ADULT VIDEOS
Location: DeKalb, Illinois
Members: Donald Hoffman (Everything you hear)
Genres: Indie, Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Record Label: None
Adult Videos on MySpace
Location: DeKalb, Illinois
Members: Donald Hoffman (Everything you hear)
Genres: Indie, Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Record Label: None
Adult Videos on MySpace
Oh, the benefits of being a musician and being my friend. I don't remember how Donnie and I started talking, but we did, and we've had some interesting conversations. However, before he was Donnie the friend, he was Adult Videos, the guy with an array of instruments, amazingly twisted yet honest lyrics, and a voice channeling a much manlier Claudio Sanchez.
In between giving music lessons, working, and being overly flirty, Donnie was able to answer a few questions for me.
In between giving music lessons, working, and being overly flirty, Donnie was able to answer a few questions for me.
Donald J. Hoffman...what does the "J" stand for?
The "J" stands for Joe.
The "J" stands for Joe.
You easily have the most interesting band bio I've ever read. How much of it is true?
Actually, it's all true. I could have gotten even quirkier, but I wanted to maintain some semblance of trying to act professional. The sad thing is, the bio as it is is the very best I could do.
Actually, it's all true. I could have gotten even quirkier, but I wanted to maintain some semblance of trying to act professional. The sad thing is, the bio as it is is the very best I could do.
How did you come up with the name Adult Videos?
I'm a fan of double entendres. There's the obvious connotations that come to everyone's mind when they hear the band name. I mean, in the band's music itself, there is obvious reference to sex, divorce, adultery, child abuse, and all that. And I've always bought into the Bruce Springsteen school of songwriting where all the best songs come across as mini-films, and these are the topics I'm preoccupied with. That being said, originally, the band name was merely a reference to my childhood. When I was young, I used to refer to PG-13 and R rated movies as adult videos, blissfully unaware to the reason why grown-ups would always snicker at me every time I said it.
I'm a fan of double entendres. There's the obvious connotations that come to everyone's mind when they hear the band name. I mean, in the band's music itself, there is obvious reference to sex, divorce, adultery, child abuse, and all that. And I've always bought into the Bruce Springsteen school of songwriting where all the best songs come across as mini-films, and these are the topics I'm preoccupied with. That being said, originally, the band name was merely a reference to my childhood. When I was young, I used to refer to PG-13 and R rated movies as adult videos, blissfully unaware to the reason why grown-ups would always snicker at me every time I said it.
It looks like you're a mult-instrumentalist. What all can you play, and what motivated you to try so many instruments?
I can play a few. I mean, obviously I gravitate towards strings. On that front, there's the double bass, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and the dobro. But I've alos got a decent enough background on piano. That being said, a lot of the other instruments you hear are from my background in MIDI programming and the incredible quality of modern samplers. I've got a pretty strong background in composition, and a degree in the field. So I've always had a strong interest in tonal colors, and I view instruments more for their sound than what a proficient player might want to do. A lot of the time, it's the actual timbre as opposed to the actual music that makes more of an impact on the listener, so when I'm in the studio, it's that side of me that pops out.
What are some of your musical inspirations?
At the end of the day, I would think that's obvious. I know I'm not doing anything particularly new. Despite how big some of my music may sound, at the end of the day, you can tell I've worn my way through quite a few Morrissey, Springsteen, and Lou Reed records. I love good songwriters, and despite my production style, you can tell at the end of the day everything I do was simply written on an acoustic guitar with a notebook and pencil. I think, honestly, the surprising influence for me comes more from television and film and literature than other artists. I touch more on comedians than how much I have a Mick Jagger fetish, and to me it's inescapable how strong I feel it comes out, while others might be oblivious to it.
At the end of the day, I would think that's obvious. I know I'm not doing anything particularly new. Despite how big some of my music may sound, at the end of the day, you can tell I've worn my way through quite a few Morrissey, Springsteen, and Lou Reed records. I love good songwriters, and despite my production style, you can tell at the end of the day everything I do was simply written on an acoustic guitar with a notebook and pencil. I think, honestly, the surprising influence for me comes more from television and film and literature than other artists. I touch more on comedians than how much I have a Mick Jagger fetish, and to me it's inescapable how strong I feel it comes out, while others might be oblivious to it.
What made you decide to do something with your love of music?
Honestly, I got into it because I spent most of my adolescence writing poetry. And, let's be honest, chubby poet boys growing up in a farm town don't get girls, so I figured I could at least pick up a guitar while I'm at it and that'll be that. Unfortunately, being a chubby boy with an acoustic guitar singing off-key about my feelings didn't help me get laid either...which caused me to write more. Really, when you think about it, it's a downward spiral that ends with a cheeseburger overdose outside of Tampa.
Honestly, I got into it because I spent most of my adolescence writing poetry. And, let's be honest, chubby poet boys growing up in a farm town don't get girls, so I figured I could at least pick up a guitar while I'm at it and that'll be that. Unfortunately, being a chubby boy with an acoustic guitar singing off-key about my feelings didn't help me get laid either...which caused me to write more. Really, when you think about it, it's a downward spiral that ends with a cheeseburger overdose outside of Tampa.
