IAMA previous intern with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. AMA

Were you paid in second hand clothing?

No. I wish.

Can you tell Macklemore to give my grandpa's coat back???

Sure thing.

Were you paid at all?

I was not. I was paid in college credit.

Not even trident layers?

Not even Trident Layers.

Even better!

I like to think so!

Is Macklemore's cock really pink, long, big, strong and been known to dance like all night long?

Personally, I'm not sure. But why else would he refer to it as such?

Over the time you spent with them as their individual fame developed, did their personalities change? Did they start acting differently to people like your self who were around them?

Absolutely not. They have been the same genuine guys that I met about a year ago. The fame has done nothing to their "egos" or the way they interact with people. If anything, they have just gotten nice.

What is Ryan's process of making beats? Does it take him forever to get everything right?

It does take him a long time and that is why they all sound so great. The way that I witnessed him doing it (mixing) was playing about 4 -10 second sections of the beats over and over, and honing it every now and then to make sure it had all of the perfect sounds and elements.

Can you describe what it was like being in the studio with them?

Very cool. But pretty normal. Pretty chill. They did their stuff making music and being famous. I did my stuff being an intern and shipping clothes all over the motha fuckinn world.

You doin' it, man. Folding and packing t-shirts. Purchasing envelopes. Affixing postal stamps. Mailing that shit. That's what up, baby. You doin' it, man.

Hellllllll yeah.

I'm not a big fan of his music, but one thing I have to say is he knows how to make some damn good beats.

Ryan Lewis makes the beats, but yes, they are damn good.

Interesting! I've read that's one of the most efficient ways to practice anything- get all your pieces ironed out and then try to put it all together. Any other cool work habits you noticed?

Ben was very concentrated. When they were making music or he was doing verses in the booth there was very little talking that went on. He was in the zone whenever they produced together.

How did you get the opportunity for a job like that? Just curious, was it a family connection or something?

I know people say this all the time but I was literally in the right place at the right time and happened to talk to the right people. A couple of interviews later I was working for them.

Huh, who was it you happened to bump into?

I don't want to reveal that just in case I shouldn't. All I can say is that if you ever get the opportunity, always ask questions because you never know where it could get you.

Fair enough, thanks for the AMA.

Of course. It's a blast to see all the questions!

Are you a cold ass honky?

No, but seriously, who's the bigger douchebag of the two? There has to be one..

I am. I am an irish white boy that does not tan well at all.

Neither of them are douchebags. They are some of the nicest guys I've met and the entire team is extremely open and accepting of anyone.

Well that's refreshing to hear. Usually people get a taste of fame and turn into the biggest divas alive.

And I feel you. My neck and head are burnt as fuck right now. I'm Italian, I shouldnt tan that poorly...

If you ever get the chance, try to do a meet and greet or just say hey. They are super nice guys.

Don't they do some annual meet and greet pizza party?

e. t not d :/

They do. It's usually based on art of some sort. I went to that last December.

Yay!

Yay!

this whole ama is so civil

Thank you. Why do you say that?

Did you ever touch his fluffy jacket?

Confirmed. Did touch the fluffy jacket.

Was the DeLorean a real DeLorean?

Yes. It was very nicely taken care of over time and it was real. Confirmed.

Was there ever a time where you felt like calling it quits? Anything that made you think, "Is this even worth it?"

Never. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life in terms of seeing what it's like to do what they do and having them as friends to this day and hopefully for life.

Sounds like it was an incredible opportunity! Do you still get to keep in touch with them? Also what are you studying at school; did you always want to get into the business or was this just something you decided to try out?

I do still keep in touch with them. I like to check in every now and then to see how their busy lives are treating them.

I am studying Public Relations. Never really thought about getting into the business, but now I am very interested. Thought it would be a cool opportunity to intern or work for them, that worked out, and I couldn't have asked for a cooler experience.

On a day-to-day basis, did you call him Ben or Macklemore or Mack or some other nickname?

Ben. His name is Ben, so I called him Ben, as I still do.

Where did 'Macklemore' come from?

Here is the story. Enjoy. It's very random.

Thanks for the answer. Best of luck to you!

Right back at you. Be well!

What did you do as an intern, how big was the team you worked with and what went down in the interviews you had to get the job? Like what kinda questions, anything special etc

The interviews were more like getting to know each other kind of things. Also with the job experience and what will you do with this, etc.

I ran errands for the guys, I shipped merch and filled orders, handled all of the customer service, picked up new merch and worked with the manufacturers.

