Sick Thoughts interview with Drew Owen
Normally I would use the term lo-fi to describe Drew Owen’s
one-man band alter ego Sick Thoughts.
The Mummies own the term “Budget Rock” and besides, most bands haven’t
earned what The Mummies have. What? It’s the truth and you know it! I think even they would make an exception in
this case though. Sick Thoughts is
probably the rawest, most pure music I’ve heard aside from the seminal greats
like The Mummies and Daniel Johnston whose careers centered around that personal,
DIY, Budget Rock approach to music. At
only sixteen Drew is already creating a back-catalog most people would be
envious of. He knows how to take
advantage of the affordable, one might even call it cheap? Recording technology that surrounds him! I would say Sick Thoughts are coming down
from their steady stream of singles, including the Blood Red 7” on one of the
best labels going right now Goodbye Boozy Records, for the release of the debut
album Terminal Teen Age for Dead Beat Records, but while I was interviewing
Drew he posted three new albums from another one-man project he created called
Caught and told me about several upcoming releases, so in short I don’t see the
hits slowing down anytime soon! It’s
hard to explain how a song that remains barely audible throughout can also contain
such an infectiously catchy and deceptively interesting melody. Sick Thoughts are definitely a “warts and
all” kind of band, but I get the feeling that we’re just seeing the tip of the
iceberg when it comes to the recordings.
You don’t often come across a punk band, especially not a high-school
punk band, that isn’t completely phony, and when you do they’re usually drunken
psychopaths and completely impossible to deal with. That isn’t the case with Drew and you can
tell from the get go. He has all the
animosity, anger, fear and hatred that I expect from good hardcore punk in his
music but he isn’t hung up on talking about the same old shit over and over
again; I don’t recall a single song about drinking cheap beer and puking in the
parking-lot, which is all fine and well but gets a little retread with all the
wanna be’s out there that have been stinking up the scene for years. Some people might think I’m giving a teenage,
do-it-yourselfer a little too much credit here; those people obviously have not
listened to his back catalog of music!
His newest effort, and first long-play, Terminal Teen Age dropped a
month or two early and I managed to score a copy as it’s the only thing he’s
put out that isn’t available streaming online and I was chomping at the bits to
hear it. Let me just put it this way, I
am going to put a link to his Bandcamp page that houses all the other Sick
Thoughts stuff, if you like what you hear there then dash over to Dead Beat and
score a copy of Terminal Teen Age because this has gotta be the best punk album
I’ve heard all year, no questions asked!
one-man band alter ego Sick Thoughts.
The Mummies own the term “Budget Rock” and besides, most bands haven’t
earned what The Mummies have. What? It’s the truth and you know it! I think even they would make an exception in
this case though. Sick Thoughts is
probably the rawest, most pure music I’ve heard aside from the seminal greats
like The Mummies and Daniel Johnston whose careers centered around that personal,
DIY, Budget Rock approach to music. At
only sixteen Drew is already creating a back-catalog most people would be
envious of. He knows how to take
advantage of the affordable, one might even call it cheap? Recording technology that surrounds him! I would say Sick Thoughts are coming down
from their steady stream of singles, including the Blood Red 7” on one of the
best labels going right now Goodbye Boozy Records, for the release of the debut
album Terminal Teen Age for Dead Beat Records, but while I was interviewing
Drew he posted three new albums from another one-man project he created called
Caught and told me about several upcoming releases, so in short I don’t see the
hits slowing down anytime soon! It’s
hard to explain how a song that remains barely audible throughout can also contain
such an infectiously catchy and deceptively interesting melody. Sick Thoughts are definitely a “warts and
all” kind of band, but I get the feeling that we’re just seeing the tip of the
iceberg when it comes to the recordings.
You don’t often come across a punk band, especially not a high-school
punk band, that isn’t completely phony, and when you do they’re usually drunken
psychopaths and completely impossible to deal with. That isn’t the case with Drew and you can
tell from the get go. He has all the
animosity, anger, fear and hatred that I expect from good hardcore punk in his
music but he isn’t hung up on talking about the same old shit over and over
again; I don’t recall a single song about drinking cheap beer and puking in the
parking-lot, which is all fine and well but gets a little retread with all the
wanna be’s out there that have been stinking up the scene for years. Some people might think I’m giving a teenage,
do-it-yourselfer a little too much credit here; those people obviously have not
listened to his back catalog of music!
His newest effort, and first long-play, Terminal Teen Age dropped a
month or two early and I managed to score a copy as it’s the only thing he’s
put out that isn’t available streaming online and I was chomping at the bits to
hear it. Let me just put it this way, I
am going to put a link to his Bandcamp page that houses all the other Sick
Thoughts stuff, if you like what you hear there then dash over to Dead Beat and
score a copy of Terminal Teen Age because this has gotta be the best punk album
I’ve heard all year, no questions asked!
Listen while you read: http://sickthoughts.bandcamp.com/
Now I know that
you perform all the instrumentation for the Sick Thoughts recordings yourself
but I also know you’re joined on stage by a drummer, which at one point was
Southpaw’s own Rob Fales. Do you have a
de facto live drummer or is a changing rotation of people? Does anyone else help you out on stage with
other instrumentation?
you perform all the instrumentation for the Sick Thoughts recordings yourself
but I also know you’re joined on stage by a drummer, which at one point was
Southpaw’s own Rob Fales. Do you have a
de facto live drummer or is a changing rotation of people? Does anyone else help you out on stage with
other instrumentation?
The lineup just
depends on who can and can’t do it.
Right now my friend William Chapstick is my drummer. Rob Doesntwantajob was like my mentor. For now, it’s just a two piece.
depends on who can and can’t do it.
Right now my friend William Chapstick is my drummer. Rob Doesntwantajob was like my mentor. For now, it’s just a two piece.
