Home is...
I think I have three homes. My heart is in Texas, my head is in New York and my body is in Los Angeles. I had a party at my house last weekend and the cleaner is here so there are Hoovers in my house right now — I’m trapped in absolute sonic pandemonium. My life is like the soundtrack to Uncut Gems.
What shops do you rely on?
Usually I’m working so much that I’m lucky if I even get time to have a pint in a pub. But London has the really great Dover Street Market.
What’s the best meal that you’ve had in the capital?
That great one by Covent Garden — Dishoom! That’s really good.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
Right, what’s open past 11pm? I love a pub. If it was permissible, I would absolutely have a pint multiple times a day. Pint with lunch, pint after work, if we weren’t so puritanical over here I would just lubricate the whole day. You know? It makes the hoovers fade away.
What makes someone a Londoner?
You mean besides the ability to pay exorbitant rent? It’s probably the same as being a New Yorker — even if you’re not from there, if you make it to 10 years you deserve a badge.
Who do you call to have fun?
If he’s in town I try to meet up with Steve McQueen. He was a secret angel on the making of my new record. I just adore him. We’d have a drink and talk about life.
Favourite memory of being in a London cab?
I took my sister to go see Madonna at the O2. We hitched a ride to the show in a nice car, then we hitched a ride to the after party in another nice car, and then as we were leaving I called an Uber — it was a Hyundai and that just felt correct. We’d had a very fancy evening, but we’re going back to the hotel in a budget Uber.
What was the first gig you played over here?
I was in a band called The Polyphonic Spree and I played at Koko. It was at a time when Vodka Red Bull was really happening. I remember drinking a lot of Vodka Red Bull. Most of this interview is about drinking, Jesus.
Favourite music venue in London?
I like the Brixton Academy. I love that that’s where Bowie played.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Is not wanting to fly coach an extravagance? Or studio gear. I spend a lot of money on music equipment.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Jack the Ripper.
What was the last thing you googled?
This is so boring. It’s a case for a mixer. Like a music mixer, I thought I’d treat myself to a road-case.
What are you up to for work at the moment?
My seventh album, All Born Screaming. I’m excited because I think the listener completes the song. I’m excited for people to hear it completed.
Who is your hero?
Let’s see. I mean the obvious one is David Bowie. He was the best at art. He won art.
‘All Born Screaming’ is out now.
