LOVAGE

Dan the Automator is easily one of the most sought after producers in all of hip hop. His collaborative efforts read like a who's who dream team, having worked with Kool Keith (Dr. Octagon), De La Soul's Prince Paul (Handsome Boy Modeling School), Kid Koala (Deltron 3030) and a host of high profile musicians in cartoon guise (Gorillaz). Pushing his fondness of the concept album even further is his new project Lovage, a menage a trois with vocalists Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle) and Jennifer Charles (Elsyian Fields). Altercation editor Justin Habersaat puts his ear to the door and eye to the keyhole.

Altercation: The new Lovage project seems like a natural progression of Handsome Boy Modeling School. Why not just treat it as a follow up record instead of a new project? Is a new Handsome Boy record planned?
Dan: Lovage is endorsed by the Handsonium institute, but is not a sequel. To hear the new Handsome Boy single check out King of the Jungle, a new movie. The new record will take place next year.

A: While some of the material is obviously tongue-in-cheek with Lovage, I was happily surprised by the seriousness with which you tackled the subject. Was it tough to find a balance between being light hearted and really getting down to it?
D: Yes, but it was a worthwhile pursuit as there have been no really great love records in the past 20 or so years. I feel that a certain light heartedness is important in general, and that sort of came in naturally.

A:The vocalists seem the perfect pair. How did you hook up with them? Did Lovage come about before or after Mike Patton tapped you for his forthcoming Peeping Tom project?
D: As mike was tapping me for the Peeping Tom project this just came up, and it was a perfect fit. Jennifer has always had what I would consider a great voice for a love record. I contacted her through some mutual friends.

A: Any plans for another Deltron 3030 record?
D: Yes, but not for a little while as there is a lot of subject matter tobe devised before an effective album can be made.

A: You seem to deal a lot in concept projects. Were any other specific concept albums influential in pointing you that way?
D: Well, some of De La, but I do concepts because it treats the record as a work instead of as a series of songs that aren't related.

A: Were you surprised by the success of Gorillaz? Any plans for more collaboration with that crew in the near future?
D: Pleasantly surprised, and yes there are plans for more stuff in the future.

A: You obviously have a distinct style when it comes to turntablism and production. Do you think the field has become oversaturated? It seems like everyone's cousin considers themselves a DJ.
D: Yep, but the talent always rises and there are probably proportionately more terrible garage rock bands.

A: How hands on are you with the 75 Ark label?
D: I help with some of the quality control.

A: Do you plan to tour with Lovage? Will it be a continuing project, ora one off?
D: We will be doing some dates in early 2002, and who knows what will happen beyond that.

A: So what's next on your plate?
D: (laughs) Hopefully dinner.

Thanks to Dan for his contribution and to Pam at Girlie for her assistance. Lovage is in stores now on 75 Ark, waiting to rock your world.