FAQ of All Trades

Answers to questions you’d never think to ask…

Who is R.M. Usatinsky?

R.M. Usatinsky is my nom de plume, it’s taken from the anglicized version of my family’s original Russian surname.

What does the R.M. stand for?

Good question. How about “Read More?” Maybe you can suggest some of your own.

Are you the Dickey Doody who does the Bub City, Minsk & Pinsk, Sturt and Dickey & Doody comic strips?

That’s a very good question.

Why do you post so many of your songs and writing for free on the internet?

With the hope it will bring me good karma. I like sharing and being accessible. And being poor keeps me humble.

But wouldn’t you rather have a publishing or record deal?

Who wouldn’t. If your uncle happens to run one of those enterprises, have him give me ring.

I’ve known you since high school. Do you still wear those Doctor Martens’ shoes?

Of course. I wouldn’t be me without them. (But I have occasionally bought a new pair).

Who are your main creative influences?

As a songwriter, there aren’t too many people who can craft a song as well as Sting does. Paul Auster covers fiction and David Mamet playwriting. Chicagoan Li-Young Lee is a fabulous poet who should be as famous as a rock star.

Who would you most like to collaborate on a song with?

Sting. Mads Langer. Leonor Watling.

What’s your favorite food?

Pizza.

Are you really a vegetarian?

Meat free since 1990.

What do you consider to be your best works to date?

My Spanish song, “Oh, Que Soledad,” and my poem, “The Broken Wing.”

How do you spend your free time?

I’ve got four kids. What free time?

You write about being a stay at home father. How do you earn a living?

I don’t.

But money doesn’t grow on trees. How do you eat and pay the bills?

I married well.

What’s your favorite domestic chore?

Vacuuming.

And your least favorite?

Putting the duvet cover on.

Every time I look you seem to be living in a different country. What’s up with that?

Interpol keeps getting warmer…

Where do you live now?

In The Netherlands. (But don’t tell Interpol).

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?

London. Or L.A. (But don’t tell Interpol).

I’ve heard you wanted to be a neurosurgeon. What got in your way?

My C average.

What’s your favorite film?

Shawshank Redemption.

Who would play you in a biopic?

Jared Leto. Or Johnny Depp.

What’s your philosophy on life?

Be splendid.

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