YOUR QUESTION:

10/03/2019 13:49:09 Jo

From the songs that you wrote for Bungle and Madlove, it would appear that you love words and language as much as music. Given that, I'm curious how you feel about artists who place words/lyrics right in the foreground, and where the music is very much secondary to the poetry or comedy of the lyrics? I'm thinking of artists like Kate Tempest, or comedians like Flight of the Conchords, for example. Do you enjoy stuff like that, or is it not really your thing?

MY ANSWER:

Much like a previous question about the utilities of music I think that words can function the same way. Whether it’s poetry, politics or comedy, words have their role. How that role is balanced with music is the prerogative of the artist, comedian or activist, etc. I’m not so familiar with Tempest but I have enjoyed some FOTC and I appreciate the true musicality that goes along with that comedy. In fact, I think they balance it quite well and the jokes wouldn’t work if they weren’t skilled musicians/songwriters. I can appreciate dadaist poetry as much as a good murder ballad. There is storytelling in both; there is communication. I think there is plenty of music for me to enjoy that is instrumental or wordless and I am always open to alternate experiences.

YOUR QUESTION:

10/09/2019 4:58:55 Caitlin O'Connor

There were announcements of a SC3/Madlove/Umlaut tour back in 2011 that never materialized. What became of that?
Would you be interested (or any plans) in meeting up with your Aussie bretheren (Bär and Danny) for some future projects/tours?

MY ANSWER:

It had something to do with not being able to book gigs that would pay for all the travel, etc. That’s an expensive trip.
Yes, I certainly hope to play with Bär and Danny in the future.

YOUR QUESTION:

10/20/2019 14:36:19 Unknown fan
Dear Mr Dunn, in my attempt to fill the gap of my knowledge about the thousands (I don't know, how many are they?) collaboratons you had in your career, I just discovered you performed with Terry Riley for the 30th anniversary of "In C". Do you know if there are any recordings of that performance, or do you have any you could let us hear? I'm not able to find any on the internet. Thanks.

MY ANSWER:

Ah yes, my only performance on the stage of the grand Carnegie Hall among something like 80 musicians. I doubt that was recorded, or if it was that the archive is accessible to the public. I think I also performed that at Mills College for the 20th (?) anniversary with a much smaller orchestra.

YOUR QUESTION:

10/20/2019 20:02:05

PacifistGreetings, Trevor Dunn.
My question is if you could describe your scrapped "Praise of Folly" track from the California days, as the name alone makes me quite curious.
Thank you for your indirect guidance and musical absurdity. Hope to die in lovely obscurity over drugged-out infamy! The Garden of Eden awaits more jazz nerds like us.
Not-quite-love-but-more-of-respect from Florida.

MY ANSWER:

The lyrics for that song were inspired by Erasmus’ book of the same title as well as an article in Harper’s magazine about End-Timers. The song structure is short and simple. AABA if I recall correctly with a simple piano countermelody. I seem to remember the bridge being somewhat barbaric and Nordic with thick strings. I haven’t heard it in so long that’s about all I can recall.

YOUR QUESTION:

10/20/2019 23:11:12 Rebecca

As a self proclaimed workaholic what is your ideal Sabbath? Are you able to flip that switch easily or does the day still constitute routine?

MY ANSWER:

That is a very difficult switch to flip. Usually it is facilitated only by completion of a project. In those cases, an afternoon in a museum, a sushi dinner and a movie seems to do the trick. I’ve also enjoyed a day off in a hotel room doing almost nothing.

YOUR QUESTION:

10/22/2019 22:35:40 laura
mr dunn, have you been turned into a vampire anytime on the last 10 years by anyhow? because seriously, I was watching this interview from 10 years ago and you barely aged. looking good, sir :)

MY ANSWER:

Thank you. I am sworn to secrecy and cannot disclose the means of my condition.

YOUR QUESTION:

11/09/2019 13:15:27 Jimmy

Hi there,
I read in an interview from years ago about your "graveyard of riffs" and the subsequent "Secret Song." I thought this was a wonderful way for a group to create. It seems to me it was a sort of Bungle Bagatelles, if you will, wherein anyone could grab a riff and run with it. Do you find that other groups function in this way, or was it strictly a Bungle bit of equality that worked at that particular time? Some groups work that way; some do not.
Thanks for all your great music.

MY ANSWER:

I have a feeling it’s not that rare for collectives to work that way—useful bits stored away until they find a home. Hard to say though as Bungle is the most collaborative band I’ve ever played in. I certainly have my own personal graveyard of “riffs” whether it be scraps of melodies lying around or a single chord written on in the margin of a notebook.

And thanks for listening!

