Berman ‘not a rational lad’
Head Silver Jew on songs, poems and domestic convenience
INTERVIEW. Published poet and unofficial lyrical laureate of the indie rock community David Berman is best known as the founder and sole constant of the band Silver Jews. Formed in 1990 along with a pre-Pavement Stephen Malkmus, Berman has gone on to release six records with a constantly changing cast of musicians. But despite his band’s rotating roster, it’s Berman’s lyrical prowess that has always defined the Silver Jews. Humorous and scholarly, Berman’s wit, cynicism, irony and sarcasm prove that even in his music, he is a poet at heart. Despite nearly two decades as a band, the group has just embarked on their second tour ever.
What is the current and future state of your poetry?
It’s coming out in the form of captions for drawings. A book of drawings called “The Portable February” is out in spring on Drag City.
Do you see a difference in what and how you write poetry vs. music?
Poetry travels farther, but it’s lonelier. Songwriting is done within parameters. Songwriting is folk art. Poetry is castle art. Music is about sublime feelings and intuition. Poetry is freedom in language and thought. I love them both, but I am a child of the Enlightenment and not a rational lad. I prefer writing music, a medium through which I can communicate with my peers, over writing poetry that tries to monologue with history in an echo chamber.
Has something you wrote as poetry ever been turned into a song? Or vice-versa? Or do you hold them as completely separate projects?
Occasionally in the past that would happen. They are separate projects, not made concurrently, but like cooking and baking, one must be finished and the kitchen wiped down and aired out before I start working on the other.
Would you say the Silver Jews records have gone through distinctive periods? Can you track a difference in your songwriting mentality or seriousness in the music? Do you have a favorite record, or a record you are no longer happy with?
Maybe. But I wouldn’t give them to my shrink for homework and say, “Hey, here’s a way to get to know me and gather some insight into my deal.” It would be more like handwriting analysis than reading a diary. There are six of them. Which of the Brady children am I supposed to not love? But seriously, I think I’ll make two more records. Eight is enough, right?
Why did you avoid touring musically for so long? What prompted the decision to finally tour as a band?
I didn’t tour because I was unambitious, cautionary and unprepared. I decided I would do it when I was in my 30s, and then 29 came around. I had never met any Silver Jews fans more than one at a time. I really enjoyed it.
It’s great to hear your wife singing more on the new record. Is the band less autonomous now? Do you co-write songs?
It’s all just the same as before. We don’t have hoedowns. She doesn’t know what I’m writing. She practices alone in her office. I think that the reason is I don’t want to be married to my bass player when I’m at home. But it sure is great to be able to sleep with your bass player when you’re on the road.