Monsters of Folk: A chat with M. Ward

By Brandon Kim on 11/25/2009

The first ever music video from Monsters of Folk is a pleasantly lit piece by director Lance Acord that everyone says reminds them of Michel Cimino's film "Heaven's Gate." They must be referring to that film's visual style and unbelievably epic cast, not its tremendous box office failure - clearly a collaboration between M.Ward, Conor Oberst, Jim James, and Mike Mogis is destined for some greatness.

[M.Ward, Conor Oberst, Jim James, Mike Mogis in "Say Please"]

I got to toss some questions out to M. Ward between the release of this video for "Say Please" and the band leaving for the UK. Check that out along with an mp3 for the track below the video, and have a happy Thanksgiving food coma!

I think this is great looking and sets a new standard for outdoor shows. Why are you guys armed?

I think we are armed because you just never know.

Was it all (director) Lance Acord's concept or was there a story/idea brought to him initially?

As far as I know, this was Lance's concept. We all really believe in his art and his vision so we all see it as a great privilege to follow his lead.

All bands are a collaborative effort, some more so than others. What kind of sacrifices or compromises do you have to make in a "super" group like this where there are so obviously many strong personalities?

There have been zero compromises and zero sacrifices - the best analogy for me to describe this project is a dialogue between four friends - we throw ideas into the air, they get batted around a bit and then we send the ideas into outer space - its a pleasure to work with Mike, Jim and Conor on creative ideas because their input is instinctively mind-blowing.

I saw a picture of you guys posted on a popular online site a while back (looked like you were in the shiny chrome back of a bus or camper) compete with a wide array of reader comments ... many positive, others praising certain members while trashing others, to quips like "looks like they are in the cockpit of the Enola Gay." The usual reaction or is MOF getting a different reception?

Strong opinions make the world of art go round. Ideally, the haters should hate something enough that they are inspired to go create something in opposition to what they are seeing/hearing. I hope the followers are just as inspired to make something new - hopefully borrowing someone's ideas and pushing them farther.

Who's the best drummer now?

Ringo Starr.

What film you would like to have done the soundtrack or score for?

"Sweet and Lowdown" or "No Country for Old Men."

Good choices. Monsters of Folk's self titled debut record is out now on CD and LP. Visit them here.
Download Say Please.

PS.
The cast of Heaven's Gate includes some of the greatest "character" actors of all time Brad Dourif and John Hurt among them, as well as Kris Kristofferson, Christopher Walken, Jeff Bridges, and Willem Dafoe.