your question:

09/14/2022 Kenny Kong

Hey Trevor!
1. I -BELIEVE- you've mentioned having some love for some hip-hop artists/groups before, have you ever tried making any beats? I feel like you could probably come up with something really adventurous and off-kilter.
2. Have you ever read a wrong interpretation of your lyrics? If so, what are some that you've read?
3. Throughout your entire discography, do you have even one love song, lyrically? You've touched on some pretty deep stuff before but I don't recall if you have any music lyrically dealing with love

my answer:

1. I have not although it’s been on my mind to venture in.
2. I’m sure I have but I don’t dwell on that; Many times they are intended to be interpreted differently.
3. Love Is A Fist is sort of an anti-love song inspired by the hackneyed, cookie-cutter love songs of the ‘80s. Later I wrote a couple songs on my MadLove record that might fall under that category. Absence & Noise is a break up song and In Love (In Theory) is about being in love with the wrong person, to a degree. I’m more interesting in sociology than some proclamation of romance.

your question:

09/14/2022 Layne

Favorite 80s sitcom? Growing Pains v Family Ties. Which is better?

my answer:

Nothing beats Soap, although technically that’s ‘70s. I was pretty deep into Three’s Company, The Jeffersons, Mork & Mindy, Taxi etc. I guess my TV years bridged the decades. Never watched Growing Pains and Family Ties had Justine Bateman who was around my age and whom I had a good crush on.

your question:

09/14/2022 Grant

Did Slipknot ever pay you guys royalties for copying the masks thing? When they first became popular and people praised them for their "look", do you just shrug it off or is it more aggravating

my answer:

We have no royalties to make on wearing Halloween masks and gas station jump suits as we never tried to secure any rights to those costumes. It might have been a different thing if we had custom masks made that were copied. We also were not the first band ever to wear masks. Did they cop our shit? Yes. I know for a fact that they saw us play on the ‘92 tour when we donned such outfits (later, they were keen on using our sound guy for some reason). It’s mostly aggravating because they are a terrible band. Come at me, bro. How is an 8-piece band capable of sounding like a duo? Anyway, nothing to be done about it. They took an idea and ran with it and ultimately made it their own, so props to that.

your question:

09/13/2022 Jason

Have you heard Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwoods new band The Smile?

my answer:

I’ve heard a couple things, yes.

your question:

09/13/2022 CR

Is there a reason why Bungle refused to play material from the 1st album on the DV and California tours (w the exception of Travolta). I understand Disco Volante era Mr B not wanting to play "Girls of Porn" or "Squeeze Me Macaroni" but songs like "Dead Goon" or "Slowly Growing Deaf" definitely could have been given a run through

my answer:

A very good reason. We always put together a set of what we want to play. Sometimes we are sick of certain songs or just not feeling them. We can’t play everything, and we can’t please everyone, so we do what we want.

your question:

09/12/2022 Bertie Bassett

Good day to you, fine sir. I have a few questions. Thank you in advance for taking time out to answer such.
1. What is your opinion on Fieldy from Korn? I heard rumours that he made a jazz fusion album for solo bass. Have you heard that?
2. Keeping with the same topic - Fieldy (inventor of slap) - have you heard his rap album? If not, I highly recommend it.
3. What do you think of 3/4 length trousers? I don't understand their function. Always look a tad awkward in my eyes.
4. What to do about individual strands of grey hair in a goatee? I'm talking one or two cheeky beggars.
5. Are you a fan of Creed?
6. Do you have any tattoos? Have you ever considered getting a chin tattoo? Like Dez from Coal Chamber?
7. If you received a call tomorrow morning from Dez inviting you to join Coal Chamber on bass, would you accept the offer? New album and a world tour on the cards. Dude from Taproot featuring on lead guitar.
Thank you again. I look forward to reading your answers. All the best.

My answer:

1. Dear god, the guy is not a bass player. I heard one of his solo records recently. It’s so bad that it’s amazing
2. I’ve heard this one is even better
3. I’m fine with them. Don’t have any myself, but I’m no fashion guru.
4. Chick dig ‘em
5. No
6. Yes. No.
7. It would have to pay an impossible amount of money. I’m not ashamed to be a Capitalist whore.

your question:

09/12/2022

Hi Trevor, I was wondering how you feel about the reputation that jazz bassists tend to get regarding arco playing, and if you think it’s justified. The way I see it, arco has never been a big part of jazz bass, just a small detail here and there for color in certain parts, so I think it’s a matter of musicians not prioritizing that leads to a lack of experience/practice, and therefore not as good a sound as plucking. Jazz is a “people’s music” that favors personality, spirit, soul, over technicality. Now, I don’t need jazz bassists to have as good an intonation as a “classically trained” bassist when bowing, but even I’ll admit that sometimes my ears tighten up when I hear even some of the all-time great bassists pick up their bow. Would love to hear your thoughts! Thank you and be well.
P.S. You have great intonation when bowing!

my answer:

Most jazz bassists don’t spend a lot of time with the bow and as a result their tone and intonation suffer. The best way to work on intonation and, really everything, is by working with the bow. Check out Slam Stewart for masterful arco jazz playing. The better a bassist’s intonation is, whether bowing or plucking, will get ideas across clearer — in the case of jazz, you gotta be pretty spot on to make the harmony work. But of course, you’re not tuning to a bunch of other bassists or string players in general. It is what it is. Some bass players should probably not use the bow if it is resulting in cringe. Sometimes it’s used as a novelty. You could say in general that jazz is not as in tune as classical music. That’s just the nature of the genres, for many reasons.
My intonation is by no means perfect but it’s something I’ve struggled with and worked on my whole life. The bass is a cumbersome beast imprisoning song within it’s resonant soul!

your question:

09/12/2022 chargus

In 2009 I was browsing through Ear X-tacy record store (RIP) and came upon your MadLove album.
I knew you had a rock album coming out and was excited to hear what that would be.
I was going through a breakup of a long term romantic relationship at the time, and I can say with authority that White With Foam is one of the greatest breakup records.
"Fill this heart with an endless sound like an ocean fills up a room
That's more than I found while staring at walls
The end of the world doesn't matter at all"
So on point, beautiful and brutal!
It's a "time machine" album that takes me back emotionally to sounds, smells, and vibes of the time.
A melancholic lyrical masterpiece of "rock". How long was the writing process for those tunes and were some discarded from the album?
Did you have specific inspirations for it? It's a very unique sound.
Sort of reminds me of the Pale Saints album In Ribbons.
Sunny Kim could have sung on that record.

Looking forward to this new Trio Convulsant.
Curious as to why the previous composed material had been scrapped.
What was the intent while composing it?
What was it about the music that prompted you to can it?

my answer:

I really appreciate this. I’m still quite proud of that record although we never really had a chance to tour and it didn’t do as well as I’d hoped. You’ll be happy to know that Absence & Noise is indeed a breakup song. Originally I thought the record might be about a love/hate relationship with NYC. I think the songs Rats With Wings and Left With Nothing might convey that a bit, but then personal shit got in there.
I spent a couple two years or so writing that record —pretty focused on it exclusively. I think Duane Denison’s writing in Jesus Lizard was definitely an inspiration — I get that kind of guitar writing. Also, The Cars “Candy-O” album from 1979. I have also always loved lead vocals shared by male & female, so the band X from Los Angeles was an inspiration.

The previous trio-convulsant material that I threw out wasn’t up to my standards; I didn’t like what I wrote. I think my approach was misguided and it took my a while to find a stride. Sometimes you have to weed out a lot of bullshit.

your question:

09/11/2022 Gene

Do you believe in God?

my answer:

I believe in humility, in acknowledging our smallness and lack of knowledge, in the mystery, in cosmic dust, in ashes, and in making the most of what little we do know.

your question:

09/08/2022 Base

Did you ever get made fun of, ridiculed, mocked, judged, etc. for your Iambic? Just wondering, not judging!

my answer:

No one has commented on my pentameter in years! Oh wait, you’re talking beer. I prefer Leffe Blonde.

your question:

