Performance artist Big Mike Geier opens the magical world of Puddles Pity Party for First City Fest.

Puddles is a little shy. A nearly 7-foot-tall clown from Atlanta, he is famous for his touring act Puddles Pity Party, and for his YouTube version of Lorde’s hit single “Royals,” sung in a stunning baritone, that has racked up more than 8 million views. His rendition of Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me” combines impressive comic timing with that awe-inspiring voice.

But Puddles doesn’t like to talk. So when I reached out to Puddles’ media handlers looking for an interview, they threw me a bone: I couldn’t talk to Puddles, but I could talk to Michael “Big Mike” Geier, an Atlanta musician and occasional composer for Adult Swim who was described to me as Puddles’ “right-hand man.” (Editor’s note: Big Mike actually is Puddles, but keeps the clown persona separate.) Fortunately, Big Mike is a good deal more talkative than Puddles.

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First off, I understand Puddles almost never talks. Do you know why that is?

Well, he’s never told me why. I think the world’s kind of noisy enough already. Possibly that could be it. I think he’s also just a little bit on the bashful side – just the bashful shy side.

How do you know each other?

Have you ever had a friend where you’ve known each other a long time, but you don’t see each other all the time?

And eventually you can remember when you think you first met, but then even that feels like it happened before then. The first time I can really recall vividly was about 1997 at a bar in Atlanta. He came in, sat at the bar, drank soda water, didn’t say anything. That memory sticks in my mind, but it could’ve been before that, because there’s long stretches where we don’t interact. I’ve got a couple of friends like that where I can’t remember when I actually met them; I feel like I’ve always known them.

How do you introduce yourself to someone like that?

Well, of course I noticed him – I wasn’t the only one – and I think it was just a recognition of each other’s presence. It wasn’t a how-do-you-do handshake. It was just sort of a little head nod that you’re there, and then over a period of time it was a very casual sort of slow introduction, then all of a sudden we’re two peas in a pod.

What makes Puddles happy?

“Happy” is a funny word because I think happy is good, but happy is almost a superficial sensation. I don’t think happy really happens. I think there are moments of contentment. When you say “happy,” there’s this idea of what happiness is, and when you look at something epic and beautiful, it takes your breath away, it’s a positive thing, but it can also stir up other kinds of emotions. It can be overwhelming, it can be scary, there could be a melancholy sort of quality to it. Imagine somebody looking at the ocean for the first time, or imagine the first time an astronaut goes into space. What would that feeling be like? It would be this great feeling, but I wouldn’t call it happy.

What kind of reactions does he hope to elicit from audiences?

I don’t think there’s an expectation. If you were to go through your day and you were to give everybody you meet the same chance, the same opportunity to interact with you no matter who they were – whether it was your boss, the guy at the coffee shop, the homeless guy on the street – not giving them that opportunity like you’re this great thing, but just giving everybody a fair shake…

There’s an excitement there, there’s a little bit of afraid, but it’s not a phobia thing. So let’s start fresh every time. I’ve never ever discussed this thing with Puddles before. There’s no questions. We don’t have that kind of relationship.

I’m a big fan of what Puddles is doing.

Make sure that you give him a hello. You seem like a nice guy. I think he would like to meet you. He’s a hugger, so be warned.

PUDDLES PITY PARTY performs various times this weekend on the Vaudeville Stage at First City Festival.