While driving on the road to their next show, Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci of Garfunkel and Oates described their busy lives, including a new TV show on IFC, working on a new album and the beginning of a nationwide tour.
The comedy music duo began in Los Angeles after comic Doug Benson introduced the two to each other at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. However, where would these two be had they not met on that fateful night?
“We’d both be doing something along the lines of acting or writing,” Lindhome said.
“Performing in some way,” Micucci added.
Musical comedy exists in a niche scene, requiring excellence in both instrumental talent and comedic voice.
“I’d say Weird Al and Flight of the Conchords inspired us,” Lindhome noted. “We’re a big fan of Broadway musicals too.”
Broadway, the odd one out of the aforementioned list, seems an interesting inspiration for a comedy duo. Micucci said her favorite Broadway musical is “Assassins” and Lindhome immediately followed with “Mine’s ‘A Chorus Line!’”
The two saw their talents match well for musical comedy.
“It’s a good balance of our talents,” Micucci said. We love songs, melodies, and playing our instruments. It’s the perfect way to combine comedy with our love of music.”
Recently, the duo finished the first season of their new IFC sitcom, “Garfunkel and Oates.” Lindhome appeared to fully enjoy the process of running a TV show.
“It’s a lot of work. We love making decisions and being in charge and having more control over the situation. We’ve both been acting a long time, so we knew what to expect coming into the show.”
An average day of shooting for them can last as long as twelve hours.
“You have to get so much approval from other people, then shoot and sometimes we’d be there longer because of meetings and last-minute decisions on the episode,” Micucci said.
How does the duo decompress after strenuous hours of nonstop work? Lindhome admitted, “Drinking wine and sitting in a bath tub,” while Micucci succinctly divulged, “Sleep.”
Garfunkel and Oates hail from Los Angeles, consistently playing gigs in the huge comedy scene in the area. Performing on the road has both good and bad aspects as opposed to performing at home.
“You feel isolated on the road,” explained Micucci. “Occasionally you’ll be with someone else or you’ll meet up with another touring comic.”
“In L.A., it’s trying out new material,” added Lindhome. “Since people know who we are there, they’ll come no matter what. In other cities it’s like a brand new feeling. You get to see new reactions to your performance.”
This Thursday, Nov. 13, will be the duo’s first time in Madison, which they already know has a fantastic comedy scene. They’ll be performing at the Barrymore Theater, where audiences will get to hear new songs as well as their beloved hits like “Fuck Me In The Ass Because I Love Jesus” and “Pregnant Women Are Smug.”
