GRAVITYLAND: As the sound guy, how much did you know about Gravityland during production? Did you know what you were getting into?

JON BRIGGS: No. I had absolutely no idea what this project was about. Truthfully, as of this writing, I still don’t know what it is about. I’m just along for the ride.GRAVITYLAND: Having released multiple death metal albums with The Sars, as well as other albums, at least one focused on old time banjo, you are a musician with a diverse background. For Gravityland, you wrote and produced Gabriella’s hit song “Monkey in the Middle.” What was the process like producing the pop song?

JON BRIGGS: Well, I was commissioned by [series creator] John Herman to write this song. He asked me to write a “pop song” and gave me some references/influences. Since I feel that most current “pop music” centers on aping other current popular trends, this is what I tried to accomplish. I listened to the hits of the past year or two and tried to do something similar, albeit with my own twist. I think for the most part, this song is pedestrian, but a couple of lyrics stand out (you know which ones).

GRAVITYLAND: Over the course of production, you had to point a microphone at many different actors. Who says the funniest things when they are not being recorded?

JON BRIGGS: It would be difficult to choose. The cast of Gravityland is a fecund field of comedic talent. Many of the actors are seasoned improvisational comedians. Pretty much everyone that I’ve been involved with in the cast is quite funny. If I had to pick, I would have to say Jake the Intern says the most ridiculous things out of anyone (even out-shadowing Brian Spielvogel).

GRAVITYLAND: How sore does one get carrying a boom microphone around?

JON BRIGGS: If the actors are good and consistent (like “One Take Buj”; they call him One Take Buj for a reason) the boom operator doesn’t get too sore. Other times, your back gets a-paining. It really is more exercise that I get in a given week, so I’m not complaining. My Traps are RIPPED!

GRAVITYLAND: What has been the best shoot so far? And why?

JON BRIGGS: Most of my life is about food, so it follows that the best Gravityland shoot would be the one with the best food. We’ve shot in many places including comic book shops and coffee shops (mostly coffee shops). I enjoyed the shoot at Crackskull’s Books in Newmarket, NH. They have tasty soups and lots of used CDs and books. Also, they have a banjo hanging on the wall.

GRAVITYLAND: Describe the typical Gravityland shoot.

JON BRIGGS: It is mostly shenanigans and hijinks. Occasionally, some work gets done. One gets very sore carrying the boom mic around. A lot of standing around and waiting for cars to drive by. One time, during a “fight scene” some lady in a car yelled at us to stop like she was trying to break up the fight. It was hilariously disruptive.

GRAVITYLAND: You are a chemist by day. What are you working on lately?

JON BRIGGS: Here are some links: Fulleranes produced via efficient polyamine hydrogenations of [60]fullerene, [70]fullerene and giant fullerenes by Jeremy Kintigh, Jonathan B. Briggs, Kristine Letourneau and Glen P. Miller; and “[60]Fullerene–acene chemistry: a review” by Jonathan B. Briggs and Glen P. Miller

GRAVITYLAND: Whoa.