Bandsplain MOVIE NIGHT: ‘Pavements’ With Hua Hsu, Plus an Interview With Director Alex Ross Perry
Jul 17, 2025
Hua Hsu, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Pavement enthusiast, joins director Alex Ross Perry to dive into the intriguing film 'Pavements.' They tackle whether it's a documentary or a biopic, exploring its unique blend of storytelling. Perry shares his thoughts on vocal fry and mythmaking in music narratives. The duo reflects on the evolution of Pavement's fandom, the emotional depths of live performances, and the complexities of accurately portraying iconic musicians. Their insights reveal the rich tapestry of music culture and personal connections.
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How I Found Pavement
- Hua Hsu says college radio and the song "Trigger Cut" radicalized him into indie fandom.
- He remembers that moment as when he finally felt he understood music.
The Pavement Binder Moment
- Hua Hsu describes putting a Pavement photo in his binder and showing it off to classmates.
- He admits using pretentious band references to impress a girl in French class.
Musical Made Lyrics Matter
- Hua Hsu says the Slanted! Enchanted musical made Pavement's lyrics feel sincere and narrative.
- He realized lines he thought were nonsense became deeply emotional when staged.
