These guys are off the hizzle, but for some reason, they have yet to break onto the major scene. At each of their shows, they pull out a nice, decent crowd, but I honestly think these guys have the potential to get big and move out of the, um, ghetto.
For those of you interesting in testing out a little Ghettobillies, you can find their music on their Web site – or you can check them out at Wise Fool’s on Monday! These boys are all over Chicagoland, all the time, so, give it a shot – and get ready to get down with your bad self. Booya!
Whaddup Rev?
Hey man, how’s it going.
Rockin’ as always.
Sweet.
I have seen you guys and studied your music, and honestly, I think you guys rock. But my problem is that you guys haven’t broken big. Why is that?
We really want to break big. We want to break big, but we are also realistic about the music industry in general. We would like to be signed to an independent record label where we could have a good relationship with and continue to have control over our music.
Have you ever been close to being signed by a major label?
We were signed by an indie out of Detroit and we signed with them for just one album, but then we decided that we wanted to start looking for somewhere else.
So, now you make Chicago your home?
Yeah, totally. We moved here in ’99, 2000. We were living in Michigan when we had our old bassist.
So, you got not only a new home but a new bassist in Chicago.
Exactly. It was just a good move for us all around.
Chicago is the place to be for musicians trying to break big.
Right. We figured it would be a good place to grow a new fan base. It hasn’t been the easiest of things, but we are continuing to grow. Chicago is definitely our home, but we still do a ton of gigs in Michigan. It just, I don’t know, seems like people get it in Michigan.
Understand your music.
Exactly. Like Ohio doesn’t get it. That entire state if it just completely blew up I wouldn’t care.
(Laughs)
(Laughs) I just can’t stand it.
Well, that was going to be my next question. If you had to blow up a state, which state would it be?
(Laughs) I think we already have that answer (laughs). Yeah, we can’t stand Ohio. I am sure there are a few cool people in Ohio, but the general rule is that Ohio just simply sucks.
(Laughs)
It is a really boring state. They are all super depressed. They don’t care about anything. They just go to the bar and drink their beer. And even when a great band comes along, and I have seen a lot of good bands in Ohio, they don’t even applaud. I’m like, ‘Did you hear what they just played? They are fantastic.’ I hate Ohio.
Drew Carey loves Ohio.
(Laughs) Everyone is boring there. Everyone!
Well, I hate to break it to you, but Ohio is my home state. I actually grew up there.
There you go. But obviously you don’t live there anymore.
Yeah, that’s true.
Man.
Wait, I’m just kidding (laughs). I don’t live in Ohio. In fact, I hate it, too.
(Laughs)
Chicago is starting to get you guys, right? The more and more you are getting out there, people know the Ghettobillies.
I think it has taken people awhile to accept the concept. We aren’t the first to do this kind of music. I think people are actually starting to feel OK laughing at music. A lot of people are really intense and want to be serious all the time. And, some music fans relate serious to good.
Do you connect with what Tenacious D has done?
Yeah, totally. And even what the Barenaked Ladies have done. Even blink 182. They have all helped at bringing back humor to shows. All the bands are about we are up here and you stay there and sit here and these are all the reasons why we are better than you. We want the audience to feel like they are a part of the show.
So, you guys must really hate music critics.
(Laughs) I guess it depends on whether they like us or not.
(Laughs) Well, I like you, so no sweat here!
Some critics do really like us and say we are a breath of fresh air and they are glad that we are not another Creed.
It’s a love-hate relationship with you.
To be honest with you, I am always interested in seeing what they have to write, but I don’t think everyone bases whether they like a band or not on just what the critics say. I have loved a ton of bands that critics have ripped apart.
Right on, dude.
I think we just take it all like a gain of salt. We get a little pissed if they say something that has no merit to it, but for the most part, we just don’t let what other people say influence how we feel about ourselves.
I think that’s a good life lesson everyone needs to learn.
Exactly.
So, if you were a white rapper what would your name be?
(Laughs) Boy, I have no clue.
You’re telling me that you have the word ‘Ghetto’ in your name and you don’t have a white rapper name?
Nope. I mean, we all have our stage names, does that count?
Not at all. I need a good, wholesome white rapper name.
(Laughs)
Well, I will make a deal with you. The next time I interview you, have one ready, or else I will turn into one of those mean critics and tell everyone to avoid your music.