09/07/2022 Helena

1. When and where did you go on your first date ever?
2. Were you nervous during first kiss?
3. Do you believe in love at first sight?
4. What’s the best relationship advice that someone has ever given you?
5. What advice would you give to your teenage self if you could travel back in time?
6. Do you believe there is a soulmate for everyone?
7. What song reminds you of your first relationship?
8. Do you think opposite genders can maintain a friendship without developing a love interest?
9. Which celebrity did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
10. Do you know what Weltschmerz is?

my answer:

So many damn questions, geez!
1) In Jr High I took a girl to see The Dead Zone. 2) Of course I was nervous! But her teeth were weird so I bailed later that week. 3) yes, to a folly. 4) Go practice this concerto 5) Screw fomo 6) No 7) Candle In The Wind 8)Yes 9) Deborah Harry 10) No, I don’t.

Your question:

2022 aurora

hey trevor. im a super huge mr bungle fan and have been for a while but id like your opinion on something. after being on sites like tumblr looking through the mr bungle/mike patton tags ive found that a LOT of people ship you and mike as well as mike and roddy. id like to know your opinion on this ship as it has been one of the most suprising ships ive literally ever seen.
also, do you have any favorite songs from the self titled mr bungle album? if so what are they? and what are your favorite memories from mr bungle back in the 90s? like any funny moments? id love your input on my questions dude youre seriously my favorite bass player ever. thanks man

my answer:

I had to look up the meaning of “ship”. Who knew it all started with Mulder & Scully?! My opinion on this is that fans like to invent all kinds of stuff, and to be honest, sometimes it can get dangerous or at least disturbing. I’m not sure what else to say except that I’m not into dudes, lol.
My favorite songs are usually the ones I didn’t write, so probably My Ass Is On Fire (I did come up with that title) or Dead Goon, which was really a collective written by most of the band.
My favorite memories of the ‘90s were the few live shows that we did and the immediate response from the audience. It was a hell of a way to tour the U.S. So many funny moments! Like the time we got held hostage by the venue in Cleveland because we caused so much damage on stage.

your question:

2022 Felipe Zenicola

Hi Trevor,
First of all thanks for having this channel of communication here, beautiful ideia!
I want to renew my gear a bit and have been searching for some drive, compressors, eqs, preamps pedal for my 77 pbass. My range of sound goes from motown to free improv/noise so its been a bit challenging. I personally love the drive sound of your bass on moonchild album, can you share what were you using in that record and any other thoughts on pedals you love nowadays, specially talking about a 70’ pbass? thanks a lot!

my answer:

I don’t remember exactly what distortion I used on the Moonchild records. It’s possible it was a Line6 modeller (the gold one); I especially like that because of the EQ option — you can crank the low end that gets sucked out by saturation. I don’t use any compressors or EQ pedals in general though. I often switch up my distortion pedals from time to time. I don’t really have a formula. Lately I’ve been using a Darkglass Duality and GameChanger Plasma. My advice would be to try a bunch of different stuff, maybe a couple things in combination. For motown stuff you don’t need a damn thing, just a bass!

your question:

2022 Caitlin O'Connor

I hear you are an avid reader. Do you let writings influence your music, or make a conscious effort to translate your favorite literary themes or motifs into sound?

my answer:

No so much other than letting them seep in through my subconscious. I’m not sure literary themes would even work translated to sound. It’s better use one’s ear.

your question:

2022 João

hey, Trevor!
I. there's a rumor that MB tried to hire Frank Zappa to produce the debut, and because he was ill at the time he declined. yet FZ got a copy and he enjoyed. thoughts?
II. back in the back, was FZ actually an influence to the band? can you say his music had an influence on your work (with or without MB)?
III. also, is it true that you played on Saving Me from Myself by ex-ex-Korn's Brian Head? if so, some thoughts on that?
thanks for you time! hope to get to see you on tour. cheers from Portugal!

my answer:

