The Dresden Dolls
Listen to the Show
The Dresden Dolls on Open Source at WGBH studio 1 [Brendan Greeley ] (all studio photos in our Flickr set)
We’re trying something new. A live band in our studio, playing songs and talking. The band is The Dresden Dolls, a self-described Brechtian-rock cabaret duo with a flare for the melodramatic. The band is comprised of Boston natives Amanda Palmer singing and pounding her heart out on a big Kurtzweil keyboard, and Brian Viglione behind the drums. Their music has a kind of literary fury to it, and their fan base culls from the subcultures of goth and indie rock. As far as contemporary underground music goes, the Dolls are pretty unique.
The band first came to our attention after Amanda penned a song called “Christopher Lydon.” (Lyrics here) It focuses on Chris, then the host of The Connection, as a kind of love interest. Believe me, it’s weirder for us than it is for you.
Listen to The Dresden Dolls’ “Christopher Lydon”
So the Dolls will be on our show and they’ll play some songs and we’ll talk. But what, dear listeners, should we talk to them about? And who else should we invite on to talk with them? We’d like to hear from their fans, about why they love this band so much, and from people who love cabaret or contemporary music, and anyone else with ideas of how to structure this show and make it feel Open Source.
Here’s a question from blogger and Dresden Dolls fan Jaime Nichols of Crazy Janeski.
I’m so glad you’re featuring the Dresden Dolls - they really are incredible, and one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time.
I guess I’d love to know more about their collaboration. I understand Amanda is the main songwriter, but I’d love to know more about their process of working together, both in writing, and preparing their show. I think what struck me hardest about them is the depth of the way they almost seemed like a male/female mobius strip of the same performative entity, and there is an incredible give and take between them when they play that’s so strikingly sexy and inspired. Amanda leads the the verbal charge, but Brian punctuates her every word with such a brilliant blend of sensitivity and raw power. They are each, by turns, humble and dominating, focal point and support. I really, really loved their performance.
I’m not sure that makes a damned bit of sense, but it was seriously beautiful and also fascinating.
Jaime Nichols
Check out the Dresden Doll’s blog. They’re in the studio right now recording their second album, and at the moment Amanda is writing extensively about it. And about how she’s not a hippie.
Here are some more great questions from passionate Dolls fan Brandon Cirillo of Oxford, Ohio. Brandon blogs at Once More, With Feeling, and apparently, we made his day.
I’m really curious as to whether you have any kind of pre-show ritual. Are there certain things you like to do before going live? Any sort of dancing, singing, drinking done? I’m sure when I see you guys in Columbus it would add that much more to the show haha. Do you like to take a peek at the audience before going up? Do you ever wander around the venue beforehand and randomly talk to people that are waiting to listen to you? What is your relationship like with other bands you perform with…beit the headliner if you are opener, or with the openers when you are headlining?
One more thing I’m fairly curious…how do you feel now that you’re getting more popular? I’m not going to lie, I get kind of disappointed when I tell people that I’m listening to The Dresden Dolls, and they actually recognize you guys or have heard you on the radio. Maybe that’s silly, of course I wish upon you the greatest of success, but there’s so much more sexiness and mystery listening to a group that other people haven’t really heard of. I can’t get the joy of spreading your music if other people have already heard it and are familiar with it! But this is all just for selfish reasons…I am curious though as to whether becoming TOO popular might be a concern for you…for some people it seems to be.
Brandon Cirillo, in an email to OS
Also: thanks again to Chris Williams for recommending Steve Gisslebrecht as a possible guest for this show. Based on Chris’s recommendation, Steve will join us on the show to talk about the 35 separate Dresden Dolls shows he’s seen and what makes the band so special. He’s giving up going to the Haruki Murakami lecture at MIT to be with us, so we really appreciate it!
The Dresden Dolls before the show, outside Studio 1 at WGBH [Robin Amer]
We’re putting all of the pictures we take tonight in our Flickr stream, so feel free to do with them what you will.
September 22nd, 2005 at 8:50 pm
Excellent! I don’t have any useful suggestions at this point for additional guests, but this is splendid. I have always wondered if you had heard or what you thought of “your song.”
September 23rd, 2005 at 12:27 am
I’d like to know Amanda and Brian’s thoughts on the (de)evolution of cabaret as “high art.” The Dresden Dolls are carrying on in the tradition of Kurt Weil and company, but their music (most unfortunately) will never be as popular as Weil’s during his hayday — despite the fact that they have very “catchy” tunes much like “Mack the Knife.” Besides the establishment of music categories, what has changed in the public appreciation of “art music” to generate such a dwindling audience?
