09/09/2019 15:55:29 Roy Disney
Do Bungle fans worldwide have any chance of listening to the fabled Turd tape? Is it really a band made up of you on vocals and Patton on instruments? Or was that just Trey bullshitting an interviewer? It sounds too good to be true.
The first rule of TURD is that if you hate TURD, you ARE TURD. To answer your question: No chance.
09/09/2019 12:34:27 Elbow Haggis
A quote from a local college radio station host, that did a semester-long show based on Bungle & similar bands: "Mike Patton could fart on a snare drum, and I'd pay good money to go see it."
Thoughts? Feelings?
That is idiotic for a couple reasons. The first question that comes to mind is ‘why?’ I can’t image that would be a good thing to see, not to mention have any merit. Also, it’s been done so it wouldn’t be original either.
More importantly, is this host implying that the flatulence of said artist holds the same merit as his music? Doesn’t that belittle the music? I wonder how this guy got the position of a radio host. Also, if this person has “good money” to spend on something that would last a matter of seconds, why aren’t they spending it on something with some actual value? Honestly, people who put anyone up on a pedestal loose my respect immediately. I wouldn’t want to receive a compliment nor a payment from anyone who would just as well get the same out of bodily functions as they would some thoughtful invention.
09/09/2019 12:32:35 tURD gURGLER
Have your & Charlie Hunter's paths ever crossed? Sure, he has little use for a stinking bass player, but that would certainly be interesting & I wouldn't put anything past either of you. Seems like your circles had to overlap in San Francisco & other California locals - if not in NYC - It'd be cool to see what might come of him hooking up w/ Zorn, too.
Met him? Seen him play? Thoughts?
For sure, I’ve known Charlie since the ‘90 in what was a vibrant music scene in San Francisco. We’ve never played together, for obvious reasons, but he does something that no one else does — it’s almost impossible to understand unless you see it live. We venture in different circles but I certainly appreciate what he does.
09/07/2019 7:00:44 madamimadamk
Hey there,
What current projects/records from the rest of Bungle's members have impressed you lately? And do you have any knowledge if they follow your latest stuff or express opinions? Do you guys still discuss music?
It’s not easy to keep up with the output of one’s colleagues, especially if you are so familiar with their methods and choices that it’s impossible to be objective—sometimes listening to their music, or that of anyone else I work with feels like either I’m on stage, in the studio or somehow working, or even listening to myself. I think the last thing I paid attention to was a SC3 release and I’m always super impressed with Trey’s production skills and arrangement choices.
I have no idea what of my stuff they follow but I’m guessing they might have a similar stance. Unfortunately we haven’t spent enough time together in recent years to share and discuss music like we used to. These days it’s more likely to be offensive memes.
09/06/2019 9:35:30 Lulu
Dear Trevor
Why did you decided to answer questions again?
What are some of your own questions that you find yourself pondering over?
Seems like a good way to keep people coming back to the site and not forgetting it exists. It’s also enjoyable for me to connect to my audience. It’s human nature to wonder what people think I suppose. Also, I was getting a lot of feedback as to the popularity of it on my previous site.
I ponder over how I shall spend my time and make the most of a limited lifespan. I ponder over how to work out of passion while surviving in the real world. I ponder over what is the best city to live in and how to balance nature with urban culture, both of which I thrive on. I ponder on why people treat each other badly when we essentially want the same things. I wonder if I should drink or not. I wonder if I’m too jaded and/or too lazy…..
09/06/2019 7:32:32 Dad of many.
Hey Trevor,
Thanks for all of the music you have created, please know it has brought much joy to me over the years, and I remain an enthusiastic supporter of your works whenever possible. As a parent, two of my boys are currently enjoying the process of learning to play music, one is expressing interest in bass. What should I look for in terms of good starter basses for a kid?
BTW playing "My ass is on fire" to a 10 year old probably not in the textbook of recommended listening for most, at least if one chooses content using a 'commonsense media' type approach, but I've never seen the spark of joyful mischief ignited in a kid more quickly than hearing: "Don't you fucken look at me!" over and over followed by heavy guitar, drums and bass. Your work lives and continues to inspire, so thanks for that!
Thanks so much for these kind words and I’m very happy to hear that my weirdness is getting handed down to the next generation. I remember my first bass lesson when my teacher called me a “bad ass”. I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever heard and it filled me with inspiration. Also, if I had understood half the Kiss, Cheap Trick or Blondie lyrics I was being fed as a teenager it would have only encouraged me further.
