May 1 - Urbana, Illinois!

☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭

☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭

THE COPYRIGHTS (Carbondale)

https://www.facebook.com/thecopyrightsband

https://thecopyrights.bandcamp.com/

HORRIBLE THINGS

http://tinyurl.com/horriblethings217

MODERN ADVANCES (Chicago)

https://www.facebook.com/modernadvances

THE DINGBATS

http://tinyurl.com/thedingbats217

7PM $5

107 S. Birch, Urbana, IL

☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭

☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭☭

An Interview with artist Steven Franks

For anyone who was lucky enough to have recieved one of the awesome Mooster Records pizza magnets, you are already familiar with the work of Steven Franks. He also contributed the artwork to the now infamous compilation CD that we split with Jolly Ronnie Records titled "...for the last slice"

Steven has a unique style of illustration(which is what drew me to him) its WEIRD, really fucking weird, in fact, I LOVE IT! The grotesqueness and strangeness and cuteness(sorta) all rolled into one just shows me that this art is being created by a truly original human being.
I think I first saw his work on a sticker from The Young Rochelles, it was some sort of weird little woodland creature that apparently had nothing to do with the band but worked, really worked. Ive asked him to do a couple of projects for my label because we love supporting weirdos, thats because we are weirdos too. Below is my interview with the only punk in Franklin, Ohio, Steven Franks! 

Mooster. First off, tell us a little about you and what you do for peeps that dont know.

Hey, I’m Steven. Or Steve, whatever you prefer to call me. I like long walks on the beach, candle lit dinners, and horseback riding. Actually I'm not into any of those and I’ve only been to the beach once and hated it. I'm from Ohio, I draw a lot, I like video games, bad action movies and old cartoons. That pretty much sums me up I think. 


M: How did you get started with art making? Flyers? album art?

Probably from my lack of a social life and having little to no friends growing up. So I spent many days drawing and still do to this day. But once I started using sites like Facebook and such I got a lot more requests to do various artwork for people. I think my first was a flyer for a show in Boston? Then after that I just kind of kept going with it and slowly started to improve little details as I progressed with things. 

M: Who are your influences and what did you learn from them?

Mostly John K. A lot of his work really helped me out and understand little coloring tricks.



M: Tell us a little about your band, and where we can find music and stuff.

I actually haven’t been playing music any in the last few years. But Le Jumarts(dumbest fucking name ever) was probably my last attempt at playing. The quality of the songs are a bit rough. You've been warned. http://lejumarts.bandcamp.com/

M: How would you describe your style?

Well it’s kind of sloppy, cartoon-y with lots of eye popping, huge nipples, snot and vomit. 



M: Do you make art outside of the punk community? I’ve seen a lot of creatures and stuff but was wondering if you made comics or anything just for yourself. 

I’ve tried making some comics in the past but my story writing is awful. Plus the thought of drawing a ton of panels really scares me. But maybe in the future I’ll give it another shot.




M: Can you briefly list some of the amazing bands and clients you have done art for? 

The Hung ups, The Young Rochelles, Grim Deeds, Mooster Records! And a flyer for the Parasites/Flamingo Nosebleed tour. I know there’s a lot more I've done, I’m really sorry if I missed a handful.  

M: What plans for future art or projects do you have? 

I’m probably going to try finish filling in these new sketchbooks I recently bought. Then I might give painting a few more attempts as well as some digital art.  


M: List your top 5 fave bands and top 5 fave movies, so we can judge you. 

For music it’s really hard to decide honestly but I’d have to say They Might Be Giants, Jay Reatard, The Muffs, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Mean Jeans are a good few I think will probably never get old for me.

As for movies off the top of my head I’d say Robocop, Freaked, Clash of the Titans, Waynes World, and I can’t really think of a fifth so I’ll go with Killdozer!








M: Thanks for an awesome interview, Steven! Let us know any plugs, web address, how to get in touch with you. 

