ELAINA McNEW

Mother of James McNew
(Yo La Tengo, Dump)

Since he was eight or nine, he's been really into it. He asked for a guitar, and took lessons for maybe six months. It was strange because his tastes were so varied at such a young age. He'd listen to everything from classical to heavy metal. He was a real surprise! After he got his guitar, he started writing and transposing songs and getting bands together.

So how old was he then?

Twelve. When he wasn't playing soccer or football or lacrosse he was getting a band together.

Are there any other musicians in your family?

No, and that was a surprise because I don't recall anyone being involved in music. I guess it was just from listening to the radio, records...Maybe it was hearing his mom singing! (laughs) I don't think so!

You sing?

No. In fact one day he asked me to stop!

What was the first time you saw him perform in public?

In junior high school. He got up on stage alone with his acoustic guitar and played "Stairway To Heaven" (laughs). I thought, I didn't know he could do this!

Was he serious?

Oh, absolutely. He was so cute!

Was he a boy scout by any chance?

(laughs) I don't think he ever made boy scouts! He really didn't get into the cub scout thing, but he gave it a try.

Did he have any particular habits or idiosyncrasies that made him stand out from other kids?

Everyone imitated him -- in a nice way. I don't want to call him a trendsetter but people like being around him and he usually decided what everybody was going to do.

Have you seen the new Yo La Tengo video?

IT'S ON TONIGHT!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!

Oh, I know. I don't have cable yet so I don't get MTV, but every time someone new comes in the (Matador) office, we have to watch it again.

James said to me, "You know what, I hate watching videos, I hate making videos, but this one is really funny!" (laughs)

But you've seen him on TV before, right?

Yes, on Conan O'Brian. And you know the first thing I said to him was (laughs), "Did you get new boots?" It was great. The music thing has always been his love and when people do something they love so much, it's wonderful!

Did you ever go to any concerts with James?

Yes, Elvis Costello. I don't think he wanted me with him at that point.

Did he have any nicknames?

Jamey. But only I'm allowed to call him that.

Are you familiar with James's other projects? Like Dump?

Yes, absolutely. I love Dump. I really do.

Yeah, I saw Dump play here last fall and it was my favorite show from `94.

Really?! Did he have someone backing him up?

Yeah, the other Yo La Tengo folks. But he seems sort of shy with it for some reason.

I guess because it's still so new.

And he's up front.

Oh, I know, I know. He's very modest!

Have you heard the new Dump record?

No, I haven't seen that yet. We're in Charlottesville and Charlottesville is last.

Well, you should hassle James about getting you one...One last thing. Is there something you think fans of Dump or Yo La Tengo should know about James that they might not otherwise?

Probably his incredible sense of humor. He's fun to be around, and I don't think you can really get that from the records.