09/27/2020
Why did Eyvind Kang say that Bär is the best composer in Mr. Bungle? With all due respect to both Eyvind and Bär.......
Why would you assume that I know why someone else would say something? If I could guess it’s because Bär has written some of the best melodic shit we ever did.
09/23/2020 Geography
You don’t strike me as a NYC type at all--like the people who spend their youth dreaming of moving to the big city and view it as their destiny. Never mind lifelong New Yorkers, even transplants to the city seem to have some je ne sais quoi distinguishing quality about them that you don’t exude. However, as an adult, you have now lived in the city longer than you did in Northern(ish) California, which indisputably makes you a New Yorker. My question is, how do you see yourself? Do you feel like a New Yorker? If pushed, would you say you’re bi-coastal (lol)? Do you miss the Bay Area at all? Do you ever feel rootless? And lastly, what exactly was it about the NYC scene in contrast to the West Coast scene that drove your decision to move out east when you did in Y2K? Obviously there's a lot more opportunity and money to be made in NYC, but was there something more to the decision?
I lived in the Northeast for close to two decades and got really used to/spoiled by the music resources out there (jazz/improv/classical/new music/weird shit) but I moved to LA a year ago and quickly realized that I was mostly clueless about West Coast musicians, and I suddenly felt lost within the music scene I had once felt at home in. I soon discovered Zebulon (had moved out west!), bluewhale, and REDCAT, but I lack a network of friends and a foundational knowledge of the scene out here. Then COVID happened, so live music has been on hold now for most of my time living here. For when shit gets somewhat back to normal, can you recommend some West Coast musicians and LA-area venues? Thanks for your time!
I’ve been in Brooklyn for over 20 years and they say at the 10 year mark you can call yourself a “New Yorker”. I don’t really feel the need to do so, especially since my idea of a ‘real NYer’ is a hunched back, cigarette smoking old man who’s probably ten years younger than he looks, shuffling across trash in the middle of the street (not the crosswalk) with bits of cream cheese in the corners of his mouth while a fire engine screeches for him to get out of the way. I’m California through and through, it just so happens that I’m very adaptable. Honestly, I could live anywhere. Mexico preferably. I would say I’m bi-coastal as I still have many ties on the West Coast as well as family. I do miss it. The weather is better. It’s easier to shop for groceries. I wouldn’t say I miss the Bay Area specifically, but I miss the redwoods. I don’t feel rootless but I am an American from a small town. My culture is heavy metal, chopping wood and steak ultimately. I was encouraged by people like Zorn and Kenny Wollesen to come to NYC. In SF, by the late ‘90s I felt complacent; working a lot for sure, but not necessarily going anywhere. I had to have that talk with my career: Where are we going with this? Couldn’t have made a better choice.
There’s a lot going on in LA. As you’ve probably noticed, it is it’s own culture. Less public transit being a major factor. You already nailed the main spots and probably know more than me at this point. Just keep showing up there.
09/23/2020 Nicole S.
If the members of Mr. Bungle were animals, what animals would they be? Why?
Cheers Love,
Nicole
We already did Star Wars characters in the ‘90s but ok….
Danny: Crow
Bär: Water Buffalo
Trey: Owl
Mike: Opossum
Trevor: Oyster
Dave: Cheetah
Scott: Beaver
09/22/2020 Nicole S.
WTF Questions for Quarantine:
1. If you had a boat, what would you name it
2. Your most useless talent?
3. Dumbest way you have been injured?
4. What was something TV or films led you to believe would be a much bigger problem than it ever has been?
5. Fictional character you would like to sit down with and have a few beers with. Why?
6. If you could have 1 super power, what would it be?
Cheets Love,
Nicole S.
1. The Manatee for Sannety
2. I can type without looking at the keyboard
3. Flaming marshmallow at a BBQ flew in the air and landed on my wrist
4. Quicksand
5. Deanie Loomis from Spendor In the Grass, so I can tell her that she’s not crazy.
6. Self realization
09/21/2020 Alex
Good Day, Trevor!
Would like to say thank you very much and send you greetings from Russia.
I've only had a chance to see you live in Moscow with Fantomas back in 2005. It was fantastic. Have no words to describe actually.
Interesting how did you find the country and city if you can recall it from memory? Anything specifically to mention? Or it was just another hotel/stage/flight?
Wish you all the best and stay healthy in this crazy times.
I went back to Moscow with my buddy Balazs Pandi a few years ago and again with Oliver Steidle — we played a very cool venue. Where were you?! The first time I went to Moscow all I could remember was the traffic. But the last time I was the I was giving a really nice tour of the subway system. It’s amazing! Some of the most elaborate and artful subway stations I’ve ever seen. Also took the midnight train to St. Petersburg, drank too much vodka and ate a lot of fish sandwiches.
09/20/2020 Kenny
Hi Trevor! Same guy who wrote you asking about a potential lyrical connection between "Everyone I Went to High School With is Dead" (I got the title right this time, and yes, I double-checked!) and "Retrovertigo", and just a few minutes ago, I came across a Spanish interview with Ben Weinman of Dillinger Escape Plan (located here: https://www.mondosonoro.com/blog-musica/california-mr-bungle-especial/) which has a really interesting bit in it, which, keep in mind, I ran this through Google Translate:
"What are your memories from the first time you heard "California"?
I remember being surprised by the number of genres that were addressed on the same album. However, I think I was very impressed by the song "Retrovertigo". It's an absolutely bright and accessible ballad that could have been on commercial radio. I later wrote a song called "Unretrofied" which was a tribute to that song and the feeling I had when I hear it every night."
My questions are:
1. Did you know this?
2. Thoughts on the song and/or someone essentially writing a response-song to something you've written?
3. Thoughts on Dillinger Escape Plan as a whole?
Just wanted to end this by saying "thanks" for answering fan questions. You're awesome. Thank you.
1. I did not.
2. I really like that Dillinger album and that tune an early example of people conjoining a certain harshness with a certain sweetness. That’s the broader interpretation that I prefer to “genre shifting” or whatever. I’ve certainly written songs inspired by other songs. In a certain way, Retrovertigo was inspired by Radiohead’s Creep, so the torch goes on and on. I’m honored any time I ever hear about someone being influenced by something I contributed.
3. Killer band. Brutal.
09/20/2020 Jo (again)
"Reality is for people who can't handle drugs". Thoughts?
My weirdest and most durable ideas come when I’m sober and always have. My dreams far surpass any drug experience. That said, perhaps I need to up the dose. Here’s a question: since when are drugs and the experience they provide not a part of reality. Is not a hallucination a real experience? It has a name. It exists.
09/20/2020 Jo
Hey Trevor,
A few literary questions for you:
1) Which books (fiction and/or non-fiction) have had the greatest influence on you personally? Is there one book that you believe everyone should read?
2) What is the most disappointingly over-rated pile of literary shite you’ve ever wasted your time on?
3) Oh no! 2020 ended in civil war, and the US has now become a totalitarian state. All secular literature is banned, and books are being collected and burned. You are able to hide one novel from your extensive (and how highly illegal) collection. What do you choose and why?
1) Milan Kundera’s Testaments Betrayed had a big impact on me, as did his Immortality. Been meaning to re-read the latter as it’s been 20 years. At one point I bought 10 copies of Testaments Betrayed and gave them to friends. A piece of fiction would be Maldoror by Lautréamont. Also, Camus’ The Plague.
2) Interesting question I had to ponder for some time. I can’t think of anything. I tried to read some Ayn Rand, couldn’t get far. Usually if it doesn’t gel I just don’t bother. I can think of a movie I had to force myself to stay to the end: Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. Hate is right. What a piece of garbage
3) I’d probably go with Lautréamont because it’s so rich and new every read. Hm, or maybe Infinite Jest, which I hear is insufferable, but if I only get one, why not make it a challenge?
09/17/2020 22:52:27 Bee(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
Hi Trevor!
1. You’re setting up your electric bass (🦋 ) to be this tangible icon of your XX-year music career and already looks like it deserves the Purple Heart. What’s the story behind its genesis? How did she find you?
2. In regards to becoming a full time musician, how would one determine the degree of hard work and sacrifice they should make? Especially in music where stability fluctuates and sacrificial efforts don't always match their desired outcomes.
3. What’s your base point in determining fall’s arrival? Is it the change in leaves or when pumpkin-spice-everything takes control of the city and our children? It can also be a scent that awakens a memory.
1. After switching over to 5-string from about ‘92-’96 I woke up one morning with a hankering for a Pbass. I went to a store in Berkeley, CA called Univibe (RIP) and they had two. My 1975 “Butterfly” Pbass chose me that day. I have no idea what her history before me was. We don’t talk about the past.
2. I sacrificed a fair amount in the early days, consciously staying in to practice or take gigs while my peers were partying or out vandalizing property. I missed a lot of self-destruction. I suppose everyone has to gauge it themselves — to what degree of discipline can they maintain; how hungry are you? How bad do you want it? Plenty of brilliant musicians need day jobs to stay afloat. There’s no shame in that. Be frugal, check yourself, don’t waste time but also, rest is important.
