- Just in case you’re not in the loop, Lullabies for the Lost is this phenomenal one person act with musical recluse Mike Jensen making some of the trippiest music around. Sourbrains was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview. You can also find the music on soundcloud.com/lullabies-for-the-lost or his website- www.lullabiesforthelost.com/
How would you describe your music and what instruments do you use? And what genre would you call it?
“I usually loosely describe it as trip-hop when I explain the project to people which usually makes them think of like Massive Attack or Portishead but it’s really more in the vibe of Dj shadow’s “Endtroducing…..” and “Private press.” I use a lot of samples but I also try and play as much of it as I can as well. Technically there are no instruments on the EP at all. I have a couple cheap midi keyboards I picked up over the years and the micro phone from rock band Wii so we are talking no budget production here just using whatever I had and hacking it together to make it work. As for the sampled instruments on the EP the most prominent one is a Japanese folk instrument called a Koto. It just has this very distinct sound that I just love.”
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever had?
“As far as this project goes I think the best compliment I’ve received so far was “Wow this doesn’t suck nearly as much as stuff you normally play”. (Mike laughed) At least I think that was a compliment. I don’t think I’ve ever really had any people come up and tell me “wow this is the most amazing thing I have ever heard it changed my life.” Normally I just get “it’s not bad…. when’s your next show?” It’s really just the little the little bits of encouragement that keep me going.”
Who/what influenced you the most growing up?
“I really got into popular music in high school listening to Nirvana (well after it was cool btw) Weezer , 311 , Incubus and Deftones then starting branching out into electronic music mostly trance back then, I loved Paul Oakenfolds radio 1 mix. For the person who not so much influenced but supported me most with music was my dad. He would listen to the absolute worst music, couldn’t carry a tune to save his life and I don’t think ever picked up and instrument but he bought me my first guitar and would buy me a new piece of kit for my birthday or Christmas much to the anger of my step mother. He also let me go out in the garage and just wail away on a little peavey 15 watt amp that must have just sounded like I was running a car though a wood chipper but he never complained and was always supportive of all of my projects.”
Who/what inspires your music, or: what music do you listen to now?
“Lullabies for the Lost was very heavily inspired by DJ Shadow’s “Endtroducing…..” And also by bands like Boards of Canada, Team sleep, Röyksopp and Sigur Rois. LFTL has been a bit of a departure from what I’ve been DJing for the last few years which has been predominantly heavy indie electro stuff like Le Castle Vania, boyz noise, MSTRKRFT, and Daft Punk.”
How far along is this collection of Lullabies for the Lost? Are you planning on an album? If so, when?
“I have about 5 songs finished for the EP so far. A good friend of mine who is just a studio wizard and I are going to be finishing production and mastering the tracks in the next few weeks so the EP should be ready for release about mid-December. Then I plan on playing out as much as I can to support the EP while working on producing some new tracks. Once there is enough interest and support in the project I’ll work on releasing a full album, I’m hoping about mid-summer for the full length.”
What mental state are you in when creating music?
“Utter mental and physical exhaustion. I was (and still am) working two jobs and going to school, averaging about 70 something hours a week and sleeping for maybe 4-5 a night if I was lucky. In that state I didn’t want to listen to anything too fast or heavy I just wanted music to chill out to on my long drive home from work in the middle of the night. Something I could just throw on when I left work and space out too and the next thing I knew I would be pulling in my driveway.”
Are you disappointed with your lack of lustful groupies? Isn’t that why every guy takes up music?
“To be disappointed one had to expect that first. I think making music is a lot like owning a BMW sports car in this respect. Guy buy it and think man this is a great looking car, they only built like 500 so its super rare, and it has the performance and styling upgrade package and some ultra-light rims and thinks girls are going to think this car is so fucking sweet and be crawling over each other to get with him. Then only other car guys ever care about the car and all the girls he tries to talk to about it just look bored or tell him they like his Mercedes. Music is kinda this same way if you go into it just to try and impress people you’re doing it wrong. I know personally in my 15 years of playing in bands and DeeJaying it has never once ever impressed a girl. The real trick is being able to play a show with 5 people and make that the best show you ever had.”
What qualities, besides talent, do you think are most important in a musician?
” I really think being able to evoke an emotion in someone is critical it lets you connect to your audience and have them take the ride with you. If your music doesn’t make people feel anything then what’s the point?”
What is your favorite vice?
“I don’t know that I would call it a vice but I pretty much live on coffee, cigarettes and Rock star energy drinks. It’s not a vice, but more of an addiction. ”
When/where are you happiest?
“I’m happiest out interacting with a crowd. Not so much giving a performance, but interacting with the audence and bringing them with me and sharing something”.
How would you like to die?
“Doing 200 mph in a super car that’s on fire and flying through the air seems like a pretty bad ass way to go.”
Once again, you can find his work at:
