Oh, you want to know who Nardwuar is? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because you’re in for a wild ride.
Nardwuar the Human Serviette (yes, that’s his real name; he legally changed it in 1986) is a Canadian journalist, musician, and interviewer extraordinaire. His unique style of interview has made him a favorite among fans.
Imagine a whirlwind of plaid, armed with a meaningful, but obscure gift, a tam o’ shanter perched jauntily atop his head, and an encyclopedic knowledge of his interview subjects.
He was born John Ruskin in Vancouver in 1968 and first made waves as a punk rock frontman with his band, The Evaporators. He was also a UBC student and got his start volunteering with the campus radio station there. He graduated with a degree in history in 1990. But it’s his role as a man-on-the-street interviewer that has cemented his place in pop culture history.
He starts every interview with “Who are you?” and ends them with “Keep on rocking in the free world…doot doodle doot doo” with which the interviewer is required to respond with “doot doo.” His interviews are a blend of humor, surprise, genuine curiosity, and passion for reaching beyond the surface-level persona of his guests.
He also likes to freeze in place for random amounts of time with a stoked expression on his face. Sort of like you took a picture, and now you’re looking at the Polaroid. It’s both unsettling and outrageously funny.
Over the years, Nardwuar has interviewed a who’s who of the music world, from Kurt Cobain and Snoop Dogg to Kendrick Lamar. His interactions with these stars have become legendary.
He’s known for his rapid-fire questions, quirky demeanor, and the ability to unearth the most obscure facts about his guests. But it’s not just about the questions. Nardwuar also brings personalized gifts that leave his interviewees stunned and delighted. For example, during an interview with Pharrell Williams, Nardwuar presented him with a vinyl record with the first recorded track Pharrell ever worked on, “Rump Shaker”. Pharrell was first speechless and then said, “This is … this is … This is one of the most impressive interviews I’ve ever experienced in my life. Seriously.”
But he doesn’t always manage to charm his guests with all of his fantastically quirky qualities. Nardwuar’s unconventional style has occasionally ruffled feathers. Some have been caught off guard by his probing questions and unique approach. For example, while being interviewed by Nardwuar, Sebastian Bach, the frontman of Skid Row, was so taken aback that he snatched Nardwuar’s tam o’shanter right off his head.
Despite these rare times when someone decides against being cool, Nardwuar’s charm lies in his authenticity and passion for music and culture. He’s genuinely interested in the stories behind the artists. His interviews are a testament to his dedication and love for his craft and that of his guests.
So, who is Nardwuar? He’s the quirky, plaid-clad microphone-wielding human serviette who has turned interviews into an art form. With his unique blend of humor, knowledge, and genuine curiosity, Nardwuar captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression on the world. He’s truly one of Canada’s most eccentric and beloved cultural icons.
Check out his interview with Snoop Dogg below:
Doot doodle doot doot….doot doot.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca