Over the past few months, one video has captured the nation’s attention like precious few others.
“Shoes,” a comedic music video featuring Los Angeles-based actor Liam Sullivan dressed as his alter ego “Kelly,” has taken the internet by storm with its simple message of consumerism (“let’s get some shoes!”)
The video has become so popular, in fact, Kelly now has an agent, and Sullivan’s last album was ranked #17 on iTunes’ comedy download after less than two weeks, with no record label or publicist helping the singer out behind the scenes (it is currently #12 and climbing).
On MySpace, Kelly’s songs have been played over 2.9 million times. And for those who simply can't get enough of Sullivan's particular brand of humor, over 60 fans have created their own takes on "Shoes" in the form of over tribute videos (live action, animated, with pet rocks, etc.).
If you have yet to see the viral, minimalist electro ode to footwear, you can
watch it here.
CraveOnline caught up with “Kelly” at a recent Paper magazine party in Hollywood. Here is what we found out.
CraveOnline: Who were your musical influences for "Shoes" and your other songs?
"Kelly": My influences are Peaches, Chicks on Speed and shitty malls
CraveOnline: Do shoes only come in two categories--sucks and rules?
"Kelly": Yeah, pretty much everything comes in those two categories.
CraveOnline: Where did you film most of "Shoes"?
"Kelly": "Shoes" was filmed mostly at my friend's store, The Electric Grasshopper in Silverlake. But there's shots on Melrose Avenue, at my friend's rich parents' house for the pool party, and my friend's art studio downtown L.A.
CraveOnline: What inspired the making of "Shoes" and were you sober when inspiration hit?
"Kelly": I was completely sober. Drunk ideas are usually terrible. I was shopping, walking around Melrose, and the song just popped into my head.
CraveOnline: What other projects are you working on in your real life outside of Kelly?
"Kelly": I'm playing a dumb, lovable nerd in a TV comedy show called
I Hate My Thirties for VH1 which will air in March, plus making appearances in Margaret Cho's
The Sensuous Woman show, and putting on A "Liam Show," a comedy show here in L.A. that I'm hoping to take to other cities.
CraveOnline: Will Kelly ever make another video as legendary as "Shoes"?
"Kelly": Probably, i'd like to make one for "Let Me Borrow That Top." I just released one for Text Message Breakup on halloween.
CraveOnline: Are you getting recognized on the street without the Kelly make-up and what happens when you go out as Kelly?
"Kelly": I've been recognized once without the makeup by some hot chicks working at American Apparel here in Los Feliz. that was pretty cool. Kelly gets more recognition--people want to take pictures with her, get her autograph and stuff.
CraveOnline: What the hell is up with the robot in the video?
"Kelly": I don't know who invited him. He seemed pretty offended that a human was doing the robot. chill out, R2D2! His real name's R.T. and he does a show with The Art of Bleeding here in L.A.
CraveOnline: What is the most money you have ever paid for some bad ass shoes?
"Kelly": $300 and i couldn't afford them. hope i can afford even more expensive shoes someday.
CraveOnline: Have any fashion companies approached you yet to give you free shoes?
"Kelly": No but i'd love that.
CraveOnline: What do you want for Christmas?
"Kelly": I want to relax with a gallon of chocolate ice cream and a Cool Hand Luke DVD on a loop. That movie rules.