September 23rd, 2005 at 7:59 pm
Comment and Question for Amanda…
I had read about these guys.. errr.. gurl and guy in an issue of New England Performer but had never seen them, until I was lucky enough to see them open for NIN in Boston. I found them wonderfully refreshing and very sexy.. Amanda, Will you marry me? OK maybe that’s too soon… how about dinner? Coffee? OK how about we share candy out of one of those gumball machines outside of the supermarket? On a more serious note… (although that last stuff was serious if your answer was yes… except to the marriage thing.. hell I don’t even know you, you could be a crazy chick.. but wait I dig that.) anyway.. I can’t wait to see you guys again, and I would love to get together and write with you.. Though my band is not the same vein musically.. lyrically we are pretty much in the smae mind set. Thanks for listening…
September 25th, 2005 at 10:09 am
I’d love to know more about Amanda and Brian’s collaboration. I understand Amanda is the main songwriter, but I’d love to know more about their process of working together, both in writing, and preparing their show.
I think what struck me hardest about them is the depth of the way they almost seemed like a male/female mobius strip of the same performative entity, and there is an incredible give and take between them when they play that’s so strikingly sexy and inspired. Amanda leads the the verbal charge, but Brian punctuates her every word with such a brilliant blend of sensitivity and thunder. They are each, by turns, humble and dominating, focal point and support. I really, really loved their performance, and I’d love to know what they do to create that, and how they think of it.
I’m not sure that makes a damned bit of sense, but it was seriously beautiful and also fascinating.
Good luck with your show! I can’t wait to hear it.
September 28th, 2005 at 10:06 am
I myself have never heard the Dolls, but there’s a guy named Steve Gisselbrecht you should try to get on the show. I’ve also never met Steve, but he’s a familiar face at Boston-area rock clubs. He frequently goes to *four or five* shows a week, and he writes a review of each one for his website. It doesn’t look like a blog, but that’s what it amounts to. Anyway, it’s quite a little treasure trove, and Steve happens to be a huge Dresden Dolls fan. He’s seen 26 of their shows since 2003, all reviewed on his site!
http://www.apocalypse.org/pub/u/steve/
March 27, 2003:
June 5, 2005:
September 28th, 2005 at 3:39 pm
Hi Chris Williams-
wow, what a great lead. I’m absolutely going to check out Steve’s site and give him a call. As I work on this show I’m looking for people who have insight into the Dolls and who can help with context (how they fit into contemporary music/culture etc.) Sounds like this guy might be able to do both.
October 6th, 2005 at 4:20 am
Question for the Dolls:
Reading recent diary blogs from Amanda (Brian is still characteristically quiet!) one gets the impression that some of the excitement and energy has been depleted;
“plus the fact that I felt weird about all the songs we were about to record they all seem too impersonal, and why are we up here at Major Label’s expense in the bajillion-dollar studio….is it necessary? do we need to be here?”
In view of this, I ask: Is the longevity of any recording artist safer if the artist takes back control, and learns to be self-sufficient? Publishing, producing, distribution? Does it all boil down ultimately to the fiscal solution and benefit of major backing, or are there longer term gains, creatively and productively for going it alone?
October 6th, 2005 at 11:51 am
[...] esden Dolls
September 21st, 2005
Tito
Rocktober 6th: Dresden Dolls on Open Source.
Entry Filed under: Music (technorati)
L [...]
October 6th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
I was just curious how being from/ starting in Boston has effected your music?
October 6th, 2005 at 3:24 pm
Someone needs to ask this: Amanda, how could you take Christopher back when he dashed your heart while on The Connection? Will there be a new song “Reuinited in OpenSource?”
October 6th, 2005 at 5:57 pm
Another listener question from Mark Matteson:
October 6th, 2005 at 6:49 pm
Of all of your songs, do you have a favorite?
October 6th, 2005 at 7:19 pm
can you please tell amanda that morgan and lindsay love her so much and brian that when we went to their show he touched our hands and we almost cryed! we love you guys so much… i listen to you everyday…and the weekends are like…morgan& lindsay& the dresden dolls!!!!!!!!! and you should have a show near RVA… the best band ever!
October 6th, 2005 at 7:25 pm
I have a question for Brian &/or Amanda…
When did you first realize you were musicians/artists? Was it a cosmic revelation or has it been omnipresent, in your veins since birth? Do you think some people are born artists? What has been the biggest glory and anguish that has gone along with this for you?
much much love to you,
-Sara
October 6th, 2005 at 7:28 pm
PLEASE READ THIS ON THE AIR PLEASE PLEASE PLEAES PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE IT WILL BE MY DREAM IN THE WORLD!!!! MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE YOU AMANDA AND BRIAN YOUR SHOWS ARE SOOOOO GREAT WE LOVE YOU! YOU ARE OUR FAVORITE BAND EVER!!!!!! BRIAN WHEN YOU TOUCHED OUR HAND AT ONE OF UR SHOWS WE ALMOST CRYED!!!!!!!
