We met these guys awhile back on our myspace page and we thought we would reproduce the interview. In addition to the questions that both Joe and Craig very kindly answered for us. In addition to this amazing interview the guys wanted us to share this with you:
We would like to share some exciting news regarding Uncle DooDad. Throughout 2009 Uncle DooDad was maintaining an active gig schedule and being courted by some U.S. based indie labels. When it came down to negotiating contract terms, the band determined that it just didn’t make any sense to sign over their music to someone else when in the age of the internet, the artist is empowered to deliver their own music worldwide. So the band has assembled a team of marketers, web developers and other music industry professionals to launch their own record label, Knick Knack Records. Currently the website is in development for digital releases, downloads and more, but the label will be offering physical cd’s via mail order to start with. There is a huge backlog of material that the band would like to release and you can see a preview of much of this streaming for free at www.uncledoodad.com. Check back atwww.knickknackrecords.com for updates on new spring releases.
How did you get started?
I drew pictures of my band on stage in crayon when I was 9 or 10. But after a few stops and starts I didn’t take it seriously until I was 27. Craig’s other band blew up and I wasn’t ready to give up on whatever I was trying to do so I started my own band.
Where you musical at school?
Good question. It depends on what you mean by that. I didn’t start playing an instrument until I was 27 which was well out of most people’s school years. But now I’m actually back in college and taking a music class. Learning to read, write, and some theory. I’m loving it.
What is your favourite venue to play?
Wow, so far that’s a tough thing to say. I really don’t want to diss any of the local establishments by ranking them because over the years they have all had different owners, bookers, and employees, so anywhere that is known by it’s reputation for great bands, great sound systems and fun people that are really into seeing live music.
Would you take part in a talent show?
Absolutely. It’s always scary as hell and I like freaking myself out.
Do you have a favourite band/arists living or dead?
There are so many and it really just starts with the blues guys like Son House, Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf, so many others. I love music that gets your blood pumping. Everything from Pink Floyd and Clapton to Slayer and thrash like D.R.I. and my hometown heroes The Accused and the Melvins. It really runs the whole spectrum.
What has been the best gig you have played?
I will have to agree with Craig on this one. The Freedom Fest gigs were always unhinged. There were no boundries on-stage or off and it would get crazy and weird at some of those summer time outdoor gigs. There is a certain threshold of people and energy that can get really crazy at a certain point and everyone was always into finding out what that tipping point was. Totally fun!
What city-country would you like to visit?
All of them.
What would you say about the music scene now?
There has never been so much opportunity for musicians as there is now. It’s a wide open and level playing field. Musicians can’t expect any help from anyone anymore though. Just do it yourself. You hear so many people giving advice these days about what you should be doing as an artist, I just hope that musicians don’t trade one bad business model for another. I’ve haven’t been this excited about the new music and bands that I’ve been discovering for a long time though so I’m pretty excited about what is happening in the scene in general.
Where does your music fit in?
I’m not sure where it does. We get booked at places with singer-songwriters, punk bands, folk rockers, metal and rockabilly bands. You name it. I don’t even know how to peg it other than it’s rock and roll and that’s a pretty broad statement, but there are some music freaks out there who like to freak out to our stuff.
Would you allow your music to be used in commercials/TV?
A musician needs to make a living so if you aren’t connecting your music to anything harmful and it’s used in a positive way that doesn’t go against what we believe in then yes.
If there was one person you could work with who would it be?
Clapton.
What would you say the worst thing about touring is?
Not getting enough healthy food.
What are your worst habits?
Rushing things. Pushing too hard when I should go with the flow.
What drives your music and your passion?
I remember dancing to Elvis Presley songs in a small restraunt when I was probably 4 years old. It got me so high and I’ve been wanting to keep that feeling and that intensity that I felt then going my whole life. Music is something that makes me feel so good that I can’t stop doing it. I just wouldn’t see a point in stopping.
How do you write your music?
It’s always different. Sometimes things just pop into my head for no reason and other times I have a specific direction that I’m trying to go with a rhythm or something.
What have you go planned for the rest of the year, you playing any festivals?
Well we usually do a couple of festivals every summer. We’ll see what pops up on the radar soon.
What advice had you been given before you started this journey and what advice would you give someone just starting out?
I had alot of people trying to steer me in different directions other than music. People were telling me all kinds of crap for their own selfish reasons. Do everything yourself. Don’t rely on anyone else and don’t believe anything anybody tells you. Trust your instincts and stay focused on what really is important to you. It may or may not pay off monetarily but at least you’ll be living your life the way you want to.
