Interview: Tim Rutili of Califone
Hello all. I did a quick interview via electronic mail with Tim Rutili of Califone. Tim has been a part of lots of acts over the years, including Red Red Meat and Ugly Casanova. His music was also featured in the “Stranger than Fiction” movie soundtrack. Pretty interesting! Califone’s last album was released in 2006, but it looks like they’re working on some new stuff now. Keep an eye out for that. For more information on the band check out here and here.
What have you been up to?
Mostly laying low and doing a lot of writing and recording at home these days.
Any musical plans on the horizon?
A new Califone project is in the works.
Your music has such a variety of sounds. Do you think musicians are best when they are multi-instrumentalists? What are the benefits?
Sometimes people come up with the best ideas when they are out of their comfort zone. Having a drummer try to come up with a good accordion part in a song is sometimes the best medicine.
What’s your first step in writing a song?
Usually chord progression and melody. sometimes a sound or drum loop or a page of words start one off too. Starting is the hardest part.
What’s the best part about Chicago?
My friends and family!
What’s the worst part about Los Angeles?
Not enough friends and family.
In a previous interview you mentioned being influenced by Dos Passos. Have any other authors/poets had an impact on your music? Or on your way of thinking in general?
James Joyce and Gertrude Stein for sure. I find inspiration to write in the way other people have used words and pictures.
How did the Ugly Casanova collaboration come about? How much creative input did you have on “Sharpen Your Teeth”?
Isaac asked me to come to Oregon for a week or so. We wrote a some songs together and I did a bunch of recording in his house. We had fun. I mostly remember Isaac and Brian Deck cooking. they are both pretty good cooks.
Have any new images begun reoccurring in your dreams?
A huge black wall. Sounds scary but its not. I have no idea what it is or what it means.
Off the top of the dome, what were your top five albums of 2008?
I took the year off new music. Didn’t really keep up with it.
Where are you most comfortable?
I’m most comfortable when I’m making things. So usually that’s at home or in a recording studio. And bed is pretty comfortable too.
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes I do!
01/24/2009
can’t wait for their new project