Dirty Beaches, the one-man band of Alex Zhang Hungtai, is quite possibly one of the most intriguing artists that I’ve recently come across. There’s something mysterious in his music that sounds like nostalgic echoes from decades ago. After I caught his show at the Mercury Lounge, I really couldn’t get over how much tension and attitude Dirty Beaches effortlessly embodied while maintaining an extremely minimalist approach. I let all of this sink in a little, then came up with some questions that Hugntai was able to answer while on the road (Kerouac reference not intended…well, maybe).
Kelly Knapp: Your style is very evocative of early rock n’ roll and rockabilly, and definitely Elvis. Is this something that you’ve always gravitated toward, or what is it that attracts you to this style of music and performance?
Alex Zhang Hungtai: My background in music had always been very anti-performance, including bands that I used to play in. So when I started to tinker with the idea of creating a persona like rappers or Bowie, I looked into blues mythology, no wave, films, and my own experiences on the road. I found the perfect balance between what’s real and fiction.
KK: Where did the name Dirty Beaches come from?
AZH: It comes from the lyric of a Montreal band Postcards. They have a song about a man standing before a dirty beach on some foreign terrain, and I loved that imagery. Stuck with the name since 2006.
KK: You’ve said that you’re more inspired by film, and your music is a very cinematic experience. Do you ever want to make films?
AZH: Yes, currently working on a short film.
KK: When you perform live, do you think in terms of assuming a character in a film? Do you have any routines before a show to get you into that mindset?
AZH: I watched a dance performance where the dancers were acting like animals. I knew this girl who is a really amazing dancer and while watching her rehearsals hanging out I noticed her legs were kicking a lot, like a horse. I think of that image a lot before I play. A woman and a horse.
KK: If you could make the soundtrack to any film, what film would it be?
AZH: I wouldn’t do it for a film that already has its run with its intended partner.
KK: What is your favorite traveling music that never leaves your iPod?
AZH: Gospel, blues, rnb tape comps from Mississippi Records. They are amazing to listen to when you drive across America. The landscape and the music bring each other alive.
KK: Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with on a project, music or otherwise?
AZH: Yes, mostly film related. I’d like to continue making films with my fiance as her composer and second camera man. I also met someone outside Mercury Lounge who works with Jim Jarmusch and was told he has my record. I grew up watching his films, it really made my night to hear that. It would be amazing to meet him.
KK: What’s next for the displaced traveler that is Dirty Beaches?
AZH: Yes, I’m taking a break from sampling after Badlands and going back to drum machines. Currently finishing up a EP that’s lyrically dirty old man literature, hip hop Latin beats, and further exploring the sound scapes of no wave.
Dirty Beaches will play New York again July 1st at South Street Seaport. You can find Badlands and other releases at Zoo Music.
