The Goo Goo Dolls are on top after hitting it big with their songs "Slide" and "Iris." Their songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist John Rzeznik (pronounced REZ-nik) spoke to us recently about snacks and his sticky secret to writing songs.
Nickelodeon Magazine: What is a Goo Goo Doll?
John Rzeznik: It's a doll we saw advertised in an old, old magazine. You could stick your fingers into the back of its rubber head to change its expression. Sometimes I wish we had a name that sounded a little more macho - but we're stuck with it!
How does it feel to hear your songs on the radio?
The first time it happened we started yelling and screaming, "I can't believe it! We're on the radio!" Now I change the station. For some reason, I think it would be bad luck to listen to myself on the radio. Do you ever get nervous when you're onstage?
Yeah, every night. There are also times when I'm really tired and I don't feel like playing - but then I get out there and see all the people enjoying what we do. That's when I say to myself, "All right, man. I have a great job. I'm a lucky guy."
Does you voice ever crack?
Sure, that's one of the reasons I try to take care of my voice. I don't smoke, I speak a lot more quietly than I used to, and I do voice exercises, such as yodeling. I always feel ridiculous doing them, but I need to save my voice.
What is your favorite city to play in when you're on tour?
My hometown, Buffalo, New York. We always have a great time when we play in small towns, too.
What advice would you give to kids who want to be musicians?
The most important thing is to find a music teacher who doesn't intimidate you. A good teacher will encourage you to find your own creative instinct.
What's your songwriting secret?
Post-it Notes. I scratch little skeletons of ideas onto them and stick them around my house, and look at them later to see what they make me think about.
What's you favorite snack food when you're on tour?
I love junk food, but I try to stay healthy by eating baked potato chips instead of fried ones. I could eat those little Hershey's Kisses with the almonds in the middle all day, but then I'd weigh three hundred pounds.
What would you be doing if you weren't a musician?
I love to cook. Maybe one day I'll go to school and become a chef. I think that would be a lot of fun.
