Once again this interview has been super delayed because of me being all over the place and not having my shit together. However, I'm extremely happy to have it finished now, as this was a super fun interview to do and I'm excited to get to share it with y'all!
I briefly met Jessi during my hazy travels in the U.S. this summer. I had the chance to see her perform with Jeffrey Donger and Bitchy Rackmore just before AMF#4, and both bands' sets were really energetic and memorable. Their sound was a bit different from the ultra heavy and dark gore sound that a lot of the bands I saw had (which I also loved of course), and as these bands were both completely unknown to me before, they really peaked my interest.
I traded myself all the releases that the bands had available at their shows and luckily got to meet all the members, who were just the coolest and nicest people and whom I would be very happy to meet again someday. I kept in contact with Jessi after I left the States and very luckily she agreed to do this interview with me. We covered a huge amount of subjects, from Jessi's various musical projects to the political climate in the U.S as well as the punk/extreme music scene's reaction to it, and finally we closed on some phenomenal notions about how to cope in these trying times. ENJOY!!!
Jeffrey Donger played at the Nest that night. July 2018, idgf underground (George Forste took the video this is from.
JESSI: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am doing great. I'm out at a deli right now and smashing some jalapeno dip. I've been going nuts over Napalm Death's Harmony Corruption. My friend left his copy in my car. And I've also been blasting United Mutation. Always down to get with them. Also a lot of outlaw country. Good drinking tunes!
As far as T.V. goes, I don't watch a lot of it, but I can get down with Mr. Show, Kenneth Anger movies and Paradise P.D. Also my friends (and bandmate) in Slutbomb were recently featured on Bojack Horseman! So I've been picking up where I left off.
PROCRASTINATE: Jalapeno dip with what? Or are you just having the dip?? I never got into that NxDx album. Should I?? I always though that the band ended with FETO, heh... I actually got into Bojack after hearing about that Slutbomb cover too and realized that the show has a lot more depth than I initially thought.
But AAANYWAYS, how did you initially get into music? What was the first record that made you go "AAARGH" and how did that affect you? When did you start getting active in making music?
JESSI: These homemade tortilla chips, great stuff! And yes you should! The album is kinda industrial, but Barney's voice is still good! The show is about filling the void. I'd be afraid to be a big star for that reason.
I got into music very early. It was a trip to the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington D.C. that did it for me. I was so entranced by the detail in the building and the bass blaring out of the speakers. I was actually more interested in playing music first. I was about six and I met a violin player at a restaurant and I begged my mom to let me play violin.
After the trip to the Hard Rock Cafe, and some music classes alongside my own research, buying records at a flea market with my allowance money, I decided to start learning drums at 11 years old. Then I moved onto guitar and bass at 14. As I got older I started working with manipulating sounds and it's all been there ever since.
Jeffrey Donger's first show. Plan Z Photography (Pluto Komit). Witler on the 8's, September 2017.
Jeffrey Donger's first show. Plan Z Photography (Pluto Komit). Witler on the 8's, September 2017.
PROCRASTINATE: Ooohhh those sound like genuinely inspiring moments! That's awesome, it's so cool when music hits really hits you like that. At the moment you play the bass in Jeffrey Donger and do the vocals in Bitchie Rackmore right? Oh and you also have your project METHCUCK, in which I'm not sure what you do, heh! Is it a solo project? I also wanted to ask you about the stories behind these names, cause none of them really say a lot to me, except for Methcuck, which I understand is a drug reference, heh..
JESSI: I play bass in Jeffrey Donger and do vocals for Bitchy and Methcuck. Methcuck is not solo, it's me and my boyfriend Steve Merrill. Jeffrey Donger comes from imagine Dahmer's face on the shaft of a penis, being a dick and dying. Bitchy Rackmore is Ritchie Blackmore but backwards. Methcuck is definitely a drug reference. There is a radio show here called Bob and Tom, and they have a joke about watching drug addicts on the street. That's where Methcuck came in.
PROCRASTINATE: Oohh nice!! What kind of an album is this gonna be? Also, do you ever find it hard to juggle around all of these different projects or do you prefer having multiple projects at the same time? I also wanted to ask you about the lyrics of these bands! Who writes them, what are they about, and what are the inspirations behind them?
JESSI: Our genre is cyber grinding death wave. Vaporwave with grind in it! The inspiration in Jeffrey Donger lyrics is mostly about injustice and abuse. Bitchy is a shitlist of spoofs on prog rock. Methcuck is just all about imagination and morality. It all comes out from the chest and guts. Everything that you feel.
Methcuck - Angelic Hellbabies from Outer Space (2018)
PROCRASTINATE: From the gut is definitely best way to go! Super cool that you have that vaporwave aspect in Methcuck too! It seems like a pretty cool scene, I just never got super into it myself (yet). This actually brings me to my next question: What kind of stuff are you in to, if we exclude all the more extreme punk and metal stuff?
