How do you think your live performances fare when compared to your recorded material?
live is better. you're in the room where the sounds are actually being made. so it's likely to sound more impactful and possibly be exciting on an interactive level. live sounds offer more for the senses. we're hoping that's the experience people have, at least.:)
How were you exposed to the music that has most influenced to you?
the beatle's records leftover from my dad's collection were big. I grew up on top 40 radio (michael jackson, devo, madonna). my first cassette was psychedelic furs 'midnight to midnight'; my second was beastie boys 'license to ill'. I really loved runDMC 'Tougher Then Leather' and LL Kool J 'Bad'. when high school came I was getting into U2 and classic rock. now I like everything. pretty much.
What do you feel was your greatest success with Pleasure?
getting it started! I had put off doing a 'for real' solo outing for several years. it was liberating. I now believe I can go down into my basement and do art whenever I want. and that's empowering.
What approach do you take to writing your music?
think of hook. or key phrase. or feeling. work in beat. write words down. don't look at them again.:) synth bass. etc. finish words. sometimes the process is completely in reverse (finish words first).
Do you ever make an attempt work specific elements into your writing?
generally I work off of 'feelings' and use the words or music to discover what those feelings are and how I'm responding to them.
Does being from Portland change the way you write your music, do you think?
yes. it helps me try a little harder to stretch creatively. portland has alot of variety. alot of very good artists. you aren't penalized for being different, so I find it to be a good atmosphere for innovation.
What drives you to make music?
self discovery---and the desire to be the center of attention for a few minutes.:)