Playground magazine

Why didn’t Chris Taylor participate in this record?

Because Chris was very busy doing CANT, which is the music project that he and I did. He was busy touring with that and working on the new Grizzly Bear record.

We were quite surprised with CANT’s beautiful debut album and also thought of it as if it were more of a collaborative album between you two. But at the same time he also produced “Forget”, so… do you both share the same musical ideas or you have different ones and they intertwine in the studio?

We have different music ideas. Chris and I worked well together and we love hanging out, it’s a nice feeling being around him.

Can we expect future collaborations between the two of you?

Yeah, I think so.

We really enjoyed the “At My Heels” movie. You are often compared with Morrissey and it is said there as a joke that you are more the “Bangladesh Bowie”. Who would you compare yourself to in a comical sense?

[Laughs] Roy Orbison… from the Moon!

Were you surprised when people started comparing you to Morrissey or is he one of your references?

You know, I like Morrissey, but I didn’t expect it, really.

Some time ago you posted a video on your website with a cool and crazy guy dancing with a fan, who you wanted for your next video. Did you manage to find him?

Yes, I did. I think he’s going to be in the next video for “Five Seconds”.

What are your ideas for this video?

Oh, I can’t tell you! [laughs]

You had this great idea of having a haircut tour. Was this sort of an excuse to constantly change your look or do you have a particular favourite haircut?

Mmm… it was just kind of a joke because I go and get my haircut done all of the time. It was to show all my different kinds of styles. I just hope my hair stays on my head long enough so I can keep doing different things. [Laughs]

Do you treat yourself with products so that this doesn’t happen?

No, I just pray. Every morning I wake up and pray to God it doesn’t fall out.

You’ve said you’re a little bit vain, which I find totally cool, but at the same time shocking. You know, many musicians complain about photo shoots and all this stuff and I see you as a guy who enjoys them. Is that correct?

Oh, I don’t know if I enjoy them, but I don’t mind doing them. You know, everything I do I take very seriously. I know it’s a thing that is important, so I take it seriously.

In your writing included in the “Confess” press release, you describe a really nice connection with your bike. Even in your new t-shirt you’re featured riding one. Do you now spend more time riding it to relax from the whole recording/promo/touring process?

Yeah, I rode it a lot during the recording process. I picked it up every morning. I’d go, then come back, then leave mid-day, back again, and then I’d ride at night. Now that I have finished the record, I still ride it every day. I’m looking at my bike right now!

Are you as big a fan of vintage motorcycles as you are of vintage music?

I like motorcycles better.

Really?! And could you tell me what motorcycles you like best?

All the old British stuff I like a lot right now. BSA, Triumph...

What would you rather spend your money on: your dream bike or a whole new wardrobe with great boots and jackets?

Oh, man, that’s tough! I don’t know, but look, I have my dream motorcycle already, a 1972 Bonneville Triumph; I’m all set. So I’d choose the clothes.