Also, a follow up question about your lyrics: How does the writing process usually go for you, and do you address your lyrics to a specific group when you write them? I only ask cause I feel I'm pretty shitty at writing lyrics myself, and I'm always interested in the processes that people have for writing.
JESSI: I really enjoy northern soul, old school hip hop (Trick Daddy, Tribe Called Quest, Gangsta Pat and Leaders of the New School are my favorrites). I also grew up listening to a lot of hippie folk shit too, hahhahah, so I never fail getting into anyone from Jim Croce down to the psychedelic sounds of The Soft Machine. The reason why I love all these genres so much is that they are beyond beneficial for writing extreme music.
As for the lyrics, it's all fueled off of daily observation. The writing process, even in extreme music, is so poetic, and you still need a flow. You suddenly find yourself comparing something outward, for example like a "mom getting arrested with the kid watching". Then you try to explain that scenario to something more physical. What did that scenario turn into? Put the chain on the bear and leave her babies. Then you've condensed it, but you've got a lyric.
A lot of the writing process is just sheer reality. IF you get knocked by all these people that say they are your friends, sometimes it's just a lot easier to say "I got knoced by all these people that were my friends", but for the sake of poetic justice, it's good to enhance your statements.
And on another note, while I'm thinking about it, I also remember how when I first started I would just look for things that fit together and words that rhymed. I'd find it hilarious if there was a song where it was just one syllable words that all rhymed together. But in all seriousness, that's how a good chunk of them start when you're new to writing lyrics.
PROCRASTINATE: You have a really nice approach to doing the lyrics! Super cool to hear that you have influences from such a wide spectrum! Was the message of punk/grind important for you when you initially got into it, or was it more just the music? Also, how is the scene over there? I understand that it's pretty DIY oriented, but I'm interested to hear about the political orientations and stuff like that as well. For example, is veganism a big thing over there?
JESSI: Everyone claims to be an anarchist when it comes down to American politics around here. Especially the Cincinnati scene is very politically charged. We all hate Trump, and any suit that marks you as an ally. Morality is a big deal for punks these days from what I've seen. An American leftist wants to depend on the government, a rightist wants limited government. I think that seems to be lost in transition here with such a jock for a president. Inreal anarchy, you don't want anything to do with the government. So does that label exist if you want the government to make stricter laws, legalize opiates, and more training for police that will evolve to less violence?
You can't do those things on your own, however you can take the first steps to the higher ups. If you don't like it, you have to change it. It will always start with the people. And it's showing here in Cincy that folks so want change and the city recently has progressed in a lot of ways. Columbus day is now "indigenous people's day", and we also have a Black Lives Matter group, and we are also a sanctuary city, which means immigrants are safe here. It's not like this in every town in the states though.
Bitchy Rackmore - How Did Lynyrd Skynyrd Do It? (2017)
PROCRASTINATE: Wow, it sounds like Cincinnati is a really progressive place! Or is that just the side of the city that's within the state of Ohio? Is there a difference between the side that's in Kentucky? Anyways, I've heard tons of rumors about the political situation in the U.S., but it's super nice to hear that it's going pretty okay where you're at! What is your personal stance on politics? I got a glimpse of it from your last answer, but because at least in Finland there seems to be quite a significant gap between 'leftists' and 'anarchists', or at least between political punk and just otherwise politically active people who might be more inclined towards parliamentary action as well, and I was wondering how, or if you've experienced or noticed this kind of stuff as well?
JESSI: Northern Kentucky is a lot better than the rest of the state. But even in the major cities, such as Lexington and Louisville have neighborhoods that are relatively progressive. I'm grateful to see that, because most of Kentucky is very republican and Christian.
I see the political punks here expressing concern of property value, minority inclusion, and feminism. They've done a lot of revamping in the city so more suburbians will come visit, but it raises property values, so it causes a minority based neighborhood to have to move out and live somewhere that's worse. Some people who own properties really do wanna thin the herd, and it's sad. I see a lot of politically active people try really hard to understand issues for the sake of empathy, which I applaud, as long as they're really willing to be taught. That's another thing I notice here, that people are willing to be taught certain things that are valuable to the city.
I work at a radio station in northern Kentucky, for a lot of spiritual leaders in town, and many of them discuss diversity and how really we can all get along. I also work for a non profit organization in which I support all kinds of different people. Conservative in one thing and liberal in another, or vice versa. These people I support can get along and coexist with each other miles better than what the general community does. That's why it is so important to include everyone. I mean everyone, we can all learn something from each other.
And I got into punk and grind because in MY opinion it is the absolute of anything you can do in music. You can be the fastest, most technical, most "profound" in your words. Your songs could be the most off beat thing and it'd sound good because it came from you. You can literally do whatever you want, it's free game. And you get some really cool shit out of it. Hell, we wouldn't have had the blast beat without Gene Kruppa.
