Malice K Made the Soundtrack to Your Mental Breakdown

Photo courtesy of Malice K.

This is SOUND ADVICE, a weekly destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies, and ved lovers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered playlists from La Femme, Scout Willis, and Tinashe. This week’s guest is Malice K, a Brooklyn-based cult artist hailing from Olympia. Word on the street is that he’s the Elliot Smith of our time, ushering in a rock and roll renaissance with his forthcoming debut album, AVANTI. Before jetting out to tour the UK, the rising star shared a three-hour playlist with us packed with everything from Elvis Presley to Lil Peep: “There’s more in here than asked for,,” he explains, “but I was going for a vibe of a roller coaster of emotional distress with relief at random intervals.” Plus, he revealed his go-to NYC watering hole and the movie needle-drop that stole his heart at age 16.

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Favorite album artwork of all time? I really like the cover for the album Nothing’s Shocking by Jane’s Addiction.

Where do you dance? Wherever the music is decent.

What do you listen to before hitting the stage? Whatever is happening in the room around me. I don’t listen to music before I go on stage.

What’s the best song about New York? “The Only Living Boy in New York” by Simon and Garfunkel.

Where are you hanging out in New York? I like grabbing a beer at Birdie’s or grabbing a coffee down the street from my spot, but I mostly walk around aimlessly.

Favorite on-the-road meal? Maybe a burger.

Name a song that reminds you of your childhood? “Anything” by Linkin Park. RIP Chester.

What was your first concert? “Weird Al” Yankovic.

What song makes you cry? “Silly Love” by Daniel Johnson.

Name your favorite artist no one knows about: I love the music by my childhood best friend Antero Sievert.

Do you play an instrument? Yes.

What song do you have on repeat? “Up the Junction” by Squeeze.

What’s your favorite album cover of all time? All of them are good.

What’s your favorite movie needle-drop? “Oh My Love” sung by Katyna Ranieri was used in the movie Drive. I saw that movie in theaters at 16 and that song has been with me ever since.