[AMA] We are the Gorillaz - Ask Us Anything!
Reddit, April 2017
FlasKamel: 2D! 'The Irish One' is one of my favorite tracks as well! Got any nicknames for other tracks on 'Humanz'?
2D: Yeah I've got a couple. The first track I like to call 'Track 1'.
zwoldplay: Almost every song on the album is an collaboration with other artists. Are there some artists you wanted on the album but who said no?
Murdoc: Hello people. Nobody said 'no'. Get a grip. Just some people didn't fully say 'yes'. OK, some people said yes, and then later on, they said no. A few said 'later'. And by the time we got back to them it was too late. It's really very simple.
f4sasj4: But a no is still a no...so the answer is yes?
Murdoc: Yes, it isn't.
Derryzumi: Has Noodle ever met Cyborg Noodle? If so, how did that meeting go?
Noodle: Yes I have. I have her head. Upside down on my coffee table. A bonsai tree grows from it.
yumitsari: I have many questions. Is Katsu safe? Where's Murdoc's Winnebago? Does Murdoc have a lazy eye? What is Murdoc's BAC? (blood alcohol concentration) Why does 2D sound so different when he's speaking? Can Russ even play the drums anymore? But we all need to know this: What happened to the Boogieman and the Evangelist?
Murdoc: Yes. In the garage. No. What is BAC? He doesn't. Yes. They are in Shepton Mallet.
AdultishGambino123: Blood Alcohol Concentration I assume?
Murdoc: Don't ever assume. I concentrate very hard on my alcohol consumption. Right now it's dangerously low.
Jocomomo: In high school, a girl in my german class noticed my Demon Day's t-shirt and started talking to me about how much she loved you guys. Now, 10 years later, we are getting married this September. Any chance you guys are around for a spontaneous performance? I think she's got a crush on 2D but I'll put my jealousy aside.
Murdoc: Get a blue wig and get over it, mate. Jesus.
2D: Congratulations. Will there be cake? I love cake.
bmoron7: Wow. Thats really great. Theres probably a lot of people in need of love who are fans of this amazing group. Connecting people who are interested in the Gorillaz would probably be a pretty cool business venture and make a lot of people feel good. But what to call the business...
Murdoc: You want me to say Feel Good Inc, don't you? That's been copyrighted, hands off or you'll hear from our lawyers. And by lawyers I mean a lion. A real lion.
Go_ahead_throw_away: A friend of mine actually uses "does she like the Gorillaz?" As a parameter for whether a girl is worth dating
Noodle: That sounds a little narrow. Try and find out a bit more about them. E.g. is she a zombie or an axe-murderer? That would be a good start. :D
Disc_Golf: For a slight fee of $100,000 they would love to play your wedding!
Murdoc: I don't get out of the bath for less than 200,000 mate.
BarcaStona: Gorillove
2D: Do you mean grill oven? I'm interested. Murdoc destroyed ours. I can come pick it up later. 20 quid?
RenbuChaos: Gorrilaz!!! Help this man out!!!!!
Murdoc: We don't do weddings, mate. Cos the moment they do the "lawful impediment" shit. I can't help myself.
IMPREGNADER: Congrats man
Murdoc: Sounds like a really shit super hero.
POOLCORN: Noodle; what inspires your clothing style? i absolutely love it!!
Noodle: Jivomir Domoustchiev Ken Dodd, Phiney Pet, Balenciaga
terusui 2907: A lot of people are saying that 2D's vocals weren't heard enough on the new album. What would you say to these people and why did you choose to have so many collaborators on the album?
Murdoc: What were you doing when Busted and Blue came on? Get a grip, mate. Also, 2D is like Christmas or World Cups. If you get too much of him, it loses the magic.
2D: I'm not magical. Just a human. z
AYY__LMA0: zzzzzzzzzz
2D: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
AYY__LMA0: oh my god did 2d just reply to me
2D: We could be pen pals. What's your favourite colour?
AYY__LMA0: Blue! (and turquoise)
2D: The correct answer was green. Sorry.
astarkey12: After you've released music, are you able to go back and enjoy it from a purely listener's perspective, or do you feel too critical of yourself to do so? How long after an album comes out before you can revisit it as a listener? Thanks for the AMA!
Murdoc: Nothing I like more than relaxing in a bath, listening to my own genius fill my ears while I sink down in the hot water. I'm in the bath right now. Better be careful not to drop the computer. Don't try this at home, kids.
