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Music

Stretch and Don't Eat like an Asshole

Dan Deacon stays in shape ahead of Sydney Festival 2012

If you’ve ever been to a Dan Deacon live show you’ll know he's a total firebrand who loves nothing more than getting down and sweaty on the floor with his fans. If you’re a Deacon newby…you’re in luck. This January, Deacon’s ramping up the riot levels and playing Sydney Festival with a new, loud, five piece ensemble. John Maus (a part time keyboard player for Animal Collective and Ariel Pink) and ladies man Donny Benét are also on the bill so you know the night’s going to be as cool as a pair of polar bear balls. Dan mailed us about stretching - and not being an asshole.

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So Dan, what’s your fondest memory of down under?
The first time I came I brought my brother, too. It was his first time off the east coast of the US and his excitement brought me to another level and really helped me enjoy the trip to the fullest. Hands down the sickest thing was when we were roaming around the Sydney botanical gardens and saw the bat migration. That was just totally surreal.

We know you like to party hard, can you reassure us that you’ll have recovered from your NYE activities by January 11th?
Yes, don’t worry.

How do you stay in fighting shape on the road?
I don't. I've dislocated my shoulder twice while on tour and fucked up my back before as well. But most of the time I just try to not eat like a total asshole and to stretch as much as possible.

How will the show differ from your normal performances?
There’ll be four more humans and most likely the energy will be a zillion times more since there will be live drums.

You like to get in with the people when you’re live, what’s the most inappropriate thing a crowd member has done to you?
It sucks pretty hard when people touch my equipment. That would totally be the biggest dick move. But when I play with the ensemble this time I’ll be playing on the stage with the rest of the group, since all of our gear is wired up together.

Do you ever worry that you might have too much fun?
No, I'm responsible.

OK, before you take off tell us why people should come along to this show…
I'm playing with my ensemble and it’s the first tour of this new ensemble line up of two drummers, two synth players and one me. I'm really excited for that. It'll be fun.

See Dan Deacon play at the Keystone Festival Bar on January 11th.