MOG

Mike Watt - is probably not a common household name. But for some of us who do know of him, he's, of course, best known as a key figure of the punk music movement in the 80s. Since then, he has racked up a ridiculously long list of shows played, and numerous recordings. His work, his passion, his life, is tirelessly devoted to music, his own and others that he comes in contact with. He has a reputation for being humble, modest, and accessible. For the past year, I set out to follow him around documenting him as a part of my photography project. Soon I was given the space to hover around his various music adventures, and in the process, became a friend.


Mike Watt at his pad - May 23 2007 - My first time on twfps


Mike Watt doing twfps at Brother Matt's



Brother Matt



What people may not know about Mike is how incredibly well-read he is. The topic of his discussions can get extremely philosophical and abstracts. Combine that with his world experiences from touring, and his natural curiosities. His conversations are very fascinating to join, or to just listen to.

Mike does this 'pre-emptive self-exposure' with tour diaries he keeps on his hootpage, his myspace page, and on his internet radio show - twfps.com. He actively uses these portals to share his experiences with others. For twfps (The Watt From Pedro Show) internet radio/podcast, it's basically a sonic window to a genuine Watt hang experience. It's sort of what it feels like to ride in the boat (that's the famous Watt's van he drives around with, as I've gotten on board on a few longer distant gigs.) There are constantly music on that you probably never heard of, or even HE hadn't heard before... There would be random conversations that continue the stream of almost free associations to no ends. It makes hanging out around him anything but boring, and can go on for .. seemingly days...

Last week, it was my 5h time dropping in on his radio recording show. This time he set it up to have 3 girls on as guests, doing an impromptu around the subject of female versus male music fans. I went unknowingly that I would become one of his three survey subjects supposedly representing the FEMALE point of view regarding music fanfares.

I thought he took a bit of a turn from his usual show with this one because he really wanted to get into understanding of female's point of view in their approach to music. Side stepping from being politically correct with the stereotyping b.s., I expressed that there maybe something to it.

It's a little bit of a commitment to listen to the 3 hour show. But if you are like me, working away daily on the computer with constant music or the news in the background, any of his shows is quite fun to listen to. You'd never know what you will hear.


:::The Latest Installment of TWFPS:::




July 10 2007 with Vinnie Vegas and Jerry Trebotic



August 11 2007 with Thalia (and Shawni)



August 11 2007 - Shawni



January 13 2008 with Shawni and Tiffiny



January 13 2008