FRONTPAGE.FOK.NL JANUARY 2004

[Translated by enigmata and shadowmantis]

Before we start, who am I interviewing? Jeordie White or Twiggy Ramirez?

Just use my real name, Jeordie. I stopped using ‘Twiggy’ when I joined A Perfect Circle. It seemed fitting to use my real name, just like the other members.

Do you have a problem with people calling you Twiggy? Or do you not care? You had that name, after all, for 10 years, when you were in Marilyn Manson.

Oh, I really don’t care. Manson is a part of my past, and a name that I had in it (for 10 years), is a part of it too. I don’t mind people calling me Twiggy Ramirez.

How did you get into A Perfect Circle?

I’ve been friends with Billy Howerdel for a while, and I met Josh, the drummer, at a party. He told me they needed a bass player, and there I was. It just clicked.

Did it take some getting used to a new band, after being in a different one for 10 years?

Yes and no. In a way it’s very different, but I felt like I needed something ‘new’ after 10 years. All big bands split after 10 years. This was obvious in Manson. Everything is more professional in APC. By that I don’t mean APC is 'better', but that everyone comes from a big band and there’s more experience. In Manson we just did our thing, everything was planned, or you’ve done it before.

Maynard doesn’t like being in the spotlights, on or off stage. What’s it like back-stage?

He’s a good guy, he doesn’t want people to pay too much attention to him, but to the music. He thinks it’s more important. But he likes being mysterious too, he’s a little like that, I guess.

Something different now, your CD leaked on the internet. I take it you’re not happy with that?

Not exactly, no. But on the other side, it’s inevitable. CD’s leak sooner or later. Too bad that the CD appeared online so early, but on the other side , it’s a good chance for people to experience a different kind of music.

So what about sharing music in general, do you think that’s bad?

I do think it’s bad, because piracy costs a lot of money. If you don’t sell CD’s you don’t make money, and that kills a band fast. It has two sides actually. On one side there’s a musician, but also a listener, and they can’t exist without each other. I download my songs through Apple-store, iTunes, and I can imagine people just download stuff because it’s there. Free or not free.

What do you think about the CD protection? I’ve heard people complaining about not being able to put it on minidisc or play it in the car.

Ah, it’s a bummer for them, but I understand the labels. We were a kind of test bunnies for the new technology. I found out about PC-protection after they gave me the CD. It doesn’t bother me, I don’t even notice it. I found out that my old CD’s were also protected, only after they told me about ours.

But, how much influence did you have on the new album? Maynard and Billy already had stuff done.

I got a chance to add little touches to a lot of songs. Some songs were done, some only a part and others were only on paper. That’s why I could work on bass lines, because that’s what I was going to play.

And what do you think about the general influence you have? Is it more or less than with Manson?

Manson and I developed with the band through years, we grew and worked hard. It’s hard to tell where I’ve had more control over the music. I’ve always had it.

Let’s talk about the songs. What do you think is the meaning of the song 'Pet'?

That’s for the listener to figure out. I can give you my opinion of the song, but that’s pointless. The person that is listening to the song has to form an opinion, I don’t want to give him a fabricated opinion.

And a personal question; What is your relationship with Jessick Fodera, if there is any?

Oh, I haven’t seen her in twelve years, so you can’t really talk about it.

And Madonna’s niece, do you see her sometimes?

Madonna’s niece? Doesn’t ring a bell. But now that you mention it, it rings a bell. But I don’t remember anything.

And finally, if you got a chance to be a singer of APC or your own band, would you do it?

Oh, yes! I’m planning to release my own album this summer. Most songs are already on paper. But I don’t know what style it will be in, I still have to think about that. Anything can happen. I’m not really a bass player, I’ve started out as a guitarist and I’d like to go back to doing that. If I got the chance, I’d do it.