Graeme Downes interview, Otago Daily Times circa 2002

What are you reading?
The score of Shostakovich's 5th Symphony

What are you listening to?
Dylan's new album and some Bruckner, because its been a while

What are you angry about?
Unprintable

What are you exultant about?
The end of the academic year

What are you enjoying wearing?
Anything clean and practical

What is your favourite Sunday breakfast?
Scrambled eggs and bacon

Where do you like most to be on a Saturday night?
Having a quiet beer and a game of pool somewhere.

What is your favourite film?
The Life of Brian

What song/music do you never want to hear again?
Nothing in particular. Dreadful or irritating music helps define the interesting and engaging.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Watching a five-day test from beginning to end, holidays.

What would you never give up?
Nothing, it would seem. I keep trying but it doesn't seem to work

What would you never do again?
Kid myself that I can

What is one thing you can't say no to?
Good scotch

What do you wish you had the answer to?
Some of these questions

What three things do you always have in your fridge/and or pantry?
Tinned tomatoes, tins of things I buy but never eat, leftovers

What talent do you wish you had?
Carpentry

Who/what do you find inspiring?
Central Otago

Who would you most like to meet?
Randy Newman

What is your ultimate holiday destination? Why?
Russia - been there and loved it.

If you were not in your present career, what career would you choose?
Anything lucrative enough to retire real early.

What is your favourite weekend activity?
Home renovation, fishing.