You might want to look into a medium scale bass. New Mustangs aren’t insanely expensive and for a smaller person the fit might be better. That said, it doesn’t really matter. I started on something called a Hondo II and played that for a good 5 years before getting something that had a nice tone. All you really need is a fingerboard and some strings.
09/06/2019 1:12:51 Rich
Have you seen the 2014 documentary on Jaco Pastorius? If so, what did you think of it? And what’s your opinion on The Residents?
I wasn’t too impressed with that doc although it was great to see some old footage uncovered. I think the doc didn’t cover much more than what was in Milkowski’s biography from ‘95. I also hated the end with all this necrophiliac jamming. Why does it always have to go there. Speaking of docs, I recently watched Theory of Obscurity which taught me a lot about the Residents I didn’t know. They were over my head in the ‘90s and probably still are, but I do appreciate anyone who puts that kind of effort into art and alternative perspectives.
09/04/2019 19:24:35 Mike
I'm curious as to your opinion on Nomeansno.
I was a big fan in the ‘90s and luckily they used to stop by Arcata, CA on tour so I got to see them live several times. Never disappointed. Solid, heavy and unusual. “Wrong” is still a linchpin for me.
09/03/2019 15:49:52 Jason
Years ago there was talk of the next Fantomas project being an all electronic affair. Did it ever get to a point where you were given any new music to learn? I did see below that you addressed the status of that project and I certainly don't want to keep repeating questions...but I saw you guys in LA on the Delirium Cordia tour then in SF on the Suspended Animation tour, those two shows rank in my top ten live music experiences ever. So forgive me, just curious if you think the leader of that project has probably done all they feel like doing with it and we shouldn't get our hopes up? Thank you for taking our questions.
It never did get to that point and for various reasons I have my doubts it ever will. That’s all I can really say as a sideman.
09/03/2019 15:25:11 Andrew
What are your thoughts on personality tests such as the four temperaments, Meyers-Briggs, or even the enneagram? Is there one you prefer over the others? No particular reason for asking
I also have no particular reason for answering this question as I know next to zero about it. I do appreciate Carl Jung and really enjoyed his “Memories, Dreams, Reflections”. I suppose we all like to categorize everything and maybe we should. It makes things easier to understand. Are we really all as varied as fingerprints or snowflakes, or do we just like to think we are? Seems like there might be too many variables to be accurate (environmental or conditional, for instance). Nature vs. nurture and such.
09/03/2019 14:13:24 Efren
What do you think of the recent performance on Mondo Cane and the live take of Retrovertigo?
Massive fan of your career. Keep bugging King Buzz on instagram.
It’s always strange to hear different arrangements of one’s tunes but, of course, I’m honored it was chosen for the repertoire. I didn’t see much more of the performance.
09/03/2019 8:29:51 dogleg
Do you ever feel that any of your work has been misunderstood? What do you think is the most misunderstood project or recording you've ever been a part of?
This is a tricky one. I could easily say everything has been misunderstood as I’m sure it’s true to some degree, but I stopped worrying about that a long time ago. It’s to be expected and there’s no way around it.
Currently I’d say SpermChurch is my most misunderstood project.
09/03/2019 5:59:46 Sophia
Mr. Dunn,
Do you like Giallo? If so, what are some of your favorites?
What’s the craziest movie you’ve ever seen or movie that you wish you never saw? For example, I know some people have seen Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom & they said afterwards they just felt dead inside.
Thank you
I have to admit that’s not a genre I’ve spent much time with and in general I don’t enjoy gratuitous rape scenes or violence for that matter. I much prefer psychological drama/horror to being spoonfed. Feeling dead inside is not a review that would inspire me to see a film. Can’t think of a film I regret seeing for such a reason. I guess I naturally steer clear of that sort of thing.
09/02/2019 17:49:50 Matthew Bianchini
Hey Trevor! It's so cool to see you interacting with fans and answering their inquiries, you don't see that a lot today. Anyway, I'm 13 and an aspiring musician. A few months ago I started this band called "Static Cling" which I formed after forming a relationship with some talented musicians that I met through music class (basically the band geeks). But we've had a bit of an issue -- Basically, everybody in the band has a hard time collaborating and does not want to share ideas with each other, making it harder to progress. I've tried to encourage them to be more open as songwriters and musicians, but it hasn't worked. I'm usually just met with a shrug or something lame. I know early on in Mr. Bungle's career the songwriting process was very collaborative, especially the first album. Do you have any advice as to what to do in this situation? Am I doing something wrong or do I just have to let time progress and maybe we'll gradually get more of a comradery going musically? I'm not sure. Anyway, keep being an awesome musician and inspiration to songwriters everywhere !
