MILKWEED Interview
February 2005
by Freddy Metal
Milkweed is an Ohio based band originally formed in 1999, with its main fanbase located in Cincinnati and surounding areas. The band's unique sound is a collage of multiple musical styles, yet always remains heavy at the core. With jazz, techno, and hip-hop influences, Milkweed manages to achieve an addictive interplay of melody and groove (and sometimes utter discord) that makes even the most unsympathetic listener interested to say the least.
How long has "Body Floss" been available & how did the cover art come about?
It has been available since the end of December. The name of the CD and first song didn't come about until the end of the mastering of the CD. We were joking about how some people in the world body floss. They put a piece of rope down their throat and wait for the body to digest it. Then they pull out the rope with digested food on it. We thought it would be funny to really have a guy body flossing. So we got our buddy to pose naked body flossing and he did it for a bowl of Cincinnati's famous Skyline chili. Now he tells chicks that its his band so he can impress them and get laid.
Where & what studio did the production take place?
Our own studio Hansum Studios in Cincinnati, OH.
What was the total hours as far as production & recording time on "Body Floss"?
256.49 hours @ $0.00 an hour. Getting the CD done on our own time…priceless.
Introduce the group & give us a brief background on each?
Hansum Rob Begun at the trailor park, lives in an apt, has 2 kids by 2 different women and loves every minute of it. His love for music drew him into producing. He produced 1 other band (A Present Day Nightmare). And he cuts grass with Mr. Dago Joe at Horizon Landscaping LLC.
Dizzave Dave is a fuckin loser… He still lives with his parents and never gets any pussy. He drinks himself into a stupor every night just to cope with reality.
E2P The oldest and wisest of the band. He has a bun in the oven and lives with his girl and 2 dogs. He is the only member from KY and is proud of his bluegrass background. He likes PS2, tends to be more serious when it comes to the band, but also likes to throw down from time to time. "Milkweed is by far the best and most original and fun band I have ever been with."
Mr. Dago Joe the Italian Stallion. When not playing guitar, Joe likes to stand in front of the mirror buck naked, tuck his penis in between his legs, and strike a pose.
In your own words describe the band's sound & influences?
As far as our sound it would be a blend of comedy, krunk, and a good old fashioned good time metal. We are influenced by things that don't suck! We love teddy bears, rainbows, and cool summer days. We love the Wiggles and Rotten Fruits.
What type of image would you say the band projects?
The happiest metal band you'll ever see.
Any label interests?
Of course, what band wouldn't want to get signed. We have had a couple interested.
Do all members contribute to the writing & arrangements of original Milkweed songs?
We do a mixture of collaborating and individual song writing.
So what do you guys do when you're not making music?
Hansum Rob plays Xbox live look for Hansum Rob on it. He also produces other CDs. Mr. Dago Joe watches cartoons and plays with his dog and cats. Joe likes animals more than people. Dizzave I eat cheeseburgers and drink yahoo. I also like getting on the website forum and reading all the posts talking shit about our band. Goddamn we must really suck! There are a lot of people that hate us. E2P I love 2K5 and San Andreas for PS2. I have an aquarium cleaning business (like Duece Bigalow). I like disc golf, shooting craps, spending quality time with my girlfriend and our 2 dogs, cat, and fish.
Describe your fans?
They can be 12 all the way up to 72. We've seen senior citizens get up. Hell Hansum Rob shared a mic with an old lady named Thelma last week.
Who would you like to tour with and why?
We want to perform with the Wiggles. Because they have been an inspiration in our lives. We want to give a shout out to Anthony, Greg, Murray, and Jeff.
Any gripe's about the music industry?
I think Britney Spears just doesn't get the exposure she deserves. She is really talented and people need to see more of her.
Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Hopefully on our 4th CD and Hansum Rob will finally be hansum and not so f_cking bald.
Do you guys do anything special before you hit the stage?
Drink a bunch of beer, stretches, and squeeze our thingys.
What is your most memorable show to date & why?
Playing with Mushroom Head at the Malevolent Metal Fest. It was our first show to play with a big band and playing in front of 1,000 people. It also didn't hurt that it was like 120 degrees so a bunch of chicks felt that their clothes were too hot to wear.
Name some bands in which you've shared the stage & opened?
We played with Mushroom Head and Stemm at the Malevolent Metal Fest, we played with 40 Grit, Vampire Moose, Shovelbarn, Spine, Disarray, and Straight Line Stitch.
What is the current scene like in your local area & how does "Milkweed" fit in?
There ain't a scene. You got to make one for yourself. Other bands go to see other ones, but as far as a scene you have to bust ass and promote so you can get a good crowd.
What can the people who haven't seen you live expect when they come to a live "Milkweed" show?
The funniest, most energetic, drunk bunch of people you can see under one roof.
Any thing you wish to ad?
Yeah. Make sure you body floss regularly. Vigorous body flossing keeps your rectum healthy and clean. For detailed instructions on the correct method to floss your body, visit www.milkweed1.com.
