Kate Micucci Interview

Kate Micucci is a busy bunny. There’s the TV shows, the solo music, the theatre show, the movies, the duo, the web series and the sandcastles. But I managed to find the time in my busy schedule to ask her a few questions.

When and why did you first pick up a ukulele?

I got my first uke when I was living with my aunt, uncle, and grandpa in Hawaii. It was pretty awesome. Every night I would sleep in a giant chair on the porch. And because I’ve been a piano player all my life, I was really missing playing an instrument, so my grandpa took me to the local music store and bought me a uke. Then I bought a book of old standards and learned a Gershwin tune.

How did you and Riki get together for Garfunkel and Oates?

Riki wanted to write some songs together to make a musical short she wrote called Imaginary Larry. In the short I play Riki’s imaginary friend. And so it made sense that we would sing some songs together. We wrote the songs so quickly and it was really fun. It just seemed like we were on to something.

Any plans for a full length version of Imaginary Larry?

Well, right now they are still in the process of finishing the short. The movie is getting rotoscoped. My character is going to be completely animated. It looks amazing!

Is that a Martin S-O you’re playing? Do you have any other ukes in your collection?

Yup. That’s a Martin! The Martin Guitar factory is right down the street from where I grew up, so I play it proudly. As for other ukuleles, I still have my first uke, which my grandpa bought me. And I have a few toy ukuleles from the 50s. I used to have a banjolele but I traded it in to help pay for my guitar.

When you were making Bart Gets A Room with William H Macy did you get a chance to uke out together?

We didn’t have any scenes together so unfortunately there were no jam sessions. But I always bring my ukulele to work. There is a lot of down time on a set.

Your role in Scrubs seems perfect for you and your music. Was it written for you?

Yeah, apparently it was! Kinda crazy. Being able to go to work and sing and act on such a fun show. I felt like a very lucky kid.

I’ve heard rumours that there’s going to be a Scrubs spin-off series and that you’ll be in it. Any truth in either of those?

I have heard those rumors too. I don’t know what the chances are of Scrubs coming back for a ninth season. But if it ever did, I’d be happy to play The Gooch again. And I loved singing with Sam Lloyd (Ted the lawyer) and his band. In real life, their band is called The Blanks. They have been special guests in my stage show. And if you ever get a chance to see them live, they are so much fun.

What can we expect from you this year?

I hope to have a second EP out by the summer. A movie I am in called WHEN IN ROME is coming out in August. I continue to do my live show called PLAYIN’ WITH MICUCCI at the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood. And expect a lot more from Garfunkel and Oates. We are currently recording an album and playing shows in LA.

You can buy Kate’s Songs EP on CD Baby