Interview with Tim Alexander

Tim Alexander, the former drummer for Primus, the drummer/vocalist for Laundry in a question and answer session about his latest project, Attention Deficit.


How would you describe your songwriting/recording process for the album?

Well, we pretty much just went in and ran the tape. There were a couple of songs that we figured a couple of parts out, but it is pretty much improvised.

How was it working with Michael [Manring, bass] and Alex [Skolnick, guitars]? Was there a difference from your previous encounter with them with Thonk, which was more of Michael's project?

This project was all three of us, and we all got along very well. When I did some songs on Thonk that was just me and micheal so I didn't get to see anyone else.

I notice that there's a great deal of synergy between the three of you. In a project of this type, where three musicians who are virtuous with regards to their corresponding instruments interact, there's always the worry that it becomes nothing more than simply each of the individual musicians showcasing their talents. How did you get around this problem?

We mixed up wanking with playing. We didn't want it to be a showoff record.

Are there any plans for a tour?

No plans for touring.

What's going on with Laundry?

Laundry is finishing our second record. No label yet. Look for shows in the Bay Area.

Do you plan to do anything more with Linda Cushma and The Brides?

No plans for any other recordings yet.

How has Magna Carta treated you with this project? Did you have complete creative freedom?

The label is cool. They want good music and that's it.

What's your favourite music? That is, what music does the band listen to and currently like? Who would you cite as influences?

No influences except music from all over.

What are your future plans and where do you see yourself in the year 2000?

Hopefully in 2000 I'll be rockin'.

Thanks for all the support.


Music ram-blings || Ram Samudrala || me@ram.org || October 5, 1998