Q&A With Collin Herring
By: Music Staff |
Saturday September 10, 2005 |
| Collin Herring took some time out to answer questions poised to him by the music staff of Static. Collin's album, "The Other Side of Kindness," is out now on Gravestone Picnic. |
| Collin Herring took some time out to answer questions poised to him by
the music staff of Static. Collin's album, "The Other Side of Kindness,"
is out now on Gravestone Picnic. Be sure to check out his website www.collinherring.com for more information.
What's the last song that flat-out scared you? I like track 1 on Richard Buckner's new CD Dents and Shells. I love the percussion and the tribalness along with the great moody lyrics. I'm really into zombie movies right now, and this song would be really cool on a soundtrack. What was the worst show you ever played, and why? Funny how your new "worst show" is just around the corner. You just try to make the best of it and do what you can to get through the performance and just tune out everything bothersome. We did this show in Maypearl, Texas through our old booking agent at a venue that didn't serve beer, but there was sawdust on the floor. How weird is that? And then on top of that, there was a cowboy heckler who had spurs on...who wears spurs out to a club on Saturday night? At the time, we had this outspoken drummer who finally told the guy, "Hey buddy, we're working here. I don't come to your work and knock the fries out of your hand." There was that one moment of, we're all gonna die so we better get the hell out of here. Fortunately, the crowd had a sense of humor, and the show went great after that. What will you do immediately after completing this interview? I'm getting a haircut. Coke or Pepsi? Coors What song are you most proud of on this album? Why? One of my favorite songs is "Aphorism" because the way the song evolved in the studio was a surprise even to me. And it went from a song that I didn't really dig playing to one that I look forward to playing during our live shows. What artists have you discovered in the last 6-12 months and how has their work influenced yours? I rediscovered John Prine because of all the publicity surrounding his new album Fair and Square. That reminded me to go back and listen to earlier records that my Dad owned. His first album is the one that always blows me away. "So many times that the memories are worn." What other creative mediums would you ever care to dabble in? Why? At my Dad's piano shop there's all these old player piano parts, like old gearing, tubing, sprockets and cool wood stuff. I think it would be cool to use a bunch of wood glue and nails to create a wooden sculpture with old gearing and stuff on it. Michael Jackson - pedophile or misunderstood eccentric? Are you serious? I don't even know. Every scenario is so twisted. Maybe Michael really thinks he's 11 years old. It's all dark. There's no way to know and I don't think we ever will. What would you like to come back as in a later life? Probably my girlfriend's dog. That dog gets to do whatever. I would definitely be more housetrained than him, though. What was your first live performance like? I was so nervous. Back when I was in school I used to hate getting up in front of a bunch of people. It's like 'how am I going to do this?' My biggest performance was to friends in my living room late at night. Surprisingly, my first actual club show went great. I guess it is more natural for some to sing a story than tell it. I still get jittery but not near as bad as I used to. Some people get it worse than others. I probably fall somewhere in the middle. Whose phone number would you most like? I don't know. Just have them call me. What's your favorite sandwich? This sandwich shop in Durango, Colorado, called Stone House has these incredible homemade meatball subs. So good. As a kid, like 5-12 years old, what music did you listen to? When I was 5 years old I listened to whatever my parents or my brother were listening to. These cute girls across the street got me into Madonna. I just went along with it until I found out I might get my ass kicked at school for listening to this. But I don't care anymore. I talk about Madonna in one of my songs, but I'm referring to a different Madonna. Name something non-musical (e.g. book, person, building, animal) that has inspired or influenced you. I guess my inspiration comes in many different fragments and forms. Just being outside. Living for myself and just taking it easy. Sometimes inspiration doesn't come from anything but a bunch of old notes with words that mean nothing to me. Do you download music without paying for it? I'm very bad with computers. Once you download it, where does it go? Favorite recreational tour stop...? I like to stop at this place called Style Station. It's this old gas station turned into a clothing store on the way to Austin. If you ever go, make sure to ask Art what he thinks about Bush. Got any pets...? I do. I adopted this cat named Weldon. We've got this love hate relationship. He stays out of my way and I stay out of his way. He's crazy and will bite you. What other artists are you currently listening to...? Josh Rouse, Spoon, Kathleen Edwards, just whatever. What's the best thing about being a musician...? Meeting other musicians. Recently in L.A. we got to eat dinner with Lucinda Williams. She is soooo nice. And no, I'm not name dropping. If you could go back in time and give Elvis Presley one piece of advice, what would it be? Elvis, you're really great, but you look like shit. Lay off the Krispy Kremes. What's the most truly subversive piece of music you know? Probably anything Woody Guthrie. In what country are your albums selling very well that might surprise the average American listener? The Netherlands. I can't wait to go tour there. Prior to becoming a full-time musician, what did you do for a living? I worked at this cool record store in Durango. I worked at a coffee house. Museums. I get bored easily I guess. Hope a future employer isn't reading. Who is the best rock group/rap group/pop group/musical artist in the world right now (excluding yourself/your band)? I'm really behind. My favorite rock band is Centro-matic. If you get a chance to see them, go. It's incredible. What summer film are you most eager to see? I'm eager to see the new Willie Wonka. I don't think you can beat the old one. |
