Q: Where did the name "Action Adventure World" come from?
A: It is Game Related, it would be one of the first (If not the first) name in an itunes playlist, and I knew I wanted the world Adventure in it. When I exited "The Adventures of Duane and BrandO" we had a fan following under the name "The Adventurers" and I wanted my fans to know that I still loved them, even though I chose to disband the project with Brandon. Plus, it is a very sexy name.
Q: Why did you start writing songs about video games?
A: It started as a joke. The first song I wrote was "Bomberman" in 2005, after spending an entire weeekend playing all the games. My wife left to go to her friends house and I decided to take a break and write a song about it to proclaim my victory. I continued to do it with every game I beat until 2007 when I asked Brandon to produce it for me and make it sound professional. We had a lot of fun recording it and I eventually asked him to come into the project as a player 2/Bad Guy.
Q: Why did you start rapping?
A: I thought it fit the game music better than singing the lyrics. I wanted the lyrics to be pushy and offensive with a "Fuck you" attitude and most of the games had a really upbeat feel to it.
Q: Do you make other music that isn't rap?
A: Everything I recorded before 2005 with the exception of a few songs. I always knew I could rap well, but I never really wanted to make a career out of it. I have 2 Cds that aren't game related "Zuwala: Becomes a Flower" in 2001 and "Zuwala: The Great Abyss" in 2009, along with a ton of songs I never released. I also played drums for a variety of local punk bands since middle school.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to be a musician?
A: I really don't know. I have always wanted to write music. I started taking it serious at 11 when I started playing drums and I have been addicted to it ever since. For a minute I wanted to be a dirty cop.
Q: Do you want a taco.
A: Fuck yeah, I want a taco. No lettuce or tomato... I'm not a rabbit.
Q: Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the president from ninjas?
A: No, I do not really know kung fu. I would die. Obama will have to fend for himself.
Q: I'm eating potato chips. Just thought you should know...want some?
A: Somebody just offered me a taco, I'm stuffed.
Q: Do you have a job, or do you rap full time?
A: I am a full time rapper. I'm not proud of it, because I am also poor. Please give me money. I have children to feed.
Q: Why are you great at everything?
A: You have obviously never had sex with me. I also have bad Grammar.
Q: If you could have a power, what would it be?
A: Be better at sex/grammar.
Q: When will the website return, and why the redesign?
A: I don't know web design. It's another thing I'm not great at, but if you are reading this the website is back up. Horray!
Q: What can we expect to see in the future?
A: Michel Orgaz and I are working on the video game. I will also soon be doing a nerdcore show under "8Bit Duane" to play songs from the game and a few new songs. I am also recording my first full length Action Adventure World Album as well as "Vol. 3: Random Select" with ThePlasmas.
Q: When did you start working with ThePlasmas?
A: 2007/2008. I was on the first album they released. ThePlasmas are my favorite video game cover band and it is an honor to work with him. He is a brilliant guitar player and a great person.
Q: Where did the idea for making a video game come from?
A: Michel Orgaz approached me with the idea of a "Meatboy-like" game and I absolutely loved it. I like the idea of being able to end a level anywhere on the map I wanted as well as the stage itself attacking you with spikes, fire, etc. When we add the enemies into it, it will be like nothing before it. Plus, I like the concept for it and really enjoy running through ideas for the game with Michel. He is a great guy and I think we work well together. Plus, I've had an urge to write some original songs and this is a good opportunity to do so.
Q: Will you one day evolve into Mega Ultra Chicken Duane?
A: I can only hope.
Q: What mic/software are you using?
A: Shure SM-58 and I use Acid Pro 4.0 for recording and Sound Forge 10 for editing. I also use Acid Pro 7 when I am recording with Midi.
Q: Who helps you make the music?
A: Usually I do it all myself. Robert Sloan (Kitumech) was Action Adventure World's original guitarist before he left to join Random Encounter. I have tried out many guitarists since but I usually do it all myself. I have worked with a lot of other people on various songs, though. (ThePlasmas, Torzelan, Girlz Mellon, My Parents Favorite Music, etc.)
Q: Who was your biggest inspiration?
A: The Beatles.
Q: Why did you quit "The Adventures of Duane and BrandO"?
A: Remember, this is one sided. Brandon started treating the band like it was more important than our friendship, after a personal conflict. When we reunited, it continued. I realized I was happier working alone and that some people just aren't meant to be friends. I can't make fun music with somebody I can't be friends with and the music kind of ruined our friendship. I could probably find a way to rebuild our friendship but I doubt I could find a way to rebuild the band. We just don't work well together on a professional level.
Q: Any chance of reuniting?
A: I'd do another tour with him, sure. I doubt it will happen but I would. I would only record new video game songs with AAW, however.
Q: how well trained are you musically?
A: I play The Drums, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, and I also sing and rap a bunch. I am currently learning how to play the harmonica and the violin. I have been recording and mixing music digitally since 2001. Before that I recorded everything on cassette.
Q: What Would You Want To Improve on?
A: Quality of sound, more videos, and a full band for a better show.
Q: If my question came in at the last minute, does that still make it frequently asked?
A: No, but most people ask roughly the same questions, Tom. I'm asking so I don't have to sit here and talk about shit nobody cares about. "What's your Dog's name?"
Q: Will you ever do anything past the sprite age? (N64, Dreamcast, XboX, etc.)
A: Only if I feel like it is something that holds a place in my heart. I wouldn't do a game I didn't know or play before I started making Video Game Music. I will make a few exceptions along the way.
Q: Will you ever release stuff you did way back in the day that you didn't release? (Video Game or Non-Video Game)
A: I will release it as I recover it. Most of the really old stuff I don't have or it is mixed poorly, however.
Q: What do you consider your best moment in AAW?
A: All the time I spent with "My Parents Favorite Music" and "Shammers and Lefthand". I found real friends with those guys and I look forward to future shows with them.