Why the one-man
band approach to your music as opposed to working or collaborating with other
musicians? In your opinion what are the
best and worst things about doing everything yourself?
band approach to your music as opposed to working or collaborating with other
musicians? In your opinion what are the
best and worst things about doing everything yourself?
I like the
one-man recording thing ‘cause I don’t have anybody to answer to or to please,
and if I don’t like it I can only blame myself.
Best thing about it is there’s no one to bitch at you if they don’t like
it or wanna do something else. Worst
thing is recording in a room for eight straight hours, sweating, screaming, and
losing your mind.
one-man recording thing ‘cause I don’t have anybody to answer to or to please,
and if I don’t like it I can only blame myself.
Best thing about it is there’s no one to bitch at you if they don’t like
it or wanna do something else. Worst
thing is recording in a room for eight straight hours, sweating, screaming, and
losing your mind.
I know from
reading some previous articles and interviews that you work alone out of
preference and have kind of avoided bands with other members. However earlier this year you released the I
Wish For My Own Death EP with Nick Vance of Kent State playing with you under
the moniker Deformities. I Wish For My
Own Death was absolutely amazing, do you all plan to work together at all in
the future? Do you have any other plans
to involve other musicians in some other future projects?
reading some previous articles and interviews that you work alone out of
preference and have kind of avoided bands with other members. However earlier this year you released the I
Wish For My Own Death EP with Nick Vance of Kent State playing with you under
the moniker Deformities. I Wish For My
Own Death was absolutely amazing, do you all plan to work together at all in
the future? Do you have any other plans
to involve other musicians in some other future projects?
Thanks
man. Yeah I do like doing my stuff
alone. Deformities is an exception. I knew Nick from Baltimore’s Deep Sleep. He was one of the first dudes I sent my Sick
Thoughts stuff too. We have a
full-length LP ready to go, just need a label to step up ha-ha! I might play keyboards in my friends band
Roid Boss, but it’s up to them. Not sure
about any other future bands.
man. Yeah I do like doing my stuff
alone. Deformities is an exception. I knew Nick from Baltimore’s Deep Sleep. He was one of the first dudes I sent my Sick
Thoughts stuff too. We have a
full-length LP ready to go, just need a label to step up ha-ha! I might play keyboards in my friends band
Roid Boss, but it’s up to them. Not sure
about any other future bands.
Where are you
originally from?
originally from?
I’m originally
from Hanover, Pennsylvania. Moved here
when I was like five or six.
from Hanover, Pennsylvania. Moved here
when I was like five or six.
Was your household
very musical growing up? Were either
your parents or any of your relatives musicians or extremely involved or
interested in music?
very musical growing up? Were either
your parents or any of your relatives musicians or extremely involved or
interested in music?
Ha-ha not
really. My dad listened to a lot of 90’s
grunge stuff in his car though. He was
real into punk stuff when he was my age.
My mom liked stuff like The Cure or The Smiths. My stepdad showed me Styx and I still love
Styx ha-ha.
really. My dad listened to a lot of 90’s
grunge stuff in his car though. He was
real into punk stuff when he was my age.
My mom liked stuff like The Cure or The Smiths. My stepdad showed me Styx and I still love
Styx ha-ha.
What was your
first real exposure to music?
first real exposure to music?
Maybe just
listening to CDs in my dad’s car, ha-ha!
listening to CDs in my dad’s car, ha-ha!
If you had to pick
one defining moment of music; a moment that changed everything and opened the
infinite doors of possibilities to you musically what would it be?
one defining moment of music; a moment that changed everything and opened the
infinite doors of possibilities to you musically what would it be?
Probably when I
got all of Beck’s stuff when I was in elementary school. All those early records with the hillbilly
songs and the punk stuff blew my mind.
got all of Beck’s stuff when I was in elementary school. All those early records with the hillbilly
songs and the punk stuff blew my mind.
When did you start
recording the material that would become Sick Thoughts? Can you talk a little bit about the process
and evolution of how the project began?
recording the material that would become Sick Thoughts? Can you talk a little bit about the process
and evolution of how the project began?
I got this
little box that plugged my guitar into my computer and let me record
stuff. I just started writing songs by
myself.
little box that plugged my guitar into my computer and let me record
stuff. I just started writing songs by
myself.
What made you
decide that you wanted to start writing and recording your own music and when
was that?
decide that you wanted to start writing and recording your own music and when
was that?
I knew I had
nothing better to do with my time. So I
just decided to go all out and do as much stuff as I could. I had just gotten into stuff like the Spits,
The Reatards and The Oblivians.
nothing better to do with my time. So I
just decided to go all out and do as much stuff as I could. I had just gotten into stuff like the Spits,
The Reatards and The Oblivians.
A lot of people
might not know this, but despite your prolific musical output you’re only
sixteen years old at this point (2013).
How do you juggle being in school and not only creating such a massive
output of music but live shows and that kind of thing? Is it difficult to have the two equally
cohabitate your life?
might not know this, but despite your prolific musical output you’re only
sixteen years old at this point (2013).
How do you juggle being in school and not only creating such a massive
output of music but live shows and that kind of thing? Is it difficult to have the two equally
cohabitate your life?
I just kinda
bullshit my way through it. I hate
school with a burning passion. I put
more energy and time into my music but still manage to get decent
“grades” in school.
bullshit my way through it. I hate
school with a burning passion. I put
more energy and time into my music but still manage to get decent
“grades” in school.
While we’re
talking so much about your history can you tell me about who some of your major
musical influences are? When I first
heard “Blood Red” from the Goodbye Boozy 7” all I could think was that Jay
Reatard must have managed to have some bizarre love child with The Mummies
before he passed away! Are there any
influences that you would cite that affect Sick Thoughts in particular?
talking so much about your history can you tell me about who some of your major
musical influences are? When I first
heard “Blood Red” from the Goodbye Boozy 7” all I could think was that Jay
Reatard must have managed to have some bizarre love child with The Mummies
before he passed away! Are there any
influences that you would cite that affect Sick Thoughts in particular?
