Phil Cook made a name for himself as one third of Megafaun, a band famed for their mad scientist approach to folk and indie rock sounds. Their success hasn’t kept Cook from enjoying the simple pleasure of playing music on his front porch, though. Eager to share that simpler side of his musical persona, Cook started a one-man-band. Lucky for all of us, you don’t need a private invite to hear him and “His Feat” play a round of tunes, just a copy of Hungry Mother Blues (his 2011 release) or perhaps an open stage for him to sing from.
So sure, Cook can handle a solo set, but can he tackle these five brain benders? See for yourself after the jump.
1. If your band were a cartoon character, what/who would it be?
If I were a cartoon character, I’d likely be Elmer Fudd concentrating oh so hard on the task at hand. Almost succeeding most of the time, but still trying.
2. When did you decide it was time to share this musical project?
I was at a sadly under-attended show at nightlight two years ago and saw a guy named William Tyler play solo guitar. It wasn’t that his playing was so inspiring, but that his JOY of playing was so obviously written all over his face. I recognized that joy instantly and surprisingly as the joy I feel when I play on my front porch! I thought, why not just go for it?
3. Describe how your Dad has affected your love of music.
My father, Paul, is on the verge of retirement and will be moving down to Durham from Wisconsin. I’d love to tell you more about what kind of character he is but I don’t wan to ruin the surprise the triangle has in store for itself when he starts gigging down here with his accordion. I will reveal that he played a lot of piano around us as kids and was always sitting us down to show us cuts from his LP collection. I cherish many memories of those times.
4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that would really surprise people?
Many time in my life I connected more honestly with female voices like Patty Griffin, Sarah Siskind, The Dixie Chicks, Rickie Lee Jones, The Be Good Tanyas, The Indigo Girls and Shawn Colvin. I would say that Bruce Hornsby was my first big influence, the one who got me playing piano well past when my folks went to bed. When I was nine my two favorite records were The White Album by the Beatles and Sillouettes by Kenny G.
5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How ’d that turn out?)
I remember going backpacking every fall in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in seventh grade (right before I found Bruce Hornsby) I had this amazing moment whilst looking out from a bluff onto miles of autumn colors and having a strong notion to be a park ranger. I still love to camp and go for hikes, but Hornsby saved me from learning about tree rot.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Keep checking Phil’s websitee for live dates and plenty of feats of recording fancy. And by all mean, give him a high five when you see him!