your question

02/19/2020 Stinky Wizzleteats

Have to ask - any more info. to provide on the ashes being thrown onstage at the Brooklyn second show? Unreal - "his pals took his ashes, wrapped them in a pair of underwear and tossed them up on stage to be with Mike Patton and crew." Any clue before it popped up online? Where are they now? Thoughts? Feelings?

https://metalinjection.net/av/fan-throws-dead-friends-ashes-onto-stage-during-mr-bungle-show

my answer

I had no clue this happened until the texts starting coming in a few days later. I didn’t see it happen. Apparently I was focused on playing the bass. I think it’s kind of weird. I mean, I didn’t know the guy or his friends and, to each their own, of course. But I might have not wanted my ashes trampled on by boots and then swept into a garbage can with a bunch of filthy plastic cups. That’s just me though. Maybe for them it was the perfect thing to do, and for that I’m happy that we were somehow part of that plan. There is symbolism in that that I appreciate. There might be some hygienic or even legal issues surrounding this topic but we’ve got worse problems now.

your question

02/17/2020 Zach

Hey Trevor!
Firstly, I want to say that you guys killed it at Brooklyn Steel on the 11th. Thanks for putting on a great show! Also, thanks for doing what you do in the first place. In middle school, I was a sexually frustrated outcast who had trouble connecting with most people, so the self titled Mr. Bungle album scratched all the right itches. It was probably the only album I could fully relate to at the time. I also quite like all your work beyond that (all you Bungle guys have extremely impressive careers outside of Mr. Bungle), but that first album forever holds a special place in my heart. I have a couple questions as well!

1) How much does that first Mr. Bungle truly reflect the mood you guys were in back then? The album is certainly extreme in style and subject matter. Were you guys okay? It seems like it came from such a dark place.
2) What do you think of the philosophical ideas Trey has been exploring over the last couple decades? Is your own philosophical worldview vastly different, or has any of it rubbed off on you? Was there any conflict during the recent tour with Trey being an Orthodox Christian now?
3) Are you into King Crimson at all? Two of my favorite bass players (John Wetton and Tony Levin) were in the band and I was wondering if you enjoyed their work. Some of my favorite bass work, specifically, is on that trio of Larks' Tongues, Starless and Bible Black, and Red.

my answer

1. I would say 100%. It is very dark and we were children of metal so searching for extremes, in language and in tempo. Honestly I think at a young age, thanks to our curiosity in a soulless world and thanks to certain teachers recognizing something and thus encouraging it, we were Existentialists. Those who weren’t “ok” are probably still up there, or gone for good, but I think by the mere fact that we have moved on proves we were and “are” “ok”.
2. Trey and I see eye to eye on many things even if we express those things differently. To be quite frank, I’m not aware of Trey’s religious beliefs. We can talk for hours about philosophical topics, trying to break things down, get to the roots. Our personal choices (and when I say “our” I should really mean everyone) don’t come into play. No one is trying to sell anyone anything, we are observing and we learn from each other’s observations. I would say ideas have been rubbing off each other for many years.
3. I never really got into that earlier KC. I was a fan of Discipline for sure but it has a certain pop element I like not so present in the heavy prog stuff. For some reason it’s harder for me now at this age to have patience for prog and fusion.

your question

02/12/2020 Rob Wall

Taking one general ed music class at HSU exposed me to professor Eugene Novotney. I have never met a person so passionate about music. I believe you may have taken some courses from him. Along with your EHS music teachers, would you also consider him an early influence? If so, how did he?
Rob Wall, Fortuna, CA

my answer

Eugene is great. Super positive, encouraging force. I played fretless (!!) bass in the HSU Steel Band in the late ‘80s. I believe that was the first time I had ever heard Calypso music. He was super open about me barely knowing what I was doing but trusting me enough to give me the role and giving me tips on the feel and time of that super upbeat music.

your question

02/12/2020 Atio Stefony

HI Trevor , i ve been following this site since 2004, when i was a teen , and your music as well.(learn so much" music and english" on this site by the way) . I Haven´T got the chance to see you live in Santiago, or abrove, but it will happend .
My question is , when you writte your own music, do you think of a certain Key before you writte it down? . I writte music myself and theres always 2 or 3 ways to do it for me , either i play my instrument and i find something that i like on any key( someties after i will move up or down the key, after some experiments) or i´ll get a melody in my head or a chord proression and then tried to find that key . I am curious, when do you decide? " ok this is the key"
I see different colors , with different keys and its facinating why that key in particular, was chosen . Could be arbitrary for some people but others i know there´s some tought on it .
Love your composiciones !
salud*

