JA: Did the whole band produce
the new record at your own Odditorium studio space, or
were you at the helm?
CTT: I write the songs, I have very specific emotional needs for the size and shape of the recordings; this makes me the producer. The band spend countless hours noodling, tweaking and jamming. Emotional needs resume control during mixing.
JA: Will selling half as many copies as Welcome to the Monkey House still make you more money?
CTT: I would like that. It feels like we’re going to sell more. The biggest thing about being completely independent is that we can make any film, music, graphic, or web thing and do what we want. We’ve become more specific about what we do, and for whom.
JA: Welcome to the Third World (on the new album) sounds like The Clash, Blondie, The Rolling Stones circa 1980 – in a good way. Intentional?
CTT: Definitely! In the way English bands find the New York sound:
The Stones on Some Girls, and
The Clash around Radio Clash.
We also found it.
JA: What would you say to Mick Jagger if you met him?
CTT: I know him a little. They’ve flown us out to play with them.
He griped about touring so hard. Last time, Keith Richards bogarted our joint and Fathead (drummer Brent de Boer) had to chase him
to the stage to get it back!
JA: Is the entire band involved in your new label Beat the World Records? Are you going to sign
and release other artists?
CTT: Yes and yes. We will put out Spindrift – fucking great band!
We also have a few Portland bands with amazing records that we’re gagging to release.
JA: What’s on the pod?
CTT: I listen to music before the advent of the “virtuoso performer”: pre-baroque or barock.
The arrangements are similar to The Warhols: revolving chord changes with subtle shifts in harmony and texture. The latest body of work I have is a collection of Tafelmusik by Johann Heinrich Schmeltzer. Henry VIII and Tomas luis de Victoria are two of my favourites! The 1500s: best century ever. I’d recommend The Sixteen with Harry Christophers, or anything by The Orlando Consort, my favourite band.
JA: Who writes your MySpace profiles? They’re a cack!
CTT: Richard K Morgan, an amazing sci-fi writer, he’s licensed a couple of his bazillion-selling novels to Warner Films.
JA: If John McCain wins the US election, will you just leave America?
CTT: No. If that creepy old man wins, it’s going to lead to a massive coronary. Look at the wear and tear being president dishes out!
Earth to The Dandy Warhols is available July 19 via Etch n Sketch/Inertia.
