James Murphy’s been making music for 20 years, and with the release of LCD Soundsystem’s self-titled LP, he’s created a one-man beat show. And yet, he’s retained a wicked sense of humor 20 years can certainly drain you of. Take “Losing My Edge,” Murphy’s anthem: “I was the first guy playing Daft Punk to the rock kids. I played it at CBGB’s – everybody thought I was crazy. I’ve never been wrong; I used to work in the record store.” Murphy loves what he does, and he does it well.
Austin Chronicle: What were first albums that really drew you in?
James Murphy: The first things that drew me in were sounds – I really liked refrigerator sounds, and we had a home organ that was hilarious. The Violent Femmes’ first record is still one of my favorites, the first Clash record … I’ve only recently remembered these albums influenced me.
AC: What about dance music?
JM: I didn’t even start listening to dance music until ’99 or 2000. I thought it was horrendous. Then I started dancing and doing E.
AC: Was there one event that inspired “Losing My Edge”?
JM: It’s really just about being a total failure. I was always in marginal bands, so I was used to failing. Then I started DJing and, for the first time since 1984, I was optimistic. I started throwing parties [in New York] and I was kinda cool. I was playing ESG, Can, Donna Summer. Then I was at a show and there was some girl playing ESG! I felt like my job was in danger, and I suddenly saw myself taking credit for other people’s records. I was kind of embarrassed. So I made this totally humiliating song.
AC: You seem to love the cowbell.
JM: I use claps and tambourine more; the cowbell’s just more apparent. I like percussion. Marvin Gaye had a guy in his band who only played cowbell. I mean, you have to be an awesome cowbell player.
This article appears in March 18 • 2005.