Asked and Answered

My mother worked in a department store and my father was a waiter. My older brother still dabbles in music but is a translator/tour guide by profession and my younger brother is a computer software writer (a wise career choice).

My hair has had touches of grey since I was in my mid 20's (it's genetic). I just don't dye it quite as much as I used to.

My 1959 Triumph TR3A which I still own as a reminder.

I sing most days in some form but I don't get into a vocal exercise routine unless I'm on tour.

The other musicians were professionals, they handled it as best they could. No plans to make more music with Oleta but who knows what the future will bring?

Thanks!

No plans at the moment to come east. We are looking at some dates next summer when Roland is back in LA but I'm not sure we'll be going that far. I still like EWTRTW, the moments around it that I remember most were recording it at Union Studios Munich in the coldest part of winter, and when it went to #1 in the US (we were shooting the video for Head Over Heels that day - real not literal).

Steve has been one of my good friends since I moved to NY in 1990, he still remains one today as we're now both in LA.

Me too but it doesn't make any business sense. It is of course available on iTunes and Amazon worldwide.

j'aime le fromage?

(that was from Diva actually)

Of course! I flew all the way to Monterrey to watch England lose against Portugal.

It would be nice, but I'm not sure that the expense would make it viable.

My socks on February 16th 1983.

A friend of mine wrote it and asked me to be in it. I'm not convinced acting is my forte though.

A kitchen table.

We're still trying to work something out with OurStage. No updates at the moment.

I'm still working on it. It's a question of design and cost.

I have not, but I believe Arlene has some experience of it.

Simple and intimate, the hardest and most rewarding aim is to capture the emotion.

To be honest I have no idea. I'm sure I'll learn more when we see each other in a couple of months.

Could you tell Diva & Wilder that please!

No current plans for new releases, will keep you posted.

It took me a few years to get up to a marathon. If you're in the early stages of running it will take a few months until it becomes easier. That's pretty much how long it takes for your metabolism to say "oh - this is going to be a regular thing, I'd better make the breathing a little easier and lose some weight".

I still enjoy it. I prefer larger venues with TFF and intimate ones for my solo work, I think that's the nature of the music.

I believe she was mistaken for a moose by Sarah Palin.

Wow, I really can't remember. If it was it would be Fear Of Music or Remain In Light, it also could have been confused with David Byrne/Brian Eno My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts. These were all albums we were listening to at the time.

TFF will be doing Night Of The Proms again this year but only in Germany, end of November thru December. Check www.notp.com for details.

Unfortunately we have no control over that as it's a Universal Records decision. It would have been nice to have a 25th anniversary edition of The Hurting though.

We have no plans to tour in the US at this point, but I will of course keep you posted if that should change.

I doubt that there will be any physical release but it the CD is available from Amazon.com and from CD Baby, albeit you'd need to have it sent from the States. (For you Euro-KOOKs, we will soon have the CD on Amazon.co.uk as well). You can also buy the MP3 version of the album from CD Baby, iTunes U.S., iTunes Australia/N.Z., iTunes Canada, iTunes UK/European Union, iTunes Japan, Rhapsody, GroupieTunes, Napster, eMusic, Amazon MP3, and Lala. We'll soon be on iMeem/Snocap and as soon as that's set we'll pop the SnoCap store onto the MySpace page as well. Phew.

It bears repeating here that if you bought the MP3 version of the album - and even if you didn't - a PDF of the booklet that comes with the CD is available for free download here on my site. It's on the Halfway, pleased page at the bottom of the "purchase links" box.

All upcoming events (including TFF) will be available on this website.

I always find this an interesting question. Does it mean that all other Curt Smiths are not real? Is it suggesting that I may be candy-coating or lying about my true feelings? How do I know which "real" one you're referring to? Am I the famous baseball writer? Or the annoying person that stole curtsmith.com? Let's just say yes, I am the "official" Curt Smith.

I learnt to play bass guitar when I was 16 (we needed a bass player)

It's what my children call me (that or weird guy).

