Ben Jacobs, more commonly known by the stage name Max Tundra, is an English multi-instrumental musician, singer and music producer. His work is predominantly electronic music but incorporates non-electronic styles and instruments. Other than his full length albums, he has also done remix work for band s of varying genres including Franz Ferdinand , Architecture in Helsinki, Kid606 and the Pet Shop Boys. Tundra also hosts a weekly radio show on Resonance FM, called Max Tundra’s Rotogravure.
Facts
1: I just spilt some plum juice on my t-shirt.
2: My door number is divisable by 37.
3: Ys is better than Have One On Me.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Pasta.
How and when did you get into making music?
I used to be a serial killer, but murder didn’t pay the bills. (Actually music doesn’t really pay the bills either, so I may kill again.)
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
This changes all the time, but right now it’s:
Skeletons: Money
Todd Rundgren: Something Anything
Zach Hill: Face Tat
Desmotabs: Green Minidisc
Joni Mitchell: Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter
What do you associate with Berlin?
Great museums, wonderful architecture, reliable transport system, and a bunch of English and North American expats hanging out in their own little bubble until mummy’s money runs out.
What’s your favourite place in your town?
Sir John Soane’s Museum.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Be wealthier than The XX.
What was the last record you bought?
I Am Love soundtrack by John Adams.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Nigel Slater.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
(as spectator) Unsuk Chin’s Cello Concerto, at Royal Albert Hall August 2009.
How important is technology to your creative process?
I cannot afford the latest technology, and make all my music using old bits of Sellotape and Smarties.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
I have a sister (Becky from the band Tunng), as well as a half-brother and a half-sister. I think they’re all proud of me, but maybe they’re just being nice.
Our Favourites:
Ink me
Until we die
Merman
Links: Soundcloud | maxtundra.com
