Michael Feinberg Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 2nd 2010 6:45PM by megan e. Baldwin
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Back in the day, jazz was the music the cool kids listened to. Sure, it's still cool. But between PBS documentaries and black-tie nights at upscale music halls, the genre's downtown following has moved on up. Cue Michael Feinberg, the 22-year old Atlanta-raised, New York-based composer and bassist giving classical jazz an indie makeover. Now, as he prepares to road-trip it to Austin for his first-ever showing at the SXSW music festival, we sat down to find out how a musical prodigy turns into an evil genius.

How would you describe your sound?

I'm only 22, so I like to think my sound is still evolving. I hope it is, anyways. As an artist, you always want to be better than you were the last time -- not that I don't think it's great now. But every day should be a progression or else you risk becoming completely apathetic. So I think because I'm still changing and growing musically, it's hard to nail down my sound and say it's this or it's that. Obviously, I draw a lot on elements from mid-'60s jazz and funk; John Coltrane is definitely a big inspiration. On the other hand, I also listen to a lot of contemporary stuff -- indie rock and hip-hop -- and try to incorporate aspects of each into my own music. So it's definitely a blend of things.

How did your band form?

I've put together a pretty amazing band for Austin: Joe Santa Maria on saxophone, Alex Wintz on guitar, Andrew Toombs on piano and Daniel Platzman on drums. With jazz musicians, the whole idea of forming a band is somewhat informal; it's kind of like who's available. A lot of times guys are busy or have other commitments, so sometimes it can be tough to get into a familiar rhythm that comes from playing together. In general, I try work with the same core group, but to get ready for SXSW I've been working pretty steadily with these four guys. So that's nice, to be going down there with people I play a lot with.

What are your musical influences? Who inspires you?

Definitely mid-'60s jazz. John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Hal Crook. In terms of contemporary influences, definitely the people in my band -- any number of the 10 to 15 people I usually play with. When I was first starting out in Atlanta, I took lessons from Russell Gunn, a pretty well-known trumpet player: He kind of invented this whole new approach to jazz. Eventually, we started playing together and so I would say he's been a pretty consistent influence on my style. This idea that jazz can borrow elements from different genres, everything from hip-hop and rap to pop. But really, anytime you record an album it's kind of like a time capsule of what was going on at that particular moment in your life; the place I was living, the music I was listening to, the things I was experiencing and the musicians I was playing with.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

Probably going to need some aspirin because, well, I plan on going out a lot. Wet Naps for post-barbecue. And I'll be sleeping on the floor, so maybe a sleeping bag. Then a video camera, money -- the usual s---. This will be my first time at South by Southwest, so I'm going to try and do as much as I can.

What's your biggest vice?

Definitely spending money: I am terrible at saving. Anytime I get a paycheck, I end up buying something and blowing the whole thing.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Anita Baker, especially the album 'Rapture.'

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles, no doubt about it. Anyone that says Stones is literally mentally unstable.

What's on your iPod right now?

I just downloaded the new B.o.B May 25th Mixtape, so I've been listening to that a lot. And then probably John Coltrane live in Europe.

Where's your favorite place to see a live show?

Really, anywhere in downtown New York. I go out like five or six nights a week so see live music. The Village for jazz; on the Lower East Side, I like Rockwood Music Hall and The Living Room. For me, it's more about the amount versus one particular place or another.

Megan E. Baldwin is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.