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PROZZAK

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001

Prozzak Chat, 2001

Simon & Milo of Prozzak fame joined their fans on AllPop.com, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001 to chat about their tour, their music and their upcoming TV show. You can read the full transcript right here:


Sabrina: Dear Simon and Milo, I'm a long-time listener and a first-time chatter. Anyway, I've got a very important question to ask you guys: when is your next album going to be released? I've just got to know so I can start counting down the days on my calendar! Thanx a whole bunch! Love you lots, guys!!

Simon & Milo: Simon: The release of our next album is something that awakens me almost every night in a cold sweat. Because the magnitude of the next album is so huge and on such a crazy level that it scares me. Before the next album is released, we are going to have a TV show, hopefully on Disney, a year from now. We are very frightened. Hopefully through the TV show, I will meet the right girl.

Sailor Prozzak: I heard your going to do a tv show and is it going to be a takeoff of Pokemon.

Simon & Milo: Milo: No, it will not be a takeoff of Pokemon. The TV show is based on our life story. We won't rule out the possibility of Simon falling in love with a Pokemon.

Nicole R from Hamilton: I really love the song "It's Not Me It's You". Simon and Milo - you're really cool. Anyways,I was wondering, Simon, if you will ever really find a true love since most of your songs end up sad. And what will this ideal girl end up looking like (including personality)?

Simon & Milo: Simon: If I only knew the answer to that question. Maybe some of my lyrics would end on a happier tone.

Hopeful in WA: Simon, Milo, you've got a ton of fans,to my knowledge anyways, here in the states and only Canadian residents this summer can see the best band ever (Prozzak!) on tour?? What a disappointment! Is this restrictment going to last long?

Simon & Milo: Simon: It is not going to last long. We have a big show scheduled in the states, on a cruise ship, and it will probably be on the Disney channel. Milo: We need 12 months of hard training, weight lifting and boot camp. Simon: We have a drill Sargent to break our spirits when we go to America. My life is a reality Tv show, especially where they all go break up? Temptation Island. Milo: I'm a survivor. I could have beat anyone.

Lina: I'd just like to say you guys rock..Anyhow this is kind of bugging me..What are you saying when you whisper in "Infatuation" Simon? I have no idea :).Thanks.

Simon & Milo: Simon: I am spelling INFATUATION. If you play it backwards, it is words to the old Russian national anthem. But that's just a coincidence.

CLEM: Hi guys! With the success of Shrek, is there any chance Milo and Otis will be appearing as computer-generated realistic cartoons any time soon? Rock on!

Simon & Milo: Simon: It kind of brings up the cloning issue. I know from me, the thought of someone cloning me as a computer generated cartoon is very scary, there can only be one me. Milo: There's a team of scientists working on me, cloning me Simon: He has one of those mirrors in his bedroom so he sees 40 of himself. He loves himself, I hate myself.

A.J. : Simon, are you envious of the fact that milo has a neck and you don't?

Simon & Milo: Simon: I come from a long line of neckless people. It is one thing I am really proud of.

Luke: Simon and Milo, I'm excited about the upcoming concert. I've never been to your concert before - or any concert for that matter. I really don't know what to expect. Are there many video screens, fireworks, lights, go-go dancers?? Luke

Simon & Milo: Simon: Hey Luke, do you prefer Pepsi? We've got lots of cool stuff. Mostly it is me singing the tunes. Simon and Milo's creators will be there helping out. But they give us the spotlight sometimes, too. The creators have a tendency to get pretty jealous.

Confused in CT: I love your music, but I was wondering about your outfits. Do you have a couple of the same outfits or do you just wear the same one every day?

Simon & Milo: Simon: I have my suit which I like to wear. I believe my true love will enjoy my chivalry. But sometimes I have to mix it up, and Milo encourages me to go out to clubs, my T-shirt with my longer shirt underneath. But I prefer my suit. Milo: I need to change my top. The tight pants are a bit of a problem. Simon: I have 10 of the same suit, 10 of the clubbing outfit and a pair of boxer shorts. Our computer washes our clothes. We also have some Simon and Milo underooos

A concerned parent: Being a band that is obviously aimed at children, so you feel it is responsible to bear the name of an already overused drug? What do you think this teaches children about drugs, legal or otherwise?

