A quick QnA with Mike Fabulous, The Black Seeds guitarist who also claims production credits for their latest album 'Dust and Dirt'.  The band have spent the last couple of months touring the US and Europe and are currently on an album release tour of NZ.  

***

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Between 10am - 12pm, and 9 - 11pm.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Do you mean the way I dress? I have just this moment been described as raffishly eccentric.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Having the time to really roll with an idea when it first arrives, and spend a good 4 - 6 hours fleshing it out. I usually get on a real high when this happens, even if the song happens to be shit in the cold light of day.

How does your environment affect your work?

Hugely. I like a lot of privacy. If I feel like someone could be listening it really cramps my style, and I can’t work at all if I think I might be annoying someone nearby.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I think I’m probably a big picture type of person overall, but I think I’ve taught myself to be that way. The details do need to be focused on, but they don’t need to be perfect and 9 times out of 10 people won’t notice them specifically, but they will be affected by them.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Be nice. Work with nice people.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Probably my collaborative album with Lawrence Arabia, entitled Unlimited Buffet.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Purple.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I started playing in bands and recording them as a teenager, and I then I kept doing it.

Tell us a bit about your latest and upcoming projects.

Oooh. Just released Dust And Dirt, The Black Seeds latest album. I’m recording a second Lord Echo album (my solo project), then I go on tour with the Black Seeds in Australasia. Then I go meet my labels in Japan, Berlin and NY! And make some music over there for a bit. I’ve recorded second albums for The Yoots and Shogun Orchestra which I’ll mix while I’m there for release later in the year.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

Landscape gardener.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

The Beehive.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

Different types of music suit different listening environments, so I would say there’s no rule. I guess the thing that makes the biggest difference is the level of attention you give it.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A stick with a piece of string tied to it. Then I eat the fabric.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

These are the things that work for me : yoga, massage, sauna

What’s great about NZ Music Month?

The logo.

What’s your big idea for 2012?

My first time overseas - not being on tour!

***

The Black Seeds - Dust and Dirt NZ tour starts in Dunedin on May 24 and finishes in Wellington on June 3.
 
Facebook
Twitter