This morning Third Eye Blind, or 3EB if you prefer, played at Central Park for Good Morning America's summer concert series, but yesterday lead singer Stephan Jenkins was in our very own office performing a more intimate set. Despite his bike being stolen the day before after riding it from Bowery to midtown, he still had a smile on his face. The band is releasing a new album, titled Ursa Major, in August, which includes a duet with original indie darling Kimya Dawson. Yesterday he played us some of the old and new (which you can watch below), including one song about being in love with a lesbian—no word on if it's about MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, who he has said he has "an overwhelming and tragic crush on."
The band formed around the same time that grunge was hitting the mainstream, experiencing that era and everything after, what has been your favorite time for music from the early 90s on? We were definitely I'd say post grunge and I don't think we came out really as part of a movement. Emo was something that came out as was coined later. My favorite musical period was probably the early, early 90's, bands like Camper van Beethoven and A Tribe Called Quest.
Any treats in store for the GMA Central Park show? Piñatas maybe? That's a good idea. I don't know if I can round up enough crickets. Pinatas are much better when they're packed full of crickets.
You recorded a song with Kimya Dawson recently, was this your first time working with her? How was the experience? I've been working with Kimya Dawson since 2002. She sang a duet with us on a song called "Self-Righteous" and she's recorded part of her solo album in our studio. She's also toured with us. Every encounter with her is a treat.
Who else have you always wanted to collaborate with? Neko Case would be cool.
What bands are you currently listening to? I rode my bicycle from the Bowery to Midtown listening to Passion Pit yesterday and it was pure joy.
Who were you most musically influenced by in the past, and who now? Led Zeppelin, The Clash, and Prince. Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan.
Please share your strangest "only in New York" story. To walk across Tompkins Square Park and not have anybody try to sell me any H.
Which New Yorker do you most admire? Jeffrey Sachs. We can end poverty in our lifetime.
Best cheap eat in the city. I've never once gotten sick at any street side vendor. Not once. Ray's Pizza's pretty damn good too. And next month, it will be Dos Toros in Union Square.
Best venue to play/hear music. Roseland was pretty damn good last month.
Video by Katie Sokoler/Gothamist
