Interview with Warren Cuccurullo

End User Column, Hosting Tech Magazine, July 2001

By Irwin Soonachan

http://www.hostingtech.com

Q: How has the Internet changed rock and roll?

A: To a certain extent, any new medium that allows for creative statement will have an impact on that particular industry or art form as the popularity of the technology increases. Eventually, we will be looking directly to the artists on the net for their products as opposed to going through various middlemen and corporations. This is probably the biggest change we can expect in the music industry, but this is definitely way down the line.

Q: How Internet-savvy are most of the rock stars you know?

A: David Bowie is the most net savvy rock star I know. One can only imagine where Mr. Zappa would have gone with it!

Q: How do you store the data in your studio? What types of computers (or network) do you use?

A: Up until now I personally have stored quite a large amount of raw guitar data on D.A.T. It then gets transferred over to Logic or Pro Tools by my engineer/programmer, and stored on hard disc. We use a Mac G4 or PC.

Q: Do you visit the Duran Duran and Missing Persons sites on the web?

A: Of course! Gotta keep up with the latest gossip. Seriously, there’s nothing like hearing what’s right and what’s wrong directly from the people you’re aiming to please.

Q: What is the most outrageous rumor ever spread about you on the Internet?

A: I must regret to inform everyone that the ultragross sexual escapade that was supposed to have taken place between myself and a young lady in a bathtub somewhere on tour was entirely untrue!! Anyone who knows me is fully aware that I am more of a #1 kinda guy!

Q: Do you, or have you ever, used Napster, and if so, who do you most like to download?

A: No, I have not used Napster, not in the biblical sense. I have, however, found myself telling other musicians to download certain tracks that I needed them to learn to save me the time of making tapes and sending them out! For this I am heartily sorry!

Q: Do you think the Internet helped the active fan bases of older groups, such as Duran Duran, remain strong, or do you think Duran Duran's enduring popularity would be the same regardless?

A: I think any bands that are not featured on MTV, or are not being played on major radio, need all the help they can get! DD had many fanzines over the years, and recently that has changed to unofficial websites devoted to all things Duran. It definitely helps link up the fanbase around the world in a way that fanzines never could. Regarding DD, I think what has kept the group going was creating interesting new music for those people, and following the release of the material with live performances.

Q: What gave you the idea for your website?

A: I think what is sorely lacking on the music end of the net is anything that is truly entertaining. Usually, artist sites are strictly info based. I want to bring everything that I’m about right into the open. I’ve been involved in many different kinds of music over my 20+ years in the business, and these many styles will be featured via mp3 downloads. I’ve done what some people consider to be outrageous outside of music, like build up a muscular physique and pose nude with an erection in a gay magazine. Hey, I started my career with Frank Zappa, check out some of the lyrics on the songs I was involved in! Besides, I do have a great body and I intend on helping other people achieve their goals in that direction as well on the site. Yes, there will be nudity. How can a WC site not have nudity?? Sex? I say, “if you want it." I am taking requests. I plan on being completely reachable and present on the site. Every aspect of who I am will be there to the max! Lets see if anyone's interested!! I’m just relishing having this creative space.

Q: You're introducing adult content to your site. What led you to do this and are you bracing for any backlash?

A: Warren Cuccurullo fears no backlash!!!! Take me or leave me, I don’t really give a f*ck. This is my space, and I want to have fun with it! Oh yeah, it is true that I will be selling lifesize, lifelike replicas of my “cuccurullo” for those that are interested. Come on, all you backlash mongers, I’m more than ready for ya!!!!

Q: Is there an authenticity that's lost when bands heavily rely on electronically produced sounds, or is it all music to you?

A: I love all good music. Whether it’s done with organic classical instruments, or samples of other peoples records, it doesn't really matter to me as long as it moves me in some positive way.

Q: Barbarella excluded, what is your favorite science fiction book or movie and why?

A: My favorite sci fi book would have to be The Sirens of Titan. That was the first Kurt Vonnegut novel that I read, and I love his work and wish he was still writing.

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