Collaboration is a tricky thing and even Bungle had discrepancies and arguments; still does actually. I have a tendency to not be a collaborator which is why most of my tunes are written solely by me. It’s not for everyone. The other thing to keep in mind is that —and I like that you used this word yourself— collaborating is very much a relationship and with all relationships there is compromise. It is possible that you are in a non-compatible situation and may have to find others that are like-minded. One way that Bungle used to collaborate back in the day was to just jam together. Sitting in a room screwing around on riffs or melodies or whatever can lead to collective changes whether things are discussed verbally or not. Perhaps try improvising more — bring in a riff that you don’t know what to do with and just jam on it until someone finds the right direction. I would also exercise a lot of patience. Comradery can take time. Do you hang out together? Talk about the same movies, books, food?
09/02/2019 13:52:33 Ron Weasley
Your youthful appearance is often commented upon, and I am genuinely curious about how you manage to maintain this and stay fit, especially given how busy you are and how often you are on tour. From your Instagram account it looks like you mostly eat pizza (which I am sure isn't actually the case), and I'd imagine that it would be difficult to fit in a great deal of exercise into your schedule, yet in recent years you look noticeably healthier than when you were younger. How is this possible? Do you like to cook and if so what? In a recent post you mentioned fasting - is this something that you practice for its health and lifespan extending benefits, or do you have a rapidly ageing portrait hidden in your attic?
I try to eat something green every day and when I get off a plane I take the stairs not the escalator.
09/22/2019 20:56:39
Hi Trevor! I'm really happy you are taking questions again but a little sad you took down the old ones (or maybe I just can't find them).
This is an advice/wisdom question. I'm an improviser. I've occasionally written tunes which feel like they write themselves and often come out of weird emotions. Now I'm in music school and being asked to write _compositions_. I want to be able to do this, but I find it incredibly hard and painful. At every point it feels like I have to make really hard decisions (what now?) and I come up with things that are probably worse than if I just improvised. I've wasted days writing snippets, hating them and scrapping them.
I like doing harmony and counterpoint exercises and studying classical works. I like improvising things that sound like they have form. I've had fun arranging my tunes before.
You're really good at composing a lot of different things, so I thought maybe you'd have some advice.
Thanks a lot for doing this,
a fan of yours
I did indeed delete all the old Q&As; just felt it was time to start afresh.
Firstly, consider that composition and improvisation are really just the same thing placed over different time spans. It’s entirely possible for you to record yourself improvising and then notate it. You can even iron out the bits that didn’t work or “rewrite” things to go the way you’d wished the improv had gone. Viola! Composition. Perhaps think of improvisation as a conversation whereas a composition is a story that is developed over several drafts. Those weird tunes you’ve written are compositions. It’s possible you are being asked to be more specific with your writing. That’s the blessing/curse of composing, it is both authoritative and ego-centric and depending on your personality those might be difficult traits to handle. Think of it as a psychological challenge. What are your favorite pieces of music and how can you achieve what those pieces achieved? I’m not talking about harmony or form. I’m talking about the spiritual structure; the conviction; the emotional language; the blood behind the music. Try to find that.
11/11/2019 7:41:10 Todd
Hi Trevor,
Been a fan since 1992. Was in the crowd at Fastlane's, Atlantic City, when you played a sublime set. It was rather scary. On that occasion, I was able to insult Mike Patton by asking if he took singing lessons after Bowel of Chiley. I meant it as a compliment. Is there anyway I can send you a couple of demos? Maybe you would like to play on these or produce them.
I don't know, but at the very least, I feel compelled to ask you this question. Sure, Patton sings better than all of us, but does that mean we should all commit suicide? At least I am just as handsome as the bastard, lol. Also, I excel at taking "no" for an answer. Rejection is like a multivitamin to me: I take one daily. Hope all is well! Todd
I don’t think the guy ever took a singing lesson in his life, but I’d say going on the road with FNM for several years in a row was probably the best thing for him in terms of developing chops. I’d be happy to listen to your demos but I won’t be handing out my address here so you’ll have to find a way to get them to me. I am also happy to play/produce for a fee and depending on my schedule but more importantly on whether I think the music is appropriate for my inclusion.
