Speaking with: Pete Yorn
Jaime Jeske
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Speaking with Pete Yorn by Jae-Ha Kim
Pete Yorn is already a winner. Not just because his latest album, "Day I
Forgot" (Sony), is a critic's favorite (not that he really cares about
that--see below), but because he gambled a bit in Reno, Nev., and won.
Quick-witted and boasting a dry, sarcastic sense of humor, Yorn phoned
from the road to talk about his favorite films, comic books and
Barcelona, Spain.
HERE'S WHAT YORN HAD TO SAY:
Explain yourself: I'm the type of writer who leaves his songs open to
interpretation.
Favorite band: Belle & Sebastian from Scotland. Their music cleanses my
palate.
Opening for friends: It's way better to tour with friends [like the
Wallflowers]. It's fun.
Last good horror movie you saw: "The Last House on the Left." It's kind
of disturbing how stupid the characters are.
Favorite foreign film: This Japanese film "Battle Royal" was good. It's
about these school kids who're friends. They're sent to an island to
kill each other. If they don't, they'll all get blown up anyway.
Your voice: I don't like it really, but I'm not obsessed about it.
When your song comes on the radio, you say: "Turn it up, man!" [Laughs]
Best concert you've seen: Sloan at the Troubador in Los Angeles. It was
mind-blowing.
Audience sing-alongs: You can't hear individual voices. Besides, all my
fans have spectacular voices.
Backstabbers: Everyone has been really supportive. Maybe they say stuff
behind my back, though.
Chicago must-do: I always have to get a sandwich at Potbelly. And hang
out with friends there at their place.
Chicago regret: I'm not going to have time for the Cubs. I fly in on the
Fourth [of July] and out on the fifth.
What you're reading: These cool animated comic books from Canada. I'm
not into comic books, but these sucked me in one night.
Read me: [Laughs] Sorry, I don't read the press.
Singer turned actor: I'm not interested in acting at all. It'd be cool
to option those comics into a film one day, though.
Anticipation: We'll have to have some barbecue at the Taste of Chicago.
Favorite workout: I'm not a water baby but I do surf a bit.
Best states: Oregon's really beautiful, but Hawaii is great.
Prettiest country you've visited: New Zealand.
Future destination: Barcelona. I was in Madrid and everyone said I had
to go there.
Last word on Chicago: Thanks to everyone for the nice letters they send.
Copyright 2003 "The Chicago Sun-Times."