“I would say we’re the smartest band in the world.” It’s quite the intrepid statement from Weezer’s Scott Shriner, who is feeling proud. His band are currently enjoying a fourth week at the top of the American Modern Rock Billboard charts with infectious new single ‘Pork and Beans’. The hilarious video for the song received a million hits in less than 24 hours on YouTube and their new self-titled album (yes another one) is set for release on June 16. Gigwise got hold of the bassist as he took time to bask in the glorious Los Angeles sunshine. Unable to join him in the fine settings we had to seize the opportunity to chat on the phone and find out how good life is right now.
14 years ago Weezer released their debut effort, ‘Weezer (The Blue Album)’ which brought with it the illustrious single ‘Buddy Holly’. After their last album, ‘Make Believe’, was released rumours began to circulate about the future of the band. Shriner quickly quashes any doubts by stating: “I feel like I’m in the prime of my life and Weezer has a good long time ahead of it.” He adds: “I tend to be a bit over dramatic, which a couple of the other guys have pointed out. Brian Bell knew the whole time when we were doing our shows in 2005 that we’d be back again.”
Back they are, and later this month their sixth studio album ‘Weezer (The Red Album)’ hits shelves. The new record is the first time all members of the band have shared song writing responsibilities and lead vocal duties. Shriner enthusiastically explains: “It’s the most creative we’ve ever been and it’s the most collaborative we’ve ever been. It’s a really exciting time for Weezer.” Shriner himself co-wrote and sings on the track ‘Cold Dark World’. He comments: “The lyrics are supposed to be a happy love song and the music sounds kind of dark and creepy, so you put them together and you get a nice creepy love song, which is my favourite kind of thing.”
Love in the band, however, has not always been evident. Even during the course of recording their new album arguments were close at hand. A jovial Shriner explains it’s inevitable for a band and gives details of some of the disputes: “Me and Pat Wilson had some good wrestling matches.” Asking who came out on top Shriner laughs before stating: “Pat’s a bit stronger than me in the upper body. I got some stamina though I could have kept going.” Putting the idea that perhaps a battle of the minds may be more suited to him, Shriner says: “These guys are the smartest musicians ever.” After more deep laughter and the revelation that he is in the “smartest band in the world” Shriner confesses, “Weezer are not ashamed of their I.Q.”
Their intelligence has enabled them to avoid falling into the category of bands that release a greatest hits package prematurely. “We’ve pondered the possibility but then decided we don’t have enough hits. Also we’re looking more towards the future rather then the past in our career,” says Shriner. Speculation of a live DVD release has also surfaced over the years and Shriner updates the situation by explaining: “I think once again it almost falls in the category of a greatest hits album where that DVD can be so much better now with some of these songs on this record so I’m really glad we haven’t put it out yet. We want it to be really special.”
Working alongside Rick Rubin and Jacknife Lee, their new album was recorded in three sessions. One with each producer and a separate one of their own, which Shriner admits enabled them to seize a more experimental approach. This resulted in the epic, and possibly best song on the record, ‘The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)’. Another producer who gets the nod of approval by the band is Timbaland. ‘Pork and Beans’ contains the lyrics “Timbaland knows the way to reach the top of the chart/Maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art.” Shriner acknowledges the talents of the super producer by saying: “I think he’s fantastic and we honestly would really love to work with him. We definitely don’t need him to perfect our art like it says in the song but I love being in contact with great musical minds and he definitely seems like one.”
Trying out fresh concepts and adapting to change is something Shriner admits has had to be a consistent occurrence in Weezer. Describing how they have managed to stay around for so long Shriner reveals: “It’s a lot of willingness to change and grow. It’s putting one’s egos aside and focussing on the music as well.” Their music has always had a tongue-in-cheek rebellious ingredient and lead singer Rivers Cuomo is renowned for experimenting with outlandish ways of creation, more recently he posted several video blogs asking for help from fans to make a new song.
Weezer’s legion of fans have never been afraid to offer constructive advice on the band’s material. Shriner does confess: “They are a little eccentric sometimes in their views but when it comes down to it, it’s a loving relationship.” The Weezer community has stood by their heroes despite negative criticism and Shriner admits Weezer are lucky to have such a great community. Unfortunately, fans in Europe may have to wait a little while before they catch a glimpse of the band as they are yet to commit to any festival appearances. Shriner reveals: “We’re still talking about it, I would love to do that and hope it would make sense for us to do that. I guess we’re going to see how the record will do over there (Europe) so we’ve got our fingers crossed.”
The band are not about to let their creative juices evaporate yet either. Plans for a new album are already in motion as Shriner explains: “We’re planning on doing some more recording later in the year. I guess we’re hoping for mid 2009.” For now the fantastic new album will have to do as we await the next instalment from the brains at the Weezer camp.
