Singer-songwriter Rex Moroux will be making his St. Louis debut tomorrow at Off Broadway, opening for Alternate Routes and Virginia Coalition. From Lafayette, Louisiana, Moroux recently released his new album, These Bricks are Bleeding, and is on the road to unleash his new tunes. It’s his third album, and now’s the time to catch him – but you’ll have to get there early to do so (8pm). Moroux recently took the time to answer 12 questions for insdieSTL.com.
1. Tell us a little about why you're on tour and the music you're going to be playing.
Well, touring is a vital part of the business. I'll be playing a mix of new songs, old songs, and a few choice covers to throw everybody off.
2. Have you ever been to St. Louis before? If so, what do you know about the city?
I have never been to St. Louis but I do know it's one of the great cities of the country. While being the launching metropolis of the west it served to birth some of the greatest music in American history. I'm very much looking forward to it.
3. Your MySpace page describes your sound as, "Half Graham Parsons...half Bob Dylan "Desire." What do artists like Parsons and Dylan mean to your music?
I never look at things like that. That statement was someone else's bag. For the record, talking about the influence of Bob Dylan on American songwriters is asking Plato about Socrates. Oh sweet asshole I am for giving you that one, yes?
4. What was it like recording your newest album, These Bricks are Bleeding?
Madness, melancholy, tea at the last Italian fascist table, and ultimately just two madmen at the height of every Brooklyn liquor store sale doing our best to pretend we are important.
5. Who are some of your favorite songwriters?
Where can you begin. Townes Van Zandt, Shane Macgowan, Jeff Mangum, Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen (be gentle), Hank Williams, Leadbelly, Sam Cooke, Phil "fucking (yes, fucking)"Lynott, Morrissey and Marr, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Doug Sahm, Porter Wagoner, Blaze Foley. Must I continue?
6. What are some of your favorite venues you have played while touring across the U.S.?
Hotel Cafe in L.A, Schuba's in Chicago, Continental Club in Austin, Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette
7. What's your favorite part about performing?
Newness, extended adolescent optimism, forward thought.
8. Take us through a normal day on tour.
Sunlight says move, moonlight takes the fifth.
9. If you could tour with anyone right now, who would it be?
Anyone who's sweet. I'd rather deal with a hackneyed sweetheart than a "motivated and talented" prima donna.
10. What are some of your favorite albums?
"Aeroplane over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel, "Veedon Fleece" by Van Morrisson, "Songs from a room" by Leonard Cohen, "Everything by Dylan," "Closing Time" by Tom Waits, "Madman Across the Water" by Elton John, "The Queen is Dead" by The Smiths, This could really go on all day.
11. What's the funniest/craziest thing to ever happen to you while on tour?
I'm sure everyone has essentially the same answer to this one. They may differ on the broad facts, but the basic banality sleeps on the same bunk. Assume I'm no different.
12. The best way to support my music is to...
Give my songs a shot.