Long ago, I became a fan of "Weird Al" Yankovic, you might have heard of him, and I loved the accordion in his music (especially his first record). I went to the pawn shop one day and saw an accordion. I knew the instant I saw it that I would wanna learn how to play it. My dad was going to buy it for me and we took it up to the counter and he rung it up and it was only $50.00!!! It's the best accordion I've ever had.
2. When did you start playing the accordion?
I started playing the accordion a little bit before my 13th birthday...so when I was 12(1997).
3. How are you currently recording your songs?
I use my computer. I have a special external mic I use that hooks up directly to the computer. I just bought a $100.00 sound card and I can record better than ever now. I also sing into the accordion mic, I hang it from my light on the cieling when I sing. There are pictures of Weird Al, Jim Carrey, Dr. Demento, and Andy Kaufman on my wall that help give me confidence.
4. What kinds of music do you listen to?
Besides comedy music, I listen to 80s, 80s new wave, 80s techno, and all other types of 80s retro. I also listen to techno, adult contemporary(to find parodies), and some hard rock and heavy metal. I don't listen to a lot of rap. The only rap I like is oldschool hip hop and 80s rap. Oh yea, and polka.
5. What kinds of things do you do besides play your accordion?
Well, I also write parodies of movies. I've only written one so far...it's the parody of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phanton Meanace - called - Plaque Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Dentist. I didn't do anything all last summer besides write that. I will be sending it to Mel Brooks soon. I might post it on the site someday(it has a copyright). I'm on the Internet a lot. I also enjoy Atari and regular Nintendo and I watch a LOT of 80s movies.
6. What kind of magazines do you read?
The only magazine I read is MAD.
7. Okay, now describe your dream date in 6 words or less.
A human that's not dead.
8. Will you send your fans an autographed accordion?
Yes, if they send me the accordion.
9. How do you feel about Weird Al wannabes? What makes you different?
I feel that "Weird Al" wannabees are misunderstood. I don't like that term because I've been called that many times. What makes me different is my parodies are actually good. I've put my heart into doing parodies and it's more than doing silly songs; it's my life. Weird Al has just given me the strength I need to do this. I'm really not trying to copy him --- It's just a coincidence that I am similar to him. One of my dreams is to open for him or at least for him to see me play. Maybe at the next AlCon I will be able to perform and Al might be there. If weird Al would compliment me, that would be a great moment.
10. Do you have any strange habits your fans should know about?
Yes, I like to do underwater cake decorating.
11. What's the deal with lampshades? If you want light, why do you want shade??
Good question. They make the lamp look cool....especially if you have a naked eskimo print on the shade.
12. Why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?
It's the German's fault.