It has given me the freedom to do what I do without a record company, and find the music I want to find without trolling through a record store for hours on end (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I think they have a place as a marketing tool, but everyone should be aware that if an artist doesn't get paid for his work then he'll have to stop making music. Sometimes people forget that, apart from it being our passion, it is actually our source of income. Without that I would have to get another job to feed and clothe my children.

It can always wait. My theory is that if I don't remember it, it wasn't good in the first place.

I do own a fretless bass and have played it on one or two tracks.

Thank God it's never hurt when someone criticizes me musically. It's one of the few things I'm completely confident about.

I was approached by a French record company to do it. I liked the song and thought it would be an amusing challenge to try and sing in French.

A friend.

If I listen to Peter Gabriel or Paul Buchanan (Blue Nile) sing I feel a little intimidated. The one artist that has convinced me to continue is myself - it's what I love.

Snow Hill

Not from me.

Quite a lot - now whether I play them well is a different story.

Depends on who the dominant one in the relationship is :)

Yellow" by Coldplay, "Tiny Children" by Teardrop Explodes, "Only Women Bleed" by Alice Cooper, "Happiness" by The Blue Nile - a long list of others.

It’s different but ultimately more rewarding.

No, I enjoyed the freedom.

Not the story itself, but the mindset behind the story can. Before writing lyrics it's good to immerse yourself in the general mood, subject or setting of the lyrics

I would love the opportunity to write for film, the idea adding a visual component to the lyrical and musical composition appeals to me.

Writing and singing are the things I enjoy the most. I made a decision to leave TFF in 1990 as it had become unbearable. This was due to fame as much as the personal friction between myself and Roland (probably caused by the former). I could either stop altogether or continue in a better environment on my own. I moved to New York and found the latter.

Creating musical landscapes. Anything technical.

Boredom. There are only so many times you can write "I love you" before it loses it's meaning. I prefer writing slightly cryptic lyrics that take some thought and rely half the time on the things that are left unsaid but hinted at.

The "record industry" is basically broken and dying. I don't believe I need a guy in a suit telling me how to make records. If they knew how they'd do it themselves. I just couldn't justify giving them such a huge percentage of my income as they really don't contribute that much anymore.

Slightly introspective and filmic, I love the process of producing music that creates a landscape for the lyrical content.

It tends to be more mellow and introspective. TFF are far more "grand."

I love it, nothing beats absolute self indulgence.

13

Acoustic guitar

I may have played percussion and acoustic guitar a few times but normally just bass.

Anything I can lay my hands on, some I'm OK at, some not so OK.

When I was 17, although I wrote lyrics earlier than that.

Self taught, listening to records or watching other people play.

Not intentionally, but My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts is one of my favorite records.

It's normally the music first, but a song title or one line of lyric may be the inspiration.

After - I was torn with the title because of Halfway Pleased, but when it works it works.

Probably not as it's not finished.

Now you're talking an alien language as I'm a technical retard. My own microphone was specifically made for my voice (don't ask me who by) as it's pre EQ'd, i.e. it sounds right for me without having to do anything to it.

I taught myself.

That's exactly what you are hearing. It's actually Georgica (Charlton's daughter). We were recording grand piano in Charlton's living room and it happened by accident. As the song is about my mother it was quite poignant and sad, so I left it there.

I'm standing a few feet away from everyone and happily mingle and chat the entire time.

It's fine, at least I don't have to explain myself.

He was a chimpanzee actually. Unless you were referring to my monkeys at home, in which case I love kissing them.

As of yesterday - 9 (going on 19).

I have of course seen it a few times. I actually found it quite flattering and amusing due to the fact that you look very normal ( other than the TFF infatuation bit :) A job well done.

Not a great deal of time unless I get a specific request.

I do get the emails sent to me via the Contacts page on the site, but here's my official postal mailing address:

Curt Smith
KOOK Media LLC
29341⁄2 Beverly Glen Circle #428
Los Angeles, CA 90077

And of course I'm always touched by the e-mails etc. that I receive, who'da thunk music could have that effect?

A video camera and crabs.

Not enough hours in the day unfortunately.

Nothing wrong with sharing (within limits).

