“Ask the MLT” Episode 1 – Q&A
Questions answered in this video:
01:06 – Were you asked to come back to play at the Cavern Club?
01:54 – You should retake the Abbey Road picture + Photoshop skills
02:49 – What’s easier to learn, ukulele or guitar?
03:13 – Where was the first place you played in the USA + All about busking
06:19 – What guitar string gauges do you use?
07:24 – Where will you be in 10 years?
08:33 – Do companies send you instruments?
09:30 – Do you play drums on your own recordings?
10:03 – Would you cover “Dog & Butterfly” by Heart?
10:35 – Computer questions for Papa Rudi
13:34 – Would you consider developing a TV sitcom?
14:56 – What version inspired your “Tonight You Belong To Me”?
15:48 – How did you cast the guys for the “Questionable” music video?
16:55 – How many languages do you speak and when did you learn English?
19:00 – Fun Facts!
We’re changing things up …
The “Ask the MonaLisa Twins” Forum has been a part of the MLT Club ever since its inception back in late 2018.
We have answered roughly 700 questions there, and while we think (and hope) that our replies were interesting for some, we know that many of you didn’t have the time to click on and read through all written replies every single month.
On top of that, some questions (naturally) started to repeat themselves so we came up with a new idea …
From the year 2022 on, we will switch to video responses, and this is Episode 1! You will find all future episodes in the Q&A Section of the MLT Club.
That means that we will answer all questions in video format, which allows us to address every question “face to face”, add additional footage where helpful and make the whole experience more accessible to all MLT Club members.
That way we’re also able to answer more questions much faster, which will clear up some time for studio work and album progress. 🙂
The forum questions we have answered in the past will still stay in the MLT Club and will serve as an archive for those who are interested in digging a bit deeper and reading through our written responses.
Visit the archived forum here.
However, from now on we will provide a new form through which you can submit your questions, and we’ll try to film a new “episode” with them (roughly) every 2 months, alternated with themed Q&A videos , where we ask you to submit questions about a specific topic (like the ORANGE one we released recently).
From now on, you can submit your questions here.
The regular “Ask the MonaLisa Twins” series can be about anything, just like the forum questions used to be!
Thanks for all your questions and of course …
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
Mona and Lisa do you know the group Heart? Dog and Butterfly , I hope you will do a video with this beautiful song by Heart. I think you will love many others songs of them. Heart have many great songs. I have many of their albums. I saw them in concert two times. Merci pour vos reponses. Bonne journee.
I’m new here, but I love the idea of answering our questions on video. It’s so much nicer and friendlier than just a written statement. It’s kind of like a visit with the MonaLisa Twins!
Brilliant idea ..and thank you for answering my question …I loved the video answers and great to see your dad …the snails bit was my fave made me smile…but you both have a great sense of humour xxx
I loved seeing your Dad…and hearing about the snails! You’re not only entertaining but educational!
Dog & Butterfly
So, vinyl is over $100 US, plus delivery, so if you like it, maybe a Christmas gift?
here’s the YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y64rTtAjpRM
Enjoy
This was always my favorite song by Heart. I think Mona and Lisa would do a fantastic version of it and I hope they surprise us sometime with it.
The Q and A on video is a great idea!
To me, your accents are now mixed Austrian/Australian/British accents, and I think your accents are an asset – both talking and singing. I have a lot of trouble with a few British accents on British TV shows we watch, but I never had much trouble understanding you, even in your early videos. Your German language accent however is much harder for me to “hear”, perhaps because I have forgotten most of my HS German.
I also got a good laugh out of Lisa’s “not getting nuked” comment, maybe it could find its way into a song?
As a retired techie and a tech hobbyist, I liked Papa Rudi giving some tech answers. Perhaps more in the future? How about doing a video walk-through on the tech side of MLT.
I thought Questionable was good, but the “Wide Wide Land” video was ground breaking stuff. I know it was influenced my their late Grandmother’s life , who they dearly loved. But the song and video is a musical masterpiece and makes a real social statement
This new format for Ask MLT is wonderful. It makes the interaction with you so much more real and personable. I’ll never tire of seeing and listening to you both talk about yourselves and what you think about the world around you. And a real treat to get Papa Rudi to sit down and join you a bit! Please grab him AND Michaela whenever you can!
