On Monday, February 16, Kristian Nairn (aka “Hodor” from HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) will take the stage at Phoenix Underground in downtown Shreveport as part of his “Rave of Thrones” tour. The show is set to start at 9pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Nairn has been part of the house music scene since the 1990’s in England and has already completed the Australian part of his tour. I wish I could say that I sat down with him, but I only had the pleasure of receiving these answers through email.
RH: What is it that drew you to this particular music genre and do you have experience playing acoustic instruments?
KN: One of my favourite retorts, to someone who says, “Being a DJ isn’t anything to do with being a musician,” or, “anyone can be a DJ,” is to pick up a guitar and play something complicated or maybe [sit down] at a pipe organ and play one of Bach’s fugues. I’ve been playing various instruments and been involved in music literally all my life. Guitar would be my first instrument of choice, though. In a good DJ, there is a remarkable amount of musicality… and not everyone has that… and I’m not sure that it’s even something that can be learned.
RH: Shreveport has a small, underground dance/house music culture that is driven by using unique equipment setups and collaborating between existing bands, rap artists, and DJs. What advice do you have to give to artists who are trying to keep it original, yet fresh?
KN: That’s great to hear that you have such a vibrant scene. I guess a piece of advice would be to know what you really want, and where you want to end up. Then, figure out what you have to do or need to do to get there. People have different dreams, some want to be a superstar on the world stage, and some would be more alive and content in a sweaty underground club. Your dream is personal to you, make sure you don’t get side-tracked into chasing or comparing yourself with other people goals.
RH: Do you have any crazy stories from your tour in Australia and the United States so far?
KN: Every night is crazy. I’ve seen some incredible crowds, costumes, and placing. It’s just been a jaw dropping experience in general and I feel so lucky to be able to do it! Stage invasions, crowd surfing… I’ve seen it all!!
RH: I read in several places online that you do not dress GoT-style for your shows, but patrons are encouraged to wear inspired outfits or costumes. What is (are) the best costume(s) you have seen?
KN: I do not. I’m Kristian, not Hodor. I love the character and everything it has done for me, and I embrace that, but it’s not something I’m interested in doing. The fancy dress is a fun add-on for the attendees. I’ve seen some CRAZY White Walker costumes and dragon accessories, along with some very convincing Drogo and Daenerys get ups!
RH: Since Hodor’s character will not be in the fifth season of HBO’s Game of Thrones, is it all about your DJ gig or are there other projects that demand your time and talent?
KN: I am definitely focussing heavily on the music, but there are other things in the pipeline, too. Working on tracks at the minute, which I’m very excited about, more screen stuff coming up too, along with a few convention appearances… and who knows what else!!
RH: Which artists are your main source of inspiration? Who has inspired you for the longest time?
KN: It’s not house music but two spring to mind. Glenn Danzig and Rob Zombie. Huge fan of their music.
RH: What is the best sandwich you have ever eaten and where did you get it?
KN: A sandwich shop here, once upon a time, introduced me to Baguette filled with Bacon, Brie and Pear, with black pepper. Honestly, it’s the nicest thing ever!
RH: Is there anything you wish people knew about you, your career, your music, or the world in general?
KN: I’m fairly forthright, and I usually say too much if anything in interviews, so chances are, haha, its already been said!