What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.
I can think of so many moments in my life which have influenced me toward making music… But the one which stands out the most for me is a post surf trip (naughty 14 year old me) party in an older friends garage. He played ‘The Doors’ (their debut album) on this old vinyl player that i think was his dads. I was totally enthralled. Also, as a brief bio,’The Knives’ is a one man band. My name is Ricky Jones. I’m from New Zealand, but now reside in Australia.
Provide us with some info about your latest release…
‘Little Rita Love’ was a song that came together really quickly. I layed down all of the tracks and had the arrangement dialled in a few hours. Then just started freestyling some vocals over the top. It was intended to be a straight up love song when i started singing, but morphed into this creepy stalker song somehow. The only influence for the story i can think of is probably catching something weird on the crime shows that my girlfriend watches.
Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?
My musical influences shift weekly I’d say. But the most prominent for style is the pixies I’d reckon. Main non musical influence is humanity/society, and all of its flaws (mine included).
In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?
I think my sound is unique because I haven’t had any musical training. I’m completely self taught from my first ever guitar strum, to the shitty production on my songs. Also, i never start a song with the intention of it sounding like anything. That’s why they’re all so different. Like I’m spewing the inside of my brain out through speakers.
Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…
3 desert island albums – ‘Doolittle’ (pixies), ‘Pet Sounds’ (beach boys) annnnddddd probably ‘Room on Fire’ (the Strokes)
Movies – Lords of Dogtown, Donny Darko, and Strip Tease, for those lonely nights, just like when i was young. Haha.
And books – to kill a mocking bird, Anthony Keitis’ biography, and maybe a spiritual one, ‘a new earth’ was good.
Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?
Studio performing for sure. I like getting expressive and weird when no one else is around.
Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?
Ummmmm, I used to call myself ‘Jim Cobra’. For no reason. That’s pretty funny i suppose. In a Jokes on me kinda way.
Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?
I love an early song i put together called ‘My Names Lucky’ I dunno why, but its my favourite. I love sound scape i guess. It’s on Spotify, on an album of the same name. The production is terrible, so if you do check it out, I’d suggest wearing headphones.
Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?
Just to make as much music as possible. And to be happy, of course.
Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…
Okey dokey – what’s a pirates favourite letter?
…..pause/guess…… its the C me heartys!!!!!! And I’d also like to say thanks to Last Day Deaf – You guys are rad!
Curated by: Christos Doukakis
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