About juggling projects, it's not that hard! I also have two jobs, so as long as I have an even schedule, I can keep it together. I have one day dedicated to Jeffrey Donger, and in Methcuck, since it's just Steve and I, we have time to work together since also we live together. Bitchy Rackmore is easy too. I spend a lot of time listening to our recordings, and hopefully figuring out how to contribute things too. Regan and Delaney live in the next major city to the north, Dayton, Ohio, which is only about a 45 minute drive. It doesn't stop us tough! It's awesome that we're all intertwined.
Bitchy Rackmore ft. Steve Merrill at Mike's Bike Park, March 2018. Dayton, Ohio.
PROCRASTINATE: It's nice to hear that the scene is quite political there! Inequality, rapid changes in property values and gentrification are probably a lot more blatant over there in the States, but I think it's quite a problem in lots of places in Europe as well. It definitely seems to be a difficult issue to tackle, because people really seem to blindly respect the whims of the market forces instead of thinking about the broader and more intricate consequences that it has for individuals. And I definitely agree with you about inclusiveness, and I also really respect people and communities like that, where people can get a long despite their differences. It's for sure the only way that people can achieve any meaningful change.
And wow, sounds like you're keeping super busy!!! It's nice to hear that you've got all of your shit together in such a way that you can manage with a schedule/workload like that! By the way, when did you start playing with JxD and BxR? JxD has only released one demo and the tour split cd-r with BxR, right? I noticed that BxR has some more material on its bandcamp as well, but I was wondering if the tour cd-r was the only physical releace so far?
JESSI: Well, you've just gotta the the right folks to do the right thing. It's that plain and simple. We need real people in this joke of an office. Literally the 99%. And well thank you! I have to stay busy these days.
JxD came together in June of 2017. We started playing shows that September. Our demo was done in the Nest basement. Landis recorded it for us. Him and Jodi throw some of the best house shows there too. I've played there four times and it's always awesome. Love them to death.
ANYWAYS! Bitchy came together at a show at Mike's Bike Park in March of 2018. Our buddy in Menstrual Munchies, Jesse Creekbaum, couldn't make it to that show, so Delaney and Regan asked if I'd join. I literally just did the vox at the show with Steve and it stayed. After being on a tour where I double dutied, I really wanted to start adding my own ideas.
JxD's only other release is the split with BxR, but not for long! The demo and splits can be found on cd-r and we also have demos on tape. I'd like to get tapes of the splits. It'll happen! Bitchy has the album and the split.
PROCRASTINATE: Oh cool, so you just joined the band on the spot with no preparation for the show? That's awesome! Do you have any plans to make vinyl releases or stuff like this in the near future, maybe a tour or something like that? By the way I really like your vocal style! The shows that I've seen from both JxD and BxR were super crazy!! I'd like to ask what your songs are about, and if there is any certain theme you try to address with them?
JESSI: Absolutely hahaha!! Thank you! It was a lot of fun. We would love to make vinyls with JxD's album once it's finished. The Bitchy one can be done, we're just getting the money together, haha. And thanks again! I try to put a happy medium in with the bass and vox so I don't run out of gas. It's important.
In BxR we ffocus more on classic rock themes. For example, "I wish Neil Young Was My Dad", "Lita Ford", "Should Have Been Lars". It all shows in the song titles JxD is more of a temper tantrum at your therapists office. For example "Assisted Suicide" talks about the things that make you wanna blow your head off. "Aftermath" is about toxic relationships and cutting off people that aren't good for you.
Jeffrey Donger - Live at the Hub (2017)
PROCRASTINATE: Nice to hear, I'm really looking forward to those releases! Do you have any sort of philosophy regarding the lyrics, for example about juggling between lighter and more serious themes? Are there any certain bands or artists whose lyrics have been especially influential for you?
JESSI: You'll be the first person we ship them out to! If I'm writing lyrics, I just remain honest with myself. I can't lie or hype myself up. I'm just "doing Jessi stuff" as I'd say hahaha! Patti Smith for the poetic detail, Jack Grisham from TSOL, Seth Putnam for the humor, and Jello Biafra. All of them are also honest. Even though Seth Putnam is a total dingus, he knows he's jerking dicks.
PROCRASTINATE: NICEE! Can't wait!! And haha I agree about Seth, I personally only dig AxCx from the early era when they didn't have any lyrics yet, heh... How would you describe the Midwest scene more generally? I think it's becoming like an international grindcore capital of sorts, but I was wondering what other kinds of music there is, what the people, bands and scene infrastructure is like, and if there are some significant differences between the Midwest and other states/countries? What are your favorite / least favorite things about it?
JESSI: Yeah AxCx turned into buttrock after, Fucking A. Dude, the Midwest from Ohio into Illinois has so much. It's really a melting pot. If you start north on the border of Michigan in Cleveland, Ohio, you have a lot of hardcore punk and powerviolence. Apartment 2113, Fuck You Pay Me, the H100s and Face Value all come from there. Forgive me if I missed any names. Then you get to Columbus and there's a really good chunk of things, especially if you get towards Ohio State University. However, since it's central Ohio, it's easier for them to just come north or south. So there's a lot of general punk and metal, but they all travel.