October 6th, 2005 at 7:29 pm
YOUR SONGS ARE GREAT THE LYRICS ARE GREAT AND ARENT JUST SONGS THEY HAVING MEANINGS THAT ARE JUST SO GREAT AND I LOVE THEM!!!1 MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE THE DRESDEN DOLLS MORE THAN ANYTHINGH PLEASE READ THIS ON THE AIR!! BRIAN WE LOVE YOU AMANDA WE LOVE YOU…BRIAN WHEN YOU TOUCHED OUR HAND WE ALMOST CRYED!!!!!! MWAH MWAH
October 6th, 2005 at 7:31 pm
PLEASE SAY MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE THE DRESDEN DOLLS ONTHE AIR PLEASE PLEASE WE WANT TO CALL BUT WE CANT PLEASE
October 6th, 2005 at 7:33 pm
Hey there,
I’m wondering what’s going on with The Dresden Dolls sheet music book that’s coming out “soon”.
Being a self-taught Kurzweil playing pianist myself, I look forward to seeing accurate transcriptions of the music. Many books that come out end up being really pathetic with only a vocal line and then a couple notes and that’s it.
I’m hoping the book would be more than that, as anything less than Amanda’s own arrangements would be disappointing.
Thanks,
Alex
October 6th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
Thank you both so very much for the wonderful emotions and beauty - MYSPACE loves you more than you’ll never know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 6th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
MORAGN AND LINDSAY LOVE YOU SO MUCH MORE THAN ANY BAND YOU ARE THE GREATEST BAND EVER AND YOUR SONGS ARE THE BEST YOUR SHOW WAS SO GREAT *FRONT ROW!*…PLEASE SAY THIS ON AIR! WE LOVE YOU…BRIAN YOU TOUCHED OUR HANDS AND WE ALMOST CRYED…CALL US OBSESSED FANS BUT WELL YA THAT WOULD COVER IT…MWAH MWAH
October 6th, 2005 at 7:37 pm
MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE YOU SO MUCH
October 6th, 2005 at 7:38 pm
MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU ARE THE GREATEST BAND EVER IN THE WORLD MWAH MWAH MWAH PLEASE SAY THIS ON THE AIR
October 6th, 2005 at 7:39 pm
MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU ARE THE GREATEST BAND EVER IN THE WORLD MWAH MWAH MWAH PLEASE SAY THIS ON THE AIR PLEASE
October 6th, 2005 at 7:40 pm
MORGAN AND LINDSAY LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU ARE THE GREATEST BAND EVER IN THE WORLD MWAH MWAH MWAH PLEASE SAY THIS ON THE AIR PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
October 6th, 2005 at 7:44 pm
Was wondering who had what bad habbit that inspired the song Bad Habbit and if the DVD would be able to be purchased at KC show.
October 6th, 2005 at 7:45 pm
amanda came up with bad habit im pretty sure cuz she would bite or pick at her nails and stuff thats whats their talking about
October 6th, 2005 at 7:46 pm
Quick question….
Who handles your Myspace page? Is it actually one of you, or a friend, or someone entirely not connected at all???
October 6th, 2005 at 7:48 pm
How do you guys manage to always be so cool and make such beautiful music?
I’ve gotten all my friends into your music and we all love you so much. :]
October 6th, 2005 at 7:48 pm
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MORGAN…ME…IS NOW CRYING…HAHA THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH
October 6th, 2005 at 7:49 pm
My cats also love you guys more than they love their kitty food.
October 6th, 2005 at 7:50 pm
WE LOVE YOU AHHHHH YOU MADE MY LIFE BETTER
October 6th, 2005 at 7:50 pm
FUCK YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 6th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
not digging it
October 6th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
This radio broadcast has definately made my night!
What feelings do you have towards your fan base and the whole atmosphere of your show as opposed to the atmosphere you would find at most any other rock show? Personally, I feel such an amazing emotional connection between your music and myself, as does most every other fan I’ve talked to. You guys never give off this vibe that you’ve bought into the whole rock and roll idea that being up on the stage creates this barrier between the audience. The connection is just ABSOLUTELY amazing.
I’ll be brigading the Providence show! Can’t wait to see you guys. Dylan (the little coin-operated boy!) says hi.