Xxmustafa51: Obviously not the gorillaz, but as a recording artist myself (a real shitty one), I can give some insight. So, to start you have a cool idea. Then you work it out a bit and make it sound cool. Then (in a band), you bring it to your mates who have their own ideas. So you spend weeks (usually) working out the general structure of the song, and start fine tuning it. You play it hundreds of times and listen to your own recordings of it hundreds more. Partially because you enjoy it, partially so you can make sure it flows well, the parts mesh together, nothing stands out negatively, and it has the effect you want it to have overall, on top of other reasons. Then you hear stuff you wanna change and keep working it out with your dudes. Repeat this process several times until you have what you feel is a great song. Then, you're like, "cool it's time to professionally do this." So you go to a studio (which I'll agree is probably somewhat different for a rock band then a band like the gorillaz), and you go to preproduction, which is where someone else (in my experience, tho you don't need another person) and you record scratch tracks, which are a rough outline of the song. Then you'll get feedback and a more experienced dude will be like, "this part sucks, this part goes on too long, you need a guitar part here, etc." and you really fine tune your song. You make it exactly how you want it to be, with the help of someone who knows what makes a good song work. This process is also interspersed with hundreds of listens. So now, you're ready to record. You go through a painstaking process of recording every single part you want in a song (and you feel like a worthless piece of shit while you fuck up a guitar line 60 times in a row). This takes days to weeks to get it perfect. You can go faster for some songs but that's a rough outline for, say an EP of 4 songs (about a week). While recording each line over and over again, you'll listen to part, or all, of the song hundreds, to even thousands, of times. You've gotta get it perfect and you hear everything so many times. By the end of this process you're done with the song. You're pissed. And relieved. And you listen a lot more to the finished product to get a feel for it and make sure it's perfect, and to just appreciate the work you've completed. Then, you have post-production and mastering and shit where the engineer fine tunes everything. Tones, frequencies, a bunch of shit. And you'll listen to each song another hundred times when your engineer sends you copies of it and you tell him to change this part or that part, and he does that and sends you another copy and you make more changes, and so on and so on until you feel good about everything on the album. Now, this shit is before you even play a show. Or maybe you play a few new songs on tour, but you haven't really gotten into playing it. If you do, add in another hundred plays for practice. So finally you have your completed album. You listen to it multiple times in its entirety to appreciate what you've done. And you show your friends and family. By this point it's already been old for a long time. You were over hearing it when you finished writing, It got annoying while recording, and it got tedious while listening to see what needed to be changed. But you still enjoy it. It's weird. So now you're ready to play shows or go on a tour or whatever. So you guys get together and practice the new shit until you can play it perfectly on stage. Standing is a different beast than sitting, and while it won't really make a difference to a solid player, it's important to practice standing up because you will find a part or two that you wrote sitting down that gives you a little bit of trouble while standing. And you want to have it perfect. Nothing worse than playing live and you hit your guitar solo and start hearing clinks like it was dragonforce on guitar hero cause you didn't practice standing up and playing in the moment enough. Then you start playing shows. And you play those songs hundreds of times. A lot of times even the order will stay the same. Though if you're going on tour I'd suggest switching up the order or it will get boring. So now after all this shit, you've listened to every song thousands of times. So let me ask you...play a song on repeat 2 thousand times over the course of 4 or 5 months, and tell me if you can still listen to that song or not? Haha it gets pretty ridiculous. And even after you start to hate playing it, you still have to keep playing it every night! Every now and then you'll go back and listen for nostalgia, or to make fun of yourself for how shitty you played/wrote back then, or whatever. But it doesn't happen often. And when you do go back and listen you'll find shit you wish were different. As a recording artist, you can't really go back and listen to your own shit for enjoyment unless it's just a moment of nostalgia every blue moon.
Murdoc: No.
2D: Yes. Thanks for typing that long story. You must be very tired. Maybe have a lie down.
oxy-mo: Can noodle recommend anymore songs? Loved her playlist
Noodle: Camelblues by Mndsgn, Ivy Sole's All Mine, Loner by Kali Uchis and Sweet Tooth by Throwing Shade
lazdo: What would you say to the people who think the new album has "too much rap in it"? I've been a Gorillaz fan for 17 years, I grew up with the band. Thank you for giving us all such wonderful music all this time <3
Russel: I don't say shit to those people
Ethom11: For Murdoc: How was the bath?
Murdoc: Thanks for asking. It was hot and wet. And then kind of cosmic. Overall 7 out of 10. The only thing missing was one of those yellow ducks.
mosesz187: Hey love the new album! My question: Did Clint Eastwood ever gave you a shoutout for your song named after him?
Russel: Nah man, kinda rude. But y'know, there's still time. If you're reading, Clint. Do the right thing.
dillonflynn: Murdoc: I know Satanism is important to you. Are you a LaVeyan, philosophical-type Satanist, or are you a 51+ year old man who genuinely believes in spooky devil monsters and magic spells? 'Cause if so that is adorable. Also, all y'all are invited to come hang out on my Gorillaz podcast, Hallelujah Monkeyz.