3. I’d say on the East Coast it is a specific temperature drop. It’s probably 48º or something specific like that. Back in California there was only Halloween, which is still a good base point for a lot of things.
09/17/2020 M
Hi, wondering what it was like for you when you played music with your girlfriend, specifically in the context of a duo that’s entirely improvising. There seems to be alot that can be parsed about such a dynamic! Cheers.
A lot to be parsed for sure. It’s complex and difficult, for me anyway, to not untangle the personal with the art, but sometimes that’s what you have to do. That dynamic can also fuel good music so I don’t want to sound like it wasn’t mostly positive, which it was. But really, touring with someone you’re intimate with is not unlike any other tour where you’re sharing space with others 95% of the time. It’s always good to get some alone time.
09/16/2020 Jeff G
Have you ever seen or interacted with a fan who was wearing a Mr. Bungle shirt who didn't recognize you? How often are you stopped in public?
Yes, plenty of times. Usually at other shows and people can’t understand why I would be at a show. Haha. I’m very rarely stopped in public. Almost never. I’m happy about that.
09/16/2020 Dingus
Hey Trevor! I fucking love "Raping Your Mind" but I was curious: The general social climate is much different now than when it was initially written and released back in the 80s. Did you or any of the guys having any worries about releasing a song called "Raping Your Mind" in 2020? Was there any talks of maybe changing it to "Fucking Your Mind" or something like that? And have you received any backlash for it?
Which, might I add: Any backlash you'd potentially receive from that song would be fucking stupid.
Haven’t received any backlash and I’d like to think that’s because it’s not illegal to use the word “raping” or “rape” or any reference to assault of any kind in a song title or lyric. I feel that my mind is raped everytime I read the news. I’m not sure what the backlash would actually be about anyway. I mean, these aren’t Anal Cunt lyrics for crying out loud. It’s a song about psychological torment. Probably the real reason no one said anything is because most of our fans are open-minded, have a sense of humor and couldn’t care less. Despite the social climate no one in the ‘80s even heard that song, nor could they decipher the lyrics (then or now). I still find it strange that some people can’t tell the difference between fiction and non-fiction, between story telling and personal history, between an artist and a character.
09/16/2020 Sofia
What do you like about Megan Thee Stallion? You said you would like to collaborate with her. I've been listening to her a lot lately, I don't know what it is, I like her voice a lot... I like Cardi B too. Both of them keep me working out on the gym hahaha
I’ve always appreciated that fast-paced, uber-creative word play and boundary pushing. The beats are fun and amazing. I wouldn’t know where to start to create something like that. I was also really into Nikki Manaj. I mean, c’mon, Missy Elliot, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill? These are badass bitches who, quite frankly, are way more creative the most of the male rappers in the game.
11/11/2021 Adrian
Do you still stay in contact with short time Bungle members like trumpet players Scott Fritz and Luke Miller or drummer Hans Wagner?
Haven’t been in touch with Scott nor Luke since the ‘80s. I still occasionally run into Hans in the Pacific Northwest and I believe he’s still hittin’ the tubs.
09/16/2020 Han
Hi!
I am a high school student/ contemplative high school drop-out because the stuff we learn is inane and ridiculous and teenagers are mean. Any advice on how to stay somewhat sane while being forced to sit in the back of a freezing Canadian classroom for two-and-a-half hours? I'm assuming-- which I know is a terrible road to walk down, it makes an ass out of you and me and all, but you did write a song called Everyone I Went To High School With Is Dead-- that you didn't like it either. What did you get up to to cope with it?
(I write a lot and it works-- most of the time, but good advice from strange adults on the Internet is always appreciated.)
My first thought is to tell you to stay in school. School is actually one of the easier parts of life, believe it or not, and it only lasts a few years until your aren’t obligated to learn anymore. The learning part is what I’m talking about in terms of being “easy”, relatively speaking — relative to all the real life horrors of adulthood. My advice is to get through the inane stuff by keeping yourself occupied by what you really want to learn, whatever that is—dive deep on your own —assuming that if you’re bored with what you’re being taught it’s easy for you to skim through it and have plenty of time to dig into extracurricular learning. I think it’s important in life in general to always be learning. You can’t be bored if you are challenging yourself to learn something new. Everyone I Went To HS With…is more about 1) the choice to follow cultural patterns and 2) the real life horrors of death before one graduates and enters the “real world”.
How did I cope? I didn’t socialize much except with 2 people, I practiced a lot and I followed my own path. I always enjoyed the learning part of it all.
