| The KneeHighs sit down with CNN Reporter Ian Cohen for an exclusive interview:
1. Why name your band The KneeHighs? Any of you own kneehighs? Dalton: First, I just want to say thanks for having us, Chuck. Glad to be here, and as for your question, that’s none of your damn business and I’ll thank you for staying out of my personal affairs. DJ GarGar: Well, The Beatles was already taken. 2. How hard is it being a hip-hop group from San Diego? DaDa: It ain’t hard being a group. It’s just hard to get some major exposure. We’re hustling, though. 3. How hard is it being not your typically looking hip hop artists? Talls: I don’t think it matters anymore. When we take the stage, people might look at us and say, “Wow, these guys are really white.”, but by the time the fifth song rolls around, it’s all about the music. 4. What’s unique about the KneeHighs music? Describe the KneeHighs sound. DaDa: I’d just say we’re fun. Add a little KY and then we’re funky! DJ GarGar: It’s not unique at all. We sound like everything else on the radio and MTV. Now, major labels should come calling any minute now. Dalton: Basically, The KneeHighs are better than anything you’ve ever heard. What, bitch?!? 5. When do you think you'll stop and all look at each other and say, "We made it"? DaDa: When we get to stop working our day jobs for good. Man, I hope that happens soon! 6. I sing in the shower a lot...I bet you guys are singing everywhere, all the time... am I right? Any funny story when you didn't think anyone was around and you were just rapping at the top of your lungs? Dalton: You sing in the shower?!? HA! What a little faggot! DJ GarGar: That’s never happened to me, but I heard through the grapevine that Talls and Dalton sing in the shower together all the time. Oops. 7. You represent San Diego in your songs a lot, how important is SD to your music? DaDa: Very important. I think we try to portray the feeling you get when you come here. Very chill, laid back, but so much fun that you can’t help but like it. DJ GarGar: The vibe and the people in the city definitely influence our music. 8. What else would you be doing if you weren't in the KneeHighs? DJ GarGar: Sleeping. DaDa: Trying to be a safety in the NFL! Dalton: I’d probably be famous by now, and I’m sure you can agree with me on that, Chuck! 9. In hip-hop, is it about feeding of each other to make it work? Talls: Exactly, we feed off each others’ energy. That’s what makes a group work. DJ GarGar: Definitely. Synergy is key. 10. Describe what it feels like to be performing? And for that fact performing at clubs in SD? Talls: For me, I feel more comfortable on stage that in normal surroundings. After three weeks with no show, I usually start having withdrawals. 11. To date, what’s been the greatest KneeHighs moment? DaDa: To me, probably being able to open up for Tha Liks! It was our biggest venue and biggest show, and then when Tha Liks came on, I got kicked out. Talls: Our sold out CD Release Show with Lyrics Born and Pigeon John at The Casbah. There’s nothing like playing a sold out show at that venue. 12. A lot of bands split up, why won't this happen to the KneeHighs? Dalton: I’m glad you asked, Chuck – and the reason we won’t be breakin’ up is because Gar has us booked for the next five years and shit!... birthdays, barmitzfas, bachelorette parties, etc. 13. Where is one place you really want to play? DaDa: Coors Amphitheatre. Talls: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado. 14. How do you feel about your first album? DaDa: I love it. I know it ain’t perfect, but it was so much fun to make. 15. Can you take a verse and break it down for me and tell me the meaning behind it? Dalton: No. 16. What other groups do you guys look up to, as mentors? Dalton: Cowboy Troy! He proves that if a black man can make it in country, then a white boy can make it in hip hop! Talls: Kool Keith, Jurassic 5, Atmosphere, People Under The Stairs, Delphonics, Blackalicious, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Motion Man, Modest Mouse, Pink Floyd, etc. 17. When you write songs, does it just come to you? Talls: It depends on the beat. If I really feel it, I’ll have my verse written the same day. 18. Who is Jon Case? DaDa: He’s a British exchange student who sits at his computer, playing our songs to make our numbers better. 19. Are the Chargers going to win on Sunday? DJ GarGar: Who are we playing? 20. Where is the best place to write a verse? Why? DaDa: In the shower. That’s where my BIG ideas come to me. Talls: In my car. I get most of my ideas when I’m driving alone. DJ GarGar: The KFC on Convoy Street. It’s totally inspiring. Dalton: I would have to say… in the bathroom. That is where I’m always bringin’ the heat, and it translates into my lyrics. 21. What do you think of hip hop music today, versus the 90’s? DJ GarGar: Just like everyone says – the 90’s was the golden era of hip hop. An overabundance of groundbreaking classics came during that period of time. I can’t say the same for the past six years. 22. Do you think it’s easier to break into the music industry today, as opposed to, say, twenty years ago? Why? DaDa: It’s easier, just based on technology. Anybody can do it from home if they want to. They just gotta be hungry. 23. What is hip hop music to you? DJ GarGar: It’s real simple – when real hip hop music comes on, you get this real angry, ugly face on and you start bobbin’ your head. 24. Who is more important, the DJ or the MC? Why? Talls: The DJ, because he is the band. DaDa: The DJ! No, the MC. No, neither. 25. What’s coming up in the KneeHighs future? Talls: Our second album and lots of groupies. 26. What’s more important, being good live, or having a great sounding CD? Why? DJ GarGar: Being good live, because anyone can make a great sounding CD, but not everyone can rock a stage. 27. Describe your role in the group, both on and off stage. DaDa: We drew straws, and I got the one that said, “Diss the bitches.” Talls: On stage, I bring the energy and stage presence. Off stage, I’m the mixer/engineer and co-group leader. Dalton: On stage, I’m the guy who flicks his hand a lot… Off stage, I ruin everything and take bad pictures. DJ GarGar: I’m the DJ-Producer-Hype Man. I’m also their damn babysitter, manager, publicist and booking agent. I should be getting 95%. 28. What is one very important thing that people might not know about you that they should? What is one very important thing that people might not know about The KneeHighs that they should? DaDa: My arm hair stops at the elbows, and The KneeHighs are fittin’ to blow. 29. Do you feel you have an overall message to bring to the people? DJ GarGar: Make it happen. Dalton: Not really. |