To understand the situation, you must try to imagine what kind of a trip it is, what a voyage it is, to leave behind everything you’ve grown up with. I started making music by copying English and American heroes. When I felt that desire to move onto something that really reflected my own personality, I had to steer away from all those ideas I had picked up. I think it’s natural to be very cautious, trying not to step into something you tried to forget. It was an element I had to leave behind, the complex harmonic songs which tried to impress by adding complicated harmonies or many details. The new idea was about simplicity. That was the way to move forward and try to make sure whatever was added to the musical palette was something that was essential.

— Michael Rother (of Neu!/Harmonia/Kraftwerk) quote from my interview with him in The Ticket today. You can read the rest here or you could go pick up a physical paper and read it over a cup of tea and a bagel or something. Might do that myself. 

Rother is playing in the Village on Monday night and it is not to be missed. Details here.

Really want to post the full transcript of this interview because I only used about 1/6th of it in the actual piece, if that. Such a great musican and a lovely guy and I just can’t wait for Monday. (via interstate808)

(via interstate808)