Dayton Ohio, as I'm sure you noticed, it's more known for grindcore than any other extreme genre. In Cincinnatti, since we're in a triangle of different states, southern Ohio gets raided with all sorts of different stuff. We have experimental and post-music from northern Kentucky, we have D-beat punk, black metal, powerviolence, brat punk, crust, grindcore, death metal, and a lot ofopeople in Cincy develop bands inspired by touring bands. We're all influenced by each other, and it shows. If you go west into Indianapolis, Indiana, you get a lot of garage rock and post-punk. Narcan, Mr. Clit and the Pink Cigarettes are good exampples. Go further west into Chicago, Illinois and you get a lot of skate punk and fastcore. I have some personal favorites out there, Chicago is so good to us every time we go.
PROCRASTINATE: Lots of new names there that I'll have to check out for sure! Hahah by the way, what is 'brat punk'? I've never heard of this genre before. Anyways, from following the news and hearing stories from people over there I've understood that America is in a really turbulent state at the moment, as populist politics have really spread through the country and lots of bigoted and super conservative people have gotten more support and legitimization for their fucked up views. Does this affect your daily life a lot? From your perspective how have things changed in the past few years and how do you feel about American culture in general?
JESSI:Brat punk is like that snotty sounding vocals and fast garage riffs, hahaha. Oh god. America has a new reign of ignorance. The way I see it, it's the last laugh for this kind of movement. I feel that American culture can either build up or destroy so rapidly. We have a strong war culture, which would be tight if we were fighting the evils in the communities instead of in other countries... (and the government wonders why people are getting addicted to different kinds of drugs such as heroin, or cocaine), because we're trying to flex on the whole world.
We have a constitution that is constantly being violated by our government, but we also have a melting pot of different people from different backgrounds and ethnicities. I feel like right now the wrong set of hands is in charge of American culture. However, I have faith in the years to come. It will be in our playing field as long as the real ones keep fighting back.
It affects me because I want to lead a succesful life, but if I always have to pay for my medical bills or weeding away debt from something else. If I can't get enough funds aside to get out, I have to pull some illegal shit to get there, or just avoid it. Even if I avoid it, it affects me if my car breaks down and I need a new one, or if I have to put new pipes in my house. We are a cash cow of a country that wants its money back. No lying.
The one Badfit show of the year. The Nest, winter 2018. Thanks to Ethan from Bent Photography.
PROCRASTINATE: Aaaargh I can only imagine how shit like that can fuck you up daily, when there are so many things to stress and despair over!! I'm very sorry to hear that, but it's nice to hear that you have faith in people's ability to change things for the better. Without that, whats' the point of anything right? I find it interesting that although in many ways the general culture there is so conservative you still get to have things like house shows etc. without so many problems! I'd imagine that with the outside culture being so hostile that there'd be quite a big sense of solidarity within the underground, right?
JESSI: Oh god yeah. It's for real the only way to get things done around here! None of the big wigs are there for you just do it yourself. Even genres outside of extreme music have stopped giving in! So it's all a start.
PROCRASTINATE: What do you think about the punk/extreme/alternative scene's role or capabilities in relation to these kinds of social crises? I've been thinking about this a lot, and while I see lots of potential for change in these communities, sometimes what I see and experience makes me think that they have quite different meanings for some people. What has the role of subcultures been for you in this broader sense?
JESSI: I think other folks can take a look at subcultures and an alternative scene and see what works. We do all things with zero higher-ups holding us from full potential. A lot of the positivity in an alternative scene comes from independence. I embrace the fact that I live in a subculture, because regular culture has failed me. It's not enough for how I want to lead my life, or the things I choose to express. I am completely free to pitch in where I see fit. That's why I work for a non-profit organization, and a local radio station. Without the influence that subcultures have had on me, I would never have made it this far, and I wouldn't be as satisfied in my own life. I'd still be out, searching around.
I think in extreme and alternative music and their communities we call this shit out hahahah. I think that we are outside of society, looking inwards and just reporting our observations. Punk isn't the same as it was in the late 70s and early 80s. Rednecks still hate us, and some of us smell bad, but we started washing our asses and getting involved.
PROCRASTINATE: It's so cool to hear that the underground mentality is such a big part of your life, and that it's not just related to the music! Are there any particular things that you would hope to achieve with your current projects, e.g. musically, in regards to touring and playing live, or just otherwise? Also, do you have hobbies that aren't related to extreme music or the scene, or does that take up most of your free time?
JESSI: I honestly am very happy with where the projects are going. However, you must stay hungry. I'd like to get out of the country! I'd also like to get all the work on vinyls. Maybe we can push them to different record stores or something.
