So I wanted to start the interview with the most basic stock question in the book. How would you best describe your music?
Tropical countrypolitan pop music. Great for a fun and flirty night out with the girls or a rainy Sunday afternoon snuggling up with some kittens.

What do you find are the most common misconceptions of Taylor, Mississippi and life in the South?
(5) We don't wear shoes.
(4) It smells bad.
(3) We live in shanty towns down by the river.
(2) We smoke corncob pipes often.
(1) There aren't any condos.

Please tell us about your side project Dent Sweat, Is it still active, do the kids go wild?
I've been writing and recording some more electronic music that I was going to release as an alterego, Dent Sweat. I'm definitely going to finish it, but I might still release it under my real name. I haven't decided. It's inspired by early disco and Chicago house and rap and R&B. Very sexy stuff.

I understand you attended what has been quoted as, "3 unsuccessful semesters at NYU". Do you care to elaborate? What were your thoughts on life in NYC?
It wasn't necessarily unsuccessful in an academic sense. I made good grades, but I didn't learn that much while I was there. I was in a film program and sort of had an epiphany moment realizing that my creativity was being a bit stifled. Plus, I knew I wanted to be working on music instead. I still really enjoy visiting the city. It's a beautiful place.

Could you please explain an average to above average day for Dent May?
I'd say every day is very different. I try to avoid falling into any sort of routine. Today is Martin Luther King Day, and I just got back from a van ride through the country with friends, sipping on some Heineken Lights. If I'm in Mississippi, I try to spend a little time writing songs and some time out with friends each day.

I guess I want to ask this question, but as I understand it, you were "discovered" by Animal Collective or Rusty Santos can you explain the connection?
"Discovered" is a funny word to use, but I met the Animal Collective dudes when they were recording in Mississippi. We became friends, and they asked me if I was interested in releasing music on Paw Tracks. I didn't meet Rusty until just before we recorded the album, but I'd been familiar with his excellent work for a while.

When I hear your music and lyrics I can't help but feel a little Jonathan Richman at least with respect to the lyrical content and this sort of overall kindness you both seem to exude. Do you welcome comparisons to such a luminary or would you feel that would in someway stifle your creative vision? {Note: I probably will not use this question, but more personally curious about the answer}
Comparisons don't bother me, but many surprise me. A few of the most common comparisons are with people whose music I've never heard. Others, like Jonathan Richman, I really dig. Either way, it's natural to bring up other artists when discussing someone's music or whatever. Everyone does it.

I was looking for other interviews of you and I couldn't seem to find any, have you done this before? (to tell a family secret this is my first email interview, let me know how I am doing?)
I'd say I've done approximately 15 interviews before. Don't be nervous. You're doing okay.

So here are just a few questions so we can get a sense of who you are what you are about:

Who/What are/is your:

Musical Heroes?
Prince, Helen Moffat, Arthur Russell, Wolfgang Voigt

Art Heroes?
Kenneth Anger, Vito Acconci, Samuel Beckett

Favorite Records?
I've been listening to John Maus's record Love Is Real constantly since I got it a few days ago. Gucci Mane's Hood Classics has also been on heavy rotation. I'm not any good at picking favorites.

Style Icons?
James Thurber, Catherine Deneuve, my friends

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookie dough? I haven't eaten ice cream in a really long time.

Favorite gift received/given?
Probably the recording gear I just got for Christmas.

If you were to go on a murderous rampage what track would you play as the sound track to your carnage?
This would never happen.

Final Question: Who is Dent May?
Umm, just some guy.

Make sure to check out May's press page, where you'll find info on The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele. The record releases on 02.03.09. Listen to Meet Me In The Garden now. Don't forget to check out his MySpace, where you can test drive a few songs and get more info on tour dates.