Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Oklahoma Music Guide book released
OKLAHOMA MUSIC GUIDE: BIOGRAPHIES, BIG HITS, & ANNUAL EVENTS (Nov. 2003)- Written By George O. Carney & Hugh W. Foley, Jr. This book was released by New Forums Press Inc. It features: An in-depth essay on music from Oklahoma; 200 biographical entries of significant musicians, groups, tribes, and musical movements from Oklahoma; A list of 350 #1 songs written or performed by musicians with Oklahoma ties; A list of more than 500 place based songs that mention Oklahoma in the title or lyrics; A list of more than 200 annual musical events in Oklahoma; A master list of more than 2000 musicians, groups, or tribes being considered for the 2007 centennial edition of the Oklahoma Music Guide; & Several, never-before-published photographs and images. Mockingbird Lane was mentioned in the master list being considered for the 2007 edition. Check out the website here: http://www.oklahomamusicguide.com/
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Review from Live 4 Metal
From the "American Metal Column" By Scott Alisoglu, from the Live 4 Metal website at: http://www.live4metal.com
Mockingbird Lane - 2003 Demo
Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if Leonard Cohen sang for the Misfits? It would sound something like Mockingbird Lane's 5-song demo. Ok, I'm stretching things, but the comparison is not that far off. The Oklahoma band performs a more goth-like version of the Misfits and the results aren't half-bad. "Taken Under," which is also included as an acoustic mix, has a decent hook. The band even does a cover of the Misfits' "She" that stays true to the original without Glenn Danzig's Elvis impression. "I…Vampire" and "Wolfshead" stay in the same horror punk territory, albeit with the band's more gothic flavor and a thin sound mix. It's worth checking out mainly because I'm not hearing anything else like it out there right now.
Mockingbird Lane - 2003 Demo
Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if Leonard Cohen sang for the Misfits? It would sound something like Mockingbird Lane's 5-song demo. Ok, I'm stretching things, but the comparison is not that far off. The Oklahoma band performs a more goth-like version of the Misfits and the results aren't half-bad. "Taken Under," which is also included as an acoustic mix, has a decent hook. The band even does a cover of the Misfits' "She" that stays true to the original without Glenn Danzig's Elvis impression. "I…Vampire" and "Wolfshead" stay in the same horror punk territory, albeit with the band's more gothic flavor and a thin sound mix. It's worth checking out mainly because I'm not hearing anything else like it out there right now.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Review from Oklahoma Punk Scene Dot Com Issues #5
From "Thrash 'Til Death" By Tim Wolfenbarger, from Oklahoma Punk Scene Dot Com Issue 5 at: http://www.oklahomapunkscene.com
MOCKINGBIRD LANE - 2003 Demo CD
Well, the cats from this band told me that they'd have me beaten up by 14 year old girls if I didn't give this a good review so surely I'm tempted to pan this but... First two tracks are an electric and acoustic version of the song "Taken Under." Both sound totally like LOU REED + surprisingly the acoustic version is superior due to both treatment and recording. Then we got a cover of the MISFITS "She" as well as two MISFITS-esque originals "I...Vampire" and "Wolfshead" So, I'd say that this is like the MISFITS with LOU REED singing which ain't bad even if it is a bit trite. My main complaint is the guitar tone which sounds like a crappy peavey. Yet, I get a feeling of authenticity + these guys seem to have a lot of heart so I'd like to catch 'em live.
MOCKINGBIRD LANE POBOX 3084, Shawnee, OK 74802
MOCKINGBIRD LANE - 2003 Demo CD
Well, the cats from this band told me that they'd have me beaten up by 14 year old girls if I didn't give this a good review so surely I'm tempted to pan this but... First two tracks are an electric and acoustic version of the song "Taken Under." Both sound totally like LOU REED + surprisingly the acoustic version is superior due to both treatment and recording. Then we got a cover of the MISFITS "She" as well as two MISFITS-esque originals "I...Vampire" and "Wolfshead" So, I'd say that this is like the MISFITS with LOU REED singing which ain't bad even if it is a bit trite. My main complaint is the guitar tone which sounds like a crappy peavey. Yet, I get a feeling of authenticity + these guys seem to have a lot of heart so I'd like to catch 'em live.
MOCKINGBIRD LANE POBOX 3084, Shawnee, OK 74802
Review from Okahoma Punk Scene Dot Com Issue #5
From the "Reviews" section of Oklahoma Punk Scene Dot Com Issue 5 at: http://www.oklahomapunkscene.com
Mockingbird Lane – 2003 Demo
Mockingbird Lane is an Oklahoma based goth punk / horror rock band and this is a five song demo CD. Unfortunately I am at work and do not have the CD in front of me, otherwise I would be a bit more specific about the songs. There is a cover of the Misfits' "She" and of the originals the song that I liked the best is "I … Vampire." The best way I can describe Mockingbird Lane's sound is to imagine if Peter Murphy had become the lead singer for the Misfits when the band reunited in 1997. This is a good demo from a band that has a lot of potential. (Dave Brown)
Mockingbird Lane – 2003 Demo
Mockingbird Lane is an Oklahoma based goth punk / horror rock band and this is a five song demo CD. Unfortunately I am at work and do not have the CD in front of me, otherwise I would be a bit more specific about the songs. There is a cover of the Misfits' "She" and of the originals the song that I liked the best is "I … Vampire." The best way I can describe Mockingbird Lane's sound is to imagine if Peter Murphy had become the lead singer for the Misfits when the band reunited in 1997. This is a good demo from a band that has a lot of potential. (Dave Brown)
Monday, September 1, 2003
Article from Oklahoma Punk Scene Dot Com # 4
Below is the Mockingbird Lane portion of Barb's Untitled column taken from issue # 4 of the on-line zine http://www.oklahomapunkscene.com/ . Don't forget to go to Oklahoma Punk Scene to read the full article.
