Zoom-in Online

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, drummer Jamie Levinson tells us a bit about his musical (and non-musical) influences.

White Rabbits are based in Brooklyn, but met while attending the University of MIssouri. Levinson joined the band after having played in a ska band with founder Greg Roberts. White Rabbits have been featured on both NPR's World Cafe and The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2007 the band released their first studio album, Fort Nightly, and their second, It’s Frightening, came out on May 19.

White Rabbits are currently on tour in America for the summer. Check MySpace for tour dates.

1.  What music was played in your home while you were growing up?
The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, The Band. I was born into a pretty good record collection.

2.  Who is the best artist we have probably never heard of?
James Blackshaw.  Unbelievable guitarist from the UK. I don't know if he's really a secret these days. So far the best show I've seen all year.

3.  What is your favorite song lyric? 
Not a lyrics man myself, but the chorus to Pink Floyd's  "Wish You Were Here" always floats my boat.

4.  What song do you want played at your funeral?
"Tears Of Rage" by the Band. Those mournful horns at the beginning...

5.  What is your favorite b-side?
"Rain" by the Beatles. 

6.  Which medium do you prefer: vinyl, cd, or download?
Vinyl. I like to hold my music. I wouldn't say there's much distinction between an MP3 and a CD these days.

7.  Which artist would your fans be surprised to find out you like?
The Grateful Dead is always a van favorite. 

8.  What musician would you choose to cover one of your songs?
 Marissa Nadler has one of the best voices in music today. I would be honored if she covered a song.  Then again, that seems better on paper. 

9. Who is the most overrated artist?
No shit talk. Leave that for the blogs. 

10. What musician or band do you wish you’d seen play live in their prime?
The list would be too long. Can you imagine the possibilities? Is this an offer?

11. What non-musical influences do you have?
Film. I really admire the work ethic and integrity of filmmakers like Werner Herzog, Louis Malle and David Gordon Green among many others. And my cat, Abby. 

For more info on White Rabbits, visit their MySpace or band website

Read the Onion's A.V. Club interview with the White Rabbits here

Purchase their brand new album It's Frightening on iTunes

Check out the Percussion Gun official music video.

Read Pitchfork's review of their debut album here

Discover James Blackshaw

Check out more installments of THESE QUESTIONS GO TO ELEVEN:

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
Cale Parks
Silvery
Tapes 'n Tapes
Tiny Animals
The Von Bondies
Wild Light
Yo Majesty!

To keep up with Zoom In Music news, blogs, and videos, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.