YOUR QUESTION:

10/24/2019 19:38:41 One Mean Cockfighter

Hello Mr. Dunn,
What is your favorite WEEN album?

MY ANSWER:

The Pod.

YOUR QUESTION:

10/28/2019 4:10:21 Nick Christiaan

I've just completed my tax return whilst listening to Dept. of Entomology. I wanna thank you for making the experience the least painful it has ever been.
It struck me that there is a utility in creating music for the accompaniment of mundane tasks. If I was in any position to be a patron of the arts, I'd commission you Trevor.
Do you think music has to be actively listened to/engaged with? How do you feel about 'background' music? I do believe Robert Fripp uses noise cancelilng headphones when he sits in cafes.

MY ANSWER:

I have no problem with background music, although there are times when I prefer silence (aural fatigue is something I come across frequently living in NYC and touring with groups). However, I think music can serve many purposes. I certainly champion active listening, study and analysis. But, like you, I also put music on to keep me company and as a sort of pain killer. In fact, as I sit here in a hotel room answering questions I am accompanied by both the sound of rain and a foreign film in a language I don’t understand at low volume on the TV. I’m not even paying attention to it but it has a soothing quality (it’s not an action film).
I often wear earplugs on airplanes and sometimes in the subway. And sometimes the car radio at low volume when no one is listening to it can drive me nuts. But I also put on music to clean the house to.
Thanks for your patronage fantasy. I would accept it. I’ve considered creating a long drone based piece for accompanying meditation or massages. Sound is useful.

YOUR QUESTION:

11/06/2019 9:29:52 Richard

Are you gonna add a gear section back into this site? Thanks.

MY ANSWER:

Wasn’t planning on it. Still using the same basses I’ve always used. And aside from pedals I tend to use whatever gear is lying around at venues.

YOUR QUESTION:

11/08/2019 4:29:49 Jackson

Hi Trevor,
love all records you're on! I particularly enjoy the Houdini 2005 record. So much to learn from that record.
I've been playing bass for a number of years now and want to look into improvisation. I have a good knowledge of modes and all that but difficulty making it sound musical. Do you have some tips for intermediate players? I've heard a great place to start is on a blues. Any tips for working on this? I've found myself in a but of a rut and looking for motivation/inspiration.
Any plans on coming back to Australia in the near future?

MY ANSWER:

The blues is definitely a great place to start and depending on what kind of improvisation you’re interested in you can go from there to learning some simple jazz tunes and applying your modes in that context. I highly recommend a hands-on approach by taking private lessons, playing with peers (a drummer and melodic instrument, i.e.) and learning your favorite songs, chord progressions and solos by ear. There is only so far you can go by sitting alone in a room playing scales. That, of course, is important, but to be musical you’ll need to be confronted with live situations and other humans; their choices and ideas, etc.
Push yourself and don’t be afraid to learn something that you might feel is beyond your level.

YOUR QUESTION:

09/01/2019 14:07:14 One Mean Cockfighter

Hello Mr. Dunn,
I was wondering who some of your favorite country artists are, if any?

MY ANSWER:

George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Tammy Wynette. Louvin Brothers, Skeeter Davis.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/31/2019 11:56:57 Alberto Jimenez

Do you have any music sheet for my ass is on fire?
Trying to get the bassline from ear but i dont know what to do on the beggining. Thanks

MY ANSWER:

I don’t have any. I don’t remember what what those initial clusters are — probably randomly improvised. The “Earthshaker” riff is based on minor 10ths and #11ths.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/30/2019 19:41:44 Rob Schneider

What’s your honest opinion on the band Phish? I know it’s hard to see past their fans and the noodle jams, but have you ever listened to the earlier, composed songs? There’s some really musically interesting and beautiful stuff in there

MY ANSWER:

I’ve never given them the time of day and it is probably because of the cultural bias I have. I’m glad to hear there is something more than noodley jams. I’ll put your recommendation in the queue in my mind.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/15/2019 17:52:27 Adam

Hello, I saw you perform in Cleveland with your Trio Convulsant and Fantomas 15 years ago. During your trio set, you said between songs that Mary and Ches shared an 8th of mushrooms, and joked "I don't know what the fuck they're playing, but it's not what I wrote!"

I assume you were joking about the mushrooms, but what are your thoughts on musicians using psychedelics for a creative boost? What typical, more "innocent" ways do you use to get your creative juices flowing if you ever feel like your writing is lacking inspiration?

MY ANSWER:

I was indeed joking yet I am not against moderate amounts of psychedelics or even a bit of weed and/or wine to break through those annoying self-imposed filters. I just answered a question about dealing with being uninspired so please refer to that!

