1 - Tell us how your project(s) were started.
Infernal Racket
Records started in 1997 when I was asked by my good friend and former band mate
Mick Mullin if I would start a label with him. He had been trying to get things
going with his band, Superhighway Carfire and it wasn't moving as quickly as
he had hoped. I'm pretty sure he asked Adam Peterson first (who used to play
bass guitar for Superhighway Carfire back in 95), but Adam passed on it. [Adam
was busy getting Escape Artist Records started at the time] I'm glad he asked
me. I jumped at the chance to get involved in the scene again. I had wanted
to do something involving music since I quit my old band back in 1993. Mick
and I didn't really know anything about the music "business" when
we got started. We made lots of mistakes over the years, but we've improved
a lot as well. I'm proud of every one of our releases. Mick started working
for Relapse Records a few years ago and we've learned a lot from those guys.
It hasn't been overly profitable (not at all!
actually), but I don't think anyone at our level of the industry is in it for
the money. It's definitely been a labor of love.
2 - What does music, in it's entirety, mean to you?
Organized sound for the sake of itself. Music is one of the primary things that separate people from animals. It elevates our language and gives body to abstract thought. I can't see my life without it. It's been part of everything I've done, for as long as I can remember.
3 - What does art, in it's entirety, mean to you?
Art is really a more general term that can include music, although the term "art" usually indicates a visual element, it doesn't necessarily have to include one. My definition for art closely mirrors that of my definition for music. I've been trying to make art since I was old enough to walk. I couldn't bear life without it.
4 - Who is your
favorite author, and why?
I don't really have a favorite author. I read pulp stuff like Tolkien and humorists
like Douglas Adams and Al Franken. Alan Titchmarsh is really funny too and a
great read if you're into gardening. I don't search out heavy reading anymore
like I did in college, although I can honestly say that I still like Shakespeare.
I went through a phase when I read the Beats a lot. You know...Burroughs, Kerouac,
Ginsberg, et al. That stuff doesn't really hold my interest anymore. Reading
shouldn't be like eating your vegetables or flossing your teeth, it should be
something you do because you want to do it.
5 - As your best friend, describe yourself.
Funny, loyal, generous, honest, and a lovable grouch.
6 - As your worst enemy, describe yourself.
A total prick.
7 - If your persona were immortalized as a cartoon character, who would it be?
I don't really watch cartoons much, but I guess Moe (of Moe's Tavern) from The Simpsons. I feel like Moe sometimes.
8 - Do you think there are conspiracies against the "everyday person"?
No, I don't think so. For someone to conspire against you they have to care first - you know...love, hate, desire, envy, whatever. What I mean is, you have to represent some value to those in the position to conspire. I don't think those in power, either in the corporate world or in the government give two shits about the "everyday person". We're just sources of income; taxable consumers that's all. The only time thought is given to the "everyday person" is during elections and even then the thought process is more like marketing than anything remotely similar to "care".
9 - What do you do with your spare or free time?
Fishing when I can. Large and Smallmouth Bass are my favorite targets. I rarely eat them though, I just toss em back. That's largely why I don't hunt. You can't toss back a deer or turkey after you've filled it with lead shot. I have nothing against that personally. If that's what you're into, that's cool. I'd just rather buy meat at the grocery store. Video games are a fun pass-time as well. I guess this is a very "uncool" answer, but I don't care. As I get older I find myself caring less and less about what cool is.
10 - Please give us your interpretation of "the meaning of life".
Tough question. I guess to enjoy yourself as much as safely possible while bringing enjoyment to others. There should also be some mention of learning, of discovery, and self-awareness. I don't know really. I'll have to get back to you when I figure it out. It may take me some time.
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