IamA band called HEALTH. AMA!

Q on text: Whats your sun sign?

A: Sun sign? that shit is fucking stupid I'm a man of science.

Q from text: Hi, is this Steve Aoki?

A: takes breath

In my lifetime I went from James Iha, to Keanu Reeves to Steve Aoki. Please put more Asian, Indian people in movies...

People are texting a lot because reddit is too hard for them. Q: Would you rather eat pizza for the rest of your life or tacos? A: TACOS.

Best tacos in LA?

Raul's. 7th and Mateo. In front of La Reyna. If you wanna blow your dick off ask for a buche/chorizo taco combination

Thoughts on Crystal Castles break up?

Also... did you guys get a lot of money from their remix of your song?

Its very sad...

No sir...I made dick.

What was it like working with Rockstar on Max Payne 3? How did they approach you guys?

R* is great. We just got notified that R* games wanted to get us dinner and come to our show in NYC. I figured it was like for a song for the next GTA or something, but I immediately started thinking "what if they want us to score a game?"...but I was like "nahh, no way"

Q from text: Whats your worst Guilty pleasure?

A: That porno with the fake sorority girls.

What made all of you guys throw up so much?

Milk. Drink a gallon...you puke. It's science.

What are the lyrics to "In Heat"? I've been trying to decipher this fucker for about 3 years now and I still have no idea what the lyrics are.

WOMEN AND MEN BREAKING THEIR PROMISES.

HOW DID U LOSE YOUR VIRGINITY?

To the Scottish exchange student at my school...My mom's boyfriend at the time busted open the door mid stroke.

Did you look him in the eyes and finish?

Nope

Q from Text: Do you think from now on HEALTH is gonna focus on slow groove song rather than crazy spas parts like the first album because hot chicks like them better? Seems like NEW COKE is more in that vein?

A: relax son, theres a lot of stuff on this new record. What you don't like hot chicks?

Don't worry theres still wacky sauce

Did you play at Max Payne 3 ? Did you like it ?

YES. Many times, not just testing the music with it at the R* office, but afterwards for fun. It's an excellent game, its my 2nd favorite R* title, Red Dead 1st, Max 2, GTA V 3.

I saw something on Sophie's instagram about a collab with you guys (holy shit). Did that actually happen/What's it like to work with him?

What!? Tell him to call me. So down...

Text question: Whats your pedalboard consist of? Can I come over?

A: Its complicated. Mixer for feedback loop. Its actually kinda boring. You can come over to Meltdown Comics Hollywood. Be here by 6pm.

Hi John,

Been a big fan since I saw HEALTH open for Nine Inch Nails at the House of Blues in Atlantic City in 2008. Thanks for doing this AMA. A few questions:

1. Can you explain the origin of "You Will Love Each Other" as the band's "catchphrase"?
2. The music video for Die Slow is incredible - one of my all time favorites. From a technical and editing perspective, it looks like it must have been a nightmare to produce. How was the experience?
3. How was the Get Color "golden ticket" experience? Any weird or funny stories?

Really looking forward to the new record. Take care.

1. YOU WILL LOVE EACH OTHER is a line I stole from DIET FOR A NEW AMERICA the vegan propaganda book. We use it as a Grateful Dead Dancing bears kinda logo thing. Out of context I thought it was brilliant.
2. Thank you. It was the first music video I ever did and it was really stressful and even though it was always the plan we had to reuse tons of footage to make the video work. Have to recognize the editor and DP of that video. Luke Lynch and Matt LLoyd.
   
3. It was great, we filmed our time with the golden ticket winner but we didn't put it out, we should do that.

Would you be interested in working with Eric Wareheim for another music video? The video for "We Are Water" is fantastic

Abso Lutely. He's the best.

How tall are all you guys? just curious. You're the first half-Asian mofo I've seen tower over 3 other guys...

Im 6' 2+" and I'm way taller than the others. To me its like a Liger. The Liger dwarfs its Lion and Tiger mother and father, much like I towered over my Italian dad and Korean mom.

