James Murphy / LCD SoundSystem Sonar 2005

James Murphy is a talented guy. Like really talented. Not convinced yet? Google him. You can read about his work with post-hardcore punk band Pony and the almost ground breaking Speedking. You may stumble across sound engineering credits for work with other bands, being name-checked with Pharrell, or even the lesser known ‘J-Dawg Ladyface’. Undoubtedly you will encounter his work with Tim Goldsworthy and the now legendary DFA records (Death From Above). DFA launched the Raptures ‘House of Jealous Lovers’ and their debut album ‘Echo’s’ as well Murphy’s own brilliant and occasionally self-deprecating project ‘LCD Soundsystem’.

As an experienced Sonar campaigner, how is the festival different from others?
It is and it isn't. I went when I was falling in love and barely attended. Instead I walked around and ate with my wife. It was great. All I did was DJ, and there were an insane amount of people there. I was intimidated. There's a nice artist area where you get handed a lot of CDRs. Other than that, you got me.

"...I can share travelling around and hearing mediocre post-Kraftwerk nonsense at reasonable volumes everywhere."

Sonar is a truly international event – can you share any experience of electronic music in different countries?
Yes. I hate most electronic music to a large degree, so I can share travelling around and hearing mediocre post-Kraftwerk nonsense at reasonable volumes everywhere.

What is your favourite festival memory?
I don’t know. I think, the most wonderful festival I ever attended was my first, which was the aquaplaning festival in Hyeres, France (now defunct). It was so small and happy. It destroyed me. I did an e in my bedroom and rushed for about three hours.

Your work with DFA and LCD Sound system has brought a diverse range of sounds and a great sense of humour livening up the electronic music scene. Are you planning anything special for Sonar?
I plan to play records one night, and hopefully make people happy and dance. Then I plan to play the next night with the band and do the same. It would be nice to play just a set of dance songs there. I wonder if we can do it. Seamlessly.

The Sonar programme includes features on art, multimedia and technology. How do you think advances in these areas affect the music industry and the music you play?
The computer affects what I do, and outside of that, none of it really means anything to me. I play drums. It's what I do.

Sonar has a reputation for pushing new frontiers - What are you looking forward to catching at this year's festival?
I have no idea. Really, honestly, I hope to see my friends who make music. I hope to get drunk and fall over near the beach. I hope to hear one or two songs that make me want to punch myself in the face. It's like that.

How will you be spending your time in Barcelona when not playing?
Cava sangria, xanax, backgammon, eating paella with friends and my wife, walking around one of my favourite cities in the world

Finally, can you give RA a heads-up on anything on the horizon for you in 2005?
Holy crap, I have no idea. I want to throw more parties here in New York. It makes me happy. And I want to get a dog. And maybe a country place where I can get out of the city and make music.

James Murphy DJ's Sonar by Night on Friday 17 June.
LCD Soundsystem play Sonar by Night on Saturday 18 June.

This interview is part of RA’s exclusive 2005 Sonar Prologue interview series - check out the others below;
2005 Sonar Prologue with Jeff Mills
2005 Sonar Prologue with Richie Hawtin
2005 Sonar Prologue with Miss Kittin
2005 Sonar Prologue with Headman
2005 Sonar Prologue with Booka Shade
2005 Sonar Prologue with DJ Yoda
2005 Sonar Prologue with Ellen Allien
2005 Sonar Prologue with Basteroid
2005 Sonar Prologue with DJ T.
2005 Sonar Prologue with Ada
2005 Sonar Prologue with Damain Lazarus
2005 Sonar Prologue with Mu