In the 1970s you wrote a number of songs about old age like Are We Dreaming. I have always liked that song a lot. How do you feel about those songs now?

I'm now 60, sick and short of money. Old age? I'm tempted to say it sucks, but I won't. Life has far too much to recommend it for me to be too negative. Are we dreaming is a dream that could come true.

In relation to your books of short story's. Do you see your story's as having a connection with your songs?

Yes. I write and sing about the underdog, about life's eccentrics and madness posing as sanity. The two things are closely connected.

Some of your story's like Angel in the Party Dress where the old artist comes back from heaven to find himself on the Streatham High Road. Some of your songs also have a spiritual nature to them. Do you see yourself as a spiritual person?

Yes I do. I believe in God and the power of prayer. Life has taught me this.

Could you talk about your paintings.

My art is closely connected to the music and the writing, the same figures appear, the same situations arise. I try to add humour to much of my work, often putting written comments on the work to guide the viewer. What am I? Cartoonist? Primitive? None of these? I just do it because I have to do it.

Do you have any plans to stage an art exhibition in England?

Yes, if somebody makes me an offer.

Some of your 70s albums like Blame It on The Night and Beautiful Extremes Etc are very hard to get hold of. Do you know if there are any plans to issue them on CD?

I'm currently investigating the possibility of getting my seventies recordings back from Virgin and releasing them on my own Turpentine label. It's a difficult process involving lawyers. Wish me luck.

What creative plans do you have for the future?

More recordings (I'm currently in the studio), more gigs (if my illness allows) more books and more exhibitions. I can't stop and I won't.

Thanks,

Kevin

Thanks Frank

Kevin Coyne died on the second of December 2004.

Frank Bangay would like to thank CORE Arts in Hackney for their help in producing this article. CORE Arts is an art centre that helps people realise their creative dreams in whatever form of creative expression they choose, while helping to break down the prejudices around mental health.

To contact Frank Bangay click hereabouts  or go back home or please contact us if you are musicians who might be interested in contributing a track to a forthcoming release of cover versions of kevin coyne's songs, by way of affectionate tribute, or other.