http://www.reverbnation.com/knothead
http://www.myspace.com/knotheadprime2
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 1.What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
KNOTHEAD: KNOTHEAD, name originated from many areas, and it's ALWAYS been KNOTHEAD.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 2. Please list the name, age and respective instrument of each band member.
KNOTHEAD: KNOTHEAD- 29- Lyrics, vocals, school of hard knocks/tweak-life
MADD MAXE- 24- Backing vocals, occasional guest lyrics
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 3. What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
KNOTHEAD: I don't consider myself to be ANY genre. People are often fond of calling me "horrorcore" which kind of fits SOMETIMES, and I've also been called a "nu-metal rapper", and the "bastard child of Slayer and Tupac"
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 4. How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
KNOTHEAD: Over 5 years. MADD MAXE picked me up hitchhiking outside of Port Townsend Washington. We had the same tattoo in the same spot.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 5. When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
KNOTHEAD: KNOTHEAD isn't really a band. It's a solo project. I started writing during the late 90's as a way to cope with the trials and tribulations of an addicted, junkie lifestyle and the chaos with which it goes hand in hand... I was incarcerated (County, not prison) for almost the whole of the year 2000, which gave me much time to organize my thoughts and regroup. I decided when I got released, I would begin to record. This was still about 5 years away from sobriety, so when I got released, I continued to write, I continued to consume drugs, I continued to live the lifestyle, and I began to record. After I finished my first album, I began to turn my thoughts towards performing. Around this time I met Madd Maxe, who loved all the same music, and had the heart of a champion. I knew almost instantly I had found the man who would one day become my stage mate and hype man/backing vocalist. He was the best man at my wedding, and to this day, other than my wife, is my closest, dearest friend. We've fucking been through it man.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 6. Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
KNOTHEAD: No label. Have had talks with several indie labels, but I'm holding out for a "big fish" (underground) label. In the meantime, I will continue to self release projects.
I am also a proud member of the B.B.N. Mafia. (Bonded By Narcotics) and the newest member of the Game Infested/Nationwide Hustlers Clique, aka The G.I.N. Dynasty, who's members include Dunny, Leez-e, ZanyTheMicSmyth, and B.B.N. Mafia members Rod Mac, M-Dub, Dime City, and Ms. Fabulous.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 7. What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
KNOTHEAD: Well, I'm a lyricist and a vocalist, so all I have to talk about is my wireless mic. My wife got it for me earlier this year as a b-day present. Probably about 1k for the $$. It's a Shure. I will use whatever there is.. but I prefer to have MINE... It's usually better than the equipment the club or venue has to offer, I've never ONCE shown up to a gig and looked at the venues mics and said "DAMN, I'm not even going to use mine tonight, cause that's so bad ass I HAVE TO use it. My wife chose that particular mic because it was the same model M-Dub owns, and Dub only gets the best!
HMTV Jesus Bones 69:8. Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
KNOTHEAD:
THE PENDULUM (COEUR D'ALENE, ID)
THE GRAIL (COEUR D'ALENE, ID)
THE AMERICAN LEGION HALL (PT. TOWNSEND, WA)
THE BLVD. (SPOKANE, WA)
BRICKWALL COMEDY CLUB (SPOKANE, WA)
THE FLAME (SPOKANE, WA)
THE BLUE DOLPHIN (SPOKANE, WA)
MOOTSY'S (SPOKANE, WA)
THE SPREAD (SPOKANE, WA)
THE BIG EASY (SPOKANE, WA)
EL CORAZON (SEATTLE, WA)
ROCK N ROLL PIZZA (PORTLAND, OR)
Most favorite, tie: Rock N Roll Pizza/Big Easy. I've done 4 or 5 shows @ R'N'R Pizza, and there's never been less than 300. Tragedy puts it all together, it's his family, his crowd, his scene, he's invited us in, and his family has embraced us. Tragic Life Soldier/Tragic Family for life. Big Easy... well... it's a 2,000 seat, (1,800 I think) concert hall. What's not to love about that?
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 9. Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
KNOTHEAD: What I perform most frequently is what's currently on the myspace player. Then I usually have enough time for 3 or 4 more tracks in a typical set. No covers... YET! I did cover the theme song for the cartoon Sealab 2021, but it's never been done live. I don't have a set play list, but there are regulars.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 10. Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
KNOTHEAD: I write my own lyrics. I find engineers/producers to compose my beats. Main themes incude anger, paranois, drug abuse, chaos, and general modern day life.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 11. Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
KNOTHEAD: Either I have an idea, or theme, or I let the music tell me what the track will be.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 12. What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
KNOTHEAD: Weekend karaoke is "practice time".
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 13. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
KNOTHEAD: Not so much the music, as the stage performance.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 14. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
KNOTHEAD: Too broad a question. I can't pick just one "challenge" At what stage? The beginning- drug use. Last year- creative control, managing egos, managing other peoples substance issues while doing ALL the management for KNOTHEAD on my own, you know, babysitting. Making sure everyone could get to and from shows. Making sure everyone DID get to and from shows. Managing KNOTHEAD last year, and the beginning of 07 was a little like trying to manage Motley Crue back in the day. But that was when there was 3 performing members. Now there's 2, and we no longer have any of those problems. Today's challenge? How to get broader exposure, surviving while not playing local politics (shit's been dirty in Spokane recently) , and being seen as more than "a guy who can play juggalo shows"... KNOTHEAD has been on TWO formats of FM broadcast radio in the last year. Metal AND top 40 R&B/hip-hop. That proves there's a wider audience out there than "the juggalos"
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 15. What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
KNOTHEAD: I'd like to make a living and provide for my family off the music. I think that can be done w/o fame and fortune. I'm not really "out for" fame and fortune.
I'm in it for the glory though. I want to be respect and my lyrical abilities recognized. That's all. Validation. I have something to prove I guess.
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 16. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
KNOTHEAD: You are your own biggest obstacle. If you can overcome yourself, you can do almost anything!
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 17. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
www.reverbnation.com/knothead
HMTV Jesus Bones 69: 18. Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
KNOTHEAD: I'd LOVE some financial support for KNOTHEAD. We are currently looking for investors/sponsors.
Emotional support. My wife. Period. I'd be dead if it was'nt for her. I'd have never got back on a stage if it was'nt for her. She IS my life.
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