Nine Questions

Mike Wilkins is bi-geeky—he's equally into music and film. Wilkins joined the Loft staff 10 years ago when he was still in high school. His clay-animation book report for Homer's Odyssey had been featured in the Arizona International Film Festival and won the Staff Award at the Carolina Video and Film Festival the same year. Although it's harder to find time now, he's been working on a clay animation version of Oedipus Rex. For fun, he has a band called Butterpump. Get it? (Think movie popcorn.)

What was the first concert you ever saw?

I remember being in a car with my grandma in the parking lot of a ZZ Top concert. I could still hear it pretty damn well, though.

What are you listening to these days?

John Prine in the tape deck, the Dutchess and the Duke in the CD player and Frank Zappa on vinyl.

What was the first album you owned?

I listened to "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park" from More of Tom Lehrer over and over as a child.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?

Bob Dylan. What the hell is that guy talking about?

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

The Mynah Birds, I think. I've always wondered what Rick James and Neil Young sounded like together.

Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Tom Lehrer and nerdy stuff like that.

What song would you like to have played at your funeral?

"Party" by the Billy Nayer Show.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

I think Neil Young, because he taught me that you can rock like a badass and still have a sensitive side.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Bob Dylan and the Band, The Basement Tapes.