EgoAssassin.com - Music. Satire. Controversy.

Most humans believe that GWAR is a band from Virginia that’s been around since 1985 and dresses up in outlandish sci-fi/horror outfits to entertain people with thrashing metal music, fire, gore, and chaos. The truth is that (according to GWAR), they are an “elite group of chaos warriors who ravaged the galaxy with a boundless hatred of all things alive”.

I was excited to get the chance to interview these guys because they make even odd people like me seem sane. If you haven’t heard of GWAR, you’ll be glad that I introduced you to them regardless of your taste in music because they have a fascinating legacy to say the least. They’ve been all over the world, created their own costumes and production facility (named the slave pit) and put on possibly one of the strangest, but entertaining live shows I’ve seen in my entire life. GWAR has also been guests on TV shows like Jerry Springer and Joan, but what’s so funny about these guys is that they never break character. Ever! The lead singer, Oderus Urungus, who calls himself an ‘Extra-Terrestrial Warlord’ and ‘Lord of Earth’, was kind enough to take time out of his busy day to answer some questions I had for him. Check out the interview below and visit GWAR’s official website at: www.gwar.net

Ego Assassin: How old is GWAR?

GWAR (Oderus): OLDER THAN GOD’S BALLS

Ego Assassin: Oderus, can you tell us about the slave pit?

GWAR: IT IS A HIDEOUS PLACE WHERE THE SLAVES SUFFER IN ETERNAL TORMENT, LABORING CEASELESSLY IN ORDER TO CREATE OUR HULKING WAR MACHINES. HOWEVER DUE TO THE ECONOMIC CRISIS WE HAVE MOVED SEVERAL OF OUR SLAVE PITS TO MEXICO IN ORDER TO SAVE SOME MONEY (SO WE CAN SPEND IT ON DOPE). THIS HAS RESULTED IN MEXICAN GWAR SLAVES, WITH HUGE SOMBRERO’S AND HOT, SLUTTY MOM’S.

Ego Assassin: I heard that president Bush was ordering GWAR to go overseas and fight in Iraq. What do you think about that?

GWAR: NOBODY IS ORDERING GWAR TO DO SH**. DESPITE THIS WE DECIDED TO GO BACK TO IRAQ AND FIGHT ANYWAY. WE BROUGHT THE MUMMIFIED YET RESSURECTED SADDAM HUSSEIN WITH US. AS PART OF HIS NECROTIC AWAKENING, HIS FECAL D**K SLIT DRIPPED RANCID GOO. THERE WAS MUCH REJOICING IN BAGDHAD THAT NIGHT, AND THEN WE FU**ED GOATS..

Ego Assassin: What are your thoughts on GWAR auditioning for American Idol?

GWAR: AS PAULA ABDUL’S JAW WAS RIPPED AWAY BY MY PROBING LOVE-KNUCKLE, AS SIMON WHATEVER HIS NAME IS WAS ATTACKED BY WILD BOARS, AS THE FAT BLACK GUY ATE A BULLET RATHER THAN FACE MY ENDLESS WRATH, I REFLECTED THAT IT WAS A GOOD THING.

Ego Assassin: Is there a such thing as a GWAR diet program?

GWAR: ENCOURAGING GLUTTONY IS PART OF OUR DOCTRINE SO I WOULD HAVE TO SAY NO. BUT THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT AT A GWAR SHOW. THE AVERAGE DUMP IS ABOUT 3 POUNDS SO RIGHT THERE YOU’VE SLIMMED DOWN. JUST MAKE SURE THE CRAP CLEARS YOUR PANTS. ONE WAY TO ENSURE THIS IS TO NOT WEAR PANTS. AN EVENING SPENT FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE IN THE GWAR PIT IS ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO GET A GOOD WORK OUT, EXCEPT FOR PERHAPS HAVING SEX WITH YOUR UN-WILLING MOM, YOU KNOW THE ONE WHO USED TO BE A ROMANIAN GYMNAST.

Ego Assassin: Does GWAR use a tour bus instead of a spaceship so that they can blend in with our human society?

