Dont know if it was pulished so enjoy
Best R.
What’s going on with you these days Mr. Sonic?
Not much really I’ve been on the road a lot until now so I’m finally getting back into studio mode which means an unfortunate amount of sitting alone, looking at various screens. Computer screens, MPC screens, Window Screens, Screening calls, Screens that go in Pipes all types of screens, basically.
I saw you at trans-musicals by your self a few years back and then with Aesop in London last year, both were very different shows. Can you tell me the difference in going from your own shows and then to touring with someone in a sort of back up role as opposed to your own set.
Well basically it’s just the preparation that’s the difference. With Aes the majority of the people are there to see him or “us” not me so it’s important that there is chemistry that’s maintained so that the entire show jells and comes off fluid. You don’t want people feeling like what the fuck! That guy is totally mucking up my Aesop experience or what have you.
It’s more work in that respect but essentially is an easier show if that makes any sense? Ultimately when it’s just you, it’s just you. It really helps when your voice is shot or you’re tired, an hour of rapping by yourself can get pretty taxing believe it or not.
Surely there are a lot of people there to see you as well when your with Aesop Rock. Do you ever get people less than pleased that you’re not doing your own set? I for one thought you were opening the night London.....
No if it’s booked correctly there should be no confusion about that, Sorry? Ha
You’re a pretty big guy not unlike myself and I remember a very inebriated Fan jumping on stage during the London show and thinking what I would do if that happened. Do you guys ever get into scuffles over that stuff?
No for the most part it doesn’t get to that point… sometimes people get unruly and you kind of have to expect that it may get ugly but no I usually just say “get off of here man we are working”. I don’t remember that guy but it happens a lot with our shows. I don’t really know why, I guess people just get into it and want to be part of it.
Half the time they don’t know why either, it’s a deer in head lights thing, like look it might seem like a good idea before you jump into some ones show but its not.
So let’s talk about your music for those that don’t know, Telicatessen and Sabotage Gi’gante had very heavy political almost Anti-American undertones to them. How do you feel about the upcoming election and how the outcome might change that running theme and your music in general?
You know what? I’m surprised I haven’t been asked about this more or at all for that matter. First off I never really said anything “Anti-American” I do use the general climate of the place I live as my focal point in my writing and I live in America and it’s been steadily getting harder to live in America so I guess that’s what people get out of my records. I love this country but I just may not be able to relate to the people running it.
As for the upcoming election I’m kind of scared and excited. I hope that we’ve had enough of the Bush’s and Cheney’s and at that there are enough of us out there that at the very least see a change as a step in the right direction. That said I’m not sure it’s going to happen. I’m a little bit disillusioned at this point and not sure if Obama will win but if he does I’ll feel like we got something going on.
That said I would not want that Job… Our economy is dead, ....Iraq.... seems like it’s there for ever. It’s not going to be easy for who ever wins really. I guess I kind of feel like we are The Exxon Valdese, we already wrecked and it’s going to take a long time to clean it up. Oh and oil has a lot to do with it.
My music is undergoing a change but it really has very little to do with that I’ve learned a lot since my last record with close to hundred shows in a year and half under my belt and am always trying to be progressive with it so I’m sure its going to evolve.
I am by no means living an easy life so I’m sure my music will reflect that, which is kind of what I always felt people might have confused with the heavy political undertones but I am taking a much broader approach to my next record.
And when we might hear it?
I’m only 2 or 3 songs in so not for a while but what I have been working on will be worth it you’ll just have to trust me.
And it’ll be Def Jux?
I’m not sure, I have to talk to them, they have a lot on their plate coming up and I’m not that far in to mine yet but that’s my people so we are always in touch and if everybody’s happy then everybody’s happy.
What’s your favorite shoe?
Actually I’m a Nike guy but I’ve been Rock E’ S skate shoes a ton lately they are comfortable as hell and fly too.
Whose music are you feeling right now?
Hmm, Cage’s new shit. Kanye’s record seems cool, oh and this project Aes and I are working on called, “Hail Mary Mallon” ha ha
Can you tell us about this project?....
Not really. But it’s good ha ha, sorry basically we’ve been talking about working on something for a long time and we finally started it.
That sounds interesting, anything else you’d like let us in on?
No that’s about it; I’ll see you out on the road and keep an eye/ear out for details on my musics as they develop, be safe and thank you.
Cheers.
Rob Sonic Sabotage Gigante out now on Definitive Jux Records.
www.definitivejux.net
www.myspace.com/robsonic1