~Jillian
October 6th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 6th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
Are you guys ever coming out to Los Angeles? You haven’t been here in over a year and all us here miss you.
October 6th, 2005 at 7:53 pm
I love how you guysare so succesful with everything and yet at the same tie so in touch with the fans at the same time, and don’t let your success get to your head. I was in a band for a couple years and the thing that ruined it was something known as “lead singer syndrome”! =-O you guys definitely both seem just as involved and represented in this band, and it’s a good thing, because you both produce such wonderful music!
October 6th, 2005 at 7:53 pm
I love how you guys are so succesful with everything and yet at the same time so in touch with the fans at the same time, and don’t let your success get to your head. I was in a band for a couple years and the thing that ruined it was something known as “lead singer syndrome”! =-O you guys definitely both seem just as involved and represented in this band, and it’s a good thing, because you both produce such wonderful music!
October 6th, 2005 at 8:07 pm
The Love and respect that the Dresden Dolls have for each other and their music is inspiring to say the least. I’m so glad that you chose this amazing/talented/intriguing/sexy band for your show! Thank you so much for giving us yet another chance to “get intimiate” with this band so many people rightfully adore and Love. And thank you to the Dresden Dolls for the beautiful music and talent that you have brought to the world…it does not go unnoticed. I can’t wait to see you again in Columbus. Once again, thank you so much.
October 7th, 2005 at 5:39 am
getting crushed over the head with a pianno followed by a set of drums still in play is one of the best reasons to leave the radio on in my Sleep. Even though I have never heard or even heard of these… Dolls (other than the China ones bombed in Germany) I’m on the case and very inspired by the hate mail found on their web site. Tomorrow when I awake again I’ll figure out what to do about their worldwind tour not including my area of the west coast…yet!
kick it, poke it, hit it… rocket with eighty eight keys and a percussive overdrive
October 13th, 2005 at 1:48 pm
In under an hour you most definetly have made a big fan out of me. To be honest when I saw that that was the topic for the night, I was braced for a bunch of ass kissing to some band that was from the eighties or something and had outlived their usefulness. I wasn’t even going to listen but I did and regret even thinking of not.
Thank you
October 19th, 2005 at 11:26 pm
Thank you for introducing me to such an incredible band! I’d heard “Coin Operated Boy” before but knew very little about the Dresden Dolls. When they broke into “Girl Anachronism” on your show I was in awe, I blurted out “Wow!” to nobody in particular and listed in amazement at the power that this duo churned out.
What a cool, cool band.
November 4th, 2005 at 8:10 pm
i’d like to thank all of y’all for commenting and listening.
christopher lydon gives good interview, the best we’ve had yet!
of course…
anyway, i’d like to address this question, since it piqued my interest…..:
“I’d like to know Amanda and Brian’s thoughts on the (de)evolution of cabaret as “high art.â€? The Dresden Dolls are carrying on in the tradition of Kurt Weil and company, but their music (most unfortunately) will never be as popular as Weil’s during his hayday — despite the fact that they have very “catchyâ€? tunes much like “Mack the Knife.â€? Besides the establishment of music categories, what has changed in the public appreciation of “art musicâ€? to generate such a dwindling audience?
this is a double-edged sword. pop music back in weill’s day meant something very different than it does now. i would like to fantasize that we can indeed achieve a mainstream kind of recognition (while not comprimising the offbeat style that comes to us naturally) simply because the songs turn people on. one thing that’s been very heartening is that our band really is sort of genre-less, and so all sorts of people listen in without feeling they need to belong to a pre-ordained clique of listenership. this is not the case for certain brands of indie music, which don’t have as much pop appeal. we have fans that over 65 and under 5. this is good, and rare for a band nowadays. part of the problem is that “art music” has become very self-concious of itself and does tend to alienate it’s own audience. since ours in a very un-self-conscious music (or atr least, begins that way), i think we manage to avoid that trap….
December 30th, 2005 at 9:45 pm
well after the fact, but my head popped at one of your shows last year. brava! bravo! Best show i’d seen since either Sonic Youth or Orchestra Ibrahim Ferrer (which I am sure i misspelled).
I think brian is probably the best drummer I have seen live, and if you haven’t heard their rendition of “War Pigs”, you haven’t lived a full life.
Please keep it up, you two are magic.
July 5th, 2007 at 11:08 am
July 5th, 2007 at 11:13 am
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
[...] in this episode: Podcast and Portable Media Expo Getting a Leg Up Church of the Subgenius Dresden Dolls on Radio Open Source Dresden Dolls Popularity: 2% [?]
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