Not really, I tend to keep a rather low profile. If I am stopped I always try to be polite, it’s not really a big deal to stop for a minute.

I think it's great that I can interact directly with them, and in my experience it allows me to avoid being put on a pedastal or treated like a "rock star". They can get a sense of who I am.

Origami from Japanese fans, the work that goes into it is incredible.

I'll talk to the technical people and get back to you.

The Dodgers blew it of course, but no - I'm not a very big baseball fan.

I don't have a clue. I don't even have a copy of it to reference. Thanks for the compliment and I won't be stopping anytime soon.

I answer as much as I can. Paris is of course my favorite but I love Avignon and Juan-les-Pins also.

Brian Eno would be interesting, Rick Rubin not so much.

I do love a large organ (piped or otherwise).

He was a neighbor of mine called Gebhart (Gebby). I don't know what he's up to now but he was always aware of the album sleeve.

The scar between my eyes came from speeding downhill on a tricycle when I was three or four and having an argument with a brick wall. The wall won.

Old phone.

Creme Brulee.

Between 30 and 40.

I'm 5'8".

Romantic? Of course!

I love all things French.

Watch my kids leave home well balanced and prepared for the world.

I love to write. I'm also helping a friend with a musical and another
with a TV pilot.

Egg Zone came from Diva (my daughter) - normally we always say XOXO (kisses and hugs) at the end of a phone call, then one day she morphed it into Egg Zone which she found highly amusing.

I'm embarrassed to say no - although I do normally understand a fair amount.

I suppose I got into my fair share of fights, it was the product of teenage angst mixed with living on a council estate (the projects). Nothing too serious though

My house was haunted but it was in North Wraxall in Wiltshire, before I moved into Bath.

Smigger - but I'm only ever called that by my one Liverpudlian friend, Smigger is a nickname given to a Smith in Liverpool, he's a Jones therefore "Jonah".

Not particularly. Don't get me wrong, I love the look and atmosphere of Bath, it was just very uncomfortable being "famous" in such a small place. I value my privacy too much.

A mini.

Tardiness.).

10 years old in the bushes with Fiona.

An egotist, a narcissist and a psychopath (major brownie points for anyone who can concoct a "walked in a bar" joke around that).

I actually played a big concert fro Nelson Mandela (when he was still imprisoned) with Phil. We always sang Phil Collins drum fills while we were recording so I asked him if he would come and play.

We've met them a few times, they seem like very nice down to earth people. I never compare our careers or music to anyone else's as I don't believe they can be equated, it's not a competition.

Love both, as you can probably tell by "Perfect Day" I'm a Brian Wilson fan.

I'm presuming you mean someone that I haven't already. If that's the case then Charlotte Gainsbourg would be the top of my list.

I think he's a genius, slightly disturbed but still a big influence.

Come Together

Love Gwen Stefani! Especially her kid's clothes.

Don't know Shelter but will look them up. Liked Michael Jackson when he was black and love Interpol (the band not the agency).

I doubt it. They're OK, would be better if they were more musically experimental.

Unfortunately you're talking to someone who plays by ear and doesn't read music. I actually learnt by watching people and luckily having an ear for it. I would certainly get any Beatles books as McCartney is probably one of the best melodic bass players ever.

Not currently.

It really depends what kind of artist you are. If you're fashionable then it makes sense to hire the newest guy/gal to update your sound. If you're not (i.e. us/me) then it makes no sense.

His 3rd album - "Family Snapshots" being my favorite track.

The Feeling.

Nice hair, nice shades, strange taste in women.

Paul McCartney, Phil Lynott, bassists that include melody.

It's normally someone else playing it to me or online stores like iTunes or Amazon that have an "if you like that, you might like this" button.

Anything that is produced well or interesting, from Flaming Lips to Kings Of Convenience, saying hello to The Feeling, Aimee Mann and Modest Mouse along the way.

Early years it was Slade and Sweet, progressing on to rock bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Rush, until finally settling on well produced music like Peter Gabriel, Davis Bowie, Talking Heads.