I have always dreamed of you doing a real life video series of your fun and clever activities. I couldn’t be happier to hear you say that you are considering doing more! Thanks and big hugs!
I always get a kick out of your videos like this one or WOTT …especially when you are looking at each other instead of the camera…as if whatever it is you’re saying needs approval or agreement from the other….I luvit ❤️…it was good to see Papa Rudi…I think he was a little camera shy or maybe didn’t want to get to technical about that storage capacity stuff….and I definitely think somebody should coax Michaela to step up in front of the camera ….she is an integral part of MLT and we all love her…we just don’t get to see her …except in that one video Baby Mine where she’s a maid dancing with the guitar…..I definitely enjoyed this new version of Ask MLT❤️????
That was very enjoyable, looking forward to the next one.
I like this new format! Looking forward to the next episodes! 🙂
Just a little side note on accents…
When I first listened to you speak, I couldn’t really figure out your accent (I am a German native speaker from Germany). I would have guessed you were French actually because I think Austrian is much more melodic than German German…
I have recently read a book by an American woman located in London and she code-switches between both language varieties in the book because both the US and the UK are like home to her. This struck me in such a positive way because as a learner of English, I have always felt I should not sound German and should stick to one native variety of English in order to be a good speaker. Now I have actually come to embrace the fact that my accent is not one or the other, but many different things that all reflect me.
I love the videos because we get to see your personalities and get to know you a little better by watching them. You guys are really neat, funny, charming people and that is what we see when we watch the videos. You being you! I can’t wait to see more videos of you.
I definitely like the video Q&A much better.
I was wondering if you could tell me what gave you the inspiration for the song “In it for love” I have grown to like that song very much and just kind of wondered how it came to be.
I love the new way of answering our questions! You gals are so much fun to watch and listen to! (Even with your accents lol) You both have such a wonderful sense of humor! “Trying not to get nuked” made me laugh out loud!
I can’t wait for the next video! Stay groovy!
Mona and Lisa, wow what a great idea! I love hearing you both talk, and Maddie loved the yellow worm and Mona’s story of the snail. Maddie loves animals to begin with so you and her have a lot in common! Lisa so funny about the fabric that you don’t touch with your hands, my daughter Adrienne is like that as well. ( Maddie’s mom ) But this is such a cool idea and hope it continues. I love all the questions from everyone. As always you both deliver the goods to us club members that no one else can do. So cool seeing pa pa Rudi and he looks great, and Happy Birthday to you my friend. I turn 64 this Thursday the 10th and the first thing I am going to do is play Mona and Lisa’s video of When I am 64, to me that it a great Birthday Present! And maybe in the future have Pa Rudi and Michalea come on and give us a fun fact about them?
Hugs and Love from Bill and Maddie Isenberg! Huge Fans from Pittsburgh PA USA
Dear Mona and Lisa what a fabulous time I’ve spent listening to you both answer questions. Lisa’s not liking some textures reminds me that I also have a weirdness in that I have to keep my fingernails short because if I feel my nails touching something hard like the table top it gives me the feeling of an electric shock going down my back.
Mona’s pet snails was not something I could have done. Anyway Mona have you considered those large African Land snails.
Once again thank you both so much for making music that I love to listen to.
I’d also like to send a belated big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Papa Rudi. He is the unsung hero in the MLT Club and we all owe him a lot of gratitude for his guiding hand in the background. He must surely feel really proud to have such wonderful daughters who clearly see him as a super hero and are such a credit to him. Have a drink on me!!
Oh I love this video. I see you are sitting on the “Here Comes the Sun” throw cushion I sent you for Christmas a few years ago. LOL. And the answers to the questions were all very fun to hear. I’m with you too about not getting nuked.
Yes! We love the cushion and it fits perfectly with the set 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the video!
The MonaLisa Triplets!
As usual, it’s so nice to have these visual interactions! And having Rudolf on is a treat.
I love the new color scheme, looks happy, lively and so MLT.
I don’t think the fabrics thing is that uncommon, I have an issue with wool, can’t ever wear it. Microfibers are a hit or miss, so 100% cotton is my preference, though it’s getting harder to find these days. Now, grandma to a snail, that’s… rare. What’s also rare is how you me me laugh.
As for Busking in Venice and Santa Monica in California now, you need a permit, similar to what you described for Vienna. Not that you’d want to go busking in Venice these says.
