Bouncing Souls

May 21st 2009

Headed to the Jersey shore to interview the Bouncing Souls. They are a childhood favorite band of mine and my friends, so this is very cool for me, personally. We have the same crew as with JV Bastard. Myke knew the Bouncing Souls back in the late 80's when they were still in high school and Myke worked at a record shop. Then in 1997 the Bouncing Souls went to tour Europe for the 1st time and in Wales they recognized a former record store clerk in his Misfits make-up getting ready to do his first Misfits show ever. Very cool small world story.

Bryan Kienlen and Peter Steinkopf were our guest. We parked at Asbury Lanes and waited on the board walk. Bryan and Pete rode up on their Harley's and we followed them to Bryan's apartment. I think we were interrupting dinner. I feel bad about that, but I got to try turkey stir fry with brown rice, ginger and pine apple.... and yes it was incredible.

A lot of the interview had to do with the nomadic lifestyle the Bouncing Souls have had for the past 20 years. They said they've gone as long as 9 months without stopping home, and got very little money for their effort. Here's a band that has a C.D. available in every mall in the country and has toured the world multiple times, but Bryan has a small one bedroom near the beach. Regardless, they seem very content, enthusiastic, and well adjusted. The loved motorcycles, surfing, and punk rock... what can be a better example of America?

Test Shoots/Joe Buck

May 16.

Very Exciting beginnings. Today Myke and I did test shoots for the new film I’m making with him, Living the American Nightmare. As we were tuning up the finer points of press releases, we (Myke) got a call from Arturo Vega. I’ve read books on Arturo, seen him in the Ramones documentary End of the Century, and now I will be humbled with an audience with the great Ramone’s art director, and man who has been there and done that with literally everyone. Holyapeshit!

We had an excellent test shoot. Myke talked about the origins of some of his tattoos and more colorful scars. I wanted to feel him out, and see how comfortable he was on camera and answering questions on the spot. What started out as a bit of an anxious shoot, quickly adjusted into a casual on camera conversation. Though it was a test shoot, Myke hit me with both barrels, being brutality deep, honest, and at times boyishly excited to be speaking. Very stress free, almost deceptively easy.

Later we went to a club in Clifton called Dingbatz to meet up with J-Sin Trioxin, who was playing that night with Wednesday 13’s psychobilly side project. Myke lit up when we learned that Joe Buck was performing that night. I'd never heard of him. That changed quick…

Joe was a 46 year old punk/country solo performer with a poorly fashioned rat tail and blonde Mohawk. He sat on his amp and played guitar while singing and pedaling a bass drum. He was lit only by a single red light under his face. No shit when this guy starting down stroking, grinding his teeth and stomping on the drum it grabbed my throat and pushed the button. His stare only was worth the price of admission. He performed more aggressively than 19-20 year olds who are supposedly at their hormonal adolescent peak. Its not just hitting cords, it's about touring the country in a mobile home with your woman and your dog, playing on stage alone, having a bigger stage presence then all the bands on Lallpolooza put together, and being righteously, RIGHTEOUSLY pissed. Fuck yes Joe.

After his show I caught up with him backstage where I put a cheap shit camera in his face and he gave me an interview. We talked about Shakespeare, cops, the farm and human nature. He was the opposite of anyone who sees his show would think. Joe was a complete gentleman, vividly lucid, and was so corporative it was like I was doing HIM a favor. When I turned off the camera he could care less and continued speaking cause this motherfucker had something to say. I helped him carry his equipment to his R.V., he gave me his number so we can do this properly. When I asked if he was on itunes his response was a sheepish “What’s that?”

Joe Buck couldn't be a better foot to get off on.