Jeff Whalen and Tsar, ready to save rock.

Tsar is a totally awesome young band from Los Angeles, that combines the high-energy of early punk, the melodic resonance of power-pop and the elaborate wackiness of glam. They recently released their eponymous debut record (click for a review), and have just finished the first leg of their tour, opening for Duran Duran. I talked with Singer Jeff Whalen shortly before their show in Chula Vista, California.

Brigid Pearson: Hello?

Jeff Whalen: I’m sorry. My mouth is full.

BP: That's ok. Is this Jeff?

JW: Yeah.

BP: Hi, this is Brigid. How are you?

JW: Great! What’s going on?

BP: Not too much. What are you eating?

JW: Its like a turkey a . . . a turkey and cheese.

BP: Oh, the deli tray.

JW: Uh huh. It was so good. On rye. Yeah.

BP: How is lovely Chula Vista?

JW: Oh its a beautiful view. Well, that’s just what it means. I haven’t seen anything.

BP: So is tonight the last night of the Duran Duran tour?

JW: Sadly, it is.

BP: You’ve been having a good time?

JW: Best time of my life.

BP: Glad to hear it. What is it that makes it so good?

JW: Well, just like everything. It’s like you try to be a rocker, and you think you’re going to have a good time, but you’re not going to have that good a time. And it’s not everything you and I think. It’s a lot of hard work and all that kind of stuff, which it is in a lot of ways. But it’s also all the fun that I thought, or at least 90% of the fun.

BP: So there hasn’t been too much hardship?

JW: Well, hardship is fine, but hardship is mostly what I’ve done already. It’s like you work so hard to get to a place and this is one of the rewards I was looking forward to. And I’m just happy to not be thoroughly disappointed.

BP: Is Duran Duran pretty nice? Do you talk with them much?

JW: Do we fraternize?

BP: Fraternize, yes.

JW: Well, we do and we don’t. We certainly have a friendly relationship, but I think we might be having a little more fun than they are. We kind of exist in little different bubbles that occasionally bump into each other.

BP: Is there any sort of send-off planned before you start the next leg of the tour without them?

JW: Like for us? Like goodbye, Tsar, our new special friends? I would highly doubt that. It would be a real surprise. We’ve gotten along ok and Simon and I have had several conversations about the Secret Society of Lead Singers.

BP: Is there such a society?

JW: He claims there was. He didn’t ask me to join. He just started talking about it but, well, we smoke. We talk. We have a thing where we were talking to the same couple girls and he just brings the hammer down whenever he wants to.

BP: Is that unpleasant?

JW: Nah. It’s cool because at least he thought that I was worthy enough to even toy with.

BP: So you get some credibility there.

JW: Yeah, I guess so. I guess that’s what you call it.

BP: Can I ask you about your record?

JW: Absolutely. I love to talk about my record.

BP: I just want to say first, that I love it.

JW: Thank you so much.

BP: It’s really re-affirmed my faith in the whole genre.

JW: That’s beautiful to hear.

BP: I thought it was gone, but I listen to it all the time and it just makes me happy. So the obvious question is: I hear lots of influences there but maybe you can tell me what influences you guys the most?

JW: Well, it’s hard to say. The medium to long answer is: you know how bands from the ‘60s like the Beatles or Bowie (who I guess really isn’t the '60s, but sitll), those older bands are really influenced by Chuck Berry and Elvis? But then their music doesn’t sound anything like that, even though in the end you got the sense that all they really wanted was to just play "Summertime Blues" or whatever. If they got to play what they wanted, they’d just play "Good Golly Miss Molly" all day. I guess it’s something like that . I’d say 90% of what we’re compared to, which varies so much depending on the listener, is not really the prime influence on us.

BP: That’s what I was wondering, since I hear so many things in there. But I’m sure that’s not where you’ve gotten your influences from.

JW: Right. We’ve been compared to ‘80s metal, ‘70s glam, ‘70s power pop, new wave, punk and everybody. All the writers act like they got us pegged. They got our number. But then they keep adding more and more bands into the mix and you realize that they don’t have any idea what to really call us. My main influences--the way I approach the songwriting and even the singing at times, in trying to make music that made me feel the way that other music has made me feel--would be The Beatles and a band called the Pooh Sticks. (They’re a Welsh band from the mid ‘90s. They just broke up, sadly) And Nirvana. If I ever tried to sing like anybody on the record...like Kurt Cobain...of course I didn’t end up sounding like Kurt Cobain. And everyone thinks I’m doing some other guy. Which also changes from person to person.

BP: Are you ever influenced by movies or by your surroundings in L.A.?

JW: No, I’m mostly influenced by pop songs. I cry about every day or every other day over a pop song that makes me feel that kind of hyper-emotionality of a really good pop song; that makes me really feel that aching of what I want my reality to be. Which it’s not, so I try to create own, that i really like. My current song is by a band called No Authority. They’re kind of like a failed boy band. They have a song called "What I Want To Do", and I can’t stop listening to it. I listen to it about 10 times a day. Kind of like Madonna meets The Jackson 5.