Ha-ha
thanks! The Carbonas, Oblivians, Timmy
Vulgar, and Jay are my biggest influences in my music definitely.
thanks! The Carbonas, Oblivians, Timmy
Vulgar, and Jay are my biggest influences in my music definitely.
Can you tell me
about the typical songwriting process?
Do you usually start off with an idea on a particular instrument, i.e. a
guitar riff or drum beat, and build from there or does it vary from song to
song?
about the typical songwriting process?
Do you usually start off with an idea on a particular instrument, i.e. a
guitar riff or drum beat, and build from there or does it vary from song to
song?
It really
varies. The dumbest way is probably when
I, think of song titles and write down thirty to forty ideas then write the
songs around the name. Other times I’ll
start from a chord progression or a bass line.
Just depends on how I feel.
varies. The dumbest way is probably when
I, think of song titles and write down thirty to forty ideas then write the
songs around the name. Other times I’ll
start from a chord progression or a bass line.
Just depends on how I feel.
Do you do a lot of
work on a song before you start recording it?
Do you tighten down and figure out all the changes or is it more of
situation where the song can change, evolve and sometimes even emerge from the
seeming chaos of experimental recording?
work on a song before you start recording it?
Do you tighten down and figure out all the changes or is it more of
situation where the song can change, evolve and sometimes even emerge from the
seeming chaos of experimental recording?
I put in barely
any work to speak off ha-ha. I will just
record a guitar only demo on my PC then go straight into recording the full
version whenever I have a couple of minutes.
99% the structure stays the same as the guitar demos. The first two demos were total fuck-arounds,
but now I know how to play my shit so I can properly record.
any work to speak off ha-ha. I will just
record a guitar only demo on my PC then go straight into recording the full
version whenever I have a couple of minutes.
99% the structure stays the same as the guitar demos. The first two demos were total fuck-arounds,
but now I know how to play my shit so I can properly record.
How do you handle
recording? I know you are well known for
your lo-fi sound and blown out production values but getting that sound without
losing the melody or charm of the song is a tight wire act. Do you do the recording yourself? Who handles the post production end of the
music?
recording? I know you are well known for
your lo-fi sound and blown out production values but getting that sound without
losing the melody or charm of the song is a tight wire act. Do you do the recording yourself? Who handles the post production end of the
music?
Whenever I
record something I want the sound to be different from any one of my records
before, just to have a fresh sound.
Lo-fi is a weird term for me, I like budget-rock ha-ha. Some people will try to make their records
sound badly recorded or lo-fi on purpose but I think that’s bullshit. I do all the recordings on my 4-track. Post-production is just me panning the
guitars and mixing on my 4-track into my computer. I’m gonna a get a double cassette deck so I
can mixdown on tape.
record something I want the sound to be different from any one of my records
before, just to have a fresh sound.
Lo-fi is a weird term for me, I like budget-rock ha-ha. Some people will try to make their records
sound badly recorded or lo-fi on purpose but I think that’s bullshit. I do all the recordings on my 4-track. Post-production is just me panning the
guitars and mixing on my 4-track into my computer. I’m gonna a get a double cassette deck so I
can mixdown on tape.
Do you enjoy
recording? You are extremely prolific
and constantly releasing new music on your Bandcamp page as well as having a
pretty steady stream of releases this past year. As a musicians myself I know that most of us
can really appreciate that final product, there’s not a whole lot in the world
that beats holding an album in your hands knowing that it’s yours and you made
it. Getting that material recorded,
getting all those tracks laid down and sounding right, that can be a trying
task to say the least. How is it
recording for you?
recording? You are extremely prolific
and constantly releasing new music on your Bandcamp page as well as having a
pretty steady stream of releases this past year. As a musicians myself I know that most of us
can really appreciate that final product, there’s not a whole lot in the world
that beats holding an album in your hands knowing that it’s yours and you made
it. Getting that material recorded,
getting all those tracks laid down and sounding right, that can be a trying
task to say the least. How is it
recording for you?
Ha-ha I didn’t
even know what prolific meant until someone told me I was earlier this
year. I’ll never record if I don’t feel
like it. If I do, it’ll just feel like a
miserable job. Yeah man I can relate
with you. I can appreciate the fact that
I managed to record it in time with the other instruments ha-ha. Whenever I start getting bored or don’t like
it anymore, I’ll stop recording.
even know what prolific meant until someone told me I was earlier this
year. I’ll never record if I don’t feel
like it. If I do, it’ll just feel like a
miserable job. Yeah man I can relate
with you. I can appreciate the fact that
I managed to record it in time with the other instruments ha-ha. Whenever I start getting bored or don’t like
it anymore, I’ll stop recording.
As I’ve mentioned
several times before you are a prolific musician and have amassed a fairly
massive back catalog of music in the short period that you’ve been releasing
music. Can we take a little bit of time
now and talk about your albums? You’re
first release that I’m aware of was the Cut A Rug demo cassette which was
released as a cassette tape by Rob on Southpaw.
Was the recording of Cut A Rug a fun pleasurable experience for
you? Can you tell us about the recording
of the Cut A Rug material? Where and
when was it recorded? Who recorded
it? What kind of equipment was used?
several times before you are a prolific musician and have amassed a fairly
massive back catalog of music in the short period that you’ve been releasing
music. Can we take a little bit of time
now and talk about your albums? You’re
first release that I’m aware of was the Cut A Rug demo cassette which was
released as a cassette tape by Rob on Southpaw.
