Interview 1: Darren Robinson (Phantom Planet)

So, I did this interview sometime in early 2003 I believe. It was for a school research paper and I asked some people on a message board about it and one of them knew Darren and set it up. My questions were quickly made up, and were not very good. The whole thing was pretty lame on my part but, it's not like I'm used to conducting interviews particularly on one subject. Anyways, I thought I'd post it anyways, so enjoy.

What do you think has a bigger effect: movies on music or music on movies?
Both can be equally as effective.

What is your favorite soundtrack and why?

The first one that comes to mind is the Virgin Suicides Score. It fits the mood and feel of the movie perfectly I think.

Two of Phantom Planet's songs have been on soundtracks for movies (Drive Me Crazy & Orange County), Did you guys decide if these were used in the film?

Of course we did. Legally speaking, we must. If they were used without our permission, we'd have Jacques kick some ass. He's buff!

Since those songs were in movies, did it gain you guys more recognition?

Hmm, I suppose it did a little. It's exposure to our music, so naturally It hink that it gained us some recognition.

In your opinion, what director has the best use of music in his film?

Sofia Coppola- Virgin Suicides Score by Air.

As a musician and knowing musicians, do they tend to have a lot of interest in directing and film?

It all depends on the person I think. I'm a musician and I rarely ever see movies. I have no interest whatsoever at this point in my life in acting, directing or anything involving movies. I know some musicians who would like to do both.

How about people in the film industries' interests in music?

I wouldn't know.

What made you want to play guitar? How did you get your first one?

Slash from GNR made me want to play at first, when I was in 5th grade. Eventually I told my parents I wanted to start playing the guitar, and they "rented to own" me a crappy red and white Fender Squire electric.

What is your favorite movie?

I have a few. The Goonies. Waking Life, Stand by Me, and a few others.

Do you think music has an effect on a person's opinion of a movie?

I think so. At least if you don't like the movie, you might like the music. That might be enough to actually make you subconsciously like the movie and want to see it again. Who knows?

Since music videos have become a common part of being a musician do you think the relationship between music and film has been enhanced?

I think music videos show the artistic side of the musicians, or at least they should. Music videos have definately enhanced the relationship between music and film.

Chats

So, I am a member of Hanson.net, and being so I've been lucky enough to get some of my questions answered by Hanson in chats they've done. Here's the questions they've answered that I've asked.

March 28, 2004:
[Elf] [jrlogicchip1] If you could open up for anyone on a tour who would you choose?
[Hanson] It would be amazing to play with U2. That would be an incredible honor! Or Twisted Sister! :)

[Elf][jrlogicchip1] If they could own any record in the world what record would they choose?
[Hanson] Zac: Underneath by Hanson!
Now this question should have been phrased better by myself. I meant, which actual vinyl record would they like to have, meaning you know maybe a rare release or something but no he gave me THAT answer. Damn kid.


May 4, 2004:
[Elf] jrlogicchip -
[Elf] We all know you guys seem to have problem with keeping on time (but that's okay, we're used to it!) but which one of you is the biggest procrastinator?
[Hanson] [Zac] We all have our faults, but when it comes to procrastination, Taylor takes the cake.. Not to say that we aren't bad sometimes too!