Josh Ottum is a funny and superb musician from Seattle. He is even better at answering questions. Learn more about him here.
1. Tell us about the band?
The band is me. I play solo or with really good friends.
2. Have you ever been fed up with playing music or with band members and why?
I’ve gotten stressed more than fed up. I guess if I got fed up I wouldn’t be doing it anymore. Its fun to play and I’m glad I’m still alive after that one show in that weird town in Germany.
3. What was your first concert experience? Do you remember how you felt once the concert was over?
The first concert I can remember was Jan and Dean and Sha Na Na at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. I slept for most of it and remember feeling extremely cranky when we got home. My dad carried me to bed and I was probably crying.
4. Did you grow up wanting to play music, or when did the whole making albums thing come about and how?
I started recording songs with words towards the end of college. Everyone in college liked pop music and I wanted to popular.
5. What qualifies you guys to be in a band?
All my connections with people with money and power who are cousins of cousins of famous people. Kidding.
6. Do you have a favorite song you have ever written? Why?
I like a song called fool in the night. It’ll be on my next record. Its to the point and fun to play guitar solos on.
7. What is your greatness weakness as a band?
Stage banter is too advanced for our place in the larger cosmic scope of things.
8. What qualities should a successful label or manager have?
They should really love their acts and be stoked on working hard. They probably should own an iPhone as well.
9. What’s the scariest thing that has ever happened to you in your life?
Wow. Umm. There was a possum on my bed when I was younger. I almost had a heart attack.
10. What’s the first thing you do when the band arrives in a new town while on tour?
Walk the streets looking for a park to do yoga in. No. Just eat and sit.
11. Have you ever had an audience member give you the willies because they kept looking at you all weird?
Yes. Not into it.
12. Have you ever cried while listening to music? If so what were you listening too?
Shore. Lots of slow church songs. Randy Newman. Jude Sill. Lots of stuff.
13. If you could re-record, or re-write any song of yours what would that song be?
“Like ourselves”
14. What’s the worst place you have ever played a show at, and why?
Near the lockers in high school during a hailstorm. We got wet and electrocuted.
15. In a perfect world how many albums would you have to sell to be happy?
I will only be happy when I sell one million albums. If that never happens then I’ll never be happy. Kidding.
16. What do you guys have planned for the future?
Finish next record and put it out in the fall. Write songs that pierce the heart, not the ears.
17. What music do you listen to when you are having a bad day?
Pantera.
18. If you had your life to live over again, what one thing would you change?
I wouldn’t have let my sister make me watch “dirty dancing” so many times. I would’ve watched the movie “Rad” more.
