11/1*, Vol.9: Scott Henderson
#2. What is always worth the price?
Good music! Unfortunately we’re now living in a world where people will pay six dollars for a cup of coffee, but would rather steal music than support the artists who make it. These people are either intentional criminals, or clueless idiots. There is no grey area here.
#3. You have unlimited space and unlimited resources. What will you make?
A machine which turns every gun on earth into a Tootsie Pop.
#4. It’s not working: try something new or persist?
Both. Something new could turn into a new piece, or find a way to join what’s already there. Persistence is the key to success. If you eliminate enough things you don’t like, it’s only a matter of time before you come across something you love.
#5. In general; start from chaos and reduce or start from silence and add?
I always start from silence and add until it becomes chaos, then reduce.
#6. When does a piece fail? When does a piece succeed?
A piece fails when it’s technical aspects overshadow it’s artistic quality, and people only like it because it’s difficult to play or clever. It succeeds when it’s enjoyed on an emotional level.
#7. Pasta or sushi?
This is a question which can’t possibly be answered, and only an evil psychopathic monster would ask it.
#10. You can bring one thing with you when you go (interpret that how you will), it must be inanimate. What is it?
iPhone. Great for texting from the great beyond, and listening to Black Sabbath if you find yourself getting poked with pitchforks.
#11. What incredibly useful thing doesn’t exist yet?
Undeniable proof that all religion is bullshit.
#14. What work of yours is the favourite?
Always the latest thing I do. I like it for about six months, and by then I’ve discovered enough ways I could have made it better, so then I hate it.
#17. What about yourself can you not trust?
How I feel about my playing at the time I’m doing it. Many times I thought I was playing terribly and listened to a recording of it later and really liked it. Unfortunately the opposite is also true.
#18. Who would you like to see but not speak to?
I’d like to see Pat Robertson get eaten by a lion.
*I’m sending 23 questions to artists, designers and musicians and asking them to answer 11. I think these questions give revealing answers, especially regarding creative work. Here are their responses. As these are interviews I’m publishing their answers as they are, fully appreciating that English may not be their first or preferred written language. Thanks to all the participants.