Murdoc: 51? That is totally wrong, mate. I'm an Immortalist, which means I live forever. I'm not quoting Oasis, by the way.
2D: I'm a Optimist.
wastedyouth89: Which one of you is the best dancer? And do you still keep in touch with Del?
2D: Noodle's the best dancer, guilty feet have got no rhythm, apparently
FlasKamel: RUSSEL; how is your love life?
Russel: I've got a brown girl in the ring, she looks like a sugar in a plum.
BigHungry70: Is the band boxers, or briefs type of people?
All: Commando
Murdoc: I can't speak for the others, but I'm gonna say thong.
2D: Underneath my mom jeans I like to wear a sarong.
funnylookingcookie: Do you think there will ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?
2D: Yes, Shark boy. He has the brain of a shark and a body of a boy
foxy--boxes: I remember when I walked into a Somerfield in Petworth when I was about nine and saw Demon Days on their CD rack. I asked my mum to get it and she only realised it was parental advisory a few days later. One of the earliest significant influences on my music taste alongside Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and Panic! At The Disco. Thanks for that. :) As for my questions: What are your favourite modern rappers that you have and haven't worked with? Personally, I'd love to see Gambino featured on some Gorillaz songs. Out of all of your songs, which one is the most memorable? By that I mean significant events during writing, or a surprise at how popular it was, or even just your favourite. And for Murdoc: How might I go about building a cyborg clone of my own to do housework and stuff? Seems convenient. Thanks for doing the AMA. Really enjoy the new album.
Russel: don't panic, don't paramore, let's not fall out boy. We like anyone childish, still angry rap duo Criss Cross - they're timeless
TheHeadache420: Can we expect more music or do we have to wait another 7 years? I love Humanz btw
Russel: There's always more music. Keep your ears open and your eyes to the skies.
Jman53111: I have a question for all 4 of you! 2D: What's books have you been reading? Murdoc: How has the group been as a whole lately? Did you guys ever find a new home? Russel: I hear that there are 40 unreleased tracks, but will they ever reach the light of day? Noodle: Were you featured on any songs on Humanz? (also i love you) Thank you so much for doing a AMA!
Noodle: I'm all over the album like a rash
wonton541: Hey Gorillaz. I am a young musician, and I find your work to be very inspiring for my own music. Thank you. My question is this: Murdoc, I know you're the type of guy who would like to play hard rock and metal type music, such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, etc. However, the music in Gorillaz for the most part is much more poppy and deviates a lot from your style. How do you feel about this direction? Would you like a heavy metal Gorillaz?
Murdoc: Great bands, mate. I love a bit of guitar rock. There's no direction Gorillaz can't go in. It's all about collaboration. And making me money.
GuitarHero308: Russel: Do you still keep in touch with Del? If so, how is he these days? Thanks for doing the AMA! Love the album!
Russel: Yes, Del is inside all of us. All's well that Del's well.
IGotBadHair: Are we going to see another "D-Sides" type of album with tracks that didn't make it on the Humanz album? You guys do great work, thanks for the awesome tunez!
mccann23: or the never-released 'P-Sides'/'Sea-Sides' for Plastic Beach!
Murdoc: Come to Margate if you want Gorillaz at the sea-side. Gonna be massive.
belladonnadiorama: El Mañana... who came up with that amazing track? It was our wedding dance song and has a special place in our hearts :)
Noodle: I did, but Murdoc took the credit as usual.
Murdoc: Bollocks.
Wordswitcher: Who the fuck is this Damien Albran fella and why is he constantly taking credit for your music?
Murdoc: We don't know, who the fuck is Damien Allbran? Sounds like he'd make a great breakfast.
Yoooooouuuuuuuu: Would you rather fight 2 gorilla-sized humanz or 3 human-sized gorillaz?
Russel: I'd rather fight the power
raginggustave: Question for Noodle: Who is your favourite jpop singer and why?
Noodle: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, her song "Easta" is a jam.
bestyousirname: What did you have for breakfast?
All: Damien Allbran
NostalgicExplorer: What is your most memorable/craziest encounter with a fan?
2D: A fan once threw me her knickers. They were a bit dirty so I washed them after the show and gave them back to her at the next show. Now she brings her laundry to every show. It's becoming a bit of a burden, especially the hand wash only items. The recent warm weather has made drying easier, though. So I count my blessings.
YehChainax25: 1. What are Murdocs feelings about Trump being in the lyrics of let me out? 2. Why was Shaun Ryder drunk during the live performance of DARE? 3. Why do I like Murdoc even though he's so mean to 2D 4. What was Noodle doing that caused her to not be able to show up to the live stream on Electronic Beats 5. Are you going to make another album after Humanz?
