By Trisha Kirk
Daily Bruin Contributor
In recent months, his eclectic music has topped charts worldwide
and influenced the rave and techno scene, but Moby hasn’t let
his erstwhile fame change his individual principles.
The electronic music maverick shared his thoughts with fans
during a live performance and Webcast on CheckOut.com held in
Westwood’s Wherehouse Lounge Thursday.
In the studio, the musician stood a bit shorter than fans might
have expected, and was humble in the light of his success and huge
following. Moby, whose real name is Richard Hall, answered
questions from fans over the Internet during a very honest
hour-long interview with CheckOut.com’s Steve White.
When a fan asked what the next big thing in music would be, Moby
was quick to answer.
“Puppets. Artificially-created (and computer-generated)
pop stars. That way the record companies don’t have to pay
royalties.”
In the midst of the controversy surrounding MP3s and Web sites
like Napster.com that offer downloadable music, Moby said he
isn’t worried about getting any royalties for songs
downloaded from his albums.
“I’m flattered that anyone would download my
music,” he said.
Indeed the songs from his latest album, “Play,” have
found their way onto the radio and into swanky L.A. nightspots and
rave clubs, not to mention CD players around the world. The unique
mix of electronic beats, mixed sound and even gospel rhythms and
lyrics have made “Play” a truly unique album, turning
Moby into a contemporary pioneer.
Influenced by the rising punk movement of the ’70s and
again by the house revolution in the ’80s, Moby has taken the
best of his musical interests and created sounds that are
distinctly unrelated to any genre.
The musician’s candid attitude and dry humor gave the
interview a lighthearted boost as he took questions about his vegan
lifestyle, his simple clothing, and his spiritual influences, for
which he cited the teachings of Christ.
A strict vegan who abstains from all animal products, Moby is
confident in his support of animal rights and a healthier
individual lifestyle. But he isn’t uptight about it and says
he doesn’t shun meat-eaters.
“When my friends want to torture me they go out and get a
pizza and come over to my house and eat it. It’s like showing
pornography to a monk,” he said. Ironically, audience members
munched on Domino’s pepperoni pizza during the interview.
Why the T-shirt and sweats wardrobe?
“I lived in a crack neighborhood in the ’80s and I
realized if you dressed like a homeless person people would leave
you alone,” he said. And of course, you’ll never see
the vegan in traditional rock star getup of leather and suede.
Moby also dispelled rumors about how he came to choose his name,
saying his parents believed that Herman Melville, author of the
classic “Moby Dick,” was his distant uncle.
He also shared with the audience his five favorite things about
society today: modern dentistry, electricity, the mixing of
cultures and races, modern forms of communication and
agriculture.
Four things he can’t stand? Reliance on non-sustainable
energy sources, excessive uses of plastics and other
non-biodegradable materials, the use of animals for food and
weapons of mass destruction.
The musician performed three acoustic songs including the
melodic “Porcelain” and energizing gospel tune
“Run On,” both from “Play.” Prior to his
set, he was characteristically humble.
“I don’t have a particularly nice voice ““ I
guess I’m a little nervous. I don’t normally play
acoustic,” he said before gingerly picking up his guitar.
The musician generously greeted fans and autographed photos
after the show.
“I love meeting people,” he said.
Moby is preparing for a world tour that will cover Europe, Japan
and Australia. In September, he plans on touring North America and
is considering producing a new album in his Manhattan studio after
the tour. He also mentioned the possibility of a Moby DVD
release.
Moby’s unique fusion of musical elements is inspiring.
Almost completely separated from any musical genre, the sounds
heard on “Play” and Moby’s previous albums belong
in a category all their own. But the honest and amiable musical
genius doesn’t consider himself a maverick of the musical
world. He’s just doing what loves to do.