(this interview is unedited ‘cause I’ve gots to keep it real)
1. What was growing up like for you?
Growing up for me was much like any other kid, I think. I lived in Edmonton and was a pretty average kid. I went to school, enjoyed sports, played video games... it wasn't until much later in my childhood that I discovered that I was the symbiotic host for a trans-dimensional, extra-terrestrial being who calls himself Doctor Sung. It was a pretty huge shock, but it explained most of the long periods where I'd black out and wake up to find myself behind a keyboard wearing a pylonic mask and spandex suit.
2. When did music enter your life?
I've always had a passion for music, but I didn't play music for a long time. I guess I was a bit of a late bloomer. I didn't start playing music until about 5 years ago when I picked up the drums in high school. A couple years after that I started up with piano, and now I'm very involved with both instruments. Doctor Sung, however, invented groove, so that part of me has been involved with music for millennia.
3. There aren't too many bands that openly claim to be from outer space, besides GWAR, what's the appeal of having elaborate alter egos?
Though I'm not consciously a part of Tupper Ware Remix Party and have never technically seen them live, I think that I understand the appeal of their space-get-ups and space-personalities. When people see a band that is seemingly from outerspace and dressed up like TWRP is, it really breaks down barriers with the crowd, and they throw their inhibitions to the wind. I think that is a big asset for a band whose purpose is to get people to dance and have fun.
4. You go by Doctor Sung in Tupperware, where did this character come from? any sci-fi influences… or influence of any other form for that matter?
In this dimension, my symbiotic partner chose to name himself Doctor Sung, after a Chinese doctor from a communist pamphlet. He believed that it was suiting, because he wanted to bring the power of the funk to the people. Havve Hogan realized himself during an 11 day peyote binge and Stone LaChismo was a former porn star and professional wrestler before his conscription into the annals of musical history...
5. How did it all start with Tupperware, did you guys just know each other and decide to make some music?
Two words: The Bible
But seriously, we found a burning outhouse in rural Manitoba, which was actually their trans-dimensional space capsule. Check our myspace pictures...
6. Besides keys for this band, you also play drums for Gamma Gamma Rays – can you distinguish a preference between the two?
I have a lot of fun playing with Gamma Gamma Rays - I've been playing with Mark and Scott pretty much since I first started playing drums. It's something that is very organic and we write by just jamming it out. But Doctor Sung also has a whole lot of fun playing with Tupper Ware Remix Party - I imagine it's hard not to, considering the ridiculous nature of the music they play, and the way they dress and act. Both bands are extremely fun.
7. I've found the quality of your Tupperware Remix Party recordings exceptional for what you'd except from an indie side-project, where and how did your guys' record your CD?
Tupper Ware Remix Party actually recorded the "Sex Is A Machine That Likes To Dance EP" only a few months after they crash landed on Earth. They recorded live with local wizard and modern gentleman Andrew Wiseman in his old basement studio and it turned out great.
8. What's your most fun show to date in whichever band?
My intrinsic emotional connection with Doctor Sung tells me that the most fun ever was TWRP's first show... it was a sketchy set at a small place in Cole Harbour, and there were probably 15 people there, but all 15 minds were blown. The reaction was super encouraging, and it just felt right.
9. Are there any bands/artists you dream to play with some day?
Metallica.
And Daft Punk.
And the Starland Vocal Band.
10. Who's the most exciting band you've shared the stage with?
Tupper Ware Remix Party playing with Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees and You Say Party! We Say Die! was super exciting. I wish I could have seen it.
11. You've done some touring with Gamma Gamma Rays, what makes you happy to come back to your hometown?
Well see that's the thing, I actually haven't done any real touring. We've played a number of out of town shows, but haven't yet done a full out tour. That will likely be rectified this summer, in conjunction with the completion of our next release.
12. What keeps you busy when you're not making music?
Tinkering with aeroplanes, making homemade sausage and counting particles of dust. Also video games, socialism, friends, girls, and NSCC.
13. Your taste in music must be pretty eclectic, are there any records that really stand out for you, that you keep coming back to after months or even years?
For serious, the album that means more to me than anything is The Shape Of Punk To Come by Refused. The mix of extreme politics, crazy musicianship, electronica and the conviction of hardcore punk was absolutely mind blowing to me. It changed my life and made me want to make a difference. It's also because of Refused that I started playing music in the first place. I also once had a Daft Punk-induced epiphany a couple years ago, so I'd say their album Discovery is very special to me too.
14. Do you plan to stay put in Nova Scotia for a while or would you like to be somewhere else?
That's a bit of a conundrum. Nova Scotia is so small, yet is so fertile with great music. Because of that, musicians and the like are always bumping into eachother unexpectedly, making it a really tight knit community. I think it's a great place to start out, but I could see myself going elsewhere with bands when the time is right.
15. What can we expect from Gamma Gamma Rays and Tupperware Remix Party in the near future?
Well, both Gamma Gamma Rays and Tupper Ware Remix Party have recently undergone kickass line-up changes, which means both bands will be recording again very soon. In fact GGR just received a grant to record a full length, which is very exciting. TWRP will also be recording again soon with Andrew Wiseman... word also has it that he has been experiencing the same black outs that I experience, coming-to with a guitar in his hands and a spandex jumpsuit on...
Definitely awesome things are afoot though, so I suggest that everyone keep up to date with our websites for news and songs and pictures and the like:
www.myspace.com/tupperwareremixparty and www.myspace.com/gammagammarays
Big thanks to Jorin for taking the time for some great answers!
No comments:
Post a Comment