When a musician sites Jay Reatard and Darcy Clay as influences, it gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re in for. Roy Irwin exudes the DIY ethics of both Reatard and Clay and similarly crafts memorable lo-fi pop that is an outlet to counter the ennui of modern existence. When UTR interviewed Irwin he gave us some insight into his new (and great) album 3, 2, 1, 2000, his very own ‘Man vs. Wild’ moment and why being compared to his musical heroes makes him paranoid.
Hi Roy, how are you?
Good thanks.
For the uninitiated, why did you decide to become a musician?
I need an outlet and out of drawing and skateboarding I’ve always enjoyed music the most whether I’m listening to it or making something up. Also I’m unemployed for now but when I am back to flipping burgers, music will be the thing in-between that will keep me sane.
What has been the best thing about it for you so far?
I’m enjoying the freedom of not being in a typical band situation.
And the worst?
Not having 10 arms.
When did you start writing the songs for your new album 3, 2, 1, 2000?
January this year.
What is the significance of the album title?
It’s the countdown to the millenium.
Where was it recorded?
In my bedroom in Greenlane.
What did you discover or learn about yourself along the way?
That I dwell on things for way too long.
What did you do differently from writing and recording your first album?
Everything was done pretty much exactly the same. Except this time around I felt a bit more comfortable with recording. That and 3,2,1,2000 is all pretty personal where as my first album is kinda three parts personal with the rest being songs about serial killers.
What’s your favourite song from the album? Why?
“Baby, I Gotta See You” because I like the guitar part in the verses and it’s a sad love song which makes me happy for some reason and it’s fun to play live.
Can you site any direct influences for the album?
Jay Reatard would be one for sure. After watching his documentary “Waiting For Something” I was like “Fuck”. Cause he talked about how he was just banging on pickle buckets for drums in the first Reatards tape. I was really excited cause it helped me figure out that I can make punk songs even though I only have a guitar and whatever household items I can bang on with spoons. Darcy Clay too, he was fuckin’ incredible. His guitar parts always blow my mind. Noone will ever be as good as that guy. Apparently he loved Dinosaur Jr. & Nirvana, so y’ know. Good dude.
What do you like about musical comparisons?
They have been flattering.
And what do you hate about them?
They make me paranoid because I think people will listen and feel like i’m trying to rip something off and i’ll always disagree because most of the comparisons have been people I look up to a great deal and your favorite musicians are always gonna be golden and untouchable.
Do you have any plans to tour?
I’d really love to. There is nothing planned at the moment but hopefully something will come up. Meanwhile i’ll just work on getting out of the house.
What do you like most about playing live?
Just playing itself and hanging out with my friends.
What have been your best and worst gigs?
The best was in Dunedin late 2008 when I first started getting songs together. I was touring with Needles & Bees. The sound was horrible, I played 3 songs and fucked up too much so I stopped. Then I pissed in a pint glass and had a “Man vs. Wild” moment. It’s all on tape somewhere. The worst gig was on the same tour in New Plymouth. Nobody came so we just played to each other and a local band who I can’t remember the name of but they were a group of ladies who ended their set with a Murderdolls cover. Then all of a sudden Brads penis is a wizard and we played Nintendo at a friends house.
Apart from making music, what else do you do?
Play video games and skateboard in carparks.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Quintron, The Lost Sounds and The Cave Weddings 7” over and over again.
What else does 2010 hold for you?
No idea, I’ll just keep recording stuff. See what happens.
The state of music in NZ is…
It’s great. Just stay away from the shit that sounds like coke adverts and you will have a good time.
