“Weird Al” Yankovic discussed his latest release, “Polkamania,” a medley of popular songs from the past 20 years. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his last album, “Mandatory Fun,” Weird Al explained that he has been busy with concert tours, acting, and his biopic, “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” Despite his busy schedule, he felt the need to release new music, leading to the creation of “Polkamania.”
Weird Al mentioned that he no longer plans to release traditional albums, preferring to drop singles whenever inspiration strikes. This approach aligns with modern music consumption trends, where singles are more popular than full albums.
The conversation also touched on his biopic, which starred Daniel Radcliffe. Weird Al expressed his satisfaction with the film, noting the challenges of its low budget and tight shooting schedule. He praised Radcliffe’s performance and dedication, which he believes were crucial to the film’s success.
Reflecting on his career, Weird Al shared that the early years were challenging as he struggled to gain permission from artists for his parodies. However, after the success of his parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” titled “Eat It,” gaining permissions became easier. He recounted how artists like Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits not only gave permission but also participated in his projects.
Weird Al acknowledged that some of his parodies have outlasted the original songs, though he never knows in advance which ones will become hits. He emphasized that he always aims to produce his best work, hoping it resonates with audiences. While he maintains a family-friendly approach to his music, he admitted there are certain topics he avoids, relying on his judgment to determine what is appropriate and funny.