-Tumblr – Crabtornado.tumblr.com
-Instagram- @Crabtornado
-Twitter- @ImStevenFranks
-Facebook- facebook.com/Stevenfranksartwork
-Personal Facebook (easiest way to get in touch with me): Facebook.com/Imstevenfranks

Happy 4/20 everyone!

"Illegal Smile"

When I woke up this morning, things were lookin' bad
Seem like total silence was the only friend I had
Bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down... and won
And it was twelve o'clock before I realized
That I was havin'... no fun

[Chorus:]
But fortunately I have the key to escape reality
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just tryin' to have me some fun

Last time I checked my bankroll,
It was gettin' thin
Sometimes it seems like the bottom
Is the only place I've been
I Chased a rainbow down a one-way street... dead end
And all my friends turned out to be insurance salesmen

[Chorus]

Well, I sat down in my closet with all my overalls
Tryin' to get away
From all the ears inside my walls
I dreamed the police heard
Everything I thought... what then?
Well I went to court
And the judge's name was Hoffman

Ah but fortunately I have the key to escape reality
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just tryin' to have me some fun
Well done, hot dog bun, my sister's a nun

[On the 1997 LIVE ON TOUR Prine ends the song with:]
Well done, son of a gun,
Hot dog bun,
Attilla the Hun,
My sister-in-law is an Irish nun 

Where can you find me for the next few weeks?

April 24 - The Damned Shames at Short Attention Span Festival
 Tell A Friend Productions Presents...
//short//attention//span//FESTIVAL////chicago///2015 >>
featuring a variety of short performances from::::
***CATABASIS***
http://www.lovehealscancer.com/
***ONO***
chicago experimental/punk/gospel/industrial veterans since 1980..
new performance based piece w/ texts... interested?? everybody is!!!
http://www.ono1980.com/
***REACHES***
electro pop and experimental synth rock fall in love.
(formerly known as I LOVE YOU)
http://www.iloveyou.bandcamp.com/
***HEADLESS HONCHOS***
hardcore punk legends
***CLARENCE***
guitar and drums duo.
---???---mystery band??----woo hoo>>>??--?
***GIANT SQUID AUTOPSY***
squidcore/noise/experimental/sealife
http://www.giantsquidautopsy.bandcamp.com/
***THE DAMNED SHAMES***
new punk/garage rock!!
thedamnedshames.bandcamp.com
***FLABBY HOFFMAN (Book Reading)***
reading from his new self published book "The Avant Guardian"!!! Richard Flabby Hoffman
 
 @ DCtorium 3026 W. Armitage -
6 dollar donation>>> Love Is Stronger Than Death Initiative >> helping to heal Cancer patients through Art, Music, Nature, Love >> http://www.lovehealscancer.com/

April 26 - Modern Advances at Fizz
7pm all ages! 
w/ Nice Things
(members of The 92s/Mal Intent/Short Fuse) - listen
Nice Things are playing their own brand of alternative rock tempered by pop sensibilities and accented with a penchant for 90s style emo.
3220 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 
more info as i get it! 

May 1 - Modern Advances in Urbana, IL

THE COPYRIGHTS (Carbondale)
https://thecopyrights.bandcamp.com/

HORRIBLE THINGS
http://tinyurl.com/horriblethings217

MODERN ADVANCES (Chicago)
https://modernadvances.bandcamp.com

THE DINGBATS
http://tinyurl.com/thedingbats217

7PM $5
107 S. Birch, Urbana, IL

May 2 - Modern Advances at Sylvies in Chicago, IL

Silvie's Lounge

1902 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, Illinois 60613

 

THE PEEVES/OLD BLACK AND BLUE EYES/MODERN ADVANCES

May 8 - Brandon Harrod Solo at Red Line Tap

Red Line Tap

7006 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60626

 

GRANT HART (formerly of Husker Du)

 

BEAR WITH HAWK FIST

Adam Rebeiilus

Brandon Harrod of Modern Advances

brandonharrod.bandcamp.com

Exploding Head Syndrome

May 14 - The Damned Shames at Underground Lounge
Underground Lounge, 952 West Newport Avenue, Chicago, IL, US

CREEP E. GUIRDO (of Pool Party)

Sexy front man to the sexiest dudes around. Miami, Florida's Pool Party plays "Pool Party Yeah" first, "Pool Party Wut" last and "Pool Party Party" in the middle. Combining 70's punk, 90's pop-punk, disco dancing ladies and Slade in a margarita maker and cumming out the other side.