It's awesome you ask about that, because outside of music I'm really into drawing. I've done illustrations since I was a teenager. I also like being outside. I feel kind of lackluster for not having been in nature so much this summer, but the fall is the best time to do it! I also like researching diseases, and the medical reports behind them. I recently just foudn some pics of gangrene that looked nasty hahaha!
PROCRASTINATE: Oh sweet! Do you do art for your bands or commisioned stuff? It would be cool to see some of your work. And it's funny you brought that up, because I was going to ask you if you are really into horror, pathology, gore etc., and if yes, what you find so appealing about it? I've been thinking about this subject a lot, and I find the ways that people in the grind/punk scene feel about this stuff very interesting.
JESSI: As far as art goes, Kenneth Anger, William Blake and Cloud Studios have really been ones that I go to. See, Kenneth Anger's films are all so old school, Hollywood elaborate. I'd say they're in the styles as all the ones from the era of the 1930s and 40s. They are like plots of dreams and hallucinations. My favorites are Kustom Kar Kommandos, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome and Revocation of my Demon Brother. Scorpio Rising is dope too.
I like Cloud Studios, and William Blake, as they've got their vulgarity, but the tone justifies the nakedness, the blood and the eyes popping out of heads, you know. Cloud Studios is so cartoony, which influences me too. I draw way more cartoons than any realistic stuff.
Methcuck - Don't be a Dick (2018)
PROCRASTINATE: I really like Blake's works too! I'm not too familiar with Cloud Studios, but I'll have to check it out some time. Now I'm beginning to run out of questions, but I'd still like to ask you some short questions. What gets you up in the morning and motivates you in life? What is your favorite Discharge release? Do you prefer D-beats or blasts? And finally, what advice would you give our readers in these difficult times?
JESSI: The things that motivate me to get up are my dog who needs to eat and be taken care of, the work that I need to get done, and even on the days that I'm a walking void, I have to look up, live and do whatever I need to keep up any accomplishments that I've made so far. Discharge? I honestly like Disrupt more. I like the crusty segues between punk beats and then back to the blast beats. They're way more organized in their songwriting. With all due respect, haha!
My advice? Even I need to listen to myself on this. It is so important to look up and live. A client I have from Detroit always reminds me of that. Look up, keep your name within your personal representations, hold no grudges but protect yourself. Also, you are a citizen of not just your country, but the world. Sharing videos, articles and pictures on social media only does so much. Take action in a way that is effortless for you. Because if it seems like a chore, you won't put your everything into it.
I mean, I can't brag about myself, but in the past year I've surrounded my life with doing my part in the way that I want to. That's why I'm in the DIY community, working at an inner city radio station and working for the developmentally disabled. All those things just do something to me in a way that makes me feel fulfilled. Even in my rough seasons, I find strength to keep myself afloat just by those things because they all have purpose. I'm not useless, even if I feel that way.
I encourage folks to always find their strong suits and use them. You know how cool it would be to have an inner body spirit leader without any ties to any religion? Shit would be phenomenal. I think there's a strong lack of care and attention to your impact to your surroundings. Some people just get up on their pedestals and think they're so great, when really all of their decision making only works for them, and then they wonder why everyone around them is hurting. Then they are left with nothing.
But if one just feels like nothing and doesn't push out the potential that they desire, or go for any of those things, they too are left with nothing for not taking any plunge or charge of their life. Too much submission and too much hype can leave anybody with nothing.
PROCRASTINATE: Ohhh that is SUPERB advice!!! And for sure you can brag a bit, heh, your words are inspiring and true and it sounds like you've given this a lot of thought and got your shit together! And hahaha don't worry, I love Disrupt too, but of course I only worship Discharge hahah... Anyways, as all your answers have been so in-depth I don't really have anything more to ask you! However, if there's anything you'd like to add or say hello to someone, please feel free to have your final words!
JESSI: Hahahah well hell yeah! Thank you so much again! Well, I'd like to say hi to everyone in my family, I love you and I'm present, just trying to make y'all proud of me hahahah. Um, well, sorry about American, and in grind we trust. We've got the power!
My dear friend Amber and I out on the back porch of a pizza placce. This was when she returned home from Philledelphia. She's back out somewhere now, she's thought about a lot.
Jeffrey Donger - Demo (2018)
JESSI: Everyone claims to be an anarchist when it comes down to American politics around here. Especially the Cincinnati scene is very politically charged. We all hate Trump, and any suit that marks you as an ally. Morality is a big deal for punks these days from what I've seen. An American leftist wants to depend on the government, a rightist wants limited government. I think that seems to be lost in transition here with such a jock for a president. Inreal anarchy, you don't want anything to do with the government. So does that label exist if you want the government to make stricter laws, legalize opiates, and more training for police that will evolve to less violence?
You can't do those things on your own, however you can take the first steps to the higher ups. If you don't like it, you have to change it. It will always start with the people. And it's showing here in Cincy that folks so want change and the city recently has progressed in a lot of ways. Columbus day is now "indigenous people's day", and we also have a Black Lives Matter group, and we are also a sanctuary city, which means immigrants are safe here. It's not like this in every town in the states though.