Holy shit dude, thanks for doing this. Last time I saw you guys was Pitchfork 2011. I stood in front of the Blue Stage all day waiting for you guys to play and you don't disappoint. Best show I've seen.

Two questions:

Once the new album comes out, do you guys plan on releasing a third remix album?

Can you tell us a story about the last person you worked with (band member, producer, record stooge) that asked you to cut your hair?

Thanks, John.

PLEASE COME TO OHIO AND MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE

Yes

and

No. Recording sucks

What was the rationale for allowing fans to contact you via cellphone? Is there a thematic significance (related to the nature/content of the album) to the move - why for this album? Or, did you just want to add some excitement? I chatted with you for 5 mins. My mom called you too. Come get drinks in Brooklyn/NYC.

Haha I think I remember your Mom. It's funny, and after this much time I feel I should talk to fans like a NPR pledge drive. We need your support.

Have you guys ever been offered jobs to score movies? Would you guys be open to it?

Abso fucking Lutely. Everybody wants to get into that game so its hard.

If Rockstar were to make Max Payne 4, and asked you guys to compose the score again, would you?

Oh most definitely.

How was the Eric Andre show?

V fun. They give you free drinks and I stole 3 handles from the backstage...

What happened April 27th 2013? You guys were supposed to play the Fox Theater opening for Crystal Castles and you cancelled at the last minute. My friends and I came to see you and we're super bummed you couldn't make it.

You're telling me. I was bummed too.

remember when that wasted girl you let back stage at red 7 in austin puked all over the place during load out?? LOL

Yes

sorry

WHY IS EVERYTHING IN CAPS?

BECAUSE IT LOOKS COOLER

When are you guys gunna puke another track on us?

V soon

Is Jupiter Keyes aware he has the coolest name ever?

No. But Ill let him know

Are you guys able to make a living just being in a band or do you all have to work mundane jobs?

We make a living but its a broke ass living

Favorite place to do shrooms in La Jolla?

La Jolla Cove

Is the ambient outro on the "NEW COKE" video a part of another song from "DEATH MAGIC"?

Its PAIN from the MAX PAYNE 3 Soundtrack

I'm trying to start a rumor that you guys are opening up for Death Grips. Is this true or what?

Nope

When are you going to DJ again at the lash? We met a couple times before :)

Hi Chau. You have my number son

Do you love me? Also, trust me I didn't forget that I still owe you money.

Yes. I love you.

Is it true you fucked the girl in Hanson?

Oh Most Definetely

Is your butt hole usually clean? how do u clean it???

With my diet and lifestyle this ins't really realistic

Big fan of your music! Can I design your next tour poster? Here's my work: http://cargocollective.com/mattvidalis/Art/Illustration

No. Unless you make it look like HEALTH art. I do all the art and I got a real set thing, but I'm down for others to do the art as it looks like HEALTH art. Got a brand here.

the end of the video had a phone number...what was the craziest call you got that day??

The majority of calls were very kind.

Hey John, just wanted to say thanks for putting your shit out there. I have totally ripped off your feedback loop setup with my pedalboard and still listen to that first album at least a couple times a week. Who has the most intense haircare regime in the band? Any pedals you're super psyched on at the moment?

I don't do dick to my hair, its just genetics, I get the Korean straightness, and the Italian oils from my other side... I'm really stoked on these Earthquaker pedals. There's one that does like a sequenced filter thing...v cool

Q from text: I have always wondered what countries your drummer had conquered in his past life as a viking. Please let me know.

A: Stupid ass question. No one has past lives.

Sounds like you guys went through a lot of iterations of Death Magic before getting to the final product. What was the most "out there" song/idea you guys worked on but ended up scrapping?

One song. Drugs Beach, we played it live before and a lot of people really wanted on the record (though we got a very passionate long email from a girl who begged us not to put it on there). Sorry about that but it wasnt as good as it should have been so we scrapped it. Maybe we'll rewrite it or do a record store day kinda thing.

What's your favorite video game and why is it battletoads?

