“It’s quite unusual to pinpoint a specific moment,” Tim Minchin remarks when I ask if he remembers exactly when he realized he was going to succeed. “But for me, it was definitely Edinburgh.”
Two decades after his iconic Edinburgh Fringe performance that propelled this charismatic, piano-playing comedian from a novelty act to a major arena star and multi-talented superstar, Tim is back with a new single, an upcoming tour, and an album scheduled for release this summer.
And I’m fortunate enough to have had a delightful chat with him about it all over Zoom.
—
Hey, Tim Minchin! Your latest track, ‘Ruby’, is beautiful. It’s cryptic, mysterious, and elusive.
That’s wonderful to hear. Typically, my songs tend to be quite didactic. Thank you. I’m really pleased with that.
You’re usually so skilled at exposition. What changed?
This song is very heartfelt. It came from a friend of mine who was having a falling out with her mother. I wrote it for her as unsolicited advice. Until we become parents ourselves, we often struggle to realize that our parents are just people. They’re expected to be perfect, but they can’t be.
Ooh. Profound.
We can theoretically understand how our parents were shaped by their own parents, making them a product of their upbringing—both the positives and the negatives. This girl was brilliant, spirited, and rebellious—a songwriter in her own right. I was just trying to encourage her to maintain her relationship with her mom. Many mothers seem to have a tough time with their daughters.
I understand your new album comprises mostly older songs?
Yes, ‘Ruby’ is actually a 20-year-old track, which explains its distinct turn-of-the-century piano pop sound. When I found success in comedy at the Edinburgh Festival, I had a collection of earlier sincere songs like this that I put aside because they didn’t fit my act at the time. Recently, however, I thought, “Why not record them?”
So, the new LP won’t include many comedic tracks?
I’ve always been quite clear–I’ll never record my comedy songs. I wouldn’t listen to a comedy song. Comedy is meant for live performance. Songs like ‘Confessions’ or 'Ten Foot Cock And A Few Hundred Virgins’ are funny because of the live delivery. I don’t want to confine something meant for the moment.
I imagine you find that people laugh less at those songs now?
Absolutely! Those songs are meant for the initial experience. ‘Prejudice’ [a hilariously intricate song about racism—put it on if you haven’t heard it] currently has the most views on YouTube of my work aside from Matilda or my university speech. Countless black American men and women watch and laugh at it because it’s their first time hearing it.
You can’t help but evoke laughter, right?
Throughout the songs on this album, you can sense the evolution of my performance. The oldest track is ‘Song Of The Masochist’, a swing piece I believe I wrote around 1996 when I was about 21. The quirkiness in the lyrics is palpable. Even ‘Rock n Roll Nerd’—which is on the album in its first studio version—was written before everything took off. I didn’t even realize I was a comedian.
Seriously?
I thought I was merely crafting quirky pop songs, akin to Ben Folds-style humor. ‘Rock n Roll Nerd’ is quirky, but not punchline-driven. In the UK, I’m still viewed as a comedian who happened to write a musical—not as a composer, as I see myself. I want the audience who comes to see me on tour to have a fantastic time. However, if they’re expecting new comedy songs from me, they’ll be disappointed, as I stopped doing that 15 years ago. I didn’t want to be labeled a musical comedian for my entire career.
My ten-year-old recently took part in a school production of Matilda.
Matilda [the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, for which Tim crafted the music and lyrics, has been experienced by 12 million people and garnered over 100 awards] holds a significant place in my life. For many children, it’s their first memory of theater or learning musical theater songs. A whole generation connects with those songs as part of their primary school experiences. I recorded ‘When I Grow Up’ recently for an Australian TV project with a children’s choir, which was incredible.
Will you include any Matilda songs in your tour?
Perhaps, in the encore. I attempted to play a version of ‘Revolting Children’ with my band.
That sounds great!
Thanks. A hit in 7/8 time.
What else should audiences anticipate from the shows?
I want people to have the best night out possible. But I’ll also have them in complete silence. I’ll have them crying. I’ll
Chloe Moriondo shares her insights on the heartbreak, healing, and the challenging self-discovery that shaped her transformative third album ‘oyster,’ a radiant synth-pop exploration of grief, growth, and the depths of the ocean.
Djo, also recognized for his accomplishments as an actor and musician, was born Joe Keery. The songwriter demonstrates that the third attempt is indeed a charm when
Ghanaian rising star Black Sherif has released his complete album titled 'IRON BOY.' As a genuine multi-talented artist, he made significant waves with his debut, spearheading a
Marlon Williams’ fourth album, ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka (The Messy House),’ is a vibrant, uplifting, and spiritual collection that evokes a sense of belonging. For Marlon, ‘Te
Although Elton John officially retired from touring in 2023, concluding with a memorable headline performance at Glastonbury, the UK icon continues to be actively involved as a
Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket speaks with Atwood Magazine about his perspective on music as both a creator and a listener, the inspiring essence behind their tenth album ‘is,’ and how, after twenty-five years, the live performance continues to be the core of the band, with the stage being their genuine sanctuary.
"It’s quite uncommon to have a clear moment," Tim Minchin replies when I inquire if he remembers exactly when he realized he would succeed. "However, for me, it was..."