June sixth I made the pilgrimage to the American Legion Hall in Norman for NYC’s The Banned. Christophe, singer/guitarist for Mockingbird Lane, organizes and finances a lot of these shows himself and deserves more support for his efforts. His three-piece band started their set with an instrumental piece. Christophe’s vocals hit the low registers, as he went for a creepy/echoey effect. After being instructed by the Norman police department to turn down the volume, they finished the set with a Joy Division cover. The lights were turned out for Festival City Saints, with the darkness creating a more comfortable atmosphere. I’ve seen these guys a few times over the years, and I’m not sure why they didn’t click with me before the same way they did at this show. Their punk-twinged rock occasionally reminded me of groups as diverse as Hudson Falcons and The Undead. The four-piece band put on an all-out set, and I’ll look forward to seeing them again, now that it’s finally dawned on me that I should be paying closer attention. Norman’s Mandragora played next, with a wall-of-sound approach that had some in the audience comparing them to Blue Oyster Cult. The Legion Hall has a great ambience, with the walls covered in black and white photos of veterans in their uniforms, usually with serene or distant looks in their faces. A velour couch with tranquil images of boats drifting in reed-filled water made an especially comfortable between-bands pit stop, and it’s terrible to know the Legion Hall is no longer allowing live music shows. The Banned’s bassist, Brian Manning, suggested I go out to my car to listen to their “Songs of Innocence and Experience” EP and come up with a couple of requests. I ended up requesting four of the CD’s seven songs, and would have been happy to have heard the other three songs, as well! The Banned released a full-length CD “Imitating Art” in May of this year, and were showcasing their new material. Beginning with a new instrumental, the unfamiliar songs had the same energy, rhythm changes, and persistent melodies of their earlier material, and included some great guitar solos. Some of their songs would have prompted a hellacious pit at a better-attended show, and I’m looking forward to seeing them play at a different venue the next time around.
June sixth I made the pilgrimage to the American Legion Hall in Norman for NYC’s The Banned. Christophe, singer/guitarist for Mockingbird Lane, organizes and finances a lot of these shows himself and deserves more support for his efforts. His three-piece band started their set with an instrumental piece. Christophe’s vocals hit the low registers, as he went for a creepy/echoey effect. After being instructed by the Norman police department to turn down the volume, they finished the set with a Joy Division cover. The lights were turned out for Festival City Saints, with the darkness creating a more comfortable atmosphere. I’ve seen these guys a few times over the years, and I’m not sure why they didn’t click with me before the same way they did at this show. Their punk-twinged rock occasionally reminded me of groups as diverse as Hudson Falcons and The Undead. The four-piece band put on an all-out set, and I’ll look forward to seeing them again, now that it’s finally dawned on me that I should be paying closer attention. Norman’s Mandragora played next, with a wall-of-sound approach that had some in the audience comparing them to Blue Oyster Cult. The Legion Hall has a great ambience, with the walls covered in black and white photos of veterans in their uniforms, usually with serene or distant looks in their faces. A velour couch with tranquil images of boats drifting in reed-filled water made an especially comfortable between-bands pit stop, and it’s terrible to know the Legion Hall is no longer allowing live music shows. The Banned’s bassist, Brian Manning, suggested I go out to my car to listen to their “Songs of Innocence and Experience” EP and come up with a couple of requests. I ended up requesting four of the CD’s seven songs, and would have been happy to have heard the other three songs, as well! The Banned released a full-length CD “Imitating Art” in May of this year, and were showcasing their new material. Beginning with a new instrumental, the unfamiliar songs had the same energy, rhythm changes, and persistent melodies of their earlier material, and included some great guitar solos. Some of their songs would have prompted a hellacious pit at a better-attended show, and I’m looking forward to seeing them play at a different venue the next time around.
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Article from LOUD Magazine
Below is a copy of Patrick Crain's "Soundly Speaking" column from the July 23, 2003 issue of Loud. The original has a picture of The Ramones with this written below it: "The Ramones, above, have allowed thier music to be used by corparate America, much to the dismay of at least one music columnist."
I wanna be sedated ... and sell you a watch
About a month ago, I was at Buzz's Subs' Ghouls' Night Out, where I watched Mockingbird Lane almost get tossed for playing a video in which a woman was getting fisted. Another band, Day of the Sick, produced a lead singer that got punched in the nose by an audience member before she stormed out.
I thought all of this was odd, but I figured, eh, it's rock and roll. I didn't give it much thought after that.
About a week ago, I was getting ready for work and I had the bedroom television on when, during a commercial break, I heard something that made my ears stand up.
"Is that the Ramones I hear?"
By God it was the Ramones. They had lent one of thier songs to some car company (or something like that). My heart dropped to the bottom of my feet.
Punk music was, in its inception, a rebellion against conformity in all of its incarnations. How far have we come when one of the grandfathers of the punk movement sells one of its songs to a car company?
Then I wondered, "Would Day of the Sick try to sell me a watch?"
The answer, I think, is no. Day of the Sick, Mockingbird Lane, Procession in March, etc. are bands who try their best to carry on the punk banner, but they mix it with elements of death rock and horror punk - things that are truly nonconformist.
The old style of punk music was, in one sense, a rebellion against corporate rock stadium type bands and the creeping disco scene. Bands like the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and the New York Dolls weren't doing anything too terribly original. They just wanted music to sound like rock and roll again.
Nowadays, what does the punk scene aspire to? We think of bands like Green Day and Blink 182 when the "new" punk scene is brought up but, jeez, are they really punk?
If singing in a nasal, jaded delivery and penning irreverent lyrics are the only criteria, then I guess the answer is yes.
But, let's face it, these bands are out to make a million bucks and they are beholden to corporate record companies. And as soon as the punk pop movement falls by the wayside, so will their careers those who sound like them (All American Rejects, the Ataris, etc.).
Anyone who actually loves these bands isn't really punk, anyway. Just because you wear a dog collar and a tie with a t-shirt doesn't mean anything. It's probably just teen angst. You want a punk show? Go to the 66 Bowl and check out any of the bands that play there. Get a taste of the real stuff because the other stuff seems to be dead and gone.
And if the guy from Day of the Sick tries to sell you anything, run.
For shows and info, go to www.oklahomapunkscene.com.
I wanna be sedated ... and sell you a watch
About a month ago, I was at Buzz's Subs' Ghouls' Night Out, where I watched Mockingbird Lane almost get tossed for playing a video in which a woman was getting fisted. Another band, Day of the Sick, produced a lead singer that got punched in the nose by an audience member before she stormed out.
