The Maniac Butcher Gives Us A Tour of His Kitchen: An Interview With Tobacco

Few words can describe the man known as Tobacco. His persona is that of a crazed butcher, and his music follows suit. Working with such groups as Allegheny White Fish, satanstompingcaterpillars and most notably Black Moth Super Rainbow, Tobacco has now made a huge impression as a solo artist as well. Pushing the limits of innovation with his unorthodox uses of synths and other vintage instruments, his unique sound is not of this world. With the recent release of his sophomore album Maniac Meat, I had a chance to throw a couple quick questions Tobacco’s way. Hit the skip to check out the interview along with some other goodies from Tobacco.

[audio:http://potholesinmyblog.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Tobacco-Six-Royal-Vipers.mp3|titles=”Six Royal Vipers”] [audio:http://potholesinmyblog.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Tobacco-Fresh-Hex-Featuring-Beck.mp3|titles=Tobacco – Fresh Hex feat. Beck]

PIMB: Congrats on Maniac Meat, it is truly a chaotic masterpiece! Besides crushing skulls with sonic booms, what were some of the goals you planned on achieving with the album?

Tobacco: Thanks!  I didn’t even have any plans to make an album this time.  There just came a day where it felt like one.  So I didn’t have any overall goal, but I was making songs that were fun to me, where I didn’t even consider anyone else hearing them.

PIMB: Anyone that listens to the work of Tobacco has become familiar with that signature synth-induced sound you have created. What types of equipment have led you to develop and expand on those trademark qualities in your music?

Tobacco: I’ve got a couple of synths, but I’ve just recently realized that the equipment doesn’t matter so much.  I kind of wonder if I could still do something similar with guitars.  I think the way I started off not knowing what I was doing, and building off of that. Whatever direction that’s gone, is really what’s defined what I do.

PIMB: Taking a look at Maniac Meat compared to past work, I would say there is a sense of cleaner, more polished recording techniques. But you were able to do so without compromising that raw, gritty sound you have become known for. How did you find that balance on the album? Was it something that just happened or did you put more of a conscious effort in while recording?

Tobacco: It’s just kind of happened really slowly.  I shed the old reel to reel a few years ago and now it’s just tricking the sampler into not realizing it should be melting down.

PIMB: I was ecstatic to hear that Beck would be collaborating with you on the new album. From checking out both “Fresh Hex” and “Grape Aerosmith”, it looks like Beck went back and took a page out of his Mellow Gold handbook. How did you summon that raw, edgy sound from an artist that is now know for his relatively polished sound?

Tobacco: It was all him!  I had the songs in mind that I wanted to hear him on most, but I didn’t want to give any direction because it just comes out more pure that way.

PIMB: 2009 marked the release of Black Moth Super Rainbow’s Eating Us. What does the future hold for the group? Any future projects planned?

Tobacco: No plans.  The future is a huge question mark.

PIMB: On the solo tip, what do you have planned as far as projects go? Any more collaborations?

Tobacco: I’m going to do some more touring in the fall and then hopefully put out this mini rap companion to Maniac Meat.