I agree with Michael Walker. I have had a Synology NAS for about 5 years now, without any issues (hear that? I’m knocking on wood). My requirements are much lower though, 30TB with about half used. I use Raid 5 which is the most space saving. I got it also when I got hacked and lost some drives, luckily I had all backed up so no loss of information, just the pain of rebuilding everything. Now I have 3 layers of routers (I stay away from Cisco) and firewalls for my network to hide behind, and no wi-fi for it. All wired, including laptops.
I didn’t grow up with Photoshop, had to learn it in my 30’s. The first computer I got my hands on, and my first try at programming was on an IBM like the one in the picture.
We’ve come a long way…
Thank you for the fun and informative time!
Twenty plus minutes listening to my favorites and their adorable Austrian accents, which I love and hope they never lose – what a wonderful treat! Never ceases to amaze me how talented and hard working and dedicated and beautiful inside-and-out you both are. I think if you made a Get Back style video as you are writing your new album, culminating in a live song at the Cavern, that video would be an all-time favorite. Thanks for being so thoughtful of your fans! You’re the best!
Hello Ladies!
What a fun and interesting “Ask the MonaLisa Twins ” video version .
This was so entertaining in so many levels.
I hope the beautiful Hoodies You both wore in Your Advent Calander didn’t cause and sensitivity issues for Lisa.
I like this Forum so much better.
And to get Papa Rudi in front of the camera was a great highlight for me.
Now we need a few questions for Michaela. She has been in front of the camera the least amount of anyone. We only get snippets of her talking from time to time.
My mom had a wooden spoon like Michaela had in Your Dumbo Song. Hers was Not used for cooking though. Punishment, and it Stung!!!.
Thanks Again Team MLT for a very Sucessful new Format.
Continued much success and all the best.
Rick
Richard, I also was the recipient of the business end of a wooden spoon???? many times. I agree it would be nice for some questions for Michaela. I found her to be very nice and kind to deal with in my orders and inquires to the club. Another classy person on Team MLT.
This was great! Funny, informative and classy as always. I am proud that one of my questions led to the final segment. It was great to see and hear Papa Rudi. A couple of quick observations:
1 – Lisa, your “touch” thing with fabrics makes you , well, weird!????. I am proud of you being willing to share it.
2 – Mona, being a snail great grandmother made me laugh out loud and somehow seems to fit you.
3 – it is stuff like 1&2 above that makes you more interesting. Your fans love this kind of stuff.
4 – DON’T EVER LOSE THOSE ACCENTS!!! Love the sound of them.
????
Thank you ladies for answering my question…Mona, you can keep those strings as close to the fretboard as you wish. The music that you produce is magic! Lisa, just like your outstanding solos, it is all about balance. Those subtle differences make you the unique people that you are.
It was great having Papa Rudi in the video. It is so easy to see that Mr. Wagner is a creative and kind soul. His influence is prevalent both in your music and your growth from infancy into adulthood. The love that he shows to you and vice-versa is always evident. I just saw in a previous comment that it is Rudi’s birthday, so please let me add a Happy Birthday to you.
Although I am from the U.S., I live less than two hours from Toronto, the biggest city in Canada. Busking there is considered both an art and and honor. The most select areas are at the subway stations of the Toronto Transit Commission. Each year there are competitive auditions for each designated spot, and the fortunate individuals are very talented individuals. There always an eclectic mix of music at the subway stations.
Thank you for this video. The format and content is both fun and informative.
TGIF! This new Q&A format is super. We can relate to “one nice room” in the house. The living room is always neat, but there is no need to open that door over there.
‘Your charming accents can be heard on certain syllables when you sing, but for the most part you both have excellent enunciation. Accents make us more unique. Traveling through the US, it seems like they change every few hundred miles.
As far as TV, that’s what a lot of these videos feel like. Hey, hey, hey everybody! It’s the Mona & Lisa show! Tune in today while Lisa and Mona answer their fan’s questions and don’t be surprised if they get some help from a special guest. That’s right, Papa Rudy is in the house!
Thanks for having us over for a Q&A visit. As always, you two are hilarious. We will be on the watch for your latest film,”Mona – Queen of the Snails”.