I thought all of this was odd, but I figured, eh, it's rock and roll. I didn't give it much thought after that.
About a week ago, I was getting ready for work and I had the bedroom television on when, during a commercial break, I heard something that made my ears stand up.
"Is that the Ramones I hear?"
By God it was the Ramones. They had lent one of thier songs to some car company (or something like that). My heart dropped to the bottom of my feet.
Punk music was, in its inception, a rebellion against conformity in all of its incarnations. How far have we come when one of the grandfathers of the punk movement sells one of its songs to a car company?
Then I wondered, "Would Day of the Sick try to sell me a watch?"
The answer, I think, is no. Day of the Sick, Mockingbird Lane, Procession in March, etc. are bands who try their best to carry on the punk banner, but they mix it with elements of death rock and horror punk - things that are truly nonconformist.
The old style of punk music was, in one sense, a rebellion against corporate rock stadium type bands and the creeping disco scene. Bands like the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and the New York Dolls weren't doing anything too terribly original. They just wanted music to sound like rock and roll again.
Nowadays, what does the punk scene aspire to? We think of bands like Green Day and Blink 182 when the "new" punk scene is brought up but, jeez, are they really punk?
If singing in a nasal, jaded delivery and penning irreverent lyrics are the only criteria, then I guess the answer is yes.
But, let's face it, these bands are out to make a million bucks and they are beholden to corporate record companies. And as soon as the punk pop movement falls by the wayside, so will their careers those who sound like them (All American Rejects, the Ataris, etc.).
Anyone who actually loves these bands isn't really punk, anyway. Just because you wear a dog collar and a tie with a t-shirt doesn't mean anything. It's probably just teen angst. You want a punk show? Go to the 66 Bowl and check out any of the bands that play there. Get a taste of the real stuff because the other stuff seems to be dead and gone.
And if the guy from Day of the Sick tries to sell you anything, run.
For shows and info, go to www.oklahomapunkscene.com.
Saturday, June 21, 2003
Article in POP Magazine
Below is a copy of The Letter to the editor that appeared in the June 20, 2003 issue of POP magazine in regards to a review of Mockingbird Lane that appeared in the May 30th, 2003 issue.
Attack on local musician Christophe in recent review outrages, disgusts Shawnee reader
Dear Editor,
I am writing to voice my outrage and disgust at the review written on Mockingbird Lane in your May 30 issue of pop. I was sitting with Christophe (Mockingbird Lane lead singer) and Doug (Hill, pop writer) while the interview was being done. I know for a fact that most of what was printed in that article was either misquoted or written completely out of context.
For example, the comment about the Chainsaw Kittens was taken directly out of a side conversation Christophe and I were having. Christophe told Doug very clearly that he wished to show no disrespect toward any local Oklahoma-based bands.
As for "misogynistic songs and lyrics that are degrading towards women," Mockingbird Lane plays only two songs which could be considered questionable. The first being a cover of the song "Dead Girls Don't Say No" written by William "B.J." Sands and originally performed by Shawnee-based band The Rejected, which although twisted tells the story of a man obsessed with a love he can never obtain to the point of taking it the only way he can. The second being "From Hell," a song based on the historical figure Jack the Ripper, which neither advocates nor condones the serial kiler's actions. The song is in no way graphic. It merely tells of a piece of history. I see no reason for Doug's personal attack on Christophe in saying he is distasteful and lacking gentility. Anyone who knows Christophe, and I have for 10 years, knows that is a blatant misrepresentation of the man.
FAITH MALDONADO,
SHAWNEE
Attack on local musician Christophe in recent review outrages, disgusts Shawnee reader
Dear Editor,
I am writing to voice my outrage and disgust at the review written on Mockingbird Lane in your May 30 issue of pop. I was sitting with Christophe (Mockingbird Lane lead singer) and Doug (Hill, pop writer) while the interview was being done. I know for a fact that most of what was printed in that article was either misquoted or written completely out of context.
For example, the comment about the Chainsaw Kittens was taken directly out of a side conversation Christophe and I were having. Christophe told Doug very clearly that he wished to show no disrespect toward any local Oklahoma-based bands.
As for "misogynistic songs and lyrics that are degrading towards women," Mockingbird Lane plays only two songs which could be considered questionable. The first being a cover of the song "Dead Girls Don't Say No" written by William "B.J." Sands and originally performed by Shawnee-based band The Rejected, which although twisted tells the story of a man obsessed with a love he can never obtain to the point of taking it the only way he can. The second being "From Hell," a song based on the historical figure Jack the Ripper, which neither advocates nor condones the serial kiler's actions. The song is in no way graphic. It merely tells of a piece of history. I see no reason for Doug's personal attack on Christophe in saying he is distasteful and lacking gentility. Anyone who knows Christophe, and I have for 10 years, knows that is a blatant misrepresentation of the man.
FAITH MALDONADO,
SHAWNEE
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Interview in LOUD Magazine
LOUD (June 18, 2003)- Mockingbird Lane is the cover story this issue in an article titled "Mockingbird Lane: An Entirely Different Animal". It is an interview with Christophe and Blizzard done by Loud's Patrick Crain.
A TRIP DOWN MOCKINGBIRD LANE
On any given Friday or Saturday, anyone can go out to a local venue and catch one of their favorite local acts. The common nomenclature calls this the “local music scene.” But underneath the local music scene is the local punk music scene which is generally an entirely different animal. While some members of the local punk scene chum around and speak well of those involved with more conventional acts, others shrug off the conventional music scene and march to the beat of their own drummer, their horizon pitched somewhere between self destruction, getting their music heard and making a little money.
Emerging from the punk music scene is the shambling death rock/horror punk outfit Mockingbird Lane. Fronted by the imposing yet abrasively affable Chirstophe and backed up by percussionist Blizzard, Mockingbird Lane is something of a punk Steely Dan. A concept band that has only
two members and a Rolodex of supporting players who join them on any given night, they have made great strides despite having only one recorded single and no drum kit (they borrow from other acts they share the bill with).
