Nine Questions

Jim Waters

Jim Waters is a world-renowned Tucson-based producer. Since he moved here in the early 1990s, he has become a champion of local music and a fixture of Tucson's music scene. Although he has worked with some major players (like Sonic Youth and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion), Waters tends to stay away from the big record labels, artist managers and others that tend to get between the musician and the music.

What was the first concert you attended?

I saw the Dave Clark Five when I was in third-grade. My older sister was going with some friends, and I begged and begged to go along. They were my favorite band, even more than the Beatles. It was pretty thrilling.

What are you listening to these days?

I tend to listen to stuff that I'm working on at the studio. So right now, I am listening to the Distortionists, Marianne Dissard, The Jons, Yardsale Heart, the Freezing Hands, etc. Oh, and also a bunch of Frank Zappa reissues.

What was the first album you owned?

The Spirit of '67 by Paul Revere and the Raiders (my other favorite band from that time period).

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

I'm still trying to sort out symphonic black metal.

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

Cradle of Filth.

Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Symphonic doom klezmer.

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

"Patricia" by Pérez Prado.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

Frank Zappa. His music always challenged you to listen and to think for yourself.

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

I have probably listened to Revolver, by the Beatles, about a million times.