Mike Patton: Man Of The Year

By Fringe Staff

FRINGE: The Peeping Tom album is finally being released. What took it so long to see the light of day?

MP: A lot of things delayed it. The main thing is the whole concept of the album. Each track is a collaboration with an artist or artists who live elsewhere. So tapes were sent, schedules had to be lined up and logistics were tricky. I also wasted time talking to various labels about releasing it. Turns out there is very little any label could offer that we could not do ourselves on our label, Ipecac Recordings. I started this record over 6 years ago. At that time I did not know what would become of Ipecac, but alas, here we are, the most powerful label on earth!!!!

FRINGE: What other musicians were/are involved with the project? And will there be a tour?

MP: You ready? Dale Crover, Dan the Automator, Norah Jones, Amon Tobin, Rahzel, Bebel Gilberto, Kool Keith, Kid Koala, Dub Trio, Massive Attack, Jel/Odd & Dose one from Anticon

FRINGE: Congrats on your dual roles in the Steve Balderson film, Firecracker. How did the challenges of acting differ from those in your music career?

MP: It is a lot different! First of all, you do a lot of sitting and waiting. Secondly there is someone telling you exactly what to do and finally you are not yourself. It was a big challenge. But I enjoyed it.

FRINGE: Any plans to continue with an acting career?

MP: If something cool came up. But it certainly is not my day job.

FRINGE: What actors, directors and/or producers would you like to work with?

MP: Oh christ! Too many to list. The usuals, Tarantino, Lynch, Devito, Coppola, etc.

FRINGE: What was it like working with Bjork on the Medulla album and how did the collaboration come about?

MP: Well, oddly enough we were mutually admiring each others work and ran into each other in Europe and said let’s do something together. She mentioned Fantômas opening for her, but it did not work out then she told me about her idea for Medulla. I thought it was a great idea. She is really sharp. Knows what she wants to do. Very creative. I would love to do more with her.

FRINGE: Any future collaborations with John Zorn in the works?

MP: Oh yeah. We are always talking about or working on something.

FRINGE: Will there be another Tomahawk album?

MP: Yes. We are trading ideas. I would hope to have one out in the first half of 2007.

FRINGE: Other than Trevor, are you still on good terms with the rest of the former Mr. Bungle members?

MP: Some of them

FRINGE: Any chance of a reunion?

MP: Not with me involved. What we had was great, but we grew apart. Time to move on.

FRINGE: Who are some of you favorite bands/musicians currently?

MP: Well, you could check out our label at www.ipecac. com for some of my favorites. I also like Sigur Ros, Melt Banana….. damn, there are tons.

FRINGE: Besides vocals, what other instruments do you play?

MP: My computer.

FRINGE: Is Anthony Keidis still an ass?

MP: No idea. You’d have to ask him.

FRINGE: There are a lot of amazing artists on your Ipecac label. Do you personally choose who gets signed to the label?

MP: My partner Greg and I choose them. Yeah, I’m very proud of our roster.

FRINGE: Is there going to be a 2nd Lovage album?

MP: It looks like there will indeed be a second one. This time on Ipecac. 2007, I hope.

FRINGE: Fantomas has one the most unique line-ups of any of your previous projects. Once again excluding Trevor, How did you hook up with Buzz and Dave?

MP: I made a wish list of people I wanted to work with and got em all. I’ve known Buzz for awhile. Been a HUGE Lombardo fan since high school!!

FRINGE: What are your Top 10 “Desert Island Discs”? (Assuming you are stranding with a Cd player and lots of batteries)

MP: No idea. I’m real bad at these list things. I worry about excluding friends. Just give me box sets of Sinatra, Bachrach & Buck Owens.

FRINGE: Do you myspace?

MP: No

FRINGE: What can we expect from Mike Patton in the future?

MP: Lot’s of things. More Peeping Tom, Tomahawk, Fantomas, Lovage and various oddball collaborations as well as film scores and videogame stuff.