'Album of the Year' is being hailed as one of the top albums of 2010 so far by critics. How do you feel about that?
It's definitely exciting. I feel like the response to each of my albums has gotten stronger and the impact has been a little wider, so it definitely feels good. My main concern is just to continue to improve and progress as an artist and musician, and it's always good when you see or hear the critics and the fans recognizing that.
You mentioned you studied Prince to get a certain sound / feel in performance. Do you feel your studying has paid off?
I've got a long way to go to even begin to match what Prince does on stage. The videos of the shows I've seen have so much energy, so really I'm just trying to tap into how he brings that energy from the stage to the audience. I'm going to see Prince in concert this December for the first time, so I'll actually get to see it in person. I can't wait.
Your newly formed band featuring Daru Jones and AB is new to your format. Why did you want a live band on this tour? Do you think you'll take a live band into the studio going forward?
Being on the road with Daru and AB played a big part in coming up with the style and sound of "Album of the Year" when we toured Europe in 2009 for "Tronic." They're so talented and we have great chemistry together both on stage and in the studio. Playing with live musicians on stage creates so much more energy than just playing with a DJ, plus it challenges me as an artist and a performer, and I'm dedicated to pushing myself to get better and to try new things all the time.
Hip Hop is now a household name...The Roots on Jimmy Fallon, Jay-Z, Drake, etc. Are you proud of the direction Hip-Hop is going?
I don't really look at Hip-Hop as a single, all-encompassing force that's moving in any specific direction. I'm just a fan of music like everyone else. It's obviously great to see artists like The Roots and Jay-Z enjoy the success that they're having.
How do you feel about the love in Canada for Black Milk?
I'm about to find out, I guess. This Canadian tour will be my first time visiting a lot of these markets and I know there has been a lot of interest amongst the fan base up there. I'm looking forward to this tour and in visiting the cities that I can't make on this run as soon as possible.
Fore more information on Black Milk visit blackmilk.biz
Red Bull MegaHurtz 2010 supports W2's efforts to build an inner-city media centre for Vancouver's Downtown Eastside:
http://www.creativetechnology.org
W2 brings spaces to life with the arts and creative technology in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
Tickets available via
https://ticketdriver.com/redbullmegahurtz/buy/tickets/event/10104
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