Forget about his monstrously buzzy new release, A Weekend In The City. First and foremost, Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes wants the world to know that he’s more than just the the guy with the smallest head in the band. He’s so eager, in fact, that he walked right into our Hot Seat — no bribes, no glue trap, nothing! Find out what makes this Art/English major tick and what keeps him sane through nonstop touring, only on mtvU.com.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: When we were first on tour, Russell and Matt were stumbling around the streets of Liverpool after a show. Some girls pulled up in a car and Matt thought it would be quite funny to up-end Russell into the open car window. The girls promptly sped off with our guitarist hanging out of the window and we didn’t see him for about fifteen minutes. He didn’t seem best pleased when we made it back to our van. Russell has avoided whiskey ever since…
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: There’s always more stuff you can learn. I did Art and English at college and I was really into the idea of the impact of Art on culture, its cultural power. The artist Hans Haacke once did a piece for the Guggenheim where he listed the business interests of the museum’s trustees. That to me is radical art. Art with a point. But I always felt there was loads more to learn — that I’d only scratched the surface.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: New York obviously has the most going on. You can make your own fun there, whatever you’re into. We’ve also enjoyed Chicago and San Francisco, those are cool towns.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: Don’t stand next to Matt Tong in photos. He makes me look like a dwarf. I still do though. Also, have you ever noticed that I’ve got the smallest head in Bloc Party? That bothers me.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: A British band called This Et Al. There’s a post-punk element to it, but it’s huge and heavy, which always appeals to me.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to?
A: The last book I read was ‘The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea’ by Yukio Mishima. And at the moment I’m addicted to ‘Mission: Impossible’ - I’m working my way through the TV series. The films suck, but the TV series were great.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw and how was it?
A: Suede (you’d call them The London Suede I think), London Brixton Academy, May 1993. It was exciting. I went back again a couple of days later I think.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Laptop, book, contact lenses.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Sonic Youth, Mogwai, Joy Division, Manic Street Preachers. That’s just me though.
Q: Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
A: Drink less, read more.
