YOUR QUESTION:

10/03/2019 13:49:09 Jo

From the songs that you wrote for Bungle and Madlove, it would appear that you love words and language as much as music. Given that, I'm curious how you feel about artists who place words/lyrics right in the foreground, and where the music is very much secondary to the poetry or comedy of the lyrics? I'm thinking of artists like Kate Tempest, or comedians like Flight of the Conchords, for example. Do you enjoy stuff like that, or is it not really your thing?

MY ANSWER:

Much like a previous question about the utilities of music I think that words can function the same way. Whether it’s poetry, politics or comedy, words have their role. How that role is balanced with music is the prerogative of the artist, comedian or activist, etc. I’m not so familiar with Tempest but I have enjoyed some FOTC and I appreciate the true musicality that goes along with that comedy. In fact, I think they balance it quite well and the jokes wouldn’t work if they weren’t skilled musicians/songwriters. I can appreciate dadaist poetry as much as a good murder ballad. There is storytelling in both; there is communication. I think there is plenty of music for me to enjoy that is instrumental or wordless and I am always open to alternate experiences.