NoA Communications: Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

PHOTO CREDIT: HANNAH PERSSON

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone is Owen Ashworth of Chicago and he's dropping by Melbourne soon. Ashworth is well known for his melancholic narratives and stripped-back keyboard and drum-machine pop. Ashworth writes pretty damn moving music in this this little sound niche, so we thought we'd ask him about self-limiting songwriting and breakfast.

We're interested in the creative impact of setting limitations in equipment and production in music. How do you limit yourself in the songwriting process without barricading yourself?

Owen: My first three albums were made with a pretty strict set of guidelines, and I think it was a good place to start as a songwriter.  Having a defined set of parameters let me focus on the actual songwriting part.  I really had to make sure that I was making the most of variables that weren't pre-defined, like, you know, lyrics and melody.  The last few albums have been more open in terms of including more instruments, people, styles, etc, but starting out with rules really helped me define my tastes, and recognise my strengths and weaknesses as a dude who makes music.

Do you like baked eggs and coffee? That's pretty much all we do in Melbourne. 

Owen: In Chicago, there is a very fancy Austrian coffee shop called Julius Meinl, and they have the kinds of expensive breakfasts that visiting mums tend to really enjoy.  They have a super delicious salmon and cheese and eggs baked in a ramekin breakfast thing on the menu, and it's my only experience with baked eggs.  Unless you count quiche.  I liked the salmon thing a lot and I'd like to try baked eggs again for sure.  Coffee is wonderful and I drink it every day. 

We don't count quiche. We'll take him to Min Lokal. Owen is playing at the Northcote Social Club on November 5th. He'll be supported by Otouto. His fifth album VS the Children is largely about remorseful criminals and is out now on Tomlab.