He is Nardwuar and “… we have to know!”
“Doot Doola Doot Doo” has been a staple outro in Nardwuar interviews for the past 30 years.
In addition to that, Nardwuar the Human Serviette has become best known for his quirky outfits, obscure facts and incredibly famous interviews, including the likes of Nirvana, Snoop Dog, Tommy Chong, Billie Eilish, and Cardi B.
This confusing and outgoing interviewer stands out with the very personal and rare gifts he gives his guests and the extensive research he does beforehand. Many musicians are often caught off guard with the information Nardwuar has been able to dig up on them and their pasts.
Nardwuar is unlike the traditional interviewer. Although there is clear professionalism that can be seen through the immense research that must take place to find the out of sight and rare celebrity facts, it cannot be found in his behavior or style. His plaid golf hats, bright outfits and iconic poses at the end of each interview make him standout. Unlike most interviews that spotlight the interviewee, one can’t help but notice the spirited character standing beside the artist.
These interviews garner a lot of attention – racking in millions of views for just a few questions asked in an average of 12 minutes. Some of Nardwuar’s most viewed interviews are with Odd Future, A$AP Rocky and Lil Uzi Vert (this one was even featured at the end of “Futsal Shuffle 2020”).
He has even done a TEDx Talk all about how his ambition and work has gotten him where he is today. Narwuar tells the audience that the only way they will get as far as they can is through a “Do it yourself” attitude. After his talk, Nardwuar left the stage in an unconventional way for TEDx – via crowd surfing.
Although Nardwuar is recognized as a journalist, he is also a musician. Over the years he has been a part of two rock bands: The Evaporators, which was formed in 1986, and Thee Goblins, which was formed in 1992. The Evaporators have released more and seem to have more presence compared to Thee Goblins.
Nardwaur is the vocalist and keyboardist for both of the bands. Through videos of his live performances it is shown that Nardwuar keeps the same animated behavior and energy level while performing that he gives during his interviews. This performance of “I.D.N.M.F.T.T.M.W.M.F.A” from 2004 makes this clear.
The Evaporator’s album “Ripple Rock” (that was released in 2003) appears to be their most popular. It includes songs called “Addicted to Cheese,” “ I Feel Like a Fat Frustrated F**k” and a short clip of “Nardwuar vs Rahzel” which is an interview with the former rapper from The Roots.
Despite all of their songs being pretty short – around one or two minutes each – it does not take away from their intensity and intricacy in their work. The tracks all have a similar style with fast-paced and in-your-face guitar and drum instrumentals.
Since that 2003 release, The Evaporators came out with their 2007 album “Gassy Jack and Other Tales,” a 2009 EP called “A Wild Pear” and their most recent 2016 album called “Ogopo Punk.”
Music videos for songs off of their Ogopogo Punk album have received many views on Youtube, which could be contributed to the popularity of Nardwuar’s youtube channel. The “Ogopogo Punk” and “Starboard !” music videos feature two of Nardwuar’s interviewees, Travis Scott and Desiigner, as an intro to the videos.
Entertainment and enjoyment are not lacking throughout the interviews and less talked about albums, making Nardwuar and his bands are worthy of people’s attention. Using one of Nardwaur’s own catch phrases towards him, he is Nardwuar and “…we have to know!”
