Music Q&A:
Rongorongo

What informs your music and songwriting?
Constant existential crisis. Doing something instead of nothing, although I do like a bout of doing nothing at all. With music culture being increasingly digested then thrown up and then re-digested it is a bit like a dog returning to its own sick. I feel it’s important to do your own thing as being bombarded with other people’s ideas packaged up as culture can leave me wanting. Other people’s ideas can be great but don’t lean on them too much.

How have you evolved as an act over the years?
We went from four to five, then six members. Sam (drums) was in the Wild Eyes who we shared a practice room so it was a natural slip when they went on hiatus. He saved the band from a singing drummer which was frankly no fun – not as much fun as Karen Carpenter made it look anyway.

What are you up to at the moment artistically?
We’re finishing off an album even though the album is said to be finished as a way of presenting music. I’m not sure about that. Were trying to get better at all the things involved – recording, making videos – as we are one of those bands that try to do most things on their own.

What’s on your rider?
Fresh air.

Tell us your most embarrassing or surreal experience.
You’ve obviously not seen me dancing. I don’t know about you but life is becoming increasingly bizarro world every week for me. All the improbable dark satires are now real.

What song do you wish you’d written?
I’m not one for thinking like that but if pushed I’d have to say Judee Sill’s The Kiss as it’s heavenly.

What’s your worst lyric?
I couldn’t possibly comment. My mind mocks myself all the time but I’m not putting it down in print.