All Points West 2008 interviews

The New Pornographers

Carl Newman and Kathryn Calder
Your show takes place in the shadows of the Statue of Liberty.  What's your ancestry? And, yes, we know you guys are Canadian, but still...
Newman: My mom's parents come from Norway.

Did she pass down any Norwegian traditions?
Newman: Food, like Lefse and Krumkaker.

Krumkaker, that sounds dubious...
Newman: It's good actually. It's a pastry. When touring Europe I feel the most connection with Norway. It's a bit of a stronghold for our band.   

What's the update on your solo album?
Newman: I'm about to finish the solo album. In fact, I should talk to the Mates of State about that. I'm trying to get them to do some more singing on it.

What's your ancestry?
Calder: Well, Carl is my uncle of course. Of whatever.  It's complicated.