Axis of Awesome interview
Published: Saturday 20th September 2014
Australia's answer to the Sugababes - Jordan Raskopoulos, Lee Naimo and Benny Davis - are the hit-heavy Axis of Awesome: internet hits, that is, and they're about to launch a novel new departure in that direction, the intriguingly elaborate Axis All Areas. Meanwhile the boys are still rocking more traditional methods, as they're currently in the midst of a UK tour. Hello Ormskirk!
How did you actually get together? Is there a dramatic, Beatles-esque backstory?
We each auditioned for The X Factor as solo artists. Simon Cowell said neither one of us could cut it individually but together, as Wand Erection, an erotic Harry Potter parody tribute act, we could make our dreams come true. We changed the name.
Pre-Axis, what were your musical aspirations? I get the impression that Benny was all set to be the new Michael Nyman, or something?
Jordan wanted to be Bruce Dickinson, Lee wanted to be Madonna and, sure, Benny was dead-set keen on being a Micky Numnym... whatever that is.
What would you say you each individually bring to the band?
Jordan brings the talent and creativity, Lee does most of the administration... Benny is also present
What's been the highlight of the tour so far? Much of that rock, roll, etc?
Well we're counting down to Rhyl, so the highlight of the tour is yet to come. As for Rock 'n' Roll moments we have gone a couple weeks without any opportunity to do laundry.
Musical comics have it easier than regular stand-ups as you get to do 'classic' stuff on tour whereas they need to write whole new shows every time - discuss.
Yes, they're right to be envious. However, it's not because musical comedy is easier to do than stand-up, but because we are really, really famous, rich and successful... so yeah be jealous of that! This triple threat can afford to have Subway whenever they want.
How would you describe the new live show?
It's musical comedy so good that you'll poop a solid gold statue of Angela Lansbury.
Ouch! Can you tell us a bit about the new interactive web series?
Axis All Areas is an interactive non-linear comedy series/Easter egg hunt set behind the scenes of our music videos. Basically, there's a bunch of music videos and a bunch of comedy sketches and within those are hidden links to more videos that you have to find yourself.
Sounds interesting. Were you actively thinking of ways to push the YouTube envelope?
Yes, we were applying for a grant and we figured if we used buzz words like 'interactive' and 'non-linear' we'd have a better chance of being successful in our application.
Are you still keen to work with traditional broadcasters too? Any particular highs and lows with them in the past?
Yeah, f'sure, we've had great success on TV and radio in the past and we'd love to do more. The internet is unique, though, Axis All Areas, as a format couldn't work on TV. TV highs include performing for Red Nose Day. TV lows include being convinced to pitch a sitcom in the US where we were working on a cruise ship: we pitched it as 'The Love Boat meets Spinal Tap'.
What's the long-term future for Axis of Awesome? Creaking round the stage like the 'Stones, or a spectacular break-up?
We're working on a musical adaptation of Home Alone 2. Benny plays Kevin and Jordan and Lee play all the other characters. Jordan's roller-blade dance as the Pigeon Lady will be spectacular.
Visit www.axisofawesome.net for tour dates. Axis All Areas in on YouTube
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