Marlo & JP
Heart, and other words with the ‘arr’ sound. ????☕️☕️
That was a fun Q&A, really enjoyed it.❤️????❤️
Happy Birthday Rudi
Okay Michael Walker, your turn, and you know he’s right. Everyone gives what you can. Great idea Michael!!!! Stay Groovy!!!
It’s so great to see papa Rudi in there! Thanks Rudi and happy Birthday by the way! I love the video Q&A’s! Much more fun.
HAVE A HEART! HEY EVERYBODY CHIP-IN AND HELP GET TEAM MLT A NEW NAS
Think of it as an opportunity, like the story of the good Samaritan. That can be you. Just guessing, we could probably use the donate button on the homepage and note what it’s for — why you’re donating funds. If you’re like me, MLT deserves the finest equipment to work with. Even though they could probably get by, let’s do something nice for them. It’s a chance, and they are grateful people when you do something nice for them.
Funny that fellow mentioned that Q&A. I had almost the exact same NAS problem and the worst feeling ever but fortunately had image backup turned on when it died so it wasn’t a total loss. It quit working from one moment to the next and no troubleshooting process would work. It’s a nice paperweight these days…
I stayed mechanical NAS to save money but changed manufacturers — and glad I did.
Synology NAS is the best mechanical type replacement worth looking into. It’s absolutely silent, free maximum information security built-in, comes with its own physical lock and optional glass display box, operating system, free cloud backup service through Amazon S3, you can scale up over 100TBs depending on RAID level. If you go RAID 1+0 stripe it has the most impressive read/write speeds.
The best-ever setup is to go same thing but all SSDs on a “virtual NAS” these days but it hasn’t been commonplace just yet enough for me to feel comfortable with changing over to it and loving the Synology for about 4 years now.
https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/RS4021xs+
That was great ladies. I may have said this somewhere else. With seeing Rudi on tape,
wouldn’t it be cool to have a Wagner Family Album Finished Time where all of you sit around and talk about what happed during the album and or filming? I think it would be hysterical for all four of you to just chill together, because quite frankly I don’t know how you do what you do every day with working and living together. I know how hard it is to have 2 families in one house, “during Covid”, wow I’m amazed that you can keep that up all these years. Anyway, Stay Groovy and keep that sense of humor. Oh, did you take the snails to a rescue place, or did you let them go?
That was educational, fun, and though I have no real techs arts when it comes the tech stuff like ” terabytes” , etc , it was awesome to have Papa Rudi come in and reply, though I still had/have no clue much of understanding all techy stuff….lol … the Interesting-Didnn’t Know Facts Segment was cool, learned loads, I enjoyed the whole video, love this new concept for ” Ask MLT ” , and look forward to future videos, again, for me being a Visual Learner/Person this concepts resonates much more effective to/for me, as I get a better sense , seeing your replies in person, grasping better understanding of the replies, Kudis to success of first episode of new “Ask MLT” Video Format and will there be a separate direct link tab to where you can submit as you did provide link in this posting but was wondering if you were planning on having that direct separate link-tab specifically added to the Club site or it will remain only in this posting !? Thankyou for doing this video, much enjoyed ????
Really happy to hear you want to focus on original music and shorten the time between those kind of albums. 😉
I love the psychedelic colors and background. Lots of great questions, could watch you both talk all evening as these Q and As are so fun. Wow, 100 Terabytes! I remember back in 1996, my first Windows 95 machine had a whopping 2.5GB hard drive, that was partitioned to 1G for the C drive, and 1.5G for data storage D drive, and I thought I had enough memory to last me a lifetime! LOL.
Have you watched Star Wars yet? Lol
What a wonderful and fun addition to the MLT Clubhouse! The energy and fun the two of you bring to your interactions is on full display. Thanks so much!
Thanks very much ladies
Well, that was fun! I would have never guessed about Mona’s snail breeding prowess! 😉
Looking forward to the next one. BTW – I do enjoy hearing a little German accent. It always brings a smile to my face as I am reminded of my cousins in Bayern. Have a great weekend!
Maybe a sit-com is to much of a time constraint. But you guys could maybe to a skit, and then do a song cos you guys are so funny. So glad Pa Rudy joined you, he’s fantastic behind the scenes. I hope you never completely lose your accents as they are so charming. Love the new format for Q&A. LuvYa Dbya, stay groovy, peace be.