CultureLoad

Interview with Jack’s Basement

Four rockers that do not take themselves too seriously.

The band Porn Messiah was founded in 2007 by Polly (27 yrs.). A bit later Sir Paul, Pulo and Danny joined up with him and the band was complete. Only the name caused some trouble which is why the band decided to change it into Jack’s Basement. These days they offer their debut album “In Your Face” on CultureLoad which we used as an opportunity to talk to them in an interview:

CultureLoad: First off, I’m really interested why you changed your band name.

Polly: It isn’t the easiest thing to hand out flyers when you’re called Porn Messiah. But that wasn’t the reason: One day we received an email from an American erotic site that had the same name and wanted to sue us. And because we’re rockstars and not lawyers the situation was pretty clear: We had to think of another name.

CL: Which artists or bands influence you in your music?

Polly: For me that’s mostly American bands like Blink 182 and Bowling for Soup but also Social Distortion and Hair-Metal bands like Poison.

Pulo: Well, for me as a drummer, I’m of course a huge fan of Travis Barker (Blink 182).

CL: How did you have the idea to record your own albums without a record label and how have you been supported?

Jack’s Basement: Well, we just want people at home to be able to listen to our music. Yes indeed, we don’t have a record deal and I’m not even sure if we need one. A record company had to tell us what they can offer us- because in times of digital distribution everyone can put out songs and distribute them worldwide.

CL: What kind of advice would you give bands without a record deal?

Polly: Oh, that’s easy. There are many people who think: “The most important thing is that my music is good. By the time I have a record deal, the record company will take care of everything.” But that’s not the way it works in this business. If you put effort in your work, if you are creative and care about your fanbase, then your fanbase will grow. That’s the essential part of it. That’s why I say: Take your fans into consideration! Offer them content! Entertain them!

CL: Who is the artist or the band that you would love to share the stage and make music with?

Polly and Pulo at the same time: Blink 182! And Bowling for Soup!

Sir Paul: Bad Religion.

Danny: If I finally find the necronomicon in our library then I get Elvis, Cash and Hendrix out of hell and tour with them all.

CL: Which songs would you advice to someone who has never heard anything of your band before?

Polly: If we can choose from our new songs, it would definitely be "Distance is a Bitch". That song combines everything we are.

Danny: Since when is "Distance is a Bitch" about fart jokes and beer?

Sir Paul: Well, I would recommend "Glory Shot". Somebody who buys an album in a zebra look and pink writing on it and then likes the song “Glory Shot” which is almost a metal song, that person is definitely ready for our music.

CL: I heard that your new album is almost finished. What can fans expect?

Jack’s Basement: It’s not a complete album but only five songs. You can expect really diverse songs, crazy humor and a lot of fun. We recorded and produced all of the new stuff 100% on our own. That new demo will be available on CultureLoad for free- that way you can listen to it as much as you want to and then decide if you want to buy our music. In that case you can very easily order a CD or donate as much as you want to.

CL: Thank you very much for this interview.

Discover Jack’s Basement’s debut album “In Your Face” now!

Nora Frei
Editorial Team