What are some bands/artists you admire? What is in your stereo now?
I can see the generation gap right there; you say "in" your stereo, whereas I think of something being "on" your stereo (ancient black acrylic disc). I mostly forget to listen to music at home.

What did you grow up listening to?
I made my way through just about everything as a kid. The transistor radio held to the ear late into the night. Insomnia. Adding static and space noises to the music with the tuning dial.

How did you get into music?
It was just something I had to do -- to stand up, hold my head up.

What is the best concert you ever saw?
James Brown.

What do you think is the best guitar riff ever?
No opinion.

If you had to give up playing the guitar or singing, which would you give up?
If I had to give up one, Id probably give up the other as it would wither and die. But I would probably give up the guitar.

If you had to sing someone else's lyrics -- not just one song, but always -- who would you want writing for you?
Peter Falk.

When will you be touring in the U.S.?
No plans to tour at moment.

What is the origin of the name Smog?
Chosen by a child and kept like an old photograph from an awkward age.

What is the inspiration for the Knock Knock album cover?
The cover illustrates two zen tenets -- that of life being like a flash of lightning or a wildcat's roar. Not so much the fleeting nature of it, but the immediacy, the need for immediate reaction, accepting things with a babyface.

What's up with Dongs of Sevotion's title? Is there a story behind it?
No story really.

Dongs of Sevotion is such a wonderful and intense album. How long did you work on it?
It took about two weeks recording and mixing. One week was spread over a year and the other week was all at once, to finish it up.

Why did you start using the Childrens' choir on your records?
Just because it is unruly.

There's a lot of humor in your music that I think people fail to pick up on. Are there writers or songwriters you like that do black comedy well?
I don't really separate things into black comedy. I like Jack Black, one of those people that is funny no matter what they're doing. I thought Ice Cube gave a subtly great straightman turn in "Next Friday."

Do you have any favorite philosophers?
Brother Theodore, Ethan Buckler, de Sade.

What is your favorite Simpsons episode? Favorite Simpsons character? Which character do you relate to the most?

I can't think of a favorite episode. One of my favorite lines is Homer saying, "Kids, if we've learned nothing else from the Bible, and we haven't, then..." I'm also fond of Lenny, when the wall to his house fell down and he was exposed sitting in his skivvies at a card table in an empty room, saying, "Please don't tell people how I live."

Did you ever think that Chan Marshall's (of Cat Power) name was pronounced chan, like Charlie Chan?
I chure did.

What are your favorite recent movies? All-time favorites?
Off the top of a head: "Being John Malkovich," "In A Kestrel's Eye," "Kes," "Mr. Zhao," "Hunger," "Les Bonnes Femmes," "A Man Escaped," "Boiling Point," "Eureka," etc.

If I asked you for a book recommendation, what would it be? What are you reading now?
"Hell" by Barbusse, "Busted Scotch" by Kelman, "McX" by McEwen, something by Mamet about childhood, "Coming Through Slaughter" by Ondaatje.

What is the best place that you ever travelled?
Anywhere with a nice beach.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Iran.

What is your most memorable road trip?
Driving barefoot from Tuxpan to Chetumal.

Do you often write while driving?
It is very stimulating, the anonymity of it, yet still part of the human flow.

Is there one state in the US you have no interest in visiting?
Pennsylvania.

If you could be alive during any year in history, what would it be?
I'd like to go to the future, shortly before the apocalypse. Or Paris in the '20s.

What do you do for exercise?
Play pool.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
Three wishes? Shit.

Would you ever grow a beard?
I have, but I look like Kenny Loggins. I even push the sleeves of my sportscoat up to elbow. A good look.

Why is it you like cathedrals so much? Do you have a favorite cathedral?
Man's attempt to reflect the glory of God. I like the wild heavy gothic ones in Belgium with stories carved into the exterior.

What was your favorite food/meal when you were a child?
Candy.

What was your favorite childhood toy?
Nerf ball and hoop.

Any desire to have children?
Not at the moment.

How did you meet Loren MazzaCane Connors?
Had played some shows in NYC with him. While recording Knock Knock, noted that "Sweet Treat" was missing something. Loren happened to be nearby, recording in St. Louis or somewhere. We flew him up and he laid down a few tracks, then split.

Read these Smog reviews:

Red Apple Falls



Dongs Of Sevotion