Amidst getting ready and packing for his upcoming tour, Michael Benjamin Lerner a.k.a Seattle’s Telekinesis was nice enough to answer a few of our questions. Below are his answers to our many inquiries we had about his fantastic life. Details at the end about his upcoming show in Chicago.

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You just finished recording a new record. What can we expect? How is it similar or different from Telekinesis!?

It’s kind of a crazy record! I recorded it with Chris Walla again, and he’s kind of a genius. This time around, I just sort of told him to go crazy with it, and try whatever he liked. I’m not really fussy or precious about my songs, and Chris always has so many amazing ideas. We did some pretty unconventional things, but I think they turned out really incredible. 

I’d say it’s similar to the first record in that there are songs that are in the same power pop downstroke guitar vein, but then there are some really different songs on here. It’s a whole lot darker than the first record, that’s for certain. Both lyrically, and musically. 

From the song “Dirty Thing” that you premiered on NPR for Record Store Day, it sounds like you’re taking a less straightforward and poppy approach to songwriting. Will we see that on the upcoming record?

Yeah, you definitely will. But, I’d say it’s 50/50. There are a lot of poppy songs but there are also some weirder ones, or weird for me I suppose. I definitely didn’t want to make the same record over again. I went to Berlin for a month in February to write a lot of this album, and it was a pretty dark time, weather wise, and personally. I think that might be reflected in the songs that came from that time. 

Does the record have a theme?

Not specifically. I write a whole heck of a lot of songs about relationships. The first record was all about being in love, and was kind of rosy and happy. This record is about breaking up, and feeling pretty insane because of it. 

You used Oblique Strategies cards in the recording process? What are those and how did they help or change the process?

Yes! They are sort of like a set of recording instructions to aid you if you get stuck, or are feeling uninspired. They were created by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt. You pull a card from the deck, and you have to follow the instructions. Sometimes they will say things like ‘what does this sound like upside down?’. If you pull that, you turn the tape over, and see what happens. Or you’ll get a card that says ‘go outside’ or ‘drink water’. They are really super helpful! It keeps the workflow really fun and exciting.  

Did you record the whole thing at Jackpot! Studios? How did you choose to record there?

Yes! A large part of the decision was because Chris Wallla lives in Portland, but he’s never there. So, I thought it would be nice for us to be there so he could have some stability for a hot minute. Plus, I love Portland, and that studio totally rules. It’s owned by the people that run TapeOp magazine, and it’s an absolutely incredible studio.  

What are you most excited about with the new record?

Getting it released! It’s been an incredibly crazy time, writing and recording this. I went through an automobile accident, health issues, and relationship changes. So, it feels really great to have it all done, and I’m really super excited for people to hear it. I am very proud of it. 

Did you record all the instruments on the record again? When you record in the future are you planning to keep recording everything yourself or will you ever bring a band into the studio with you?

Mostly! Chris Walla played some bass on this record, and he killed it. In the future, I’d love to bring a band in the studio. Making records by yourself is fun, but it’s super fun playing with other people. I’d love to track a record live in a studio, with minimal overdubs. That’s a goal! 

What’s with the Japanese obsession? Do you know Japanese? Have you been to Japan?

I love traveling a whole lot, but I’ve never been to Japan. It just looks amazing, and I love the culture. I don’t speak or understand a lick of Japanese, and I’ve never been there. Crossing my fingers that it may happen on this next record cycle. 

What do you like about the Pacific Northwest scene? Any dislikes? 

I’m a fan of the climate, and the landscape. It’s incredibly gorgeous here. I think for me the only dislike is that it feels too comfortable to me. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’m kind of itching for a major change. I guess that’s why touring is so rad! 

How do you feel about going on tour with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin? Have you played with them before?

So super excited! I love that band. Broom is a fantastic record, and I listened to it a whole lot when I first bought it. We’ve never played, nor met them, so I’m really super excited! 

What can we expect from your show in Chicago September 2? Any new songs or a new stage arrangement?

Yes and yes! I’ve got this ridiculously hot band now. Jason Narducy (a Chicago native, he is in a band called Verbow) is playing bass, and Cody Votolato from Jaguar Love / The Blood Brothers is playing guitar. I’m pretty excited about it. They are both pretty amazing musicians, and people. It’s going to be a fun tour! 

What are your plans for the near future? Long term?

Near future: Pack for tour!
Long term: Go to Japan!

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Telekinesis plays Lincoln Hall in Chicago on September 2 with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and The Kickback. The show is 18+ and starts at 9 pm. Tickets cost $12 in advance (or $14 at the door) and you can buy them here.

-Sam McAllister & Megan Frestedt
sam@tandemshoprecords.com | megan@tandemshoprecords.com