YOUR QUESTION

10/07/2020 Brian

Hey Trevor,
I'm looking forward to the new Bungle activity this month, and I got a good laugh out of the promo ad for the upcoming Halloween performance.
I know I've asked about this topic before, and I apologize because I know it's not your favorite subject. I thank you for shedding some light on it before.
Regarding Songwriting on all the songs from Goddammit I Love America and all the songs from the Mr Bungle 1991 LP, you told me who did the basic songwriting skeletons.
But can you show some love for Bar, Danny Heifetz, Theo and Luke Miller? Which songs, of any from the two releases I mentioned, would any of those guys have had any hand in the creative process of? Which of any of those songs, might someone generously give them even a partial writing credit for? Horn arrangements etc
I know that you said you and Trey wrote a lot of the horn parts, but who was the other most frequent horn writer besides you two in those years? Bar or Theo?
I know you might find this a little tedious, but I'm obviously very, very interested in the nuts and bolts of composition. Of course I'm also interested in other band minutiae of personalities and what not but for me, nothing is more important than the literal MUSIC itself, and how it was created.
Thanks you so much. Take care.

MY ANSWER

Bär and Danny didn’t join Bungle until 1989, the year we recorded OU818. I believe there is a riff in Mr. Nice Guy that Danny wrote, but neither of those guys were really writing that much for the band until later and, in fact, I’m not sure Danny wrote anything else after that. Luke and Theo didn’t write anything for the band, although Theo made some attempts during the DV sessions. Patton, Trey and myself did all of the horn arrangements. In Patton’s case, he would sing us the parts, Trey and I would write them out and the Horns Of The Cuckold would play them. Of course, with Bär and Danny, there was always a collaborative element — they would mold their parts, as musicians do, giving the music their signature.

YOUR QUESTION

10/06/2020 holly.f.w

Hey Trevor,
Stumbling across your work has been one of the better things to come out of quarantine (here in Melbourne, Australia we currently can't go more than 5km from home. Strange times.).
Art and music are pretty heavily entwined for me, and your current cassette project got me curious - with regards to the collages, is visual art something you've explored much of? They're fantastic and it would be exciting to see more if that's ever an avenue you might go down.
Stay safe and stay sane (as best you can, I suppose). I'll be keen to see Mr Bungle perform online later this month.

MY ANSWER

Visual art and writing are two things I’ve actually been doing longer than music. I used to draw quite a bit, took a couple of art classes, etc. I did do some early collage stuff a youngster but didn’t really start exploring it deeper until I was in my 30s. Now that I’ve sort of lost any drawing technique I find collage to be very liberating and also it doesn’t bear the pressure that music holds for me being a studied musician. I have been taking commissions for larger collages (approximately 8x11) although haven’t had the time to advertise this side hustle. I love making them, but they are time consuming. There will definitely be more!

YOUR QUESTION

10/05/2020 17:38:02KennyHey Trevor, I'm an aspiring musician, and don't worry, not here to try to get you to check out any of my stuff, but no matter what I create, no matter what style, etc, I'm deathly anxious of showing it to anyone in my family. Friends are perfectly fine, they're musicians too, but despite me having made music for years by myself (kinda hard to keep a band secret from your family), I just can't bring myself to show any of my work to anyone in my family. I guess I'm afraid of being rejected (mostly due to the music being electronic/hip-hop in nature, so it might not be "real music" to them since it was made on a computer), or arguably even worse, praised highly for work that I don't feel like is very deserving of praise.

Given how odd Bungle's releases were, did you have any anxiety about showing them to anyone in your family? How did your family react? And lastly, what advice would you give to someone in my position?

Thanks in advance

MY ANSWER

Being related to someone does not guarantee that you will relate. None of my family understands the majority of my music. That said, my mom, being a jazz fan and lover of live music will come out and see anything whether she gets it or not. I think I understood my black-sheep-ness at a young age and I don’t really go out of my way to share my music with them, with the exception of sending my mom CDs of the more “inside” stuff that I have done. I mean, Bungle used to rehearse in my parents’ living room. They’ve always known I was weird. Other than that, they know where to find my music (and pay for it) if they want to. So I don’t have that anxiety that you speak of. Fear of rejection is real, but so is being true to yourself. Depending on how severe this anxiety is, you may want to seek the advice of a therapist, but mostly I would only worry about satisfying and accepting yourself. If you’re proud of what you’ve created you should bask in that reward, regardless of anyone else’s opinion. My music is not even close to being accepted by all, and I have accepted that for years. That’s just a hallmark of being yourself and ultimately unique

YOUR QUESTION:

10/05/2020 Brad Moore

Hi Trev any chance of a bass lesson next time your in Sydney Australia? Would also love to take you hiking/kayaking for a day and leech your artistic wisdom whilst observing the wildlife Bizarre request I know but I’m sick of not ever meeting any of my musical inspirations, recently read buckethead asked Paul Gilbert for a lesson and he said yes so I thought I’d give it a go. Thanks for all your output over the years I’ve just finished getting all the moonchild albums and It’s hugely impressive stuff, how did Crowleys ideas help with it coming together?

MY ANSWER:

Yes, happy to give bass lessons. Take me out to the river for some platypus watching. I’m not kidding.

Your Question:

10/02/2020

Trevor, what is up with you? For close to 20 years you were the loudest voice in shooting down any talk of a Mr. Bungle reunion. You showed your irritation every time the question was asked, often comparing the scenario to getting back together with an ex-girlfriend. At your most cynical, you would go off on complete non-sequitur tangents about random shit when asked anything about the possibility of a reunion. This is all understandable...except that a Patton interview just revealed that it was YOU who birthed the idea of getting back together! Make it make sense.

MY ANSWER:

It was me who birthed the idea. I like shooting down talk.

YOUR QUESTION:

09/30/2020 Spurpringle

Hey Trevor! Got a fair amount of questions for ya, and I hope that's okay:
1. "Disco Volante", unless I got an odd pressing of the album, seems to be mixed a fair bit quieter than the other Bungle records. Was this intentional?
2. Is that you doing the "dododo"'s with the bassline in certain parts of the secret song on that album? And were you intentionally imitating Abe Simpson and Donald Duck at other parts?
3. A rumor used to exist online that "Hypocrites" was the only song that Trey did lead vocals on, is that really him singing lead on the old tape?
4. Have you ever lent your vocals to any Bungle song, and if so, where? I always get curious if any of the backing vocals are you

MY ANSWER:

1. Don’t remember. It’s a different mastering engineer. It’s was also probably the most difficult to work with being so dynamic. I leave that job to the experts.
2. No, that’s Patton doing the vocal doubling of that part. I was not going for Abe Simpson, more of just an old man in general, but yeah, it came off that way.
3. Yes it is. Part of the concept following the lyric “we’re hypocrites but we’re not hypocrites” was switching instruments. So on the original demo that’s me on guitar, Patton on bass, Trey on vocals.
4. No real harmonies as I recall.

Your Question:

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.......

My Answer:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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!

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

09/23/2020 Nicole S.

If the members of Mr. Bungle were animals, what animals would they be? Why?
Cheers Love,
Nicole

MY ANSWER:

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

YOUR QUESTION:

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.

MY ANSWER:

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

YOUR QUESTION:

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.

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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.

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

09/20/2020 Jo (again)

"Reality is for people who can't handle drugs". Thoughts?

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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?

MY ANSWER:

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?

YOUR QUESTION:

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.

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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.

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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?

MY ANSWER:

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.

Your Question:

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.

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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

MY ANSWER:

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.

YOUR QUESTION:

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?

MY ANSWER:

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.