08/11/2020 Rob
Would you consider Rage Against The Machine hypocrites? A band that preaches socialism and anti capitalism, all the while being signed to a huge major label amd cashing in millions while playing concerts in big corporate owned theaters and arenas and selling tickets thru a billion dollar company aka Ticketmaster....Seems like they are full of shit just like every other politician
Yes, I would. But I would also consider pretty much everyone a hypocrite. People love to sermonize their self-righteous opinions while ignoring their own faults which they may not even be aware of. Consider all the people who bitch about the environment, NFTs, farms, etc yet still fly on airplanes, eat meat, have children. Everyone is wrong. The preaching is where it gets you in trouble.
08/11/2020Chris
Can a bands image hurt the way they or their music is perceived? Marilyn Manson has such a clown image and then he does a mature blues rock album yet people can't move past the eyeliner and makeup. Korn has such a horrible image of dreadlocked baggy pants wearing bros, and when they hooked up with Terry Bozzio and did an electronic album, nobody took it seriously. Can a bands image take away from the music?
You’re asking me a subjective question. Of course anyone’s image affects how they are perceived for better or for worse. Perception is the responsibility of the beholder. I’m not sure why anyone would take Marilyn Manson or Korn seriously solely based on their music. But what you personally get out of the music is your own issue based on all of your own biases, reference points, education, psychological hangups, etc. KISS’ image, for example, had a strong, positive affect on me as an adolescent. Over the course of 40 + years how I perceive all that now has changed. Think about the kinds of music you might listen to that aren’t encased in any sort of image, like contemporary classical music. Would your impression of the music change if you knew what György Kurtág, e.g. looked like? Keep in mind that a public figure’s persona is probably filtered through a lot of other intentions and collective altering.
08/22/2020 Gabriel
Hey, Trevor. Hope you're doing well.
Some years ago, I stumbled, I don't know how, in a channel of a woman who talked a lot about Mike Patton. She talked in a manner that I didn't know wheter she was talking about the same Patton or not. I kept watching and she indeed was. Allegedly, she studied with you guys in Eureka.
She's utterly mentally off. She keeps writing dream journals of you guys and believes that you guys are involved in some sort of cult and mind control programs. I don't have any comments about it. Do you?
Also, I have watched your Amoeba video and the music that you presented there interested me a lot. I was never much into jazz because most of the stuff that I was presented to, apart from swing, sounded like masturbation and some of the classical stuff, I like, I can see why it's great, but the things you presented there has a flavor that I liked. I'm also looking for some classical music that sounds totally angry, sheer chaos, full of hatred. Do you have any further recommendations? Something friendly, please.
Why do you consider Melissa a thrash record? Was King Diamond actually scary back in the day with that voice?
What was the most bizarre thing you witnessed in Eureka? Is Eureka like the movie Gummo? Were your music teacher happy that you were able to "escape" Eureka?
Do you like any authors from the Early Modern English era? That is, between the 15th and 17th centuries? What period in history do find most fascinating?
Thanks, Trevor. Have a nice day.
You’d be surprised in the amount and degree of “mentally off” fans who are sadly quite delusional. My only comment is that I hope she gets the help that she needs and is left unharmed by insecure bullies.
You want to hear some angry, chaotic, full of hate, friendly classical music? Hm, I see. Try Schönberg’s Survivor From Warsaw, Penderecki’s Threnody For The Victims of Hiroshima, Dumitrescu’s Cogito, Davies’ Eight Songs For A Mad King. I’m not sure about the hatred part — you might want to venture more towards Puce Mary or Wetware for that. I consider Melissa thrash because that’s what it was called back then. They definitely weren’t SpeedMetal, or BlackMetal, although they sort of reference all of that as well as Rush and Priest if you as me. Who cares what it’s called? And no, I never found the King to be scary. The most bizarre thing I saw in Eureka was discarded deer legs in the forest. Yes, my teachers were happy I left. 15th-17th century English is an era I have yet to explore. I like the 20th century.
08/21/2020 Jack Engel
What musical piece, song, or album are you most happy with how it turned out? I don't mean the most financially successful either, I'm talking about as a musician and an artist.
Two things come to mind: MadLove & the solo piano Nocturnes played fabulously by Vicky Chow. The MadLove record (a financial failure) was probably my proudest compositional & production moment.
08/17/2020 Simon James
Bryan Adams Reckless was a great record. Agree? I will disappear now, I promise. Keep up the good work, I love the new Bungle single.
Can’t argue there isn’t some good song writing on that record although I can’t ague that I’ve ever listened to it in it’s entirety. I guess I’ll do that and try to figure out if you are hoodwinking me. This is why it takes me so long to answer these damn questions.