Some may call the work of Cameron Mesirow (better known as Glasser) something like “dance music” — yet such a label simply doesn’t fit work as daring as Glasser’s. Not in the least.
Part of the reason for this is that Glasser’s music, which itself is indebted to synthpop just as much as it is to experimental electronica, defies easy categorization. On Mesirow’s 2011 debut, Ring, she wound up creating what sounded like a modern-day, lo-fi tribute to the Cocteau Twins, and slowly but surely, her sound garnered acclaim across the blogosphere. With Interiors, Glasser’s new album, things go a little bit weirder, flirting with the likes of IDM and non-traditional song structures, still managing to find time to fit in straight-from-the-’80s sax breaks in the middle of songs like the thumping “New Year”. It’s for reasons like this that Interiors isn’t mean to be an album that’s “enjoyed” as much as it is to be “experienced” — and what an experience it is.
To help celebrate the release, Mesirow sat down with PopMatters‘ 20 Questions, and winds up revealing that the movie Aladdin made her cry, why Thriller is the greatest album of all time, and why ball gowns may very well be an acceptable form of day-to-day attire …
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1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?
I cry at every sentimental thing that I read or watch. No joke, I think I just watched Aladdin and cried a little.
2. The fictional character most like you?
[Question was not answered.]
3. The greatest album, ever?
Definitely impossible to answer with 100% accuracy for this kind of opinion changes all the time for me. I’m going to go with Thriller.
4. Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Wars.
5. Your ideal brain food?
Movies seem to target all of my needs at once.
6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?
I’m proud of making two records! I never even thought I would make it through the first one and now I have two!
7. You want to be remembered for …?
In terms of my work, I would like to be remembered as a unique voice.
8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?
Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Brian Eno, Kate Bush, Michael and Janet Jackson; there are too many!
9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?
Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
10. Your hidden talents …?
I do impressions of people.
11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Someone told me once that there is an audience for everything, and it has helped me to explore some unusual things in my work without fear.
12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?
I got hit by a car once and with the insurance money, I went to Japan with my friends. No regrets! I still have dreams about being there.
13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or …?
This changes daily for me: I love dressing up and I love dressing down. There’s truly nothing better than solid staple garments to me, good jeans, a sweater, or a dress. But I would also like to wear ball gowns every once and a while too.
14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?
I love to laugh, so I would probably choose a comedian like Steve Martin or Bill Murray.
15. Time travel: where, when and why?
The future! I’m so much more curious about the future than the past, I want to see if there will ever be a cure for cancer.
16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation, or Prozac?
Spa for me. I usually have physical stress that accompanies whatever I’m worried about, and I like to take care of my body.
17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or …?
Fresh food of all sorts, especially vegetables.
18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?
I love to be in a city with an ocean nearby. That’s the best set up for me.
19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?
To the US government, I would say that their lack of compassion is truly shameful.
20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
I’m working on my signature scent.