probably right.
Ashlee Simpson.
The sister? The sister trying to usurp the queen.
Maroon 5.
Good guys.
The Calling.
I actually just bumped into them. Nice guys.
JoJo.
I have no idea. Must be urban. I’m not up on the urban side.
JC Chasez.
Oh yeah, baby! I just want to meet his backup dancers.
Sugababes.
I’m sure they’re very sweet.
Cherie.
Wow. Again, I take the fifth. But I’m sure it’s genius.
And finally, Tech N9ne.
Tech N9ne? Well, they’re at least four points up on Five for Fighting.