BP: I noticed that you did that Backstreet Boys cover. Are you a fan of theirs?

JW: Did you see us?

BP: Yeah

JW: Where were you?

BP: At the Mercury Lounge.

JW: Oh really. ok.

BP: Is that part of the regular set or was that a one-off?

JW: It certainly started as a one-off. We were doing a show in L.A. right before we left for the Duran thing, and and we we’re like, “We should learn a cover for the show.” We play in L.A. most of the time, and since we've been on tour we haven’t really had a chance to learn any new stuff. So we tried to learn some songs, and we started goofing off on "Larger Than Life", and it was just a lot of fun. We kind of liked the way it was sounding, so we did it as an encore in L.A., and it seemed like only 40% of the people really knew what it was. Everybody was like, “Is this a Kiss song?” And we had the Duran show a few days later in Dallas and we were like, “Should we do it?” And we go, “Yeah, let’s do it!” So we did it, and like, “This one’s a cover!” And you start Duh-duh DUH-duh duhduhduhduh, and you could see the people kind of going, “That sounds familiar. I don't really know what this is,” and then kicking in and: “Is this really going to be the Backstreet Boys?” When it gets to “...screaming my name...” then they go, “Oh my god!” Especially with the Duran audience. They’re more kind of mainstream than an L.A. Or New York club audience. The recognition’s totally there. It’s been working really well to seal the deal with the audience, because it’s an audience that’s not expecting the opening band to be any good at all . It never happens. And from what I understand from Duranies on various other tours Duran Duran is kind of notorious for having particularly shabby opening bands.

BP: Really?

JW: Well, that’s what they tell me. I don’t even know who they’re talking about. So we come out, and they’re, like, “Well I guess I like this.” As soon as we play "Larger Than Life", about two thirds of the way through, it seems to change the tone of the show. It’s almost like giving them permission to like us. So the the rest of the show, they’re more on our wavelength.

BP: For the most part have you been winning over the audiences?

JW: I’d say yes. Definitely yes. Without trying to seem too cocky.

BP: It’s ok to say yes.

JW: I’d say yes.

BP: It’s always nice when you get an opening band that’s really entertaining, and I would sure be happy to be pleasantly surprised if I didn’t already know who you were.

JW: We’ve only been heckled once.

BP: Where was that?

JW: In Detroit.

BP: They’re kind of nasty there?

JW: Rock City! It was just two different sets of drunk guys. They were pretty vocal. There’s a sense of, “Oh my god.” In between songs your going, ”Oh, let this not turn into a feeding frenzy of heckling.” But then after the show we pulled it off. everybody gave us the same, “You guys are great.” And we sold as much stuff, and had as much fan mail as any other show.

Yearning for Kathy Fong?

BP: Could you please tell me about Kathy Fong? Who is she, and why is she so appealing?

JW: Why is she so appealing?

BP: Is she a real person?

JW: No. While I’m sure there is somebody named Kathy Fong (odds are there is) it was in reference to a person that I didn’t know, who works at a record store. I was kind of on a trip where I was listening to a song by the Rivingtons from the early ‘60s called "Pa Pa Ooh Mow Mow". It’s about a guy who’s talking about this song that he keeps hearing on the radio, that’s called "Pa Pa Ooh Mow Mow," that goes like this.... I was completely obsessed with that concept of a song about the song that it’s about.

BP: And that's why she’s so vaguely presented in the song?

JW: Well no. Kathy Fong: it’s 3 minutes long. I’m describing the song. How every body thinks it’s going to be a big big hit. But its also about a girl at the same time.

BP: Well I have a very nice picture of her and the song now, too.

JW: Yeah. She’s a really cute girl who works at this record store. But I never got the courage to talk to her. I always thought she was looking at me, but I couldn’t tell if it’s because she thought I was going to steal something.

BP: Maybe she was wary of you stealing her heart.

JW: Aahh...nice one.

BP: You’ve been on tour for awhile. Do you miss your home? Is there anything you’re craving?

JW: I was just home for 2 days. It was much too long. I have no business at home. Other than get in trouble with girls.

BP: So being ON the streets means that you’re staying out of trouble?

JW: No! It’s just that I don’t have to deal with the repercussions of. . .you know -- you’ve got girls you like and there’s this girl that I love, and when we’re not together, it’s part of little-Jeffy’s-dream-since-he-was-8: to go out and do this thing, and do what I want to do and. . .I don't know.

BP: Are you just getting some perspective by being away for awhile? Taking a long view when you have time to think about things, and you're gone and not in the midst of all your day to day relationships?

JW: Like I value the relationship more when I’m on the road?

BP: Maybe you could put it that way.

