q&a: mckisko

Describe your sound in five words or less.
Music for the curious souls.

Was there a particular moment or artist that made you want to pursue music when you were growing up? Who were your early influences?
Early early were Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Carol King. I sound nothing like these people but as a kid I loved them. Then later on there was Low, Jason Molina, Cat Power, Black Heart Procession, Smog. Seeing Low for the first time live in London was the moment I decided to pick up a guitar and try writing.

What are your other interests/passions?
I’m interested in mythology. I like reading. Food.

Who do you most admire?
There’s a Burmese family I’ve spent some time with recently. High on my list because they have nothing and yet manage to seem so full.

Greatest achievement to date?
Making a tiny human.

A song I wish I wrote/played is… Grace Knight’s ‘From the nipple to the bottle’.

I couldn’t live without… coffee and toast from Cabinessence in Brisbane. I live above this cafe and I never have it together enough to have good breakfast foods in my house. They are so good to us.

The best advice I ever received was… dolly out. It’s a filming term. Means to widen the shot to change perspective and depth.

Do you think the music industry treats female musicians differently to male musicians? Do you think it’s more difficult for women to establish themselves?
I don’t think about it a whole lot. I try to make music that I like and if other people like it I’m grateful, if they don’t then it’s ok. The ‘industry’ is a strange beast probably best left to gnaw its own leg off. I don’t feel a part of it really. People are generally good though, helpful.

Is there anything you’ve always wanted to be asked? Why isn’t eleven pronounced onety-one?

McKisko’s 7″, Good Grief, was released October 3rd through El Nino El Nino Records. The launch tour continues this Thursday, October 13, at The Toff in Town in Melbourne. Check out McKisko’s facebook page for more information and dates!