BEACH SLOTH INTERVIEW
“BEACH SLOTH BLOGS HARD”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Matthew Sherling: Your internet project began with a focus on music, correct? How do you see ‘alt lit’ and perhaps the internet 'alt’ music scene speaking to each other?
BEACH SLOTH: Music has been a huge part of my life. Music and literature intersect quite nicely. Some alt lit people have their own bands (Jordan Castro, Heiko Julien) to name two off the top of my head. I like how the two groups appear to be related and even complimentary at times. My project started with a focus on music but the pull of alt lit grew too strong. I love what they do.
MS: Tell us about your new chapbook.
BEACH SLOTH: My new chapbook was a way of collecting everything I had done outside of my immediate blog along with some things I had worked on by myself. I considered this a long-term project as I had little idea of how long it would take to finish. People’s positive reaction to my work was important in helping me realize my goals.
I like the idea that I hand-make these pieces. I always wanted to have a ‘physical, hand-made’ thing to give to people. The response to my chapbook has been far greater than anything I could have anticipated. Really pleased with all the support I’ve received.
The nuts and bolts of the chapbook would be this: poetry, short stories, articles, 8,999 words, 43 pages. Numbers are good.
MS: I have witnessed a trend (of which you are a part) of anonymity in today’s internet culture. why does this appeal to you & what are your thoughts on this phenomenon in general?
BEACH SLOTH: Anonymity is easier. That’s why people pick it. Writing on the internet supports this anonymity and makes it easier. Many write anonymously for the same reason I do: their jobs, professions, etc. may consider it a little too ‘weird’. Though I sometimes feel if my coworkers found out they wouldn’t be terribly surprised.
MS: What is the most positive thing about the 'virtual’ / 'cyber’ community in your opinion?
BS: I like how we can create a community without ever having to meet in real life. To me that’s amazing.
MS: If you could put your worldview in a sentence, what would that sentence be?
Support each other.
MS: What is your favorite meal?
BS: Pomegranates are perfect. I love them. Whenever I’m feeling down they bring me right back up.
MS: What are you reading // listening to presently?
BS: I am always reading so much. This is such a hard question to answer. Alt lit has a lot of chapbooks. Lately I’ve been going through the backlogs on several sites such as Aesthetix Poetry and Pangur Ban Party.
Right now I am listening to the soundtrack of ‘A Man and A Woman’. It is so simple and lovely.
MS: Can you tell us about your birthday I keep hearing about?
BEACH SLOTH: My birthday was held in Brooklyn a few weeks ago. For the occasion several people read. I got a lot of hugs and really learned about my fan base. I am a summer child and come alive in the summer. Since then the location has become a 'hot spot’ for several readings by the infinitely gracious Nic Rad.
***********************************************************************
Find him here:
http://beachsloth.blogspot.com/
http://beachsloth.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-want-to-youtube-down-rivers-of-america.html
coeursurlamur