Simon & Milo: Simon: AS we say at seminars on our high school tours, the drug Prozzak is very serious, and we can't comment on that. You have to ask someone who knows about something like that: a parent, teacher or pharmacist. But our music is an anti-depressant. It makes me have hope for a better world and helps me with my broken heart. So in that way, it is like Prozzak. But in America, our show will be called Simon And Milo, to focus on us. It was our decision

Anonymous: I know you guys are kewl musicians. what kind of music do you listen to? who are your fave artists? i bet simon likes all the hotties like mandy moore and jessica simpson hah ah ha hha hhah ;)

Simon & Milo: Simon: I like them as people. I like their personalities. They are very dear friends of mine. But what I put on my CD player is different. I like Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra and Daft Punk. But NOTHING ELSE! Milo: I'd really like to meet Alicia Keys, and introduce her to the music of Kraftwerk. It would do her wonders.

Mike T: Hi guys, I wanted to know how your success as Prozzak has effected the other band you guys are in. I didn't know if you wanted the other one named, so I'll leave it at that.

Simon & Milo: Simon:We broke up! And you can print that. Everyone is doing their own thing. It is doubtful there will be another Philosopher Kings album in the next five years. I don';t miss it at all. It was great for what it was, but our creators are consumed with making us happy.

Katie in NB: I've recently heard a song called "Video Killed the Radio Star". It sounds a lot like your stuff, which is why I like it so much! Was your music inspired by that song?

Simon & Milo: Simon: That is GENIUS! That song was very influential to us. That is the Buggles. Especially the girl singer in the background. Simon heard that song when his girlfriend was breaking up with me in the Greek Islands. He was very hurt, and that song stuck with me.

Cyndi: Does your being cartoon characters have an affect on how seriously people take your music?

Simon & Milo: Simon: I would hope people would look past our heritage and take our music for what it is and how it relates to them. It is very real experiences we have, regardless of our background.

CARLOS: Who does your hair?

Simon & Milo: Simon: Milo does my hair. Who does your hair? Milo: My Mother. Simon: Isn't your mother Catherine Deneuve? Milo: It's Joan Baez

ProzzakLVR: Milo, do you ever get jealous of simon? He seems to get most of the spotlight. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Simon & Milo: Milo: Hi, Prozzak lover. We love your work. Thanks for considering my feelings. Our relationship will take on a bigger role when you see the TV show. In our music, I am not an emotional journey with the same intense needs. As his best friend and confident, it is my pleasure and honour to make him as happy as I am. If I can become the wind beneath his wings, I will know I have done my part. Simon: I'm weeping.

Eric: How much of Simon & Milo's upcoming adventures were planned out before the release of the first album?

Simon & Milo: Milo: The albums are reflections of what has happened through our years and years searching the world for true love. Obviously the TV show will draw on those stories and songs and will reflect that.

crazy pete: hi guys. who put the "bop" in the "bop-she-bop"?

Simon & Milo: Simon: That's clever Pete, very clever. Look in the mirror, and get back to us. Milo: Who put the Sha in Sha Na Na?

Jesse J.: Yo Simon, Do you have any dirt on Milo that needs to be shared with us. Does he like bananas and peanut butter like the King Elvis or does he have 50 thousand pairs of shoes? We need to know what are the things that make Milo Milo. (same question to Simon except it's "make Simon Simon") Jesse J. -- Do you consider Elvis to be "the King" or someone else?

Simon & Milo: Simon: The only real quirk that Milo has is he is absolutely passionate about cooking. It is not what he eats. It's his obsession of getting it right. He has a library of 70,000 cookbooks, and he is in the kitchen for hours and hours, but it is worth it. It is hard to find fault with Milo. Milo: I guess Simon, the only thing I have to say, little does anybody know, but when he goes swimming he wears a full body suit. Burgandy, from the 1920s. Simon: Like Charlie Chaplin. Milo: and when he is sad, he wears it around the house.

crawfish jones: i heard you guys used to have a dog. what happened to it? love you both!!!!

