Interview with David Thomas, August 12, 1997

Interview Summary

This interview with Pere Ubu musician David Thomas begins with a discussion of Thomas' views on recording in the magnetic age. It then moves on to a discussion regarding Thomas' process of studio recording. He then talks about recording with Ken and Paul Hamann at Suma Recording. He also talks about what he terms 'the dark age of sound,' which is resulting in the increasing homogeneity of music. Thomas also includes a discussion on the reasons why a musician would choose a high-end recording studio.

The two then discuss women in rock music and his experiences recording at Cleveland Recording Studios. The two discuss analog and digital recording and the roles of the audio engineer and music producer. Thomas talks about his view of recording as recreating space and the two discuss Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Thomas then talks about his work writing about rock and roll and American culture. Finally, the two discuss various topics such as violence, cultural geography, the Internet, and smoking.

Interview Keyword

Thomas, David Pere Ubu (Artist) Rocket from the Tombs Hamann, Kenneth Richard Hamann, Paul Cleveland Recording Studios Cleveland (Ohio) Suma Recording studios Rock 'n' roll Women Recording

Interview LC Subject

Sound--Recording and reproducing Sound--Recording and reproducing--History Sound recording industry Sound recording industry--History Sound recordings Music History of science and technology Thomas, Dave Cleveland (Ohio) Pere Ubu (Musical group)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.