The team was pretty small. Myself, Ben, Ryan, Tricia (their tour and operations manager) and Zach, their manager.

I don't have a question, but I was on the team that booked Macklemore at Oregon State. You and I probably walked by each other multiple times (I was a stage manager as well). Here's a couple pictures I took that night - http://imgur.com/a/bk1Gw

I can see myself in a couple of those pictures. Very cool. We probably met. Haha. Small world.

Are you in the sweet vest? haha

No. EDIT: Didn't realize what question this was in reference to, YES. I am in the vest.

Previous? What happened?

I interned for them last summer and had to come back to school. Couldn't continue the internship unless I dropped out and became full time. Thus not an intern.

why did you not do this? actual question, sounds like a dream job to me

Actual question. I appreciate it. I had always been a fan of the guys and I honestly was just hoping for the opportunity and really did not think it would pan out. I did it because it sounded like a dream opportunity. It was. And I certainly hope to work for them when I graduate. That is my actual answer.

Since no one has asked yet, what kind of people are Macklemore and Ryan like? Also best/funniest memory from interning?

They are both extremely nice guys. Very funny. Great senses of humor and just so genuine. They are both very real and tells it like it is. Very cool about them.

Not sure of a best/funniest memory - one day as I was leaving the studio I went to say bye to them and I reached out for a handshake. Intended awkwardness occurred on Ryan's part and Ben proceeded to do the same. A very genuine and friendly "fuck you" ensued and the awkward daps will live on in infamy.

I don't understand what you just said.

But I like it.

What don't you understand? Help me help you.

What I'm guessing is that you're more comfortable with handshakes than you are with knuckle bumps, while they prefer the latter - that's what's awkward right?

Please^beright.

They do the usual like gangster handshake, but they just weren't doing it that day. It's very hard to demonstrate via text.

What was the most inspirational thing that you witnessed? What did you learn about the business that you did not know before?

Most inspirational thing I witnessed was hearing the sample of Same Love that Ryan played me. Having known that he put that entire thing together and hearing it played for the first time gave me the chills.

I had no idea that the business was so busy. It may be a dumb thing to say but damn, that shit is crazy. There is so much that goes on behind the studio doors and the traveling/shipping merch/customer service is just insane.

Are you as tired of Thrift Shop as I am?

Kind of. It's a great song. It's a great message. But it is definitely overplayed. I am in the Thrift Shop music video though. Can't get tired of that.

What do you do in the video?

I was just an extra int he back of one of the scenes. The amount of fans that were wooing over everything going on was very weird so I didn't want to be one of them...

Which person are you in the video?

I'm between Ben and Ryan from 1:25 to 1:29 in the red shirt. It's not a huge appearance.

where!

I don't make a huge appearance, but I am between Ryan and Ben in the red shirt between 1:25 and 1:29. Check it.

Was there anything that Macklemore didn't like about the job? Also, how much interaction would you have with the Macklemore and Ryan?

Didn't like about HIS job? Or mine? He loves what he does. It's what he has always dreamt of in a music career. As for mine, I don't know. They both seemed to enjoy my company and appreciated what I did.

I saw Ryan usually everyday, but Ben it was more scattered. They were at the studio at different times than I usually was and I just saw them whenever they were there. Usually daily. It was like any enjoyable coworker that you might have. We talked. We laughed. We enjoyed each other's company.

What is your favorite memory of your internship?

Probably being present for the filming of the Thrift Shop video. Very cool to see how all of that was done.

That or being in the studio while The Heist was being produced. As loud as it was, the beats never sounded bad.

Did you get a smug sense of accomplishment whenever you saw that video on TV? I have a friend who was involved in the taping of "Breakeven" by The Script, and he never shut up about it for about 3 months.

I don't brag about it or get smug, but I just find it absolutely mind-boggling that they went from somewhat nationally recognized musicians to worldwide superstars. My friends, family, and peers at school had never heard of them and now they all want autographs and phone numbers.

From where they were to where they are now is just an amazing thing.

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I'm not sure if Ryan is into the whole "fan" thing when he doesn't have to be. Not from the experience that I had with them. He is an extremely nice guy when it comes to road tripping, studio time, or just being in the green room.

Do you think Macklemore wouldn't be were he is today if it wasn't for the Youtube community specifically the CoD montages that used his music?

The CoD montages are the majority of his fame. Definitely. The Youtube community has certainly had an affect on his (and Ryan's) fame. The fact that Thrift Shop, Same Love, Can't Hold Us and many of their other music videos have been so popular is a big reason for their being known across the globe.

