Self Contained Music "Adventures in Lonerism" : Interview with R. Stevie Moore

photo by Max of NYC

Interview with R. Stevie Moore

12/21/2012

R. Stevie Moore is the perfect example of a "Self Contained Musician." Since 1968 he has released over 400 albums on LP, Cassete, CD, and now his bandcamp page. Most of those records are self produced with Moore playing most if not all of the instruments. He started the "R Stevie Moore Cassete Club" in the 80's and was also a pioneer in making music videos decades before the Youtube age. In February 2005, newspaper writer Tammy LaGorce praised Moore, dubbing him a "lo-fi legend" in the New York Times. He has collaborated with The Vaccines, MGMT, Jason Falkner, Ariel Pink, Dr. Dog, Eric Matthews, The Apples In Stereo, Lane Steinberg, Mike Watt , and many many more.

So it is very fitting that R. Stevie Moore is the first interview for Self Contained Music.

Enjoy!!!

Question 1

What led you to play most of the instruments yourself on your records?

R. Stevie Moore: As I often say, it's certainly not as unique or complicated as one might think. It just fell into place this way. I naturally chose this method for several obvious reasons: convenience, speed (no necessity of teaching parts in my head to others, or having to wait until they could master it), and simply because I could (switch instruments). I would almost always welcome anyone nearby to join in if desired, but most often, I just did it myself. Happenstance. Never did I strictly concentrate on resisting others' help. It just wasn't usually there, so why not just take it on alone?

Question 2
In what order do you usually record the instruments?

RSM: Not one preferred choice order, different songs have different methods. I have done it all ways. It doesn't matter which instruments come first, as long as the tempo to follow is there. Drums could come first, or last (in the early days).

Question 3
Do you have everything planned out in your head or do you just shoot from the hip when crafting an arrangement alone?

RSM: The latter. Some of the best arrangements are spontaneous, coming as the recording goes along. Inspiration inspires more inspiration. Rarely are things ever planned out in advance.

Question 4
What are some of your favorite one-man band albums?

RSM: The obvious, too many to mention. The best by Roy Wood, McCartney, Rundgren, Stevie Wonder, Dave Edmunds, even Tame Impala! ...

Question 5
How many instruments can you play in order based on proficiency?

RSM: No specific number. The basic lot, but no horns nor violins. Most proficient with bass, guitar & keyboards...

Question 6
What advice can you give the budding self-contained musician?

RSM: Not big on giving advice. Find your own way and stick to it. As in life. Too many people talk way too much about what they think others should or shouldn't do. Especially in this internet age.

Question 7
Whats next for R. Stevie Moore?

RSM: I’m not writing but am recording a new album every minute. Diversity or die. Also, many new deals releasing my old, huge back catalog, on vinyl and/or CD. I don't fancy writing new songs much anymore, much prefer sound painting... constantly jotting down clever texts, wordplay and bit poetry, to combine with new instrumental tracking and cut/paste mixjams. Random music interests me greatly.

Question 8
"Free Form" Whatever you want to say to our readers..

links
http://www.rsteviemoore.com
http://rsteviemoore.bandcamp.com