Missing Pieces

Rotiboy's leaving Singapore! And I've never ever had one. I've never actually wanted to have one.
So, effect on me: zilch.

Anyway, there's a gem of a story in The Observer, where Douglas Coupland (whee!) talks to Morrissey (double whee!). This is Coupland's first ever interview - of someone else that is - and after all, this is the man whose book is title Girlfriend In A Coma.
Although after reading it, you realise, hmmm this isn't very much of an interview is it? But then again, it is Douglas Coupland who is writing this, in the same way that Nick Hornby writes about music in that book of his favourite songs, whatever it is called. 29 Songs? 31? 30?
He does, explain that Morrissey is interview-proof. And adds: I believe that the only way to learn about an artist is to examine their work. Be realistic: people paint the flowers, not the stem of the plant. People are remembered by their flowers and seeds, not their mulch. Fuck interviews.

And well, he's right. All too often, when interviewing musicians, writers, other celebrities, you get what, at the most half an hour, if you're lucky. What do you know about someone from that short span of time? In the end, you have to refer to other interviews, past interviews, gleam facts from past articles. And scrunch them together, with some flowery language, for a story about the latest hot act.

Btw, the same issue of OMM has a story about the Thai music scene, including Futon. Oh and the Guillemots. Good issue!

listening: Weezer - No One Else