The New Zealand native has crafted a surreal world for himself through his music, often using it as a launchpad to explore new facets of himself as eccentric fictional characters. With languid vocals and soupy rhythms, listening to a Connan Mockasin record can feel like you’ve slipped into another dimension. One that’s silky, soft-focus and infinitely chill. We caught up with him to talk childhood memories, chewy steak and greed.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

I remember my younger brother being born when I was three. I remember being confused that my grandma was looking after us, instead of our parents. I remember she made us toast for breakfast before going to hospital to meet him.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?

I was at a party with my friend and I was eating a steak that was really chewy, so I put it back down on the plate. My friend wanted to try the birthday cake on my plate, but instead picked up the bit of chewed meat I put down. He was like, ‘wow, this cake tastes meaty’ and then I realised what had happened. I lost it.