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100 Musicians Answer the Same 10 Questions

Part Forty-Five: Tobin Sprout

instigated by dave heaton

Tobin Sprout's years in Guided by Voices may have forever marked him as second-banana to that band's mainman, but everyone really knows that his songs, with GBV and without, are in their own way just as lasting and rewarding. He has a unique melodic sense and lyric-writing ability; his songs sneak up on you and stay forever. His albums – Lost Planets & Phantom Voices, Moonflower Plastic, and others – each offer distinct pleasures; they're accessible yet mysterious. For more information check out his website. And of course, he's also an accomplished artist, who has his own gallery, Petrified Fish.

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What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?

That I've been away from it for a while. I'm really excitied about getting back to work on the next album.

What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?

The wires, the set up, the machines that don't work when I need them to.

I just finished doing a couple art shows and now plan to work on an album. I will be recording all winter and plan to have a few things ready for the summer of 07

What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?

When I was in Fig.4 we played an arena and were booked to play after the Ohio Players. The place was packed, but as soon as the Ohio Players were finished it emptyed out. We played to about 10 people in the largest venue I had ever played in at that time. It was very intimidating but we just went with it. It looked good on the poster, as if the Ohio Players opened for us.

What are you up to right now, music-wise? (Current or upcoming recordings, tours, extravaganzas, experiments, top-secret projects, etc).

In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?

I don't know that it matters, I use to think it did but I think It just comes down to staying excited about writing. And that comes from inside.

When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?

I just wrote a song on the piano. I like it , it has rolling notes that flow from one chord to the next. Its very beautiful. The words are nice too. I'm thinking of trying it with drums.

As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?

I don't seek out music like I use to, but lately I've really liked Kings of Leon and Czars. I like getting excited about new bands, because it makes me want to write.

Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different from yours?)

I been hearing some music from the 40s that my Dad has,big band, Frank Sinatra. It really is amazing, the pure sounds of the recordings, just one vocal, no overdubs or effects. The songs are all well written, every note and word means something. It has changed me.

Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?

Harry Nilsson, I wish I could sing like him. He had a great voice. The Moonbeam song is one of my favorite.

What's the saddest song you've ever heard?

"First of May" by the BEE GEE"S It is the most beautiful song I've ever heard. It makes me feel good to feel sad.

To check out the rest of the Q&As, click here.


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