English artist Matthew Herbert has never been one to shy away from taking risks. He (also known as Herbert, Doctor Rockit, Radio Boy, Mr. Vertigo, Transformer, Wishmountain) constantly leaps at the chance to create works of individuality and distinctiveness. His body of work borders on the absurd, which is why we find him so endearing.
Herbert chose the distinguished path of making some truly definable records early on, his record Bodily Functions in 2001 setting him far apart from the rest of electronic artists. Having worked with such artists as Moloko, Bjork and even producing The Invisible’s debut album, this ain’t bad at all for a guy who started out in 1995 using a bag of crisps as an instrument.
The guy, who is now 38 years old, is a pioneer in the micro-house movement but even more so possesses a serious political agenda. Let’s not forget the huge controversy surrounding the One Pig record, which Herbert will release later this year.
Herbert has just released a new record titled One One, part one of an ongoing trilogy, which besides One Pig will also include One Club consisting completely of club sounds. Furthermore, he will soon release Recomposed by Matthew herbert – Mahler Symphony X, the follow-up to Moritz von Oswald and Carl Craig’s contribution to the Recomposed series from Deutsche Grammophon.
Matthew Herbert’s Big Band is making several appearances across Europe at the moment. You can find all dates here.
Take a peek at what baffles, perplexes and inspires Mr. Herbert.
1. What gets you going in the morning?
Small boys crying.
2. What five records would you take to a desert island?
Five copies of Keith Jarrett, The Melody at Night with You
3. What inspires you to create?
Mediocrity. Curiosity. Chomsky.
4. What book or piece of literature are you reading at the moment?
The Man in the Dark by Paul Auster
5. Favorite piece of literature and why?
Silence by John Cage.
6. Favorite club?
7. Which historical figure inspires you or would you like to meet?
8. List five movies that you couldn’t live without?
I could happily live without movies.
9. Favorite director or actor?
At the moment: Paul Thomas Anderson
10. Favorite piece of architecture or building?
Kings Hospital in Dulwich, London for keeping my boy alive.
11. Favorite combination of food or recipe?
The butter chicken at Tratorria Sostanza in Florence.
12. Favorite musical genre in the last 100 years and what would you mix it with if you could?
The Blues.
13. Favorite Internet site?
www.seat61.com
Invaluable when you’re trying to avoid flying
14. Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?
Regrettably, George Bush.
15. What is one record you should never be seen dancing to in a club?
Music by Madonna?
16. Favorite 5 music artists currently listening to?
Datsik. D Frost. Rowdy Superstar. Barbara Panther. James Holden
17. Favorite piece of art or artist and why?
I thought the recent Anish Kapoor exhibition at the RA had two incredible works in it.
18. Artist you’d most like to collaborate with?
Fred Astaire
19. One obscure band / artist you think should be more popular?
20. What’s your ringtone?
Tinkly
21. Do you have a favorite sauce?
The homemade piccalilli from the butcher at the Goods Shed in Canterbury.
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