Murdoc: Don't be greedy. For that I'm not gonna answer you. I'm just gotta totally ignore you.
Murdoc: Fuck I answered you.
Thi51Chick: 2-D is going to have to "reset" Murdoc after he reads this
Murdoc: What do you mean, reset me?
2D: I don't know what they mean Murdoc - VVVVOOOOO WOOOOO WOOOOO
coolethanps2: Don't mention the T word to Murdoc!!
2D: Unless it comes with cake.
Murdoc: Shut your cakehole, 2D. You're just not cutting it.
TheSaltyCyka: What's your favorite sandwich?
2D: i'm holding out for a Hero
WH-Jaden: What happened to Plastic Beach?
Noodle: It's probably still out in the sea. 2D wants to go back and fetch his flip-flops which he left there.
surge_of_vanilla: Will the next step in the evolution of the Gorillaz be Artificial Intelligenz or Alienz?
Russel: I've got a stack of mind your own business cardz. Where can I send you one?
Laureen--: Hi ! I was wondering, honestly, who is the best cook in the band ?
2D: Murdoc can cook badger and hedgehog, he runs them over in his Rolls Royce, it's the road kill special with mayo , just hold the mayo.
Murdoc: 2D does a great whale blubber dish, leave it out in the sun to go mouldy and eat with a side of sand for texture.
BareFootTracker: How would you explain the band to someone who's never heard of you before?
2D: We are a band.
Murdoc: He's actually bang on for once.
Muffinman932: Why on earth did you make us wait 6 years for this glorious album? either way thank you for releasing it!
2D: You're very welcome.
ROFLKing: Congrats on the album release, so pumped! My question is how has it been performing live again after so long? Have you noticed any changes in the touring scene? Thanks!
Murdoc: What pump do you use? I'm a big fan of the Gigantor x5000.
cloudfill: Did that okcupid profile really belong to Noodle?
Noodle: No. I'm not dating right now. It was probably one of Murdoc's tricks.
alysslouise: question for 2d: what is your nighttime routine before bed?
2D: Lie down. Close eyes. Wait. Dream a bit. Get up. Wee. Lie down. Wait again. Sleep.
Gonza116: Hey, Russ, who's your fave band member?
Russel: I can give you my least favourite. He smells of stale cigarettes and lube. And no amount of baths will shift it.
generic_brand_cola: Hi hi, Tim Messenger here for the Sandford Citizen... What's your perfect Sunday?
2D: Open eyes. Yawn. Stand up. Walk across floor. Hang on, this going to take ages. I give up.
Asuka_Wilde1997: Did you guys ever consider collaborating with Thundercat, James Blake, Chance the Rapper or Kendrick Lamar? Im very surprised that you didnt already (the collabs on the album are still fire tho)
Murdoc: Thundercats - yes, William Blake - no, Chance the Rapper - yes, Hedy Lamar - no, because she died in January 2000
smoochwalla: I don't have a question as much as I just wanted to thank you. Gorillaz helped me through some very dark times. It may sound ridiculous to some but music can help shoulder the weight of good and bad times. July 13th Philly show will be my first time seeing you guys live and I couldn't be more excited!
Noodle: No, thank YOU! We hope you enjoy the show, and Gorillaz loves you x
Murdoc: Steady on Noodle, we haven't even met.
HitPiggy: answered 9 out of 3065 questions right now...
All: we're only Humanz
TingleMaps: If you could describe each of your albums in just a few words (say, 5?), including the new one, what would you say about them?
2D: EACH ... OF ... ALBUMS ... NICE ... MUSIC
Groosucc: Did 2-D enjoy his peppermint tea?
2D: It did help my digestion systems. And gave me minty fresh breath. So yes, thanks.
svmos: What's your favorite type of bread?
Murdoc: Genius. Eating it is like cannibalism.
2D: Non stale. But if you can't get that, stale.
PENGUINSflyGOOD: What was the inspiration behind being cartoons?
Murdoc: Ancient hieroglyphs. Especially the ones depicting cat gods and massive penises.
haydenplz: Bananas or plantains?
Murdoc: You perv.
mistabuckree: Do you feel very blah blah when you blah blah blah blah blah?
2D: Can you repeat the question?
battlegrunge: You guys ever coming to Australia? Or are some of you afraid of the Koala's with chlamydia?
Murdoc: I'll try anything once.
alysslouise: Question for Murdoc: If you could have any pet what would it be?
Murdoc: pterosaur
-Gorillanator-: What exactly was in the bath?
Murdoc: Anna. Conda.
gorillaEDCN: where is your eel russel.
Noodle: We only have a human Russel. Sorry.
zgnilak: Question for everybody: what do you do when you can't fall asleep? Do you have a special song that helps you fall asleep?
