OEB’s 5 SXSW Qs – Buck 65
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Richard Terfry, better known as Buck 65, is heading into his 20th year as a performer and a producer. The culmination of these efforts was 2011’s 20 Odd Years, a brilliant record that Terfry talked to OEB about along with his plans for SXSW and past and future collaborations.
Your last album, 20 Odd Years, was a really collaborative effort, what do you look for in artists you want to work with?
It’s really as simple as choosing the instrument the song needs. It has nothing to do with their name or anything else. I hear a voice in my head when I’m conceiving the song and then go out and get that voice. Luckily for me, I usually don’t need to look beyond my circle of friends. However, if you hope to get played on the radio, you’re probably going to have to go after a name, which usually means paying big money. I’ve never done that.
Who are some dream collaborators?
I’ve worked with my friend Jenn Grant a bunch of times and that was like a dream. I think she has one of the most incredible voices in the world right now. I’d love to work with Geoff Barrow, but I’d never ask. I always wanted to work with Trish Keenan, but sadly never had the chance. Raquel Welch? That would be awesome…
What do you think contributes most to your longevity in the music industry?
Just having a vision and a plan to go with it, I suppose. Surprisingly, most musicians don’t seem to have that. I also work harder than everyone else. Being motivated by revenge works too.
Do you have any appearances lined up for SXSW? What are you’re looking to get out of the festival beyond a normal string of shows?
Playing SXSW is kinda self-indulgent for me at this point, to be honest. I just see it as spring break for music types. I already have a record deal and just about everything else I need. I look forward to the sunshine and food. But I almost always end up making some good connections.
Have you had a chance to check out the band list for SXSW? Are there any acts you are looking forward to catching yourself?
I feel like I should check out a band from Caracas called Candy 66. Maybe we should combine forces. I usually don’t get into the stuff I want to see. Maybe this year I won’t even try and will just explore and hope I get lucky. That’s what it should be about anyway.
