Canadian native, John Ruskin, more famously known as Nardwuar, has been a staple of music media for almost 40 years. Interviewing all types of musicians from Nirvana to A$AP Rocky, Nardwuar gives fans non-traditional and memorable conversations with the most influential artists around the world.
Doot, Doula, Doot, Doo…Doot Doo! If that doesn’t ring a bell, maybe imagining a somewhat unique-looking male with fluffy brown hair and a Scottish plaid Tartan hat.
It all started in 1987, when young John Ruskin attended the University of British Columbia and began working with the school’s radio station, CITR 101.9 FM, every Friday. Soon enough, his unique charisma caught the ear of many listeners, and before long, he coined the name Nardwuar (an inside joke from his friends) and began interviewing all sorts of celebrities.
The difference between Nardwuar and other interviewers is that Nardwuar also creates a presence for himself. Many viewers or listeners aren’t just stoked to tune into a piece of media with their favorite bands or artists but also get excited and anticipate the quirky and idiosyncratic ambiance of Nardwuar himself. Some deem this personality nerdy and eccentric, while others say it is simply annoying. Still, whatever you have to say about Nardwuar, there is one thing that the masses can’t argue about – his years of noteworthy and iconic interviews with the most prominent musicians around.
For example, Nardwuar has had the pleasure to converse with the Sex Pistols, Dominic Fike, Paramore, Steve Lacy, and over 1000 more public figures and artists. Nardwuar is always knowledgeable of the people he interviews beyond the surface level and he often takes his interviewee for a spin with his in-depth research. For instance, during his interview with Pharrell Williams in 2008, Nardwaur hands Williams a vinyl containing his first recorded track- a feature that most people would never know existed. . In his bewilderment, Williams replies, “This is one of the most impressive interviews I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
Overall, this media presence has changed and influenced the style of interviewing to this day; whether you see a man on the street or in award show interviews, Nardwuar created a template for creatives around the world. He inspires others to not be afraid to be a little offbeat or use their unique voice to make a name in the industry . As for Nardwuar himself, it seems he is nowhere close to being finished with his alternative and wacky styles of giving fans a rare encounter with their favorite artists. To keep updated on most recent interviews, you can visit his blog at: https://nardwuar.com/
I am currently attending the University of North Texas with a photojournalism major. I love going to concerts of all genres, whether I am stage diving or headbanging, I never miss an opportunity to appreciate live music. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting for CD's and records, spending time with my cats, going to art exhibits, and traveling (especially to NYC). My biggest inspiration is Danny Clinch, and one day I aspire to open up my own gallery to showcase my work!