THE DAMNED SHAMES
FUCK YOU, IDIOT
JOY SHOOTERS


June 12 -Third Street Dive in Louisville, KY - more info soon

June 13 - Vibrolas Fun Ranch - more info soon

Paul F Tompkins gets a prank call from a fake Ice- T and the REAL Ice-T listens

Funnyman Paul F. Tompkins has been one of my faves for quite a while. His comedy is first rate, his podcast appearances are legendary, he seems to be everywhere and now has a new podcast called Spontaneanation, a completely improv podcast where he first interviews an FP and then he and his crew do scenes semi-based on the interview.

In 2014, Splitsider reported on this prank call that PFT received from someone impersonating Ice-T to confront him on his own impersonation of Ice-T. This clip comes from the REAL Ice-T's own podcast in what can only be described most accurately  by my friend Edesio Sanchez-Gomez as "an impersonation Inception" well done, everyone involved


from splitsider

PODCASTS

Listen to an Ice-T Impersonator Prank Call Paul F. Tompkins

by Megh Wright | January 22nd, 2014

If there's only one thing Paul F. Tompkins will be remembered for, surely it's hisspot-on Ice-T impression. Recently, a performer named Rocwell prank called Tompkins posing as Ice-T, and the real Ice-T played a recording of the call on his new podcast Final Level. It's a hilarious and adorable listen, and Tompkins even gives the impostor some killer podcasting advice. Click through to hear the clip.

An Interview with artist Ole O'brian!

In July 2014, I was desperate for ideas to regain interest in the long delayed CONNIE DUNGS LP that we were releasing. I turned to the internet to look for some advice and came up with the idea of releasing a poster with the LP. I looked through several pieces of art for friends' labels and was really surprised to find out that every single album cover, poster, flyer, and whatever was by the same artist. That man is the grand Ole O'brian from Germany. He has a style all his own while pinching flavors from great artists of the past and everyone has noticed just how much of an amazing talent he is. Below are some questions that I sent to Ole so we could get to know him a little better. ENJOY!

THE QUEERS/ANTAGONIZERS SPLIT 7" ON SEXY BABY RECORDS

Mooster: First off, tell us a little about you and what you do for peeps that dont know.

Ole: Hi Brandon! Hey guys! My name is Ole O'Brian. Actually, my name is Olaf , but I prefer Ole. 

Everyone calls me Ole. "Olaf" sounds like a bloody vampire from goddamn Transylvania, Count 

Olaf the unspeakably evil demon! Although it sounds really cool, haha. Well, I come from Germany

and not from Transylvania, in my spare time I draw all kinds of colorful images for nice people and 

bands; things like show posters, album artwork, logos, shirt designs and stuff like that. Also, 

I play the drums in the punk rock band Evil O'Brians and sing back up. That is what I 

am and that is why my illustrations have also mostly a punk rock background. I just do projects for 

people who are similar to me and if I am a fan of  their music. It's not my job, so I can choose 

my art projects. The fun of it is more important to me than the money, but of course, I'm not saying 

no if you wanna give me a few bucks, haha. Drawing is a valve to relax, when I'm annoyed by 

people or work, it's like a brain holiday. I need the pen in my hand, good music coming from the speakers and a coffee or a cold beer.

M: How did you get started with art making? Flyers? album art?