I have many, but there are a few specific role models that influenced my early career. Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Elton John to name a few. People that make music on their own terms and in their own time. Life = Inspiration.

The bass rhythm has a shuffle beat and the vocal is sung straight, I dare anyone to try.

Sometimes but not that often anymore, I've become used to it over the years. It's certainly more unnerving doing solo work as I have no back up if I'm not feeling it.

I think we've gotten better with age - in most ways :)

I wish I could remember his name but can't (brain freeze). His arrangements are great - especially Mad World. It's fun to do our music in a non traditional way, it keeps it interesting.

Much rehearsing and ping pong playing (well, more of the latter actually). Roland and I go through the set list primarily for tempo. Then of course we get in front of an audience and it all changes.

Performing. The other 22 hours.

I think a few people here would vouch for me when I say yes.

No, but I've fallen off of a drum riser and over a floor monitor, both equally as embarrassing.

To be honest there is no fast rule, it really depends on my mood, how I play and how the crowd react. I've had some fantastic concerts in large venues and small venues. However, the small venues do give me a sense of real connection to the audience.

Diva was Hermione Grainger from Harry Potter and WIlder was a "rock devil" (they were aptly named).

Laughter.

When we toured there in 1990 (or was it '89) we had a great time. A wonderful country.

I have three - my marriage and the birth of both my daughters.

1. I'm very loyal and a good father but I tend to be overly critical of myself
2. Not really, that's not to say that astrology is invalid, I just prefer to live each day as it comes and and try not to have any preconceived ideas about people and events.
3. No, jealousy is a bad emotion
4. I speak to everyone I meet as long as they are polite and I have the time

I don't want to imagine myself at 80. I prefer to just go with the flow. What I'm doing when I'm 80 will be decided when I'm 80.

St. Patrick's Day party in New York City. March 17th 1988.

Cancer/Cancer of course!!

I still support all UK teams, it's where I was born. That doesn't mean to say that I don't support US teams also, just not with the same passion. (LA Galaxy season ticket holder).

Regrets are pointless. If you've made a mistake, try to correct it next time around. The learning is the important part and I wouldn't change a thing.

I had no problem with my ego, it was crystal clear to me that everyone else was wrong and should do what I say.

As Peter Sellers said in "Being There" - I like to watch.

I like my chocolate like I like my...............dark with large nuts.

Privacy primarily and an openness to embrace new ideas.

They understand but vacillate between being impressed, proud, nonchalant and wanting me to get a real job!

Plastic surgery, make-up, a good deal of airbrushing, throw in two young kids and anyone can do it!

Being There, Ordinary People, all Austin Powers, Sybil (duh), Pulp Fiction, American Beauty, Magnolia, too many more to mention.

Now before our regular KOOKs start rolling their collective eyes - some people are new and don't know much about me, so please welcome them. Yes I'm married to Frances, we've been together for 20 years since 1988 and have two wonderful daughters Diva (born 2000) and Wiilder (born 2002). I currently reside in the Hollywood Hills area of LA.

The only time I can really do that is when I'm on tour, there are just not enough hours in the day and too many things in my head, it's why I write songs.

Something about the Pope and Catholic?

I don't know yet. It certainly doesn't bother me that he's Italian. It will bother me if England keep losing though.

To my childhood and tell myself that everything will be OK.

A Vizsla.

Unfortunately age is catching up with me. I'm starting to feel it a little too much in my joints so have stayed away from very long distances for a while.

Yes I did.

I haven't, my UK racing was limited to Brands Hatch and Silverstone.

A teacher.

My grandmother played piano (primarily to accompany silent movies).

One is 2 yrs younger than me, one is 2 yrs older.

Asics, yes, and a tuna melt.

Because I believe in him and pride myself on being relatively calm and objective.

Middle class tax breaks and banning Britney Spears.

OK then.

I did, it also looks cool :) I am doing everything in my power to make sure we don't continue down the same destructive path we've been on.

I see no logical reason to oppose gay marriage, only pseudo religious ones which make no sense. If two men or two women want to enter into a legal, emotional and binding commitment then they should be offered the freedom to do so, anything else is pure discrimination. Consequently I'm against proposition 8. We are not a theocracy we're a democracy.

