Steven Ellison, known as Flying Lotus, is bringing his Layer 3 audiovisual show to Australia this month. In an interview, the producer and DJ reveals his obsession with Chucky, his favourite time signature, and which Kanye West record he calls the 'most overrated album of all time'.
Favourite film or book?
Ellison always returns to Blade Runner, citing its beautiful music, visuals, and story. 'It helps me sleep. Everything’s got this crazy reverb on it and long, drawn-out sounds – it makes you drift off. It’s like a warm blanket.'
Video game character alter ego?
He would be Goku from Dragon Ball Z because 'he’s strong as hell, he could fly and he’s got powers. Only problem is, he has to fight all the time – like, monsters and shit. I don’t know if I’m cut out for all that.'
What shape would you be?
'A rectangle came to mind. A circle is cool, but I don’t feel round. Maybe a triangle? I don’t know – anything but a circle. I don’t wanna be round.'
Best gift ever received?
'Probably a Chucky doll from Child’s Play 2. My girlfriend at the time gave it to me. I always wanted one of those stupid things. I saw those films in the 90s. My mom was a horror fan and she liked weird movies.'
Most recent album listened to?
Ellison has been listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller ever since the MJ movie came out. 'My mother actually taught me how to count music from watching the video – she’s counting four, and I’m seeing it, and it all clicked. That was my first real music lesson.'
Favourite time signature?
'Three-four. I definitely have my 4/4 moments, but 3/4 is sneaky because it can be a fake four sometimes. I think I have a natural inclination to a three count.'
Best advice received?
'To stop using a laptop to make music. People said, “You can’t make hip-hop with a laptop.” Those comments were my fuel – they inspired me to prove I could do it.'
Most overrated album?
Ellison names Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. 'To me, it’s a little bit cringe. I like Yeezus and 808s & Heartbreak. But that one’s regarded as a classic, huh? Interesting.'
Favourite movie?
'Beetlejuice. It was a gateway horror movie – you got to see monsters and weird freaky stuff, but it was also funny and quirky. It’s probably one of the most original film ideas I’ve seen.'
If you could change an animal’s size as a pet?
'I would love a freaking mini panda that can hang out in the house. As small as a dog – a little Boston terrier dog. I have two Boston terriers, called Iko and Meemo.'
Flying Lotus performs his Layer 3 audiovisual show at Sydney Opera House on 27 May as part of Vivid Live; at the Odeon, Hobart, on 28 May; and at the Timber Yard, Melbourne, on 29 May.
