June 14, 2012|By Wesley Case, The Baltimore Sun
You are featured on "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win," which could be the Beastie Boys' final single. What was that experience like, and what do you think of now when you think of Adam Yauch?
Working with the Beastie Boys was an amazing experience, most importantly because I formed some very valuable friendships with those guys. They're role models to me all around. I've loved them since I was 11. I was so inspired by them, saying I wanted to be in the girl-Beastie Boys. They're so down to earth, real, grounded people.
To tour with them [and] we were together at [President Barack Obama's] inauguration, even recording the song and hanging out in the studio for a couple days, I had some really great experiences with those guys. Any opportunity I have to work with them, I love to do.
With MCA, I don't really like to talk about it. He was really special, someone you connect with instantly. So open, inviting, immediately accessible and friendly. He was the first one I had a relationship with beyond music, inviting me to places, making sure I had my inauguration tickets. He was the warmest, friendliest dude. It's such a great loss. lt really hurts my heart.
You're getting close to the finish line on this tour. What's surprised you?
We played in some secondary markets I never played before. I'm always surprised when I show up and there's actually people there, like, "Wow, I have fans in Indianapolis! Denver, Colorado!" Previous tours, I had done more major markets, so I had never been to those places. I'm always surprised. I'm very happy and grateful.
wesley.case@baltsun.com
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If you go
Santigold performs Tuesday at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place in Power Plant Live. Theophilus London also performs. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Call 410-244-1131 or go to ramsheadlive.com.
