INTERVIEW MONSTRE : STEPHEN KELLOGG: "I wouldn’t need to be virtuoso if I could learn to articulate the truth effectively."

 

 

Nous sommes tout particulièrement fiers d'avoir obtenu une interview de ce brillant songwriter. Sa discographie, avec les Sixers ou en solo, nous enchante depuis 30 ans. Son dernier disque "To You, Old Friend" ne déroge pas à la règle en neuf splendides chansons. 

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Taste question: Which artists have influenced you the most, and what can you tell us examples about this influence? Who is the artist you dislike and why will he/she never influence you? 

Working backwards, I adore the integrity of artists like Tom Petty and Taylor Swift. Their ability to keep their soul in tact in rough seas. The Grateful Dead taught me that I’d like to paint a different canvas every night. Artists like John Prine showed me that I wouldn’t need to be virtuoso if I could learn to articulate the truth effectively. I think of Gregory Alan Isakov, Josh Ritter and Counting Crows as people who have shown me a road map of myself and been actual friends to me. I’ve also been influenced by the entertainment value of 80’s rock bands like Whitesnake and Def Leppard. 

  

I don’t spend much time on artists I dislike, but I sure don’t like the way Kanye West shows up in the world.

Intellectual question: Which 'non-musical artist (filmmaker, writer, painter...) played an important role in the way the band evolved…  

I’m a big Charles Dickens fan. I love books. Dostoievsky. Ann Patchett. Nick Hornby. Also actors like Ethan Hawke and Matt Damon who push themselves and seem to be genuine people. 

 

 

Buddy question: Who has helped you most in your band's adventure and without whom you wouldn't have had the same evolution?

My now manager, formerly tour manager, Jessica K. Martin (aka Cousin Skunk). She has been a co-conspirator for years, a best friend, an anchor and without her, I would not be where I am today. 

 

Spinal Tap question: What's the most stupid thing that's ever happened to you?

The stupidest thing that’s ever happened to me is that Donald Trump was elected President in a county I thought I understood.

Question Happy Few: What's the biggest benefit you've derived from your band, and can you tell us about it?

The biggest benefit that music and life as an artist has afforded me is the ability to live an artists life. Life is super hard for all of us, but it’s nice to have work to do that feels meaningful most, if not all, days. 

 

Art question: What book, film, record and current band made you flash?

Flash. Cool saying! Not sure I know what that means but I’m gonna guess it’s a good thing?
I recently watched the animated film “the Wild Robot” three times in a weekend.

Funny question. What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?

The funniest thing that ever happened to me? Hmmmmnnnnnn… dunno. I think my kids say some really funny things. I’ve had embarrassing things happen, but a lot of what makes me laugh is in the nuance of life. 

 

 

Camembert question: What's France to you, apart from the land of wine and cheese? (you're allowed to Google it, the theme is rock and underground culture). 

You know, this past year for Christmas, instead of buying a lot of ’Stuff” we didn’t necessarily need, we decided to take our four kids to Paris for 4 days. It was the best. The food. The art. The jazz club we visited. The architecture. I have been to France 4 times over the course of my life though I have yet to perform there. I’d love to know more and see more of France.

Sponsorship question: Who can you sponsor for Les Monstres Sacrés, and how can you convince us to talk about them?
 

I think this means “who should you check out that you might not know about?” If so, my pal Will Varley from the UK just put out an incredible record. I toured with him in March/April in the UK and he toured the US with me in Jan/Feb. Great stuff. Lori McKenna is also just the greatest. 

 

 

Patriotic question: Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made par artists of our country.  

Awwww shit my friend, you got me on this one! I don’t know which records were made in France. I do listen to Edith Piaf though! 

 

 

Patriotic question 2 : Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made by artists of your country.
 

I can’t say top 10, cause they are just 10 of my favorites, but I don’t really go in for trying to convince others to love what I love (unless it’s justice and peace and things like that.  Not in any order. I need all these artists for different reasons.


1) Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever

2) Taylor Swift - Reputation

3) Grateful Dead - Europe 72’

4) Counting Crows - August and Everything After

5) Cat Stevens - Tea For The Tiller man

6) Gregory Alan Isakov - The Weatherman

7) Sheryl Crow - Self Titled

8) Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks

9) Bob Marley - Legend ( I know I know it’s a greatest hits but still!)

10) Fleetwood Mac - Rumors