Rockin’ the mic for the metaphysically-challenged

Fast-talking L.A. rap rebel Busdriver’s latest album, RoadKillOvercoat, is a kinetic departure from his previous works, venturing outside of underground rap into sounds akin to dance music, indie rock, folk and mainstream rap. A self-described ‘wacky rapper for the metaphysically-challenged’, Busdriver describes his latest songs, “They’re sonically enthralling. To the point where they can be appreciated outside of my suggested audience”.

CW: Do you think that the language barrier will be an obstacle for China to fully appreciate your music?

BD: On a certain level, of course. Wordplay and decorative language are some of my largest stage props, but there are plenty other facets of the music.

CW: It’s a big step into the Asian demographic. There’s almost no underground rap presence in in China’s pop and rock-heavy music domain. Do you think that your kind of music will be able to take-off at this point?

BD: “Taking-off” is hardly something I can predict (it hasn’t happened anywhere yet). My goals are far more modest as far as how I hope the public to embrace me. If we play shows that are decently attended, do a good job, make a handful of new fans, manage to minimize the effects of any trauma-inducing stressors out there, then we have won.

CW: Are their any heavy influences that helped you branch away from your previous albums?

BD: Groups like Olivia Tremor Control, Broadcast, The Flaming Lips... Psychedelic bands of all shapes and sizes gave me ideas on how to use my producer, Nobody, in constructing and executing most of the songs. Perhaps the largest influence came from a French rap act . . . TTC. The record of theirs that left an indelible mark in my understanding of modern music is called Batard Sensible. It’s truly unmatched.

CW: What are you listening to these days?

BD: Kanye West, Xiu Xiu, Barbara Morgenstern, Mike Ladd, Rob Sonic, Yes, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Devendra Banhart, Deerhoof, Panda Bear, CVE, Max Tundra...

CW: If you could record a track with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

BD: Probably Freddie Mercury, or James Brown, or Max Roach.