Jeffrey Lewis
Portrait image for singer/songwriter and comic book artist Jeffrey Lewis by, Nirzardp
Meet Jeffrey Lewis
If you haven’t heard of Jeffrey Lewis…well, y’all really gotta sort out your priorities.
Born and bred in the Big Apple, Lewis knows the ins and outs of the (LES) music scene. As part of the antifolk movement, his unique style and resonant lyrics have charmed the hearts of many. And also confused them. But mostly charmed them.
His discography is longer than my attention span, and music is just one part of his creative output — check out his much lauded comic book series Fluff if you really wanna get your mind boggled.
We convinced Lewis to answer our questions and draw us a selfie. Below, we discuss all things detachable hair, the allure of making comics, and Allen Ginsberg’s mom.
Go on, now. Get to reading.
Self-portrait By, Jeffrey Lewis
Would You Rather…
have snails for hair, or large bats for feet? Please explain your answer?
Bats for feet, because then when I step on the faces of interviewers who ask dumb questions the bats could also be biting them.
Some Questions with Jeffrey Lewis
If one part of your body could be detachable which would it be? What would you do with it?
My hair is already detachable.
How would you describe the "anti-folk" movement?
Anybody who has ever played at Sidewalk Cafe in NYC, who also mixes folk music with punk music.
If you could write the score for a movie by any director ever who would it be? What would the movie be about?
I did a score for the movie Radio Unnameable about NYC radio host Bob Fass, I think that was sort of ideal. It would be great to do more stuff like that.
What is the creative process of working with a full band versus writing and performing by yourself?
I often have ideas of how I’d like a song to be arranged, once the other instruments become part of it, but you also have to trust the musicians you play with, sometimes they create things you would never think of, better things. Sometimes it’s better to not even tell them the chords or the key, just start playing and see what comes out.
What shoes do you wear most often? Why?
My own, because otherwise they might not fit.
If you had to chose just playing music or writing comic books for the rest of your life, which would you pick and why?
Making comic books. The whole time you are working you are making something new. Playing music is very different from making something new. The set list every night is new, but you’re not writing songs when you’re on stage. You’re presenting what you’ve already written.
How has the music scene in New York (especially the Lower East Side) changed over the years?
I guess it’s pretty similar. There’s still indie-rock at Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge, there’s still sort of folk and Americana type stuff at Rockwood and the usual places, there’s still cover bands on Bleecker Street, some places open or close but in a lot of ways there’s quite a lot that’s been the same for 20 years. Although NYC is always changing, there's always plenty to complain about and lament the passing of!
What urban legend do you want to believe to be true? Why?
Allen Ginsburg sent Howl to his mom, but she died before she read it. Or so he thought; he got a letter in the mail from her a few days after she died, where she said she read it and told him her thoughts on it. That’s a legend that I’ve read, I think it’s true? Good story.
Do you have a piece of musical gear that you are really into right now?
I usually have the same stuff - same acoustic guitar since 2000, and put it through the same old kind of under-the-strings pick-up, then put it through a distortion pedal, that’s the sound I got from Mike Rechner of Prewar Yardsale, that’s the sound I need.
What is the best interaction you've had with a fan?
When they buy a lot of comic books and CDs and stuff. Or when they let us stay at their house and it’s a really nice weird cool place. I know it would be better to tell one particular anecdote but it’s been 20 years of playing gigs, all sorts of interactions, and I got one hour of sleep last night because it’s a long day of ferries and flights and driving, so I can’t really think!
Rock of ages, Rock of love, or The rock you can only pick one? Please explain your answer.
I have no idea what you’re talking about!
What have been your favorite albums to come out in 2019 so far?
I haven’t heard any. I can’t even say my own because it hasn’t come out yet!
What is a word you have a hard time pronouncing?
Anything in another language. Typical American.
Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)
Gimme indie rock.