032: Fred Armisen (8G Band, Trenchmouth, SNL, Portlandia)

The Trap Set with Joe Wong

Joe Wong

Joewong, Drums, Comedy, Performing Arts, Arts, Drummers

4.8 • 709 Ratings

🗓️ 26 August 2015

⏱️ 33 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

You know Fred Armisen from his work on Portlandia and SNL, but before he was a comedy star, Fred was a working drummer. He charts the journey from his early fascination with music, to his time touring and recording with arty Chicago band Trenchmouth, to Blue Man Group, SNL, The 8G Band and beyond. Fred also discusses the nature of his creative drive and his relationship with success.

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode of The Trap Set is brought to you in part by Collecivo Coffee, handmade coffee since 1993.
0:07.2	Check them out online at collectivo with 1L.com.
0:30.0	This is Joe Wong. Welcome to the trap set, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.
0:36.7	The month of August has been funny drummer's month. I've been speaking with funny people who drum all month long.
0:38.6	I want to play something for you.
1:00.6	You're hearing Making Money for the Freak Machines by Trenchmouth, featuring my guest Fred Armisen on drums.
1:07.4	Fred is best known for his work on Portlandia, which he co-created with Slater Kinney guitarist Carrie Brownstein,
1:12.6	and for his 11-year stint on Saturday Night Live. But before he found his artistic voice in the comedy world, Fred was a working drummer, touring and recording with Chicago band Trenchmouth.
1:19.4	As we'll discuss, Fred has given up the pursuit of being a full-time musician, but he still
1:24.4	makes use of his musical skills and his comedy. Fred is still an avid music fan.
1:29.3	I first met him when I was touring with Mary Timony
1:32.3	and our paths crossed again when I was on the road with Marnie Stern,
1:35.3	who now plays guitar in the 8G band,
1:38.3	the house band that Fred leads on Late Night with Seth Myers.
1:43.3	And now our interview with Fred Armisen.
1:48.3	Earliest memories I have are wanting to have a show and like be in a band or be on TV.
1:57.4	I really was obsessed with TV.
1:59.1	What inspired you right away?
2:03.6	I think almost any variety show that I'd see on TV, then seeing the monkeys and stuff, which
2:10.0	by then we're talking, you know, mid-70s, it was already reruns because they're 60s, but
2:17.3	like, I feel like
2:18.7	reruns kind of just run into like people's memories.
	...

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