my answer

I don’t often write in keys to be honest. I would say some of my music is “pan-tonal”, not unlike jazz in a way, where a song or composition might go through a few keys. I think there is a physical element to finding where to start. We all have our habits and muscle memory on various instruments. Do you often find yourself starting with the exact same chord or lick when you first pick up the instrument? There is also the memory of the throat and one’s comfortable range. If I am starting from scratch I might just pick up a guitar and strum around for a while randomly until I find something my hands, mind and voice all intersect on. I say “mind” because I have to like it or find something unusual about it, almost as if I didn’t make it up, I just found it. Later I might analyze it and find out that it is or isn’t in a key. I certainly don’t start with the theory, unless it’s more like an exercise, as in limiting oneself to a key or scale or time signature. And believe me, that can be rewarding.

If you see colors you might be synesthetic. It’s a rare but very cool “dysfunction” that you might want to harness. Check out the histories and music of Oliver Messiaen or Alexander Scriabin. You might have something in common.

your question

02/11/2020 Martin

Hi Trevor, I just saw the Mr. Bungle show at Brooklyn Steel (2/10), and it was awesome. I have 2 questions for you.
1. How does it feel knowing that there’s a whole new generation of fans who are into Mr. Bungle? I’m 21 and I have couple of friends who are musicians my age who enjoy your bands’s music.
2. What was it like doing the sno-core tour? Did you get along with the guys in System of a down and Incubus?

my answer

1. It’s amazing! And not something I ever could have predicted. I guess I got wind of it about 10 years ago when kids would come up to me and say, my dad got me into you guys. Great! Look, I like a lot of music that is far outside of my realm of existence. Bach would be a good example of that. Not to compare myself to him in anyway, but it’s very rewarding to know that something you’ve been a part of survives more than just it’s current generation.
2. Yeah, we got a long just fine. Mostly we stayed on our bus and played Crazy Taxi or read books. Some of those other guys were partying a bit too much for our taste. We were certainly the grandpas of that tour and the audience made us very aware of that, which fueled our snark.

your question

01/29/2020 Sophia

Did you wear the de rigueur uniform of cut-off shorts, tube socks & a half shirt back in the 80s?

my answer

Of course I did. Also, Nike hi-tops, pegged 501s and the obligatory Raven t-shirt.

your quesiton

01/29/2020 Jackie Treehorn

Would you mind giving us the story on your audition with Tom Waits? Songs played and any other details you'd like to give. I remember reading long ago you didn't get the gig due to scheduling conflicts. At any rate, that's amazing you even got to play in a room with him.

my answer

Through a network of musicians I was called up to Mr. Waits ranch in Norther California to essentially audition for an upcoming tour or recording— I can’t remember which. I drove up there with my upright bass and met him somewhere towards the beginning of a long driveway where he introduced himself and invited me into his studio which was sort of like a barn. He sat down at a Fender Rhodes and had me just follow along with no plan, no clue, no written music. I think he just wanted to see if I had an ear. The whole thing is a bit of a blur to be honest, but he was very friendly and not intimidating at all. He sang as he played the song. I don’t recall what song it was but I do remember, while trying to follow as best as I could, that I was simultaneously thinking, that’s Tom Waits’ voice. I still have a cassette somewhere of saved voice messages from back in the day when we all owned answering machines that recorded onto tape. I made a collection of some of my favorite ones and I have his, unmistakable, scratchy voice inviting me up for the session.

I got the gig, but had to turn him down because that was the year that Mr Bungle was doing extensive touring in support of California and there were too many schedule conflicts.

your question

01/29/2020 Sophia

Do you like Alejandro Jodorowsky films?

my answer

Yes.

your question

01/21/2020 Sophia

They say platypus are now on edge of extinction. I think you should be their voice & make one of those commercials with a depressing song in the background & raise money for a sanctuary.

my answer

If I’m not mistake the status of the platypus is “threatened”. The next critical level after that is “vulnerable” followed by “endangered”. There are still three more steps before “extinct”. Check out the Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley of Australia. Donate your ass off.

your question

01/12/2020 Gianluca Servello

Hey Trevor, hope everything’s going good. I’m 22 and can’t believe gonna see you at the Brooklyn Steel February 11th, I was 4 when Bungle took the hiatus so this is like the Beatles coming back for me haha.
I’ve been trying to learn upright bass and have a 3/4 scale student model, but one thing worries me. Do you respect one who has to use fret markings for intonation? It’s been hard getting perfect pitch but the tape markings really help me, is this respectable and normal to you, or “cheating”/screaming of incompetence?

