Wandering musical gypsy | Stanley Brinks

You're quite an international mix: does this cosmopolitan outlook affect the way you make music?

Being exposed to a very wide range of languages from an early age probably helped me open my ears. I grew up hearing a lot of broken English, and I'm still into it. I'm very fond of the key of G minor, which is a rather Swedish thing, and I like using non-western scales too, without giving it too much thought. Aside from that, I think that once you choose to make music you become a gypsy, whatever your origins are. In my life, I've spent a lot of time in Paris, New York, and Berlin - places where you hardly ever meet anyone who didn't come from somewhere else. Malta is funny that way, it feels a bit like a very ancient Brooklyn.  

On this note, how did you discover Malta? I also understand that the island inspired you to write some songs... what was it in particular that struck your fancy?

I read about the pea cakes and cheese cakes - I forget where - and I immediately thought Malta must be a good place for me. I didn't know what to expect the first time I came here. Living in Berlin, I was also naturally curious of a place which seemed so far away, and yet so close. And then, I went to bars and met so many great people, of all kinds of nationalities too, all ready to have a drink and chat. My kind of place.

How did it feel to be among the illustrious musicians to be discovered and promoted by John Peel? What do you think attracted him about your sound?

I have no idea what he liked about the music, we never talked about it; we just had a lot of fun every time we met. I can imagine that he maybe he liked the chaotic element in the band. Even now, when I'm just singing by myself, I really like every night to be different. I improvise a little, and focus on songs that are still new to me, that sort of thing. Some people really dig that.  

Jeffrey Lewis wrote a song stating he 'misses Herman Dune with both Brothers in the band', how does it make you feel to hear this?

I really love Jeff's voice and song-writing, so this makes me happy. To answer the question you're hinting at - I loved playing in the band, and I love doing what I'm doing now too, so there are no hard feelings, not even nostalgia. I feel blessed, I've been very busy having a good time for years and years.

Are you looking forward to performing in Malta?

Yes, of course. The band club is really beautiful too, I think it's going to feel very good.

Doors open at 20:30. Entrance is at €10.