Although I've Picked The Thorny Path Myself.....

Dear Kevin,

How are you? I must say I really enjoy your music. If you check out my last.fm page you'll see that I listened to you quite a lot this week. It's been one of those weeks where an album like Hissing Fauna... has felt appropriate. You know, you get burdened with these thoughts, your shoulders ache from the weight of your life, and sometimes the only response is to just explode like a champagne cork, jump around and expel it all in a high-camp singing voice. Actually, it has been No Conclusion from the Icons, Abstract Thee EP that has really affected me this week - although we try to break the loop it's always stuck repeating. I always thought things would change somehow as well, but life is what you make it, as they say, and maybe guys like us just find implementing that change a little too difficult? I think you and I are quite alike, we just want to emote 'til we're dead. I think the lyrics on Satanic Panic... especially I feel very comfortable with. Songs like Will You Come And Fetch Me, Climb The Ladder and Your Magic Is Working I'd have no problem pinning to my sleeve. They're very sympathetic words.

Your time in Norway is well documented in song and I too have an interest in the Nordic region. Last year I attempted to move to Sweden. You could say it was to be a sentence of sorts in Stockholm. There were certain things I was running away from, but that sort of attitude never really works, does it? The move failed miserably, I ended up moving around London, Montreal and New York for a while. I'd be reasonably happy to just keep moving. I tend not to cope well with being stationary. This is probably why I like trains so much. I'd love if you could write a song about trains. You have a purpose when on public transport. You're heading somewhere, but the journey is not in your hands. There's probably a metaphor in that. An inability to desire control. The thing is I'm actually an excellent car driver. Most people don't know what an excellent driver I am. When I have a passenger I tend to drive very cautiously. However, when it's just me in the car I am able to drive with a bit more commitment and I have ample skill and control. Because of this skill and control no-one would ever be in danger whilst driving with me. Yet for some reason I feel inhibited to act in a manner of which I know I am capable. My relationship with control is a complicated one. I guess you don't get to be in a situation like mine at my age without some unresolved issues.

I love the way you look at the moment with your rosie cheeks and blue sparkled eye shadow. I think you look fierce. I'm starting at a new university next semester and am thinking that for the first day I will utilise your look. I'd like to be a bit more bold with my appearance. I don't think shrinking away from life is doing me any favours. Impressions don't make themselves. Inspired by you I've started painting my nails again. They're blue with sparkles. Some people tend to frown on that sort of thing, but I know you understand. It's nice to make an effort sometimes, you know? It would be a shame to be like Morrissey and just wear black on the outside because black is how you feel on the inside.

Anyway, I have some things to do, and I'm sure you are busy as well. Hopefully you'll make it to Melbourne some time soon as it would be great to see you perform. Say hi to Alabee and Nina Twin for me. I hope you are all well.

Yours Sincerely,
Grant