Bitchy Rackmore - How Did Lynyrd Skynyrd Do It? (2017)
JESSI: Northern Kentucky is a lot better than the rest of the state. But even in the major cities, such as Lexington and Louisville have neighborhoods that are relatively progressive. I'm grateful to see that, because most of Kentucky is very republican and Christian.
I see the political punks here expressing concern of property value, minority inclusion, and feminism. They've done a lot of revamping in the city so more suburbians will come visit, but it raises property values, so it causes a minority based neighborhood to have to move out and live somewhere that's worse. Some people who own properties really do wanna thin the herd, and it's sad. I see a lot of politically active people try really hard to understand issues for the sake of empathy, which I applaud, as long as they're really willing to be taught. That's another thing I notice here, that people are willing to be taught certain things that are valuable to the city.
I work at a radio station in northern Kentucky, for a lot of spiritual leaders in town, and many of them discuss diversity and how really we can all get along. I also work for a non profit organization in which I support all kinds of different people. Conservative in one thing and liberal in another, or vice versa. These people I support can get along and coexist with each other miles better than what the general community does. That's why it is so important to include everyone. I mean everyone, we can all learn something from each other.
And I got into punk and grind because in MY opinion it is the absolute of anything you can do in music. You can be the fastest, most technical, most "profound" in your words. Your songs could be the most off beat thing and it'd sound good because it came from you. You can literally do whatever you want, it's free game. And you get some really cool shit out of it. Hell, we wouldn't have had the blast beat without Gene Kruppa.
About juggling projects, it's not that hard! I also have two jobs, so as long as I have an even schedule, I can keep it together. I have one day dedicated to Jeffrey Donger, and in Methcuck, since it's just Steve and I, we have time to work together since also we live together. Bitchy Rackmore is easy too. I spend a lot of time listening to our recordings, and hopefully figuring out how to contribute things too. Regan and Delaney live in the next major city to the north, Dayton, Ohio, which is only about a 45 minute drive. It doesn't stop us tough! It's awesome that we're all intertwined.
Bitchy Rackmore ft. Steve Merrill at Mike's Bike Park, March 2018. Dayton, Ohio.
And wow, sounds like you're keeping super busy!!! It's nice to hear that you've got all of your shit together in such a way that you can manage with a schedule/workload like that! By the way, when did you start playing with JxD and BxR? JxD has only released one demo and the tour split cd-r with BxR, right? I noticed that BxR has some more material on its bandcamp as well, but I was wondering if the tour cd-r was the only physical releace so far?
JESSI: Well, you've just gotta the the right folks to do the right thing. It's that plain and simple. We need real people in this joke of an office. Literally the 99%. And well thank you! I have to stay busy these days.
JxD came together in June of 2017. We started playing shows that September. Our demo was done in the Nest basement. Landis recorded it for us. Him and Jodi throw some of the best house shows there too. I've played there four times and it's always awesome. Love them to death.
ANYWAYS! Bitchy came together at a show at Mike's Bike Park in March of 2018. Our buddy in Menstrual Munchies, Jesse Creekbaum, couldn't make it to that show, so Delaney and Regan asked if I'd join. I literally just did the vox at the show with Steve and it stayed. After being on a tour where I double dutied, I really wanted to start adding my own ideas.
JxD's only other release is the split with BxR, but not for long! The demo and splits can be found on cd-r and we also have demos on tape. I'd like to get tapes of the splits. It'll happen! Bitchy has the album and the split.
PROCRASTINATE: Oh cool, so you just joined the band on the spot with no preparation for the show? That's awesome! Do you have any plans to make vinyl releases or stuff like this in the near future, maybe a tour or something like that? By the way I really like your vocal style! The shows that I've seen from both JxD and BxR were super crazy!! I'd like to ask what your songs are about, and if there is any certain theme you try to address with them?
JESSI: Absolutely hahaha!! Thank you! It was a lot of fun. We would love to make vinyls with JxD's album once it's finished. The Bitchy one can be done, we're just getting the money together, haha. And thanks again! I try to put a happy medium in with the bass and vox so I don't run out of gas. It's important.
In BxR we ffocus more on classic rock themes. For example, "I wish Neil Young Was My Dad", "Lita Ford", "Should Have Been Lars". It all shows in the song titles JxD is more of a temper tantrum at your therapists office. For example "Assisted Suicide" talks about the things that make you wanna blow your head off. "Aftermath" is about toxic relationships and cutting off people that aren't good for you.
Jeffrey Donger - Live at the Hub (2017)
PROCRASTINATE: Nice to hear, I'm really looking forward to those releases! Do you have any sort of philosophy regarding the lyrics, for example about juggling between lighter and more serious themes? Are there any certain bands or artists whose lyrics have been especially influential for you?
