Graham Reid | | 3 min read
Finn Scholes is everywhere. The Auckland musician whose weapon of choice is trumpet has turned up in recent times at Elsewhere on albums by Salon Kingsadore and Tiny Ruins, has played with Neil Finn, Lawrence Arabia, Gin Wigmore, Hopetoun Brown and many others, is a music teacher and animator, has helmed his own jazz trio and . . .
Now reappears with his band Carnivorous Plant Society for their second album The New King (reviewed here) which is a mix of Mexican and other exotica sounds, guest stars and spoken word fables..
They are taking their woozy and charming music on tour also (details below) so it is time then for Finn Scholes to answer a Famous Elsewhere Questionnaire . . .
The first piece of music which really affected you was . . .
There’s a tune called Fire Shaker by jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. He plays some amazingly high notes. There’s something about super high trumpet playing that I really like. It definitely inspired me to practise.
Your first (possibly embarrassing) role models in music were ....
Any trumpet player that can bring the fire. The embarrassing part is that I don’t enjoy listening to someone play super high. I just really appreciate how much they must have practised. And that appreciation somehow transcends everything.
Lennon or Jagger, Ramones or Nirvana, Madonna or Gaga, Jacko or Jay-Z?
Lennon, Ramones, Madonna, Jay-Z
If music was denied you, your other career choice would be . . .
A cartoonist! Although a more secure option might be driving little baggage trucks around the airport tarmac.
The three songs (yours, or by others) you would love everyone to hear are . . .
I’ve got a 15 minute track called ‘The Story of Dike Van Suede’. It’s a very long musical story, potentially punishing if you’re not in the right mood… I also think everyone should listen to ‘Holy Water’ by Alistair Deverick aka Boy Crush. Also Tiny Ruins has some great tracks: ‘Reasonable Man’ among them.
Any interesting, valuable or just plain strange musical memorabilia at home...
I have a collection of guitar picks. One from Neil Finn, one from Mick Jagger and one from Madonna. I can’t guarantee they actually used the picks but there’s a chance they did… So I guess they’re worth keeping…
The best book on music or musicians you have read is . . .
That’s quite hard because I only really read fiction… I started the Miles Davis biography. I also started the Charles Mingus biography. Sadly didn’t finish either of them...
If you could get on stage with anyone it would be?
Donald Trump. I’d play an incredibly long and horrendous tuba piece that would give the internet lots of meme fodder. Then I’d finish the show with a bucket of pigs’ blood poured on him… In reality, I’d like to play organ and vibraphone with Marlon Williams.
The three films you'd insist anybody watch because they might understand you better are . . .
The Overture (a Thai movie about a xylophone student who battles his teacher), King of Kong (a film about competitive video gaming. Quite a good movie for inspiring strenuous music practice) and The Princess Bride (the movie I’ve watched the most and still really enjoy).
The last CD or vinyl album you bought was . . . (And your most recent downloads include...)
Tango by She’s So Rad. I’m a big fan of everything Jeremy Toy does… He’s the man!
One song, royalties for life, never have to work again. The song by anyone, yourself included, which wouldn't embarrass you in that case would be . . .
I’d have to either go with Happy Birthday or the Alphabet Song. I’d like to make up the order the letters appear in the alphabet… And get all the royalties when people want to alphabetise things.
The poster, album cover or piece of art could you live with on your bedroom forever would be . . .
The Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band cover. It’s got a lot going on and would keep me entertained.
You are allowed just one tattoo, and it is of . . .
The face of Bludo, the family beardie dog. She
features on the new album cover. We love each other.
David Bowie sang, “Five years, that's all we've got . . .” You would spend them where and doing what?
Climbing mountains or lounging in a pool with fantastic food, friends and family…
And finally, in the nature of press conferences in Japan, “Can you tell me please why this is your best album ever?”
Because everyone in the band is older than when we did the last one - and older people definitely make the very best Mexican, fantasy music.
Carnivorous Plant Society – The New King Tour
23 March, Titirangi Music Festival
30 + 31 March, Waiheke Jazz Festival
6 April Napier – Sitting Room Session
7 April, Moon, Wellington
13 April, Tuning Fork, Auckland (with Eb & Sparrow)
14 April, Butter Factory, Whangarei – free show!
15 April, Leigh Sawmill
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