Questions of Doom with Pete Fowler!

30/08/05

Pete Fowler, answers this week’s Questions of Doom; Pete is the genius mad scientist behind Monsterism and all of the Super Furry Animals and Magic Numbers covers, who has also recently released a stunning compilation called ‘Sounds of Monsterism Island’ which has been essential listening to all at Poptones.co.uk. Read about Pete Fowler, his thoughts on the Japanese, Martin Denny, The Millennium and the new Super Furry Animals album.

What are the secret origins of Pete Fowler?

Born and bred in Cardiff, then studied fine art in Falmouth Cornwall and ended up here in London by way of a self published comic with friends. I started to develop Monsterism 5 or 6 years ago and have evolved it into an unexplored island.

With your compilation ‘The Sounds Of Monsterism Island’ have you beaten your 60s soft-psychedelic obsession?

Mmm, it’s hard to beat though. I’ve been listening to more rigid psyche recently, perhaps soft psyche on viagra?

The Millennium’s Island starts off the compilation --- is that the Monsterism theme song?

A friend of mine introduced it to me a while back and it seems perfectly suited to the concept. So entrancing and inviting it had to be the first track.

What do you think it is about the Millennium that have inspired their cult-like following thirty years after their failed debut? Martin Denny is heavily featured on your compilation. Do you find it odd that Denny was an international sensation in the 50s and early 60s and has now become an underground staple of choice ... why do you think that Denny was once a known pop act and then return as a hip underground influence on Stereolab and Throbbing Gristle?

Firstly, Millenium and similar bands were not that well known at the time and suffered maybe from larger bands that had a more pop approach in a similar style. I think their sound has come around to people that are interested in their polished lush cotton wool psyche. Perhaps in the same way that Martin Denny appealed to recent generations. It’s all music that is very evocative, particularly Martin Denny with his sounds of a world that never really existed.

A lot of the soft pop that you feature on the compilation seems to have picked up a life of its own in Japan. Your artwork and monsterism figures also have a life of their own in Japan. What aspects of Japanese culture do you find intriguing?

I’ve been interested in Japanese culture for several years and have worked there also. Japanese youths seem to get into particular genres of music in a serious manner and genres can be very hip, causing reissues, compilations and the like.
I think they are free to use their imagination in different ways, judging by the incredible creative works that Japan has to offer the world. Being raised on animation, comics and toys as the norm, people are familiar with a character, a story and style. This is a culture I’ll always find fascinating .

What are your thoughts on the forthcoming Super Furry Animals release?

I’ve lived with it for some months now and to be honest it took me a while to really get in to. Perhaps due to the songwriting duties being shared by various members. I grew to like it and found things in their music that I perhaps had not heard before in earlier LPs. It seems really balanced despite varied songwriting and shows that they are growing into a different band.

One thing about your compilation - The Sounds of Monsterism is that you share many similar musical influences as the Super Furry Animals ..

I think so, I’ve been turned on to music by them and have found that we listen to similar music at times. We’re all open to a wide range from all over world. I think we share similar attitudes.

Monsterism seems like the visual representation of ‘I hear a new world’ are you trying to create a new world?

I think I’ve discovered a new world over the last few years where all the beasts can live their complicated, and simple lives. We can take a peep to this world through the clouds with your third ear by listening to the compilation cd...

You’ve worked in the world of underground comics with ‘Slouch’ ... which comic books have been doing it for you these day?

I’ve slacked a little with comics over the last few years, not really keeping up with whats going on but I’ve bought some comics and art books by the Canadian artist Dave Cooper recently that have blown my mind, grossed me out and tickled my fancy.

Your style is very distinct—how did you come about ... how did this come about?

Growing up on comics, cartoons, movies and being interested in certain elements of design have all been squished out of my mental sponge and mixed up. I guess working in the software illustrator has helped a lot to edit and evolve styles.

Why no Sham 69 on the compilation? Are you a hippy?

No sir but Sham doesn’t float my boat. I’m not sure what Monsterism would endorse from the punk section! I like proto punk!

Dead Meadow rule. How come UK have not picked up on this fact? Do you think they are afraid?

Their need to open their third ear, if you know what I mean. Feel the jazzy drumming and the high altitude!

Uri Geller is your celebrity fan. Has Uri Geller told you frightening predictions for the future and have you been tempted to use the Uri knowledge for evil and not good?

I will use my powers when I see fit and am not not obliged to discuss them any further. Ahem.

Music seems to have influenced your artwork. What is it about music that influences you?

It’s always been in the background since I’ve been involved in creating artwork, it’s something that can take you places within your imagination and further . It often helps me to get into the mood to create and one of the first things I do before I start work in the morning is turn on some music.

You’ve DJ’ed for Magic Numbers and B-Music, what is the Pete Fowler super-floor-stompers?

The 4 horsemen by Aphrodites Child is always a good one towards the end of the night. Or Supernaut by Black Sabbath.

You’ve featured alot of older music on the compilation - - what contemporary sounds would make a Sounds of Monsterism Island?

Caribou, Circulus, Boards of Canada, Four Tet and Dungen to name a few...

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