my answer

I think there is a certain value to starting out with that kind of aid. But it’s important to recognize that there are two main factors in good intonation on a stringed instrument in which tempered tuning is relative. Neither of those things is visual. They are muscle memory and your ear. It’s ok to start with those “cheat notes” but the point is to get your hands (and ears) used to the correct place to be, which you will eventually need to achieve without those markings. (Btw, there are not frets on an upright bass so it would be more accurate to call those pitch markings). How will you be able to read music or watch the drummer, for example, if you are staring at the neck of your instrument. Even piano students at a certain point are encouraged to read without looking at their hands. Those notes aren’t going anywhere. Get used to feeling and hearing where they are.

your question

01/11/2020

🐝Hey Trevor,
Thanks in advance for taking the time in answering the plethora of questions. Its all greatly appreciated.
1. What’s the plural form of “bass?” Is it something weird like ‘cacti’ or does it never change like ‘sheep’ or ‘deer.’ What would you say if one were to walk into a room filled with them? “Wow, that’s a lot of ____!”
2. Speaking of, the black bandages — located on your bass’ shark-fin-part, what happened? It looks like it got into a fight. Finally,
3. In descending order what is your favorite apocalyptic song?
(A) Till the world ends — Britney Spears, femme fatale
(B) 1999 – Prince, 1999
(C) General Boy Visits Apocalypse Now - DEVO, Duty Now for the Future
(D) Sunset - Roy Orbison, In Dreams

my answer

1. I guess it depends on which language you’re speaking. In my Italian score it says basso. I just say basses i.e. I own several basses. If you’re referring to low end frequency in a general way, however, one would say ‘that’s a lot of bass”, but in that case the word “bass” is really an adjective, not unlike a color, capable of being broken down into much more specific scientific elements. One must also distinguish between Electric Bass Guitar and Contrabass, which are both often reduced to the generalized “bass”. I don’t have a problem with any of this. Sometimes talking about sound seems useless.
2. That would be gaffer tape keeping my strap from slipping off the strap hooks. Gaffer tape rules. Long live Ross Lowell.
3. Probably in the exact order you listed, Sunset being my top choice.

your question

01/11/2020 Jon Carr

Do you like Nine Inch Nails at all? I’ve always wanted to hear Bungle do something industrial-esc.

my answer

Never really got into them, although I saw a great live show once. Very impressed with the production. Is that industrial music? I’m not sure. If Bungle ever decided to go down that genre I’m sure we’d screw it up somehow.

your question

01/01/2020 D. DinesTrevor,

What personal projects are you most excited about these days? Are there collaborations you haven’t been able to make work yet that you’re itching to make a reality?

In another area altogether, in going back to decades old material for the Bungle shows, are there parts of the songs you find surprising as you re-learn them? Had you personally gone over that material on your own in the intervening years, or are you having to come at it all with fresh ears?

my answer

I’m itching to finish my singer/songwriter record as well as the new trio-convulsant expanded version. Not really focused on any collaborations. I need to focus on myself.

I did find a few parts or perhaps, song-writing choices a bit surprising. I didn’t dig in to the music until a couple months before the first show. I had forgotten how focused on composition we were. Lots of theme and variation, lots of cells to work with. Very intervalic and chromatic. I had forgotten that we were already in that mindset back then.

your question

12/23/2019 JimmyMe again.

My wife and I just got back from NY where we saw, wait for it... Harry Connick Jr. doing all Cole Porter. While some of the show was schmaltzy (it is Broadway, after all) when they hit the hard swinging stuff, it was amazing and Connick is a beast of a piano player. Yet, as I was watching the bass player, I kept thinking, "Man, Trevor Dunn would be killing this right now."
With this in mind, do you think, if the circumstances were right, you would ever find yourself in a show like that; even with the schmaltz? I mean, I'll bet you could tear up swing music.
Thanks for all you do. I'm always looking forward to your next project.

my answer

Well, been there done that. I’ve done my share of those kinds of gigs, although not on that level. In fact, even working in Mondo Cane was a similar “orchestra pit” type of gig. Not really my thing anymore. There is very little creative input coming from the orchestra in those types of productions. It’s more about “the show”. And though those types of musicians are totally pro and very skilled, it takes a certain mindset to do that night after night. I do love to play swing and old standards but preferably with friends, in small ensembles, at jam sessions in bars.

your question

12/20/2019 Simon James

The first Bungle album may well end up being your most loved work by old and new fans alike. I think it’s one of the greatest albums ever made. What would be an appropriate question to address this glaring fact do you think? I’d love to know.

