This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Meet Kip Berman: Lead Singer of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Kip Berman, Peggy Wang, Kurt Feldman, Alex Naidus) I Photo: Annie Powers
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Kip Berman, Peggy Wang, Kurt Feldman, Alex Naidus) I Photo: Annie Powers
Don't judge a pop band by it's cover. Yes okay, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, is a heartbreakingly silly name for a band (I mean I don't think they'll be tattooed on anybody's chest anytime soon) but man they've got a sparkly debut disk. Chock full of 80s inspired pop, the kind that would fit in the background of any John Hughes movie, the self-titled offering has already have generated some most impressive buzz. Lead singer, Kip Berman was kind enough to answer our questions while he was running around Pitchfork Festival this weekend. Here is some of what was said.
How old were you when you first picked up an instrument?
Kip: I played the violin growing up, probably since I was five or six, but it wasn't until I was thirteen that my mom got me an electric guitar. She got it for me because I was really into Nirvana.
Photo: Pavla Kopecna
Is your band a democracy or a dictatorship?
It's mostly democratic, I think.Are you pure of heart?
Kip: I think we are pure of heart, but perhaps have dirty minds.
What song are you most proud of on this album?
Kip: I like "Everything With You."
Sponsored message
What is the weirdest thing you ever saw in the audience?
Kip: We saw a lot of crowd surfing at our Manchester show. That was odd.
Would you rather be burned alive or frozen to death?
Kip: Can I opt for an occasional sunburn and/or goose bumps?
Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?
Kip: I don't believe in "guilty" pleasures. If something makes you happy, then you should feel okay with that. I love Smashing Pumpkins songs, like "Cherub Rock," "Rocket" and "Today." think I'd never get tired of hearing those songs if they came on the radio.
What is the worst thing about touring?
Kip: There's nothing is bad about touring. Getting to travel with your friends, having fun and playing music everyday are the best things ever.
If you could sing with anyone in the world who would it be? What would you
sing?
Kip: Maybe Tony Bennett? He seems really fantastic. I'd like to sing "Happy Birthday" as I know all the lyrics. Or maybe I'd sing "Happy Birthday" with Keith Richards to my mom, as she loves Keith Richards.
Do you have a favorite thing to do in LA when you're here?
Kip: I've only been here one day before, but getting burritos and/or tacos would be very high on my list. We also saw a guy riding a bicycle by the airport that looked like Axl Rose who yelled "Deal with it!" at our van. That was pretty cool.
Which do you prefer playing live or recording?
Kip: I really like both-- we don't have a lot of experience recording, so I'm looking forward to trying out new stuff next time we go into the studio. But playing live never ever gets old-- I feel we could play a show every day for a year, and it would still be fun.
Sponsored message
Do you have a favorite local band at the moment?
Kip: Zaza!
Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?
Kip: As long as I'm not a zombie, I'd be cool with either.
If you could have a conversation with anyone dead or alive what would it
be?
Kip: I'd like to talk to Joey Ramone. I don't really have any questions for him, but I just think he's a really cool, nice guy and I'd just like to let him know that.
Be sure to check out The Pains of Being Pure at Heart tonight at the Echowith Girls and Champagne Socialists. Doors open at 8:30. Tickets are $14.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