Suicide is a severe response to someone else’s talents in my opinion. Technique is something that can be learned by anyone; real value lies in the unique personality behind the technique which you, as everyone else, has. It’s partially a matter of confidence and heart. Rejection is a good thing to be able to withstand but ultimately it should push you forward.
11/12/2019 7:43:05 Kieran M
Hi Trevor,
Saw lately that a live recording of Thunderball by Mr. Bungle has ended up on a few compilations, along with some some other compilations made by WB. Hopefully this is something that was approved by the band. No real question, just wanted to make sure you were getting your cheques!
Thunderball can be found on 'Cover Bond (Great Music Artists Performing The Songs From Every James Bond Movie!)'
I don’t know anything about this so thanks for the heads up. Since it’s a cover song we won’t be getting any checks but it is an unauthorized release so I will look into it.
11/12/2019 19:38:45 Bill PHey
Trevor. A few questions if you don't mind
1) How annoying would it be during Bungle shows when the crowd was obnoxious? Seems like there were plenty of occasions of people screaming for "Girls Of Porn" or screaming just for the fuck of it in the middle of an instrumental piece
2) Why did you leave SC3 after the first album?
3) Just curious as to what your thoughts are on Sonic Youth........Similar to Bungle, thats a band that always played by their own rules and was great at constructing songs built around abstract compositions and beautiful noise freakouts. I know Thurston plays with Zorn and Winant from time to time as well so he's no stranger to that scene
4) Theres an old bootleg from 1990 where you guys debut 'My Ass Is On Fire' and the song has a totally different structure with different lyrics compared to the album version from a year later. Did that happen often with Bungle, where a song would initially be completed and then radically altered by the time it reaches its final result?
5) Some dude threw up on youtube a soundboard of Bungle from June 1988 in Arcata. Behold all 6 songs from Goddammit I Love America are played. And a full on cover of Guns N Roses 'Welcome To the Jungle'....June 88....Any memories of this gig? This must be like a month or 2 before Mike went off to join FNM and become a rock star
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MrtSJoMp64
1) Any obnoxious crowd is annoying when they seem to feel that they are the performers. It’s usually some ploy for attention from their peers I would imagine. But pretty much every rock band I play in is subjected to a suggested set-list of songs of other bands I play in. You learn to tune it out as much as possible.
2) That’s a misconception. During the making of that first record it wasn’t really a band yet—more like a recording project. I did tour with them in Australia in the late ‘90s and have done occasional one-offs but Trey’s development of that band went it’s own direction other than my own (moving to NYC for example). Essentially I neither joined nor left that band.
3) Not a band I ever really got into although they do have a specific sound I like and I do appreciate the pan-tonalism and alternate tunings. Funny, I just watched the video for Bull In The Heather between Mitch Hedberg and Klaus Nomi videos
4) I wouldn’t say it happened often, but it happened. It was rare that we performed a song before we felt it was complete but that did happen from time to time.
5) Vague memories for sure. Sloppy as hell I would assume.
11/13/2019 0:13:59 Jason
Hey Trevor. The Beastie Boys say they regret ever recording "Fight For Your Right To Party" and spent the next 10 years trying to distance themselves from that song and the jock meatheads who would scream for that song every night. Not all that different than what Bungle went through with "Girls of Porn". How long after you recorded that song before you regretted it? Looking at old setlists, it seems like the band playedit only a couple times in 92 and then never again
Also, bring back your Facebook. You used to have some great posts back in the day
I have no regrets about that song although I would consider writing a sequel called “Boys of Erectile Dysfunction”. The truth is, we stopped playing that song for stylistic and aesthetic reasons not because we were trying to distance ourselves from our youth. In my eyes the first Bungle record is a time capsule of frustrated, angst-riddled, small town youth mentality and I have no regrets about where I came from and what I thought about in my young adulthood. By the time we hit the road in ‘92 we were already a bit fatigued by some of that music which is why, for example, we arranged songs like “Squeeze” to an extreme degree. We did that later with “My Ass is On Fire” as well. If we were trying to distance ourselves from anything it was the ‘funk metal’ scene of SF which we were unwillingly lumped into for lack of better marketing.
I won’t be bringing back FB. I find it pointless, time-consuming and socially disturbing.