"Ignorance brings a certain fear — the sense that lacking knowledge means you’re doing something wrong. However, I believe creativity thrives in contrast; it embodies the liberty to explore the unknown without expectations and to make mistakes." Synthesizers played a significant role in the creation of the album, particularly in providing the immediacy you recognized. What did they enable you to convey that felt crucial in ‘Night Fishing On A Calm Lake’? Honestly, I never had much appreciation for synthesizers previously. I loved their sound, yet I had mostly relied on others' fascination with them. Ignorance indeed induces a fear; it’s that feeling of inadequacy, as if you aren't knowledgeable enough. But I view creativity as the antithesis of that; it represents the freedom to delve into the unfamiliar, embracing mistakes along the way. This was ultimately why synthesizers were so essential for me—it was like uncovering a can of worms I hadn’t known existed. Those discoveries nourished my creativity for weeks. Most of my favorite creations have been the result of happy accidents.
Stylistically, the synths brought me back to my childhood, evoking memories of the trance, techno, trip hop, and IDM CDs my father played during my upbringing. Artists like LFO, Massive Attack, Underworld, Orbital, and Black Dog were part of that soundtrack. They also reminded me of school, filled with a sense of technological optimism. I became intensely fascinated with Eric Persing, the innovator of sample-based synthesis in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. He combined low-resolution recordings, such as a pin dropping or a voice, transformed them into samples, and created some of the most iconic synthesizer presets. These sounds encapsulate the idealistic tones of my childhood, invoking memories of ‘90s infomercials and early video games. It takes me back to a time when technology felt revolutionary, akin to embarking on an archaeological adventure while connecting to the internet. The influence of retro futurism has always been part of my artistic approach. I’m not sure why; perhaps it’s simply because I’m a profoundly nostalgic person.
In 2023, you performed songs from the album live, including on a US tour supporting King Krule — a response you described as "heartening." How was the experience of sharing such personal material with live audiences for the first time? Did their reactions teach you anything about your work? One half of my family is American, and I hadn’t seen them since my father passed away the previous summer. As an only child, my cousin Miki is like a brother to me. When Archy [King Krule] invited me to tour, it felt like the most meaningful thing I could do at that moment. Miki took leave from work to be my tour manager for almost a month. We traveled in a rented car from state to state, reminiscing about the music of our childhood, while many family members attended the shows in cities like Boston and New York.
King Krule’s audience has always supported my music, and the band members are also like family, since we’ve known each other since we were young. The performances were nerve-wracking; there were times I felt overwhelmed, emerging from my cocoon to perform solo before large crowds night after night. Yet, I’m thrilled that I pushed through. The support I received was tremendous. It felt like an incredible mirage.
You created the album cover in your father’s studio in Camberwell, marking your first time using oil paint. What was that experience like, and how does the dreamlike, noir-influenced imagery connect to the songs? My dad was an oil painter—one of the best in my eyes. I inherited all his paints and canvases. When I received the keys to the studio, I felt a profound sense of connection and purpose, even though I believe he would have disliked the paintings I produced! My style tends to be flat, possibly due to a fear of my own brushstrokes, influenced by years of cartooning and graphic illustration. I find beauty in ugliness and strive to embrace it.
Now that ‘Night Fishing On A Calm Lake’ has been released, what do you hope listeners take away from it? I hope people don’t perceive it as depressing or are deterred by its themes. Ultimately, it is a joyful experience. Through its creation, I learned much about my core values in life and creativity; while it was challenging, I had an enjoyable time as well. I hope that sense of joy is evident. I am incredibly proud of the album and look forward to creating more in the future. ‘Night Fishing On A Calm Lake’ is now available through Handsome Dad Records. Jerkcurb will be going on a headline tour in the UK in February 2026; you can find more information here.
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