JESSI: You'll be the first person we ship them out to! If I'm writing lyrics, I just remain honest with myself. I can't lie or hype myself up. I'm just "doing Jessi stuff" as I'd say hahaha! Patti Smith for the poetic detail, Jack Grisham from TSOL, Seth Putnam for the humor, and Jello Biafra. All of them are also honest. Even though Seth Putnam is a total dingus, he knows he's jerking dicks.
PROCRASTINATE: NICEE! Can't wait!! And haha I agree about Seth, I personally only dig AxCx from the early era when they didn't have any lyrics yet, heh... How would you describe the Midwest scene more generally? I think it's becoming like an international grindcore capital of sorts, but I was wondering what other kinds of music there is, what the people, bands and scene infrastructure is like, and if there are some significant differences between the Midwest and other states/countries? What are your favorite / least favorite things about it?
JESSI: Yeah AxCx turned into buttrock after, Fucking A. Dude, the Midwest from Ohio into Illinois has so much. It's really a melting pot. If you start north on the border of Michigan in Cleveland, Ohio, you have a lot of hardcore punk and powerviolence. Apartment 2113, Fuck You Pay Me, the H100s and Face Value all come from there. Forgive me if I missed any names. Then you get to Columbus and there's a really good chunk of things, especially if you get towards Ohio State University. However, since it's central Ohio, it's easier for them to just come north or south. So there's a lot of general punk and metal, but they all travel.
Dayton Ohio, as I'm sure you noticed, it's more known for grindcore than any other extreme genre. In Cincinnatti, since we're in a triangle of different states, southern Ohio gets raided with all sorts of different stuff. We have experimental and post-music from northern Kentucky, we have D-beat punk, black metal, powerviolence, brat punk, crust, grindcore, death metal, and a lot ofopeople in Cincy develop bands inspired by touring bands. We're all influenced by each other, and it shows. If you go west into Indianapolis, Indiana, you get a lot of garage rock and post-punk. Narcan, Mr. Clit and the Pink Cigarettes are good exampples. Go further west into Chicago, Illinois and you get a lot of skate punk and fastcore. I have some personal favorites out there, Chicago is so good to us every time we go.
Bitchy Rackmore - The Cumming of the Lord & The Birth of the Brother (2018)
JESSI:Brat punk is like that snotty sounding vocals and fast garage riffs, hahaha. Oh god. America has a new reign of ignorance. The way I see it, it's the last laugh for this kind of movement. I feel that American culture can either build up or destroy so rapidly. We have a strong war culture, which would be tight if we were fighting the evils in the communities instead of in other countries... (and the government wonders why people are getting addicted to different kinds of drugs such as heroin, or cocaine), because we're trying to flex on the whole world.
We have a constitution that is constantly being violated by our government, but we also have a melting pot of different people from different backgrounds and ethnicities. I feel like right now the wrong set of hands is in charge of American culture. However, I have faith in the years to come. It will be in our playing field as long as the real ones keep fighting back.
It affects me because I want to lead a succesful life, but if I always have to pay for my medical bills or weeding away debt from something else. If I can't get enough funds aside to get out, I have to pull some illegal shit to get there, or just avoid it. Even if I avoid it, it affects me if my car breaks down and I need a new one, or if I have to put new pipes in my house. We are a cash cow of a country that wants its money back. No lying.
The one Badfit show of the year. The Nest, winter 2018. Thanks to Ethan from Bent Photography.
JESSI: Oh god yeah. It's for real the only way to get things done around here! None of the big wigs are there for you just do it yourself. Even genres outside of extreme music have stopped giving in! So it's all a start.
PROCRASTINATE: What do you think about the punk/extreme/alternative scene's role or capabilities in relation to these kinds of social crises? I've been thinking about this a lot, and while I see lots of potential for change in these communities, sometimes what I see and experience makes me think that they have quite different meanings for some people. What has the role of subcultures been for you in this broader sense?
JESSI: I think other folks can take a look at subcultures and an alternative scene and see what works. We do all things with zero higher-ups holding us from full potential. A lot of the positivity in an alternative scene comes from independence. I embrace the fact that I live in a subculture, because regular culture has failed me. It's not enough for how I want to lead my life, or the things I choose to express. I am completely free to pitch in where I see fit. That's why I work for a non-profit organization, and a local radio station. Without the influence that subcultures have had on me, I would never have made it this far, and I wouldn't be as satisfied in my own life. I'd still be out, searching around.
I think in extreme and alternative music and their communities we call this shit out hahahah. I think that we are outside of society, looking inwards and just reporting our observations. Punk isn't the same as it was in the late 70s and early 80s. Rednecks still hate us, and some of us smell bad, but we started washing our asses and getting involved.
PROCRASTINATE: It's so cool to hear that the underground mentality is such a big part of your life, and that it's not just related to the music! Are there any particular things that you would hope to achieve with your current projects, e.g. musically, in regards to touring and playing live, or just otherwise? Also, do you have hobbies that aren't related to extreme music or the scene, or does that take up most of your free time?
