The Thousands

Odd Future get bagged on for being misogynistic or just obnoxious, but, y’know, hip-hop. That’s not new. We love them because underneath those artistic flourishes are a bunch of creative, funny, super colorful and original kids blowing up basic hip-hop (it’s been sorely in need of a shake up for probably a decade). They rap about fucking dolphins, and they made a video of Tyler eating a cockroach that still made most end of year lists.

In between releasing a million singles and mixtapes, starting a clothing label, releasing a book, Twittering nonstop and running a pretty thorough tumblr, OFWGKTA have been lured down to Australia for BDO 2012. And we convinced BDO to organise a fax interview (thanks guys!) (fax transcript below).

What do you think people would find most surprising about Odd Future?
Odd Future – They all sleep in one bed.

The Odd Future clothing line is rad. Who are some of your influences (designers, labels, style icons)? We know you are big fans of Dill’s label Fucking Awesome.
Odd Future – Supreme, vintage.
Tyler – Meth and cats inspire me a lot. And 90s Nick.

What have you learned from skateboarding that has helped you make music?
Mike – There is no way you’ll get things perfect on the 1st try.

Purple Naked Ladies is really cool and very different. Can you tell me a bit about recording the album, your reference points for making it and the recording process?

Syd – We recorded all of it in the comfort of our home. We noticed our sound together came out sort of psychedelic, so we ran with it.

Which is better: fucking a dolphin or eating a cockroach, and why?
Tyler – I went to New Zealand with a velcro glove and met up with a sheep. It was better.

I see you guys as totally distinct from conventional hip-hop, with its rampant, unapologetic flossing, egos and materialism. How do you feel about being associated with that culture and those values?
Odd Future – It’s not us, we are not a part of that culture.

Top five favourite things about Los Angeles?
Mike – The people around me are the only thing I really like about L.A.

How do you start writing lyrics for a song, and where do you go for inspiration if you ever get stuck?
Hodgy – My inspiration is the beat. The vibe of a song is what gets me going. When I get stuck, I move on to something new.

What about the music – when you start a new song do you usually have a melody, riff, sound or theme / mood in mind, or do you just start messing around with your machinery and stumble onto stuff?
Left – I just use my mouth.

Imaginary party, you get to invite eight people, real or imaginary, alive or dead. Who do you pick?
Left – Rosario Dawson, Naomi Russell, 97′ TRINA, Juicy J, Jim Jones, Wifey and a couple phat booty black porn stars.

Can you tell us a bit about your Adult Swim show? I read it was produced by Dickhouse (Spike Jonze / Jackass dudes).
Odd Future – Yes produced by Dickhouse, everything created by Loiter Squad.

From your various self-directed music videos it’s obvious Odd Future are interested in film. What are some of your biggest film influences (directors or specific movies)?
Odd Future – Tarantino, Spike Jonze, Jim Jarmusch, David Lynch

Are you ever going to release an album just under the name Odd Future?
Odd Future – Yes, OF Tape Vol. 2 in March 2012.

It’s your last meal. You get to pick it from anywhere, one appetizer, one main course, one side dish, one dessert and two drinks – what do you pick?
Hodgy – I’m going to Chef Marilyn’s (mac n cheese, smothered chicken, collard greens, and yams). A diet sprite / water.

Complete this sentence: If Odd Future were elected president, we would…
Tyler – Make skateboarding legal and have a national titty day, and make it where Sinbad gets a mural in every state.