Simon & Milo: Simon: We didn';t have a dog. We have a possum. Milo: I would love to have a dog. Simon: Peter Possum is our pet. In the desert in Arizona on tour, I got lost in the desert, but this possum shadowed me and we grew very attached. We love him. Milo: My dog disappeared after the possum arrived. I've left food in the bowl ever since. The possum likes lamb and rice.

aaron: do you guys still check your official website frequently?

Simon & Milo: Simon: I check it all the time. I write people when I can, but it is very difficult to write, because we have such a big response.

Joe: Hey what made you decide to start singing in the first place?

Simon & Milo: Simon: When I was 13, I felt the pangs of heartache when, dancing to Stairway To Heaven at my grade seven graduation, Sweet Andrea informed me that she would no longer see me, and I would have to spend the summer learning about the awful truth of losing love. I immediately started to sing. I didn't sing Stairway To Heaven. If I only have the range. I started to sing September Morn. Milo: Since I was an infant, I was raised on music. My mother played violin over my cradle. I would pull at the bow. My strength was overwhelming, I broke the bow. Simon: So they got you a double-bass. Milo: I picked up the guitar and the rest is history

Devin: Do you even spend time with other cartoon characters, like Homer Simpson or Betty Boop?

Simon & Milo: Simon: I would love to spend some time with Betty Boop, but Homer reminds me of Milo's dead. Milo: Betty is a great, great friend. She is quite the cook herself. I wouldn't want to introduce her to simon, I wouldn';t want to be caught in the middle of a lovestruck thunderstorm.

leah: hey i think you guys are really great and i love all your songs! i was wondering would u ever be doing a video with like you real selves not animated? dont worry i still really like your animated video's!! im just wondering!! thanks!

Simon & Milo: Simon: The creators are putting more and more pressure on us to show their faces in a video. We may let them at one point, but it is for the lawyers to work out. it is not completely impossible.

James: I caught your show in Regina with my younger nephews, it was nice to go to a show be entertained and not have to worry about language, sex, drugs, ect.. SO I am wondering when you will be back through Sask, because they really want to see you again?

Simon & Milo: Simon: We would love to return to Saskatchewan. Unfortunately on this tour, we don't have time. You can come see us when we are playing. Milo: Or check out the webcast, stay tuned to Prozzak.com for more information.

Simon & Milo: Simon: Once again, all of you brought a glimmer of happiness to my gloomy existence. As I dry my last tear on my cheek, I say to you, I will see you soon. I love you all. Milo: It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I hope I have the opportunity to rock you in the next couple of weeks, rock with you, and if not, we will roll another time. Until then, for now as forever, keep flexing that lower stomach.



--AllPop


Friday, November 10, 2000

Prozzak Chat, 2000

Cartoon pop duo Simon and Milo of Prozzak spent some time chatting with their fans on AllPop.com on Friday, November 10. Read the full chat transcript.


Prozzak: Hi everyone! We'll be starting our Prozzak chat in about 10 minutes. Stand by.

ROYALE. ALEXANDRIA.GODFREY: ARE YOU GUYS GOING TOMAKE A MOVIE LIKE THE SPICE GIRLS?

Prozzak: Simon - Yes we are making a movie, it won't be like the Spice Girls...more like ummmm, a search for love that spans the ages. It will be released...someday in the future,

Pochacco: do you plan on coming to Calgary again anytime soon? if so, when?

Prozzak: We're definitely working on it. It's all up to this new technology - motion capture. They're a team of scientists working on it in the Netherlands right now.... they meet with the Nobel academy. Them they'll be ready to tour Calgary.

dez: Hi. When you make your next c.d. much, much later will you put your real pictures instead of just characters?? Please let me know. thanks

Prozzak: This is Simon, yes those are our real pictures! We are cartoons. Those aren't the greatest pictures cause I look better from the right.

