So first of all, how many years have you been on the music scene?
I’m thirty-four now, and I’ve been making music since I was eight (which translates in twenty-six years, for those of you that don’t want to do the math in your head). I’ve been making records for ten years.
What bands have influenced you to take the path you’ve chosen musically?
Ever since I was a kid I liked David Bowie.
Are you at all related to noted author Herman Melville (who wrote Moby Dick)?
My parents told me that I’m related to him, but who knows, they might be lying.
So what supposed relation to him do you have then?
I’ve been told that I he is my Great, Great, Great, Grand Uncle. I’ve been referred to as Moby ever since I was ten minutes old, which is where the name (that he now goes by) came from.
How does it feel to be one of the few remaining musicians playing techno-styled music out there to still be popular in both America and Europe?
Gratifying. To make records that people feel are intimate is incredible. I should say that I’m really fortunate.
Since I’ve never been able to experience one of you’re shows first-hand, I should ask why people call the end of your shows a mock crucifixion?
I guess it’s because sometimes I’ll stand on top of my keyboard with my arms outstretched.
You say that ninety-five percent of the rock shows you seen are boring. What do you so to make your shows better?
I like to run around, scream at the top of my lungs, treat the audience as human beings, really anything I can think of to make it worthwhile for the crowd.
I’ve heard that you’re very anti-drug. What is your standpoint on drug use?
I’m neither pro nor con, but I don’t want to see people that are fifty regret something they did when they were fifteen.
I heard that your bassist and percussionist toured with Psychotica a few years back. How did those jobs come about?
Myself, my percussionist, and my bassist all worked at a nightclub with Pat (Briggs, founder of Psychotica). We were friends, and soon my two fellow musicians were touring with Psychotica. As a matter of fact, Pat lives in Upstate New York.
Is there anything behind the light show that you do at the end of your concerts?
No, it’s just plain fun, and it’s a way for my lighting guy to show off.
Well again, thanks for taking the time to do this, I really appreciate it.
Sure, anytime. Here, let me draw something on your paper (takes my paper) There, it’s supposed to be me with antennae.
Well, that’s about all we he had time for. But I’d definitely like to thank Moby for the interview, and if anybody is interested in his music, his new album, Play, is out in stores now. You can also hear his music on 90.5 fm, WBER, or check out http://www.moby.org for more info.
Side note on the alien guy: Moby used to work at a record store where none of the bags people put their purchases in could leave the store unmarked. Since he got tired and bored of just writing his signature, he started drawing the little alien guy.