Interview with Matthew Shipp: Self-knowledge is the only thing I can say: Video

Jazz interview with jazz pianist and composer Matthew Shipp. An interview by email in writing. 

JazzBluesNews.Space: – Please explain your creative process?

Matthew Shipp: – Inspiration and the creative process are impossible to explain — it really is a path that each individual has to discover for themselves — it is not in any textbook but is won by intense self knowledge — the only thing I can say is the intent must really be there and you must work and sweet but know when to let go and let the flow occur – which happens by spirit and or nature .

JBN.S: – What are your main impulses to write music?

MSH: – My main impulse to write music is that playing this music is the mode of existence I have chosen or maybe it chose me – it is total possession .

JBN.S: – What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments and pieces in your work and/or career?

MSH: – The most incisive moments in my career are impossible to pin point –there are so many- and everything contributes to the end product – everything –but maybe what’s been really important is having good relations with all the record labels I’ve worked with for they are the ambient that I go out into the world .

JBN.S: – You’re very active politically online, but you’ve mentioned that you keep it separate from your music?

MSH: – I keep my artist life which deals with eternal and spiritual values and metaphysical quests completely separate from my political life which some people see on social media—my music is otherworldly like Sun Ra’s was—and I don’t want it contaminated by dealing with the mundane absurdity of say a Donald Trump.

JBN.S: – How would you describe and rate the music scene you are currently living?

MSH: – The music business- scene-the jazz business-scene   sucks . it stinks – perhaps has always stunk . I like most before me have to find my own way both as an artist but also business wise – I don’t expect the red  carpet from the powers that be- but hey its forced me to develop  an alternative way and I have had some success at creating a space for myself that only I can occupy.

JBN.S: – What’s an average day like for you?

MSH: – An average day- get up-eat-coffee- social media—coffee—call record labels and talk to promoters- answer emails—practice piano  in afternoon —at night read-eat-watch some tv- maybe listen to some music and meditate .

JBN.S: – Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?

MSH: – I have no idea if there is any hidden meaning in the music. I do it because I  must—by universal imperative—apart from that you would have to ask the universe the hidden meaning

JBN.S: – Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans?

MSH: – I interact with fans on social media—after concerts and I get stopped on the street-I do a lot of walking in new york city. II  I ever get really rich I  will become a hermit and not deal with anyone.

JBN.S: – What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite?

MSH: – My favorite part of all this is to be on stage and have my hands on a piano  — my least favorite part is playing political games within the music business thou if you push me I can play the games with the best of them

JBN.S: – Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?

MSH: – I have no performance anxiety— when I was a little kid I went to a hypnotist to help with stage fright but I am naturally a ham and love to expose my soul on stage

JBN.S: – Tell me about your favorite performance venues?

MSH: – I have no favorite venues—I have the music inside me and if I have a receptive audience that needs the music I am at home—wherever

JBN.S: – What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

MSH: – What advice for someone wanting to follow in my footsteps—DON”T …

Interview by Simon Sargsyan