Interview with Q-Burns Abstract Message, November 2007

>1 Are you looking forward to playing at the Studio Warehouse? What are the other venues on this tour like?
This is actually my 4th time playing at the Studio Warehouse (though I don't think it had a name yet for the first 2 times). I am well aware of its off-the-beaten track status as one time we were snowed in after my DJ set with no nearby civilization to aid us! But I think the concept behind the Warehouse is brilliant and something I'd love to see more cities adopting. I would have to say that gigs of the more'underground' nature are my favorites. There is just something about the vibe and the people that populate the dancefloor at these events that makes it all quite special. In fact, in San Francisco, warehouse parties are all the rage and the last 3 or 4 times I've been in SF it's been for warehouse undergrounds. Glasgow and San Francisco are two very different cities, but playing at the Studio Warehouse is reminiscent of a really good SF underground party. I like it. I'm playing clubs for the rest of this small European tour. It's kind of nice that I get to do different types of events in one run.
> 2 If Q-Burns Abstract Message was a drink, what would he be?
I think I'm a bit like vodka, and not just because it's my fuel of choice. Probably because it looks innocent like a glass of water, but it actually delivers a funky good time (and maybe a bit of a headache the next day if you're not careful).
> 3 You have a packed live schedule this year. Is there a purpose to this tour? other than making some dancefloors a bit flatter that is,
Honestly, I think I've been on tour since 1996. I've been keeping a pretty non-stop schedule since, averaging three weekends (and the assorted weekday) of each month on the road. I've somehow grown to love flying in airplanes, gotten used to waking up midway through the night not knowing where I am, and acquired the skills to suss out adecent vegetarian meal in the most obscure beef-loving countries.The purpose? I've never thought about it, really. Perhaps it really is just to flatten dancefloors. Or perhaps it's akin the Steve Martin's special purpose in 'The Jerk'. "I know what my special purpose is!"
> 4 Anything coming up soon from Q-Burns Abstract Message?
A slew of remixes for esoteric labels such as Hector Works, PrismaticTracks, Mettle Music, Dotbleep. I'm doing a bit of work, biz-wise and music-wise, for my own label EIGHT-TRACKS (www.EIGHT-TRACKS.com). I've also rearranged and renovated my studio and will finally start working on my next album project in a matter of weeks. I'll be extensively chronicling this process on my site: www.q-burnsabstractmessage.com
> 5 Do you like Glasgow as a city?
Well, I love Scotland in general. I am a Donaldson, after all. Mygrandmother was a McDuff. My other grandmother was a Spinks, which isindeed of English origin but her direct ancestors had resettled inDundee. So I have a bit of genetically enhanced love for this place. Ilike Glasgow as it's a great place to wander ... what I like to call a'walking city'. There's always something to find in whatever directionyou choose. So, while I'm here, it's possible you'll just find me aimlessly walking around. Unless the weather's really shit, of course.... oh well. :)