Murdoc: I punch myself in the face repeatedly until it goes dark.
2D: Yeah I've got a couple. The first track I like to call 'Track 1'.
zwoldplay: Almost every song on the album is an collaboration with other artists. Are there some artists you wanted on the album but who said no?
Murdoc: Hello people. Nobody said 'no'. Get a grip. Just some people didn't fully say 'yes'. OK, some people said yes, and then later on, they said no. A few said 'later'. And by the time we got back to them it was too late. It's really very simple.
f4sasj4: But a no is still a no...so the answer is yes?
Murdoc: Yes, it isn't.
Derryzumi: Has Noodle ever met Cyborg Noodle? If so, how did that meeting go?
Noodle: Yes I have. I have her head. Upside down on my coffee table. A bonsai tree grows from it.
yumitsari: I have many questions. Is Katsu safe? Where's Murdoc's Winnebago? Does Murdoc have a lazy eye? What is Murdoc's BAC? (blood alcohol concentration) Why does 2D sound so different when he's speaking? Can Russ even play the drums anymore? But we all need to know this: What happened to the Boogieman and the Evangelist?
Murdoc: Yes. In the garage. No. What is BAC? He doesn't. Yes. They are in Shepton Mallet.
AdultishGambino123: Blood Alcohol Concentration I assume?
Murdoc: Don't ever assume. I concentrate very hard on my alcohol consumption. Right now it's dangerously low.
Jocomomo: In high school, a girl in my german class noticed my Demon Day's t-shirt and started talking to me about how much she loved you guys. Now, 10 years later, we are getting married this September. Any chance you guys are around for a spontaneous performance? I think she's got a crush on 2D but I'll put my jealousy aside.
Murdoc: Get a blue wig and get over it, mate. Jesus.
2D: Congratulations. Will there be cake? I love cake.
bmoron7: Wow. Thats really great. Theres probably a lot of people in need of love who are fans of this amazing group. Connecting people who are interested in the Gorillaz would probably be a pretty cool business venture and make a lot of people feel good. But what to call the business...
Murdoc: You want me to say Feel Good Inc, don't you? That's been copyrighted, hands off or you'll hear from our lawyers. And by lawyers I mean a lion. A real lion.
Go_ahead_throw_away: A friend of mine actually uses "does she like the Gorillaz?" As a parameter for whether a girl is worth dating
Noodle: That sounds a little narrow. Try and find out a bit more about them. E.g. is she a zombie or an axe-murderer? That would be a good start. :D
Disc_Golf: For a slight fee of $100,000 they would love to play your wedding!
Murdoc: I don't get out of the bath for less than 200,000 mate.
BarcaStona: Gorillove
2D: Do you mean grill oven? I'm interested. Murdoc destroyed ours. I can come pick it up later. 20 quid?
RenbuChaos: Gorrilaz!!! Help this man out!!!!!
Murdoc: We don't do weddings, mate. Cos the moment they do the "lawful impediment" shit. I can't help myself.
IMPREGNADER: Congrats man
Murdoc: Sounds like a really shit super hero.
POOLCORN: Noodle; what inspires your clothing style? i absolutely love it!!
Noodle: Jivomir Domoustchiev Ken Dodd, Phiney Pet, Balenciaga
terusui 2907: A lot of people are saying that 2D's vocals weren't heard enough on the new album. What would you say to these people and why did you choose to have so many collaborators on the album?
Murdoc: What were you doing when Busted and Blue came on? Get a grip, mate. Also, 2D is like Christmas or World Cups. If you get too much of him, it loses the magic.
2D: I'm not magical. Just a human. z
AYY__LMA0: zzzzzzzzzz
2D: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
AYY__LMA0: oh my god did 2d just reply to me
2D: We could be pen pals. What's your favourite colour?
AYY__LMA0: Blue! (and turquoise)
2D: The correct answer was green. Sorry.
astarkey12: After you've released music, are you able to go back and enjoy it from a purely listener's perspective, or do you feel too critical of yourself to do so? How long after an album comes out before you can revisit it as a listener? Thanks for the AMA!
Murdoc: Nothing I like more than relaxing in a bath, listening to my own genius fill my ears while I sink down in the hot water. I'm in the bath right now. Better be careful not to drop the computer. Don't try this at home, kids.
