With a new EP, ‘Security Screenings’, now in stores, anticipation for Prefuse 73’s upcoming live tour are high. A notoriously hard man to pin down, by some stroke of luck ITM managed to corner the man behind the mystery (known to his mother as Scott Herren) long enough to have him answer a few pertinent questions just ahead of his impending Australian tour.

To what degrees is your music influenced by non-musical arts, such as literature, sculpture, etc? 

Everything in life affects my music, every aspect of it. Especially love and politics.

You’ve stated in a couple past interviews that when producers sample they’re not listening to the song, just the break and that it is the song as a whole that should be paid attention to. Would you agree with DJ Spooky that sampling is a rewriting of history?

Wait… I said “a lot” of times when “some” producers sample. Not every producer, I would be hating and retarded in that case. At least, that’s what I must have been referring to. DJ Spooky’s theory seems absolutely relevant but I never really felt that way until I just read what you asked me.

Is it possible to speak coherently on music anymore or has it become so complex, so multi-genre faceted, so generalised, that music should just be listened to? What are your thoughts on music journalism?

I think music is prime to speak on. Multi faceted only means a challenge within the music journalist. I feel music journalism as a whole is great as long as it’s literally constructive.

What was your first word?

“Ever since I can remember I been poppin’ my collar.” – 1975… Miami, Fla. I swear.

How much time do you spend digging compared to time spent producing?

I produce and play instruments a lot more than digging. I’m not allowed to buy records as much as I used to.

You’ve spoken before on the issue that your music is unintentional; that there’s no musical revolution being formed.  To what degrees are you infusing a specific message or personal emotion into a track and to what degree is a track open for interpretation, in the sense of ‘beauty being in the eye of the beholder’?

I want my music to mean whatever the listener hears and feels. Some hear beauty while others hear pain. My mother hates Prefuse songs. That’s truth.

Is it better to be idealistic, realistic, or a combination of the two?

Be realistic about your goals and dreams. Ideals are set in stone and might trip you up along the way.

I heard you wrote your latest EP while you were on the road? Did you find yourself acquiring new habits with production?

Sure. For every day there comes a new idea and light. As long as my rent is paid while I’m on the road, I’m cool and open to whatever comes my way.

Have you found kindred spirits in the collaborations featured on Security Screenings?

No. those dudes already were kindred to me. Tunde and Kieran are very nice.

In what ways are you presenting your music live? Are you still manning the MPC and a keyboard with various other instrumentations?

Yes, but I have a 6 piece band sometimes as well. I like doing the two man show a lot. My DJ, my friend Rasheed, has been with me from day one. We grew up in the same place.

Where do you wish you could be right now?

Back in España right now please.

In what ways does Prefuse 73 resemble and/or differ from Scott Herren?

They both have adult A.D.D. and they are both much nicer than you think.

Don’t miss Prefuse 73 touring Australia this month:

Fri Apr 14 – Prince of Wales, Melbourne w/ Blockhead, Black Grass, Greyboy
Sun Apr 16 – Gaelic Club, Sydney w/ Blockhead, Black Grass [BUY TICKETS]

‘Security Screening’ is out now through Warp/Inertia.