Memory Tapes is the dreamscape dance project of Dayve Hawk. Though he has had many past and continuing projects, it was only with his album Seek Magic (released in September 2009) that his music began to build steam. Now with a first full tour played, he plays a free headline show in New York at Tribeca Grand Hotel on February 20th.

So Dayve, tell me about your background and how you became involved in music?
I’m from South Jersey, kind of the Pine Barrens area between Philly and the shore. I started out as a drummer but decided I wanted to write songs, so got a shit guitar when I was 13. I figured out how to use the two tape decks on my sister’s toy karaoke machine to overdub and have been recording tracks alone ever since.

How did you decide to make Seek Magic the focus, considering you were known for a multitude of projects?
I had been f*ucking around doing the [other projects] Weird Tapes and Memory Cassette stuff but wanted to make a proper album, so I set those things aside and started working on this record. It was kind of an attempt to consolidate a lot of my interests into one thing. I originally thought there was a vaguely different aesthetic with each thing but it’s a hassle dealing with the multiple identities once people start paying attention, so I’m done with it.

This album is peppered with an interesting use of samples, like the basketball and sneaker squeal in “Green Knight.” How do you hear those sounds and associate them with songs?
That’s hard to explain… a lot of times when I’m working on tracks I get these sort visual references and associations going in my head and this was an example of a time where I tried to represent it sonically.

That being said, do you have an actual process for building a song?
Some start out with keys, others on a drum machine and others still just strumming a guitar. I really don’t have any set way of working.

What about working on remixes?
It’s the same… but I think I need a break from it, though. Getting kind of tired of the process.

The tracks on Seek Magic are the subtlest of pop, a concept which totally snuck up on me…
I think most good pop music is kind of subtle, because if it’s too in your face thean you get sick of it quickly. I like things that grow on you.

Is there a theme that runs throughout the album?
I think of it as a prog or art rock kind of album but instead of being about medieval fantasy or something it’s about growing up in my neighborhood.

You’ve formed a band to perform Seek Magic live. How has that been going?
Well I did the album alone but I’ve got a drummer who plays shows with me, but not really a band. I doubt I’ll ever be fully comfortable playing live; it’s just not in my nature.

Finally, how are you enjoying this sudden interest in your music?
It’s surprising and it makes things a bit awkward at times, I just try not to think about it too much. My personal life is fu*cked up enough that I’m plenty distracted.