Loud recently sat down (actually leaned against Christophe’s car)
and discussed the band, its history, their sound, their connection to
Stephen King, recent charges of misogyny and why 99.9 percent of the
local music scene can kiss Christophe’s ass.
LOUD: So, how long has Mockingbird Lane been around?
CHRISTOPHE: Technically, Mockingbird Lane has been around since I was
15 years old. As soon as I was given a bass guitar, I was like, “Damn,
I’m gonna do this band.” It’s been around, in one
incarnation or another since then, but it has only been playing shows
for a year.
LOUD: Who’s who in the band?
CHRISTOPHE: I write everything except for the drums. He does all the
percussion.
LOUD: So you play drums?
BLIZZARD: I play drums.
CHRISTOPHE: He does some bass in the studio, as well.
BLIZZARD: Live, it’s just drums.
CHRISTOPHE: I’m the lead singer and everything else.
LOUD: So, on any give night, how many people do you have?
CHRISTOPHE: It could be up to…hasn’t been yet, but could
be up to six.
BLIZZARD: It could be more, though.
CHRISTOPHE: It could be.
BLIZZARD: With the horn section.
CHRISTOPHE: That’s more of one of the side projects. The horns
will be with Brother Voodoo.
LOUD: So are there spin-off groups from Mockingbird Lane?
CHRISTOPHE: Yes. There’s Christophe Solo Acoustic, there’s
XTOPH Electronic, Christophe and the Ghoul Fuckers, Brother Voodoo,
the Devil Dolls, Miles Quaid All-Stars. But Mockingbird Lane is the
main project.
LOUD: Describe your sound.
CHRISTOPHE: Death rock/horror punk. I’ve got a good mix of 80’s
death rock and a lot of horror punk, too. Check out the website (www.mockingbirdlane.bravepages.com).
That explains it. While you’re there, get on our forum. Nobody
gets on our forum. We need some people to get on there and talk some
trash. I’ve read your stuff and know you’re good at talking
trash.
LOUD: I try to steer away from that as much as possible.
CHRISTOPHE: It’s not what it looks like. By the way, I like the
horror film thing you did.
LOUD: Speaking of, how influenced are you by horror films?
CHRISTOPHE: Basically since I was born, I’ve been into nothing
except horror, comic books and, I guess when I was six or seven, I discovered
punk rock. My sister had tapes of me pretending I was a rock star, running
around, screaming at the top of my lungs, slamming into shit. I used
to want to be a Ramone.
LOUD: So how long have YOU been on the music scene?
CHRISTOPHE: Since I was 15 I’ve been in the Oklahoma music scene.
LOUD: What do you think about the Oklahoma music scene?
BLIZZARD: You want me to answer that?
CHRISTOPHE: We’ll both…
BLIZZARD: I wasn’t impressed when I lived here before.
CHRISTOPHE: I’ll let you go first.
BLIZZARD: I haven’t really heard a lot of bands in Oklahoma, to
be honest. The last time I heard any real local bands was when…
I don’t think the Flaming Lips had an album out on Warner’s.
Which is the one with “Jesus Shootin’ Heroin?”
LOUD: “Hear It Is.”
BLIZZARD: Back then. And then there was Conniption Fit, Social Vomit,
they were good.
LOUD: (Social Vomit) was your band?
BLIZZARD: Yeah! Umm, Billy Joe Winghead, they’re cool. I groove
on them. But I haven’t been listening to a lot of local acts lately.
The last time I listened to anything was…God…I haven’t
really. I mean, I know about all this music and I’m like “Ok,
cool. Sounds like the old shit that was here before. Now they have the
technology.”
LOUD: So you were gone once and now you’re back?
BLIZZARD: Yeah, I have some friends that are still here and they were
just like…
CHRISTOPHE: Don’t let him try and lie to you. He was on an absinthe
binge for five years and he was coming down around the time I picked
him out around Halloween.
BLIZZARD: I got a friend of mine out of Seattle who said “Hey,
you’re not working right now. They’re hiring where I got
to school.” So, I apparently hopped on a bus…
CHRISTOPHE: He doesn’t remember.
BLIZZARD: Well, I remember when I got off the bus because I got off
the bus and the frickin’ heat hit me. “God where the hell…?!?”
LOUD: So, how long have you been back?
BLIZZARD: Roughly, a little under three years, I think.
LOUD: But you were here before that?
BLIZZARD: Yeah, I went to high school here.
LOUD: Where?
BLIZZARD: Norman High.
CHRISTOPHE: You know, he’ll talk forever and not let you get back
to me. I mean, I don’t have an ego or anything but I’m important,
not him.
LOUD: Ok, then. Let’s get your take on the local music scene.
CHRISTOPHE: Well, I wouldn’t know the local music scene if it
wasn’t for her (points to friend Faithless). So blame everything
I say on her. She found me some party and drug me to it when I was 15.
Umm, let me see. I’m going to be nice tonight because I’m
in a good mood. So let’s just say, fuck 99.9 percent of this scene
because, one-half of them aren’t that good. I know that we haven’t
been good a lot of shows so that’s forgivable. But, you know,
the other thing is, I busted my ass since I was 15 to help out everybody
on the local scene is any way, shape or form that I can and I’ve
been dicked over constantly. And I’m fed up. I mean, the only
time I throw fuckin’ shows anymore like whenever I go pay out
my money for the (American) Legion Hall or something is because I’ve
got friends from out of state coming through. I used to do a lot of
bookings, it’s not worth it. Local scene-wise I do like Klipspringer.
They’re one of my favorite bands. John Thomas, I really like his
solo stuff. He’s not here anymore, he lives in L.A.
LOUD: He played here about a month ago.
CHRISTOPHE: He’s got some amazing stuff when he does his solo
acoustic. I love Billy Joe Winghead. Everyone else has either moved
away, broken up or pissed me off.
LOUD: What do they do?
CHRISTOPHE: We’re not going to say their names but people have
trashed or stolen equipment, trashed clubs. They threw my microphone
down on the ground.
LOUD: Why?
CHRISTOPHE: Because they’re dumb asses.