GWAR: GWAR HAS ALWAYS TRAVELLED IN THE ULTIMATE STYLE—A BAT-SHAPED HELICOPTER THAT RUNS ON CRACK. HOWEVER WE DISGUISE THIS CRAFT AS A TOUR BUS, ON OCCASION, IN ORDER TO AVOID THE FANS WHO INSIST ON SPENDING THE DAY IN THE PARKING LOT RIGHT NEXT TO THE CRAFT, PUBICLY MASTERBATING AND SMEARING THE SPENT SPUNK ALL OVER THE WINDOWS. PLUS THEY EAT GARBAGE.

Ego Assassin: What is GWAR’s position on global warming?

GWAR: ALL FOURS, DI** OUT, WILDLY MASTERBATING. AS LONG AS IT FU**S WITH PENGUINS I’M INTO IT. YOU THINK PENGUINS ARE FRIENDLY BUT YOU ARE NUTS. THEY ARE DANGEROUS FU**ERS AND IF WE HAVE TO SET FIRE TO THE ENTIRE PLANET TO REMOVE THEIR CURSED SCOURGE THEN SO BE IT.

Ego Assassin: Did you think the movie ‘300′ was realistic?

GWAR: NOWHERE NEAR ENOUGH BLOOD!

Ego Assassin: If you could meet anyone in the universe (living or dead), who would it be?

GWAR: I PRETTY MUCH HAVE ALREADY, AND I USUALLY TAKE THEM ON TOUR WITH ME. I’D HAVE TO SAY ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET IS THE NOTORIOUS NEW YORK PLAYWRIGHT ANTON REEMCOBB. HE LIVES IN A SEWER AND EXISTS AS A DISEMBODIED HEAD THAT CONTINUALLY MAKES CRACKS ABOUT HOW MUCH WE SUCK. HE HAS RECENTLY RECEIVED A GRANT FROM THE PERIWINKLE FOUNDATION TO RESARCH OFF-TRACK BETTING FOR GAY CAMELS.

Ego Assassin: What is your favorite weapon?

GWAR: MY ABILITY TO SPEW VAPID BULLS**T THE LENGTH OF EIGHT FOOTBALL FIELDS. EITHER THAT OR MY GIANT TWO-HANDED BLADE, LICK.

Ego Assassin: Who is the biggest sissy in the band?

GWAR: ME, ME, WITHOUT A DOUBT ME! HERE, LET ME PROVE IT…THERE…I BAKED MUFFINS. THEY REALLY TASTE LIKE S**T THOUGH. MAYBE I SHOULDN’T HAVE MADE THEM OUT OF SH**.

Ego Assassin: Does GWAR believe in world peace? Or do you guys just want a piece of war?

GWAR: HMMMM….YOU REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT THAT ONE! I’D HAVE TO SAY NO…AND YES! WAR IS THE NATURAL STATE OF EXISTENCE FOR ALL THINGS. ALL FORCES ARE SET TO FIGHT AGAINST EACHOTHER. WHO AM I TO GO AGAINST THE VERY TIDE OF FATE. PLUS I AM ONE VIOLENT MOTHERFU**ER.

Ego Assassin: When is your next record coming out?

GWAR: WHY SHOULD IT EVER COME OUT? OUR LAST ONE WAS SO GOOD, WHY SHOULD WE EVEN BOTHER? IT’S NOT LIKE WE PRACTICE OR HAVE THESE SONGS JUST LYING AROUND. IT TAKES ACTUAL EFFORT TO RECORD THEM! BUT I SUPPOSE OUR INCREDIBLE TALENT WILL ULTIMATLEY COME TO THE FORE, FORCING US TO BE EVEN GREATER THAN WE USED TO BE. SO I WOULD HAVE TO SAY WE ARE WORKING ON IT RIGHT NOW AND HOPE TO HAVE IT OUT BY GWAR’S GIGANTIC 25^TH ANNIVERSARY NEXT YEAR!

The End. Thanks Gwar, thanks Urungus, and special thanks to your management for getting me the interview (Issachar Entertainment/ NYC). Cheers to the scumdogs of the universe.

