Podcast Summary: "Here I Go" – The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast

Release Date: November 25, 2024

In the episode titled "Here I Go," hosts Seth Meyers and The Lonely Island members—Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer—delve deep into the creation, impact, and legacy of their iconic SNL Digital Short, "Here I Go." This detailed discussion offers fans unprecedented insights into the behind-the-scenes process, creative collaborations, and the enduring influence of their work on both comedy and digital media.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with Seth Meyers humorously addressing the absence of Jorma Taccone, who is currently filming a movie in Finland. Despite his absence, Andy and Akiva assure listeners that they have ample content to discuss, highlighting their dedication to continuing the podcast even during Jorma's international commitments.

Notable Quote:

Seth Meyers [00:00]: "Minus Jorma, who's currently in Finland. And it's probably 6am in Finland right now... there's just a lot of promo going on for his movie he's shooting in Finland that nobody has to pay for."

2. The Genesis of "Here I Go"

Akiva Schaffer recounts the spontaneous decision to create a new digital short featuring Charlie XCX. Initially unplanned, the collaboration emerged when SNL announced Charlie's involvement as a musical guest and host. Recognizing Charlie's potential to elevate their content, Akiva reached out with the song concept.

Notable Quotes:

Akiva Schaffer [01:18]: "And we were off and running Shot back out of the cannon across the country there's been something on my mind for a long time A special passion of mine..."

Andy Samberg [03:32]: "Yeah. This isn't all Andy, though. I mean, I will say I got to... we gotta walk in, you know..."

3. Crafting the Song: Style and Composition

The trio discusses the musical style of "Here I Go," describing it as "retro funk pop" with influences from K-pop and contemporary pop elements. Akiva emphasizes the importance of making the song sound both nostalgic and fresh, blending traditional funk instrumentation with modern pop sensibilities.

Notable Quotes:

Akiva Schaffer [04:33]: "It's like retro funk pop."

Andy Samberg [04:56]: "But I would say that we steer. When we started working on it, Keeve, like, it was more that. And then we raised the tempo a ton..."

Akiva Schaffer [04:59]: "But it still holds on to that as its core genre, I would say, as a outside listener."

4. Collaborating with Charlie XCX

The decision to include Charlie XCX was pivotal. Akiva shares how Charlie's clarity and commitment transformed the project, allowing them to incorporate her character seamlessly into the song. The collaboration not only enhanced the comedic elements but also added a dynamic performance aspect to the digital short.

Notable Quotes:

Akiva Schaffer [01:52]: "She had clarity on it."

Andy Samberg [03:32]: "He was like, this is what I want, calling them bacon."

Akiva Schaffer [15:35]: "It was really nice to get to ask him. You know, I've been seeing Josty a lot coming back so much this season..."

5. Production Challenges and Solutions

The production of "Here I Go" was fraught with logistical challenges, including tight shooting schedules and last-minute creative decisions. Mike Diva, the director, played a crucial role in navigating these hurdles, ensuring that the shoot was both efficient and creatively fulfilling despite the chaos.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Diva [19:27]: "It's very cool."

Akiva Schaffer [22:07]: "There was a lot of debate about how high my shorts should be."

Mike Diva [20:14]: "We had to stop the noise. We're about to roll."

6. The Art of Editing and Post-Production

Editing "Here I Go" was an iterative and collaborative process. Seth, Andy, and Akiva discuss how laughter and real-time feedback were integral to refining the final product. The division of labor between core editing and adding creative touches ensured that the video maintained a cohesive comedic tone while incorporating intricate visual elements.

Notable Quotes:

Akiva Schaffer [42:16]: "No, we definitely laugh. That's how we gauge if we think it's working."

Andy Samberg [41:30]: "We got to double team it... making sure they're all really working."

7. Reception and Impact

"Here I Go" received an overwhelmingly positive response, with Seth highlighting how the combination of music and visuals amplified the comedic effect. The digital short not only entertained audiences but also reinforced The Lonely Island's reputation for innovative comedy-music hybrid content.

Notable Quotes:

Seth Meyers [07:00]: "I laughed the minute it started till the minute it ended."

Akiva Schaffer [07:25]: "We say, it's just pure chaos."

8. Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

The hosts share humorous behind-the-scenes stories, including mishaps during the shoot and playful interactions with cast members. These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and creative spontaneity that define their collaborative efforts.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Samberg [14:03]: "I bring in my bins faster now... little bags of dog shit."

Seth Meyers [32:00]: "He brought her a birthday present... an XXL white T-shirt with an airbrushed picture of my mom's face."

9. Reflections on SNL and Digital Media

The conversation concludes with reflections on the evolution of SNL and the pioneering role of digital shorts. The hosts acknowledge how their work with digital content not only entertained but also paved the way for platforms like YouTube to embrace comedy sketches, solidifying SNL's near-50-year legacy.

Notable Quotes:

Akiva Schaffer [09:54]: "It truly becomes a. It's like the anthem for... every single person I talk to grew up in a neighborhood..."

Seth Meyers [34:10]: "It's a movie by Jason Reitman... you really do need to see the movie Saturday night."

10. Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

As the episode wraps up, Seth, Andy, and Akiva express their enthusiasm for future projects and the continued collaboration with SNL. They tease upcoming topics, including plans to discuss "Daiquiri Girl," hinting at more creative digital shorts and engaging discussions in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes:

Seth Meyers [46:55]: "Someone commented... Lonely island starts filming videos again as soon as Yhorm leaves the country."

Akiva Schaffer [50:34]: "That's why it would be fucking hot tea, brother."

Conclusion

The "Here I Go" episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast serves as a comprehensive exploration of the creative process behind one of SNL's memorable digital shorts. Through candid conversations, humorous stories, and insightful reflections, the hosts celebrate their enduring partnership and the innovative spirit that continues to define their contributions to comedy and digital media.