When did the band start? And why?
We started in March of 2005. Nole, Chuck & myself had become friends through the singer of their former band Jolt 45. They were about to disband and, my band Death Valley Driver had just broken up. Chuck got a hold of me and asked if I wanted to put a band together. We both wanted to do something that was more based in AC/DC-Motorhead-Turbonegro instead of the punk based Ramones-Misfits-Face To Face. Basically we wanted to move out of the realm of Punk Rock and get back to playing some raw, good ol’ fashioned Rock ‘N’ Roll. Dont get me wrong we still have Punk in our veins were just letting more of our Rock genes come out. Soon after Chuck and I started talking about things, Nole jumped on board. Then Chuck asked a guy he knew named Frank, who used to play bass for Los Creepers, to join in on some rehearsals which were taking place at Sound Arena in Van Nuys. One day we were rehearsing and this little mutton chopped face kept popping up in the window. It was Elvis. He worked at Sound Arena. When I went outside for a break, Elvis walked up to me and said he really liked us and asked if we were looking for a 2nd guitarist (which we were). The week after we were up and running as a 5 piece. About 8 months later Frank left to do other things. He was replaced by Drake Duncan, formerly of Texas Vamps & Hellbound Hayride. That didn’t quite work out so, Elvis jumped over to bass and, Mr. Bill Woodcock took over his guitar duties. This is definitely the perfect lineup for this band. We are now complete.
Who are the members, what do they play and do they play in other bands?
Well, my name is Arturo Trujillo and, I handle lead vocal duties. Nole Eldridge is on drums and, backing Vocals. On dueling lead Guitars we’ve got Chuck “The Wizard” Poquette and, “Lightnin’” Bill Woodcock. And, last but not least, Mr. Elvis Kennedy on Bass. Bill is also in Miss Derringer and, has a side project called Lightnin’ Bill Woodcock. And Elvis plays guitar in The Shocker. But understand this, The Bourbon Saints are all of our number one priority... At least it better be!!!
Can you describe your music?
Full throttle, balls out, kick you in the teeth Rock ‘N’ Rooooooooll!
How important is it for a band to come across well rehearsed at live shows?
It is very important but, so is a band’s energy, camaraderie and, their love for the music that they create together. It’s a combination of all of those things. There is nothing worse than watching a band fake it onstage. Well rehearsed or not. It’s embarrassing.
Do you believe all the members of a band have the responsibility of owning there own equipment and sharing the work load as far as band stuff like, pitching in on a rehearsal spot, taking fliers to clubs to promote shows, helping in the writing process. etc...
Of course! We all share in the financial part of this band. The boys all own their own equipment. And, we all do our share of promoting. Whether it be sending emails, making phone calls or, handing out flyers. I myself manage our MySpace page myspace.com/thebourbonsaints. Elvis has been hitting Los Angeles pretty hard as of late handing out CD’s and other Bourbon Saints propaganda. And although say, Chuck or Nole will come in with the main idea of a song, we all have a part in coming up with the final product.
Why do you think now The Bourbon Saints are gaining exposure?
The bottom line is, I think we write great songs. The music is hyped up and aggressive with catchy hooks. It kinda makes you want to sing along while you’re strangling the person next to you! And our live show, well, it’s energetic... it’s fun… it’s loud... it’s hot... it’s sweaty... it’s real. I just think we came around during a time when L.A. needed a swift kick in the ass. Music has become so stale and boring as of late. And it’s not just us that feel that way. There is s whole underground scene of bands starting to emerge, us included, that plan on taking this town over! There is no hiding... there is no stopping us... be prepared to have your socks rocked off ‘cause we’re comin’ ladies and gentlemen!
What bands in LA do you think are making an effort to bring the scene together?
The Amplifires, L.A. Slumlords, Warner Drive, Atomic Playboy, HDR, Prima Donna, The Binges, ADHD, The Chelsea Smiles, The Breakdowns, Lords Of Altamont... just to name a few...
What bands in LA would you like to play with?
Of course all those just mentioned but also The Bronx, Juliette and the Licks, The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs (should they reunite again), The Bellrays, Faster Pussycat, Eagles of Death Metal and... let’s see... MOTLEY CRUE!
But you know, it’s not just L.A. bands that we want to play with. I mean, there are so many great bands out there that we would be honored share a stage with... Turbonegro, The Hives, Die Hunns, Fu Manchu, Motorhead, The Cult, Joan Jett, (International) Noise Conspiracy, Towers Of London etc.
I strongly believe that all of our hard work IS going to pay off.
If you had a chance to go on the road and tour would you drop everything and go? Even if it means eating peanut butter sandwich's and coming home from tour broke?
THAT I would answer with a “HELL YEAH!”. We’ve all paid our dues. I think that it’s time for us to make this thing happen.
Is music a hobby for you?
Absolutely not! I could not function without it.
Do you think Image is important for a band?
I used to think so but... I don’t know... I guess it kind of plays a part in grabbing people’s attention but, if a band or artist’s music tugs at your heartstrings or, makes you want to jump around like a monkey, or makes you want to get off your ass and move, does it really matter what they look like? I think music is blind. It’s all about how it makes you think and feel. But then again, I’ve been dying my hair black and, wearing eyeliner for 20 years so...
What does The Bourbon Saints have in store for 07?
We are going to hit 2007 like a lightning bolt... fast, furious and hard! We are going to start recording our full length CD this Spring. We plan on playing ALOT of shows EVERYWHERE... (i.e. L.A., O.C., S.F., Oakland, San Jose, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Vegas, Arizona...) And hopefully that will put us in touch with that one label out there with balls enough to bring back some blistering and sexy Rock ‘N’ Roll!
Here is you chance to say whatever you want to the people... good, bad, indifferent, go for it...
I just want to say thank you JD for taking time to talk with me about The Bourbon Saints and to those of you that took the time to read this, hopefully it sparked an interest in The Bourbon Saints... to those of you that have come to our shows, listened to our E.P., bought our t-shirts, visited our My Space page, have become one of our friends... to those of you that have supported The Bourbon Saints and, plan on continuing that support through the coming years. There are no words to express our gratitude. And thank you to all of the bands that we’ve played with and, will be playing with in the future. I urge everyone reading this to go out and support local bands. Especially here in Southern California, where the music scene has always been full of amazing and influential artists. Let’s continue to show the world where it’s at and, what we’re made of! Viva La Rock! Oh yeah talking about supporting local bands check out this killer line up at the Knitting Factory on March 29th. Warner Drive, The Binges, Evil Beaver, Jessie Deluxe and The Bourbon Saints. Its an all ages show, its only 8 bucks and it starts at 8pm. It is also being filmed for a Video Series called Live In Hollywood. So come out and be a part of this great event. ARTURO Check out my band at... myspace.com/thebourbonsaints