Check out the GWAR video below to see a glimpse of a live experience with these jackballs:

Mike Park is a well accomplished and independent musician, activist, poet, and entrepreneur that has helped spawn several bands, record labels, and revolutionary ideas for over two decades. Some of the productions he has been involved with are Asian Man Records, Dill Records, The Chinkees, The Bruce Lee Band, Skankin’ Pickle, The Plea for Peace Tour, and Ska Against Racism tours (just to name a few).

I first was introduced to Mike’s music and record label back in the early 1990’s when I moved back home to California after living overseas for several years. My personal interest in reggae influenced bands such as the Specials and the Selecter, mixed with my love for playing the sax, got my ears open to the independent, horn heavy, and upbeat focused music scene that was continuing to grow throughout the U.S. after the late 80’s (I make it sound ancient). But anyways, Mike Park was one of the innovators behind much of the ska-punk movement throughout California and eventually the world, and the amazing thing about this era was the sense of community and brotherhood that was felt by fans and bands alike. It had nothing to do with being rich, famous, respected, or acclaimed, but about relating to the normal people just like you that enjoyed raw and original music (not just overproduced pop). Needless to say, Mike Park and his ideas paved the way for many bands and independent minds to be heard and he continues to greatly contribute to the D.I.Y. spirit.

But enough of my own perception of Mike’s history, I will let him speak for himself, so here is my interview with Mike and I would like to thank him very much for taking the time to answer my questions.

Interview Date: March 29, 2008:

Ego Assassin: Mike, when did you realize that you had a passion for making music? (how did this happen?)

Mike Park: When I was about 13 my dad bought an acoustic guitar and I started fiddling with it. I learned a power chord and I started writing songs right off the bat.

Ego Assassin: What are the major influences on your sound and style? (doesn’t have to be music)

Mike Park: I’m influenced by the DISCHORD RECORDS philophy of punk ethics. Seeing a label try not to become a big label is something I find admirable. You often wonder why it is that people need to constantly strive for #1 when it comes to capitalism, but it’s rare to find entities that are able to survive modestly.
This is what I try to accomplish. As far as music goes, I’m influenced by a lot of stuff. But I grew up listening to the punk rock sounds of 7 SECONDS to BLACK FLAG, then to the 2-tone sounds of the Specials, Bad Manners and now I listen to everything from Suzanne Vega to Bruce Springsteen.

Ego Assassin: Can you share the most discouraging event that has happened in your career/or life? (even what you learned from it?)

Mike Park: Hmmmm… Well, I guess I’m pretty blessed. I can’t really think of anything that’s really been discouraging to the point of wanting to just give this all up. Sometimes the work load can be overbearing or dealing with parents ordering for their kids. They don’t know the ethics of the record label I run and are raging mad if we screw up their order. But overall things have been pretty amazing.

Ego Assassin: How many record labels have you started and are you currently running any labels or projects right now?

Mike Park: I started DILL as a collective amongst the members of SKANKIN’ PICKLE, but ASIAN MAN is the only label I’ve done on my own 100%.

Ego Assassin: In your view, what’s the biggest problem within the music industry today?

Mike Park: I guess it’s the age old situation of people making money off each other. It’s a cut throat business whether it’s the record companies, booking agents, managers, tour managers, etc.. Everyone is an asshole cause they feel that’s what you have to do to get your way, but it sucks. I don’t want to be
part of the music business. What I do is completely seperate from that bullshit. Everything is done 100% DIY. I book my own shows, put out my own records, order my merchandise, book my travel, etc..

Ego Assassin: Are there any current bands making music that you think promotes truth, substance, or meaningful messages to the listeners?

Mike Park: Yes, go to asianmanrecords.com and every band on that roster kicks ass.

Ego Assassin: Can you give a quick history of the ‘Plea for Peace’ tour?

Mike Park: The tour was provided to give music a kick start in terms of blending sounds with a message. We have been inactive for over 4 years now from touring, but we are on the threshold of opening our first music based youth center.

Ego Assassin: Did you get any negative reactions from the name of your label entitled ‘Asian Man Records’?

Mike Park: None. The only negative reactions I got were from my band the CHINKEES. All from Asian Americans. I understand their dismay, but the band was created strictly to confront racism in our society.
Ego Assassin: Do you still play the sax? (How long have you been playing anyways?)

