The Numa Story: Interview with Gary Brolsma
James: What is "Numa Numa"?
Gary: "Numa Numa" itself stems from the Romanian lyrics of the chorus from the song "Dragostea Din Tei", by the band O-Zone. The actual video that used this song, was entitled the "Numa Numa Dance".
James: Tell me more about the Numa Numa Dance...
Gary: The Numa Numa Dance, was a flash animation video created by me, Gary Brolsma, on November of 2004. It was submitted to a online website called Newgrounds.com on December 2004. Moving forward two years later to September of 2006, the original Numa Numa Dance video has hit over 13 million views on Newgrounds.com alone, not to mention the other countless number of websites that it is now hosted on. It's been featured in multiple newspapers, television, radio, ABC Good Morning America, NBC, MSNBC, CBS, and even VH1's Best Week Ever. You can still watch the original today, by going over to Newgrounds.com.
James: What gave you the idea/concept for the video?
Gary: I've always have been a fan of making little video clips to entertain friends, by making mini-documentaries on stupid things, or just plain old goofing around. Honestly, the original Numa Numa Dance was exactly that. I'm just a regular guy that sits in front of his computer bored out of his mind messing around on the internet looking at funny videos and other websites to pass the time. The video was originally intended to make a few friends laugh by just goofing off. It only took one take and about 15 minutes to put all together. A lot of people ask me if I planned the video out or took multiple tries with it. The real answer is... no. A week or so after I finished the video, I decided to throw it up on Newgrounds.com just for the heck of it, thinking it would get blammed (automatically deleted for a low scoring video). Little did I know it would explode in the views, and would touch so many people.
James: Why the O-Zone song?
Gary: The song itself was pretty random, I found it in another (I believe it was Japanese) flash animation with cartoon cats, I don't know honestly... ha ha. From what I gathered, they are a Romanian pop band, now recently broken up. My video actually caused their album to go way up the charts over in their country and others. Lyrics are in the special version of the movie, and it's about a guy who loves a girl, but the girl doesn't want him anymore. There's nothing relevant in the lyrics in any way to the video.
James: What is "New Numa" all about?
Gary: "New Numa" or "Numa Numa 2" as some people like to call it, is exactly that, the sequel to the "Numa Numa Dance". The second video was recorded and produced by Gary Voelker and Andrew Lee of Seattle-based Experience Studios. The idea of "New Numa", was just a reaction to fans to give them something new from me, and to let them know I'm still around and doing well, and just overall conveying the message of fun and laughter. The base for creating the video was made possible by the Minnesota-based company, Jaeter Corporation, and both groups of people have been incredible to work with on this project. New Numa was released, September 8, 2006. You can view "New Numa" at any of these sites... NewNuma.com, Newgrounds.com, YouTube.com, StupidVideos.com.
James: What is the song in the New Numa video?
Gary: New Numa's song was specially created for me by Variety Beats, with vocals performed by Chad Russell, under the BeLive Productions record label. The song is in Russian with lyrics about a children's song about a hunter and a bunny, again, not directly relevant to what's actually happening in the video.
James: Where can I download a copy to my computer?
Gary: When I first made the video on my webcam, I converted it to SWF Flash format for Newgrounds. That file is the only file that exists of the original video. I do not have a "longer or higher quality" version of the file that I'm hiding from everyone.
James: Can you send me the songs? Where can I get them, I've been looking forever!
Gary: I'm afraid I can't legally give away the MP3 file of the song. O-zone's CD is not available for purchase in American stores, but it is available for purchase on NewNuma.com or the iTunes Music Store for all you iPod users out there. If your looking for the original, search for "dragostea", and if your looking for the new song, search for "new numa", or click here. If you want more information you can visit O-Zone's website.
James: Who are "The Nowadays"?
Gary: The Nowadays is the name of my rock band that was created with my close friends. I'm currently singer and keyboardist of the band, (a step away from lip-syncing, huh). We're all about making "epic" music that's a little different then the majority of music coming out today. We're currently unsigned and only have one track recorded, entitled "Motionless", which is available for listening on the band's MySpace page. You can also check out the band's website here. The band also appears throughout the "New Numa" video. Go check us out!
James: So what's this I'm hearing about a contest?
Gary: Well, I'm glad you asked. Our generous partners at NewNuma.com made it possible to offer a $45,000 Make-Your-Own-New-Numa Video Contest. It's going to be sponsored by WiresAreMessy.com and BelowFree.com, and will start September 22, 2006 and last until April 2007. The rules and more info are posted online at NewNuma.com.
James: Where can I get more information or chat with you online?
Gary: I'm currently running my MySpace page, where you can listen to the song, leave me messages or comments, and more. People have also started up Wikipedia entries on the whole Numa Numa craze, or you could always stop by the NewNuma.com Message Board, and ask me anything you'd like.
James: Any plans on another video?Gary: Not at the moment, but the world may never know.
For more information visit:
NewNuma MySpace page
Nowadays MySpace page
Nowadays Home page