Rigor Tortoise

We asked Rigor Tortoise to answer some questions about 2009.  We’ll be posting the answers throughout the week.

Today, we’ve got the dirt on 2009 from Triple J himself, Mr. Justin J. Johnson.

Write one sentence that sums up your 2009.

Electric, dynamic, amazing, I am Nine…the film.

What was your favorite memory on set with Rigor Tortoise this year?

I think Robot Dance Off was great because I got to show off my dancing chops.  Which are too hot to handle, obviously.   In a real contest I would have melted that robot to death.

What was your favorite memory on stage with Rigor Tortoise this year?

We did a lot of shows at the ol iO West Theatre this year.  But one particular moment that really grabbed my attention, was when Adam Karell took the liberty to craft a feud against Jenny McCarthy’s family (Jim Carrey not included, if he did that, I would have punched him in the nose.  You mess with Jim Carrey, you mess with Justin Johnson)  Also, really loved doing some sketch stuff at the LA Comedy Fest, busting guts and taking ID’s.

What was one of your favorite personal memories from this year?

Too many, too many, I mean, I’m pretty accomplished at this point.  Probably when I wrestled a bunch of buffalo up in Yellowstone.  There are pics to prove it on my Facebook page, most of you have already seen them because I have a lot of friends, but that’s just how I am.  In addition, you can keep up to date on all my personal happs at www.justinjohnson.com

What is something from pop culture (books, movies, songs, etc.) that inspired you in 2009?

I think Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” was a big inspiration.  He made a post hummus film that was pretty delicious.  In it I re-found my love of dance and extravagant stages.

Rigor Tortoise excluded, what was the best internet video you saw in 2009?

Greg Castle sent me this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=skCV2L0c6K0

Blew my mind off my head.

Also, I should give a shout out to this girl I met recently, Maria Blasucci.  Her and some friends, Amanda Lund and Andy DeYoung did a few videos that are pretty gnarly.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTykw5_AoZ0

Oh, and there’s this…www.youtube.com/watch?v=zouSojyIi94

Favorite mistake/lesson learned from 2009?

When you’re too hot, nobody wants to touch you, so you gotta cool down from time to time.  Also learned, don’t walk closely to a cactus.  Seriously.

Favorite Rigor Tortoise fan interaction from this year?

Flowers, punchbowls, parades.  That’s usually what we get after the shows.  But yo, this one goes out to all those people I don’t even know that say “good show!”  Those words are much appreciated, I dig it.  Can you? (dig it?)  Also, big fives go to Eric Yang for including us in his fave groups of 2009.  It was much appreciated.  Go dig that dude, now!

Favorite live show you saw in 2009?

Oh man.  Other than the Rigor Tortoise shows?  You know that group that performs with them, The Dollhouse, pretty good.  If I were a reasonable human being that enjoyed fun, I’d go see them both perform at iO West.   I go out to a lot of shows.  I’d probably say I saw a good Avett Brothers concert that really tore me to my emotional core.  I was digging it.

What are you most looking forward to in 2010?

More electricity, dynamicity, amazingicity, and more Nine…the film.  Also, Rigor Tortoise has some big plans in “The 10.”  So look forward to that.  If you thought we were pushing the boundaries of the FCC’s regulations and/or web content generation, get ready for what’s about to hit your face in “The 10.”  Also, just using the phrase, “The 10” a lot.

What two people would have to get together to create a baby like Rigor Tortoise?

I’d say probably The Dude of The Big Lebowski and Gale Weathers of Scream.  Also, Robert Duvall is involved somehow, but nobody knows how exactly. 

Favorite inspirational quote Ray-J gave you before a Rigor Tortoise show?

That’s a funny question.  Most people don’t know that Ray-J meets with Rigor Tortoise before the shows, but he does.  I think my favorite thing he told us was, “hey, at least you guys aren’t me.  Go have a good show!  And please…do it for the love of Ray-J.”