LOUD: Recently, a local publication labeled your lyrics as misogynistic.
CHRISTOPHE: What I found amusing about them saying that I was a misogynist
was the songs we played. “Taken Under,” that’s about
a girl I was in love with who apparently wasn’t as in love with
me as she once said. So, you know, there’s nothing misogynist
about that. Then we did “Sea of Heartbreak,” that old Don
Gibson country song. We did the Cure’s “Love Song.”
Then, the only other one that could have been misconstrued as misogynistic
is a song called “Dead Girls Don’t Say No.” It’s
a twisted love song if you listened to the lyrics.
LOUD: What horror films are you into?
CHRISTOPHE: It changes every day. Whatever I’m into for that day.
It depends on my mood. But a majority of George Romero and anything
Sam Rami. And before I forget, we need to talk about the movies.
BLIZZARD: And the vinyl.
CHRISTOPHE: We’re going to call it “Six Hits From Hell.”
We’re going to record it live and do our harder, faster ones we
play live. Make it on vinyl and put out so many, maybe do some limited
ones on different colored vinyl. Hopefully, we’ll be able to start
that soon. Depends on the funds. Movie-wise, a local movie director,
Shawn Lealos, signed a contract with Stephen King, who’s doing
a short called “I Know What You Need,” which is based on
a short story by the same name out of the “Night Shift”
collection. We recorded “Taken Under” to go onto that film.
And he also has another one called “The Devil’s Playground”
and I played the demon in that. The website is www.starvingdogs.net.
LOUD: So what do you do for a day gig?
CHRISTOPHE: I sleep and I watch horror movies.
BLIZZARD: I work for a Christian company. I don’t even know what
the company’s name is. I just go through folders and files for
them and tell them what’s in it.
CHRISTOPHE: I should probably get a job.
LOUD: You mentioned earlier that you do bookings?
CHRISTOPHE: Yeah. I had this thing called Zombierot Entertainment. It
was your local basic punk rock label type thing. Sometimes I release
some stuff, sometimes I do bookings. I do all the Oklahoma booking for
the Banned from New York City. They’re awesome guys.
LOUD: So what’s up for the future?
CHRISTOPHE: First, we’re gonna get this one part recorded and
then we’re probably going to re-record “Taken Under”
for the movie. We’re also going to record our cover of Joy Division’s
“Transmissions.” And then we’re going to save up money
and get out of Oklahoma. Not that we have anything against Oklahoma
but our kind of music isn’t going to go anywhere in this state.
BLIZZARD: We’re going to pull a Flaming Lips. We’re going
to leave the state, everyone is going to love us, and we’re going
to come back.
CHRISTOPHE: Personally, I love Oklahoma and want to stay here but the
people are fucks.
LOUD: Last question, where did you get your name?
CHRISTOPHE: My mother.
LOUD: No, the band’s name.
CHRISTOPHE: Where do you think?
LOUD: I don’t know
CHRISTOPHE: The Munsters.
On any given Friday or Saturday, anyone can go out to a local venue and catch one of their favorite local acts. The common nomenclature calls this the “local music scene.” But underneath the local music scene is the local punk music scene which is generally an entirely different animal. While some members of the local punk scene chum around and speak well of those involved with more conventional acts, others shrug off the conventional music scene and march to the beat of their own drummer, their horizon pitched somewhere between self destruction, getting their music heard and making a little money.
Emerging from the punk music scene is the shambling death rock/horror punk outfit Mockingbird Lane. Fronted by the imposing yet abrasively affable Chirstophe and backed up by percussionist Blizzard, Mockingbird Lane is something of a punk Steely Dan. A concept band that has only
two members and a Rolodex of supporting players who join them on any given night, they have made great strides despite having only one recorded single and no drum kit (they borrow from other acts they share the bill with).
Loud recently sat down (actually leaned against Christophe’s car)
and discussed the band, its history, their sound, their connection to
Stephen King, recent charges of misogyny and why 99.9 percent of the
local music scene can kiss Christophe’s ass.
LOUD: So, how long has Mockingbird Lane been around?
CHRISTOPHE: Technically, Mockingbird Lane has been around since I was
15 years old. As soon as I was given a bass guitar, I was like, “Damn,
I’m gonna do this band.” It’s been around, in one
incarnation or another since then, but it has only been playing shows
for a year.
LOUD: Who’s who in the band?
CHRISTOPHE: I write everything except for the drums. He does all the
percussion.
LOUD: So you play drums?
BLIZZARD: I play drums.
CHRISTOPHE: He does some bass in the studio, as well.
BLIZZARD: Live, it’s just drums.
CHRISTOPHE: I’m the lead singer and everything else.
LOUD: So, on any give night, how many people do you have?
CHRISTOPHE: It could be up to…hasn’t been yet, but could
be up to six.
BLIZZARD: It could be more, though.
CHRISTOPHE: It could be.
BLIZZARD: With the horn section.
CHRISTOPHE: That’s more of one of the side projects. The horns
will be with Brother Voodoo.
LOUD: So are there spin-off groups from Mockingbird Lane?
CHRISTOPHE: Yes. There’s Christophe Solo Acoustic, there’s
XTOPH Electronic, Christophe and the Ghoul Fuckers, Brother Voodoo,
the Devil Dolls, Miles Quaid All-Stars. But Mockingbird Lane is the
main project.
LOUD: Describe your sound.
CHRISTOPHE: Death rock/horror punk. I’ve got a good mix of 80’s
death rock and a lot of horror punk, too. Check out the website (www.mockingbirdlane.bravepages.com).
That explains it. While you’re there, get on our forum. Nobody
gets on our forum. We need some people to get on there and talk some
trash. I’ve read your stuff and know you’re good at talking
trash.
LOUD: I try to steer away from that as much as possible.
CHRISTOPHE: It’s not what it looks like. By the way, I like the
horror film thing you did.
LOUD: Speaking of, how influenced are you by horror films?
CHRISTOPHE: Basically since I was born, I’ve been into nothing
except horror, comic books and, I guess when I was six or seven, I discovered
punk rock. My sister had tapes of me pretending I was a rock star, running
around, screaming at the top of my lungs, slamming into shit. I used
to want to be a Ramone.
