Interview by Martin "Pockets" Crandall: I
remember the first time I ever heard Scared of Chaka. I was sucking on a chili dog outside
a Tastee Freeze when "Shoot the Moon" came blasting out of a car full of
teenagers. I stood up, wiped off my chin, and soon found myself purchasing that now
classic record. Ive been addicted since. It is an undeniable fact that Punk Rock is
dead-and so be it. But there remains a handfull of "artists" that successfully
harness the listeners energy enough to make her/him want to simultaneously beat someone up
and make out with them.One of the only bands that matter anymore-Scared of Chaka-put to
rest some of the darker rumors about their music, themselves.
M-Martin
R-Rod Clomper,drums
B-Beaver LaRue,Bass
C-Cisco Ruffie,guitar
M-How close were you guys after Old Skull broke up?
R-Im so sick of talking about how we get along or
dont get along. We've had a few fistfights now and again but all that means is we are very
passionate.
B-Sometimes too passionate, right Cisco?
C-Shut the fuck up.
M-No dont, I mean-
C-You aint giving away all our secrets.
M-What, like the Freemasonry-
C-Cant talk about that.
M-Or the Mexican Mafia guy who "visited" Blake
Wright(eMpTy recs) towards the tail end of your relationship with eMpTy?
C-I wont even dignify that remark. I will say that my
family is very protective of their investments.
B-Hi Blake & Meghan!
R-We need to say that we owe the biggest thanks to
them and 702.
M-That brings me to my next question-Pete Mencietti(702
recs) is almost as cloaked in secrecy and wierd rumors as you guys are.
B-Initially we were attracted to the dark element he
brought to the table. I mean, you dont think he's as big as he is by luck, do you?
R-Come on, he isnt even 8th level.
C-Yeah, right.
B-You cant deny his power, though. And where it comes
from.
M-You're scareing the big pants off of all the Hopeless
kids right now.
C-Oh come on, you've got to give credit where credit
is due.
M-By the way, Cisco, hows the wife and kids?
C-You're a brave, brave man, motherfucker. Although
I'd like to know why you aint asking the rhythm section.
M-You mean you all have"war brides"?
R-Well, you're in a mans house in Italy, he's gotten
you piss drunk, and you dont want to insult anybody-
M-So you guys tour alot, huh?
R-Yup.
M-Cause its definitely easier to see you guys outside of
your home town, Alburquerque.
B-We just kind of passed the torch. I mean the kids
got sick of us. So now bands like Brother JuJu & the Crackdaddies, or say, The
Gluey Brothers get the kids.
M-Theres quite a buzz, though, about the frequent
unanounced secret house parties you guys play on(deleted on request).
C-Cant talk about that.
M-Whats the deal with you and the Gain?
C-Well you gotta ask yourself how you might feel were
you in a band with a guy who thinks he's in the Small Faces, another who thinks he's in
Iron Maiden, and a guy who hangs out with Allonzo from the Fresh Prince. You might have an
attitude problem as well.
B-"Will that be 5 or 6 strings,
sir?"(riotous laughter)
M-How did the Prince thing happen?
R-He was just at one of our shows in Minneapolis,D4
was there too, ask them. It was pretty wierd.
B-I mean, do you know how short he is?
C-the foot massages were pretty sweet, though.
M-Before I wind this up-
All-Awwwww.....
M-I'm touched, really,but word on the street is that all
the Hopeless bands,how should I put this, hate you.
R-Its a dellicate situation, but Darens the one who
started all this East coast/West coast shit. I mean, we're all in the same gang.
C-He wanted us to set up on the same stage Mustard
Plug and, as he put it, "do battle".
B-We cant skank!
M-Happy with the new record?
B-We finally have something out that sounds like our
live show feels.
C-I advise listening to it kind of gone with
headphones on while sitting in a beanbag. Listen for...stuff. Things.
R-We'll be touring starting in June so keep your eye
on the sparow.
B-THE FOX IS ON THE WIRE!!!
