Interview: Actual Water

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I recently had the pleasure to interview Gary from Actual Water and asked a few questions about his music, lo-fi bands, and playing shows.

So how did you and Anthony form Actual Water?
We met in jazz class. We had a lovely teacher that was a bit misguided but did his best, given his age. I asked him [Anthony] what he was looking at on his laptop in class and he said Faust. I loved Faust so I asked for his email. Long story short, we formed an early band that was kinda bad, so we renamed ourselves Actual Water.

When you decided to start a band and record Death Projections and Double Negatives, were there any particular bands that inspired you to make the music you created?
Yes, mostly German experimental music and mid 60s garage rock. We were also into ambient music and Brian Eno. The Fall are an important touchstone too, though you might not always hear it. We are all big music lovers!

On your latest release, Leon, had a lot of songs from your past two albums along with a couple of new tunes. Was there a particular reason you released it that way?
Where did you read that? That's not true. Did you find out on the internet, man?

I see that you've just started doing some shows in Toronto. How has that been working out for you?
Pretty good. We have sound problems cause were loud as hell but it all ends up alright, do y'know what I mean?

Do you plan on doing any shows in the U.S. anytime soon? Or maybe even doing a show at SXSW?
We will play for you guys soon. Cause after all, you're our wo...

What I really enjoy the most about your music is that it has a great lo-fi rock 'n' roll sound. Personally, I think you're one of the best bands who capture that. How do you feel about bands like Wavves and No Age who do the same as well?
I think they should stop skateboarding and breaking their wrists do y'know what I mean? Every picture I see of both those bands they're skateboarding. I've never done it so I don't get it y'know what I mean? We don't do that kind of thing in Manchester.

So were you ever in any bands before Actual Water?
Yeah, Ride.

Is there anything you'd like to say before signing off?
Yeah, I didn't enjoy this interview. Can't we talk about MUSIC?

[Actual Water Myspace]
[Buy Leon from Telephone Explosion Records]