Following a recent thread on the MMW mailing list, I'd be interested to get an up-to-date assessment of MMW's musical influences, past & present.

Billy:

Why do you think that MMW has become so commercially sucessful? Do you attribute it to a mid-90's revival of an improvisational music market, or was it just that MMW was able to appeal to a vast audience based on your ability to blend genres?

Billy,do you noticed any difference in the response from the European fans that come your shows?If i hear live-shows from MMW from the States ,the crowd is much more enthusiastic..

Billy,
I'm curious about all of your cool exotic percussion instruments. How many do you currently have and where did they come from? I love when you pull out the duck call and at times, it seems that the talking drum sounds like a monkey. Keep up the good work...take care!

Billy :
I am interested to know about your playing congas with the lounge lizards... what are you playing? influnced by ?

What are you listening to these days ?
Peace and Blessings

Hey Billy,

A little more specifically, I'd love to hear who you would name as having the biggest influence on your playing. If not a drummer/percussionist, would you also name the drummer/percussionist that you feel has had the greatest influence on your playing? Feel free to list more than one.

As far as taping goes, do you feel that being recorded every single time you guys take the stage has any impact whatsoever on the overall live show? Chris has commented previously on the issue of recording a live performance vs. being there and experiencing the moment for what it is. What are your feelings on the subject?

Do any chemicals or organic substances play a role in the creative process of MMW, or yourself individually? If yes, which ones?

Sorry for another question, but since there aren't too many others I hope you can squeeze this one in too. I'd like to know if there are any performers out there right now that you are really into. Like, who do you go see live and such?

what is the signifigance of the acoustic breakdown
at the end of most shows, and when did this tradition first begin?

What do you do with Chris and John(besides playing music) in your free time for activities and leisure?

What does uninvisible mean, how did the title come about?

Are you going to do anything with the submissions
that didn't make the cut for Drop the Needle?

Do you have any other volumes (2,3,4) for beat records planned for the future?

Jazz is Art. How does that statement take place in your life as a visual and audio artist?

complements of dj BPM
isiahcharms@yahoo.com
mixtapes and livebroadcasts
wmeb university of maine orono
91.9fm wed 10am-1pm
www.umaine.edu/wmeb

If you had to pick one, would you prefer playing structured songs over improvised jams, or vice versa?

Do you have a favorite breakfast food?