Were you the one who made Kim Kardashian go blonde?
No...but it really doesn't work for her, does it? I'd make some horrible joke about the curtains not matching the drapes, but that Ray Jay sex tape she made has got to go into the wall of fame. I mean, the Paris Hilton one was just a sad joke. But Kim's got some serious talent. If she wanted to, I'm sure she could put Eve Lawrence to shame, but I doubt she'd make a dent in Tory Lane. I honestly think she could take a punch even better than Sasha Grey.
(All views expressed in this interview are those of Donald Hoffman and Adult videos, not All You Can Eat Plus Mints, Blogspot, or any other websites.)
No...but it really doesn't work for her, does it? I'd make some horrible joke about the curtains not matching the drapes, but that Ray Jay sex tape she made has got to go into the wall of fame. I mean, the Paris Hilton one was just a sad joke. But Kim's got some serious talent. If she wanted to, I'm sure she could put Eve Lawrence to shame, but I doubt she'd make a dent in Tory Lane. I honestly think she could take a punch even better than Sasha Grey.
(All views expressed in this interview are those of Donald Hoffman and Adult videos, not All You Can Eat Plus Mints, Blogspot, or any other websites.)
What do you write most of your songs about?
I like to think I write about mature themes. Instead of breakup songs, I tend to write about divorce. I don't view things as taboo, or things that you shouldn't write about. If it exists, it exists. At the center of every song tends to be a character, and it's him dealing with living in society where he doesn't belong, or one in which being a decent person isn't enough to get by. My characters live in the real world, and not in the idealistic one which most songs tend to tend to romanticize tiny events with melodramatic brushstrokes. As much as I'm sure people will disagree with me, I don't go for shock value in my songs. There may be awful shocking things that take place in them, but they're not what the songs are ever truly about. They're about the turmoil in the decisions people make every day. It's about what we're capable of doing, but something holds us back...or it's about trying to reconcile the ideals of good people in a bad world. That's what I focus on.
I like to think I write about mature themes. Instead of breakup songs, I tend to write about divorce. I don't view things as taboo, or things that you shouldn't write about. If it exists, it exists. At the center of every song tends to be a character, and it's him dealing with living in society where he doesn't belong, or one in which being a decent person isn't enough to get by. My characters live in the real world, and not in the idealistic one which most songs tend to tend to romanticize tiny events with melodramatic brushstrokes. As much as I'm sure people will disagree with me, I don't go for shock value in my songs. There may be awful shocking things that take place in them, but they're not what the songs are ever truly about. They're about the turmoil in the decisions people make every day. It's about what we're capable of doing, but something holds us back...or it's about trying to reconcile the ideals of good people in a bad world. That's what I focus on.
When you write songs, I think you occupy a territory that kinda floats between fantasy and reality. The best songs are the ones you're not even sure about anymore. Some things have happened first-hand, some things have happened to friends. Some are urban legends, some are just hyperbole. But at the end of the day, they're all things that have either happened to someone, or are capable of happening. So in that context, they're all real-world experiences.
I noticed you have a few shows coming up at some great venues. What is your favorite part about playing live?
Feeding off of the crowds. Getting them into it. It's when people come up to me afterwards and sincerely compliment me on a set, or ask thoughtful questions about the performance or the songs.
Least favorite?
After all these years, I still get intense stage fright. Usually I need a couple of drinks just to step out onto a stage, much less play well.
Do you have a favorite venue?
I do have very fond memories of the House Cafe in DeKalb, Illinois, but a good venue is nowhere near as important as a good crowd.
Feeding off of the crowds. Getting them into it. It's when people come up to me afterwards and sincerely compliment me on a set, or ask thoughtful questions about the performance or the songs.
Least favorite?
After all these years, I still get intense stage fright. Usually I need a couple of drinks just to step out onto a stage, much less play well.
Do you have a favorite venue?
I do have very fond memories of the House Cafe in DeKalb, Illinois, but a good venue is nowhere near as important as a good crowd.
A mysterious source informed me that you no longer want Adult Videos to be a solo project. Is this true? If so, what kind of musicians would you want to recruit?
Well, for years, Adult Videos has been a solo show, consisting of me, my instruments, and programmed accompaniment. It's limiting, or at least stressful, to tour and play alone. It takes a social art, and makes it into an incredibly lonely process, even moreso than it has to be. Ideally, there's no right answer. I woudl love Adult Videos to be suit my whims, whether it's touring with a string quartet, a typical rock set-up, a gospel choir, or a synth backing band. I'd love to be able to flesh out a full-time core act, but I always wanted to expand the act into a much bigger sound, and I'd love to have that at my disposal during the recording process as well.
