ANTiSEEN: The H.o.S. Interview
(page 3 of 5)
Uncle Dan: You've mentioned that working with GG Allin had its positives and negatives for ANTiSEEN. Was the biggest minus being labeled "GG's backing band" for awhile or the fact so many overlook GG's music in the face of the spectacle his live shows were infamous for they might've done the same to you guys because of the association?
Jeff Clayton: Exactly. It seemed like our entire history (10 years worth) was all but erased after we teamed with GG. That part sucked. But in hindsight I'm glad we did it because he is a legend and we did make what I consider to be a very brutal album that stands the test of time even today.
UD: In spite of all that stuff, the album ANTiSEEN did with GG, Murder Junkies, is a classic. How did those sessions come together? Was it a pleasant experience making that album?
JC: A lot of fun, a lot of work, and a little stressful. My first daughter was born the afternoon that GG arrived. So, between running back and forth to the studio and the hospital, it was stressful. GG was very professional in the studio--sorry GG fans. He knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. We did MANY vocal takes. After that session, neither he nor I had a voice to even talk with when it was over.
UD: The current lineup of ANTiSEEN has been in place for awhile now. After years of turnover in the ranks, I'm sure the stability is a relief. How has having things remain solid for such a sustained period affected the way the band functions?
JC: Getting new blood in the band was always kind of exciting, but the one thing that was a constant pain was always having to go back and re-learn all the old songs. I imagine we would have put out even more releases had that not always been the case. Having a steadfast lineup for the past 4 years or so has allowed us to function as a band that's moving foward as opposed to always going back to square one. Also, as in any band, you start to know how to play together without even thinking about it too much. It just comes natural. Barry and Doug wrote a huge part of the new album because after spending so much time in the band (especially Barry) they were able to adapt to Joe and mine's style of writing--which is not the typical process that it may be in other groups.
UD: You've had quite a few side projects outside of ANTiSEEN, over the years. How did those various outings differ from what you do with ANTiSEEN?
JC: Well, Judas Bullethead was more of an outlet for my (and Tom Okeefe's) Frank Zappa/Captain Beefheart influence. Any of the others just came at a time when ANTiSEEN was hitting a slow period.
UD: Any new side projects cooking people should keep their eyes peeled for?
JC: I will be doing lead vocals for what will be the last album for Australia's RUPTURE. Other than that, we have tons of ANTiSEEN projects to keep us busy for a few years from now.
UD: ANTiSEEN's love of pro wretling is no secret. You've mentioned in the past that you trained in that craft for a short time. If you would, please shed some light on that experience for us. How did you come to start and stop that training and what was the experience like, in general?
JC: I had attended an independent wrestling show in Monroe, NC and met a very impressive "heel" wrestler named "Mad Dog" David Lynch. We found we had a lot in common, and as time went on, he offered to train me and get me in some of the independent leagues he was working with. I started out as his manager, named Rip Carnage, and was to go on to be his partner in a team we would call The Dogs of War. However, a neck injury for me, and the fact that I was spreading myself too thin between work, family, and band ended my short but very memorable wrestling carreer. One of the highlights though was being able to sit in the locker room and listen to Chief Wahoo McDaniel tell stories about the old NWA days.
UD: Have you caught any NWA:TNA, yet? If so, what do you think about their chances of eventually contending with the WWE?
JC: Yeah, I've seen a few of the shows and I enjoy it a lot. I just wish they'd get off of the pay-per-view cycle eventually. I know they do have an hour free show that comes on Sunshine Network (?) and I catch that from time to time. I think if they get a better TV deal they should have no problem being the number 2 federation in no time at all.
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