Was the recording of Cut A Rug a fun pleasurable experience for
you? Can you tell us about the recording
of the Cut A Rug material? Where and
when was it recorded? Who recorded
it? What kind of equipment was used?
For sure. Around February/March 2013 I bought myself a
4-track and recorded eight guitar tracks on it.
Late March I went to the hospital because I was extremely suicidal and
needed to get help. I left the hospital
in April and came home to eight guitar tracks with no other instruments. I bought a cheap mic and a drum set and recorded
the drums. Then I wrote the lyrics and
recorded the vocals in a day or so. I
recorded it in my old bedroom. I didn’t
have an amp at the time so I just plugged my guitar straight in and double
tracked the guitars; one side real trebly and the other bassy. Mics were cheap
ten-dollar junk. I still use ‘em ha-ha!
4-track and recorded eight guitar tracks on it.
Late March I went to the hospital because I was extremely suicidal and
needed to get help. I left the hospital
in April and came home to eight guitar tracks with no other instruments. I bought a cheap mic and a drum set and recorded
the drums. Then I wrote the lyrics and
recorded the vocals in a day or so. I
recorded it in my old bedroom. I didn’t
have an amp at the time so I just plugged my guitar straight in and double
tracked the guitars; one side real trebly and the other bassy. Mics were cheap
ten-dollar junk. I still use ‘em ha-ha!
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You followed up
the Cut A Rug demo tape with another, Deformation in 2013 again on
Southpaw. Was the recording of the
material for Deformation very different than the recording of the Cut A Rug
material? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Where was it recorded and when was that?
the Cut A Rug demo tape with another, Deformation in 2013 again on
Southpaw. Was the recording of the
material for Deformation very different than the recording of the Cut A Rug
material? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Where was it recorded and when was that?
I’d say
so. My first recordings we’re all done
guitar first and drums second ‘cause I didn’t know how to play drums. For some reason my playing on Cut A Rug was a
lot more in time than Deformation. There
are so many fuck ups all over Deformation ha-ha-ha! This time I used a practice amp and a
distortion pedal. I recorded it in my
bedroom shortly after I did Cut A Rug, I think late May.
so. My first recordings we’re all done
guitar first and drums second ‘cause I didn’t know how to play drums. For some reason my playing on Cut A Rug was a
lot more in time than Deformation. There
are so many fuck ups all over Deformation ha-ha-ha! This time I used a practice amp and a
distortion pedal. I recorded it in my
bedroom shortly after I did Cut A Rug, I think late May.
I did a little bit
of looking but it doesn’t appear that either of the demo tapes were ever listed
on the official Southpaw site though.
Were those cassette release limited?
If so do you know how many copies it were they limited to? Are those still in print? If so where’s the best place for fans to pick
up a copy?
of looking but it doesn’t appear that either of the demo tapes were ever listed
on the official Southpaw site though.
Were those cassette release limited?
If so do you know how many copies it were they limited to? Are those still in print? If so where’s the best place for fans to pick
up a copy?
Rob sold ‘em
for a bit on the site. But then took ‘em
down to save them for shows. Real
limited. Only 100 of each. Rob made ‘em just as a band member
really. I need to buy them from him to
sell ‘em now. The MP3s are free now.
for a bit on the site. But then took ‘em
down to save them for shows. Real
limited. Only 100 of each. Rob made ‘em just as a band member
really. I need to buy them from him to
sell ‘em now. The MP3s are free now.
You also put out
two split EPs this year (2013), the first of which was the Uncle Curt
split. Can you talk a little bit about
the recording of the material for that split?
When and where was it recorded?
Who recorded it and what kind of equipment was used?
two split EPs this year (2013), the first of which was the Uncle Curt
split. Can you talk a little bit about
the recording of the material for that split?
When and where was it recorded?
Who recorded it and what kind of equipment was used?
My friend Jacob
from Virginia asked me to do a split with him, so we just did three songs each
as a digital only thing. Those were just
songs I came up with on the spot, except for the Buck Biloxi cover. I had just heard “Shut The Hell Up”
and really loved it, so I decided to cover it.
from Virginia asked me to do a split with him, so we just did three songs each
as a digital only thing. Those were just
songs I came up with on the spot, except for the Buck Biloxi cover. I had just heard “Shut The Hell Up”
and really loved it, so I decided to cover it.
Then there was the
Acid Bath split shortly thereafter. Was
the recording of the material very different from the session(s) for the
earlier Uncle Curt split? Can you tell
us about the recording of that material?
Acid Bath split shortly thereafter. Was
the recording of the material very different from the session(s) for the
earlier Uncle Curt split? Can you tell
us about the recording of that material?
My friend Erica
asked me to do one with her too. I
recorded both splits in two or three hours at my house sometime in July.
asked me to do one with her too. I
recorded both splits in two or three hours at my house sometime in July.
Now I know that
both the Uncle Curt and Acid Bath split releases are available digitally your
Bandcamp page, are they available physically as well or are those digital only
releases? If they are available
physically what format were they released on, where is the best place to pick
them up and are they limited releases?
If they aren’t available in any physical formats at this point are there
any plans to make them available as such in the future or will they remain
digital only?
both the Uncle Curt and Acid Bath split releases are available digitally your
Bandcamp page, are they available physically as well or are those digital only
releases? If they are available
physically what format were they released on, where is the best place to pick
them up and are they limited releases?
If they aren’t available in any physical formats at this point are there
any plans to make them available as such in the future or will they remain
digital only?
No they’re
digital only. There was talk of doing a
tape release but I don’t have a lot of money.
Maybe if someone does a greatest hits record for Sick Thoughts they’ll
be released ha-ha-ha-ha!
digital only. There was talk of doing a
tape release but I don’t have a lot of money.
Maybe if someone does a greatest hits record for Sick Thoughts they’ll
be released ha-ha-ha-ha!