LOUD: So how long have YOU been on the music scene?
CHRISTOPHE: Since I was 15 I’ve been in the Oklahoma music scene.
LOUD: What do you think about the Oklahoma music scene?
BLIZZARD: You want me to answer that?
CHRISTOPHE: We’ll both…
BLIZZARD: I wasn’t impressed when I lived here before.
CHRISTOPHE: I’ll let you go first.
BLIZZARD: I haven’t really heard a lot of bands in Oklahoma, to
be honest. The last time I heard any real local bands was when…
I don’t think the Flaming Lips had an album out on Warner’s.
Which is the one with “Jesus Shootin’ Heroin?”
LOUD: “Hear It Is.”
BLIZZARD: Back then. And then there was Conniption Fit, Social Vomit,
they were good.
LOUD: (Social Vomit) was your band?
BLIZZARD: Yeah! Umm, Billy Joe Winghead, they’re cool. I groove
on them. But I haven’t been listening to a lot of local acts lately.
The last time I listened to anything was…God…I haven’t
really. I mean, I know about all this music and I’m like “Ok,
cool. Sounds like the old shit that was here before. Now they have the
technology.”
LOUD: So you were gone once and now you’re back?
BLIZZARD: Yeah, I have some friends that are still here and they were
just like…
CHRISTOPHE: Don’t let him try and lie to you. He was on an absinthe
binge for five years and he was coming down around the time I picked
him out around Halloween.
you’re not working right now. They’re hiring where I got
to school.” So, I apparently hopped on a bus…
CHRISTOPHE: He doesn’t remember.
BLIZZARD: Well, I remember when I got off the bus because I got off
the bus and the frickin’ heat hit me. “God where the hell…?!?”
LOUD: So, how long have you been back?
BLIZZARD: Roughly, a little under three years, I think.
LOUD: But you were here before that?
BLIZZARD: Yeah, I went to high school here.
LOUD: Where?
BLIZZARD: Norman High.
CHRISTOPHE: You know, he’ll talk forever and not let you get back
to me. I mean, I don’t have an ego or anything but I’m important,
not him.
LOUD: Ok, then. Let’s get your take on the local music scene.
CHRISTOPHE: Well, I wouldn’t know the local music scene if it
wasn’t for her (points to friend Faithless). So blame everything
I say on her. She found me some party and drug me to it when I was 15.
Umm, let me see. I’m going to be nice tonight because I’m
in a good mood. So let’s just say, fuck 99.9 percent of this scene
because, one-half of them aren’t that good. I know that we haven’t
been good a lot of shows so that’s forgivable. But, you know,
the other thing is, I busted my ass since I was 15 to help out everybody
on the local scene is any way, shape or form that I can and I’ve
been dicked over constantly. And I’m fed up. I mean, the only
time I throw fuckin’ shows anymore like whenever I go pay out
my money for the (American) Legion Hall or something is because I’ve
got friends from out of state coming through. I used to do a lot of
bookings, it’s not worth it. Local scene-wise I do like Klipspringer.
They’re one of my favorite bands. John Thomas, I really like his
solo stuff. He’s not here anymore, he lives in L.A.
LOUD: He played here about a month ago.
CHRISTOPHE: He’s got some amazing stuff when he does his solo
acoustic. I love Billy Joe Winghead. Everyone else has either moved
away, broken up or pissed me off.
LOUD: What do they do?
CHRISTOPHE: We’re not going to say their names but people have
trashed or stolen equipment, trashed clubs. They threw my microphone
down on the ground.
LOUD: Why?
CHRISTOPHE: Because they’re dumb asses.
LOUD: Recently, a local publication labeled your lyrics as misogynistic.
CHRISTOPHE: What I found amusing about them saying that I was a misogynist
was the songs we played. “Taken Under,” that’s about
a girl I was in love with who apparently wasn’t as in love with
me as she once said. So, you know, there’s nothing misogynist
about that. Then we did “Sea of Heartbreak,” that old Don
Gibson country song. We did the Cure’s “Love Song.”
Then, the only other one that could have been misconstrued as misogynistic
is a song called “Dead Girls Don’t Say No.” It’s
a twisted love song if you listened to the lyrics.
LOUD: What horror films are you into?
CHRISTOPHE: It changes every day. Whatever I’m into for that day.
It depends on my mood. But a majority of George Romero and anything
Sam Rami. And before I forget, we need to talk about the movies.
BLIZZARD: And the vinyl.
CHRISTOPHE: We’re going to call it “Six Hits From Hell.”
We’re going to record it live and do our harder, faster ones we
play live. Make it on vinyl and put out so many, maybe do some limited
ones on different colored vinyl. Hopefully, we’ll be able to start
that soon. Depends on the funds. Movie-wise, a local movie director,
Shawn Lealos, signed a contract with Stephen King, who’s doing
a short called “I Know What You Need,” which is based on
a short story by the same name out of the “Night Shift”
collection. We recorded “Taken Under” to go onto that film.
And he also has another one called “The Devil’s Playground”
and I played the demon in that. The website is www.starvingdogs.net.
LOUD: So what do you do for a day gig?
CHRISTOPHE: I sleep and I watch horror movies.
BLIZZARD: I work for a Christian company. I don’t even know what
the company’s name is. I just go through folders and files for
them and tell them what’s in it.
CHRISTOPHE: I should probably get a job.
LOUD: You mentioned earlier that you do bookings?
CHRISTOPHE: Yeah. I had this thing called Zombierot Entertainment. It
was your local basic punk rock label type thing. Sometimes I release
some stuff, sometimes I do bookings. I do all the Oklahoma booking for
the Banned from New York City. They’re awesome guys.
LOUD: So what’s up for the future?
CHRISTOPHE: First, we’re gonna get this one part recorded and
then we’re probably going to re-record “Taken Under”
for the movie. We’re also going to record our cover of Joy Division’s
“Transmissions.” And then we’re going to save up money
and get out of Oklahoma. Not that we have anything against Oklahoma
but our kind of music isn’t going to go anywhere in this state.
to leave the state, everyone is going to love us, and we’re going
to come back.
