E.E. Cummings

I didn’t even know he existed because I’m more familiar with Icelandic and other European things. I was introduced to his writing, like, five years ago. It’s the first person I read who I just immediately wanted to sing his words. I have read a lot of poetry, but never stuff where I felt like, Oh, I want to make this mine ! But it’s so different with him. I can’t put my finger on it. He’s kind of euphoric, but humble at the same time.

He also has a way of breaking things up into smaller fragments, like something broke and he’s putting it back together in a different way. I can see why you would love e.e. cummings.

It goes so well in the mouth ! It’s weird. He’s somebody who was born in Boston 100 years ago. What would I have in common with him ? But yeah, it’s one of those few times when somebody writes something and you sort of wish you could have written it. But it’s just, like, 10 times better because it’s easy to do lyrics. It’s kind of slogans, you know ? But e.e. cummings’s poetry is all the little bits in between.

Interview Magazine - 01.11.2004