On top of the demo
tapes and split releases you also released the Blood Red single on one of the
last and most true independent record labels out there, not to mention one of
my all-time favorites, Goodbye Boozy Records.
It was a single-sided 7” featuring two tracks, “Blood Red” and “I’m
Gonna Miss You”. I’ve often though like
your music sounded like an insane combination of solo Roky Erickson and The
Mummies and when I picked up the single you were even wearing a Mummies t-shirt
on the cover so I have to ask, does “I’m Gonna Miss You” have any relation or
connection with Roky’s song “You’re Gonna Miss Me”? Either way can you tell us about the
recording of those songs? Were they
something that you wrote specifically for the single or had they been kicking
around for a while looking for a home?
tapes and split releases you also released the Blood Red single on one of the
last and most true independent record labels out there, not to mention one of
my all-time favorites, Goodbye Boozy Records.
It was a single-sided 7” featuring two tracks, “Blood Red” and “I’m
Gonna Miss You”. I’ve often though like
your music sounded like an insane combination of solo Roky Erickson and The
Mummies and when I picked up the single you were even wearing a Mummies t-shirt
on the cover so I have to ask, does “I’m Gonna Miss You” have any relation or
connection with Roky’s song “You’re Gonna Miss Me”? Either way can you tell us about the
recording of those songs? Were they
something that you wrote specifically for the single or had they been kicking
around for a while looking for a home?
I just got one
of Roky’s solo records that just got reissued and love it. Before I was only familiar with the 13th
Floor Elevators. The 13th Floor
Elevators song and my song have no connection other than Gonna and Miss
ha-ha. I had released a third demo
called Young And Done around July on my Bandcamp as digital only that had
“Blood Red” and “I’m Gonna Miss You” on it. But I took it off because five of the songs
on the A-Side of my LP come from Young And Done.
of Roky’s solo records that just got reissued and love it. Before I was only familiar with the 13th
Floor Elevators. The 13th Floor
Elevators song and my song have no connection other than Gonna and Miss
ha-ha. I had released a third demo
called Young And Done around July on my Bandcamp as digital only that had
“Blood Red” and “I’m Gonna Miss You” on it. But I took it off because five of the songs
on the A-Side of my LP come from Young And Done.
How did you get
hooked up with Gabrielle originally? Did
you enjoy working with him? Goodbye
Boozy releases some of the most amazing music that tips me off to some of the
best underground bands from around the planet and they have been doing so for
years now so I’m always curious what people’s opinions of the label are!
hooked up with Gabrielle originally? Did
you enjoy working with him? Goodbye
Boozy releases some of the most amazing music that tips me off to some of the
best underground bands from around the planet and they have been doing so for
years now so I’m always curious what people’s opinions of the label are!
Gabrielle hit
me up and asked me to do a record. Of
course man, Goodbye Boozy is one of the best labels in this scene. It’s a shame it’s so expensive to press
records. Goodbye Boozy could take over
the world.
me up and asked me to do a record. Of
course man, Goodbye Boozy is one of the best labels in this scene. It’s a shame it’s so expensive to press
records. Goodbye Boozy could take over
the world.
Can’t Stand Ya
Records followed the Goodbye Boozy release with another 7” single, Need No
One. Was the recording of the material
for this single very similar to your earlier singles? When was that material recorded? Who recorded it and when was that? What kind of material was used? Is that release a limited one? If so do you know how many copies it’s
limited to?
Records followed the Goodbye Boozy release with another 7” single, Need No
One. Was the recording of the material
for this single very similar to your earlier singles? When was that material recorded? Who recorded it and when was that? What kind of material was used? Is that release a limited one? If so do you know how many copies it’s
limited to?
No this one was
different. This was the first time I
recorded drums first. I didn’t think I
could do it but I managed to get it done.
I had plans for a fourth demo release after Young And Done but Can’t
Stand Ya Records got in touch with me and picked three songs for a
7″. I recorded it and rushed
it. Everything’s way too fuzzy and
bassy. It’s limited to 300 copies.
different. This was the first time I
recorded drums first. I didn’t think I
could do it but I managed to get it done.
I had plans for a fourth demo release after Young And Done but Can’t
Stand Ya Records got in touch with me and picked three songs for a
7″. I recorded it and rushed
it. Everything’s way too fuzzy and
bassy. It’s limited to 300 copies.
Originally
scheduled for an early 2014 release date your debut full-length came out
earlier this month (December 2013) through Dead Beat Records, Terminal Teen
Age. Did you approach the songwriting or
recording of this material knowing that it was going to be your first
full-length album? Or did you even know
it was going to be an album? Was it a
cool new experience working on a full album or was it too different a little
frustrating compared to working on so many singles and EPs? What can our readers expect from the new
album?
scheduled for an early 2014 release date your debut full-length came out
earlier this month (December 2013) through Dead Beat Records, Terminal Teen
Age. Did you approach the songwriting or
recording of this material knowing that it was going to be your first
full-length album? Or did you even know
it was going to be an album? Was it a
cool new experience working on a full album or was it too different a little
frustrating compared to working on so many singles and EPs? What can our readers expect from the new
album?
Yeah. I tried to write the best material I could
come up with. Most of the tracks on the
B-Side are some of the first songs I ever wrote, even before Cut A Rug. Tom from Dead Beat asked me to do a
full-length so I took my time and tried to do the best I could. Was a little frustrating ‘cause this time I
knew it was gonna be my one and only chance to make a good debut. I did each instrument each day for about
three days straight. The last day of
recording I tracked vocals on twenty songs and my throat was bleeding by the
end of the day ha-ha! I guess you could
expect a “loaf-eye”, “raw”, “garage punk”,
thirteen track record from a teenager who isn’t too bright.
come up with. Most of the tracks on the
B-Side are some of the first songs I ever wrote, even before Cut A Rug. Tom from Dead Beat asked me to do a
full-length so I took my time and tried to do the best I could. Was a little frustrating ‘cause this time I
knew it was gonna be my one and only chance to make a good debut. I did each instrument each day for about
three days straight. The last day of
recording I tracked vocals on twenty songs and my throat was bleeding by the
end of the day ha-ha! I guess you could
expect a “loaf-eye”, “raw”, “garage punk”,
thirteen track record from a teenager who isn’t too bright.