JW: It’s actually kind of the opposite. You realize it’s hyper-real and totally fake as well. When you’re home, being on tour seems like some movie you saw. And then when you’re on the road, home seems like some book you read.

BP: So whatever you’re doing now is most real.

JW: Right.

BP: Are you working on material for the next record?

JW: Well not yet. The record just came out a month ago. Hopefully, we’ll be on tour for awhile. All the songs I’m writing right now are slow.

BP: Why’s that? Why are they slow?

JW: Because when we get the chance to play, I never get a chance to plug in the electric and start riffing. I think that’s the reason. We don’t get a chance to practice that much. We don’t get to get some groove going.

BP: I guess there will be a time for that later. Have you had any good celebrity sightings?

JW: Yeah. We were waiting to leave one of the shows, and I was totally hammered, and I was trying to go to the bathroom, and C.C. DeVille from Poison grabs me and says, “You guys are Great! I have your record! You’re show was totally awesome!“ The next day my roommate got a message from his sound guy. He rambled on for like 10 minutes about how C.C. had enjoyed our show.

BP: If you could collaborate, song-writing wise, with anybody, who would it be?

JW: Steve Gregory who writes for the Pooh Sticks.

BP: You’re a big fan of his?

JW: Brilliant.

BP: Do you know him?

JW: No .I wish I knew him, but if i did know him he might disappoint me. Cause he’s an idol of mine.

BP: That’s always a problem in meeting your idols. How did you pick your producer?

JW: We were kind of like top dog in the unsigned market in L.A. for that special 3 days. Every band gets their 3 days. And you could tell the ones that were totally full of shit. Most of these guys are. They don’t want to be left out. They don’t want to feel like they're out of the loop. They don’t want to feel like they don t got juice. You can just tell the ones who are only liking you because they’re instructed to, or it seems like the thing to do. Whereas Rob Cavallo, from the first time he saw us (i think he only caught half the set), totally understood our whole thing. We had a meeting a couple days later. He knew all of our songs on guitar and all the words, and totally understood what we were all about. And that was a BIG difference from a lot of other people . And, plus, he’s just a super nice guy. Really easy-going and quite talented.

BP: So you worked together pretty well? It was easy once you got in the studio?

JW: It wasn’t easy to do the thing. The relationships were quite easy. But the actual doing of the music: I was prepared for it to be hard, but I had no idea how hard it would be. Lots of gnashing of teeth and crying all night.

BP: Oh dear, not really?

JW: Oh yeah. A lot of pressure, especially on the first record.

BP: But you’ll be a little more seasoned by the time the next one rolls around.

JW: Hopefully. I kept asking Cavallo about that, and he was pretty certain that you never really learn how to do it . You just kind of keep going, and follow the way the record is being made each time, and not think that you know what you're doing.

BP: And each one is a new beast.

JW: Yeah.

BP: Have you ever seen a UFO?

JW: No just in the movies.

BP: Just curious. I have to ask everybody.

JW: Really? Well, I guess I'd like to. Though I’m not pro-alien. I’m pro-human. I’m not anti-alien . I’m just pro-human.

BP: A good way to be.

JW: Yeah.

BP: What about the other bands you're playing with (after Duran Duran)?

JW: Marvelous 3 and SR-71?

BP: Yeah. Are they worth seeing?

JW: I’ve never seen them. I’ve seen Marvelous 3 on Conan O’Brien. They seemed good. Everyone tells me they’re really good. I’m looking forward to the tour a lot. I think it’s going to be a lot different than this one. Which is kind of exciting and scary. Because this one is the only one we really know about.

BP: It sounds really fun though.

JW: Its totally fun to be on the road. It’s just a beautiful thing.

BP: What do you guys usually do during the day when you’re travelling? Do you read or chat or play games?

JW: Generally I sleep, because I’m not allowed to drive the van

BP: Why aren’t you allowed?

JW: Because I will crash it. It’s pretty clear. The Duran tour has been filled with a lot of Harry Potter reading.

BP: Oh, did you read it?

JW: Yeah, I just finished the 4th one. I cant wait for the new one. Have you read them?

BP: I read the first one, and I have the second one. I’m going to start it pretty soon.

JW: They get better and better.

BP: They picked the kids who are going to be in the movie.

JW: Does it seem right?

BP: Yeah, I think so. The kid is cute and has little horn-rimmed glasses and looks like he’ll be good.

JW: Awesome.

BP: I’m looking forward to it.

JW: It’s gonna come out in, like, 2005.

BP: It can’t come out that late; the kids gonna grow up pretty soon.

JW: Did they show a picture of Hermione?

BP: Yeah. She looked pretty cute. Also Ron. He looked a little thuggish, but I think he’ll be ok.

JW: Thuggish?

BP: Yeah.

JW: I thought he was a regular looking kid.

BP: He’s regular, but he’s a little bit beefy. He looks British. Sort of like a soccer player. But I think he’s going to be ok.

JW: We’ll I can’t wait. Keep rockin’.