Easy Pieces: Julian Lynch

Depending on whom you talk to, Julian Lynch is either a hardworking PhD candidate of enthomusicology at the University of Wisconsin or the more mystical member of a northeast New Jersey scene that’s given rise to bands like Real Estate, Big Troubles, and Titus Andronicus. Happily floating between both orbits, Lynch recently wrapped up recording his third full-length (in as many years) after returning from a research trip to India this past August. Stay tuned for a new record in 2013, and if you’re in the NYC area, hopefully catching the clarinet-playing gent live and on stage.

Before you were a musician, what were you doing?
That assumes that I'm a musician now! I guess I am, but some people might find that debatable. I've been playing music since I was a little kid, so I guess before that I had pretty typical childhood concerns. Going to elementary school and stuff. It's funny because I've been playing music almost as long as I can remember, and I've been a student for even longer.

What's the best part of your job?
At the moment, I've finished coursework and recently returned from a research trip abroad. So until the end of December, I'm working on a project for my department while studying for my exams next spring and doing some writing. This is all parallel to music stuff. What this means is that all of the work I'm doing right now, including the things that actually pay my rent, can be done from home. That's probably the best part of my job, even though it is temporary. I can work with my cat sitting in my lap!

Briefly describe your strangest travel experience?
This August while I was in Nagpur, India, I attended a regional Hindu festival as part of my research. I was very warmly welcomed by the people I met, and I ended up being interviewed by a local television station. The next day, all the people came up to me and told me that they had seen me on TV!

What is the best food you’ve had in your neighborhood lately or while you were traveling?
About a year and a half ago, a fire destroyed a restaurant here in Madison called Underground Kitchen. Recently, they've reopened in a new location, with a new name (Forequarter), and they also have a butcher shop and delicatessen. My girlfriend and I have become infatuated with their porchetta sandwich.

What is your favorite music right now that you can’t stop listening to?
Akira Ifukube's monster movie scores and also the [Mars/DNA] operetta record John Gavanti.

Julian Lynch is playing at Glasslands Gallery January 8. Tickets available HERE. Otherwise, follow Lynch on Twitter HERE and stream his tunes HERE.