Music
fuck, shit, stack up with reggie watts
Yea, someone told me about the site and I like the idea of it highlighting an under represented phenomenon.
Phenomenon?
I mean, it’s just that it quantifies alternative black culture in a way where its in a place. It’s nice to pull it all together.
How do you fall into the odd mix of things?
I guess I do because I don’t carry on in my comedy and when I perform, like here is a black person. I never really think of it that way. It’s just me and I’m kind of just doing stuff. Often times, people remind me and then I’ll be like, oh yea. But I’m going to do the same thing. A Latino guy with a bandanna gets up on stage, I’m going to immediately go, okay, and then when he starts talking about particle physics, then I’m like, wow. That’s really cool. I like that getting what you don’t expect. So in essence, I like the celebration of getting things that you don’t expect when you think you know what’s about to happen.
Really briefly, can you tell me about your hair care process. I’m always looking for tips.
Hair care? This is what I do. I wash my hair once a week. I comb it out, first with my fingers, lots of conditioner in the shower, then a ridiculous amount of detangler, then I comb through it. Rinse it out, then that’s it for about a week.
Do you think your hair adds to your funny?
The hair itself. Yea, I think it does. In a way, I think comedians are softer versions of clowns and some people are more clowny than others. So I started looking at it that way. Sometimes you see comics and they have a hipster shirt or something, but everyone has a costume or demeanor. I think that the hair or whatever strange thing you have going adds to your look. Because then people are like, oh, this is delightful, I wonder what’s going to happen and you haven’t even done anything yet.
You’re from Montana, you’re repping the t-shirt. What were you like as a high school kid in Montana?
I went to Great Falls High which was the best, I think. It was cool, 1,300 kids total. So when I was a freshman, I was kind of like a nobody, not that I was a looser, just a nobody. People knew who I was because there were only like eight black kids in the school but I hung out with people who were of no particular social ranking. We were artistic weirdos who listened to strange new wave music. So that was my crew. Then second year I went into student government so I was associated with the popular kids then I went on this crazy diet and got really super thin and was running everyday. So I was this skinny well known kid, kind of, I hung out with the parties and keggers, then that ended the year I met my friends Mike and Fish, who introduced me to awesome music and we just formed this crew. It was beautiful weird girls and weird boys, skaters, alternative whatevers. Then junior and senior year was me just being myself with my click. I was in drama and in orchestra.
The violin, right?
Yea, until I got kicked out.
Why did you get kicked out of your orchestra?
Because I forgot my violin on a major tour and I had been a trouble maker in class. I had the same teacher since grade school.
I like your pinky nails.
I like it when girls paint my nails. It’s a nice comforting feeling to have a girl on my hands.
Let’s talk comedy. What’s funny to you?
Anything absurd. That’s my favorite form of comedy. Making it irrelevant by making it silly.
Is that what your song, “Fuck Shit Stack” is all about? I know all of the dance moves.
The song developed organically because I haven’t really written anything. Sometimes things stick and I start repeating them in my routines. So I think that was over two years of development and growth. I was just fucking around with it, not really taking it seriously. Then Comedy Central wanted to put out my record so I decided to do “Fuck Shit Stack” as my single. So I had some points I wanted to hit in the video. It was awesome.
What was the meaning behind the video?
The song was me playing on the cliche of hip hop. I love the beats, but sometimes it’s just so stupid. They’re just repacking the same shit over and over again.
I’ve never really given the title a definition because everyone kind of gives it it’s own thing and I kind of like that. The tangible lyrics are pretty basic and it’s fun to use swear words.
Are there any hip-hop artists you want to share this song with?
I call it pop hop. Like Jay Z, it didn’t come from that but that’s where it is. Not saying that it’s not heart filled, but its Hollywood, its glossy, it’s lifestyle music but no one lives that lifestyle. So its catchy but its irrelevant because it’s someones ideal of what life is like which is unattainable to the masses. Its not adding to the good to life.
Who are you currently listening to who adds to your life?
I’m listening to St. Vincent, the production on it is so good with really complicated rhythms and orchestration, I was really blown away by that. Another band called Jogger. A lot of electronic stuff and soul stuff. I’m a big fan of Van Hunt. I don’t know why he isn’t more massive than he is. It’s weird because I play his music for my friends and they’re like, who is that?
That’s because they’re listening to Jay Z.
You’re right. There’s a weird gap.
You have a long list of things you have done in your life. As an ADD victim, I want to know how you stay focused on completing your tasks.
I always put over qualified people to do really simple tasks. So essentially, if I have a project, I try to make sure my idea is simple enough so for an expert it’s no big thing. That way you lower the stress and get maximum production quality and maximum fun. So for all my theatre stuff I work with Tommy Smith, he’s an amazing play writer, and director, and the stuff that we do is so stupid but he’s the outside eye.
What about you in particular, what’s your plan of action?
I’m kind of like you, I’m not really good at finishing stuff. That’s why my performances are improvised. I don’t have to prepare for it. It’s the lowest amount of work I have to do until I get on the stage then when I get to the stage, the work happens. And then that’s when I can finish my work. I am in front of people and I know I have a certain amount of time. The other way is that I can’t get rid of an idea once it’s in my head, I might not have the energy to see it through and construct it but I will consult with someone who is good at it and can work with me. Some people feel they have to do everything on their own. It’s important to know about how things work but we don’t have to do it all. So just partner with an expert. If you do that, your vision, expertise, execution makes things happen.
I heard Alice Walker is your second cousin. Has she ever come out to any of your shows?
Yea, she is. But I don’t even know if she knows who I am. I met her sister many times at family reunions. I feel like I’m going to meet her one day in a weird way.
Have you read any of her books?
No, unfortunately I’m not much of a reader but I remember getting in the mail that they were going to make her book a movie. My grandparents sent it and everyone was like, oh my gosh. But that was it. I know people really enjoy her work. That’s the only person in my family who’s like that. Everyone else are hard workers. My mom is a house cleaner. My dad was in the military and managed a meat company.
What do they think about you doing comedy?
You know, family doesn’t really care. They care that you’re happy. They think it’s cool. It’s mostly my younger cousins that think its cool that are savvy on the internet.
So, what’s next for Reggie?
Next is I’m filming my pilot for Comedy Central, “The Reggie Watts Show” and that should be fun. Then just a lot of touring. I hope the pilot gets picked. I think you’ll like it.
I’m sure I will.
And if you like it, the world will. Right?
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 09/09/10 | New York | Coco 66 |
| Time: 8:00pm. | ||
| 09/14/10 | Brooklyn | Fort Greene Park |
| Time: 6:30pm. | ||
| Tour: Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival | ||
| 09/17/10 | Brooklyn, NY | The Bell House |
| Time: 9:00pm. Admission: $15. Address: 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd). Doors: 8:30pm BUY TICKETS | ||
| 09/18/10 | Ames | Stephens Auditorium, Iowa State Center |
| Time: 8:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Venue phone:515-294-9934. | ||
| 11/18/10 | Los Angeles | Largo |
| Time: 8:00pm. Admission: $20. Address: 366 N. La Cienaga Blvd.. | ||
Get The Latest
Signup for the AFROPUNK newsletter
Related
Radical Self Care
Misdiagnosis and Neglect: The Endometriosis Experience Of Black Women
