Hi John, how are you today?
Not bad, thanks. I hope all is well with you.
Your new solo album ‘Revise Your Maps’ has just been released in America under the moniker ‘Perhapst’ Why not use your own name and, why ‘Perhapst’ ?
It is just a personal preference for band names versus actual human names... 'Thin Lizzy' sounds better to me than 'Gary Moore', as far as records and performances are concerned. However, I am certainly not trying to get people to call me Perhapst in the course of an average day (like 'Prince' or 'Flea', for example). Ha.
This is you second solo album, are there any majors changes from you self tiled 2008 release in either the song writing style or instrumentation?
I was attempting to make this one a little more concise, and a little less layered... I doubt that I succeeded! Who knows?
Who design the album cover for ‘Revise Your Maps’?
I took the photo, and did the drawings associated with the cover. It was all put together with the expert assistance of Rob Jones at Jealous Butcher Records.
Being a member of the Decemberists and Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks amongst others, do you find working on a solo album relaxing or is it more intense?
I am just happy to get to do it. As much as I love playing with these fantastic songwriters, there is always an urge to try it myself. It has always been an intense interest, but I suppose I have lacked the confidence to pursue it with much vigor. I put a lot of energy into the creation, so I guess it is an intense experience.
As a drummer by trade, what is your drum maker of choice and has that changed over the years?
I play various vintage drum sets. Ludwig, Slingerland and Gretsch kits mostly. There are lots of good old drums out there to be had for a decent price. The old ones have a little more magic in them.
Do you like to prepare drums in a particular way to achieve a different or unique sound such as use of dampening or special tuning?
I'll try anything. I like moon gels, wadded tissue paper, tea towels, etcetera. Tuning and dampening drums( in my opinion) is so much based on the room or space they inhabit. I can get them all "dialed in" at my small rehearsal space, and take them across town to a larger theater where those previous adjustments no longer work. I just try to get them to sound good by whatever means necessary, wherever I am playing.
Do you employ a regular drum technician on tours?
I have never had an actual drum technician. I have had help on many tours with getting them set up so that they only need a few minor adjustments from me before they are ready to go. This is much appreciated as I chose a relatively involved and complicated instrument in terms of set-up. Should probably have selected the flute! Easy!
Do you play any other instruments?
I play most instruments on my record, except for the few guest performances; Guitar, bass, piano... Flute!
Would you ever like to play different genres of music such as jazz, dance or even timpani in a classical orchestra?
Not so much. I am very comfortable where I am. I like to listen to those styles, but I have no desire to try to play them.
Are there plans for any European live dates or release of the album?
No plans. This record is something I undertake with my own finances, and there is just not enough left over to pay a band to go overseas. There are very few live shows even here in the States. I would love to do more, if I could make the maths work out.
What do you listen to today from you music collection that still inspires you?
So much still inspires, it's hard to choose just a few! I love The Byrds, The Chills from New Zealand, Nina Simone, Bert Jansch always makes me cry (a good thing!), and Wizz Jones is one of my current favorites. I am not above singing along to a Bruno Mars single when my daughter puts on the radio, either
Perhapst is available via the itunes store.
Our review is HERE