Sonicnet.com 1997-10-16 By People "Chat transcript" BJORK: Hallo, my name is Bjork and I've come here to communicate. wilhelm: How aware are you of the various manifestations on the Internet of fans of yours? Do you ever spend much time "surfing" - either fan sites or more general explorations and do you ever read the alt.music.bjork newsgroup? BJORK: No, but I got a computer yesterday. saucytrt: Dear Bjork, can you tell us about your biggest source of inspiration for Homogenic? BJORK: Daily life. lunargirll: This is just a rumor, but is it true that you didn't put "So Broken" on the album 'cause Howie B found it too emotional to hear it? BJORK: That's rubbish. Ahura: How have you been lately, Bjrk? BJORK: I have been brilliant. TZB: Bjork, have you ever tried your hair in the same style as on the cover of Homogenic? BJORK: I flirted with it when I was in the Sugarcubes. Robbie: My favorite songs on Post were the ones with string arrangements by Eumir Deotato. Although I don't have a copy of Homogenic yet I'm pleased to see that there are more songs with string arrangements by Deotato. How did Bjork become involved with Deotato and are these recordings about all that Deotato has been doing recently? BJORK: Well. I called him in '95, and asked him if he would arrange with me some songs. I did that after I heard Travessia with Milton Nascimento. But on this album I arranged half and Deotato the other half and I am getting better and better in being self sufficient in these things. gunnar_a: What happened to the Bond cover "You Only Live Twice?" (it's actually a favorite of mine, kind of reminds me of Isobel, It's the strings I guess). BJORK: I learned the hard way that you should never cover your favorite tunes because they are good already. Cover bad tunes and make them good. tvguide: Do you enjoy producing or creating the music more? BJORK: I look at it as the same thing sometimes. People enter a studio already to take part in creating something exciting and then afterwards you have to sit down and label who did what, which can be quite tricky sometimes. Most of the time I think its unnecessary. Chile: What's your favorite music in Homogenic? Why? BJORK: I can't pick. _mikha_: Bjork, are u planning to visit RUSSIA / MOSCOW? BJORK: Yeah, maybe next summer, but it depends. zoo2: Why does Bjork not wear shoes on stage? BJORK: Ever since I started singing I found it difficult to wear jewelry, hats, make up, shoes, and speak language while I sing. It gets in the way. I am getting better with the language thing. MeisterK: Do you like to communicate with your fans? Or is it "part of the job"? BJORK: I am very curious, that's why I am here. But also I have strong opinions on keeping the proportions of your time spending healthy. Most of the time I prefer writing songs and playing them to people than talking to them. Cloth: What are your present musical influences, if any? BJORK: The ocean and looking forward to the future. Amazing: Was it your decision to use no producer on Homogenic, and will this trend continue for future albums? BJORK: I was gonna write on Homogenic these big letters "THIS ALBUM WAS NOT PRODUCED, IT WAS DONE." I prefer that way of looking at things. _mikha_: Bjork, who is author of "Joga" video and is all landscapes computer generated? BJORK: Michel Gondry. TheLonePsycho: What is your favorite song to perform? BJORK: I have got tons, it depends what mood I am in that evening. Adi: How is Sindri? BJORK: He is great. rilka: Have you done anything with RZA yet? BJORK: We did one tune. We just have to see where it goes. gunnar_a: Hi Bjrk! My name is Gunnar. First of all thanks a million for all the great music you've created. Are you still excited about the new album and the songs, or are you already thinking of and working on the next album. BJORK: I still want to tour this one, and arranging for live gigs is exciting so the songs are still growing. I have written 5 tunes for the next album. It's a bit of both I guess. zoo2: Has Bjork turned away from songs like "It's Oh So Quiet" on purpose? Because she was gaining too big a fan base? Or was there a different reason? BJORK: I haven't turned away from it. AHTOH: Why did you choose the word Homogenic as a title of your album? BJORK: Because it's one flavor instead of a collection of different things. dubstar: Are Venus, Isobel and Joga in any relation? BJORK: Yeah, they have loads of connections. It's hard for me to pick any out. Nickolausi: Bjork, what are the criteria after which you pick people to remix your songs? Do you decide? BJORK: I decide and it's just the ones that turn me on, the ones I would be listening to myself. niko: How does your son feel about you being so successful in what you do? BJORK: I guess he doesn't know anything else. But he was brought up with most of the people around him. having obsessions. work-wise so I am not really odd one out. HyperTech: Bjork, can you tell us who Joga is? Your credit her/him on Post and Homogenic! BJORK: She is my best friend. over: Can anyone even endure true love? BJORK: Yeah. Miho: What was the most beautiful scenery that you have ever seen besides Iceland? BJORK: Corsica. Andrew: Bjork, will you ever release the work you did with Kent Nagano? BJORK: We are going to do more work. It's just a problem finding time. Morrisine: When will the USA tour begin? BJORK: In December. alucila: Do you plan to do any more things with other hip hoppers? BJORK: I don't know, I guess I am a bit retarded when it comes to styles I don't think in styles, rather if people have got integrity and creativity, I get excited. MsMorrisine: What future sacrifices do you think you'll need to make while managing a busy singing career with the "Hunt" for and "Holding" of the Love you often sing about? BJORK: Live in Iceland for a start, that's what I am made of. lunargirll: Would you reckon it is healthier with having your "fans" online so they can express their feelings and talk it all out or would you rather have it they mind their own business and keep it all cooped up inside? BJORK: A bit of both. I guess communicating takes both parties to make an effort. MeisterK: Besides music and Sindri, what is the most important for you? BJORK: Friends and family, it's hard to pick. I don't want to sound cold but Iceland, nature is very high on the list. Animuz: Bjork, do you plan on releasing more remix albums like telegram? BJORK: I don't know, I try not to plan to far ahead. Jenna: Are there any specific roots to the lyrics of your songs? BJORK: Reaction to daily life. dubstar: What's going to be your next single? BJORK: "Bachelorette" BJORK: I have to go off now off to my gorgeous private life to cuddles and that bye bye to nobs and the buttons bye bye.