YOUR QUESTION:

08/15/2019 15:50:57 Richard

Hey Trevor, fellow bassist and huge fan of yours for years. I was wondering which bass you'll be using for the Mr. Bungle reunion shows. I seem to remember reading you used an Ibanez ProLine back in the demo days, any chance that will resurface? Scored a ticket to the SF show and can't wait! Cheers.

MY ANSWER:

I still have my ProLine but it won’t be resurfacing. The neck is slightly warped and a new bridge was improperly installed unfortunately. Still love that thing though. For the RW shows I will likely play my Alembic Europa. Not 100% sure yet.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/15/2019 14:17:40 Beau

Dear Trevor,
When I invite people over to my humble abode for an evening of tea and sherry, I end up putting on the video of My Ass Is On Fire and my guests become horrified. I get strange looks, frowns and comments like, "Why do you always put that shit on every time I come over?" It's almost to the point where my once-popular soirees are dwindling in numbers and has really put a dampening on my social status. What can you recommend in the way of music that would be more enjoyable for high brow society?
Thank you
P.S. See you at the Warfield

MY ANSWER:

It’s curious that you saw the dwindling of your clientele happen slowly and yet chose to continue to offend them. I think you aren’t actually into your own soirees. Maybe you’re not the people person you think you are. The question “Why do you always put that shit on every time I come over” is valid and deserves an answer. If you’re going high brow and predictable I’d stick with some Bach or Scarlatti. Of course, if you’re going to do that y’all better be able to discus six-four chords, the counter-subjects of fugues and picardy 3rds.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/14/2019 22:03:52 Sophia

Hello Mr. Dunn,
I have found that I lose motivation when working on art projects or learning songs on instruments. Maybe I don’t have the proper inspiration? Do you ever get that way or are you just too busy on various projects to ever get in a slump like that? I find I don’t even get joy going to concerts or comic cons. Did I lose myself somewhere? Any advice? Also-is a hotdog a sandwich?
Thank sir for your time & I hope I didn’t ask anything dumb.

MY ANSWER:

This is a deep question and worth exploring. Aren’t we all dulled by excess? ; ) Close to 20 years ago I started getting worried because no music was inspiring. It was a feeling that went on longer than I was comfortable with. Maybe it was due to excessive touring. I ended up at a concert of Feldman’s “Rothko Chapel” and something about that performance turned me around. I can’t really say what it was but it took me out of my slump. I am constantly looking for inspiration. The fact that you are concerned about it means that you want to be inspired and that is key. I’m a proponent of stepping outside the box. Go see/do something you’ve never done before. Go see bands you’ve never heard of. Try a different medium. Read the autobiography of an artist you like. Talk to strangers about what motivates them. Motivation is difficult and we as a culture are quite hard on ourselves about it. Spacing out and relaxing are also valuable and I say that being the workaholic I am. The creative power of hypnagogics are not to be discounted. Make a list of 5 things you want to achieve in the next 2, 5 or 10 years and stick to it. Collaborate with another artist on a multi-media project and push each other. Try fasting. Try mushrooms.

A hot dog is definitely not a sandwich but you can put a hot dog in a sandwich. That would make a hot dog sandwich.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/14/2019 8:56:53 dfesenmyer

I'm curious what has been the most financially lucrative project / tour / etc you have taken on in your professional career? Touring with Melvins, Fantomas, Mad Love, Zorn, guest spots, one-off shows? teaching? something else I'm not thinking of? I assume (maybe wrongly?) - that recording isn't as lucrative. Your career has been so vast and diverse (a true working musician), it's always left me wondering "what paid best?".. thanks.

MY ANSWER:

It’s not easy to calculate as it depends on the length of the gig or tour or whatnot. When Fantômas played in Brazil our set kept getting cut shorter due to festival tech problems. I think we played for 30 minutes and Buzz and I reminded each other on stage during the set how much we just made for one tune. Bungle certainly got more lucrative in ‘99 and 2000. I got paid a lot per song on Brian “Head” Welsh’s solo album which I still have not heard to this day. I also turned down a tour with Korn because the offer was below my standards. Go figure. And teaching doesn’t pay shit, fyi.

YOUR QUESTION:

08/14/2019 3:20:23 Garoint

What did you think of the last season of Twin Peaks?

MY ANSWER:

I was a bit disappointed. Though I thought there were plenty of good moments and tension, and loved Episode 8 among other more abstract scenes, I felt it was far too cluttered with subplots, needless characters, music “videos” and repetition. The season could have been half as long and had more impact. I thought Naomi Watts was terrible. Why all these particular cities? I don’t mind unanswered questions but those questions never sparked a deeper look. Or maybe it was just over my head. Lynch did what he wanted to and I respect that, but I somehow missed the ambiguity of the ‘90s seasons.