Australian rocker and Goner Recordings artist Michael Beach makes his Dublin debut with a solo show on Saturday 2 August. He has just released his new album, Big Black Plume. We ask him the BIG questions...
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Tell us three things about yourself...
Born in California but live in Melbourne, where I run a studio and record music for people. Donostia, where I am now, is my version of heaven - music, good food and drink, and a warm ocean. But I'm also in love with the Irish coast, so I'm taking a couple of days off to explore after my show in Dublin. I also play in a band called Brain Drugs, who play synthesised early musics.
How would you describe your music?
Highly listenable.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Leah Senior, The Necks, Tropical F*** Storm, Simon Joyner, Ned Collette, Alastair Galbraith, Alice Coltrane, Amon Düül II, Ash Ra Temple, Augustus Pablo, Autechre, Bathory, Big Star, Bill Fay, Bill Nace, Bill Orcutt, Black Sabbath, Bonnie Mercer, Brian Eno, Can, Captain Beefheart, Catherine Ribiero, Charlie Megira, etc, etc, etc.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Huey Lewis and the News at The Cow Palace, Oakland. I sat on my dad's shoulders.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Pretty sure it was Al Green, Love and Happiness - 50c from a Santa Barbara op shop. Years later, I went to Royal Studios, where the album was recorded. Either Love and Happiness or Rory Gallagher's Irish Tour '74 - that was an early score!
What's your favourite song right now?
People Pleaser by Leah Senior. Gotta see it live 'cause it's not out for a couple months. Jesse Williams' solo is divine, especially when I've seen him play it on his Mosrite. New record comes out this summer, I think.
Favourite lyricist of all time?
Can't pick one. Simon Joyner, Ned Collette, Leah Senior, Gareth Liddiard, Patti Smith, Dylan, Cohen, Cale, blah, blah, blah.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
John Cage's 4'33.
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Where can people find your music/more information?
michaelbeach.org, michaelbeach.bandcamp.com.
Michael Beach plays Dublin's The Flowing Tide on Saturday 2 August. Support comes from Oh Boland.
