Interview : Guttermouth
December 8th 2011 10:31
Guttermouth have been tearing up the clubs and small stages all over the world for the best part of twenty years. Their unabashed style of punk rock has enthralled fans and disgusted alot of others. At times, outspoken and they have incurred the wrath of quite a few bands and countries over the years. (they have been kicked off tours and was once banned in Canada) The one place that has always welcomed them with open arms has been Australia. returning for another tour in 2012, I got the opportunity to catch up online with vocalist/lyricist Mark Adkins to discuss new music, the state of the world and why he will never grow up!
What's been happening in the world of Guttermouth?
Nothing, but good. If you believe that. Truth be told, we are releasing new music!!! We toured Canada and the US with a tour only CD split with a band called "The New Threat" out of Florida. It was limited to 1000 copies and we sold em all!! Some of our die hards say this is the best shit in years and I actually agree with them. Just so you know I have been up all night, so doing this is a pain in the ass. Don't get me wrong, I am happy you want to speak with me, but hungover is no way to write. Other than new music...we are touring more than we ever have. It is crazy and I feel fortunate to be doing this after all these years. My favorite part is that I still have more energy that bands half my age. Ha!
The last time you hit our shores, I read you filmed the whole tour. What are plans for this? Will there be a Guttermouth travel documentary?
Oh man, I have seen some of the footage and I can't believe that is us. Rhys, the Videographer had the cameras rolling 24/7, so not one person was spared. It was a long tour for Australia with a lot of driving and stops in odd places like Nimbin. Well, that's odd enough. He captured all the inner band fights. Mainly between Ryan and I, but that is in the past. One of the best scenes was the 5 man chain reaction vomitorium on our drive to the Bangkok gig. Plans for this video...I think Rhys has been taking to many naps on the job. We had hoped to have it out by this tour, but...I know he will come through with loads of clips online, so you can at least get a taste for it. It is a tasty piece of film I might add. I know Mr. Rhys, he will have it complete soon. The man is a perfectionist, so you can't rush Picaso, now can you.
What makes Aussie crowds different to say Europeans and American audiences?
Australians as a people, seem too be very competitive and less interested in politics as the Europeans. The Euro's love their political banter. Nothing against them, I just hear a lot of bad talk about the US as if I have complete control over the White House. When Bush was in office (now read this in a German accent), "Fuck you Mark, Why is you president a cowboy?" What can you say to that, especially since I did not vote for him? My normal reply was something to this effect, " Um, I don't know why he chose to be a cowboy?" " Would you rather him be a Pilgram or a Butcher?" The normal reaction was anger or bewilderment. Americans...as a whole, just don't seem to grasp anything. Anything is a bit strong, they don't seem to grasp much that can make a difference. I live in the land of, "What the fuck! Where is mine?'" The younger generation has a strange entitlement thought process. Yes, the 20 -30 somethings think the world owes them a job, beautiful girl, nice house, BMW and the list goes on. Now that is not every American, but a good portion feel this way. Bloody idiots.
Do you have a favourite Aussie band?
I am a big fan of originators. Sure I could make retarded jokes like, "Men At Work" and all the usual suspects, but why? I would say The Saints really had something special going on. They were on a comp. I bought in 1979. Sure I'm dating myself, but it is true. The Saints shared the LP with Magazine, Wire, The Buzzcocks, The Stranglers and a few other bands I can't at the moment remember. Ask me when you see me. I will recall every band.
You’ve always been a bit critical of the punk scene. What new bands do you see coming through that hold that same mantra Guttermouth has always held?
I can't really name any. New bands didn't see anything. I have viewed some old VHS tapes like The Decline and the youngsters just don't get why a band like FEAR would cause so many problems. Most new bands seek something that does not come from image, clothing, hair styles and tour buses. Music comes from inside. It's a part of you of it's not. Those seeking fame and fortune usually faulter. I could talk about this for hours. Simply put, you had to be there to get the meaning.
What do you think is the most offensive song you've ever written?
Oh, I hope many, but if I had to pick one...I can't, my topics are all over the place. Thus, some are offended and some like the same song. Who knows?
Is there still a capacity to shock people with lyrics these days or are people too sensitized?
You never know? It all depends on the listener.
Does the band still have their “Africa” by Toto fetish? .(..because it’s one of my secret favourites? )
Yeah, we play it as we approach any club in the states. Everyone sings along and it rockets the bands motivation beyond what the average TOTO fan ever got out of that number. You have to be in the van to get the vibe... It is monumental.
Will Mark Adkins ever grow up?