Mike Park: I haven’t played in about 3 years now, but will dust it off for a memorial concert honoring my friend Lynette Knackstedt who played with me for 7 years in Skankin’ Pickle.

Ego Assassin: If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?

Mike Park: Living? Well, I’d love to spend time with Mr. Obama. Especially now.

Ego Assassin: Any tour plans coming soon?

Mike Park: I just returned from EUROPE on a month tour. Now I’m only going to play spot shows around the US.

Ego Assassin: What’s the most important message you have in your heart to tell the world today?

Mike Park: Just the simple message of peace. It seems like a novel idea right? But man, we’ve got some tough guys in the world who thrive on violence and anger and road rage and arggghhh…

Ego Assassin: What brings you joy in life?

Mike Park: My family.

Ego Assassin: Last question; Remember Degrassi Jr. High?

Mike Park: Of course. I still watch it religiously.

Ego Assassin: The End. Thanks Mike, your time is much appreciated. Good luck with making positive change!

Make sure you check out and support Mike’s latest projects at: asianmanrecords.com
www.mikeparkmusic.com and www.pleaforpeace.com

The Voodoo Glow Skulls, a band that is just plain solid…period. This band has been around since the late 80’s and they hail from Riverside, California. They possess some of the most original, diverse, energetic, and unique styles you’ll ever experience. I’ve been listening to these guys since I was introduced to their 1993 LP entitled “Who Is This Is“, which for anyone who remembers, came out under the Dr. Strange Records label. The third wave ska-punk genre hit California with a vengeance back then, but the Voodoo Glow Skulls have been tested and proven to be a serious group of musicians who are in it for the long term (not fame) and have a genuine passion for the music they create. This passion has inspired the Voodoo Glow Skulls to deliver over seven full-length records and countless, energy-pact concerts to their fans for over 2 decades.

I recently contacted The Voodoo Glow Skulls for an interview, and to my surprise they were one of the easiest bands to get a response from. The reason I say “to my surprise” is because I contacted several smaller, lesser known punk, D.I.Y, or self proclaimed “independent” bands to ask a few quick questions, but none of them have bothered to reply with a simple “no thanks”…Now that’s PUNK!

But anyways, I would like to give a huge thanks to Eddie C. from Voodoo Glow Skulls and whoever else contributed to helping me get this interview (below). Much luck to you guys as you’ve inspired my own ideas and others globally. Dirty Rat, Dirty Rat, Dirty Rat, Dirty Rat!

*Ego Assassin’s Interview w/ Eddie C. from Voodoo Glow Skulls*

Interview Date: March 21, 2008:

Ego Assassin (Q): What current events or social issues have had the greatest impact on the lyrics you’ve written for the past few years (or as a band)?

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): This governments stand against illegal immigrants and mexicans has had a big impact on us so has the war in iraq.

Ego Assassin (Q): If you could only name one band, artist, or person in life that has been the biggest influence on the VGS style, passion, or approach to music, who would it be?

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): Angelo Moore and his band Fishbone are our biggest influences and have definitely affected our approach to music and life.

Ego Assassin (Q): What do you think is the biggest problem with the music scene today? (if there is one)

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): We or I have a problem with bands that don’t do the road work or foot work and expect to get everything handed to them without goin on the road and doin the work. It seems like some bands think a myspace page is all you need.

Ego Assassin (Q): Is there any new bands on the scene that you guys look up to as being groundbreaking or visionary?

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): Dub trio is pretty groundbreaking, fishbone and hank the 3rd, lamb of god are our other favorites these days…

Ego Assassin (Q): Does VGS get recognized in public often?

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): Once and awhile we get recognized, since we’re underground and diy it doesn’t happen too often though.

Ego Assassin (Q): What’s your least favorite song that VGS has ever made?

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): “Last Party” maybe but we still kinda like it.

Ego Assassin (Q): What was the worst show you have ever played live?

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): We recently had a show in Germany that was bad all the way around. Bad sound and the band just wasn’t feeling it.

Ego Assassin (Q): I remember you guys had released promotional merchandise using the brown ‘UPS’ logo, but it had ‘VGS’ on it instead. I always wanted to know if you guys ever got push back from UPS or had legal problems with using the logo…

Voodoo Glow Skulls (A): We never got anything bad from that or have never been sued or anything for using it back in the day…
Thanks
Eddie C.

