The following is an interview conducted via email with SELF's Matt Mahaffey, 9 August 1999. Matt answers questions about his music, his new album (Breakfast With Girls), and his collaboration with Ken Andrews. (Responses are presented as supplied by Mahaffey. Thanks to B.P.)* Mahaffey also contibuted to Ken Andrews latest effort, ON.

1. How did the idea for Self's inception originate?

self originated from the tormenting medium known as the "four track recorder". it was basically tunes to play friends on the weekends when they came over. for the love of recording. 2. How would you describe Self's sound/style? self's style- a potpourri of events. 3. Who/ what are your musical influences? prince, beatles, hip-hop 1985-1990 (god rest it's soul.) 4. Where do you see Self in 5 years? In 10 years? self in 5 years? answering questions from you about ken andrews again. in ten years? not knowing my own name or who this ken andrews fellow is either. 5. What would you say is the purpose for your music (i.e., to entertain, as a type of personal release, etc.)? it's the only thing that i am good at. 6. Could you describe the sound of your new album? it sounds disturbed. like a constant battle between good & evil. superfriends. 7. How did you first meet Ken Andrews? at a failure show in nashville. 8. What made you decide to work with him? why work with ken? because he knows what he's doing. & when he doesn't he acts like he does. 9. Could you outline Self's collaboration with Ken Andrews? i asked ken to come to nashville to record for "breakfast with girls" & he did 3 songs behind the board. we had a good time & played alot of ping-pong.shortly thereafter, i went to l.a. & basically played keys on a few songs & some drums. ken was recording his own record in his own house. & it sounds very well. 10. What kind of ambience does Ken Andrews bring to the studio? ken is very talented & knows pretty quickly if a lava lamp is required. if ken were to be graded on his ambience in the studio, I would give him an A because he has very high quality track lighting in his personal studio. & i don't know about l.a. but in the boro' that shit is expensive. peace