Mercury Rev

For the band that begun life writing soundtracks for their friend's films, Mercury Rev have been on an action-packed ride that has now lasted over two decades.  As they prepare for their debut performance in Singapore, kicking off this year's Baybeats Festival, they let us in on what they're looking forward to here in Asia and what advice they'd like to pass on to AMP Artists. 

Hi there, please introduce yourself to our readers:
Hello, this is Jeff Mercel. Pianist and sometimes drummer from the band Mercury Rev.

We're all very excited to be able to see the group play in Asia - Tell us about this upcoming Tour and your thoughts/expectations:
First of all, let me just say that we’re really excited to be coming to Singapore. Up until now, our experience in Asia has been limited to Japan so this is un-chartered territory for us.

What are you looking forward to doing the most in Singapore?
I’ve been told that the food is amazing, so I’m planning to get my fill. I’d also like to see Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to see as much as possible.

Has playing these shows in this part of the world been on the agenda for a long time? 
Yes it has. We’ve got a list of places, more of a “wish list” really. Our booking agent has a copy too. We were supposed to go to Singapore last year, but it didn’t work out so we were determined to make it happen. With some luck, this won’t be our last visit.

Why do you think many artists from the West tend to visit Japan more than the other countries in the region?
I have a feeling that that may be changing. In the past 2 years, we’ve made a point of getting outside of the “usual” touring destinations and it’s been very rewarding for us personally.

What was the reason for playing a festival circuit as opposed to doing your own headline shows throughout the tour?
I think we would have done it either way to be honest. It just so happened that this was the first offer to come to us, so we took it. I would imagine that we’ll come back again for headline shows in the future.

What material will you be performing on this tour?  A mix of the old and new?
Lately, we’ve been performing material mostly from 'Deserter’s Songs', 'All Is Dream' and 'The Secret Migration' - but we plan to perform a few brand new songs on this trip. We’re working on a new record right now, so you’ll be the first to hear these!

Mercury Rev has a rich history of special gigs and a reputation for magical live experience – Do you have anything special planned for your show in Singapore at the Esplinade?  What can fans expect?
There is a significant visual aspect to our shows these days. The combination of music & imagery is pretty powerful stuff. I don’t want to give it away just yet, so you’ll have to turn up at the show.

Do you guys have any pre-show rituals or traditions you’d like to tell us about?
Nothing too bizarre… there are no incantations or anything like that. Mostly, we pace around the dressing room and give each other a hard time until it’s time to go on stage. It’s pretty easy to get ready for a show, especially when it’s the first time in a new place.

Here in Asia, many artists are finally achieving their aim of breaking outside of their home countries.  Originally signed in England, and releasing/touring albums in Europe before the States, how important do you feel it is to achieve a certain mark in your home city/country, or is geography of no importance?
World domination has never been on our agenda, but a little recognition is always nice. We’ve always had critical acclaim at home in the United States, but commercial success is somewhat elusive. To be honest, it’s not really that important. It’s very nice to come home and live somewhat anonomously.

Do you know much about the Asian music scene?  Any artists in particular you especially like from the region?
To be honest, I don’t. There are some Japanese bands that I’m familiar with, but I’m really curious to hear some local/traditional music of Singapore.

Much press space has been given to the Mercury Rev “chaos” that seems to have characterized much of the public’s perception of you in the past.  Can you pinpoint what has been the biggest struggle (or uphill battle) for you in your careers so far?
The struggles and chaos are more of a human condition than a band thing. It has been said that a band is like a marriage, maybe cliché, but very apt. When you’re young, you don’t necessarily have the capacity to cultivate this sort of relationship. But luckily, it comes through time. We’ve learned from some painful mistakes that it’s necessary to give each other enough space. If our friendship remains strong, the state of the band will follow suit.

‘Deserter’s Songs’ is often described as your breakthrough album.  Why do you think it was so successful, and what was the transition like suddenly being in a chart topping band that went from playing to hundreds to tens of thousands of people?
I think it comes down to timing. “See You On the Other Side”, the previous album could just have easily had the same success. For whatever reason, people were ready to hear those songs, and as a result, they seemed to resonate on a particularly personal, emotional level.  It was a wild ride as memory serves… one of the best years in my young life so far. Things have a cyclical nature and I have a feeling history is about to repeat itself, lets hope anyway.

Was there a conscious moment that you recall thinking to yourself “We’ve made it, we’re a successful band”? and what does success mean to you?
I think we’ve always considered ourselves to be “successful” insofar as we’re able to do the one thing that we love above all else. I would be lost without music.

Your sound has evolved greatly from your inception to present day.  Further, with your comments on ‘The Secret Migration’ regarding it being written as a reaction to what you were dealing with at the time, can you guys let us in on Mercury Rev’s songwriting process?
It really varies… it goes without saying that our lives find a way into the music, that cannot be avoided. It’s been a difficult year for us in some ways, both Grasshopper and I lost our fathers within the last 8 months. It’s a life-changing event. I will never be the same, but there are ways to re-direct those painful feelings and thoughts into something positive and tangible. As I said, before, we’re working on a new record now. All of the songs we’ve done so far, have evolved live in the studio. We’ve been working in a fast, somewhat reckless manner and the results are exciting.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in the music world, and who gave it to you?Years ago, Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips told me that as a fellow drummer, I should:

a) learn to play a second instrument
b) be really nice to people
c) or both

I’ve lived by that ever since.

What advice would you like to pass on to Asia’s aspiring musicians?
You are only limited by the bounds of your own imagination. People’s perception of your music, does not define it. Do not second-guess yourself when it comes to the music you create. Let it come out, uncensored.

Being soundtrack composers, how knowledgeable where you guys when you first entered the industry and signed your first deal?  Were there harsh lessons learnt quickly? How would you suggest new bands equip themselves to deal with a volatile industry they may be entering for the first time?
Seek legal counsel. And get a good accountant.

Tell us about your sponsorship of cyclist Jurgen Beneke.  Seems an unusual pairing?  How did it come about, and what are you looking to achieve out of the arrangement?Jurgen is a good friend of ours, and it was only recently that I learned of his cycling career. He’s very humble and never even mentioned it to us. He had retired a few years back, but recently decided to race again. We thought we could help him get to a few races and pay for a few new tires.

Any other atypical sponsorship plans in the works?
We’re not-so-silent, silent partners in a restaurant and wine bar.

What’s next for you guys?  Anything you can let us in on with regards new releases/directions?
We plan to release a new record in 2008, with lots of touring. We’re taking on lots of small projects as well, hoping to do some more film work very soon.

Thanks so much for your time, and we’re all looking forward to your shows in Asia!Thank you! It won’t be long now.

________________________________________________________________

Catch Mercury Rev live at Baybeats 2007.  Get your tickets now from Sistic!

Add a comment

Posted by AMP Ed on July 25, 2007 3:21:14 PM HKT #