John Maus interview

[pelleasetmelisande]

Yeah, Eugenia, thanks for finding that Impose video! -- nice to hear (though I guess maybe "comforting" is a better word) that someone as skilled as Maus has a similar experience of working on music and experiencing the "death sentence," of looking and there being nothing there. I make music, too (terribly, maybe), and this past weekend I wanted to throw my computer through a wall, trying to stupidly make any sort of sense out of the chaotic mess of layers I had just attempted. I mean, I don't know if anyone else experiences this when listening to WMBtPCoO, but, it's so SEAMLESS and sleek, he makes it sound so easy -- though I KNOW there's been a struggle to create it, I can't HEAR it. Though, especially through headphones, you CAN hear how meticulously layered and intensive and rhythmically perfected it all is. I'd be interested to know which song was the most difficult to perfect... was there a particular section on a particular song that he spent weeks working on? "We Can Break Though" sounds hard as fuck to get right, for example. Is the struggle what matters most in the creation of art, or even in pop music? Does being prolific assume some sort of ease that's immediately suspicious because there's seemingly been no struggle, no labor? This might be my problem with some kinds of current visual art... but maybe I don't have the right to have a problem with it because I don't make visual art? This might be a process vs. product-type discussion. But, in the end, I guess the real truth of the matter is this:

"Most people, I get the impression, I could be wrong, they smoke dope and make beats"

LOLZ.

Thanks, btw, to Smetnjak for popping on here: it's really nice to meet you. THANK you for such a long, considerate interview.

There's really so much more I'd like to discuss, topic-wise, based on some of the stuff brought up in that interview, but no way do I want to clog up the board any further.

[ricky]

Interview of John Maus at Impose.tv: https://vimeo.com/49532262

That's the show I went to! One of the most exciting nights of this year so far.

[LadyLazarus]

There's really so much more I'd like to discuss, topic-wise, based on some of the stuff brought up in that interview, but no way do I want to clog up the board any further.

Please do initiate discussion, P&M! That's why we're all here, afterall, and you always make very good points. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts.

Interview of John Maus at Impose.tv: https://vimeo.com/49532262

That's the show I went to! One of the most exciting nights of this year so far.

How cool. Likewise I count The Scala show as the defining moment of 2012 for me.
I love your new avatar, too.

Just got a jolt of excitement at the fact that John is talking about working on THE NEW RECORD in that interview. This will be the first time I've had the opportunity to follow the press as it comes out. Much to anticipate and look forward to (for however long it takes)!

[ricky]

Thanks! I found that photo on the Impose website. Not sure if you noticed, but that's me extending my arm towards John. And I think we'll be waiting at least 2-3 years for anything new from him.

[LadyLazarus]

Uggh. Don't say it! Although I am optimistically hoping that he pops out for the odd gig even if he hasn't got a new record yet.

[Smetnjak]

[possiblegrenade]

Oddly enough, the first time I listened through We Must Become..., I got pulled over for making a right turn on red when there was a sign not to. After receiving a warning, I pulled away and Cop Killer came on. It was a delightful coincidence.

[PaulPettinger]

I think we'll be waiting at least 2-3 years for anything new from him.

It's been less than two weeks since I heard my first Maus track, and I've already bought all four of his albums currently available. Disappointing we may have to wait such a long time for his next album, but if it means it might be half as good as Pitiless then it will be worth it.

[LadyLazarus]

Do you have the unreleased demos as well, PP(I Want to Live, Love Letters from Hell, Snowless Winters, Demos 2011), or the extra Rarities tracks John uploaded for us here a few months back? They are pure gold, in my opinion, and must be heard. Will tide you over for a while yet before the new album is finished, too.

[ricky]

I think we'll be waiting at least 2-3 years for anything new from him.

It's been less than two weeks since I heard my first Maus track, and I've already bought all four of his albums currently available. Disappointing we may have to wait such a long time for his next album, but if it means it might be half as good as Pitiless then it will be worth it.

He mentioned in an interview that at his most "prolific" point in his career he was making about a song per month, but it seems he is going at a slower rate now. I don't mind waiting 2, 5 or even 10 years because I can always go back to Songs, Love Is Real, WMB, etc. and still be completely content with his music.

[PaulPettinger]

Do you have the unreleased demos as well, PP(I Want to Live, Love Letters from Hell, Snowless Winters, Demos 2011), or the extra Rarities tracks John uploaded for us here a few months back? They are pure gold, in my opinion, and must be heard. Will tide you over for a while yet before the new album is finished, too.

Thank you so much LL - I didn't know any of these were available. I have found links to downloads of 'Demos 2011' and '... Rough Trade' by searching through the forum (would much rather be paying for hard copies Maus management), but no links that work for the other suggestions. If anyone knows where we can still download 'I can I Want to Live', 'Love Letters from Hell' and 'Snowless Winter' then I'd be very grateful for any pointers. Rough Trade's fascinating.

[PaulPettinger]

P.S. For those behind me on the Maus curve, please find below download links that worked at the time of posting for:

‘Demos 2011’ at http://www.mediafire.com/?enbwxmi4m74fzer
‘John Maus mix for Rough Trade’ at http://www.mediafire.com/?k756l4n686fyhui

[LadyLazarus]

If anyone knows where we can still download 'I can I Want to Live', 'Love Letters from Hell' and 'Snowless Winter' then I'd be very grateful for any pointers. Rough Trade's fascinating.

Check your inbox, Mr. P!

[dean]

You are not Paul Pettinger, goalkeeper are you?

[PaulPettinger]

You are not Paul Pettinger, goalkeeper are you?

Fraid not, and I am not the Paul Pettinger convicted of negligent manslaughter in 2001 either! Are you a fan of the one of his former teams?