Joel Mamchur: Hey Jay and James!, The new album seems to have a harder , more rock and punk like sou8nd to it . What influenced this? Thanks! -Joel

Prozzak: Milo - Actually, we spent six months in an airport hanger in Hamburg to master their use of the power chord in our own unique way.

Joel Mamchur: where your neck simon... j/k

Prozzak: Simon - I don't know, it's kind of like asking someone....I was born that way, there's a race of cartoons with no necks. I'm trying not to be offended.

Katie: Simon and Milo are totally awesome. I've never heard anyone as unique and delightful, but I have one question! Simon has experienced heart ache and break, but will he ever feel heart make? Or will he continue to search forever? I hope not. Simon and Milo are too good to waste!

Prozzak: Well, this is Simon. Only time will tell if I will mend my broken heart. I've had bad experiences but rumour has it we all have. I'm just going to give it my all and hope for the best. You can get chicks but can you get true love?

Sean (Dallas Texas): You mention Corfu and the Mediterranean in your songs, Is that area a fave holiday place of yours.

Prozzak: Milo - We love the Mediterranean like we love our own mothers. There's a certain quivering in your heart when you nestle in the breasts of the south.

Helen Budziak: Hey, American Prozzak fan waaaayy over there in Ohio. Are you guys EVER going to come down here??? C'mon, best band + Ohio=fun fun fun! Talk to ya soon. Biggest Ohio fan.

Prozzak: Simon - yes, we're going to come down to the States and tour sometime next year. We have a big release planned on our new record label in America. The album will come out in the States around March. The label is Hollywood Records.

~*~$h@nN0n~*~: The new cd looks great. How did u get the title for the album? Thanx :)

Prozzak: Milo - I consider myself a Saturday Person - ever since I first heard a house beat. A Saturday Person is someone who is not fulfilled by the everyday...and can only, truly unleash their true spirit on the weekend.

Heather Kaminski: Hey guys, first off I just wanted to tell you both that you guys rock my world and produce amazing music. I have both of your albums and consider them AWESOME! My question for the both of you is: Would either of you consider dating a fan? Why or why not?

Prozzak: Simon - Actually, we have a song about that on our next album called "When Fans Turn Into Lovers". This particular story has a tragic ending.

Nick K (damonsellars@prodigy.net): Simon, Does Milo ever interfere with your quest for the perfect woman?

Prozzak: Simon - yes but not intentionally. Milo is a very attractive man. Women find him irresistible. It's hard to be the sensitive lonely man in the shadows of sheer, blond, masculinity.

Jasmine: Hey Simon and Milo what's up? My question for you is how did you like working with Dan, Ryan and Ohad from b4-4? Thanks a lot!

Prozzak: Well, we actually didn't work with them, our creators did. They'd come up and discuss them with us. They're actually still in therapy.

Melvis: What is happening with the Philosopher Kings. We are tired of sitting around and waiting for news!

Prozzak: No news

Prozzak: Simon - errrrhhhhhh

Johnny Bou: Where do the basis of the new album's lyrics come from?

Prozzak: Simon - the basement of my soul. What was once furnished is now bare.

Joel Mamchur: You guys are in Sydney now , right? If so , were you there for the Olympics?

Prozzak: Aren't the Olympics over? Milo - I was helping to oversee the javelin. The highlight was the shot-put. That's one of my favourite activities back on my compound.

Carolyn: Do you like Britney Spears? Do you like N'SYNC? Can you please come to Regina or Saskatoon? You guys are so hot.

Prozzak: Simon - We have burger and fries in England too. We call them chips!!!!! We will go to Regina when we tour Canada.

Cameron: what is the best part about being able to make a second album?

Prozzak: Milo - The best part is that there's no firt-time jitters. Simon - There is a food budget! Catering baby catering. And there's an escape from the truth of loneliness.

julia robb: dear simon and milo I'm having a problem. there's this really cute guy but he moved away and I never got his email or nothing. I luv him and he luvs me. if you can help me please do! luv ya both. luv julia aka: sparkie

Prozzak: Simon - In our experience, those who spell love LUV are more likely to find true love than those who spell it the conventional way. We think you're on the right track but for more information at this topic, contact us at www.nevergetoveryou.com

Raichu: Simon do you ever have a crush on a red hair girl?

