The Bronx

How did you approach your Rock The Rabbit T-Shirt Design? I wanted to create something that I haven't seen before. I also didn't want to change the Playboy icon that Art Paul originally created for the mag because it is probably one of the most recognizable icons all over the world. We (the band) were cast in a movie called "What We Do is Secret" a film about seminal LA punk band The Germs, if you were a Germs fan in the 80's, you showed you loyalty to the group by getting what was called a "germs burn" from one of the members which was basically getting a circular burn from a cigarette in a place of your choice. On the set of the film, a lot of people were asking Lorna Doom (bass player for The Germs) for a germs burn. It has kind of become the stuff of legend around here. All the older dudes that had originally gotten germs burns were all pissed because the kids were trying to be cool. Anyway, I though it would be nice to do a design incorporating something that was rather disgusting in a very eye catching way. The design is very strict straight line design, using one theme for the entire design. My design is controlled (line art) using an element (cigarette burns) that is uncontrollable (the shirt caught on fire about 12 times during the process). Top it off with a Bronx pin. Approx 150 cigs were harmed making this shirt. Boosh.

Do you have a favorite article of clothing? Probably shoes. I have a collection of ridiculous alligator chrome tip loafers. I only wear shoes that have theme music included.

Where did you pick up ideas about style and design? Watching old dudes feed pigeons.

Is it related at all to your music? Totally. I love pigeons!

Do you have a favorite musician whose style you really like? Has that musician influenced your style? I am really influenced and respect people that do things their way. Elvis, Lee Perry, Gregg Gin, John Reis, Syd Barrett, HR, Afrika Bambaattaa

What does Playboy mean to you? Nude women, too many Baldwin brothers interviews and great gadget reviews.

When do you recall discovering Playboy? I was probably eight or so. The usual experience for most guys: my next door neighbor nabbed some Playboys from his dad and we checked them out in his backyard. Then he showed me how to "use them."

Beatles or Stones? I like them both equally. Two things about that though, the Stones should have stopped long ago, as well as Sir Paul needs to give it up. It's all been downhill for quite some time with both groups. Lennon was the king though.

Were there bands you heard at a certain point in your lives that made a huge difference in how you thought about music? Absolutely. I discovered punk and rock during the tape trading days of the late 80's early 90's, I studied classic piano for 9 years growing up. My mom used to drop me and my siblings off for our weekly piano lessons. While my brother and sister would get their lessons, I would watch MTV in the next room. I would always see the video by Guns 'N Roses for "Sweet Child of Mine" and Steven Adler had on a T.S.O.L shirt in the video. In the back of Thrasher magazine in the 80's you could buy comp tapes called Skate Rock. On issue #2 of Skate Rock, T.S.O.L had a cut on there called "Other Side" and since Steve wore a T.S.O.L shirt, I bought the tape. That's where I got turned on to Los Olvidados (great stuff) and Steve Caballero's crappy bands, The Faction and Drunk Injuns (not so great stuff). All of the records that my parents had were mainly classical or Bob Dylan, Ian and Sylvia and Peter Paul & Mary. For one Christmas my dad got me this dual cassette player because it had short wave radio on it as well. He thought it would be cool if I taped some short wave radio programs for him -that didn't last too long. At that time, tape trading was at its peak, and the Skate Rock comps were in high demand. Needless to say I garnered a ton of music because I had a dual cassette recorder.

Who put on the best live show you ever saw, and why was it so good? I believe her name was Hurricane, and she wore a tiny bikini that said "Wizards and Bowling Balls" across the front. She did a bit with assorted kitchen utensils like a spatula and a potato peeler. Her finale was juggling food processors with her left hand while fielding questions from the audience. Plus she had a gold tooth.

Do you guys have a pre-game ritual or a superstition before or during shows? We usually spend time together before the show just by ourselves. No tour manager, lurkers, or other types backstage and right before we go on we get in a circle, put our hands in the center and say something "on three" whatever weird happened that day like "dance party" or "Larry the gang member" Its like some pre-game shit.

What was the best show you ever played? Why? What makes a good show from your perspective? I like playing festivals the most. I think those are always the best shows because during the day you can go see other groups that you like rather then sitting in the bus all day. I think all the groups try a little harder because their peers are watching.

At what point do you know a song is good? Do you ever have an idea you just know is going to kill on the dance floor or live or whatever? I think a song is at its best when you know you are going to be excited to play about 2,000 more times that year. There is nothing worse then looking over that nights set list and dreading songs #4, 5, and 6. People are going to like whatever they like. I never think about the audience reaction. Too selfish maybe?

What's the most exciting thing you've done in the past year as a result of your music career? Can it be for 2007? We are going to China in 2007. That is going to be off the chain.

What's your favorite place on earth? Probably Los Angeles. I have toured the world many times and most places seem new and exciting when you first go... then after a while you see a city for what it is. Maybe it's because I live here and its familiar, but there is no place I would rather be. No place like home? Some Wizard of Oz shit. Plus you can't get good Mexican food anywhere else except maybe El Paso. But El Paso sucks.

Best song you've been listening to lately? "Love TKO" by Teddy Pendergrass

Favorite new band? Priestess. Even though they are Canadian, they still smoke it.

Favorite driving album? I hate driving.

Favorite bedroom album? It's a toss up: either The Cure's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me or Chocolate Factory by R. Kelly

How have the technology boom and the internet affected the way you approach promoting your music? Not sure. I am not the geek in the band. The Internet is a great way to find out everything you want to know about a group and a bunch of crap that usually isn't true. I read someplace I am a "golden god with perfect teeth" Well, some things are true I guess.

Do you think the album format is dead? I don't think its dead per se, but I do think the writing is on the wall. As tapes were to records, CDs were to tapes, as MP3s will be to CDs. In 5 years it will be something else like your socks play music or something.