MC Lars is the self proclaimed originator of post-punk laptop rap. His nerdcore rap career has now spanned well over ten years delivering hits like “iGeneration”, “download this dong” and “signing emo”. We caught up with MC Lars to chat about his latest album The Zombie Dinosaur LP and his upcoming Australian tour.
SCENEzine
So in regards to 2016 where ya been so far Lars?
MC Lars
I just did a run with Bowling for Soup in the UK and am about to do a headline run in the US with my friend Mega Ran. We are dropping a literature-themed EP, and I’ll be back at SXSW in March. Working on a book and kids’ TV show too – busy year! Stoked to be returning to Australia!
SCENEzine
Your newest album The Zombie Dinosaur Lp is Great! Are you happy with how it turned out?
MC Lars
So glad! And was so thankful by the huge support on Kickstarter. The fans have been really receptive to it and the songs have been going down well live. Excited to debut some of the tracks in Australia for the first time.
SCENEzine
The video for “Dragons blood” is awesome. Was that fun to make? And did you have to do a lot of Game of Thrones research for the lyrics?
MC Lars
Thanks! I watched all of the seasons of Game of Thrones when I was writing “Dragon Blood”, it took me quite a while, especially to rhyme all of the different language together. Shout out to Max Isaacson and Morgan Faust for directing such a fun video.
SCENEzine
Another cool song is the Star Wars inspired “if I were a jedi”. Were you a huge Star Wars fan growing up? And what did you think of the Force Awakens?
MC Lars
Thanks man! Have always loved Star Wars and was so impressed with Episode VII!! It had a lot of hype to live up to and definitely delivered.
SCENEzine
While your know for your humour and wit in songs there’s also some personal moments in your music like on the new track “triforce”. You’ve spent a lot of time working with
the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Do you think it’ s important people can see the power of positivity through music?
MC Lars
I think so – if it weren’t for music, I definitely wouldn’t be as happy as I am now. It’s been really helpful for my mental well being and social development. Was so happy to be able to help spread the word about mental illness with the AFSP – I feel like my work is just getting started with them!
SCENEzine
You’ve written and recorded a lot of songs over the years. Do you ever encounter writers block?
MC Lars
Not really – the key is just to write. I like to set a clock and do 8 – 12 hours a day when I am working on projects. Then I wait a day or so and go back and edit. The key to fighting writer’s block is to just write – whether the material is good or bad is just a matter of time and taste!
SCENEzine
Where did your love of Edgar Allan Poe come from?
MC Lars
I love his sense of rhythm, rhyme and crazy imagination. My Mom got me a Poe book when I was a kid and I’ve been hooked ever sense. He’s amazing.
SCENEzine
In April 2016 you will be back in Australia for a tour. Are you excited to be coming back?
MC Lars
So excited!! Fifth Australian tour!
SCENEzine
Our favourite MC Lars Australian tour memory is seeing you play with The Matches in Sydney . Do you have a favourite memory from a past Australian tour?
MC Lars
I loved the tour with the Matches and Something with Numbers – and having “Download This Song” chart ten years ago was a thrill. It was so fun going on different radio shows and TV stations and having a hit down there. I love how I can keep coming back.
SCENEzine
One of our personal favourites tracks is “signing emo”. Can you take us back in time to the writing process for that song?
MC Lars
I was being courted by a bunch of major labels at the time, and wanted to write something that cut through the ephemeral superficial nature of the industry. My friends TJ and Steve helped me come up with that hook and I was so happy with how it sounded like Story of the Year / Taking Back Sunday / etc. Check out “Signing Dubstep” from “22 Concepts”, we revisited where Blake would be now as an EDM artist.
SCENEzine
What’s your take on the fall of the phrase or stereotype emo to now the rise of hipster culture?
MC Lars
When underground culture becomes mainstream, it’s always funny how people keep the “underdog” identity. I love not being in my teens or 20s, because there is so much self-consciousness of trying to “fit it”. I don’t worry about that, I just sit back and observe and try to document the culture.
SCENEzine
You toured with one of raps biggest names Snoop Dogg. Can you tell us what that experience was like?
MC Lars
He was really cool to us – his fans weren’t really receptive to my style of rap, but that’s an experience I’ll always treasure. There’s a picture of my crew and him floating around on the internet somewhere. He’s a great performer.
SCENEzine
I’m guessing you have seen the awesome NWA movie Straight Outta Compton were you as shocked as we were from the lack of Oscars recognition for the film?
MC Lars
I haven’t really been following the Oscars – people seem to be upset with them a lot this year. I thought Compton was incredible, but the Academy has been known to be picky about what enters the Hollywood canon. Was really happy with the Grammys this year though!
SCENEzine
We interviewed Josh Eppard recently to speak about Coheed and Cambria’s upcoming Australian tour. He mentioned how excited he was about his other project Weerd Science also.
Can you tell us how yourself and Josh met?
MC Lars
We were mutual fans – my bassist Mike used to book / promote college shows and he booked a gig for Terrible Things, Josh’s old side project. Mike connected us, and we got together, did some songs, toured the UK and did Warped. I’m so proud of Josh’s success and love Weerd Science. That’s awesome you met up!
SCENEzine
Lastly can you leave us with a message for your Australian fans who are stoked for the tour?
MC Lars
Looking forward to reconnecting with you guys! Thanks for coming out and for your long-term support. As a half-Australian / half-American rapper, it means a lot to me to stay connected with you guys. See yo soon!
(interview by Christian Ross)
