ARTFORM

Hi buck, first of all, thanks for answering these questions. Any introduction?

I’m Buck. I’m 31 years old. I grew up in Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia. I have a degree in biology. I like French films and Russian literature. I’m a pisces. I prefer brunettes…

You´ve been making music a lot of years, how did all started?

When I was 13 or so, I started making little songs about girls I had crushes on in my school. It was my friend Bruce on drums, me rapping. It didn’t work. I didn’t get anywhere with the girls…

Vertex was some kind of revolution in underground hip hop. What does this album mean for you?

I have no memory of making Vertex, so in a sense, it doesn’t mean anything to me. But it’s still my favorite album. Maybe someone else made it…

Which do you think is your best effort till date?

I think my new album is my best work. But Vertex will always be my baby. I think it really captured a moment in time.

What about the Sebutones? You left us two albums and a lot of people are waiting for more. Will we see another Sebutones album in the future?

Sixtoo and I plan on starting some new work very soon. We’re both excited about it.

Some people were surprised when you signed to Warner Music because they considered you an underground artist. What do you think about this underground-mainstream stuff?

I don’t differentiate between indy, major, lo-fi, slick, whatever. I’m just interested in good music. Everyone should get their heads out of their asses and do the same.

You are now in a major label, you have a larger publicity but it seems that you keep doing what you feel. Are you as free as you want to create your music?

I’m free to do what I want, how I want. For me, the creative process remains the same. I wouldn’t have signed a deal if it were any other way…

Which equipment do you use to create your music?

I use an Emu sp1200, Logic software, a midi keyboard, a few old synths, this weird waldorf box that I don’t fully understand, and any instrument I can get my hands on.

Which artists are you feeling right now, hip hop and non hip hop? Which ones would you recommend?

Lately I like Smog, Bonnie Prince Billy, the first two White Stripes albums, Mazzy Star, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Satie, Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Emmitt Miller, early Ellington, Edan….that’s a start.

Let´s talk now about your new projects. The first will be "Talkin Honky Blues". You spent one year working on it, what can we expect from it?

The new album is very different. Very complex. Very musical. Quite pretty. Sorta ugly. Rather large. Cruel.

I listened to some excerpts from the album and although it sounds still dope it seems that is your "less hip hop album". Why is that? Are you trying to get the attention of a larger audience? Don´t you feel today´s hip hop?

I don’t think much when I make music. It’s always a reflection of my current influences and what’s going on in my life. But no, I don’t like any current hip hop. I’m over 30 now and it all sounds like kids music to me. It’s sad.

In January (I think) another project with you being a part of it will be released. A Dj Signify album with Sage Francis and you rhyming on it. How did you get involved in this album? Are Sage and you rhyming together or are you doing different tracks over Signify´s beats?

DJ Signify put the project together. Sage and I recorded separately. It’s very dark. Very ‘out there’. It’s Signify’s baby.

I read somewhere in the internet some rumours about some Sage-Buck 65 beef. Is this real?

Sage and I fight over who’s poorest. Sometimes over who’s dirtier. We’re both very stubborn.

While making "Talkin´Honky Blues" you were living in Paris and now you´re living in London, right? Why did you chose Europe to spent some time?

I find Europeans seem to care about music more. People are more open minded. I got called a ‘fag’ everywhere I went in America, so I ran away.

Have you ever been in Spain?

I haven’t been to Spain yet, but I can’t wait! I’ve got family there. I’m very anxious.

How is a normal day in the life of Buck 65?

I wake up. Eat. Read. Write. Get on a train or plane. Do a show. If I’m lucky – which I’m not – I kiss a girl. I go to sleep. Pretty dull.

Many people say that your production is great. I know words mean a lot for you. Have you ever considered doing an instrumental album?

I definitely plan on doing an instrumental album. Soon I hope. I always include instrumental songs on my albums. Sometimes I think instrumental music is best.

What do you think about people downloading your music from the internet?

I don’t really care. But I’ve never downloaded and I never will. I care about music too much. Plus, I really enjoy the hunt.

Some quick questions to finish. Favorite movie?

Les Enfants du Paradis

A book?

The Master and Margarita

Favorite food?

Italian

Drink?

Water

Well, thank you very much for this interview. Good luck with your new projects and we hope to see you soon performing here in Spain.

Thanks. I can’t wait to visit. I want to put Spain in my mouth.

FER