OurStage Snapshot: Bikini Robot Army

Posted on May 20th 2008 6:00PM by Kim Davis
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Hometown: New York

Sounds Like: Beck, David Bowie

The Story: Val Brokesmit is to Bikini Robot Army as Mike Skinner is to the Streets. Brokesmit put together his one-man show in the summer of 2006, after his previous collaborative projects called it quits. Now gaining momentum through his OurStage profile -- he finished Top Ten in three categories in April -- he, his ProTools and the resulting dance-rock song haven't looked back.

Free Download: 'Fragile Things' (MP3)

Why do you think you are doing well on OurStage?
I'm not really sure. I'd like to think it's because my music is really, really great, but it's probably because my friend Paul designed a really cool Bikini Robot Army poster for me.

OurStage's Interview with Val Broeksmit continues after the jump.

What's your coolest moment with a fan?
Once, after a show, a guy asked me to sign my name on his arse? That wasn't cool.

What keeps you grounded?
I don't know, I'm a hopelessly lazy guy. I think I'm meant to say something about my friends and my family, but I don't like my friends and I don't like my family. And I especially don't like my family of friends.

What do you think the Internet has done to change music?
The Internet has given us free music and has nearly annihilated the big music business, because now people can record/produce their own music at home at very little cost, and sell it themselves online.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Sitting in Montenegro eating a sandwich named after me; writing a set list, while being yelled at by my girlfriend because we're running late for our flight to New York where I'll be playing Madison Square Garden.

Who is your hero?
Keith Richards. All riffs lead back to Richards.

What is your biggest fear?
To be attacked by spiders.

Coolest moment performing?
Once, while playing a club in New York's East Village, Eddie Vedder came up onstage and sang 'I Am ... I Said' -- an excellent Neil Diamond song -- with me. I thought no one had ever heard of [that song]. Then afterwards he bought me drinks and got me laid.

If you could open for anyone, who would it be?
The Rolling Stones

Favorite food?
Corned beef on rye with swiss, Russian dressing and cole slaw.

What do you think makes you stand out from your competition?
The lyrics.

More Music From Bikini Robot Army