I love Battletoads. Way too fucking hard doe

I saw you guys at Pitchfork in 2011, I had heatstroke earlier in the day and refused to go to the hospital because I HAD TO FUCKING STAY TO SEE HEALTH and you guys kicked ass and I was very pleased with my decision.

Also I blew out a pair of speakers listening to your first album as loud as my receiver would go.

I love you HEALTH.

What's your favorite color?

Green

Recently had gastric band surgery in hopes to get back into bikini shape. I notice that when I move a certain way, it almost tickles me inside. Is there any way to stop it? Oh and the way it happens is when I insert objects into my butt. Definitely don't want to have to stop doing that if I don't have to so any suggestions that aren't "don't keep putting things up there" are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance Asian Jon.

I think you need a professional for that.

I find your music goes really well with high doses of ketamine. I have even introduced people to your music by playing it to them while they're on K and the consensus is clear. Do you write your music with any particular altered states in mind (or in effect)? And do you have any plans to come back to Australia soon? Last time was awesome!

No. When writing music the only drug that may help is Marijuana. The other drugs are awesome but they ain't gonna help you write tunes (saving you some time). I hate Ketamine but I love the thought of you playing our tunes for some in a K hole. My buddy has an excellent saying "K-Hole...It's my second favorite hole"

Will you come do a live performance on my radio show please?

Also: just wanted to say thanks for making great music with HEALTH. Been listening since I was a dumb high schooler and still listen now that I'm a dumb adult. Thanks.

Man I really hate doing radio shows....But thank you I appreciate it.

How many anonymous twitter accounts does Health have?

ZERO. C'mon son I don't even have a personal.

What kind of pedals did you guys use for 'Torture' on the Max Payne soundtrack? Sounds heavenly!

Shit I dunno. I think a Boss RV-3 and an Electro Harmonix Memory man. The big thing is that Jake uses 12 gauge strings

Q from text: Have you ever used midi programming for an effects pedal?

A: Yes.

Do you have any comment on the recent drama involving your friend Alice Glass and here former band mate Ethan Kath? Also, are you currently working on separate project with Alice?

No and no

WHAT IS YER FAVORITE TYPE OF KALE SALAD?

As long as they massage it its cool

Where are the best places to take a date in LA?

L.A. Gun Club. Then Tonys right next to it. If you really are super into her Kazu Nori first. It will go down, costs some money, but if youre taking this girl on a proper date, come for real.

In what cities does HEALTH have the most groupies?

Anywhere that's not the UK

Was that your cell number prior to releasing the video, or did you buy a new burner just for fans to contact you?

Google voice number that forwards to my cell

How do i get a gf?

Also, come to Gothenburg, Sweden.

Stop giving a shit. One the most attractive things in a person when were talking about the human-pussy game

We will be back

Be chill and friendly...agreeable but not boring. Be engaging and nice and dont give a shit.

John were you pissed when I called you and woke you up? And are you coming to Colorado soon? Love your guys music.

You might have woke me up

Saw you at fyf 2012 and it blew me away. Had never heard of you before then. Are there any bands that amazed you live that you had no previous knowledge of?

Show that changed my life. Saw Arab on Radar, Lightning Bolt, and The Blood Brothers (all opening for The Locust), without knowing about any of them.

Favorite effects/pedal?

Also, when are Hillary Clinton and Rand Paul going to out themselves as the same person?

Boss Super Shifter PS-5. Electro Harmonix Mini POG.

???

thoughts on young thug?

Love it

Hey guys, saw you a few years ago in Sydney at Oxford Arts. It was an awesome show. Just wondering when you will be back?

2016 I hope...your summer

1.) will there be a health disco 3? 2.) what influenced you to just now after 6 years to release a follow up? 3.) is the Eric Andre promo song going to be on the album?

1. Hopefully (Im planning on it)
2. Well we were trying to release the whole time...
3. Yes, its the next single (NEW COKE was the teaser really its the first real single)

What's on your rider?

Beer

Hi! My friend Daniel worked on your vomit video and invited me to come watch but I unfortunately couldn't make it! Just wanted to tell you that the video is rad! I hate seeing people barf but was strangely mesmerized so...nice job. Are you guys playing anytime soon?

