10/29/2007
Hanging Out With Damo Suzuki: An Exclusive Interview
My introduction to Damo Suzuki was through the 1970's German Krautrock band Can. Hearing Ege Bamyasi for the first time was a formulative musical milestone. Whenever I listen to this album, I'm always satisfied by its liberal craftsmanship. Last week, West Philly promoter Ben Morgan brought Damo Suzuki to town for a couple of shows and I made certain to attend.
Damo played his first ever Philly show at the Rotunda with Bardo Pond. After sound check, he was cool enough to sit on a step outside and talk about something other than Can.
Emily: So Damo, I was checking out your website for Damo Suzuki's Networkand the layout is quite colorful. Color seems pretty important to you. Are you inspired by any painters?
Damo: Yeah, definitely. I find Casper David Frederich, who was an 19th century German painter, very special.
Casper David Frederich, Solitary Tree, 1821
Casper David Frederich, Fog, 1807
E: You once said "all things creative begin with zero." Do you find that too many bands today are born from a model rather than original inspiration?
D: You have to be yourself and not copy other people, otherwise it is a waste of time. Bands today belong to another world, and I'm not so interested in that anyway.
E: Fair enough. But do you think that to be great musically, you have to take risks with your compositions? Or is a reliable formula enough?
D: Formula's aren't cool. You have to just be yourself completely.
E: There has to be something other than music that you are passionate about, yes?
D: Cooking!
E: I knew you were gonna say that! What do you like to cook?
D: Everything. I like African food a lot. The materials are most important. I always use organic meat and vegetables and local foods when I can find them.
E: That is awesome Damo! Thanks so much for talking with me. Have a fun show!
D: Thank you.
Damo Suzuki and his Network have one show in New York at the Knitting Factory tonight before they head to Europe. Go check them out while they are in town.
Pick up some of Damo's newer work through his website.
Posted by Emily on 10/29/2007 10:49 AM in Experimental, Interview
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