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Each week ZIO asks a different musician the same 11 questions via email. Visit Zoom In Music every Wednesday for a new installment or subscribe to the RSS feed.

This week, multi-instrumentalist Cale Parks gives us a peek into his music influences. Cale is currently gaining attention for his solo career, but you might recognize him from the rhythm section of Aloha and White Williams as well.

Classically trained as an orchestral percussionist, Cale has played on tour and in the studio with the likes of Passion Pit, Chin Up Chin Up, and Joan of Arc. Keep an eye out for Cale's third solo LP, To Swift Mars, which will be released later this year. 

1.  What music was played in your home while you were growing up?

My dad used to make these cassette mixtapes to play in the family van on vacations. Some favorites included the Beach Boys and live Santana mixes. Actually, I think a lot of subconscious influences came from being shuttled around by my parents in the car. For example, sitting in the back seat listening to soft rock and pop radio of the 80's, it all comes back when you hear a yacht rock song today in CVS and you realize it's all really good. 

2.  Who is the best artist we have probably never heard of?

It's hard to imagine anything being truly obscure these days. There are so many rad artists that are known in their own circles but not in the broader realm. That said, a friend of mine who lives in Portland makes wonderful music that I've enjoyed for a couple of years now. It's a solo project called Bastardgeist. If you enjoy the Animal Collective's and Panda Bears of today, you might like his music. The songs "Dahdah's" and "Flee to the Hills" are totally gorgeous lo-fi compositions. 

3.  What record did you used to love, but now can't stand? 

If there was an album that I enjoyed in the past, then there was probably some good quality about it that I once loved. That quality is most likely still there, even if my current style and tastes have changed. I still find the good stuff in the bad old music, if only for nostalgia's sake. 

4.  What song do you want played at your funeral?

It's a bit self-indulgent and epic, but if you're going out... Faure's Requiem in D minor. This question makes me feel terrible. Next...

5.  What is your favorite b-side?

It's a toss up between these 3:

New Order "1963" b side of "True Faith".

The Specials "Friday Night, Saturday Morning" the b side of "Ghostown". 

Radiohead "Talk Show Host" b side of "Street Spirit".

6.  Which medium do you prefer: vinyl, cd, or download?

It depends. Vinyl for home. Download's for on the go. I'm not a fan of vinyl to digital rips. The warmth of vinyl doesn't crossover well. 

7.  Which artist would your fans be surprised to find out you like?

UB40. Lots of childhood memories here and it's the best British white boy fronted pop reggae you're going to find. 

8. What musician would you choose to cover one of your songs?

Broadcast. Their sense of musicality and production has always impressed me. Trish has a great voice. 

9. Who is the most overrated artist?

I'm too much of a gentleman to gossip...

10. What musician or band do you wish you’d seen play live in their prime?

Lee "Scratch" Perry in his home studio circa early to mid 70's. I mean, he is the godfather of dub production, influencing everything from obscure electronic music to the most popular radio hits. I would just want to hang out in his studio while he worked. 

11. What non-musical influences do you have?

My home, my best friend, English history, Sci-Fi/Fantasy films, the Cherokee Nation, personal style, imagining the future, imagining the past. 

Visit Cale Parks on MySpace.
Check out Cale's first two albums Illuminated Manuscript and Sparklace.
Here's a live clip of Cale playing with Aloha on haMtv. 
Discover Bastardgeist.
Something for Yacht Rock lovers. 

Check out more installments of THESE QUESTIONS GO TO ELEVEN:

Adam Green
Art Brut
Chin Chin
The Cribs
Darlings
Dead River Company
Fool's Gold
Fujiya & Miyagi
Golem
Jukebox the Ghost
Talib Kweli
Ben Kweller
Jeffrey Lewis
Lights
The Low Miffs
M83
Man Like Me
Marina & The Diamonds
Meg & Dia
A.C. Newman
Silvery
Tapes 'n Tapes
Tiny Animals
The Von Bondies
White Rabbits
Wild Light
Yo Majesty!

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