CHRISTOPHE: Personally, I love Oklahoma and want to stay here but the
people are fucks.
LOUD: Last question, where did you get your name?
CHRISTOPHE: My mother.
LOUD: No, the band’s name.
CHRISTOPHE: Where do you think?
LOUD: I don’t know
CHRISTOPHE: The Munsters.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Patrick's Pick of the Week in LOUD Magazine
LOUD (June 11, 2003)- The June 13th 2003 show of Mockingbird Lane is included in "Patrick's Picks Of the Week!". It say's: "Friday, June 13th: It seems that the only joint taking advantage of the Friday the 13th date is Buzz's Subs with their Ghoul Night Out. Mockingbird Lane, Day of the Sick and the Donny Vomit Broken Glass Revue will be there to creep and gross you out."
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Mentioned in the Oklahoma Rock news
OKLAHOMAROCK.COM (June 9th, 2003)- A Website dedicated to Oklahoma Music. Visit it at http://www.oklahomarock.com/ . The "News" section for June 9th, 2003 has an update about Mockingbird Lane. It mentions the Stephen King film, Taken Under, and the Lilja's Library website.
Mockingbird Lane mentioned in Lilja's Library
LILJA'S LIBRARY: THE WORLD OF STEPHEN KING (June 9, 2003)- Lilja's Library is one of the biggest on-line Stephen King News sites in the nation. Mockingbird Lane was mentioned on the June 9th, 2003 update. You can find it by searching for either the date or Mockingbird Lane here: http://www.liljas-library.com/
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Article in POP Magazine
Below is a copy of the article appearing in POP from May 30th 2003. There were quite a few things taken out of context or misquoted in the interview.
If you read this article make sure to read the follow-up: http://hardcoreokieboy.blogspot.com/2003/06/article-in-pop-magazine_21.html
MOCKINGBIRD LANE, SOCIAL PARASITE POISON THE WELL
By Doug Hill
The Well is a non-denominational Christian house of worship at 219 W. Main St. It's an uncommonly clean and well-decorated brick room that's long and narrow. Friendly Jay and Jessica said they enjoy volunteering there. The Well introduces new people to the flock by frequently hosting a wide variety of music in their attractive sanctuary.
On May 9, they charitably brought a concert by two bands who could have been featured in Metal Hell magazine. Mockingbird Lane's Christophe (vocals/guitar) sat in church and confessed his guilty musical pleasure. "Pink, But the reason she's so good is because the chick from Four Non Blondes is the one who wrote all the music. But I'm proud, not guilty about them," he said.
Christophe admitted to other sins. "I've actually booked shows when I didn't have a band together yet," he said. "Many of my songs were written when I had to have some for a show. Like 'From Hell' that we're playing tonight."
Christophe predicted the future. "In 100 years, there will still be punk rock. That's for f------ sure. There will always be a pissed-off kid in a garage somewhere."
Worst concert: "When all Lynyrd Skynyrd's brother's opened for Hank (Williams) Jr. They did 'Free Bird' for at least an hour. I thought it would never end."
Christophe cited Billy Joe Winghead and John Thomas as best of the local scene. But he also populated a personal wall of shame. "I don't like the Chainsaw Kittens. I saw them, and they were just bad."
Not known for good taste or gentility, Christophe's misogynist songs are at best crude satire. His description of their content was too rude and gratuitously violent to quote. The songs include stalking with criminal intent and other distasteful themes targeting women.
Music that Christophe and his mother can dig together: "Hank (Williams) Jr., Waylon (Jennings), Willie (Nelson), Johnny (Cash), Kris Kristofferson, and Roger Miller."
"I'm an Okie. Hillbilly is in my blood," he explained.
Christophe revealed the genre with the worst snobs. "Straight-up goths. They're all f------ pretentious and poseurs. I'm Death Rock. So, I can talk smack about them all I want."
Christophe commented on religious music. "I'm into Christian Death Metal like Mortification and the Deadlines. I do not like these little, crappy Christian bands that they have in every church. They're all like, 'Hey, you should check us out.' But all the Christian jam bands sound alike," he judged.
MOCKINGBIRD LANE
Nick (bass) and Riley (drums) ganged up with Christophe for a fuzzy, mega volume assault. Aural felony by guitar band, ML should be named Thunderbird Row. The vocals were drowned, which may have been just as well.
Christophe's guitar rumbled like the storm clouds outside. Last chord, he dropped his ax and bolted from the room. Ever the drama queen, Christophe fell to the sidewalk and doused himself with bottled water until out.
SOCIAL PARASITE
Based in Norman, Social Parasite are Joe Degraffenried (vocals/guitar), Micah (drums) and Tyson (vocals/bass). "We are a true metal band who blend stoner metal with trash metal," Joe D. said.
Reading their "... sarcastic, twisted sense of humor..." is key.
"Some people might think 'Beat My Bitch' is brutal, but it's about a drug habit," he explained.
Joe D. is articulate. He's the editor of Metal Hell magazine (503 Willis, Noble, OK 73068, annual subscription $20). The update column is titled "Sick Sick Six!!" The articles are well-written and witty.
SP's credo is simple. "Take chances. Do not care. Don't do anything trendy. Don't do rap metal and don't back down from a crowd," he said.
Worst concerts attended: "U2 at Lloyd Noble Center in 1983. The Alarm opened up," (Joe D.), and "Moody Blues at the Civic Center in the late 80's when my mom made me go," (Micah).
SP's concert was ominous and threatening as only death metal and certain opera can be.
Random Lyric: "God hates you/and so do I ... ." Degraffenreid's vocals were spat out like acrid flaming pellets of damnation.
Tyson had replicas of shrunken headds adorning his mic stand. Social Parasite roared like a wood chipper happily munching cute little bunnies.
If you read this article make sure to read the follow-up: http://hardcoreokieboy.blogspot.com/2003/06/article-in-pop-magazine_21.html
MOCKINGBIRD LANE, SOCIAL PARASITE POISON THE WELL
By Doug Hill
The Well is a non-denominational Christian house of worship at 219 W. Main St. It's an uncommonly clean and well-decorated brick room that's long and narrow. Friendly Jay and Jessica said they enjoy volunteering there. The Well introduces new people to the flock by frequently hosting a wide variety of music in their attractive sanctuary.