Prozzak: Simon - I have, in the past.

Daniel : Simon DO you actually have a scooter? if so what colour is it? and milo what kind of pants are you wearing now?

Prozzak: Yes, I have a scooter. It has a motor, it is powered by a jet engine. It is blue and orange. Milo - After stepping up my workout regime, my legs burst through my former pants so now I wear baggy pants, cargoes.

Kelly Louise: What is it like to be famous?

Prozzak: Milo - What is fame anyway? Is fame a few quick, fast friends in a night-club? Or is it a free milkshake? It's nice but it doesn't define happiness.

Cait: how old were you when you broke virginity?

Prozzak: Simon - 316 Milo - I'm waiting still! For the right woman.

Bryonny: What's your favourite colour?

Prozzak: Milo - puce Simon - off-white

Joel Mamchur: When and where do you write all of your songs? When do you feel inspired?

Prozzak: Simon - I like to live life to the fullest without any thought to creativity. Then, in one giant spurt of emotional relief, I video tape dreams and the next morning record everything in song. Milo - I psychoanalyse his dreams for the recording process. After talking with our trusted doctor, Kaplan

Tanya: How old are you guys!

Prozzak: Simon - 326 Milo - 327

Jody: HI. I wanted to know why you choose the name prozzak? I am a big fan of yours my favourite song is strange disease and my cousin April is too.

Prozzak: Simon - I found music had the effect of an anti-depressant. The decision to call ourselves Prozzak was obvious.

Joel mamchur: Hey Guys!, I noticed that the song Infatuation is on your new album The song was originally sent in by a fan for a contest . Where there any legal problems when putting the song on the album?

Prozzak: We had a contest, we picked a winner and the verse lyrics were written by Iris Frasier. No legal problems.

No1No1Fan: www.nevergetoveryou ... Simon, who will you never get over?

Prozzak: Simon - That song was written for a girl and I'm going to protect her identity. I had an online relationship and I never actually ended up meeting her. But we loved each other as much as two people can through words alone. And....my heart is breaking as we speak. (sniff, sniff)

Kara: I have Hot Show and Saturday People and I think both are great, but I wanna know, Do you feel a difference in sound in Saturday people compared to Hot Show/

Prozzak: Milo - Yes, I feel more swelling and less irritation with "Saturday People".

Stacey Weir-Gory: You seem to be so comfortable with who you are. Have you always been like that?

Prozzak: Simon isn't comfortable with who he is, otherwise he'd be happier. Milo - it takes a good 200-220 years to discover yourself. Thankfully, I outlived that.

Stacey Weir-Gory: Do you believe in Angels?

Prozzak: Simon - I believe in the angel of hope, that tucks me in and gives me the courage to face a new day to find my true love. Milo - Yes, I do believe in angles, my favourite is oblique

Matt: hi guys I like your new song usted es muy loco and i was wonder how you feel about napster and downloading songs for free?.........

Prozzak: Napster....it's clearly stealing. Just because it's easy doesn't mean it's right.

Tanya: Do you guys ever fight?

Prozzak: Milo - Yes, Simon and I fought once. It wasn't so much a fight....but we learned that even the worst of enemies can resolve their differences if they think clearly and respect that which is different.

Prozzak: Since it's Saturday here in Australia things are a bit wild. And to all of our Canadian and American fans we will miss you, and we will be thinking of you as we are sipping our health shakes out at the club

--AllPop


Monday, November 8, 1999

Finding love with Prozzak

TORONTO - Jason Levine and James McCollum find time to slip away from their alter-egos, Simon and Milo (of Prozzak fame.)

The two share brushetta and laugh as the slight, dark-haired romantic Simon sits across the restaurant, crying into his coffee while the bigger, bolder and blonder Milo tries to comfort him. No one in the restaurant seems phased by two cartoon characters eating lunch. After all, Prozzak may someday rival Pokemon for favourite cartoon.