O: I did my first scribbles in the school textbooks. At that time I listened to a lot of metal music, so my school books were full of skulls , zombies and stuff like that. From time to time there was a caricature of my english teacher , haha. The doodles were terrible at the beginning, but I've gone ahead and practiced and now my art is quite reasonable , right? But I still love to draw zombies. My first commissions were concert posters and cover artwork for punk music tapes from local bands.

DARREN MERINUK COVER OF THE SURF CREATURE VOL. 3

M: Who are your influences and what did you learn from them?

  O: First I want to name Darren Merinuk, I really love his style and his art inspires me again and again. Then there's Eric Powell, Jim Phillips, J. Scott Campbell, Chris „Coop“ Cooper, Dirty Donny, Rockin' Jellybean, Robert Williams, just to name a few. I dig bold curving black outlines. In this regard these artists were a big influence.

M: Tell us a little about your band, and where we can find music and stuff.

O: Having fun is the most important thing in my band. I've known my band mates since our school days, we grew up in the same secluded village. We are like brothers and I love those guys. We like to  hang around, have fun and play shows. We have been on various compilations and 

split albums, but we are yet to have a full-length album. That should and will change soon. We are 

working on it at the moment and it will be released later this year. You can check out the following 

links.

www.facebook.com/theevilobrians

www.youtube.com/user/MrOlePistole/videos

http://televisionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-beast-with-5-bands

http://rttb-records.bandcamp.com/album/rttb-35-14-the-evil-obrians-live-and-a-little-bit-dumb

http://rttb-records.bandcamp.com/album/rttb-29-14-the-evil-obrians-evilution-2003-2011

http://televisionrecords.bandcamp.com/track/tender-lips-the-evil-obrians-germany

M: How would you describe art your style?

O: Lowbrow toon art stuff.

M: Do you make art outside of the punk community? Ive seen a lot of albums and logos but 

was wondering if you made comics or anything just for yourself

O: I am currently working only for punk rock bands and labels. It's been a lot of fun and I love to get 

records or shirts illustrated by me. I also did a DVD cover for an independent horror film called 

Creepy Campfire Stories, I am hoping the movie comes out soon. I would like illustrate comics, but I'm scared of doing so many panels and pages. Maybe I'll do a short comic in the future again, if someone has a nice story for me.

M: Can you briefly list some of the amazing bands and clients you have done art for?

O: First of all there is the wonderful McRackins. I adore them and 'Short And Sweet' is one of my all time faves. Others are Eaten Back To Life, Horror Section, MxPx, The Queers, The Brewers, 

Nimrods, The Connie Dungs, The Meeps!, J Prozac, The Putz, Kobanes, The Sheckies and Ramone To The Bone and so on.

THE MEEPS! "TROUBLEMAKER" OUT ON RTTB RECORDS

MCRACKINS SPLIT WITH NUCLEAR SANTA CLAUST ON DON GIOVANNI RECORDS

KOBANES/ PROZACS SPLIT 7" ON JERKOFF RECORDS

M: What plans for future art or projects do you have?

O: I don't really have plans but rather wishes. For example, I 'd like to do something for Kepi Ghoulie. However, I am working on new and exciting things for The Piniellas, McRackins, The Young Rochelles, Doubtfire and Ripped Records which arecoming up soon. Watch out folks.

M: List your top 5 fave bands and top 5 fave movies, so we can judge you.

O: Phew, that's a damn hard challenge.

Bands:

Sloppy Seconds

McRackins

(everthing by) Dan Vapid

(everything by) Kepi Ghoulie

The Queers

New Bomb Turks. (Oops, there are 6)

Movies:

Planet Terror

A Corpse Bride

Sin City

Rollergirl

Lord of the Rings

Use this space for plugs, web address, how to get in touch with you

Brandon, thanks a lot for the nice interview and thank you to the dear readers of all that crap here. 

If you're interested go and check out my stuff on facebook: www.facebook.com/inebriatedoleart

....and chum up with me here: www.facebook.com/ole.obrian

Take care ya stoopid lowbrows!

