Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth Interview: SXSW 2010

Drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth met when they took a class together at the Rhode Island School of Design. Shortly after, they joined forces with David Byrne and Jerry Harrison to form the Talking Heads. The band experienced years of hits and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Once the band went their separate ways, Frantz and Weymouth -- married in 1977 -- continued with their side project band, The Tom Tom Club. Spinner recently spoke with Frantz about couple's involvement with the 2010 SXSW festival.

Describe the sound of your music in your own words.

We do different things, but because we play bass and drums, our stuff tends to be groove driven. You know, when you've been working on music your whole life, your sound has many twists and turns.

When and how did you two meet?

Tina and I met in the great Richard Merkin's painting class at the Rhode Island School of Design. He was one of the figures on the cover of 'Sgt. Pepper's Loney Hearts Club Band.' He was a wonderful teacher and a swinging cool cat. I saw Tina there and couldn't get her out of my mind.


When did you begin the Tom Tom Club and why?

We had a break in Talking Heads activity in 1981, and Chris Blackwell invited us down to Compass Point Studios to make a single, which evolved into an entire record. We really had a ball making that first record.

What kind of music inspires you? Any current influences?

All kinds of stuff inspires us. I found the songs in 'Crazy Heart' to be a source of inspiration. I'm also digging The Heavy and the Ting Tings and Mexican Institute of Sound.

What was it like being part of The Talking Heads?

It was like a dream come true. I kid you not.

Do you still communicate with former Talking Heads members?

Yes, but only in romance languages.

Do you have any favorite songs?

As Lou Reed once said when asked that same question, "There are too many favorites to chose from."

When will you be performing at SXSW?

We're doing a panel with Seymour Stein and Clem Burke and Richard Gotterer called CBGB Stories on Friday the 19th. We're all experts on that topic. I personally spent at least three tears in that joint. Then, on Saturday, Tina and I are presenting an award or two at the Austin Music Awards.

What are you most looking forward to about SXSW?

Visiting Austin always feels like a good buzz. We'll get to see a lot of old friends and hopefully make some new ones. You do know that the music business used to be based on friendships, right? It would be wonderful if we could get back to that.

Musically speaking, what is your ultimate goal?

We have already reached many of our goals, but we keep setting new ones. One of the new ones is to survive the insanity of the digital age. I'm pretty sure we will.


Wendy Gould is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.