Xxmustafa51: Obviously not the gorillaz, but as a recording artist myself (a real shitty one), I can give some insight. So, to start you have a cool idea. Then you work it out a bit and make it sound cool. Then (in a band), you bring it to your mates who have their own ideas. So you spend weeks (usually) working out the general structure of the song, and start fine tuning it. You play it hundreds of times and listen to your own recordings of it hundreds more. Partially because you enjoy it, partially so you can make sure it flows well, the parts mesh together, nothing stands out negatively, and it has the effect you want it to have overall, on top of other reasons. Then you hear stuff you wanna change and keep working it out with your dudes. Repeat this process several times until you have what you feel is a great song. Then, you're like, "cool it's time to professionally do this." So you go to a studio (which I'll agree is probably somewhat different for a rock band then a band like the gorillaz), and you go to preproduction, which is where someone else (in my experience, tho you don't need another person) and you record scratch tracks, which are a rough outline of the song. Then you'll get feedback and a more experienced dude will be like, "this part sucks, this part goes on too long, you need a guitar part here, etc." and you really fine tune your song. You make it exactly how you want it to be, with the help of someone who knows what makes a good song work. This process is also interspersed with hundreds of listens. So now, you're ready to record. You go through a painstaking process of recording every single part you want in a song (and you feel like a worthless piece of shit while you fuck up a guitar line 60 times in a row). This takes days to weeks to get it perfect. You can go faster for some songs but that's a rough outline for, say an EP of 4 songs (about a week). While recording each line over and over again, you'll listen to part, or all, of the song hundreds, to even thousands, of times. You've gotta get it perfect and you hear everything so many times. By the end of this process you're done with the song. You're pissed. And relieved. And you listen a lot more to the finished product to get a feel for it and make sure it's perfect, and to just appreciate the work you've completed. Then, you have post-production and mastering and shit where the engineer fine tunes everything. Tones, frequencies, a bunch of shit. And you'll listen to each song another hundred times when your engineer sends you copies of it and you tell him to change this part or that part, and he does that and sends you another copy and you make more changes, and so on and so on until you feel good about everything on the album. Now, this shit is before you even play a show. Or maybe you play a few new songs on tour, but you haven't really gotten into playing it. If you do, add in another hundred plays for practice. So finally you have your completed album. You listen to it multiple times in its entirety to appreciate what you've done. And you show your friends and family. By this point it's already been old for a long time. You were over hearing it when you finished writing, It got annoying while recording, and it got tedious while listening to see what needed to be changed. But you still enjoy it. It's weird. So now you're ready to play shows or go on a tour or whatever. So you guys get together and practice the new shit until you can play it perfectly on stage. Standing is a different beast than sitting, and while it won't really make a difference to a solid player, it's important to practice standing up because you will find a part or two that you wrote sitting down that gives you a little bit of trouble while standing. And you want to have it perfect. Nothing worse than playing live and you hit your guitar solo and start hearing clinks like it was dragonforce on guitar hero cause you didn't practice standing up and playing in the moment enough. Then you start playing shows. And you play those songs hundreds of times. A lot of times even the order will stay the same. Though if you're going on tour I'd suggest switching up the order or it will get boring. So now after all this shit, you've listened to every song thousands of times. So let me ask you...play a song on repeat 2 thousand times over the course of 4 or 5 months, and tell me if you can still listen to that song or not? Haha it gets pretty ridiculous. And even after you start to hate playing it, you still have to keep playing it every night! Every now and then you'll go back and listen for nostalgia, or to make fun of yourself for how shitty you played/wrote back then, or whatever. But it doesn't happen often. And when you do go back and listen you'll find shit you wish were different. As a recording artist, you can't really go back and listen to your own shit for enjoyment unless it's just a moment of nostalgia every blue moon.
Murdoc: No.
2D: Yes. Thanks for typing that long story. You must be very tired. Maybe have a lie down.
oxy-mo: Can noodle recommend anymore songs? Loved her playlist
Noodle: Camelblues by Mndsgn, Ivy Sole's All Mine, Loner by Kali Uchis and Sweet Tooth by Throwing Shade
lazdo: What would you say to the people who think the new album has "too much rap in it"? I've been a Gorillaz fan for 17 years, I grew up with the band. Thank you for giving us all such wonderful music all this time <3
Russel: I don't say shit to those people
Ethom11: For Murdoc: How was the bath?
Murdoc: Thanks for asking. It was hot and wet. And then kind of cosmic. Overall 7 out of 10. The only thing missing was one of those yellow ducks.
mosesz187: Hey love the new album! My question: Did Clint Eastwood ever gave you a shoutout for your song named after him?
Russel: Nah man, kinda rude. But y'know, there's still time. If you're reading, Clint. Do the right thing.
dillonflynn: Murdoc: I know Satanism is important to you. Are you a LaVeyan, philosophical-type Satanist, or are you a 51+ year old man who genuinely believes in spooky devil monsters and magic spells? 'Cause if so that is adorable. Also, all y'all are invited to come hang out on my Gorillaz podcast, Hallelujah Monkeyz.