I'll give a slightly obscure answer but I think you'll get the point. The least politically experienced of the founding fathers was George Washington. One of the least experienced presidents was Abraham Lincoln (the same amount as Barack Obama), the most experienced - James Buchanan.

I’ve always felt quite strongly about politics although I think that’s certainly grown more since I’ve become a parent. As far as one being better than the other - that depends on who’s in government. I think BILL Clinton was far better than Thatcher and I think Blair makes George Bush look like an imbecile.

I don't feel a lot of difference as I've been a resident for nearly 20 years, but it does make me more involved in politics now that I have a voice (vote).

That's what I'm taking about!!

I can't see any logical reason why not. It works in every other industrialized nation.

We wanted an old English sports car that was like my own. I owned (and still have to this day) a 1959 Triumph TR3A, we couldn't find one for the shoot and the Austin Healey was the closest.

Charlton doesn't suck!

We tend to do the songs that work or that we know people desperately want to hear. In general that means the hits. We prefer to play as much new music as possible and the hits on "The Hurting" were all sung by me.

Who knows? Dates will be announced as and when they're booked.

Far too many to choose from but I think "Come Together" would be one of our favorites.

Sowing The Seeds Of Love. It's the one video that really captures visually what we were trying to achieve musically.

Wow - I remember Johnny Waller, my recollection of I Can't Get To Sleep however is not so good. I know it was an actual song but I think it fell by the wayside as better songs were written.

Oops - I've only just read this and apologize!!!!!

To be honest I don't remember who was #1 before or after us, too busy enjoying the #1ness

The Hurting - 8/10 - fantastic for it's time but hasn't aged as well due to the production.
SFTBC - 9/10 - a very complete album musically, lyrically and it's production has held up well
SOL - 6/10 - I still however think that the track Sowing The Seeds Of Love is as near to perfection as we've got, unfortunately I think the album in general has too many weak songs and overblown production
ELAHE - 9/10 - I believe every song is strong and the production and feel is refreshingly relaxed

Bad clothing, especially the Katherine Hamnett pants that look like diapers.

One of my favorite tracks. We played it over the PA before every gig in 1985 and it was a fantastic intro.

None whatsoever but would love to hear it - anyone?

No plans at the moment, but as I've said before you'll be the first to know.

No plans right now but you'll be the first to know.

Being a technical retard I have no clue. I am however a big surround sound fan and after experiencing Love twice in Las Vegas would love to do ELAHE in surround. Whether we have the time or finances to do it is another question.

Technical questions are really not my forte - suffice to say that I would love (forgive the pun) at some point to do great surround sound mixes of what we've done.

I think it would have been a little confusing if it wasn't TFF.

As I've said before, we have no further TFF plans apart from Germany this year. Anything new will of course be posted here first.

I looked and don't see her anywhere in the video, she is however quite prominent in the Sowing The Seeds Of Love video.

Not currently but I will of course keep you posted here should that happen.

I believe we did do Killing With Kindness. Ladybird turned out to be a little too complex to perform live.

I'm not aware of any statue, maybe someone from Bath could let us know.

At many points in any relationship bad things are said in the heat of the moment. Roland approached me to do another record and neither of us has spoken about it. We're grown up enough to know that in the grand scheme of things it's unimportant.

Sowing The Seeds Of Love

We met, I asked and she said yes.

Who knows? It would depend on what mood he was in. Personally I think you should always approach someone if you want, the worst that could happen is that they tell you to go away.

We both do to a certain degree as we think an album should always have balance.

Charlton & I.

The chorus.

Anything we were listening to or had listened to (Floyd, Flaming Lips, Air, Beatles etc.). We honestly don't think about it but work on the premise that we should make the best album possible at that given moment.

Polyamorous? We get on much better that way.

No, they're in Bath outside his house and I'm in LA. There's always Google Earth I suppose.

Secret World (sometimes alternating w/ Size Of Sorrow)

I must confess that it's not one of my favorite songs even though I do as you say sing it well :)