20 Questions You Didn’t Know You Wanted To Ask…Larry from Funky16Corners

The master himself has stepped up with some answers and an awesome mix. An inspiration to all bloggers and funky soul lovers alike, the Funky16Corners site is a must visit. I genuinely learn something everytime I drop by. He also runs an equally excellent blog at Iron Leg so click on over and check it out when you are done here!  Thanks again Larry, you’re a gent!

1. How would you best describe what you do to the uninitiated?

For the last 25 years I’ve collected, listened to, researched and written about music, in fanzines, newspapers, web zines and blogs.

2. Where would you say you are with regard to your career right now?

I see what I do with the blogs as more of an avocation than a career (good thing because it generates no money). My “career” aka the job I’ve worked at for 23 years is what gives me the funds to chase records the way I do.

3. Which song (not neccesarilly yours) best sums you/the band up and why?

‘Get It While You Can’ by Howard Tate

4. Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration (musically or otherwise)?

My father, who taught me to appreciate music, and the stories behind the songs.

5. Is there anyone amongst your influences that you think would surprise people and why?
I actually love the music of Kurt Weill and Nino Rota, which I would guess might be surprising to fans of Funky16Corners.

6. What are you most proud of?

My children.

7. In the quest to get the music ‘out there’ have you ever done or agreed to anything you’ve later regretted?

No.

8. What’s the most ridiculous request that’s been asked of you/the band?

One night, in the midst of two very long sets of soul and funk someone walked up and requested a KISS record.

9. What do you think is the secret to a good working relationship amongst musicians?

Similar creative and practical goals.

10. If you could have played on one song (that you don’t), what would it be and why?

‘Pass the Hatchet’ by Roger & the Gypsies. THOSE DRUMS!

11. How do you make the balance between music and personal responsibilities?

I have two small kids, so there are a lot of personal responsibilities but once you prioritize and divide between necessity and luxury (not always what you’d think) you just try to balance the two.

12. In light of the internet and downloading do you feel that fans are missing out on the record buying discovery/experience?

In some ways, internet/downloading probably makes it easier to discover older music (since commercial radio is pretty much dead), but I also think that torrent sites and blogs that rip and post entire albums remove a lot of the real interesting aspects of the ‘game’. My goal has always been to get people to look deeper and to appreciate the often overlooked connections (artistic, cultural, historical and otherwise) in the music they listen to. Offering music to download without some kind of context seems like a waste to me.

13. Do you think that success is your motivation and do you have a preset gameplan for your music/the band?

The kind of success I want is first and foremost creative. As long as the readers of the blog (and the people I spin for in person) get a lift from the music, or use something I’ve written to explore an artist or genre further, I’m happy.
Certainly I’d love to make a living doing what I do, but I suspect the kind of living available in that regard would result in my family and I ending up on the street.

14. DJ’s are now as famous as a lot of the bands they play, what are your views on this and do you think it’s deserved?

I think a truly great DJ is should be first and foremost a tastemaker of sorts. Someone with deep (literally and figuratively) crates and good taste ought to be able to rock a crowd. Listening/dancing to someone selecting and spinning records is certainly a different experience than seeing a band play live (or it ought to be), but they can both be rewarding.

15. To date, what has been your most memorable gig (either as a performer or as a fan)?

As a DJ, I opened for the Budos Band in Brooklyn last summer on a very hot night to a very receptive crowd. The Asbury Park 45 Sessions nights – with a very solid DJ crew led by DJ Prestige – are always a gas.

16. How do you overcome pre-gig nerves (if you get them)?

No problems there.

17. When did you last write something?

This afternoon.

18. Have you ever reached a point where you’ve thought about throwing the towel in and walking away (and if so, what persuaded you otherwise)?

There have been a couple of times where home and work responsibilities (and stress) got to the point where I briefly considered stopping the blogs, but I realized that no matter how much work I put into the blogs/DJing, I get a tremendous amount of enjoyment out of the experience as well.

19. What are your views on electronics muscling in and replacing live instruments during recording?

Don’t like it.

20. Lastly, thank you for your time. What made you agree to answer these questions?

Always up for making a new mix and spreading the word.

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~ by thebeatcollector on May 12, 2008.