Mount Eerie interview...

Almost a year ago, I interviewed Phil Elverum via e-mail for a zine that I still have not put out yet (oof). I have mixed feelings about this interview/am mostly not pleased with it. Anyway, here it is:


How long have you been making music?

Since about 1993

What got you interested in creating your own music, or when exactly did you decide you were going to do The Microphones and why?

I started playing drums in a band when I was like 15. I started making my own tapes of recording experiments when I was 16 or 17 and started calling those tapes "The Microphones" when I was 17, I think. I don't really remember. There is no reason why. Just because.

Is there one group or performer you can specify as your biggest influence?

Probably overall the biggest influence has been Eric's Trip and that group of people, but it has been years since I've been really inspired by them. There are so many weird sounds.

Who or what would you say your influences are on a day to day basis? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I am compelled to keep working on all the millions of projects I create for myself. I don't know about influences. It all just comes out of me. I am productive. I feel like a rotting slug if I'm not producing something.

How do you feel about playing shows? Would you be content recording an album without having to attempt to recreate the songs live?

I never attempt to recreate the songs live. It's basically like 2 different bands. One is me sitting there singing and the other one is weird records.

Do you find that older songs are harder to play or have become slightly painful/embarrassing/less enjoyable to perform since you are not the same person you were when you wrote them?

Yes.

How would you describe the difference (if there is any) between The Microphones and Mt. Eerie?

There isn't any, besides just a chronological difference. I am a different person than 1999 Phil or 2001 Phil.

What is Mount Eerie to you right now?

It is always the same thing to me: a dark costume I get into to sing about weird unknown things.

How do you typically go about the writing/recording process?

It just happens. Songs come into my head. I think about them. I record sounds and listen to them and add and subtract and make a weird sound sculpture until it sounds like I want it to.

What makes you stick to recording analog and why do you think it's important?

I like it because it is flawed in beautiful ways. Also, these are the tools that I have. I do not think it's important. It is just tools. The result is the important thing.

I know "Black Wooden Ceiling Opening" just came out (Excellent by the way.) Is there anything else in the works?

I have so many things coming out. Too many to list here. They are listed on my website under "Upcoming" on the front page. [Note: Phil's website is located here.]

What exactly are you referring to in "A Show of Hands"? What is the "it"?

I'll never tell.

What is the meaning behind "Where Lies My Tarp?" (I'm just curious because my friends and I especially like this song.)

It's me being romantic like Peewee in Pee Wee's Big Adventure when he says "I'm a loner Dotty, a rebel." It's about wanting to go out alone instead of cuddle with a soft person.

Do you ever think you'd write the score for a film or work on the soundtrack?

Yes. I have done that. I'll do it more in the future.

What is The Glow to you?

It has been various things. At the moment it is not a symbol I'm thinking about lately.

What do you hope people will take away from your music (emotionally, spiritually, whatever else)?

I try not to think about how the songs will be taken. It is just disorienting.

When I say fuzzy dust bunnies, what do you immediately think of?

filth

- ALSO, on a completely unrelated note, I saw this ad on facebook yesterday. I just don't understand why the goat is reading a book...