JESSI: I honestly am very happy with where the projects are going. However, you must stay hungry. I'd like to get out of the country! I'd also like to get all the work on vinyls. Maybe we can push them to different record stores or something.
It's awesome you ask about that, because outside of music I'm really into drawing. I've done illustrations since I was a teenager. I also like being outside. I feel kind of lackluster for not having been in nature so much this summer, but the fall is the best time to do it! I also like researching diseases, and the medical reports behind them. I recently just foudn some pics of gangrene that looked nasty hahaha!
PROCRASTINATE: Oh sweet! Do you do art for your bands or commisioned stuff? It would be cool to see some of your work. And it's funny you brought that up, because I was going to ask you if you are really into horror, pathology, gore etc., and if yes, what you find so appealing about it? I've been thinking about this subject a lot, and I find the ways that people in the grind/punk scene feel about this stuff very interesting.
JESSI: As far as art goes, Kenneth Anger, William Blake and Cloud Studios have really been ones that I go to. See, Kenneth Anger's films are all so old school, Hollywood elaborate. I'd say they're in the styles as all the ones from the era of the 1930s and 40s. They are like plots of dreams and hallucinations. My favorites are Kustom Kar Kommandos, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome and Revocation of my Demon Brother. Scorpio Rising is dope too.
I like Cloud Studios, and William Blake, as they've got their vulgarity, but the tone justifies the nakedness, the blood and the eyes popping out of heads, you know. Cloud Studios is so cartoony, which influences me too. I draw way more cartoons than any realistic stuff.
Methcuck - Don't be a Dick (2018)
PROCRASTINATE: I really like Blake's works too! I'm not too familiar with Cloud Studios, but I'll have to check it out some time. Now I'm beginning to run out of questions, but I'd still like to ask you some short questions. What gets you up in the morning and motivates you in life? What is your favorite Discharge release? Do you prefer D-beats or blasts? And finally, what advice would you give our readers in these difficult times?
JESSI: The things that motivate me to get up are my dog who needs to eat and be taken care of, the work that I need to get done, and even on the days that I'm a walking void, I have to look up, live and do whatever I need to keep up any accomplishments that I've made so far. Discharge? I honestly like Disrupt more. I like the crusty segues between punk beats and then back to the blast beats. They're way more organized in their songwriting. With all due respect, haha!
My advice? Even I need to listen to myself on this. It is so important to look up and live. A client I have from Detroit always reminds me of that. Look up, keep your name within your personal representations, hold no grudges but protect yourself. Also, you are a citizen of not just your country, but the world. Sharing videos, articles and pictures on social media only does so much. Take action in a way that is effortless for you. Because if it seems like a chore, you won't put your everything into it.
I mean, I can't brag about myself, but in the past year I've surrounded my life with doing my part in the way that I want to. That's why I'm in the DIY community, working at an inner city radio station and working for the developmentally disabled. All those things just do something to me in a way that makes me feel fulfilled. Even in my rough seasons, I find strength to keep myself afloat just by those things because they all have purpose. I'm not useless, even if I feel that way.
I encourage folks to always find their strong suits and use them. You know how cool it would be to have an inner body spirit leader without any ties to any religion? Shit would be phenomenal. I think there's a strong lack of care and attention to your impact to your surroundings. Some people just get up on their pedestals and think they're so great, when really all of their decision making only works for them, and then they wonder why everyone around them is hurting. Then they are left with nothing.
But if one just feels like nothing and doesn't push out the potential that they desire, or go for any of those things, they too are left with nothing for not taking any plunge or charge of their life. Too much submission and too much hype can leave anybody with nothing.
PROCRASTINATE: Ohhh that is SUPERB advice!!! And for sure you can brag a bit, heh, your words are inspiring and true and it sounds like you've given this a lot of thought and got your shit together! And hahaha don't worry, I love Disrupt too, but of course I only worship Discharge hahah... Anyways, as all your answers have been so in-depth I don't really have anything more to ask you! However, if there's anything you'd like to add or say hello to someone, please feel free to have your final words!
JESSI: Hahahah well hell yeah! Thank you so much again! Well, I'd like to say hi to everyone in my family, I love you and I'm present, just trying to make y'all proud of me hahahah. Um, well, sorry about American, and in grind we trust. We've got the power!
My dear friend Amber and I out on the back porch of a pizza placce. This was when she returned home from Philledelphia. She's back out somewhere now, she's thought about a lot.
THAT'S IT!! WHAT A FUCKEN AMAZING INTERVIEW!! AGAIN, AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF THANKS TO JESSI FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS!!! GO CHECK OUT JEFFREY DONGER, BITCHY RACKMORE AND METHCUCK RIGHT NOW AND STAY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ANY UPCOMING SHIT!
LINKS:
https://bitchyrackmore.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2DZOPiGpQ0Fso_aLA9S1Yw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33XnkqgAOA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U5HLcq0pLM
