Intro:
Mitch Friedman’s «Purple Burt» is story about a boy who is invisible and, well, purple. With help of Andy Partridge (XTC), Dave Gregory (XTC), R. Stevie Moore and others Mitch Friedman created a charming and a bit weird story not only for children. Note: To get in the right mood the interviewer tried to ask mainly questions that a kid could have asked.

E.C.: How do you manage to make music out of the perspective of a child?

Mitch Friedman: Conveniently, I haven't grown up yet.

E.C.: How did you come with the idea to «Purple Burt»? Was Nilsson’s «The point» also an influence?

Mitch Friedman: The idea, or more importantly the name «Purple Burt» was made up by my friend Doug Miller about 15 years ago. Then I took the name and wrote a fake Syd Barrett song out of it. In 1999 I finished off the recording of it and put it on my first cd «The Importance of Sauce». In 2002 Martin Newell and Andy Partridge both suggested to me that I should make a children's album, and who can argue with two songwriting geniuses? So I thought I could make something fun out of the psychedelic nonsense lyrics of my song «Purple Burt», and it didn't hurt that many people told me their kids' favorite song on «Sauce» was «Purple Burt».

To answer the second half of your question -- no. ;-)

E.C.: Pretty much everything’s rhymes on «Purple Burt». What was the hardest rhyme to come up with?

Mitch Friedman: Probably «orange porridge». And I'm still working on that one!

E.C.: How much of Purple Burt is in yourself?

Mitch Friedman: Well I've never been invisible or colorblind. I used to have a pet turtle but he was much friendlier than Kurt. I don't find dirt very appetizing. I can't ski. But my Dad passed away suddenly during the recording of the cd and that's why I wrote «Miss My Daddy».

E.C.: What would Kurt’s name be if Purple Burt would call himself Purple Bill?

Mitch Friedman: Phil or Gil. Actually, definitely Gil. It's got something to do with breathing underwater so it's clearly better than Phil, for a turtle.

E.C.: If Purple Burt is invisible whose eyes are on the cover then?

Mitch Friedman: C'mon now! It's Purple Burt before he became invisible. That's why when you take the booklet out of the cd case, all that is left are the glasses. See, it's like a before and after picture of Purple Burt.

E.C.: What is the moral of Purple Burt?

Mitch Friedman: Be happy that you are unique, even if other people just find you weird.

E.C.: Did Burt find out when the song «Wonder where» will end? If yes, how did he find out? If no, did he at least find his underwear again?

Mitch Friedman: Yes, he found out at the exact same time that he found his underwear by reading the tag on the waistband.

E.C.: What is the maximum speed of the turtle Kurt?

Mitch Friedman: 10 miles per hour too slow.

E.C.: How did the purple dirt turn purple?

Mitch Friedman: Only the 7 surviving dinosaurs can answer that one.

E.C.: When will Purple Burt reappear and why?

Mitch Friedman: I have a feeling he will reappear if and when there is a sequel. ;-)

E.C.: How does Purple Burt see that his feet are dirty if he can not see himself because he is invisible?

Mitch Friedman: Well he knows that he hasn't washed them in a while so it's likely they're not looking too bright and shiny.

E.C.: In the song "Purple Burt" Burt sings «I am purple Burt. You are purple Burt». Who isn't Purple Burt?

Mitch Friedman: Anyone who isn't listening.