Were you with them/interning with them when they realized they were going to be big? What was that like?

I wasn't really. I was with them when they released Same Love and when they were going to put on their huge show in Seattle before tour. They got a lot more attention that they were expecting but I knew it was long overdue having known people that were so interested in their stuff.

They weren't expecting it. They were expecting the same fan base if not a little more people, but nothing like what they got.

Does it annoy him when people call him Mackle-more, instead of Mack-le-more?

I don't mind. It was destined to happen with this much exposure.

Good guy mister_pjm answering every question.

Trying my hardest...

What are your thoughts on Same Love? What were Ben's intentions on writing and putting out the song? It's so uplifting to hear this message out of this genre go public. An absolute anthem....

I love that song. It is absolutely beautiful.

From what I know, Ben wanted to be one of the first rappers to be in support of same-sex marriage and the legalization of such. He wanted to open people's eyes and he wanted to make a change in the way that society operates.

Any more candid shots of Ben? For science.

Will add. Check the top.

What about candid shots of you doing interny stuff?

I don't know why I would have taken those or why anyone else would have taken those. They are non-existent.

How long did you get to work with them? What are you majoring in? Do you think you'll go back after you graduate?

I worked with them last summer (from about May - August).

I am majoring in Strategic Communication, Emphasis in Public Relations.

I am very much hoping to go back and work with them. We will just have to see where they are at when I get back.

Nifty, you were actually working with them when thrift shop came out. Did you get to hear the song before anyone else when it was released on YouTube?

I was. I heard it one of the first days I was in the studio. Ryan played me the whole album to see what I though.

What sort of music was generally being listened to by and around them?

Also, any interesting quirks or habits they've got that we may not suspect?

They listened to all kinds of other music. Ryan more so than Ben, but it was all over the map. No one genre in particular.

I can't think of any quirks...Ryan smokes. Ben doesn't.

Are you still in contact with them? Like, if you talked to him, do you think he'd talk to you?

I am still in contact with them. I reach out to them here and there and they do talk to me. lol. They are extremely busy though and I am not the first person on their priority list to talk to.

They came and did a show at my school back in February or March though and we went to the mall to get Ray Dalton's ears pierced and we got dinner. So yes. I am still in contact with them.

In the song castle what is the whole part about eating a coyote about? My wife and I love that song and the whole album but eating a coyote throws me off.

It was a completely random song. Very much just crazy and no real story line. Very similar to And We Danced. Basically an And We Danced 2 for the most part.

In your opinion, what do you think has has the greatest contribution to their success? Also, what would you consider to be your favourite song of theirs?

Dropping their album at the time that they did with so many people wanting more music was what did it. Certain songs (Thrift Shop, Same Love) took off and that's what has put them where they are.

I'm a fan of everything that Ben and Ryan have done together. Ben's earlier stuff is great as well.

Irish Celebration. Otherside. The Town. Same Love. Can't Hold Us.

any sex/drugs/rock n roll stories ? groupies??

Not particularly. They don't really have "groupies" like many other major artists. The people that are with them are usually photographer friends or other musicians, everyone of which is very talented.

Do they have fans that follow them to every show?

I'm sure they do. Every band/group/singer has crazy superfans and these guys probably have the same.

How tall are they?

Not sure on exact heights. For reference, I am about 6'1" and I am taller than both of them. Ben is almost as tall as me. Probably 6 foot or 6'1" and Ryan is not as tall as Ben.

Did you work with (or at least meet) any other Seattle hip hop groups? Blue Scholars? Common Market?

I didn't. I was really hoping to, but the time frame of the internship was so small that I was really not able to do anything but work work work. I'm hoping to get into the scene when I get done with school and make my way into meeting most of the peeps.

Were you paid a living wage?

I was paid in school credit. That is all.

What are your top favorite 3 songs from them?

VERY hard question.

Otherside. The Town. Can't Hold Us.

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Not at all. If anything, I think it will make the music better because they know that they have a larger audience that they will be affecting (which is very cool). Their personalities are the same, if not nicer than before.

I do try to keep in touch with them and see how their very busy lives are treating them. They just don't seem like international superstars to me..

How long have you been a fan?

I was a fan probably 8 years ago, if not more. I listened to Language of My World. VS. Can't Hold Us originally.

Did you get to drive the DeLorean from the thrift shop video? Was it well taken care of?

I wasn't there on the filming of the DeLorean or the intro scenes. It was a beautiful car though. Very well-manicured.

Does he really have a big cock, or is he just pumped to buy something's from a thrift shop?

