Interview: Featured Artist - Mike Patton

Mike Patton is supremely. Supremely artistic, supremely talented, supremely prolific, supremely busy and that last one makes him supremely difficult to get a handle on, to “pin down” both figuratively and literally. In fact this is my second email interview with Mike and I still know fuck all about what makes him tick – but this time I may be a little closer. Here are the facts.

Mike is currently: on tour supporting The Who with his new band Peeping Tom, recording another Peeping Tom album (Mike’s “version of pop music”), recording another album with one of his other bands Tomahawk, just finished an album with Eyvind Kang and is the voice of “The Darkness” in the upcoming new video game of the same name. And that is just in the last year, it doesn’t include running his own record label, Ipecac Recordings, or the vast amount of work he has done with various bands and other eccentric musical artists and of course Faith No More.

Mike could easily be defined as eccentric although he may just be more eclectic, choosing/drawn to working with unusual musical artists of all genres. Mike’s musical tastes seem to run the gamut from death metal to Burt Bacharach (easy listening?). Mike is seen as a musical idol by many alternative bands as much for his experimental nature, ever-shifting musical tastes, and impressive vocal talents as for his constant air of mystique. He is an ever elusive figure bordering on reclusive and rarely gives interviews, seeming to feel uncomfortable with the mantel of fame that has been placed around him. He did, however, agree to give me another interview but, again, only an email interview.

I understand you are currently on tour with The Who. What is that like, working with rock legends of that magnitude?

Well, first off, it is indeed an honor to play before The Who. They are indeed legends and treated us great! Of course, a large portion of the crowd are interested in The Who and only The Who, so we are getting a fair amount of indifference and booing, but we expected it. A lot of these fans don't go to many concerts and are focused on hearing the hits they love by The Who. We are in the way.

Article Author: A.L. Harper

I'm a writer and music journalist originally from Salt Lake City, but now living in Scotland. I was a Punk/Goth in the '80s and these artistic influences have stayed with me; although a love of Chopin, chamber music, and Spanish guitar would seem to belie this. …

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