Do you think of what you do as outsider art or satire?

I guess I'm more of a satirist, only my satire is pretty gentle and benign.  Most of the "outsider musicians" I've read about seem to be very mysterious, tormented souls.  I think I'm too accessible and straightforward to qualify as a true outsider musician--I can keep a day job, and I don't have any secrets!

What made you gravitate towards making your type of music?

I've always been inclined to sing weird songs, dating back to "Shut Up Your Monkey," which I co-wrote in grade school, and recorded many years later with my band Moes Haven.  Moes Haven recorded plenty of "serious" songs as well.  But a few years ago I noticed that our weird songs were the only ones that were earning any money (about $2 per song per year).  So, in 2008, I started churning out a few thousand novelty songs per year, with the theory that 20,000 songs earning $2 each per year would make for a nice income.  I'm up to 14,000 songs and it's pretty much going according to plan!

How would you describe it?

Musically, the songs are short, catchy, strange and funny.  Lyrically, I'm just trying to do a song about every topic that you could possibly imagine.  If someone might search a topic on a music site, I want to have a song about that topic!

How do people usually react?

I sing my phone number in lots of my songs.  Sometimes people will dial the number after hearing me sing it.  They are usually surprised that I answer!  Once they get over the surprise, they usually tell me they like the music.  I think the most common reaction to each song is, "I can't believe there's a song about ________ (food, poop, celebrities, flowers, aliens, etc.)"

Do you ever play live? If so what are the regular audience reactions?

I'll perform at a comedy show once a year or so.  Usually I'll tell some jokes, then do a song or two.  It usually takes a while for people to warm up to me.  I made a movie called "Local Legends" (on the Motern Media youtube channel)--the  opening scene is a 5-minute set at one of these shows.  It's a good example of my live work!

Who are your main influences?

For my more straightforward music, I'm influenced by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell, etc.  For my "outsider" songs, I'm inspired by Jandek, Tom Waits, Jonathan Richman, and the songs from the movie Ishtar.

You told me you have your own zine, what is it about?

I do a photocopied newsletter that I mail out every month to a small group of subscribers.  It's called The Long Walk Newsletter.  I usually take several long walks every week, and the newsletter consists of short articles about my walks, or walking in general.  People are encouraged to write in with accounts of their own adventures.  Sometimes we stray pretty far from the discussion of long walks, but that's ok too!

Could you talk about the importance of DIY music and zine making? What are your views on those things?

I think everything should be DIY.  I'd much rather see the work of local amateurs than that of the elite in Hollywood/New York, etc.  Instead of going to Hollywood to get noticed, you should stay where you are and keep on producing things until people come to you!  I'm much more intrigued by artists who do their thing in a region that's not overrun with other artists.  I don't think it's healthy to be surrounded by people who all think the same way and do the same things as you.

Also how much longer do you see yourself doing this kind of music? Do you think you'll ever get more wrapped up in film making or another form of media?

I see no end in sight for the music.  As long as I continue to earn a few dollars from each song every year, I can afford to keep on making more songs (which is my favorite thing to do!).  I'll also continue to make a new movie ever few years (I'd make more but it's so expensive and time-consuming).  If I can continue to live this way for another 50 years, it'll be a good life!