5 Minutes with Koolism’s Dan Elleson

Tell us about the first time you were really inspired by music?
The first thing to really move me was probably Billie Jean by Michael Jackson on TV, I was totally mesmerised by that. What came after that was the intro to Battle of the Planets, The Vince Collins Pinball Machine thing on Sesame Street, the Fleetwood Mac Tusk video and other stuff. All the things I saw and heard around 1979 and 80 had the biggest affect on me. Since then there's millions of things but that's the first stuff to blow me away.

What do you consider to be your greatest skill?
My ability to turn old computers into barbeques.

Name two albums you keep very close to hand.
Just 2 albums? That's a totally ridiculous question to me, but for the sake of answering, It Takes A Nation Of Millions and Histoire de Melody Nelson are on the list.

The road to musical success is often long and hard. What is one lesson you have learnt along the way that changed the way you saw things?
I don't do this stuff out of necessity, although I am compelled to create stuff, but this is my choice, so I will accept the cost whatever that is. And everything comes at a price. Don't expect anything. Do it cause you want to do it. Know what I mean?

Who inspires you? (Both in life and in music)
Friends, because I try make friends with the more inspiring people I meet.
I'm inspired by different characteristics which I admire in more unique people. I know who manages to do what I struggle or aspire to do, which is be myself, who I want to be to the fullest, risk it for a biscuit, balance things out or shake things up, and in turn hopefully inspire others in positive ways.

Tell us a quirky fact about yourself no one else knows!
I think all my quirks are pretty well publicised by now, but sometimes I'll sit and eat a whole loaf of bread dry by itself and call that a meal, nobody knows that but it won't come as a surprise to some. Other times I'll sit and scoop out half a jar of peanut butter by itself, I find that much more challenging actually than the bread.
Is that what you mean?

If you could have two wishes come true what would they be?
No random background music in supermarkets, shops, on planes, busses etc.
And to have an infinite supply of wishes granted, at which point I would start thinking more seriously.

Before you step on stage for a gig, what do you do to prepare?
What I don't do is sleep, that's for sure.

What do your parents think of what you do? Have you ever taken them along to a gig?
Nope, never taken either of them to a show.

If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
He could make a barbeque out of an old computer.
Whatever, I don't mind.

Having spent so much time on aeroplanes, are you an official member of the mile high club?
Nope.

Koolism long awaited album 'The Umu' is in the final stages of production. Stay tuned for the latest!