There is an
exclusive mail-order only edition of 100 red Terminal Teen Age LPs available
from Dead Beat Records. Is the black wax edition of Terminal Teen Age a limited
release affair? If so do you know how
many copies it is limited to?
exclusive mail-order only edition of 100 red Terminal Teen Age LPs available
from Dead Beat Records. Is the black wax edition of Terminal Teen Age a limited
release affair? If so do you know how
many copies it is limited to?
Yes there’s 100
pressed on Red Vinyl and 400 on Black Vinyl.
pressed on Red Vinyl and 400 on Black Vinyl.
You also recently
started releasing music via Bandcamp under another name Caught and already have
two EPs, Unrequited and You Will Be The End Of Me of material available which
is darker, heavier and has a much more straightforward hardcore edge to
it. Can you talk a little bit about the
distinction between Caught and Sick Thoughts?
I know at least the first Caught EP Unrequited was a solo effort again
with you playing all of the instruments.
Is that the plan for the future with Caught or do you plan on involving
other musicians in that band at some point?
What exactly if anything does the future hold for Caught? Do you ever plan on performing that material
live?
started releasing music via Bandcamp under another name Caught and already have
two EPs, Unrequited and You Will Be The End Of Me of material available which
is darker, heavier and has a much more straightforward hardcore edge to
it. Can you talk a little bit about the
distinction between Caught and Sick Thoughts?
I know at least the first Caught EP Unrequited was a solo effort again
with you playing all of the instruments.
Is that the plan for the future with Caught or do you plan on involving
other musicians in that band at some point?
What exactly if anything does the future hold for Caught? Do you ever plan on performing that material
live?
I’ve been into
black metal since I was twelve or so and always wanted to do a metal band. Sick Thoughts is a live punk band and more
focused, while Caught is more of an experimental project. I hate the whole thing metal bands get stuck
in where they only play one kind of metal, whether it be thrash, grind, atmospheric, depressive or
whatever. I want to have complete
freedom and try different things within metal.
I plan on doing everything myself and not playing live. I think it would be weird to see Caught live. I’d rather keep it as records
only, no live show. I’d like to put out
an LP for this project too.
black metal since I was twelve or so and always wanted to do a metal band. Sick Thoughts is a live punk band and more
focused, while Caught is more of an experimental project. I hate the whole thing metal bands get stuck
in where they only play one kind of metal, whether it be thrash, grind, atmospheric, depressive or
whatever. I want to have complete
freedom and try different things within metal.
I plan on doing everything myself and not playing live. I think it would be weird to see Caught live. I’d rather keep it as records
only, no live show. I’d like to put out
an LP for this project too.
Do you have any
other music that we haven’t talked about yet?
other music that we haven’t talked about yet?
When I get out
of school, Tony Pence from Deep Sleep and WARXGAMES and I are gonna do a band
together. Real short and real fun. Think we’re gonna call it Rat Patrol if
that’s not taken. Or the Medicators. Drummer William and I have been talking about
starting a NWOBHM style band as well. I
think that’d be fun as hell dressing up in tons of leather.
of school, Tony Pence from Deep Sleep and WARXGAMES and I are gonna do a band
together. Real short and real fun. Think we’re gonna call it Rat Patrol if
that’s not taken. Or the Medicators. Drummer William and I have been talking about
starting a NWOBHM style band as well. I
think that’d be fun as hell dressing up in tons of leather.
With the early
release of Terminal Teen Age a month early and songs popping up on your
Bandcamp all the time are there any releases in the works or on the horizon at
this point?
release of Terminal Teen Age a month early and songs popping up on your
Bandcamp all the time are there any releases in the works or on the horizon at
this point?
A Caught tape
on one of the best new labels Chained Meat tapes is coming real soon. New Sick Thoughts 7″ on Zaxxon Records
coming in spring and a Sick Thoughts EP on my friend Joni, from the Achtungs,
label Fuck CDs in early to mid-2014.
on one of the best new labels Chained Meat tapes is coming real soon. New Sick Thoughts 7″ on Zaxxon Records
coming in spring and a Sick Thoughts EP on my friend Joni, from the Achtungs,
label Fuck CDs in early to mid-2014.
Are there any
major goals that you’re looking to accomplish in 2014?
major goals that you’re looking to accomplish in 2014?
Put out as many
records as possible, play as many shows as possible, finish high school early.
records as possible, play as many shows as possible, finish high school early.
Where’s the best
place for fans to keep up on the latest news from Sick Thoughts like upcoming
shows, album releases and new songs that happen to pop up at?
place for fans to keep up on the latest news from Sick Thoughts like upcoming
shows, album releases and new songs that happen to pop up at?
I always update
my Facebook page, so that’s probably the best place on the Interwebs.
my Facebook page, so that’s probably the best place on the Interwebs.
What do you have
planned as far as touring goes for the New Year?
planned as far as touring goes for the New Year?
Goin’ to Boston
January 4th, North Carolina in February, not real sure about anything else
ha-ha. I’d love to play Total Punk fest
but I don’t know if Rich wants us to play.
Gonerfest 11 hopefully?
January 4th, North Carolina in February, not real sure about anything else
ha-ha. I’d love to play Total Punk fest
but I don’t know if Rich wants us to play.
Gonerfest 11 hopefully?
You have played
with some absolutely jaw dropping acts.
