28.11.18
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Connan Mockasin is wonky pop’s most beloved oddball.

The New Zealand native has crafted a surreal world for himself through his music, often using it as a launchpad to explore new facets of himself as eccentric fictional characters. With languid vocals and soupy rhythms, listening to a Connan Mockasin record can feel like you’ve slipped into another dimension. One that’s silky, soft-focus and infinitely chill. We caught up with him to talk childhood memories, chewy steak and greed.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?
I remember my younger brother being born when I was three. I remember being confused that my grandma was looking after us, instead of our parents. I remember she made us toast for breakfast before going to hospital to meet him.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?
I was at a party with my friend and I was eating a steak that was really chewy, so I put it back down on the plate. My friend wanted to try the birthday cake on my plate, but instead picked up the bit of chewed meat I put down. He was like, ‘wow, this cake tastes meaty’ and then I realised what had happened. I lost it.

Best gift you’ve ever received?
When I was a kid, I really wanted a digger, so my parents got me a toy digger for Christmas. But then I was really sad about it and no one could figure out what was wrong. One day when we were in the car, I pointed out the window and said ‘I want one of those’. Turns out I wanted a real digger.

What’s your worst habit?
I like alcohol.

Tell us about the strangest party you’ve ever been to.
When I first moved to LA, I went to a party at the Manson murder house in The Hills. The Beach Boys were playing in the background to about 100 people for a full hour and a half.

What’s the weirdest thing someone’s caught you doing?
Me and my brothers did this elaborate prank for two years that involved an entity and getting caught by some adults was really embarrassing. That’s all I’m going to say.

Any regrettable hair styles?
When I was a teenager I dyed my hair this really horrible browny-red and it looked so bad that I just had to shave all my hair off.

Album or song?
Album. I like the whole cohesiveness of a record that has been made to be a whole rather than songs in order.

What’s your favourite instrument?
Guitar.

What has been the proudest moment of your life so far?
I’ve got one coming up – I’m about to be a father for the first time.

Cutest animal?
An Australian possum. The really cute furry ones, not the American opossums.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?
I was told I should go to university. I didn’t.

Least favourite social trend?
I don’t like trends.

Favourite city?
Tokyo.

Have you ever been arrested?
I like to be good.

Dream collaboration?
André 3000.

Best pop star of all time?
Jimi Hendrix or Michael Jackson.

What would you want written on your tombstone?
My name is fine.

Your ideal meal?
Pasta. I love all pasta.

What do you hate the most?
Greed.

Jassbusters was released 12 October via Mexican Summer