Andrew Thompson keeps things funky with his robot, a kazoo, and some mad drum beats.  One listen and you’ll realize why his now out-of-print debut record Egad! has been receiving a steady flow of love from independent critics since it’s release last year.  In a brief interview, Thompson tells us what else he has rolled up his sleeve.

Hey Andrew, according to your website you’re recovering from a throat problem.  How have you been faring? When do you plan on being ready to perform again?

I’m not quite 100% yet. But I’ll be ready in time for a show at Brooklyn Lyceum March 10th.

You’ve just released There Must Be Some Kind of Misunderstanding as a single on Lewis Recordings.  How did you get hooked up with the DJ/rap label?

Well, I’m a fan of Edan’s and I sent a copy of Egad his way, which Mike Lewis intercepted. He dug it and put it me on. A nice story, really. N’est pas?

I read that Egad! is now out-of-print.  Are you planning on re-recording any of the tracks for an up coming full length? What are your plans for your next release?

Egad will stay out of print for now. Lewis Recordings will release another single from Egad, “We’re In Business” in the next couple of months, but that’ll be it the time being. I’m currently working on a new project for Lewis Recordings – a full length LP. It will have all new material.

You’ve done time as a jazz singer, fronted your own band, and now you’re flying solo.  Do you have any specific goals for this project? What else do you have rolled up your sleeve?

Well, being that I’m a controlling egotist I rather like the solo approach. I do perform with a band though – the Golf and Racquet Club who backs me in my solo work. I like the solo act, because (I’m the boss and) I’m not as limited. Andrew Thompson, while it sounds like a singer/songwriter’s name (or a president’s) can be a rock project, a jazz singer or whoever. I admire careers of people like Harry Nilsson or David Bryne and Elvis Costello. They’ve been able to make whatever music they’ve wanted. I like where I am now. Goals…Well, I’d like for this project to reach a wide audience. What I’m working on now (and what I’m incorporating into my live shows) is more grandiose. Strings and horns and harps, etc. I’ll follow that trail for a while.

You currently reside in NYC.  What are some things you can get away with in New York that you can’t pull of elsewhere?  What are some of your hobbies/favorite sites?

I don’t know about getting away with stuff in NYC. Folks don’t seem to mind me dressing like an idiot and singing with a robot. I think people appreciate a good show. Your average Joe likes to know you’re working hard for the money here– so it pushes me to go big. I don’t feel like I’ve gone as far as I can yet. I’ll get back to you on this one. Aside from moonlighting as a brigand I don’t have many hobbies. I try to keep my sites on Brooklyn – that’s my favorite place around here (for pillaging and just hanging out).

There is constant mention of a robot that accompanies you on stage. Is this the same killer untrustworthy robot from We’re In Business? If so, what are some precautions you take to ensure a fun, safe environment for the kids in the crowd?

Yes, the stage robot is the same robot from “We’re In Business.” I don’t really take any precautions. Mostly my robot is all talk. It hasn’t killed me yet so kids probably have a pretty good shot at surviving a show.

It’s fair to say you’ve received some critical acclaim since releasing Egad!  How do you manage the constant flow of adoration from the independent critic circle?  Have you received any contrasting hate mail or noteworthy bad reviews?

I have to say the reception has been really incredible so far. I do get occasional hate mail, but nothing too serious. Besides, I’d rather get hate from people than a lukewarm response. I expect that the release of “We’re in Business” will rub more people the wrong way than “Misunderstanding” did.

You are lending some of your tunes to an upcoming film titled A Yeti in the City. What is some info on the project? I checked the trailer and it looks like your standard animation/live action yeti film.

Yeah – it’s just your average coming of age story told through the life of a displaced Yeti. The director, T’chaka Sikelianos is a friend. Everything I’ve seen of it looks great. I have no idea when it’ll be out. Will you tell him to finish that thing?

We covered the new single, the good reviews, and the up coming film.  What else is going on in the world of Andrew Thompson that might be pertinent to a stranger reading this interview?

I’m coming out with a line of women’s clothing called Bottomless Tits. Look for it this spring.

Links
www.golfandracquetclub.com
www.lewisrecordings.com