I know your third show was with The Oblivions and you’ve also recently
played with The Black Lips! Do you get a
chance to play out very often given the school situation? Who are some of your favorite acts that
you’ve have a chance to share a bill with?
with some absolutely jaw dropping acts.
I know your third show was with The Oblivions and you’ve also recently
played with The Black Lips! Do you get a
chance to play out very often given the school situation? Who are some of your favorite acts that
you’ve have a chance to share a bill with?
Yeah doing the
school shit and playing shows is a bit difficult ‘cause I can’t flunk out. My favorite is definitely the Oblivians. It’s like opening up for Zeppelin or
something. I got to hang out with all of
‘em and had a real good time. I got an
Oblivians tattoo a week before I played the show too.
school shit and playing shows is a bit difficult ‘cause I can’t flunk out. My favorite is definitely the Oblivians. It’s like opening up for Zeppelin or
something. I got to hang out with all of
‘em and had a real good time. I got an
Oblivians tattoo a week before I played the show too.
Do you remember
what the first song you ever performed live as Sick Thoughts was? If you do, do you remember when and where
that was?
what the first song you ever performed live as Sick Thoughts was? If you do, do you remember when and where
that was?
Our first show
was at the Charm City Art space, a DIY volunteer space, in June 2013 opening
for some older dudes. First song we
played was “Yeah Yeah Woman”. My guitar
and Rob’s drums were tight as hell, but I’d never sung before while playing, not
even at practice. I just yelled random
shit into the mic and kept saying, “we suck” between songs.
was at the Charm City Art space, a DIY volunteer space, in June 2013 opening
for some older dudes. First song we
played was “Yeah Yeah Woman”. My guitar
and Rob’s drums were tight as hell, but I’d never sung before while playing, not
even at practice. I just yelled random
shit into the mic and kept saying, “we suck” between songs.
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows that you’d like to share here with
our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows that you’d like to share here with
our readers?
That first show
was really bad and funny. I told
everybody to turn the lights off so no one could see our faces. Everybody was in the back and awkward. Nobody knew who the hell we were. After our set they turned the lights on and I
had blood all over my shirt, arms and my guitar and people stared. It’s always fun and memorable to piss off the
sound guy by throwing around the mics, slamming into amps and stuff.
was really bad and funny. I told
everybody to turn the lights off so no one could see our faces. Everybody was in the back and awkward. Nobody knew who the hell we were. After our set they turned the lights on and I
had blood all over my shirt, arms and my guitar and people stared. It’s always fun and memorable to piss off the
sound guy by throwing around the mics, slamming into amps and stuff.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Any of King
Louie’s bands, Oblivians, The Gories, Foster Care, GG King.
Louie’s bands, Oblivians, The Gories, Foster Care, GG King.
Do you have a
preferred medium of release for your music?
With all of the various methods of release available to musicians today
I’m always curios why they choose and prefer the certain methods that they
do. What about when you are listening to
and or purchasing music? If so why?
preferred medium of release for your music?
With all of the various methods of release available to musicians today
I’m always curios why they choose and prefer the certain methods that they
do. What about when you are listening to
and or purchasing music? If so why?
I prefer
records but they’re hard to do ‘cause they’re expensive. I like vinyl mostly because of the
packaging. I love opening a 7” or an LP
to find an Insert or a giant fold-out poster or a lyrics sheet, or opening a
sealed record and realizing you have some crazy limited color edition. I always try to support the labels too. And of course the sound is great as well. There’s nothing better than warm distortion.
records but they’re hard to do ‘cause they’re expensive. I like vinyl mostly because of the
packaging. I love opening a 7” or an LP
to find an Insert or a giant fold-out poster or a lyrics sheet, or opening a
sealed record and realizing you have some crazy limited color edition. I always try to support the labels too. And of course the sound is great as well. There’s nothing better than warm distortion.
Do you have a
music collection at all? If so can you
tell us about it?
music collection at all? If so can you
tell us about it?
I don’t have a
huge collection. I have mostly punk and
metal stuff. My holy grail is the first
Carbonas Self-Titled on Raw Deluxe, the Grown Up Fucked Up LP by The Reatards
and the first pressing of Nuggets.
huge collection. I have mostly punk and
metal stuff. My holy grail is the first
Carbonas Self-Titled on Raw Deluxe, the Grown Up Fucked Up LP by The Reatards
and the first pressing of Nuggets.
I have a serious
problem. I’m an addict but it helps to
talk about it. I am hopelessly addicted
to physically released music. There’s
something about having a psychical object to hold in your hands that is
irreplaceable or maybe even magical to me.
I grew up around a fairly sizable collection of music and being able to
grab an album at random off the shelf and immerse myself in it by reading the
liner notes and looking at the artwork while I listened to the music left a
lasting impression with me. I think that
it makes for a much more complete listening experience when you have something
physical to hold and experience. Do you
have any such connection with physically released music?
problem. I’m an addict but it helps to
talk about it. I am hopelessly addicted
to physically released music. There’s
something about having a psychical object to hold in your hands that is
irreplaceable or maybe even magical to me.
I grew up around a fairly sizable collection of music and being able to
grab an album at random off the shelf and immerse myself in it by reading the
liner notes and looking at the artwork while I listened to the music left a
lasting impression with me. I think that
it makes for a much more complete listening experience when you have something
physical to hold and experience. Do you
have any such connection with physically released music?
Yeah. There’s nothing that can compare. You can’t open up an MP3, read liner notes,
look at photos, unfold a poster and tape it to your bedroom wall. There’s nothing like it. Everybody should buy records.
look at photos, unfold a poster and tape it to your bedroom wall. There’s nothing like it. Everybody should buy records.