Probably both. Can't say from personal experience.

Thanks for doing this AMA!

What was the job itself like? You said you worked merch and got school credits for it. What were the hours like? How many days per week?

I worked every day of the work week for about 6-7 hours. It was so fun and so busy.

I was in the studio when I filled orders on the computer, got the actual merch into their packages, post office runs, south seattle runs for more clothing. VERY BUSY.

Do they use gay slurs? Is Same Love just a publicity stunt?

Hell no. Hell. No. They are all for same-sex marriage and its legalization.

Did he think it was cool that people were using his music to make CoD videos? Did he ever watch any?

I'm sure he has watched a few, but I don't think he is up on his CoD gameplay watching.

What did you spend most of your time doing as an intern?

Answered this previously but it was mainly shipping merch and organizing merch pickup/manufacturer stuff. Customer service. Filling orders. Seems like nothing, but very tedious and busy work.

Question..as a fellow intern in the music industry working in Nashville at a studio. How exactly were your living conditions like (especially touring around (if you did)) I am finding trouble right now and maybe could use advice and such cause as fun as the internship is in this industry, the financial aspect side blows :/

We are not in the same boat at all...and I hate saying that. I lived at my house in Seattle when I did the internship and I didn't tour with them. They often provided lunch if they could, but that was about it. The finances were tight, but the experience is what I was in it for.

Do you ever get mad that one of your more serious songs didn't get as popular as thrift shop or do you like that one of your fun comical songs got extremely popular

I don't think mad is the right way to put it, but it's just upsetting. The impact and change that some of their songs could have on society would just be monumental. Any publicity is good publicity though. These guys more than deserve all of the attention they are getting and I am so glad they are all over the news. It is so well-deserved.

It seems to me that Thrift Shop and Can't Hold Us are gateway songs - expose people to the album and get people to find their other stuff. And Same Love is getting more and more popular!

Besides, I think Thrift Shop definitely has some social commentary. People who DID pay $50 for a t-shirt are listening to the song and hopefully thinking about and questioning their consumerism/brand loyalty/all that.

That's the point of the majority of their songs. To change the way that society looks at some shit. It's dope.

How did you come to work for them, and what sort of things did you do?

I ran into the right people at the right time. I can't say names, but just never let anything stop you. Ask questions and always strive for what you want to do. Seriously. I just tried and it happened.

I shipped merch, filled orders, did customer service, worked with clothing manufacturers, watered plants here and there. The usual.

Assuming you attend a university or college, what school do you go to? And how did you make the proper connections to land yourself this amazing opportunity?

I go to Northern Arizona University and I was in the right place at the right time and talked to the right person. That's literally all that happened. Keep in mind they were not worldwide superstars when I interned.

Did you get paid as an intern?

In school credits, yes,

Can you shed some light on how they keep everything together? As in them doing the independent thing and having to book your own shows, handling money, etc. and how exactly did you help them? What were your duties?

I'm not sure how they keep everything together in terms of handling money. I know that it is a lot more work for them to make sure everything is done right and in an orderly fashion, but I don't think there are really any tricks to the trade. They are just (moderately) smart with their money and they know how to run the business. Zach Quillen, their manager is also extremely good at what he does (booking, etc.)

I shipped merch out, filled orders, maintained customer service and emails, worked with clothin manufacturers, watered plants.

Did you guys know Thrift Shop/ The Heist would be such a big break for Ben and Ryan?

I don't think anyone knew it would be a break at the caliber that it was. Nobody was expecting it, that's for sure.

Who are they?

Okay. Google.

Did you tour with them full time then? Also, did you get to meet some other artists while interning? Sounds like a really awesome experience!

I did not tour with them, I just went to OSU at the beginning of the summer because it was during the internship and we road tripped down to Oregon.

Unfortunately I didn't meet many of the artists on the album, although I did meet a few.

Did they actually buy a broken keyboard?

Yes.

I had a meet and greet with both of them at my college and the people running it said they really enjoy making the experience personal and intimate but they said Ryan is "really weird with people". Is this true? Based on the experience Macklemore couldn't have been more warm and welcoming and Ryan was very quiet and kind of hovered my shoulder with his hand in the picture, so i'm guessing there's some truth to this. How is he in person?

He is very smart. He is great at what he does. He knows a lot about a lot of things.

In the studio, Ben tended to be more quiet and concentrated on the art of the music. Ryan was loud. Always making jokes and laughing and just being a riot.

I have noticed that he tends to be more drawn back and quiet when doing meet and greets though.