I_Am_Ampersand is Matt Hainsby, one quarter of Brighton-based krautrockers Fujiya & Miyagi. Supposedly stealing the '&' from his band, he has run off with it, creating a side project of lo-fi, psychedelic pop.
Matt has released his first solo album, Grave Goods, which he says hints at 'buried treasure'. The album finishes up with a track of the same name, about which Matt says: 'There are many modern accounts of Grave Goods – people asking to be buried with the day’s newspaper or their mobile phone in case there’s been a dreadful mistake and they need to make an emergency call. Maybe they just hope that their mobile provider has network coverage on the other side.'
His new album has been compared to the likes of Grizzly Bear and Brian Eno. And, with a strong track record with the krauty wonderboys Fujiya & Miyagi, we were keen to find out more about his solo project...
I first started writing music because…
There was little to occupy myself with growing up in a small town in Suffolk. There was one alternative music night that was maybe once every three months organised by local bands, I used to watch the bands and think one day that could be me.
I have been making music since…
The age of 15 when I got my first nylon stringed guitar from Argos. Prior to that I was limited to a Casio VL-tone and that was mainly covering TV themes in the playground. I've been playing solo as I_Am_Ampersand for about a year now.
My music is…
Repetitive lo-fi acoustic pop.
You'll like my music if you listen to...
Jonathan Richman, King Creosote, Grizzly Bear and elements of Fujiya & Miyagi.
My favourite venue is…
The Albert in Brighton. I have a real soft spot for the place. Brighton's Green Door Store is great too.
Music is important because…
Without it people would just fill the void with their own voices, incessantly talking, going on and on and on...
My biggest inspiration is…
Caetano Veloso - Transa. That record is very close to my heart. Having my music released on vinyl is quite a driving force for me too. I have Dom at The Great Pop Supplement label to thank for that.
My dream collaboration would be…
With Caribou. So melodic. The perfect combination of great song writing and electronics.
To try me out, listen to my song…
20 Seas 4 Oceans. It's the first single off my album Grave Goods.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Very sad indeed. The times in my life when I haven't found the time to make music were very, very dull.
In 10 years time I want to be…
An old man making odd music or an odd man making old music. I'll be happy either way.
Matt has released his first solo album, Grave Goods, which he says hints at 'buried treasure'. The album finishes up with a track of the same name, about which Matt says: 'There are many modern accounts of Grave Goods – people asking to be buried with the day’s newspaper or their mobile phone in case there’s been a dreadful mistake and they need to make an emergency call. Maybe they just hope that their mobile provider has network coverage on the other side.'
His new album has been compared to the likes of Grizzly Bear and Brian Eno. And, with a strong track record with the krauty wonderboys Fujiya & Miyagi, we were keen to find out more about his solo project...
I first started writing music because…
There was little to occupy myself with growing up in a small town in Suffolk. There was one alternative music night that was maybe once every three months organised by local bands, I used to watch the bands and think one day that could be me.
I have been making music since…
The age of 15 when I got my first nylon stringed guitar from Argos. Prior to that I was limited to a Casio VL-tone and that was mainly covering TV themes in the playground. I've been playing solo as I_Am_Ampersand for about a year now.
My music is…
Repetitive lo-fi acoustic pop.
You'll like my music if you listen to...
Jonathan Richman, King Creosote, Grizzly Bear and elements of Fujiya & Miyagi.
My favourite venue is…
The Albert in Brighton. I have a real soft spot for the place. Brighton's Green Door Store is great too.
Music is important because…
Without it people would just fill the void with their own voices, incessantly talking, going on and on and on...
My biggest inspiration is…
Caetano Veloso - Transa. That record is very close to my heart. Having my music released on vinyl is quite a driving force for me too. I have Dom at The Great Pop Supplement label to thank for that.
My dream collaboration would be…
With Caribou. So melodic. The perfect combination of great song writing and electronics.
To try me out, listen to my song…
20 Seas 4 Oceans. It's the first single off my album Grave Goods.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Very sad indeed. The times in my life when I haven't found the time to make music were very, very dull.
In 10 years time I want to be…
An old man making odd music or an odd man making old music. I'll be happy either way.