Tell Daniel to go fuck himself

It seems like your music is getting less noisy, more electronic and more accessible. Not necessarily a bad thing. Will the new album contain more experimental tracks or is it going to be more pop oriented?

Oh no. We still got some wacky sauce in there.

Thanks for doing the IAmA, got to see HEALTH when you came to Sydney, Australia - hope you get back here soon.

Is the vomit in New Coke real or pre-made, if pre-made do you have the recipe?

Will there be anymore singles released prior to the album launch - any chance of a sneak peek?

Adding your number at the end of the clip was truly awesome.

100% real. Its Milk. Milk Gallon Challenge, we dyed it yellow so it would pop with the background. I puked red milk but we cut it outta the video cuz it looked mad fake. Really pissed people think its fake.

Out of all songs you made for Max Payne 3, which one was your favorite?

Pain, Combat Drugs, Torture....

What's your background in graphic design / art?

none

Hey John!

Thrilled for "DEATH MAGIC" but I got to be honest, I'm more excited for "DISCO3". "DISCO2" is a masterpiece.

Who would you like to get to remix songs for "DISCO3"? Any chance of getting some past DISCO contributors like Blondes, SALEM, etc.?

Whatever's good. We usually solicit a ton of remixes and choose the best.

Can you talk more about your experience working with Rockstar? How are they behind the scenes? I cant explain how perfect 'Tears' was for that moment within the game. The juxtaposition from the cutscene into the action with the music as the bridge made it the most memorable moment in the game for me. brilliant work on the rest of the score too.

It was R* idea from the beginning to have an original song drop during the action to break reality in that way. Tears we felt worked perfectly, and they felt the same way too.

Another question for you, John.

I actually hung out with you and the rest of the band once. It was in San Diego after the HEALTH / Crystal Castles show in 2012. I think it was at your parents' house. Anyway, I remember Jake telling an anecdote about being on tour with NIN and a particular show in...I want to say Tampa Bay where the crowd was less than kind to you guys - yelling some pretty outrageous and hilarious stuff.

Do you know the story I'm referencing? I think Reddit would enjoy it.

Thanks.

No clue. I let you into my Mom's House?!!?!?

did you know you can die from water intoxication? what are you wearing? 옷을 당장 벗어

Oh yes Korean soul

Hey! I saw you live back in 2012 in Mexico. Hadn't really heard about your band before, I was just sitting at the front of the stage before your concert started and then experienced something truly eye-opening. I still consider it one of my most valued memories because I truly did not know what to expect before you guys started playing.

My question is: What are other people's reactions when they first listen to your music? When I first heard you guys play, I was shocked, but I ended up enjoying some of your music. I friend of mine who was with me at that time, she mostly listened to Top 40 music and EDM, but now listens to USA Boy constantly.

Sounds good to me

Q from text : Hey Justin your cover of goth star is amazing! I'm putting it on the playlist at my wedding. What made you guys choose to work in the song.

A: This is Justin. It sounds like a good idea at the time but I have no idea what I'm talking about. Read the whole AMA text before texting us please :)

Which of your many shitting stories is your favorite?

My gold standard "shitting my pants in San Diego" story

Any plans to do an actual tour to support the new album?

I know you guys do live shows all the time but the one coming up in Toronto for NXNE in June is a little...inconvenient. I would absolutely see you guys if you came around again.

YES. We will tour in fall

I don't believe that was all natural puke. It looks like a mouthful of colored water. Can you puke on command right now on periscope or something?

Dude its milk

Drink it youll puke

oh shit John! The Cure, The Smiths, New Order, or Depeche Mode. who wins?

Fuck.. Really hard. I guess for my personal favorite I have to choose The Smiths.

What did you think of the Pitchfork Music Festival you played a few years ago?

I love Pitchfork music festival, that was our 2nd time

Any plans to come to Ireland soon? Saw you play with CC a few years back

We were just there with Interpol....But yes of course. We'll be back soon.

Is it more difficult to write scores or individual songs?

