Chris Knox is regarded as the godfather of the Flying Nun scene who helped take the 'Kiwi' indie sound to the world. In this Q&A the tall dwarf whom the French describe as 'that gentle psychopath' says music should be appreciated in its most natural form, rather than restricted "to the solitary shame of lossy, compressed, files fed into some crappy earbuds - "

Chris Knox is regarded as the godfather of the Flying Nun scene who helped take the 'Kiwi' indie sound to the world. In this Q&A the tall dwarf whom the French describe as 'that gentle psychopath' says music should be appreciated in its most natural form, rather than restricted "to the solitary shame of lossy, compressed, files fed into some crappy earbuds - "

Chris Knox is also a critic, illustrator and author and says his number one business tip for surviving in the creative industries is "Have a B plan."

"Treat this creativity lark as a glorified hobby and develop any other talents you may happen to have. But I'm the last person to ask, really, cos I desperately try to avoid those industries - and largely succeed."

As well as a monthly comic strip in Real Groove, a weekly strip Max Media in the NZ Herald and his recent presenting gig on TV 6's New Artland - Chris Knox's self-release The Nothing - A Warm Gun is out now.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Those while asleep. Dreams are wonderfully creative. Or half asleep, I'm working on creating the lucid dream state on demand. Harder than you might think but marvelous when you get it right.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Shambling amateurism, possibly endearing, definitely homemade and unique.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

Doing a great little drawing is very cool; recording can be fun, especially Tall Dwarfs cos we never know what we've got till we finish. But playing well live with a really responsive audience is still the most exciting thing given that, together, you form a living, breathing, unpredictable creature that has a mind of its own. That creature can surprise the hell out of ya!

How does your environment affect your work?

Too often negatively if the environment includes a computer. A dedicated studio would be great for concentrating on music or markmaking rather than the plethora of other options. Like answering questionnaires -

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Both. How can you not? You can't have one without the other.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Have a B plan. Treat this creativity lark as a glorified hobby and develop any other talents you may happen to have. But I'm the last person to ask, really, cos I desperately try to avoid those industries - and largely succeed.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

The last one. Usually.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Disasteradio. But, even more, Dam Native. Especially cos neither operate in fields that I normally get overly enthused about. And my family, each and every one of them.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

Well, if I had the requisite skills, I could see myself enjoying a daily dose of cabinetmaking. Being essentially lazy, however, means that my present sheaf of occupations suits me down to the ground. Not that I really consider that I have a career path. Careering, maybe -

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

This country, this town (Auckland), this home in which our kids grew up.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

In a good sounding room, through a great sound system or acoustically. Preferably with someone you love to whom you are introducing this music and who is getting it. Or who is alerting you to something they love which is swamping your pleasure centres. Music is for sharing. To restrict your exposure to the solitary shame of lossy, compressed, files fed into some crappy earbuds stuck into an ipod or similar while doing something else - be it working, walking, wanking or whatever - is not to be confused with listening to music. It is something utterly different and wildly inferior especially when said files have already been mastered by some insane idiot whose only concern is loudness.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A sandwich. Then, hunger satisfied, a resolute decision to not be sucked into giving such a question even the most rudimentary consideration.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Don't reply to ads offering same in the NZ Herald.

What's great about today?

The same thing that was great about yesterday and hopefully tomorrow. Sheer continuing existence in this most amazing world.

What's great about NZ Music Month?

The same thing that should be great about any month. A recognition of the viability and listenability of a decent proportion of the stuff we're pumping out. Decent meaning anything more than 5%.

What's your big idea for 2008?

I don't have big ideas. Well, I don't plan to have them. Sometimes they appear by accident.

02/06/08