Jason and James, (Simon and Milo in that order), only have time for a quick bite to eat. They're busy these days, plotting the fate of their elaborate cartoon characters and preparing for a live show that's so big and bold, they say it will make "Kiss look like 54-40."

Who would have thought that two Technicolor musicians could generate chart-toppers, home videos, hundreds of fan letters and a live concert?

Their debut album Prozzak, Hot Show, is still reeling in Canadian hits and was released two days ago in the U.S. but Jason says he's already excited about the next album.

"When we first thought of the whole Prozzak idea, it was such a period of inspiration that we really have like 60 or 70 songs that we've already sequenced in order because they're sort of chronological," says Jason.

Talking about future songs causes Jason and James to backtrack and explain the whole Prozzak plan.

"The whole Prozzak thing is really not like a band, it's not like a band, it's like a play and we're playing our characters," explains Jason. "They're exaggerated for dramatic effect but there's actually a lot of truth in all the characters. I am still searching for love...that's true."

James, who looks like he wants to avoid talking about Jason's failing love-life, quickly changes topic.

"I'm really excited about the live show," he says.

"Yeah, we're rehearsing for it right now," Jason says.

How will they bring in two animated cartoons for a live performance?

"We're going to do it in ways never seen before," says Jason.

"We're going to make Kiss look like 54-40," James says, gesturing wildly with a piece of bread.

They promise there will be NO lip-syncing during the live shows that should start in February.

Simon and Milo will perform via movie screen while Jason sings and the band plays. Simon's cartoon mouth will somehow be synchronised with Jason's singing.

They're not sure when they'll perform in Toronto. The thought of a home performance makes them both nervous enough to put down their food for a minute and actually pause for breath before explaining how Simon and Milo were born in the first place.

In the Prozzak story, (you can find it on the Prozzak official website), Simon and Milo meet as enemies during a great war and eventually find common ground through their love of music.

James and Jason say this mystical tale isn't far from the truth.

Jason says he and James were arch enemies when they started off with the band The Philosopher Kings. But, after a concert, in the back of a tour bus, they put aside their differences and Simon and Milo were born.

"We were always fighting in the Philosopher Kings," says Jason. "We were like, bitter enemies."

"One day we just decided we'd try to work things out by writing and we really, just came across this style," says James.

James interrupts the explanation for a minute to ask for cheese and pepper.

"See," says Jason, looking at his non-cheese, non-pepper lunch. "Cheese and pepper. We still have different personalities."

Their cheese and non-cheese personalities are creating some interesting story lines. The boys tell fans to watch out for some new characters popping into Simon and Milo's lives.

Minnie May, who you may remember from the videos, (Jason says she's a combination of all his ex-girlfriends) and a new pet, Peter Possum, will be joining Simon and Milo on some of their adventures.

The fashion world can expect two new, brightly coloured super-models too.

"Milo's very interested in the fashion district," says James. "He's got a lot of European flair. We want them to strut it on the catwalk. Simon and Milo are going to be super-models."

Will Simon ever find true love? Jason says when he figures out his love life, then Simon will but, that could mean the end of Prozzak, so fans can hope that Jason stays love-hungry forever.

"If I ever find true love, I don't know what would happen with Prozzak." says Jason. "Simon is a hyper-romantic character. He's kind of like Woody Allen. He's always crying or on the verge of tears. He can never make a relationship work."

The only thing that lifts Simon's spirits these days is fan mail.

"We get the best fanmail," says Jason.

"We get, literally, 30 cartoon drawings a day by 10 year olds. It's amazing," says James.

Fans can expect to Simon and Milo to be around for a long time. James says he wants to do a feature film and Jason's already talking about what will happen to Simon on the fourth album.

But today, they need to get back to rehearsing for the Prozzak tour.

Before leaving, Simon asks if AllPop can pass a message on that all available, tall girls who want to listen to his music and talk about his problems all day can visit the Prozzak website.


Photo: James McCollum (Milo) and Jason Levine (Simon) of Prozzak. Photo by Stephanie McGrath.

--AllPop