Do you ever feel like song writing is helpful in regaining a sense of control over a situation which would otherwise feel out of control? Why/Why not?
Penning thoughts and things into a pad is certainly a release of the otherwise sweltering mind that I carry around. This is also great for the accounting of your thoughts. Some situations require utmost concentration, as opposed to wailing a Dionne Warwick number in your head.
To what extent do you think a musician has control over his or her creative output? Does a song happen spontaneously, or can it be made to happen?
There’s a plethora of artists who are pressured and made to write songs or perform.
I guess this ties in with the first question, as people have lesser control over their art when these things come into account. For me, writing a song is definitely spontaneous, however, there’s usually a dwelled upon concept behind it.
Should a musician’s performance contain an element of control? Why/why not?
As far as skill, and execution of medium (instruments, larynx, turntables), I feel this is very necessary. It’s common sense. There’s is also an aspect that should be completely out of ctrl, this leads to experimentation and further, progression.
Do you think it’s fair that a record label exerts control over a musicians material if they’re (the record label) financing the musicians creative process?
Sure. It’s an investment, and foremost a buisness. One of the highest grossing industries in the last forty years is records. I’ve analysed this big grey area for a few years now, and it seems ‘labels’ can’t sell units as well as the past due to free-source information (Online etc.) What was a bustling trade, where bald obese men in suits can eat lunch at the finest in town, suck back a Cuban, and rake a few bills in, is now a field of dandelion where anything can happen, and usually does. In the late 80’s, an inquisitive hacker named Kevin Mitnick delved head on into a free-source information renegade. He was jailed for this, and now works at the CIA as one of the highest expertise they merit. This is a funny link to the music industry, as major ‘labels’ have less and less control, less consumers and more overheads. On the contrary, there’s countless artists blossoming from the bed of the interweb, (Atlas sound etc.) on next to no budget, through a wonderful concept, free-source information. There’s no possible way to police this, some may profit, but for the all round well-being of musicians and music appreciators, it’s a win. FREE KEVIN.
In what kind of situation do you feel like a loss of control is more important than being in control?
I feel some things should not take a constant conscience, for instance; dancing, sex, swimming, meditation, golf. Making love to your girl is not like driving a manual with a cigarette. Physical control is essential in executing day to day activities, one, so you can get it done right, and two, so you don’t hurt yourself, ha.
Mental control is imperative in not being taken to the funny farm. It takes a few parts reality, one part ambition and a hint of opportunity to pretty quickly realise that there’s more to life than this.
Do you believe that the role of the government and police is more one of control than of protection? Or are they two sides of the same coin?
It’s the same thing, right? Liberal v Labor, Democrat v Republican. They are all in this together. The only difference is either side has a different face, so the masses think they really have a say. There’s so many topics and tangents from this subject e.g.: Illuminate, World Trade Centre, New World Order.. Fluoride.. that I won’t preach on, but think about this;
If the ‘police’ presence helps the world sleep at night, I’m sure they won’t have any problem being controlled.
Do you think that people as a group, subconsciously prefer to be controlled rather than be completely autonomous? Why/why not?
Human nature, I think, is designed (with the instinct) to seek freedom. Whatever form; religion, drugs, commune etc. The subconscious is a powerful force, I would even go as far to say that I don’t think a lot of people can tell the difference (i.e conscious). Many aspects cause us to ‘escape’ whether it be circumstance, financial situation; However, there’s a hell of a lot of folk that don’t mind the simple life. They must have very vivid and awake subconscious. As far as autonomy goes, it’s entirely up to the individual. Some don’t have or want the capabilities to think for themselves. These people commonly take form in bassists ;P x
What are your thoughts on music censorship? Should the government have any control at all over what kind of music people can or can’t listen to?
Content, definitely. There’s a fair and fine line between Zac Delahoya screaming ‘Fuck you I won’t do what you tell me’ into a angsty teen’s ear in his mid 90’s bedroom, and deep gangster rhymes that promote hate, death and misogyny. It’s also up to the individual, but that’s also where curiosity comes into play. Pure self-exposition. As for authority on what one should listen to, from a governing body, is outlandish. There’s again, no way to police such things as long as the resources are still available to share it.
