Californian art-noise band HEALTH has just released Get Color, its third album to critical acclaim. Interview with John Famiglietti (Bass & noise) below:

What are you up to at the moment?
On the US/CA Get Color tour. Sitting in the van. Driving to Montreal.

What are your main musical influences?
Rock and Roll from 1967-2009.

Do you think your music should ‘belong’ or ‘fit in’ to a particular musical family or genre?
Yes. Everything should be categorized.

You are releasing records in a difficult time for the music industry: how do you see the future for it?
Tough time. Big changes are going to happen no doubt. But unless we get a bright idea, the changes are going to be very disappointing. Were trying every idea we’ve got on our end.

Could you you tell us what is the most important source of income today ? Records, syncs, tours, merch…?
I can’t speak for other bands. But for us it is touring. Merchandise is also a big factor why tours are lucrative for us.

As an artist, how do you use & see the web today? How important is it for you and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?
Its everything. At this point, things will get better the more completely digital and internet based, big hurdle is how much digital retailers rip off bands.

You have some buzz in an emerging country but no way to monetize it, would you give away your music for free to keep growing it ?
Yes. But I dont have to make that choice…its there for the taking.

How do you deal with / prevent / use an (un)official leak?
What we did with Get Color to control the leak is just to leak it ourselves. We leaked the album one month prior to release date by giving it to all the fans who pre ordered the album package. It worked.

What would be your dream online music service?
Something like iTunes that could be integrated to all internet things of the band that didnt rip you off at all. Something that was everywhere and fair.

Is there any feature / service we could build for you ?
Yeah. I would love a bad ass next generation website. With photo aggregator, online store, etc. etc. Wanna do it?

What do you expect from a label in 2009?
Open mindedness and creativity in marketing a record. The old world is dead.

What’s your favourite: digital and physical format and why?
I like an mp3. Vinyl is the coolest physical format, sounds the best for sure.

Recommended music sites?
Nope.

How’s the scene in Los Angeles? Any good bands around?
Yes, tons. Ever heard of Captain Ahab?

Places of interest in your neighbourhood?
Taco Zone taco truck. In the VONS parking lot on Alvarado.

Best thing that happened to you recently?
This tour’s been pretty awesome.

Number one junk food?
Burritos

Best venue?
The Smell

A movie you would like to watch now, right now?
Casino

Best place to live?
New York City

Last album you enjoyed listening?
Pictureplane – Dark Rift

Best TV shows (current and ever)?
Eastbound and Down, The Simpsons, seasons 1-11

Last book you enjoyed reading?
Watchmen (Yes the comic book)

Fave night drink and morning beverage?
Night: Beer, Morning: Kombucha

Visit Health website

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