Van Dyke Parks is a legend in the music industry, having been at the centre of very many great albums, film and TV scores over the last fifty years. With so much experience and success under his belt, his list of collaborations reads as a who’s who in the music industry.

During his tour in May 2011, Van Dyke Parks is launching of a unique series of 7” vinyl singles, which have been illustrated by some of the top contemporary American artists following the brief of ‘a work of art that relates to the music within.’ 

In the lead up his one-off UK concert, which is taking place on 16^th May 2011 at the Union Chapel in Islington, London, I was offered the opportunity to put some questions to him on behalf of Gigs and Festivals.

What is your earliest memory of music from when you were a child?

I remember soldiering with my brother, using the wooden box out piano came in as a fort. That was in 1946, in the yard in our home in Hattiesburg Mississippi.

 When did you first learn to play a musical instrument, and what was the first song you ever wrote?

I played piano by age four, and started clarinet at six.

I wrote my first song ‘High Coin’ in 1964 

‘ ... When times and places effervesce, in words of wonder from down under, I’m no less fine, it’s my time!’

How do you go about your writing process? Do you have set routines to get the creativity flowing?

 I have no known way to write. It’s a total mystery to me that I get anything done. I believe  what Lao Tze said is correct ‘The way cannot be told. The way must be found.’ That’s how I answer those who ask for advice about my process.

What inspires your work?

 Railing at the present tense is all it takes. Society continues to disappoint. Yet people need both admonition and / or encouragement. I try to be a player, thinking one vote will not be squandered in my lifetime.

What’s the most important thing you have learnt during your musical career?

I’ve learnt that music is the most portable piece of cultural baggage, and the song form is the most persuasive and epic form built to create change or protect what’s here.


If you had not become a musician, what do you think you would have done career wise?

I think medicine, or in the new professions related to eco-science.

Judging by your long list of people that you have worked alongside, you enjoy your collaborations, if there were one person (dead or alive) you could work with whom would it be and why?

Let a few more of them die before I commit to some diplomatic indiscretion.

 What does music mean to you?

It’s of the highest math available. If done well it can offer perpetual grace.

Do you feel music has the power transform lives? If so, why?

From the testimony of those who’ve listened to my own modest works, ‘transformation’ is key. To think I save someone from great despair is beyond monetary compensation.

What music do you chose to listen to away from your work?

Fado is tops now.  

Fave ‘Pop’ musician without a close parallel? Italy’s Paolo Conte. Dig up his ‘Reveries’ album on nonesuch.com, to see what lies beyond the language barrier. As for his musical worth and powers on invention, he weighs in more than a shitload of rich and famous American and Brit songsters. He is the greatest musician/ songwriter of our time.

If you could only listen to one piece of music for the rest of your life what would it be?

Bach’s Cello Suites.

What is you proudest musical moment to date?

As a producer, starting the careers of Randy Newman and Ry Cooder. 

As an arranger, working for Rufus Wainright, Joanna Newsom and Inara George.

And you proudest non-musical moment?

Having my 28 year old son give the commencement address at Berkley University on this May 7^th (2011) when he post-graduates in Journalism (like the music biz, an imploded industry).

Do you have any advice for fellow musicians?

Don’t make my mistakes, yet make your own. Reserve the right to fail, it’ll give you the ultimate altitude.

You are performing at Union Chapel, London on Monday, 16 May 2011 what can people expect from the evening?

 An exorcism, a purifying experience, thanks to Clare & The Reasons, who lift the audience a clear foot off the ground during their opening set. Their violin, cello, and bass will be my rod and staff and comfort me in my own set.

Was the Union Chapel chosen as the venue for your UK appearance for any particular reason?

I confess, I am God’s other son.

Anything else you would like to add?

Please spare me one empty seat. I’m an old vet, coming a great distance, with my heart in the work. We want a mob scene.

www.vandykeparks.com

www.clareandthereasons.com