Australian musician Andy Clockwise is routinely compared to other artists, often labeled as a cross between Nick Cave and LCD Soundsystem, but his groove-heavy brand of alternative synth-pop comes from his commitment to experimentation and growth, both on record and in concert. The latest phase of Clockwise’s ever-evolving career culminates in the April 8 release of his new EP The Good Book, precipitated by two good-humored, infectious singles—“Open Relationship” and “I’ve Arrived (The Good Book Pt.1).”

Myspace spoke with Clockwise on the eve of a brief North American tour as part of the indie-dance party Dance Yourself Clean about his new EP, his move from Sydney to Los Angeles and why he tends to yell at his drummers.

Hometown: Originally Sydney, Australia

Homebase: Los Angeles, CA

How did moving to Los Angeles change your career?

It just opened me up into the dirty, heaving, beautiful and ugly metropolis that is LA. In some ways it was a case of doing the same things, but instead of playing at my local bar in Sydney my local bar in LA is where Beck or Tom Waits started. It’s funny like that.

What do you miss about Australia?

My family and friends, of course. Oh, and sausage sandwiches.

What don’t you miss?

Small whiskey pours.

How did you first start playing music?

A wizard came to me in a dream and said I couldn’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t make music, so I told him to piss off, watch me do it.

How and when did you first decide to commit to your music career?

Um it wasn’t really a decision I would say. It kind of just happened, and I was somewhat thrown into it. I also suppose I didn’t really see it as a career so much, more just like something I loved, and do still love. I like the work, it’s somewhat a byproduct of that. Is it a career? That’s nice to hear. I see it more as a burden or curse or a calling. A great one.

How has your music evolved since you first started?

I’m incredibly restless trying to do everything at once all the time, so from the first incarnation of what I do to now, things have changed dramatically, stylistically and aesthetically. But alas, I can’t really escape it being me though. I’m thankful for this actually. I really think I just try to do something better or more interesting every time I put pen to paper, and then sometimes it just comes out in a certain way. I hope it has evolved like me and my life I suppose, weirder and crazier and wiser all at once. I would be very disappointed if I didn’t move creatively into deeper and wider, more refined and less refined areas. Life is an experiment most of the time, so art should be too, right?

Who were your primary musical influences for your latest EP?

Old folk music, New Order, Tears for Fears, David Bowie, Caribou, Happy Mondays, Primal Scream.

“Open Relationship” was based on a friend who asked for an open relationship but ended up left behind. Do any of the other songs on this EP have unlikely stories behind them?

All of my songs probably have some sort of story of characters I know or meet or am intrigued by…Not in a story song Billy Joel way, but there are definitely things going on in there, but I will let you guys decide what they are.

I read an interview with Stella Mozgawa about how you screamed at her to play louder onstage when she first started playing with you. How else do you work to make your live performances unique?

Oh really? What a monster. To such a sweet lady? Yeah, I suppose she is right. I’m really hard on drummers because, first of all, I am one, and second of all, they are the heartbeat to me. If they are not losing their mind and really putting themselves on the line, I can’t feel it and I can’t go for it in the same way. I think a live show is different from an album or a song. It’s a one-time experience, and it should feel dangerous and communal. The drums help me get there. I think every show is naturally unique by nature—new venue, new sound, new crowd. I find that if I go with it and feel part of it with everyone else, it works.

What’s the craziest concert you’ve played in your career so far?

The one where Prince arrived to watch us play. He smelled like lavender and cash.

Five fast fun facts about Andy Clockwise. Go!

Oh wow. Was a trapeze artist in the Silver Bros. traveling circus; was a speech writer for Bill Clinton in the second term; used to be a guitar tech and roadie for Justin Bieber before he sacked me personally for stealing his phone and trolling his Twitter; was married to Tara Reid; played professional curling for the Lillehammer Winter Olympics…Sorry, this is a hard one to answer. I’m not very fun, so I made up some facts.