As much as I love
my music collection there’s always been inherent problems with being a
collector. Aside from having to move the
bloody things every time I get a new place I was never able to take it on the
go with me before. I mean with CDs and
tapes you could take a good chunk of stuff with you but I would never remember
to bring the one album I’d end up wanting to listen to inevitably. Digital music has virtually solved that
problem allowing me to take my entire music collection with me on my phone;
which still blows this old geezers mind.
If digital music wasn’t enough of a game changer on its own when teamed
with the internet it has completely changed the face of the music industry as
we know it. It has exposed people to a
whole world of music that they otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to
hear. But with the good always comes the
bad and digital music seems to be marginalizing the physical product of music
and turning it into a more a more and more disposable thing. As an artist during the reign of the digital
era what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
my music collection there’s always been inherent problems with being a
collector. Aside from having to move the
bloody things every time I get a new place I was never able to take it on the
go with me before. I mean with CDs and
tapes you could take a good chunk of stuff with you but I would never remember
to bring the one album I’d end up wanting to listen to inevitably. Digital music has virtually solved that
problem allowing me to take my entire music collection with me on my phone;
which still blows this old geezers mind.
If digital music wasn’t enough of a game changer on its own when teamed
with the internet it has completely changed the face of the music industry as
we know it. It has exposed people to a
whole world of music that they otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to
hear. But with the good always comes the
bad and digital music seems to be marginalizing the physical product of music
and turning it into a more a more and more disposable thing. As an artist during the reign of the digital
era what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
If not for
digital shit like Bandcamp, Sick Thoughts wouldn’t be what it is now. So I’m thankful for it, but there should be a
filter for shit that should never be released by some idiot pop star
fucks. I think digital music should be
used as a preview and should expire at some point, so you’re forced to buy the
physical product. Only in a perfect
world though.
digital shit like Bandcamp, Sick Thoughts wouldn’t be what it is now. So I’m thankful for it, but there should be a
filter for shit that should never be released by some idiot pop star
fucks. I think digital music should be
used as a preview and should expire at some point, so you’re forced to buy the
physical product. Only in a perfect
world though.
I try to keep up
with as much good music as I possibly can and these days that’s not an easy job
so I rely more and more on cool people such as yourself for tips! Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I might not have heard of that I should be listening to?
with as much good music as I possibly can and these days that’s not an easy job
so I rely more and more on cool people such as yourself for tips! Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I might not have heard of that I should be listening to?
The Advlts,
Pure Junk, Hard Dads, Multicult (Interview here), Slow Jerks, Big Christ, Mark
Plasma and Barbelith.
Pure Junk, Hard Dads, Multicult (Interview here), Slow Jerks, Big Christ, Mark
Plasma and Barbelith.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
The Achtungs,
Foster Care, Filth Coalition, Pampers, Kent State, Lumpy & The Dumpers,
Black Panties and Complications.
Foster Care, Filth Coalition, Pampers, Kent State, Lumpy & The Dumpers,
Black Panties and Complications.
I know this wasn’t
short and I can’t imagine that it was a super blast to get through but I hope
it was fun to at least look back over the massive amount that you’ve managed to
accomplish in such a short time! Is
there anything that I might have missed or that you’d just like to take this
opportunity to talk about?
short and I can’t imagine that it was a super blast to get through but I hope
it was fun to at least look back over the massive amount that you’ve managed to
accomplish in such a short time! Is
there anything that I might have missed or that you’d just like to take this
opportunity to talk about?
No we covered
pretty much everything! Thanks so much
for asking me to do an interview man.
Cheers.
pretty much everything! Thanks so much
for asking me to do an interview man.
Cheers.
DISCOGRAPHY
(2013) Sick Thoughts
– Cut A Rug (demo) – digital, Cassette Tape – Southpaw Records
– Cut A Rug (demo) – digital, Cassette Tape – Southpaw Records
(2013) Sick Thoughts
– Deformation (demo) – digital, Cassette Tape – Southpaw Records
– Deformation (demo) – digital, Cassette Tape – Southpaw Records
(2013) Sick Thoughts
– Young And Done (demo) – digital – Self-Released
– Young And Done (demo) – digital – Self-Released
(2013) Sick
Thoughts/Uncle Curt – Sick Thoughts/Uncle Curt Split – digital, ? –
Self-Released
Thoughts/Uncle Curt – Sick Thoughts/Uncle Curt Split – digital, ? –
Self-Released
(2013) Sick
Thoughts/Acid Bath – Sick Thoughts/Acid Bath Split – digital, ? – Self-Released
Thoughts/Acid Bath – Sick Thoughts/Acid Bath Split – digital, ? – Self-Released
(2013) Sick Thoughts
– Blood Red – digital, 7” – Goodbye Boozy Records (Limited to 198 hand numbered
copies)
– Blood Red – digital, 7” – Goodbye Boozy Records (Limited to 198 hand numbered
copies)
(2013) Sick Thoughts
– Need No One – digital, 7” – Can’t Stand Ya Records (Limited to ? copies)
– Need No One – digital, 7” – Can’t Stand Ya Records (Limited to ? copies)
(2014) Sick Thoughts
– Terminal Teen Age – digital, 12” – Dead Beat Records (Red Vinyl edition
limited to 100 copies available only from Dead Beat Records mail-order)
– Terminal Teen Age – digital, 12” – Dead Beat Records (Red Vinyl edition
limited to 100 copies available only from Dead Beat Records mail-order)
(2013) Caught –
Unrequited – digital – Self-Released
Unrequited – digital – Self-Released
(2013) Caught – You
Will Be The End Of Me – digital – Self-Released
Will Be The End Of Me – digital – Self-Released
(2013) Caught – He’ll
Come For You – digital – Self-Released
Come For You – digital – Self-Released
(2013) Deformities –
Sometimes I Wish For My Own Death – digital – Self-Released
Sometimes I Wish For My Own Death – digital – Self-Released
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
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