In a newly published Relix interview, Mike Gordon of Phish sat down with the magazine to discuss, among other things, family life at 50, song writing, the formulation of his new solo band, indulging in Transcendental Meditation, as well as his reasoning for not joining the Dead & Company tour this past fall.

Gordon explains, “One of the main reasons I didn’t do the John Mayer/ Grateful Dead tour [Dead & Company] was because what I want to be doing with my time at 50 is writing and recording, and the Dead tour didn’t leave enough time for it. I hope I get to play with all of those guys again—and I hope they aren’t mad at me—because I have so much respect for them. But it seemed like the right decision because that’s what I have been doing.”

Gordon has been hard at work with the latest formulation of his solo band this past year, which includes Scott Murawski (guitar), Craig Myers (percussion), and the newest members Robert Walter (keyboards) and John Kimock (drums). Gordon recalls how he consulted with drummer Joe Russo about his thoughts on finding new players for the band, Russo noting “You have some great drummers on your list, but you have to play with John Morgan Kimock. He has everything you’re talking about and then some.” Gordon would confirm Russo’s suspicions, with Gordo noting how Kimock has already turned him on to some different, melodic music. In regards to Walter, Russo had remarked to Gordon, “Robert is such a good B-3 player, but he just seems to be this guy that is ready to step out of certain comfort zones.” 

Mike Gordon Tour Opener Features New Band Members and New Music

In terms of family life, Gordon mentions a family vacation he took last year, having taken Rolling Stone’s list of the year’s 50 best albums, listening to them all in order. “There was a lot of eclectic stuff like Aphex Twin and the latest Bruce Springsteen album that was fresh for him, but what I liked the most was Mac DeMarco’s Salad Days. It is old school in one way, but really new and warped in another way. I could boil my favorite note on my favorite album on the list down to the E-flat on his song ‘Goodbye Weekend.'”

You read the entire interview with Relix here. Mike Gordon kicks off his Winter Tour at Emo’s in Austin, TX on January 22. Full tour dates can be seen here.

[Photo via Dave Vann]