Well, for years, Adult Videos has been a solo show, consisting of me, my instruments, and programmed accompaniment. It's limiting, or at least stressful, to tour and play alone. It takes a social art, and makes it into an incredibly lonely process, even moreso than it has to be. Ideally, there's no right answer. I woudl love Adult Videos to be suit my whims, whether it's touring with a string quartet, a typical rock set-up, a gospel choir, or a synth backing band. I'd love to be able to flesh out a full-time core act, but I always wanted to expand the act into a much bigger sound, and I'd love to have that at my disposal during the recording process as well.
I read the poem "To You" on your blog. Who is 'you'?
Everyone as their first love. But not everyone realizes that after obsessing over their first love, it's more of a reflection of their own voids and not a single person. For instance, it's usually not the person we miss, but the ideal that we've turned them into. An ideal that no one could ever live up to. So really, 'you' is an obsession with an ideal that no human being could possibly live up to.
Everyone as their first love. But not everyone realizes that after obsessing over their first love, it's more of a reflection of their own voids and not a single person. For instance, it's usually not the person we miss, but the ideal that we've turned them into. An ideal that no one could ever live up to. So really, 'you' is an obsession with an ideal that no human being could possibly live up to.
If you could tour with any musician, who would it be and why?
That one's not too hard to answer. For both a good show and a great set of touring companions, I'd say the Hold Steady. My liver disagrees, but that's a given.
That one's not too hard to answer. For both a good show and a great set of touring companions, I'd say the Hold Steady. My liver disagrees, but that's a given.
Who do you think is a better banjo player- you or Steve Martin?
...I don't fuck with King Tut.
...I don't fuck with King Tut.
What's life like as a self-ordained minister?
Actually, I'm not, I'm a legally-ordained minister. And it's about what I thought it would be: rather plain. It's something I did as a legal protest because frankly, if monsters like Fred Phelps can run around using religion to maintain websites like godhatesfags.com, then the government should give no extra legal rights or implied social standings to any member of any religious organization. So, I took it upon myself to secure the same legal rights that any reverend has.
Are there any interesting upcoming projects for Adult Videos?
I'm planning on finishing up the debut album by my 25th birthday next February. Other than that, just touring and support.
Actually, I'm not, I'm a legally-ordained minister. And it's about what I thought it would be: rather plain. It's something I did as a legal protest because frankly, if monsters like Fred Phelps can run around using religion to maintain websites like godhatesfags.com, then the government should give no extra legal rights or implied social standings to any member of any religious organization. So, I took it upon myself to secure the same legal rights that any reverend has.
Are there any interesting upcoming projects for Adult Videos?
I'm planning on finishing up the debut album by my 25th birthday next February. Other than that, just touring and support.
What has been your biggest struggle as a musician?
It's just fighting above the noise to be heard. Or get a following or get booked. The biggest struggle for me personally has been undertaking the entire process on my own. I'm my own manager, producer, booking agent...I do everything. At this point, I'd like to find someone to take on some of those responsibilities.
It's just fighting above the noise to be heard. Or get a following or get booked. The biggest struggle for me personally has been undertaking the entire process on my own. I'm my own manager, producer, booking agent...I do everything. At this point, I'd like to find someone to take on some of those responsibilities.
Favorite poet?
John Berryman or Charles Bukowski. That would should be obvious...however, there has always been something that's haunted me about Gordon Downie's poetry as well.
John Berryman or Charles Bukowski. That would should be obvious...however, there has always been something that's haunted me about Gordon Downie's poetry as well.
What is your favorite Mountain Goats song and why?
My favorite Darnielle song has always been a little known rarity track called "Soft Targets". Basically about the almost violent daily struggle trying to maintain a marriage. The ending lyrics We embrace on the floor in the kitchen/Emissaries from neighboring lands/If I hunt down the vampire that did this to us/I will rip out his heart with my hands has always stuck with me as the sheer willpower and determination it takes to maintain any real relationship.
My favorite Darnielle song has always been a little known rarity track called "Soft Targets". Basically about the almost violent daily struggle trying to maintain a marriage. The ending lyrics We embrace on the floor in the kitchen/Emissaries from neighboring lands/If I hunt down the vampire that did this to us/I will rip out his heart with my hands has always stuck with me as the sheer willpower and determination it takes to maintain any real relationship.
It looks like you've had some pretty epic facial hair in the past. Would you ever go Grizzly Adams and dye your hair blue?
No. I have a day job and a desire to have sex once again before I die. Though, frankly, I'm doubting that will ever happen.
No. I have a day job and a desire to have sex once again before I die. Though, frankly, I'm doubting that will ever happen.
What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of music?
Well, despite 80 to 90 hour weeks, I do manage at using nearly all of my free time watching television. But seriously, how could you not these days? Have you seen the quality of writing on shows like Hung and Mad Men? It can leave you gasping for air.
Well, despite 80 to 90 hour weeks, I do manage at using nearly all of my free time watching television. But seriously, how could you not these days? Have you seen the quality of writing on shows like Hung and Mad Men? It can leave you gasping for air.
Any last thoughts?
...I'm still slightly fixated on that Kim Kardashian sex tape. And when/if she'll make a sequel.
...I'm still slightly fixated on that Kim Kardashian sex tape. And when/if she'll make a sequel.
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