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Intro:
As a solo artist, Robyn Hitchcock has been extremely prolific since the early 1980's; releasing over 20 records. From the early eighties up until the early 1990's he would be backed on most records by The Egyptians-which featured two ex-Soft Boys-Morris Windsor and Andy Metcalfe. To American audiences he may be best known for a few alternative hits with them like "Balloon Man" and "So You Think You're In Love" from the late 1980's. But his impressive output continues today, with his latest Spooked emerging as one of the best records of the past year. He has also collaborated with artists like Captain Sensible, Glenn Tilbrook and Peter Buck among many others. Although some detractors may have been put off by some songs that feature bizarre subject matter, true music fans need only to listen to pure pop treasures like "Flesh No#1 (Beatle Dennis)" and "Airscape" to be enticed into Hitchcock's world, sometimes never to return. Even if you have never heard his music, you may have seen him-Robyn recently had a small role in The Manchurian Candidate (go for popcorn at the start and you'll miss it!). But Robyn was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule for this recent chat with Earcandy.
E.C.: How and when did you first start playing music? Robyn Hitchcock: 1967, my parents gave me a guitar for my 14th birthday. I didn’t know how to tune it for six months. But it didn’t matter as the strings were pretty quiet and I was playing along to records. E.C.: What bands/artists did you listen to when you were growing up? Robyn Hitchcock: The Beatles, Bob Davenport & The Rakes, The Clancy Brothers, Lonnie Donegan, Bill Haley, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Joan Baez, Frank Purslow & John Pearce, Incredible String Band, Bert Jansch, Bob Dylan, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Buddy Holly, The Watersons and The Troggs. E.C.: Were The Soft Boys your first band? Robyn Hitchcock: First to make a record. E.C.: What recording session with The Soft Boys was the most enjoyable for you? Robyn Hitchcock: Underwater Moonlight. E.C.: What was one of the more memorable shows you played with The Soft Boys? Robyn Hitchcock: The first show with Matthew Seligman at the Great Northern in 1979. The second show at Maxwell’s in 1980. E.C.: Were you disappointed that the recent reunion was somewhat short-lived? Robyn Hitchcock: No, it went on quite long enough for me. But the live reunion shows were much more fun than back in the old days. E.C.: What was the largest audience you have played for as a solo artist? Robyn Hitchcock: Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians sold out The Ritz in New York (2000 capacity) in 1992 when “So You Think You’re In Love” was on the radio a lot. Completely solo around 600 during the same period. E.C.: What record as a solo artist was the most satisfying for you to create? Robyn Hitchcock: The “Jewels For Sophia/Star For Bram” sessions with Jon Brion and Grant-Lee Phillips in LA. The Young Fresh Fellows and Peter Buck in Seattle. Also Kimberly Rew and Tim Keegan in London in 1997-1999. E.C.: Can you explain how the songwriting process works for you? Robyn Hitchcock: I start with a song title and the song unfurls from there. E.C.: What current artists/bands would you like to collaborate with in the future? Robyn Hitchcock: Right now I’m writing with Andy Partridge. I’d love to have Tanya Donnelly sing on something. I’m also hoping to get a backing track from Johnny Marr. Nick Lowe and I talk about it sometimes. We do a great version of “Blue Moon Of Kentucky.” E.C.: What shows as a solo artist sticks out in your head-good and bad? Robyn Hitchcock: One of the best was in Winnipeg in 2002. One of the worst was in Vancouver Island in 1994. Go Canada! E.C.: Are you pleased with the music world’s reaction to your latest record Spooked? Robyn Hitchcock: It was almost as good as the record itself. E.C.: What is your favorite song on that record? Robyn Hitchcock: “Sometimes A Blonde.” E.C.: Would you ever consider reforming The Egyptians and touring? Robyn Hitchcock: I don’t think so. E.C.: Are their any plans to record (live or studio) with the band you are touring with now? Robyn Hitchcock: We’ve recorded some songs in Seattle and hope to do more at the end of the next tours. E.C.: Movie audiences recently saw you in a small role in The Manchurian Candidate-do you have any more upcoming acting projects? Robyn Hitchcock: I’ll ask Jonathan Demme. But he’s not making movies at the moment. E.C.: What current bands or artists playing today are you impressed by? Robyn Hitchcock: Traif De Haidouks are amazing live. Fiona Apple is very intense. A real Medusa if you get to see her onstage. Franz Ferdinand are a great Scottish rock band. I don’t listen to record much now. E.C.: Are there any plans to reissue some of your out of print back catalogue like Globe Of Frogs on CD? Robyn Hitchcock: We’re investigating that. E.C.: What activities keep you occupied when you’re not involved with music? Robyn Hitchcock: Administration, buying food. Answering emails and hanging out with fellow humans. E.C.: What upcoming recording and touring plans are in the works for you? Robyn Hitchcock: Touring the UK late January with The Minus 5- Scott McCaughey, Bill Rieflin, and Peter Buck. Then we’re touring the West Coast next month where they are joined by John Ramberg and become The Minus 5. If we’re lucky we’ll go to Japan later in the year. E.C.: Thank you for your time Robyn! Robyn Hitchcock: You are very welcome.
EAR CANDY:
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Right: Robyn Hitchcock (Photo by Michele Noach)