What's the hurry? Trust me when I say I do not want to grow old and reliant on a nurse and a wheelchair. That's what train tracks are for.
Finally, if you were asked to make a mix tape, whats the first track you put on it?
Something happy and upbeat for sure. Um, well the Talking Heads are playing in the back ground. Track #1 would be a song called Cities. Look it up.
Guttermouth
What's been happening in the world of Guttermouth?
Nothing, but good. If you believe that. Truth be told, we are releasing new music!!! We toured Canada and the US with a tour only CD split with a band called "The New Threat" out of Florida. It was limited to 1000 copies and we sold em all!! Some of our die hards say this is the best shit in years and I actually agree with them. Just so you know I have been up all night, so doing this is a pain in the ass. Don't get me wrong, I am happy you want to speak with me, but hungover is no way to write. Other than new music...we are touring more than we ever have. It is crazy and I feel fortunate to be doing this after all these years. My favorite part is that I still have more energy that bands half my age. Ha!
The last time you hit our shores, I read you filmed the whole tour. What are plans for this? Will there be a Guttermouth travel documentary?
Oh man, I have seen some of the footage and I can't believe that is us. Rhys, the Videographer had the cameras rolling 24/7, so not one person was spared. It was a long tour for Australia with a lot of driving and stops in odd places like Nimbin. Well, that's odd enough. He captured all the inner band fights. Mainly between Ryan and I, but that is in the past. One of the best scenes was the 5 man chain reaction vomitorium on our drive to the Bangkok gig. Plans for this video...I think Rhys has been taking to many naps on the job. We had hoped to have it out by this tour, but...I know he will come through with loads of clips online, so you can at least get a taste for it. It is a tasty piece of film I might add. I know Mr. Rhys, he will have it complete soon. The man is a perfectionist, so you can't rush Picaso, now can you.
What makes Aussie crowds different to say Europeans and American audiences?
Australians as a people, seem too be very competitive and less interested in politics as the Europeans. The Euro's love their political banter. Nothing against them, I just hear a lot of bad talk about the US as if I have complete control over the White House. When Bush was in office (now read this in a German accent), "Fuck you Mark, Why is you president a cowboy?" What can you say to that, especially since I did not vote for him? My normal reply was something to this effect, " Um, I don't know why he chose to be a cowboy?" " Would you rather him be a Pilgram or a Butcher?" The normal reaction was anger or bewilderment. Americans...as a whole, just don't seem to grasp anything. Anything is a bit strong, they don't seem to grasp much that can make a difference. I live in the land of, "What the fuck! Where is mine?'" The younger generation has a strange entitlement thought process. Yes, the 20 -30 somethings think the world owes them a job, beautiful girl, nice house, BMW and the list goes on. Now that is not every American, but a good portion feel this way. Bloody idiots.
Do you have a favourite Aussie band?
I am a big fan of originators. Sure I could make retarded jokes like, "Men At Work" and all the usual suspects, but why? I would say The Saints really had something special going on. They were on a comp. I bought in 1979. Sure I'm dating myself, but it is true. The Saints shared the LP with Magazine, Wire, The Buzzcocks, The Stranglers and a few other bands I can't at the moment remember. Ask me when you see me. I will recall every band.
You’ve always been a bit critical of the punk scene. What new bands do you see coming through that hold that same mantra Guttermouth has always held?
I can't really name any. New bands didn't see anything. I have viewed some old VHS tapes like The Decline and the youngsters just don't get why a band like FEAR would cause so many problems. Most new bands seek something that does not come from image, clothing, hair styles and tour buses. Music comes from inside. It's a part of you of it's not. Those seeking fame and fortune usually faulter. I could talk about this for hours. Simply put, you had to be there to get the meaning.
What do you think is the most offensive song you've ever written?
Oh, I hope many, but if I had to pick one...I can't, my topics are all over the place. Thus, some are offended and some like the same song. Who knows?
Is there still a capacity to shock people with lyrics these days or are people too sensitized?
You never know? It all depends on the listener.
Does the band still have their “Africa” by Toto fetish? .(..because it’s one of my secret favourites? )
Yeah, we play it as we approach any club in the states. Everyone sings along and it rockets the bands motivation beyond what the average TOTO fan ever got out of that number. You have to be in the van to get the vibe... It is monumental.
Will Mark Adkins ever grow up?
What's the hurry? Trust me when I say I do not want to grow old and reliant on a nurse and a wheelchair. That's what train tracks are for.
Finally, if you were asked to make a mix tape, whats the first track you put on it?
Something happy and upbeat for sure. Um, well the Talking Heads are playing in the back ground. Track #1 would be a song called Cities. Look it up.
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