3?aK Episode 10: Tony Poer (Emperors of Japan)

Back in 2007, when I was the music writer for College Times, Kip Winger blew me off for an interview because he was on “vocal lockdown.” I didn’t want to see the questions I’d prepared go to waste, so for the next year, I asked everyone I interviewed if they’d be willing to get into character and answer the following “Three Questions as Kip.”

If you're new to 3?aK and want a more detailed history of how this project came to be, click here.

OK, now that you're up to speed, let's get on with the show. Playing the role of Kip Winger for this installment of 3?aK will be Tony Poer, frontman of Phoenix indie rockers Emperors of Japan.

3?aK Episode 10: Tony Poer (Emperors of Japan)

1. We've already seen disco and '80s synth pop make comebacks. Do you think a hair metal renaissance is right around the corner?

Yeah, by end of ’07, early ’08. I’m probably the most influential hair metal rocker in the last 50 years, and I think it’s important to note that I’m going to be leading the charge. I’ve got a new album dropping soon, and that’s gonna be, like, I would compare it to the birth of Christ or the invention of the computer.

2. Can you let our readers in on your secret to maintaining the perfect 5 o'clock shadow?

Shoe polish, actually. It’s not real stubble.

3. What have you been up to for the last 15 years?

Rocking. Nonstop rocking. I do a lot in Europe and in Canada and a lot of places you wouldn’t spend a lot of time, so you don’t see the media exposure, but there’s a definite frenzy in, um, uh, Southeast Asia.


Go to Episode 11.