Steve Parry1. What three words would you use to describe your own music?
Honest. Abstract. Conscious.
2. What would you say has been the most interesting change in music over the last 50 years?
Technological developments have increased personal autonomy.
3. How have your feelings about music changed since you were a child?
Growing up in the Valleys of S. Wales music had been central to my childhood. I believe in terms of feelings about music, music remains constant, fundamental to consciousness. I cannot imagine life without music!
4. Do you think anyone has ever reacted to your music in the same way you react to it?
Music is a personal entity. People contact me with their perceptions about the music. Ultimately it is their interpretation and cannot have the same reaction as my own. However, I’m pleased when the music has a level of personal validity that they feel compelled to voice their feelings.
5. How do you approach live music differently from recorded music?
Live music and recorded music represent different challenges. The foundation and creation of recorded music is something that can evolve over a period of time, whereas live music is all about living within ‘the moment’ and basics of performance.
6. What has been one the most important non-musical influences for you as an artist?
Relationships, sharing time with people I love.
7. Where do you draw the line between music and non-music?
I don’t draw a line between music and non-music. All sound is music to my ears. The need to define music by putting sound into allegorical little boxes is purely to contain and restrain to provide analysis.
8. If people used music as currency, what would a large pizza cost?
I hate pizza! Music as currency – Hell, value is a subjective thing!
9. What is your most productive time of day for writing music?
By the light of the moon! I don’t have a specific productive time of day – every hour is potentially a creative time.
10. Please rank these four musical adjectives in terms of the importance you place on them:
a) provocative b) majestic c) memorable d) relatable
Hierarchy, all may be equally important.
11. What percentage of your musical ideas would you say end up coming to fruition?
I don’t know! I’m not in the habit of being analytical about the creative process and realisation.
12. What is the ideal circumstance for someone to hear your music?
In the instant before orgasm - STOP-PLAY! While riding a bike uphill! Hey – hopefully you’ll find the time.
13. Would you say that your most recent music represents more of a new direction for you, or a continued development of the same general aesthetic?
The latest music is a parallel of the same general aesthetic.