Ego Assassin: The End. Another thank you to Eddie C. and Voodoo Glow Skulls for their time.

Don’t get caught in Casablanca.

Photo from VGS Myspace, attributed to: Adam Deluca

It’s rare to come across new music that is outright original or worth listening to more than once, so when I came across tracks from a two man band hailing from Sheffield, UK, named ‘I Monster’, I was extremely excited to have gained some of my lost faith in current music. I’ve had time to analyze their musical style and much to their benefit I can say that it really isn’t possible to categorize it into a genre whatsoever. The best description I can give in writing is that the songs hold an avant-garde hybrid of electronica, progressive rock, funk, apocalyptic dance, and brings plenty of ultra-bizarre vocal installments throughout the songs. The first dose of I Monster that came into my ears was from a record released in 2003 called “Neveroddoreven”, and needless to say it really caught my attention. I first assumed they were another group of musicians that simply appeared out of no where, but it turns out that these guys are seasoned veterans that have been doing music for years. But enough about that, I’ll stop talking and get to the purpose of this story…

One of the I Monster guys was kind enough to answer some questions I came up with for this interview that you can read below. Thanks Vard and as they say in the UK, Cheers! I owe you a lager…..

Interview Date: March 19, 2008

EgoAssassin (Q): What motivated you to start I Monster (or motivates you to create music every day)?

I Monster (A): Well me and Dean started working together before we called ourselves I Monster. This was in 1992. We both come from different musical backgrounds, but at that time we were both interested in making music with computers and also the electronic music happening at the time. Early WARP label and similar stuff. It felt so good to be able to make our own ‘finished’ music without going to a cold, damp rehearsal room and waiting for the drummer to turn up!

EgoAssassin (Q): If you only had to name one band, artist, or person in life that has been the biggest influence on the I Monster

I Monster (A): For me it would be erm…. well I don’t know. I buy and listen to so much stuff. Genesis, Robert Wyatt, Beatles perhaps. Dean will have different answers, but he has no taste.

EgoAssassin (Q): How would you best describe the musical style of I Monster?

I Monster (A): Sweet and sour.

EgoAssassin (Q): What do you think is the biggest problem with the music industry today? (if you feel there is one)

I Monster (A) I don’t know. But I think there’s a lot of arse-licking going on though, back-handers and all that.

EgoAssassin(Q): Is there any new bands out now that you guys look up to as being groundbreaking or visionary?

I Monster (A): I’m not sure about ‘new’ bands. I don’t listen to many. The newest bands that fit that category, for me at least, aren’t particularly new…Outkast, Radiohead, Flaming Lips and a few other bands.

EgoAssassin (Q): What living musician would you like to play live with before life is over?

I Monster (A): Kate Bush would be good.

EgoAssassin (Q): Do you get recognized in public often? I assume not since you are always wearing masks….

I Monster (A): No. Only by friends and family.

EgoAssassin (Q): How did it work out that I Monster got the track “The Blue Wrath” featured as the main intro song for the Simon Pegg film ‘Shaun of the Dead’? This must have been exciting for you guys, yeah?

I Monster (A): It WAS exciting and we got to meet them, walk up the red carpet for the premiere (no one knew who we were) and got paid a little bit of money. I believe it happened because a fan of ours (who we didn’t know at the time), Paul Putner, who is a regular actor on UK television including Little Britain, recommended our album to his friend Edgar Wright, who directed the movie.

EgoAssassin (Q): What was the worst live show you have ever played?

I Monster (A): Manchester or the second time we Rennes in France. We got too drunk. The equipment didn’t work and neither did we.

EgoAssassin (Q): Any tour plans for North or South America coming up?

I Monster (A): I hope so. We will release the new album over your side, so it would be great to follow it up with some live stuff. We’ll play any town that has a micro-brewery or a brewery for that matter.

EgoAssassin: The End.

Much thanks to I Monster for their time, and check out the official I Monster Website: http://www.imonstermusic.com

>>>Click here to Listen to I Monster<<<