http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10079360

Chris Isaak stays humble, despite his movie-star looks, hot music
By David Burger
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 08/02/2008 01:47:34 PM MDT


Related
Chris Isaak concert
Aug 3:
Opener Sharon Little enjoying her big breakChris Isaak is part of a dying breed. He likes to start his shows on time. He signs autographs afterward. He wants his audience to get their money's worth.
The 52-year-old singer and guitarist, despite once being named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People, is self-deprecating and humble, while talking about his many acting roles or having a knack for writing songs that end up in provocative films.
Isaak, performing at The Depot Aug. 4, answered question in an e-mail interview.

Do you remember anything from previous Utah experiences?
I remember last time I rode my bike about six or seven miles from the hotel, got a flat tire and then walked back. The good thing was I was in an interesting area and I had plenty of water. Singers always bring water.
Do you feel a burden to play "Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing," "Somebody's Crying" or "Wicked Game" at recent concerts, wishing you could play newer material?
I love playing the songs people like to hear. It always amazes me when musicians complain about playing their hits or older material. I do the hits and I try to always throw in some new and some off-the-wall stuff that maybe not everyone knows as well. We dress up, I wear clothes sometimes I think Liberace would have worried about. . . . If doing that kind of stuff bugs you - maybe you shouldn't be a musician. Roofing work is always an option, but I don't think it's nearly as much fun.

What guitars will you be playing and why?
I play a white Gibson guitar that I love. I have played it so long and sweat in it so much it is now kind of gray and tan instead of white. . . . Jumping around, running in the crowd, sweating on the strings - if the guitar isn't tough, it won't last. A guitar repair guy at the factory looked at my guitar after a few tours and said, "What did you do to it?"

Now that your Showtime show is off the air, what new acting projects would you like to pursue?
I don't usually pursue any particular acting parts. My down time is spent with a guitar or at the local hamburger shop. I did read a script about a singing cowboy, a comedy, and I laughed out loud, so that might be fun. . . . I'm just glad for the work.

Besides the best-of and Christmas albums, your lastest studio album was in 2002. Is there anything coming down the pipes?
I have a new album of original songs that is almost done. [It] should be out this year, and a live record that is also being put together. I never sleep.

Why did you wait so long to release a best-of album?
I was waiting till I had enough songs to be "best," not just "Chris Isaak's Pretty Good Album." Although I like that title.

How did growing up in Stockton, Calif., affect who you are today, personally and musically?
My family goes way back in the town to my great-grandfather, yet oddly we were always broke. . . . It was great training for being a celebrity, because everyone in town knew if you did anything good - or not so good. So you had to toe the line. You never really leave your hometown, you never stop loving your first love.

Songs like "Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing" in the film "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Wicked Game" play at key moments in their respective films ("Eyes Wide Shut" and "Wild at Heart"). Why do you think your music was used in those films?
I always picture the things I write about in songs. They become like a movie in my mind as I write. Later, when so many filmmakers did me the honor of choosing one of my songs, I realized that they may have sensed that these songs were built with images in mind.

that was cool! I like it when he talks about his guitars.

Did anyone go to the SLC show? News, please, please, p

Thanks UP - you always come up with the goods baby! Bring on the singing cowboy. xx

Hey there, Miss Sugar "D". Nice to see you!! Well I reckon since CI is alluding to a new album by the end of the year (suspect it'll be more like March or May of next) bet he'll be coming to see you and our good friend in Oz again, ay (or is that oi?).

And a new show?? Talk 'bout more sugar for Sugar...

UP

BTW, have something I need to post off to you soon. I think you'll like...; )

Canadians are ay aren't they and yes, us Aussies are oi!

Awwww, something for lil ole me! You sweetie pie!

Oh wait - you're not going to kidnap Isaak and
wrap him up and send him to me are you? xx

Canadians are "eh".

This part of the interview is really interesting:

"...a live record that is also being put together. I never sleep." (I don't think Chris ever does sleep.)

"...a live record that is also being put together. I never sleep." (I don't think Chris ever does sleep.) "

Ya think?

Hmmmm. I do think he sleeps a little, but maybe needs a bit less than the average Joe, if you know what I mean. I've know some folks that can't function if they get MORE THAN 4-5 hours of REM. Bet Isaak goes to sleep 'round 3 (am and can still wake up by 8am or so on a school/work night).

Anyway, 'bout the LIVE thingermerbobber... I think Isaak OWES the fans a LIVE album. (Haven't we discussed this on the 'Official' boards since like SOTD or thereabouts?!?! He really should just throw it into the same package with the new one. Glad he's gettin' in line w/the program (marketing program, that is!?!?)

17.99-20.00 bucks sounds about right to me. What do you all think?? (save on the jewel case, Chris, and just digi-pac it!!)

Uncle Pat

P.S. To Isaak (and I don't mean Hayes) Keep practicing them Autry and Tex Ritter songs, cuz you just never know when they might come in handy...

P.S.S. to Shugz...If'n the person goes willin, don't think they call it kidnappin', Darlin'... ; )

Chris has to sleep sometime but he seems to be busier than just about anyone else.

I don't think Chris owes the fans anything, much less a live album. That's my opinion. I'd buy one if he puts one out, though. The marketing people will have to figure out the best way to present it to the public -- as a double CD with the new CD? Might just seem like a throwaway. I don't know. I'd love to have a live CD of the quality that Chris would release.