I. That is indeed true. Rumor has it he said, “I wish I’d been responsible for this”. No idea if that’s true, but it’s nice to think about.
II. I would say no in both cases. I had older friends in high school who were obsessive Zappa heads and I got a dose that way, but I never got deep into him, although I absolutely love his work ethic and accomplishments. I also love watching live footage of those bands.
III. That is also true. As far as I know I’m on the whole record. There’s a lot to unravel there so in the interest of saving space, suffice it to say it was a job. I got hired to play to tracks that had already been recorded. There were charts. I got paid per song so I tried to do as many as possible. Usually doubled my own part up an octave.

your question:

2022 camila

Hi Trevor! I absolutely love, love SpermChurch. I was remembering the other day an interview where Duane Denison describes Tomahawk as “cinematic rock” and I feel that’s a great description. To me, SpermChurch definitely has a very strong visual component too, somehow the music comes to me through imagery a la Norman McLaren. Do you feel or think of it in this way while creating/performing, or is it just me and my background in visual arts? I have seen your videos, of course, but I wonder if the music itself comes from a visual kind of place, if that makes any sense.
Anyways, thank you for all your work, it’s so inspiring. And for giving some of your time, limited as it is, for those of us who appreciate what you do. Much love

my answer:

I wouldn’t say I think visually when creating/performing but I certainly get inspiration from the plastic arts. Sannety, on the other hand, if I may speak for her, was much more of a visual thinker, being someone on the spectrum, and the majority of the SpermChurch work was conceived by her. Not sure she knew of McLaren but I bet she would have dug him.

your question:

2022 Vincent

Hi Trevor—I've been listening to The Dreamers albums a lot & am thinking about your playing on the song Mow Mow specifically... I really love it. Is that line the result of improvising or are you sitting with the music ahead of time & working something out? Also, I play a Fender Jazz Bass that I've had since 2006 & it works for me—yet I remain haunted by the vintage fender potential. Any thoughts or advice on seeking out an older fender before spending the however many thousands of dollars?

my answer:

The way those records typically work is that a pretty simple chart is brought in; a melody, a chord progression and sometimes rhythmic instructions. It is then essentially interpreted as one would a jazz chart, with Zorn at the helm making decisions about orchestration and arrangement. In that tune there is no written bass line, I am following the chord progression and it is possible that the composer made suggestions about range and density.
I’m sort of a sucker for vintage gear, just because I think it’s cool. You can certainly find new models that sound great, but that’s really the point — find an instrument that has the sound and physical feel that you want. I have both new and vintage gear. I like it all. It’s pretty ridiculous how expensive old shit is.

your question:

2022 Mabel

This question is not about you, but about another artist. And somehow you're my only link. When MySpace was the big thing, I followed you, amongst many other bands and musicians. And I discovered a lot of great music that way. Anyhoo. We had a mutual friend/musician on MySpace, but I have no idea what his og hers name is. No one famous. I remember you wrote a message in the comment section on this musicians MySpace page, and it went something like this: I rarely comment on other peoples music, but this is something special. Greetings! You remember that or the musician? I believe it was just one person, some random human being, posting som eerie, cold, beautiful guitar music. Like Bill Frisell meets ... I don't know, something trip hop-ish. I wish I could hear that again. And maybe you could point me in some direction?
Anyway. I've been a big fan since 1991. Keep up the good work. :)

my answer:

Wish I could remember! Probably someone I ended up working with; so just buy all my music on Bandcamp.

your question:

2022 Tom

Bungle has a song called 'The Bends.' Radiohead has a song and album called 'The Bends.'..Both came out in 1995......Coincidence?????

my answer:

Yes, that is, in fact, a perfect example of a coincidence. The Bends, as a sickness, existed long before either band, so you know, it’s been in the collective consciousness for a while. Also, another Radiohead question!! What are the odds!?

your question:

2022 JCR

OK Computer or Kid A? Discuss

my answer:

I’m really in no mood to discuss. Sorry. But I will say that I listened to OK Computer so many times that I got really sick of Thom Yorke’s voice. It was one of those records I couldn’t seem to take off the stereo. I did like Kid A and really appreciate a band that can push their own limits. Who needs another Ok Computer? If an artist isn’t growing then what’s the point. If they do something you weren’t expecting then they were already at least one step ahead of you.