interview: Telekinesis

I adore Michael Benjamin Lerner. He has a cool name, makes infectiously delicious music and is one of the happiest people I've ever met. His enthusiasm for music and life is just refreshing. I had the chance to ask him a few questions, so read on.

Telekinesis, is, for the most part, a one man act. You write and play all of the music yourself on record, and are joined by Chris (guitar), David (guitar) and Jonie (bass) when you tour. Is there a reason you choose to play drums when you perform live?

Yeah! It really comes down to the drums being where I feel most comfortable in a live environment. I’ve also been playing the drums for a much longer time then guitar or bass, so it just feels natural, plus it’s a really fun challenge every night. I’ve got to remember to breathe, and pace myself, and it’s also great because it lets me be able to play drums every night, as well as sing. I love playing the drums. Maybe in the future, it won’t be like that, but for the time being, it’s just what feels right.

What inspired you to make music? Have you been a musician since childhood or did you just up and decide one day that you wanted to be a musician?

My father was a DJ on the radio here in Seattle for 30 years, so I grew up listening to music, and can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t been listening to records and going to see shows. I think that was what really was the catalyst for me.

You come from Seattle, a place with a history of great musicians. Are there any particular names, famous or unknown, that you’d like to share as particularly poignant?

Pearl Jam is one of those bands that continue to amaze me. They’ve braved the grunge scene, and are still continuing to make records that are amazing, and challenging. I’m in love with that band.

Chris Walla produced your record. How in the world did you manage that? Are you planning on working with him in the future?

Yeah, hopefully! I met Chris through Jason McGerr (who plays drums in Death Cab for Cutie). Jason has been a dear friend for a long time now. Chris actually found the music on my myspace, and sent me a message one day saying he had enjoyed listening to it. I was flattered, but thought nothing of it. Well, a few weeks later we’re backstage after a Death Cab show, and he’s asking whether he can make my record. It was all pretty surreal, for sure.

You sing that you only go to Tokyo in your dreams. Do you ever really want to go there?

I would absolutely love to go there. I think it’s one of those places that wouldn’t let me down. It just looks so completely different to anything I’ve ever experienced before, traveling. I really hope to go there someday.

You have an incredible ear for happy melodies. Have you studied music?

Thanks very much! I studied recording, but not music theory or anything. I think it was all of the records I listened to at an early age. The Beatles, and The Kinks, and Donovan, and the Zombies. All bands that wrote amazing melodies.

Did someone really tell you that you are an awkward kisser? Are your lyrics fictitious or are they more like a journal? Henrietta, Colleen, are these real people?

Ha! No one actually ever said that to me, I think it’s just me thinking that in my head. I’m a bit of a worrywort…Most of the lyrics or pretty personal, like Henrietta is a real person that I had a huge crush on in Liverpool, England. It’s hard for me to write about anything other then what’s happening in my life, I reckon.

What is the composition process like?

It’s very much studio based. Lots of trial and error and layering parts upon parts with my laptop. It’s a really different process than writing music with a band. It’s very reliant on electronic equipment, which is a bummer sometimes!

You’ve toured with Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s and are now touring with An Horse. Has anything really extraordinary happen on the road?

I completed my Gumby set at Cracker Barrel! I got Gumby and Pokey now. It’s exciting!

What’s the last album you listened to and really enjoyed?

The newest Richard Swift record is pretty incredible, for sure. It’s called The Atlantic Ocean. It’s got some really incredible production.

You have an incredible collection of songs. What’s your favourite to play?

Thanks so much! I really enjoy playing ‘Calling All Doctors’ because it is so completely different to the version that is on the record.

If you had to describe your music with one word, what would it be?

Minimalist.

Something I really like about the record is that you manage to match the mood of the music and the lyrics perfectly. For example, on the closing track “I saw lightning”, I swear it feels like it’s raining, and raindrops are mentioned in the song. Which do you write first, lyrics or music? How difficult is it to achieve that cohesion?

That’s awesome! That makes me happy! It really depends on the song, I guess. With I Saw Lightning, it was raining outside when I wrote it, and I remember that very well. So, I guess sometimes it just works out like that!

I’ve noticed that you also took the photos for your liner notes. Music, photography; are there any other crazy talents that we should be aware of?

I can wiggle my eyes back and forth at a rapid pace. It’s nutty!

The album has interesting cover art. Does the upside down clock tower signify you turning the world of music askew?

Ha! No, It’s the wizardry of Maggie Fost, who brilliantly designed the art for the record. She’s amazing.



Telekinesis - Calling All Doctors (live, KEXP) [mp3]

visit Telekinesis on MYSPACE