Man of Two Hats

Man of Two Hats

This week, Fresh sits down with the "Man of Two Hats," Derek Phelps. Most of you have seen Derek at The Velveeta room and Cap City blowing up the stage. You might not have known, however, that Derek has also been blowing the trumpet for 33 years. He can be seen around town playing with Austin bands “Hard Proof” and “Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears.” We probed his mind to find out what it's like being in both worlds of entertainment.

FRESH - Now since this is a comedy site, a lot of our readers might not know a ton about music. Could you explain what a trumpet is?

DEREK - From Wikipedia: “The trumpet is an instrument borne out of the Ska movement of the early 1990's, made popular in such musical acts as Reel Big Fish, No Doubt and C&C Music Factory. Before these bands, the trumpet was used primarily as a way to communicate with other trumpets.”

FRESH - And could you explain for our readers what a musical instrument is?

DEREK - Hmmm. Technically, a musical instrument is something you make sound with, usually on purpose.

FRESH - Fascinating. Well, I have to ask the question every music/comedy fan has on their mind. What is Mariah Carey like?

DEREK - Mariah, despite her portrayal in modern media, is an awful trumpet player.

FRESH - Now, You're not the only crossover artist out there. What's your opinion of the wonderful Jaime Foxx? Do you think Mr. Foxx is a better singer or comic?

DEREK - Who's Jamey Fox?

FRESH - Ha Ha Ha. You're always a comedian aren’t you Derek? Anyways, what's your favorite Mariah Carey song?

DEREK - I love Mariah Carey. What's that “Genie In a Bottle” tune? I like that one.

FRESH - I think you are thinking of "Hero." I agree, very moving song. Now, here's a silly question just for fun. What do you think would work better, Eddie van Halen as a stand up or Jerry Seinfeld as a guitarist?

DEREK - Stand-up is a lot like jazz music: anyone can do stand-up comedy after a couple weeks of hard work, but not everyone can play guitar. Now, if you were to give me the choice between what would work better, Eddie van Halen as a stand up or Jerry Seinfeld as a Jewish man...

FRESH - If you had to give up one thing what would it be: Stand Up, Music, BMX biking?

DEREK - Since I don't BMX bike, I can't pick that; nothing to give up. And, since my stand-up career has been taking off lately, I'll give up the music thing. Who needs it, really? It's just noise.

FRESH - Where can people catch you next?

DEREK - As a comedian, I'll be continuing my successful Austin and greater Austin area tour of famous and not-so-famous stand-up open-mics starting December 1st. As a musician, you'll be able to catch me next at The Hi-Fi Club in Leeds, England with Black Joe Louis and the Honeybears. Eventually, I'll be back here playing a show with my Afro-beat band Hard Proof at the Flamingo Cantina on December18th.

FRESH - Okay one final question. Mariah Carey's hair – Curly or Straight?

DEREK - Mariah Carrie looks better with a buzz cut, but I'll settle for the curls... if I can't get the number 2 on the clippers.

 

Comments

KNEKBOWNN's picture
by KNEKBOWNN - Nov 12 2009 - 3:03pm

"anyone can do stand-up comedy after a couple weeks of hard work,"

Then please explain David Jimenez.

cockistan's picture
by cockistan - Nov 13 2009 - 8:28pm

Can't. He doesn't have a wiki page.

Ramin's picture
by Ramin - Nov 12 2009 - 5:26pm

Before these bands, the trumpet was used primarily as a way to communicate with other trumpets.

Best Fresh Ever.

derekphtpt's picture
by derekphtpt - Nov 15 2009 - 12:18pm

FYI, the Area Man photo was taken by Nari Mann. Credit where credit is due. The other photo was taken by some German person; Gustav or Jim or something.

Seth Johnson's picture
by Seth Johnson - Nov 18 2009 - 6:56pm

The only thing I learned from this interview is that Phelps is as arrogant off-stage as he is on. Why you would waste space on an a-hole like that is beyond me. Please cancel my subscription!

jonabdel's picture
by jonabdel - Feb 19 2010 - 10:33am

I think stand-up comedy is not so easy, as he said. There should be some natural talent and hard work. And it takes lots of time.

kittens