"Aesthetics are, like, a complicated thing, you know? You see a lot of artists today who’ve worked out the aesthetics before they’ve worked out the real spirit of the music. I’ve never been like that.When I choose to collaborate with people, it’s an extension of where my head’s at during that time, emotionally."
This is Ben Lee, warming up to the topic of Hey You, Yes You. It is his fourth solo collection since 1993 when, at the age of 14, fronting the now legendary indie band Noise Addict, he broke out of his native Sydney, Australia. Produced by Dan the Automator, Lee’s new 12-song collection is serious and spiffy, frayed and dashing. It is music with a fast, quicksilver, instant-sounding character whose vivid sound suggests the aural equivalent of that peculiar mix of elegance and grain you get from watching film develop. Lee will perform at Maxwell’s in Hoboken on June 2 at 9 p.m. We recently caught up with him.
EM – Where are you from?
BL – Sydney, Australia
EM – Who are your influences?
BL – Lao Tzu, Bob Dylan, macaroni, Verizon.
EM – Why did you become a musician?
BL – Genetic compulsion. Bloodline varicose simplicity.
EM – Where have you performed?
BL – Here, there, everywhere.
EM – What is your favorite day of the week?
BL – Christmas.
EM – What are the last three CDs you bought?
BL – Pony Up!, Sinead O’Conner, Credence Clearwater Revival.
EM – How would you describe your music?
BL – My compass.
EM – Are you looking for mainstream exposure?
BL – I’m just looking, that’s all.
EM – What professional plans do you have for the future?
BL – Three meals a day, lots of baths, and a new boombox.
EM – What is the best part about your job?
BL – Escaping from the matrix.
Lee will perform with special guest Azita at Maxwell’s at 1039 Washington St. in Hoboken on June 2 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12. q