THE PUTZ T-SHIRT

HORROR SECTION/EATEN BACK TO LIFE SPLIT 12" ON ECCENTRIC POP RECORDS

MXPX "LEFT COAST PUNK" EP ON SEXY BABY RECORDS

Weekend at Mooster's #1: The Automatics

Welcome to my [sorta] regular column/blog post. I wanted to make a place where I could share bands that have influenced me and Mooster Records in any way. Basically, I wanna share some bad ass bands with you. I don't intend for these posts to be complete in anyway, but more of a jumping off point. It's the weekend, so welcome to WEEKEND AT MOOSTER'S

 

(LtoR, Jesse Sutherland, Ryan , Jesse Kimball)

For my first WEEKEND AT MOOSTER's post I chose THE AUTOMATICS from Portland, OR. THE AUTOMATICS first Mutant Pop 7" "All The Kids Just Wanna Dance" was the first time I heard them. I was hooked instantly! Everything from their buzz saw barrage of guitar to the oldies/pop flair of their simple drum beats, to the idiot savant harmonies of the Double Jesse's up front finely stitched THE AUTOMATICS badge onto my sleeve.

"THE AUTOMATICS make THE QUEERS sound like Shakespeare" - Maximum Rock N Roll #149

May and June '96 "In Disguise" release and "10 Golden Greats" (ten songs on one 7") release. "In Disguise" includes my absolute favorite AUTOMATICS tune, "Super Spy". I suggest picking it up if you can find it(try Discogs.com)

In July 1996, THE AUTOMATICS released their first full length on MUTANT POP RECORDS. The self titled album with its bright pink cover is one of the band's finest releases in their ten year career. (hmmm....1996, that's almost 20 years ago, someone should probably be working on a 20th Anniversary edition of it on vinyl right? :) )

My favorite song from the record is "Hangin Out At EJ's"

"The Automatics revive the grass-roots punk ethic once famous on the west-coast...Like their California garage and CBGB's ancestors, they remind us that punk is also for fun-lovin' folks, not just knee-jerk malcontents" - ALTERNATIVE PRESS

"Lots of pop spirit... This is the pop-punk band of the year." - PUNK PLANET, Chicago

"Funny and Hooky! The Automatics have the unique status of being the only pop band I've allowed myself to like in easily five years...nice harmonies, buzzsaw guitars, and a handful of truely snot-nosed lyrics." - MAXIMUM ROCK'N ROLL, San Francisco

The debut album was plenty to fill our stockings for a while but THE AUTOMATICS had plenty more to give. Following the album by the  "Making Out" 7" "Fortune Teller" 7", split 10" with THE CONNIE DUNGS(a must own), a few more splits, "10 More Golden Great" and the "Karaoke Party" 7",

On the "Karaoke Party" 7" side A features an original tune, "Tokyo", along with a RAMONES cover and a SEWER TROUT cover. The flip side is all "vocals removed" versions of the same tunes for you to sing along to. BRILLIANT! I love that!


Album #2 is up next

GO BANANAS! GO GO BANANAS! GO BANANAS! GO GO BANANAS!

Released on CD by MUTANT POP and on LP by LET'S DANCE RECORDS. The record came with a giant poster of the guys in a food fight with bananas ala THE DAMNED.

These first few releases by THE AUTOMATICS immensely influenced my musical tastes as a teenager and have been in constant rotation since.


Coming up with Mooster Records in the next few weeks and on the blog: an interview with artist Steven Franks, an interview with artist Ole O'Brian, more information on the MORAL CRUX 7", THE HOMEWRECKERS LP, a release from STILETTO BOMB, THE UECKERS CD, MOOSTER MANIA V(yes its coming eventually) and a special 20th Anniversary project, wink, wink, wink, nuddddge. Can I be more obvious here?



have a great weekend,
Brandon
www.moosterrecords.com