How does one keep an open mind to all new ideas and sights and sounds without turning sour, exhausted or overloaded? Ask Jesse Frank Mathews (or J FM), a solo artist making soundscapes, catchy tunes, as well as visual art born from jagged/collaged moments of pleasure or pain, just as long as it’s pure. Jesse appears to be the kind of person that keeps his eyes peeled for new stimulation, eyeballs waiting to be caught by something unexpected, beautiful, or hideous. Also, he just might have the cure to the Canadian winter blues…
Fellow Hot Dog vendor Mike Bott had a chance to chat briefly this week via email with Jesse Frank Matthews about his solo work as JFM, his band, RatTail, and his art. This guy must not get a lot of downtime…
MIKE BOTT: Can you talk about your history with music and the arts?
JESSE FRANK MATTHEWS: I attended NSCAD (graduated BFA Media Arts in 2008). [I went there] to pursure the connection of sound and picture, as the element of collage is a primary interest in all my art. Found sounds and objects play the same role for me. The excitement of finding something you think is special rather than buying something or slaving over perfection and perverting the initial enthusiasm is paramount.
http://soundcloud.com/j-fm-1/aqualla
I have always felt invested in fresh ideas, or an uneasy sound or image…something that doesn’t seem proper at first, or something that needs time to grow and develop inside a mood or feeling.
My goals are generally selfish, I want to entertain myself and if it entertains others then that’s endlessly rewarding.
How does your approach to making music differ between your band RatTail and your solo work as JFM?
In an environment when I am playing music with others communication is the most crucial aspect. I want everyone to be giving their all and feeling alive inside of the moment when the music is being created. Be it a show or just working on ideas. JFM is something I can’t anticipate, I have no parameters or boundaries. I try not to think about the music (or finished product) when I am making it, or working on a sample, or just feeling out a new idea. I want it to flow naturally, have some edge and create a new space in the mind if possible.
How does working in Toronto affect your finished work?
JFM I feel inspired by both city and country equally. They have their own pleasures and problems. Toronto is a filthy place but I like the energy of the city…I am however, planning to relocate to Equador for a month in February to work on some new ideas and feel alive in a new place. The winters [here] kill me that’s for sure.
JFM plays Pete Lebel's House Show this Thursday November 24th. Pete Lebel’s house is located at 755 Dundas St Rear B. Also playing is Kier Nueringer and The Drunken Trees. Donations at the door of $3-5 and the show starts at 9PM.
When asked for a couple of songs he’s digging at the moment, here’s what Jesse gave us:
Enjoy!
U.F.O.’s Over Vampire City – Eric Copeland
Choubi Choubi – (Artist Unknown) Folk Sounds of Iraq
Since I Fell For You – Big Youth
Comments
Love J FM.