Here's what he's been up to!
I always have a tough time with this. He-Chaw Frunk is rock and roll. I’m not sure how to describe it further than that. He-Chaw is the best thing in the world. Nothing is better than playing with those boys. Years ago we played at Brothers Lounge and there was a write-up in the plain dealer about the show. They called us “Dark Hillbilly Rock”. I liked that description so we have been using that for a few years now but it’s a lot more than that. Some nights we are funky, some nights we are country, some nights we are really heavy. Its quality whatever it is. Come see us and decide for yourself. We’ll probably be playing at The Five.
- What's your favorite red item in your house?
I’ve got this old red glass owl from my Great Grandma. Its weird. I like it. I don’t have many red things.
- Do you notice any major changes in musical styles as you get older?
My musical styles change on a whim but I always end up back at country. I like just about anything but I guess as I get older I get sick of shit a lot quicker. I don’t have time for “silly”. I don’t like goofy cutesy stuff. I’m playing in two fulltime Rockabilly bands right now. Lots of country and rockabilly lately.
Stuff I’ve been into lately…..
Charley Crockett, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Hobo Johnson, Deke Dickerson, All things Jason Molina, Mike and the Moonpies, Alejandro Escovedo, The Wild Tchoupitoulas, Charles Bradley.
Lots of stuff.
- What's on your "check-list" so to speak when you start up a band?
If I don’t like you, you can fuck off. I’m not going to spend a bunch of time with someone if our personalities clash. I’ve been doing this for twenty years and I know what I’m talking about. I’m used to being “the boss” but that makes me sound like an asshole. I guess I’m a dominant personality when I’m in a band but I think it’s out of necessity.
A band should be like a gang, or family. You’re going to spend a lot of time with these people, choose wisely. I’ve been very lucky. The whole extended He-Chaw gang is family. All member past and present. I love all of them.
If you don’t suck we can start a band.
- When are we doing another podcast?
Tomorrow?
- What's a trick on guitar you learned that changed how you played forever?
Open E Lightnin Hopkins licks. I’m a pretty shitty guitar player. I take pride in being a good rhythm player. Great right hand, shitty left hand. Ask my dick.
- Are you big into gear talk?
Yes.
- What do you have planned musically for 2019? Quite a bit actually!
Lots of local gigs planned with Cadillac Romeos and a few with The Rhythm Rockers. Pretty much booked every weekend. Cadillac Romeos have some stuff in the works that should be pretty cool. Were currently planning a little run through West Virginia. Lots of stuff booked!
The Rhythm Rockers are playing in Atlantic City, NJ in April and Heavy Rebel fest in Winston-Salem, NC in July. Plus a handful of local shows.
HE-CHAW FRUNK is playing the 2019 Duck Creek Log Jam in June! It’s an AMAZING festival in Logan, OH. Get hip if you aren’t already. We keep tossing around the idea of a new album too. That’d be tough.
- Plug your current bands and give us something to listen to!
WWW.CADILLACROMEOS.COM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF4_iaqFWUg
The Rhythm Rockers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Aw-43G19G8
The almighty HE-CHAW FRUNK
https://hechawfrunk.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCQL9EZePfI
The Bishop Brothers!!!
https://bishopbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-five
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KrQasnWlvs
- Tell us the story about your solo release and how we can hear it
My solo release is actually badass and mostly complete. Will anyone ever hear it? I’m not sure. Stay tuned…
Now smash those links to check out his bands and go poke an ugly person in the eye.
-Novak