I had the honor of sitting down for an interview with Paul Leary, socially distanced by numerous miles. Paul Leary is probably best known as the lead guitarist for the Butthole Surfers. Leary has also worked with such bands as U2, Sublime, Meat Puppets, Daniel Johnston, The Reverend Horton Heat, Flaming Lips, Weezer, Bad Livers, Slightly Stoopid, The Refreshments, Tumbledryer Babies, and Sludge Buzzard.
Leary released his first solo record back in 1991 and now has released his second solo record 30 years later. Born Stupid is the first release on the newly relaunched incarnation of Shimmy-Disc. Shimmy-Disc was founded by Kramer in 1987 and is one of my favorite labels. (I have my vinyl copies of the Tinklers as proof.) Kramer revived Shimmy-Disc for his 2020 tenure as Joyful Noise Recordings’ Artist in Residence.
PAUL LEARY’s “BORN STUPID” can be pre-ordered here.
What is one message you would like to give to your fans?
I have no message for my fans. “Born Stupid” comes from the heart. Stupid people don’t have messages. Or they shouldn’t, anyway. There has never been a message to my music. I am not worthy to have a message.
What was your favorite toy as a kid?
I loved to fly gasoline airplanes, My favorite was an engine with propeller but no airplane attached. I’d start it in my hand and toss it into the air. It would buzz around wildly in the air like a barnstormer out of hell, and was a bit dangerous. Then I got into model rockets and set my friend’s uncle’s farm on fire by accident.
Where were you 3 hours ago and what were you doing?
Three hours ago I was watching Judge Judy with my cat and ordering Thai food using DoorDash.
When did you first think of yourself as a musician?
I still struggle to think of myself a musician. I’m more of a hack. I played in my first band back in 1965 while in the third grade after seeing girls chasing the Beatles on TV. I wanted in on that action.
Have you ever solved a Rubik’s Cube?
Never even tried.
The best time signature is…?
sixty-nine. But, seriously I’m starting to get very annoyed by the recent trend of inserting 3/4 snippets in 4/4 songs.
What has been occupying your mind the most in the past week?
I recently found out that the speed of gravity is actually slightly slower than the speed of light, having previously believed that the effects of gravity were felt immediately throughout the universe. This has messed up my thoughts on how gravitational waves might be used to communicate across the universe.
What color underwear is the best?
Brown. Although I don’t own any brown underwear…
What music, band, song or album is your guilty pleasure?
I love gunslinger songs from Marty Robbins. Some pretty dark stuff there. Lots of murder and stealing.
How are you feeling right now?
Not nearly stoned enough.
PAUL LEARY’s “BORN STUPID” can be pre-ordered here.