Recently AudioFuzz got the chance to ask the highly introspective, elusive and intriguing Ariel Pink a few questions about his new collaboration Raw Deal with Justin Raisen, his preferred environment, upcoming album with Haunted Graffiti and where the music industry is headed. Pink offered us a glimpse into the world of a super-intelligent musician/producer who’s just as happy out of the limelight as he is in it.
Tell us how Raw Deal came about and what we can expect from this collaboration?
Ariel Pink: With Justin Raisen; I’m “Raw” and Justin is “Deal.” We co-write and produce other artists, so far we’ve done Jerry James, The Garden, Sky Ferreria, Charlie XCX, and Ex Cops,
There aren’t many artists that truly embrace who they are. We’re all about that at AudioFuzz and appreciate when we see it. Do you feel embracing every facet of your authentic self has brought you to where you are today? How so?
Ariel Pink: Hmm. kinda, I don’t know. It’s new each time – new talent- so that keeps it exciting. I’m happy to take a step out of the limelight. It just so happens that I enjoy the side projects more than doing the usual thing but obviously I need that outlet first. Writing songs with Justin is fun.
Do prefer being in the studio or being on stage and why?
Ariel Pink: At home, in boxer shorts with keys on my lap. Where I began is where I am and where I’d like to be; I’m a cancer.
What’s one thing you love about the music industry and one thing you hate about it?
Ariel Pink: Best thing….hmmm; It seems to like me more than I care for it, but that’s probably why it likes me in the first place. It’s more of a convenience thing in this town. Lots of what we call the industry started here and I’m very into history
I hear from so many artists say that making money in the music industry is quite difficult these days with less and less people buying music, even when selling out shows. How do you think we can change making money in this industry or should we?
Ariel Pink: I have no idea but I’m determined to not let playing live be my fate, so ask me again in a couple years!
Mature Themes is a masterful album that touched on so many genres of music. You can really tell that you have an extremely diverse music catalogue that you listen to. What can we expect with the 14th studio album from Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti?
Ariel Pink: Expect the unexpected. Same as before only better or worse. Next!
And finally, we’ve got a lot of horror movie fans that follow us. Favorite scary movie and why?
Ariel Pink: I love so many great horror movies; Tobe Hooper, George Romero, John Carpenter, Wes Craven. “Nightmare On Elm Street” was my childhood. Troma films and anything with Tom Scott and anything old school.
Check out Ariel Pink & Justin Raisen’s Raw Deal incarnations and his most recent video from his band Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti below:
Jerry James – “Lana Del Rey”
Ariel Pink & Sky Ferreira – “My Molly”
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – “Only In My Dreams”