L.A. Rocks: eleven acts that shatter the cliche that L.A.'s a one-note town

Interview, Nov, 2002

AM: I think both. I haven't had a drug problem, but I definitely have firsthand experience with compulsive behavior and feelings. I use the word "drugs" in the songs a lot, because it's a shorthand and people seem to understand how drugs can be addictive.

JG: When you tour, do you support different albums with different moods?

AM: No, playing live is different, because you're so focused on practical things. And in general, especially onstage, I'm fairly lighthearted. The songs are written about darker things, but they're written about darker things because, to me, they're more interesting to write about. I just don't need to explore the lighter moods.

JG: Well, that's a reason Britney and J.Lo and the Backstreet Boys have shows which are bursting with smoke, minors, dancers and noise--so you don't take a moment to go, "Boy, this sucks. These lyrics are not complex and challenging. This is not an artist onstage." They dangle car keys in front of you, as if you're a baby. And I'm going to borrow a phrase from J. Krishnamurti, who said something like, "Where there is an absence of creativity, there is an undue emphasis on sexuality."

AM: Wow. It's kind of like filmmakers who use tricks to get your heart rate going, overstimulating you, so that when you walk out of the theatre you feel like something really happened.

JG: Yeah. But why don't these pop stars live in constant fear of a Milli Vanilli moment? AM: Well, technically they did sing it. They sang it a hundred times [in the studio]. I mean, I've had this experience where I go in and play a simple piano part, and then I'll come back the next day and listen to it and go, "Wow, I'm actually a lot better than I thought," because I can't play piano at all. And, of course, it's been timed up--corrected. So it's very easy to believe. You want to believe.

JG: But you can sing. I've heard you live and you can tour with just your guitar and move people. Now, is there anything else you want people to know?

AM: I get asked that a lot in interviews but I never know what people are really asking.

JG: Speaking from experience, interviewers will ask, "What do you want known about your stand-up show?" And I'll say, "Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a bitter, nasty person, I'm not a basher of either gender, I don't take cheap shots and I'm also self-critical."

AM: I think your answer is my answer. Contrary to popular belief, I bash no gender and I'm critical of myself. Another misconception I'm getting is that a lot of people think that I'm still, "I hate all record companies," but why would I be? I'm not on a major label anymorel I'm delighted with my new circumstances.

Janeane Garofalo's stand-up show is touring throughout the fall.

"I can't believe my roommate's a rock start" gushes Christina Applegate about former housemate Robin Antin, the front woman for this month's cover subjects. Applegate has followed (and frequently danced with) the Pussycat Dolls since their early days and plans on joining them for several dates on their upcoming tour. She'll next be seen opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in View From the Top, due out in January.