Murdoc: 51? That is totally wrong, mate. I'm an Immortalist, which means I live forever. I'm not quoting Oasis, by the way.
2D: I'm a Optimist.
wastedyouth89: Which one of you is the best dancer? And do you still keep in touch with Del?
2D: Noodle's the best dancer, guilty feet have got no rhythm, apparently
FlasKamel: RUSSEL; how is your love life?
Russel: I've got a brown girl in the ring, she looks like a sugar in a plum.
BigHungry70: Is the band boxers, or briefs type of people?
All: Commando
Murdoc: I can't speak for the others, but I'm gonna say thong.
2D: Underneath my mom jeans I like to wear a sarong.
funnylookingcookie: Do you think there will ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?
2D: Yes, Shark boy. He has the brain of a shark and a body of a boy
foxy--boxes: I remember when I walked into a Somerfield in Petworth when I was about nine and saw Demon Days on their CD rack. I asked my mum to get it and she only realised it was parental advisory a few days later. One of the earliest significant influences on my music taste alongside Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and Panic! At The Disco. Thanks for that. :) As for my questions: What are your favourite modern rappers that you have and haven't worked with? Personally, I'd love to see Gambino featured on some Gorillaz songs. Out of all of your songs, which one is the most memorable? By that I mean significant events during writing, or a surprise at how popular it was, or even just your favourite. And for Murdoc: How might I go about building a cyborg clone of my own to do housework and stuff? Seems convenient. Thanks for doing the AMA. Really enjoy the new album.
Russel: don't panic, don't paramore, let's not fall out boy. We like anyone childish, still angry rap duo Criss Cross - they're timeless
TheHeadache420: Can we expect more music or do we have to wait another 7 years? I love Humanz btw
Russel: There's always more music. Keep your ears open and your eyes to the skies.
Jman53111: I have a question for all 4 of you! 2D: What's books have you been reading? Murdoc: How has the group been as a whole lately? Did you guys ever find a new home? Russel: I hear that there are 40 unreleased tracks, but will they ever reach the light of day? Noodle: Were you featured on any songs on Humanz? (also i love you) Thank you so much for doing a AMA!
Noodle: I'm all over the album like a rash
wonton541: Hey Gorillaz. I am a young musician, and I find your work to be very inspiring for my own music. Thank you. My question is this: Murdoc, I know you're the type of guy who would like to play hard rock and metal type music, such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, etc. However, the music in Gorillaz for the most part is much more poppy and deviates a lot from your style. How do you feel about this direction? Would you like a heavy metal Gorillaz?
Murdoc: Great bands, mate. I love a bit of guitar rock. There's no direction Gorillaz can't go in. It's all about collaboration. And making me money.
GuitarHero308: Russel: Do you still keep in touch with Del? If so, how is he these days? Thanks for doing the AMA! Love the album!
Russel: Yes, Del is inside all of us. All's well that Del's well.
IGotBadHair: Are we going to see another "D-Sides" type of album with tracks that didn't make it on the Humanz album? You guys do great work, thanks for the awesome tunez!
mccann23: or the never-released 'P-Sides'/'Sea-Sides' for Plastic Beach!
Murdoc: Come to Margate if you want Gorillaz at the sea-side. Gonna be massive.
belladonnadiorama: El Mañana... who came up with that amazing track? It was our wedding dance song and has a special place in our hearts :)
Noodle: I did, but Murdoc took the credit as usual.
Murdoc: Bollocks.
Wordswitcher: Who the fuck is this Damien Albran fella and why is he constantly taking credit for your music?
Murdoc: We don't know, who the fuck is Damien Allbran? Sounds like he'd make a great breakfast.
Yoooooouuuuuuuu: Would you rather fight 2 gorilla-sized humanz or 3 human-sized gorillaz?
Russel: I'd rather fight the power
raginggustave: Question for Noodle: Who is your favourite jpop singer and why?
Noodle: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, her song "Easta" is a jam.
bestyousirname: What did you have for breakfast?
All: Damien Allbran
NostalgicExplorer: What is your most memorable/craziest encounter with a fan?
2D: A fan once threw me her knickers. They were a bit dirty so I washed them after the show and gave them back to her at the next show. Now she brings her laundry to every show. It's becoming a bit of a burden, especially the hand wash only items. The recent warm weather has made drying easier, though. So I count my blessings.
YehChainax25: 1. What are Murdocs feelings about Trump being in the lyrics of let me out? 2. Why was Shaun Ryder drunk during the live performance of DARE? 3. Why do I like Murdoc even though he's so mean to 2D 4. What was Noodle doing that caused her to not be able to show up to the live stream on Electronic Beats 5. Are you going to make another album after Humanz?
Murdoc: Don't be greedy. For that I'm not gonna answer you. I'm just gotta totally ignore you.
