Catching Up WIth Tim Presley
Since putting together this interview with Presley last spring, he’s announced a brand new White Fence album titled “Orange”, the first in seven years since “I Have to Feed Larry's Hawk” on Drag City, and his introduction into fatherhood. Very exciting things in a world that is increasingly growing darker by the day. But if Presley can find a way to keep pushing forward, then there’s hope for us yet. The beloved multi-instrumentalist, painter, singer-songwriter, and man behind all things White Fence, Tim Presley, has bravely been at his craft for nearly three decades since the hardcore punk days of Model America and The Nerve Agents. Since the 2010s, the veteran artist has recorded several records under WF as well as projects with longtime friend and cosmic collaborator Ty Segall. Presley stops by to chat with The Self Portrait Gospel about lyrical longevity, mastering the chaos, sobriety, the intimacy of influence, melodic motivation, and much more.
Photo: Agathe Rousselle
One of the many things I admire most about you is your sincere dedication and sacrifice to the pure process of making music and art. Whether it’s through sound, painting, or poetry, what keeps you most inspired, motivated, and eager to continue creating for as long as you have?
Photo: Weirdo Music Forever
I'm not really sure. It could be that I'm not very articulate and can only express what I want through some language of art and music. That aside, your question made me think of some musician guy who posted something online the other day, complaining about how his music hasn't "taken off". He's paid for press, marketing, a manager, and all that, and he's now thinking about having to get a real job like a plumber because he's so distraught with music and the music business. It made me feel kinda disturbed, and I thought it was a very "woe is me" take. Basically, I felt that if you don't make art because you love to, or absolutely have to, then perhaps you need to reevaluate what you're doing and why. It made me think that I'd rather be completely broke and alone making music or art than need to rely on music as a transactional business to make me happy. Also, after you've made the art, it's really for the people, and the time to decide. Just put it into the world and keep it moving. It's all for you and your soul; it's not a bag of chips. Or subsidize your art by ALSO becoming a plumber (a very cool, smart, respectable, and honest job) and shut the fuck up. Be honest with yourself. Maybe he has kids, and I understand the need to provide, but what an even better reason to be a plumber. Maybe his slop is coming off the recent discourse of Geese being a PSYOP band. And while I think that theory is somewhat funny, it's really just marketing. Sometimes it works, connecting with some people. This has always been a thing since I was very aware of music around the 1990's. We can make fun of the overexposure, and we always have, but time will tell. Maybe it's actually good after the dust settles. I think he's upset because his marketing didn't hit. Not everyone can spend money and be the next buzzy thing. It's not a given, nor should it be. Imagine Black Flag complaining like this. Sorry, went on a rant! I suppose all of this is coming from me painstakingly always looking for inspiration, or some dire need to process my experiences in some creative way, even if it ruins me. This could be why I was so irked by this person's online confessional. But also, I'm probably a touch bitter because I'm unhealthily consumed and compelled to make things.
Photo: Ian Folke Svenonius
From Model American and Darker My Love, to White Fence, what are some of your cherished core memories from those early, more formative years? Especially during a time that seems non-existent compared to the creative conditions and climate in this day and age. What do you miss most about the pre-social media/internet-crazed world? You’ve maintained such a prolific and poetically profound career; your tonal touch on culture and society is undeniable. From your visual work to your sonic signature, how have you felt about White Fence’s particular influence or impression? What are you most proud of within this nearly two-decade-long stretch of time?
Photo: H.Hawkline (Huw Evans)
I think firstly, the teenage raw energy and ethos of the scene at 924 Gilman Street in Berkeley, California. Pre-cell phone. It felt like people were galvanized and enthusiastic. There wasn't too much fear of missing out because you just went. With DML, it was the camaraderie with the band members. Touring the countries in a limited Starbucks world. Honestly, I don't know. I find it interesting to navigate each new era. It's like the game always changes. Sometimes you go with the flow of the times, but there’s even more of a reason to try to drown out the noise and concentrate on what you're doing creatively. There is something beautiful in how much we are all connected now, even virtually, but on the flip side, I miss the mystery. I do shudder at times at how much some people give away so much of themselves online. Very interesting though. People are strange. But, also genius. Well, thank you for saying that, but I don't really know how much difference or influence I've made. You're making me blush. I will say that I’m most proud of having the ability to make as many songs and records as I did during the 2009-2015 period. I really don't know how I did it. I was fucking laser-focused, or perhaps a bit possessed. It really does feel that way. I think after my dad died in 2008, somehow I was able to turn that grief energy into something positive. I felt like my heart was into something again, and I didn't squander it. I found something that made me feel happy and authentic. This was something I could do by myself in my room, and I submerged myself deep within it. I only came up for air to drink milk. I suppose I'm proud of myself for dedicating every ounce of energy to something. I had finally stared right into a north star.
“I felt like my heart was into something again, and I didn’t squander it. I found something that made me feel happy and authentic. This was something I could do by myself in my room, and I submerged myself deep within it. I only came up for air to drink milk. I suppose I’m proud of myself for dedicating every ounce of energy to something. I had finally stared right into a north star.”
I’d like to cover your visual art and book projects in more detail, as this, for a lot of veteran musicians, seems to be a very healthy and melodically mature move within creative careers that have stood the test of time. What have painting and holding exhibitions for this area of your work done for you personally and spiritually over the years?
After I got off opiates for the first time, I couldn't write music. I desperately wanted to, but felt flat and unmotivated. I eventually pivoted to painting and drawing. I've always done art, but that's when I latched onto it. It was the only thing that would quiet my mind. With music, I had to think too much. Maybe outside life, aka reality, was too loud at that time. I'm not exactly sure. I know that a lot was happening in my life all at once. Painting definitely gave me a healthy spiritual outlet, which at that point I needed desperately. I was pretty broken and fragile. Cate (Le Bon) really propped me up and encouraged me around that time. It became something daily that I could not go without. I suppose I was getting the same creative satisfaction that I had with music. I feel a lot of gratitude about it all, too. Without turning to painting, I would've spiraled.
Photo: Cate Le Bon
As we continue to move forward in this life, this country, and its rapidly disturbing history, what finds you most optimistic, hopeful, and curious to continue moving forward as a person and artist? Is there anything else you would like to share further with the readers?
That's a good question. This world has gone full-on disgusting and insane. It feels so much heavier than before. It makes me angry and sad. Blatant injustices seem never-ending. However, every so often, there's a new musician, artist, record or voice that pops up and renews my faith. Renews my enthusiasm. Or you talk to a stranger who works at the frozen food grocery store, and you realize that humans are lovely. I have noticed that sometimes, when the world news seems all bad, everyday folk can be friendly and unified (obviously, there are exceptions). But yeah, this keeps me optimistic. I have webbed feet!
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