Georgia Hubley |
Don Knotts, Henry Winkler, and Drums...Oh My! |
The
Myth... The Legend... Recently Yo La Tengo came all the way out from Hoboken, New Jersey, to cheer me up in dreary Ann Arbor, Michigan. OK, so they weren't visiting me, but they were on tour supporting their latest album, I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One. The bar was filled to capacity, it was hot and sticky, and no one (not even I) seemed to mind.
At some point, this rather intoxicatd girl behind me sloppily exclaimed, "How cool...she can play the drums...look at her...she's amazing...what's her name?" Someone must have told her, because for the rest of the show I would hear, "I love you, Georgia!" being yelled every few minutes from behind. This girl had just realized what many of us have known for years.
Georgia is the backbone of legendary indie-drone (call 'em what you will) rockers Yo La Tengo. For the past 13 years, she has provided the beat, occasional organ, guitar, and voices for the incredible trio. And you ain't heard nothing yet until you see these guys live. Find a musician in the audience, and they belong to one or both of two disctinctions: those who spend every moment trying to find out what guitar pedals her husband Ira uses, and those who try to figure out what the heck Georgia is playing.
After the show, I was able to pull Georgia away from the above-mentioned girl (who was offering her glitter...yes glitter!). Here's what she had to say:  When were you born? A long time ago |
drummergirl: You're home on a Wed. night, not on tour, not recording...what are you doing?
Georgia: Packing before going on tour, doing a crossword puzzle, doing dishes—nothing much.
When did you start playing drums?
1980
Did you take any lessons?
I had a friend give me a couple of lessons, but I don't remember much about it, except that he was a chain-smoker who had just quit smoking and was very fidgety all the time.
Why did you start playing?
I don't really remember, but I had a friend (a different friend) who was just starting to play and it seemed like a good idea.
Did you know any other female musicians?
Yes, of course I did.
Was being a "girl drummer" ever an issue for you growing up?
No. If anything it was being already "grown up" and then deciding to be in a rock band that was an issue.
Did/do you study drums very seriously, or just play for fun...or whatever comes to you?
If I were going to answer that question quickly, I'd probably dismiss the words "serious" and "studying." But I would have to say, after playing in this band for so long, that I take my life and what I do very seriously.
When was Yo La Tengo formed?
1984
How did you guys meet? Were you already married to Ira?
We met from seeing a lot of the same bands play and having similar tastes in music. We were not married yet.
Is there anything in the works for Yo La Tengo?
An EP of covers, including "Little Honda," coming out early next year.
Who were your early inspirations?
I wasn't really inspired by specific drummers so much, but music and bands in general. I've never really been one of those drummers who concentrates on drummers so much.
Do you read drum magazines?
No, never.
Do you think the drum industry is male-dominated (especially in drum magazines)?
Yes, I do.
What kind of setup do you use?
I play a five-piece Ludwig drumkit.
When you record, do you like to use close mic or open/room?
We use a lot of mics, all over the room, some close, some far. They don't all get used, and not all the same ones get used for each song.
Any advice for anyone reading this?
Turn off your computer and turn on your TV!
By Donna Lichaw (Nov. 1997)
© 1997 - drummergirl, Happy Mazza Media Co.
All rights reserved. No reprinting without permission
| Muchas muchas gracias grandes to Georgia. |
For more information on Yo La Tengo...
- Glen's Yo La Tengo Page is the best one out there.
- Matador Records' bio page is a riot.