12/21/2019 I’m a big fan of Mr. Bungle and Paul Simon. What’s your take on him?

12/21/2019 I’m a big fan of Mr. Bungle and Paul Simon. You have said before how great it feels to make a living out of making weird music. Do you ever want to try and make something as perhaps less weird yet in my view brilliant as songs like Paul Simon songs?

my answer

I can’t stand it when, in the midst of my active career, people suggest that my greatest accomplishment has already been fulfilled giving a veritable brush-off to my remaining work yet unseen. On the other hand, I don’t think it’s one of the greatest records ever made, but how can I have any real perspective on that? Above all, I’m not sure what you question is. Your question is what question should you ask me about your opinion on a record I was part of 30 years ago?

I like some Paul Simon stuff. 50 Ways is one of the greatest songs every written. And I love me some Simon & Garfunkel. I don’t think Simon was always original but I recognize the moments where he is. And yes, writing a brilliant song is always a goal.

your question

12/19/2019 ET phone home

Hi! I've got Fantomas-related questions:
1) I don't remember where I read it, but I believe it was published that the material for both Delirium Cordia and Suspended Animation was culled from the same sessions. That sounds funny from the outside -- do you remember how those sessions went? I.e. was it clear from the outset that you were recording material for two albums (one darker and more disturbed and the other more cartoonish and violent)? Or were you really just handed multiple bass parts to nail on top of whatever parts were already recorded? This ties into the next question...
2) I know, I should be more used to the notion that Fantomas is Mike Patton's baby rather than a collaborative effort. It's just that the music sounds so involved and "real" on the part of the players, it's hard for me to imagine that the process was just Patton handing over audio demos, midi files or sheet music before or during a studio session. What I'm getting at is this: what kind of suggestion or direction did Patton provide during the recording process? Was there any occasion in which he would clue you, Buzz or Dave in on what he was visualizing for a section or track? Or did he just ask you to stick to what he recorded in a cassette demo at home? (the demos for the first album sound really close to the final product, but I dunno if that's the case for the later albums).
3) What do you feel about Delirium Cordia as a finished product?

my answer

1. From my standpoint it was all one session. We rehearsed all of that music in one go, although I think Delirium was put together more or less in the studio
2. Probably the reason the records sound “real” is because we spent hundreds of hours rehearsing that stuff. Just four guys in a room hammering away. Essentially it was exactly as you describe it: He handed over a cassette of completed demos which we had to sift through and decipher. He was constantly cluing us into everything and was very specific about what he wanted to the point of telling Dave which cymbal to play on any given nanosecond. So ultimately we were urged to stick to the pacing and phrasing of the demos as well as the notes.
3. I haven’t heard it in so long I don’t remember.

your question

12/18/2019 Will you go out on a date with me?

my answer

probably

your question

12/18/2019 Rick

What are your thoughts on Mike Pattons "Adult Themes for voice" and is the rumor that it was made to mess with hardcore fans true?
Also have you ever thought about making a solo record filled with solo double bass compositions like Pentogram? Because I would buy that it a secound.

my answer

I love that record, I think it’s some of his best work. I don’t know about that rumor but my guess is that no one would actually make an entire record just for the sake of “messing” with a specific audience. Let’s face it, that record messes with everyone, which is why it’s great. I do believe that it was made with integrity and a genuine sense of art based on eclectic influences.

Yes, I have thought about making a solo record. Was actually planning on recording in a church this Summer after my tour with Buzz, but that won’t be happening now.

your question

12/15/2019 Loosefish

I know you get lots of these stupid "do you like band x?" type questions, so sorry for another one, but were you ever influenced by the band Cardiacs? I know they were first described to me as "a very english Mr Bungle" which isn't too wide of the mark even though they've been around a lot longer.than Bungle.

my answer

I didn’t get hip to the Cardiacs until about 10 years ago. Not sure if Trey or Patton knew of them. Sorta glad I didn’t know about them. They might have discouraged me by being so good.

your question

12/11/2019 Tyler

Opinions on the band “Idiot Flesh”?
Did Bungle ever run into them!
Many thanks!

my answer

I came across those guys in the early ‘90s in SF and was a fan. Used to go see them in their earliest lineups at The Bottom of The Hill. Bungle never played shows with them but I knew most of those guys. I remember running in Nils at a Messiaen organ concert somewhere. When we cleared out our storage space after we stopped playing shows in 2000 I gave them (well, at that point they had reformed into Sleepytime) a bunch of our leftover gear including an upright piano.