stubbadub

Exclusive to stubbadub! A short Q&A with Bar McKinnon:

What music had you been listening to while putting together Umlaut?

I was listening to Jennifer Gentle, Animal Collective, Dillinger Escape plan, The Blood Brothers, Cocteau Twins, Aphex Twin, Deerhoof, and Fleet Foxes

Are you ever suprised by the people who show up to your gigs? What kinds of people do you think Umlaut would appeal to?

No, not really surprised. They’re usually kinda nerdy types, (kinda like myself..!)but i am surprised when females are in attendance (..should i admit this..??!?)I think Umlaut should appeal to anybody with hungry ears, an open mind and a love of melody.

Your ideal gig would consist of which band mates? (dead or alive)

My ideal gig would be a goddamn Bungle reunion! 

Do you ever miss Mr Bungle? What were the dynamics of a band of musical geniuses?

Obviously i miss that band because it was the single most visionary, talented group of musicians i’ve ever been lucky enough to play with..

The dynamic was pretty simple. Everbody wrote tunes and brought them to the table. Ideas were thrown around freely, suggestions, improvements made with no ego interference..
Then there were also roles specific to our instruments. Patton was usually the alpha male but Trey could hold his own and throw his weight around as well too. So there was a bit of head-butting but the best interests of the music were always served.

I guess i have my doubts about as to whether it would ever happen or not. This might just be self-preservation so i don’t waste time hoping for the impossible. And no, i haven’t brought it up when last speaking with those guys recently. Everybody just seems to have too many other things going on at the moment to be bothered. But i wouldn’t necessarily rule it out either. (It’s too easy to be a naysayer).

Thanks heaps to Gerry for her work putting this interview together and of course thanks to Bar for taking the time to answer the questions.