My introduction to Damo Suzuki was through the 1970’s German Krautrock band Can. Hearing Ege Bamyasi for the first time was a formulative musical milestone. Whenever I listen to this album, I’m always satisfied by its liberal craftsmanship. Last week, West Philly promoter Ben Morgan brought Damo Suzuki to town for a couple of shows and I made certain to attend.

Damo played his first ever Philly show at the Rotunda with Bardo Pond. After sound check, he was cool enough to sit on a step outside and talk about something other than Can.

Emily: So Damo, I was checking out your website for Damo Suzuki’s Networkand the layout is quite colorful. Color seems pretty important to you. Are you inspired by any painters?

Damo: Yeah, definitely. I find Casper David Frederich, who was an 19th century German painter, very special.

E: You once said “all things creative begin with zero.” Do you find that too many bands today are born from a model rather than original inspiration?

D: You have to be yourself and not copy other people, otherwise it is a waste of time. Bands today belong to another world, and I’m not so interested in that anyway.

E: Fair enough. But do you think that to be great musically, you have to take risks with your compositions? Or is a reliable formula enough?

D: Formula’s aren’t cool. You have to just be yourself completely.

E: There has to be something other than music that you are passionate about, yes?

D: Cooking!

E: I knew you were gonna say that! What do you like to cook?

D: Everything. I like African food a lot. The materials are most important. I always use organic meat and vegetables and local foods when I can find them.

E: That is awesome Damo! Thanks so much for talking with me. Have a fun show!

D: Thank you.