Q&A with composer/ musician Brian LeBarton

We at LC were thrilled to work with Brian LeBarton on the album What the Bleep? for our Inside Tracks library. His modern, quirky, and ever-evolving style is a testament to his talents. He has toured and collaborated for many years with Grammy winner Beck, and has composed music for indie film fan favorites like Nacho Libre and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
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What the Bleep was created for energetic and playful productions with some edge: modern cartoons, hip commercials, and for when you're just feeling plain weird. It combines leftfield electronica and beats with an experimental yet playful and tongue-in-cheek approach. 
We got to sit down with Brian for this exclusive Q&A....take a look.

Who were your musical heroes and influences?
Any time I make something, it helps to follow intuition without paying attention to what memories and influences I might be pulling from. All the experiences I've had with other artists are of equal importance, as are other non-musical experiences like hearing birds and watching the sun rise. 

What was your inspiration for 'What the Bleep?'
My intent for this library was to make crazy, fun material that might entertain and enlighten kids all around the world. Media is everywhere, some of it is bad, so this is an effort to contribute music that will uplift the listener/watcher.

What are you listening to and watching these days?
Right now I listen to classic jazz mostly, some German electronic like "Malaria!" and "D.A.F.", and an artist named Anika. As a child I was hip to all the blues records that came out in the 60's, Chicago Blues, Delta Blues and a lot of crazy jazz that my dad was playing. As a teen I worshiped hip-hop and the original R&B coming out of New Orleans: The Meters, Dr. John, James Booker and such.  

You love all kinds of old school and vintage gear for your production. Why is that?
The "vintage" gear thing...I just use that gear 'cause I have it! I'm not trying to go for "old" sounds, because you can always get new sounds out of any good equipment, whether it was invented yesterday or 30 years ago. I've just slowly collected stuff bit by bit, and enjoy the immediacy and permanence it brings to the creative process. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I garden and stare at my child.

You can listen to more of What the Bleep here.