Songs. Scores you can tell immmediately if its working. Songs....you can always imagine how its terrible somehow

What do you think about Eric Andre and how was it like to be on his show?

Love that dude. We actually were on the pilot playing a fake band...it was never aired.

What is the meaning of the song, High Pressure Dave? Just curious, love the song.

Its a cover of HIGH PRESSURE DAYS by the Units. We always have joke titles for songs. We had a running joke with R* (that they didnt think was funny) that we were gonna call it HIGH PRESSURE DAVE. We joked about it so much the studio sent the final as HIGH PRESSURE DAVE. Ive never been so pissed. BUT there is a character in the game "FBI DAVE" who does Pressure Michael...so that's how I justify the stupid ass title

John, from dancing bassist/synth player to bassist, what advice can you give me for energetic on stage dancing to performed by yourself? Like tips and dance moves. Also have you used any other bass guitars besides the Rickenbacker?

Rickenbacker is my number one ever since I heard Yes. Just feel it son, it's not like I'm good at dancing

hi, New Coke is awesome, can I get some stems to remix it? :) x0

yes you can. Email us

Watching you guys play Tabloid Sores I was wondering - how do you get that sound from a bass?

Pitched up two octaves + Sansamp Bass Driver

What's you're favorite movie from last year? (Also you fuckers should come over to Canada, so we can enjoy your stuff and throw up on eachother)

Birdman

Hey John, I have a few questions;

1) how much of the "we are the water" music video was your idea vs. Eric's Idea?

2) "High Pressure Dave" is a big departure from pretty much everything else health has done in terms of tone and mood (besides the disco albums). was it mostly to fit the So Cal aesthetic of GTA5, or is that sound going to be heard on the new album?

3) any News on a Vinyl Release of Death Magic?

1) All Eric's idea

2) R* wanted us to do that cover to fit GTA V. That sound will not be heard on the new record

3) Yes. DEATH MAGIC :: AUG 7

hi cant wait to see you guys at psych fest (levitation). Are you excited to see any other bands there? if so what are they?

Whole lineup is killer son

The Tobacco remix of "Die Slow" had a video that was an edit of an Australian public service announcement against texting while driving. Was this an "official" video? Who made it? And why is it no longer available?

No and I think it was taken down for the same reasons. But it was real good

has anyone ever compared die slow to smells like teen spirit by nirvana?

Only the music video not the tune

Why did it take you six years to make a new album?

We had to do it the right way

You did the soundtrack for Max Payne 3, right?

Were you guys happy with how the music was used in game?

The Airport scene was my favorite part of the game.

Yes very happy. R* flew us out to play through the game and help sequence the programming of the music

Q from text: Whats your favorite movie? Mine's Reservoir Dogs.

A: Barry Lyndon. But actually probably Casino since I watch that a lot.

I found out about you from the remix you did of Crystal Castles - Suffication. Your music is really interesting and fun to listen to. Is that Alice Glass I spotted in this video? My question for you: whats your inspiration for your music? and whats the meaning behind HEALTH.

Yes that's Alice in the video.

The main inspiration for the music is other music or just music, like the type of music you would want to hear. It really grinds my gears when people say their music is inspired by film or like factories or some bullshit (especially when their music sounds very clearly like other music)

HEALTH was intended to be a sterile futuristic everyday word band name. We really loved post punk band names using every day words like the band MAGAZINE.

where do i submit my resume to make music for video games john? alternatively how did you get that gig? but also the first question

R* just sought us out...No clue how to break in the biz...

also how would you feel if i said i had a tattoo of a duck in a suit?

Pics plz

Health was going to play an awesome show at First Avenue in Minneapolis here a while back. I had been sporting an anticipatory boner for days leading up to this show when it was abruptly cancelled.

1) What happened? 2) Can you make up for this by letting me get you dudes high next time you're in town?

1) We had to leave the tour

2) Oh most definetely

Let's play a "What would you prefer?" game.

If your label forced you to chose between Tiestö and Avicii to remix DEATH MAGIC, in order to make a DISCO3 album, which one would you pick?

I would choose Avicii I think his style would work better...

what is your favorite meme?

Doge