1. Who are you? Really?
A thread in the fabric.

2. What instruments can you play?
Drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, harmonica, percussion, a little trumpet, anything easy.

3. Give us a brief history of your role in the ska community.
I've been playing ska gigs since 1987. Before that I was a big fan and went to any show I could.

King Apparatus formed in 1987. I started playing solo acoustic in 1996. Last year I started playing with a rhythm section in LA as Chris Murray Combo.

Currently I run a weekly concert series in Hollywood called Bluebeat Lounge, which features all kinds of ska, reggae and related talent. www.bluebeat.cjb.net

4. What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
I'll be on the road a lot in 2004. I'll also be producing albums for one or two bands. Moon Ska Europe will be releasing three of my albums (catching up to America). I'll probably record an album with Chris Murray Combo.

5. Who have you most enjoyed playing with?
Chris Murray Combo with Ben Farrar (drums) and Jeff Roffredo (bass). I've played with a lot of musicians, but this unit feels best of any.

6. Is there any chance we will see King Apparatus again? Maybe a new album?
We have six tracks recorded but unreleased. There's no current talk of new activity, but I haven't ruled out future King Apparatus endeavors. Anything is possible.

7. Is there one show from your entire career that sticks out in your mind? Why?
Possibly the Cabaret Metro in Chicago spring 1996 on my first solo tour supporting Let's Go Bowling. My first album wasn't out yet and no one had ever seen or heard anyone play ska solo acoustic before. There had been some confused people on the earlier part of the tour, which had passed through some more remote not particularly urban markets.

Also on the bill were Mephiskapheles and The Toasters. The place was packed with about 1100 ska fans. My set went over great. The next morning I woke up feeling, "This can work". I never looked back.

8. How did you first get interested in ska music, and how did you come to the ska scene?
Two Tone hooked me on ska when I was in high school. Just showing up to shows regularly made me part of the ska scene. Eventually singing with King Apparatus cemented that connection.

9. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A housecat - seems like an easy life.

10. Is there anything else you want to plug or promote?
I recently finished recording an album with The Slackers backing me on my songs. That may not be released until 2005, but I'm excited by how it turned out.

Check out www.chrismurray.net

Interviewer: Nick Smith