Murdoc: Fuck I answered you.
Thi51Chick: 2-D is going to have to "reset" Murdoc after he reads this
Murdoc: What do you mean, reset me?
2D: I don't know what they mean Murdoc - VVVVOOOOO WOOOOO WOOOOO
coolethanps2: Don't mention the T word to Murdoc!!
2D: Unless it comes with cake.
Murdoc: Shut your cakehole, 2D. You're just not cutting it.
TheSaltyCyka: What's your favorite sandwich?
2D: i'm holding out for a Hero
WH-Jaden: What happened to Plastic Beach?
Noodle: It's probably still out in the sea. 2D wants to go back and fetch his flip-flops which he left there.
surge_of_vanilla: Will the next step in the evolution of the Gorillaz be Artificial Intelligenz or Alienz?
Russel: I've got a stack of mind your own business cardz. Where can I send you one?
Laureen--: Hi ! I was wondering, honestly, who is the best cook in the band ?
2D: Murdoc can cook badger and hedgehog, he runs them over in his Rolls Royce, it's the road kill special with mayo , just hold the mayo.
Murdoc: 2D does a great whale blubber dish, leave it out in the sun to go mouldy and eat with a side of sand for texture.
BareFootTracker: How would you explain the band to someone who's never heard of you before?
2D: We are a band.
Murdoc: He's actually bang on for once.
Muffinman932: Why on earth did you make us wait 6 years for this glorious album? either way thank you for releasing it!
2D: You're very welcome.
ROFLKing: Congrats on the album release, so pumped! My question is how has it been performing live again after so long? Have you noticed any changes in the touring scene? Thanks!
Murdoc: What pump do you use? I'm a big fan of the Gigantor x5000.
cloudfill: Did that okcupid profile really belong to Noodle?
Noodle: No. I'm not dating right now. It was probably one of Murdoc's tricks.
alysslouise: question for 2d: what is your nighttime routine before bed?
2D: Lie down. Close eyes. Wait. Dream a bit. Get up. Wee. Lie down. Wait again. Sleep.
Gonza116: Hey, Russ, who's your fave band member?
Russel: I can give you my least favourite. He smells of stale cigarettes and lube. And no amount of baths will shift it.
generic_brand_cola: Hi hi, Tim Messenger here for the Sandford Citizen... What's your perfect Sunday?
2D: Open eyes. Yawn. Stand up. Walk across floor. Hang on, this going to take ages. I give up.
Asuka_Wilde1997: Did you guys ever consider collaborating with Thundercat, James Blake, Chance the Rapper or Kendrick Lamar? Im very surprised that you didnt already (the collabs on the album are still fire tho)
Murdoc: Thundercats - yes, William Blake - no, Chance the Rapper - yes, Hedy Lamar - no, because she died in January 2000
smoochwalla: I don't have a question as much as I just wanted to thank you. Gorillaz helped me through some very dark times. It may sound ridiculous to some but music can help shoulder the weight of good and bad times. July 13th Philly show will be my first time seeing you guys live and I couldn't be more excited!
Noodle: No, thank YOU! We hope you enjoy the show, and Gorillaz loves you x
Murdoc: Steady on Noodle, we haven't even met.
HitPiggy: answered 9 out of 3065 questions right now...
All: we're only Humanz
TingleMaps: If you could describe each of your albums in just a few words (say, 5?), including the new one, what would you say about them?
2D: EACH ... OF ... ALBUMS ... NICE ... MUSIC
Groosucc: Did 2-D enjoy his peppermint tea?
2D: It did help my digestion systems. And gave me minty fresh breath. So yes, thanks.
svmos: What's your favorite type of bread?
Murdoc: Genius. Eating it is like cannibalism.
2D: Non stale. But if you can't get that, stale.
PENGUINSflyGOOD: What was the inspiration behind being cartoons?
Murdoc: Ancient hieroglyphs. Especially the ones depicting cat gods and massive penises.
haydenplz: Bananas or plantains?
Murdoc: You perv.
mistabuckree: Do you feel very blah blah when you blah blah blah blah blah?
2D: Can you repeat the question?
battlegrunge: You guys ever coming to Australia? Or are some of you afraid of the Koala's with chlamydia?
Murdoc: I'll try anything once.
alysslouise: Question for Murdoc: If you could have any pet what would it be?
Murdoc: pterosaur
-Gorillanator-: What exactly was in the bath?
Murdoc: Anna. Conda.
gorillaEDCN: where is your eel russel.
Noodle: We only have a human Russel. Sorry.
zgnilak: Question for everybody: what do you do when you can't fall asleep? Do you have a special song that helps you fall asleep?
Murdoc: I punch myself in the face repeatedly until it goes dark.