On May 9, they charitably brought a concert by two bands who could have been featured in Metal Hell magazine. Mockingbird Lane's Christophe (vocals/guitar) sat in church and confessed his guilty musical pleasure. "Pink, But the reason she's so good is because the chick from Four Non Blondes is the one who wrote all the music. But I'm proud, not guilty about them," he said.
Christophe admitted to other sins. "I've actually booked shows when I didn't have a band together yet," he said. "Many of my songs were written when I had to have some for a show. Like 'From Hell' that we're playing tonight."
Christophe predicted the future. "In 100 years, there will still be punk rock. That's for f------ sure. There will always be a pissed-off kid in a garage somewhere."
Worst concert: "When all Lynyrd Skynyrd's brother's opened for Hank (Williams) Jr. They did 'Free Bird' for at least an hour. I thought it would never end."
Christophe cited Billy Joe Winghead and John Thomas as best of the local scene. But he also populated a personal wall of shame. "I don't like the Chainsaw Kittens. I saw them, and they were just bad."
Not known for good taste or gentility, Christophe's misogynist songs are at best crude satire. His description of their content was too rude and gratuitously violent to quote. The songs include stalking with criminal intent and other distasteful themes targeting women.
Music that Christophe and his mother can dig together: "Hank (Williams) Jr., Waylon (Jennings), Willie (Nelson), Johnny (Cash), Kris Kristofferson, and Roger Miller."
"I'm an Okie. Hillbilly is in my blood," he explained.
Christophe revealed the genre with the worst snobs. "Straight-up goths. They're all f------ pretentious and poseurs. I'm Death Rock. So, I can talk smack about them all I want."
Christophe commented on religious music. "I'm into Christian Death Metal like Mortification and the Deadlines. I do not like these little, crappy Christian bands that they have in every church. They're all like, 'Hey, you should check us out.' But all the Christian jam bands sound alike," he judged.
MOCKINGBIRD LANE
Nick (bass) and Riley (drums) ganged up with Christophe for a fuzzy, mega volume assault. Aural felony by guitar band, ML should be named Thunderbird Row. The vocals were drowned, which may have been just as well.
Christophe's guitar rumbled like the storm clouds outside. Last chord, he dropped his ax and bolted from the room. Ever the drama queen, Christophe fell to the sidewalk and doused himself with bottled water until out.
SOCIAL PARASITE
Based in Norman, Social Parasite are Joe Degraffenried (vocals/guitar), Micah (drums) and Tyson (vocals/bass). "We are a true metal band who blend stoner metal with trash metal," Joe D. said.
Reading their "... sarcastic, twisted sense of humor..." is key.
"Some people might think 'Beat My Bitch' is brutal, but it's about a drug habit," he explained.
Joe D. is articulate. He's the editor of Metal Hell magazine (503 Willis, Noble, OK 73068, annual subscription $20). The update column is titled "Sick Sick Six!!" The articles are well-written and witty.
SP's credo is simple. "Take chances. Do not care. Don't do anything trendy. Don't do rap metal and don't back down from a crowd," he said.
Worst concerts attended: "U2 at Lloyd Noble Center in 1983. The Alarm opened up," (Joe D.), and "Moody Blues at the Civic Center in the late 80's when my mom made me go," (Micah).
SP's concert was ominous and threatening as only death metal and certain opera can be.
Random Lyric: "God hates you/and so do I ... ." Degraffenreid's vocals were spat out like acrid flaming pellets of damnation.
Tyson had replicas of shrunken headds adorning his mic stand. Social Parasite roared like a wood chipper happily munching cute little bunnies.
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Patrick's Pick of the Week in LOUD
LOUD (May 28, 2003)- The May 28th 2003 show of Mockingbird Lane is included in "Patrick's Picks Of The Week!". It say's: "Thursday, May 28th: If you want to take a scenic drive and hear some great music, travel on out to Harrah's Next Door Music and check out Bozart, Mechanically Separated Children, and Mockingbird Lane."
Friday, May 23, 2003
OKGPick in the Gazette
OKLAHOMA GAZETTE (May 22, 2003)- The May 29th 2003 show of Mockingbird Lane is included as an "OKGPick".
Saturday, March 15, 2003
Review from Oklahoma Punk Scne Dot Com
Excerpt from "Barb's Untitled Column" reviewing a show from 9-28-02 in issue #3 of http://oklahomapunkscene.com/
A couple of days later, I headed down to the American Legion Hall in Norman for an all-local-band bill. FONE SEX opened the evening with punk rock that occasionally featured a saxophone, and included a traditional “fuck you” chorus two songs into their set. MOCKINGBIRD LANE had apparently recently lost a bassist and vocalist, but the drummer and vocalist carried on, with the vocalist handling guitar duties and commenting that he’s good when he’s not playing an instrument. This show marked my first time to see PAIN RELIEF, a three-piece band from Moore whose set included a funny cover of “Unbelievable.” The ROUSTABOUTS finished out the night with their trademark high energy, regardless of the small turnout. It was particularly cool to see them in a venue where the audience is on the same level as the band, since it gives a different perspective to see a band eye-to-eye (or at least as close to eye-to-eye as a vertically challenged person like me can get!).
A couple of days later, I headed down to the American Legion Hall in Norman for an all-local-band bill. FONE SEX opened the evening with punk rock that occasionally featured a saxophone, and included a traditional “fuck you” chorus two songs into their set. MOCKINGBIRD LANE had apparently recently lost a bassist and vocalist, but the drummer and vocalist carried on, with the vocalist handling guitar duties and commenting that he’s good when he’s not playing an instrument. This show marked my first time to see PAIN RELIEF, a three-piece band from Moore whose set included a funny cover of “Unbelievable.” The ROUSTABOUTS finished out the night with their trademark high energy, regardless of the small turnout. It was particularly cool to see them in a venue where the audience is on the same level as the band, since it gives a different perspective to see a band eye-to-eye (or at least as close to eye-to-eye as a vertically challenged person like me can get!).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)