What are you doing at this very moment [besides this interview]?
At the moment, I’m wearing cat ears and a tail- shortly after a couple girls I know drew whiskers on my face- and I’m passing out candy to swarms of kids at Pacific Lutheran University. I regret not saving some snickers for myself.
So you are from Seattle or was it Bellingham? What’s the music scene like there?
I’m actually from a small town close to Olympia but I managed to escape and ended up between Tacoma and Seattle. Bellingham is one of my favorite places to hide and get away from life. As far as the music scene, I’m probably one of the worst people to ask. I’m a hermit and poor, so I hardly go out as it is. I’m aware that ODESZA Came out of Western Washington University in Bellingham and this amazing band led by my friend Hunter Lane, called Robots vs Ghosts is from Olympia. There’s also this one guy named Caleb Yi who goes by the name Dali Sojourner who is an extremely talented singer song writer. But as far as a music scene, I’m out of any sort of loop.
Favourite food and drink?
I’m a huge fan of food that is made by someone else that’s home cooked and free. Seriously. Shouts to Taylor for the stew last night.
Favorite drink is definitely Amp Energy because I’m healthy like that. And black as hell coffee.
What DAW do you use? Favorite plugins?
You’re going to hate me but I use Ableton live 9 and I’m actually really technologically lazy, so I just use all the stock plug-ins. Nothing fancy as my music probably implies. I should probably update it.
Why do you produce and what keeps you going?
(Oh man. Loaded question I’ll try not to sound pompous about in my response) I have a really hard time articulating myself. Words fail me to no end. A lot of the music I make is for someone in particular at the time of its creation and it’s my way of spilling my guts out and saying all the things words can’t. Some songs like the stuff off my Dose Dumper EP are made for a girl I’m crazy about. Some music like Gradually then Suddenly, although obviously made for you guys, started off as a thank you to the person who has kept me particularly sane lately. I suppose that’s what keeps me going too because I’ll never actually say these things to the people I make the songs about.
Most inspiring moment so far on this musical journey?
The most inspiring moment in my life w/r/t music is the time I went to see Sigur Ròs in Portland. It was like a profound religious experience. People were open mouthed in awe. People broke down in tears. People danced and held hands and kissed. I’d never seen anything like it before. And that’s all I strive for in music. We all left that amphitheater as changed people.
Thoughts on the law of attraction?
Hmm. I mean considering its origin in the teachings of philosopher/mesmerist/ healer/ (let’s face it) quack, Phineas Quimby, I’d like to say it’s a great way to get vulnerable mindsets to disregard intuition and “hope for the best.” I mean, he didn’t coin the phrase- Helena Blavatsky did in 1877- but he pretty much had a pseudo cult following that turned into the New Thought movement. Then, opportunists like Prentice Mulford and Ralph Trine came in and boldly stated it extended to all facets of one’s life. I’m all for optimism and positive thinking, if only to not drive myself into a terrible depression. But one cannot logically think that if you think hard enough about something, they’ll get it.
Favourite food for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!?
My knees go weak for breakfast sandwiches. Perfection is croissants with bacon, egg and cheese. And pizza. These two things can support life on Mars in my opinion.
Who are some up and coming producers that we should check out?
From my limited knowledge of other people, I’d look out for Sage/Astral from Toronto. | Run C.T. | Golden Bowl of Snailsnap Collective. | OSHIRIJIMA | Mad Animals | Sue Avenue | Apraxs | Pacific patterns
What four songs have been the most influential to where you’ve gotten to today?
Damn that’s tough to answer. I’d say “flowers for a lady” by Charles Mingus. “Tapestry of an asteroid” by sun ra. “To here knows when” by My Bloody Valentine and “Saeglopur” by Sigur Ros.
What is in store for us to look forward to?
Right now I’m currently killing myself making music to a video game being developed by my friend Nina Davis and her team of talented individuals. Which is way out of my norm. Then I’m releasing the last few songs for DOSE DUMPER. But what I really can’t wait to get out there is a 4 track tape of songs I made out of suicide hotline conversations and field recordings.
Thanks again to Phuture and everyone who supports bandapears. Special thanks to kyleigh, Michael and kittanya..
Love.
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