Bad Habit and the Corruptions's Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview, what is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

I'm Jerry, the bassist/vocals for Bad Habit & The Corruptions. Band names are tough to come up with. Ed and I went months thinking bout it, dropping names that already exist or sound too close to one in existence. We were almost Count Corruptula, Spiccoli and the ultimate tools, amongst a long ass list of stupid or boring names. But Bad Habit ..... Was finally agreed on with the fail safe plan b, "till something better comes along." I believe it's in stone now, we won't be changing it.

ATP

So who's in the band and what's everyone's life story in 100 words more or less?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

Jerry and Ed are from Chicago Illinois, and Frankie is from New Jersey. Ed was in Hi Fi and the Road Burners, Jerry was in the Holiday Suicides, Frankie was in the DTs, and well we've had several drummers, I'll update ya with the new guys stats when we know em ourselves.

ATP

In a nutshell, please describe your sound.

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

A trashy surf/garage mix with stitches to hold our low drive, high energy together since we aren't getting any younger, but know you can never have enough punk rock.

ATP

Why did you each of you start playing music and was there a turning point from becoming the dream child that every mother and father hopes their child will become before discovering music? Why did music become a career choice for you?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

Can't really say music is a career(one to make a living on) and I know I still believe I was the milkmans child(no dream for ma and dad), but we all play music because we love to play. We are lucky that after a year, the band is still all about havin fun, the next show, and the widdling down/sculpting of new songs. we were in fact, "saved by punk rock."

ATP

What instruments do you each play? How did you learn to play, self-taught or school?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

Jerry is the bassist/lead vocals, his iconic budget rock equipment includes "the Frankenstack," . Ed is lead guitar/back up vocals, Frankie is Lead/Rhythm guitar/vocals, if something breaks he's the guy to go to in the band.(we are in between drummers right now, but lets just say that are unique creatures. We're all for the most part self taught.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

Man or Astroman, The Mummies, Turbo A.C.s, The Minutemen, NOFX, Black Flag, the Oblivions, the Humpers, Choking Victim, Face to Face, The Trashwomen, Supercharger, The Dwarves, Duane Peters, Billy Childish(Thee Headcoats), Johnny Thunders, The Dead Boys, The Misfits, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, **and you can't kick certain 80's metal out of the bed for eating crackers (Maiden, Slayer, Anthrax and such). And much more.

ATP

What makes your band unique?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

We're not afraid to play the kind of music we want to play. We're not boxed in by a certain genre of rock, or punk rock. Part of our pride is that we don't fit into any one genre of music. We share the stage with other talented musicians without some form of complex about what we should look like or sound like. We don't wear skinny jeans, sport crazy hair, or wear gear, but I do believe Frankie owns leather chaps. We seem to be an older group of guys for a punk scene, but i know age to be only a number, not a yardstick.

ATP

Do you write your own music? If not, who writes the music?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

We all take part in the writing process. Jerry tossed our first bulk load of songs out, and Ed added some instrumental songs, when Frankie joined, his songs not only reinforced our sound but definitely began a final draft in the design of defining our sound. As of lately, we come together on songs, wether its Ed writing the music, Jerry the lyrics, or Frankie bringing a song in entirety to the table while Ed and Jerry will chip away at it till the shape and depth give the tune legs.

ATP

What inspires the songs you write?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

Anything from relationships to anger, our jobs, a good night to remember, or just stream-of-consciousness rants. We steer clear of politics, religion, current events and other redundant walks of uselessness that make punk annoying today, even though it may define a time, it just gets old, a boring excerpt cast like a musical encyclopedia cited by 3 chords. Q: "How many punk rockers does it take to screw in a light bulb?" A: "none, they'll all just sit around and bitch about it."

ATP

How long does it take you to write a song that�s ready to record?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

That all depends. Some songs come easy, some dont. Two or three practice sessions and it's done and ready for a live set. Sometimes, a song will take the back seat to another song that's in progress. Other times songs come together really quick and just gel. There's always one band mate who will change a part later on, even after its finished.

ATP

How would you describe your local music scene? Likes, Dislikes. What would you change?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

We're in the Austin music scene. What more could anyone ask for? It's the greatest city in Texas and probably the US for people who love live music. We don't have any dislikes that we feel we need to share. We have a lot of fun playing with lots of other bands and at different venues. That's what's important. Not what 'we feel' should be up for change or restructuring.

ATP

What is your favorite local venue? Why?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

As of late, one of our favorite gigs was at the now closed Frontier Bar (now called The Lost Well). We played with Burnt Fuse and Gargantuan, two groups of crazyass mofos from the Temple/Killeen Texas area. It was a blast. Gypsy Lounge was another one atop the list. East side venues seem to deliver good times(free parking too).We've also enjoyed playing places like the Red Eyed Fly, HeadHunters (Metal and Lace).

ATP

What's the biggest problem you find when working with other bands, booking agents, promoters and venues when settting up a show or a tour?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

Sometimes it's tough to get a straight answer out of people, but what can you really do about it? Its all part and parcel, the whole 'band' thing. Sometimes you gotta deal with Venues who are on their own schedule and get back to you when they can. But that's all cool. Because everyone is doing what they love, so you just gotta roll with the punches, as it were. The most important thing is that we get to play in front of people. It's fun. On an added note, one person should handle booking only, and not pass it on to someone a week before the show, shit gets screwed up and one band always gets screwed. There sometimes seems to be poorly scheduled or conflicting events, but other than that, just wish we didn't have to sacrifice goats and virgins, first born children, or trade our organs for a weekend show. House shows kick ass no matter what, but bands that leave early regardless of venue, reason, etc and bands that believe they've paid enough dues that they shouldn't be subjected to certain elements piss me off. Equality in the scene should be the example. oh yeah, if you drop yer spot in a show, finding a replacement is honorable and commendable. Bands aren't easy sometimes but the moment it begins to feel like another clock you gotta punch, something needs to change. This is why our band is not a career(why would you strain the crew with forced deadlines and demands that add stress and uncomfortableness, or elements that lead to spiteful bad attitudes that feel like yer at yer 9-5. That's not fun at all.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

BAD HABIT AND THE CORRUPTIONS

All of us have a different level of experience with bands and playing live. Frankie and Jerry seem to have a live spirit on stage, and Jerry and Ed have the wise ass commentary fillers that keep it interesting. We feed off each other, but nothing energizes like looking into the audience and seeing everyone moving around, singin along, and just havin a good time, while yer tunes set the soundtrack for the scene.