In discussing some of his influences and favorite music with "Rolling Stone", Murphy namechecked the B-52's, the Fall, Yes, David Bowie and Can. He has also named Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), Bronski Beat and the Smiths as childhood favorites, describing their music as "so great". Murphy was a member of Falling Man from 1988 to 1989, Pony from 1992 to 1994, and Speedking from 1995 to 1997. He was also the sound engineer for Sub Pop band Six Finger Satellite. (Former Six Finger Satellite member John Maclean is now on Murphy's record label as The Juan MacLean.)