The mysteries and secrets of songwriting perplex me. Some songs just pop out all in one go like a really good poo and other have huge gestation periods until they eventually achieve their final form."
It's the strangest thing... every time I think about Gideon Conn, I envision him sailing on the breeze upon a multi-colored hounds-tooth kite, heading for the stratosphere. I have no idea why. It's just the first thing that pops into my head. Maybe it's a foreshadowing of his career to come because if you've ever seen him perform (you have haven't you?), you'll already know that Gideon is easily the most entertaining musician in Britain at the moment. What's not to love? He grooves a hip-hop/folk/pop mash-up, and his shows feature a bit of stand up comedy and audience participation that will always having you leaving with a smile. There's literally nothing to compare it to. And that tiny fact is what makes him so utterly unforgettable. Here, he talks to fuzznut about songwriting, a little art, and, um, poo.
strong>Fuzznut: I experienced something at your show that, as a fan of live music, I don't see too often. There's a humorous play between you and the audience; they aren't just spectators, it's like they're part of the show. Is this something you've intentionally tried to work on over the years? Is it important for you to engage your audience?
GC: Hi Geoff - interacting with the audience is an important part of my performances. It's not something I plan for or practice, just a little ingenuous patter that helps myself and the audience get involved in the songs.
Fuzznut: You're not just a musician, you're also an artist whose works has been exhibited. How intertwined are the two? Do you see your art and music as being separate, or do they both lead to a common goal?
GC: The link between my art and music is my lifestyle. That is to say that I enjoy what I do.
I write a song when I'm feeling one and do drawings when I'm in the mood. They both contain elements of social commentary.
I like it when the two combine in an event. later on this year I'm doing an instore at urban outfitters and they've asked me if i'd like to display some art as well - I said yes, that would be great!
Fuzznut: What gets your juices flowing? What inspires your music and art?
GC: Excitement, frustration, sentiment. These are the tools I use as a song writer.
As an artist I use focus, patience and speed of movement. I love drawing really good buildings and traffic lights with people waiting to cross.
Fuzznut: There's something I find interesting about your songwriting. On one end of the spectrum, you've written some very introspective stuff like 'Inside' and 'Deep Down'. On the other, some really funny, quirky, and light-hearted songs like 'Electricity' and 'The Man Who Sells Fish'. Is the subject matter of your songs dictated by what sort of mood you're in at the time when you write them? Or is it something else?
There's no clear cut answer to your question. The mysteries and secrets of song writing perplex me. Harnessing inspiration is a hard thing to pinpoint. I try to make sure that each song has an identity and unique characteristics. My songs are about a wide variety of things because they're a reflection of life in general and mine in particular. A few topics are recurring such as love, humanitarianism and fish. I always think there's a song for every occasion. Of course some of them are rubbish and no one ever hears them. Some songs just pop out all in one go like a really good poo and other have huge gestation periods until they eventually achieve them final form
Fuzznut: Your single 'I want you around' has got some pretty good support from the likes of Xfm and BBC radio1. When they first started playing it, did they drop you a sneaky email saying "you should probably have a listen in tonight"? Or were you just sat at home one night folding your socks and all of a sudden you realize "hey, they're playing my single"?
GC: I hardly ever listen to radio, but I started getting reports from friend who were very excited when my tune popped up.
Fuzznut: I live in Los Angeles and having been to Britain recently to watch a few gigs, I can definitely see a difference in the fans. I think UK show-goers are far more adventurous as to the type of music that they allow to flourish where as Americans, as a whole, are more closed off and go for what's popular. Any thoughts on that? Has coming over to the states ever crossed your mind?
GC: I don't know anything about American audiences cos I've never been there. I would like to come and play there at some stage
Fuzznut: What are you listening to at the moment? How do you find new music to listen to?
GC: I get all my cds from charity shop. Its like a lucky dip and I can afford to buy them cos they peak at three pounds. Recently I got a Black Grape album which I love and one by Peter Bjorn and John which is also great ( it doesnt sound like Young Folks - more Beatles-y) and Louis Jordan.
Gideon Conn has just finished up three sets at Glastonbury and a short tour opening for Jason Mraz and he's got upcoming shows at the Latitude Festival, Camp Bestival, and the Bestival festival. For more information/songs/news, hit up his myspace page.
Photography courtesy of Jack Ladenburg.
Permalink to 'Interview: Gideon Conn'
