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03.11.08 Punk / Alternative / Rockabilly "The L.A. punk scene in the late 70’s saw its share of greatness, but few acts as talented and durable as X. They were the quintessential L.A. punk rockers that have become a world-class, live, rock & roll band. Now, X is back out on tour in 2008 with something really special; the original line-up of John Doe, Exene, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake! X is set to rock again in the 13 - 31 Tour across the U.S.A., with stops in Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, and at the famed SXSW music convention in Austin, Texas." - Press release X is working with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund on their 13 - 31 Tour in order to raise money and awareness for SRMF. You can bid on VIP / meet & greet passes for shows on this tour 2 to 3 weeks prior to the concert dates HERE. "Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a Los Angeles-based national charity providing financial assistance to musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. There are many talented artists who will never be rich or famous, but who play essential roles in the transcendent connection between fans and music. Sweet Relief tries to redress some of the imbalance between the few in music who have a lot and the many who struggle, but persist in their art." Visit www.sweetrelief.org for more information. 
Interview Babble & Beat - If Sweet Relief Musicians Fund could succeed in only one way over the next century, in what way do you hope it would be? D.J. Bonebrake - I don't know much about the organization. I've heard they do good work. In an age where musicians salaries are declining and health insurance is rising, an organization like Sweet Relief is a Godsend. Babble & Beat - Is there any particular venue or city on the upcoming tour that you are most looking forward to? Why? D.J. Bonebrake - Portland. Because they are home to Powell's Books. Babble & Beat - What are 2 songs you are extra psyched about playing on the tour? D.J. Bonebrake - Toad and the Black Page. Drum solos. I'm psyched out about playing them but I don't think the rest of the band is. Drum solos sell beer! Musicians sell beer. Therefore, a drummer is a.....beer salesman? No, a person who hangs out with beer salespersons. Babble & Beat - Nice. Laughs. Can you name something that’s influencing your music these days that hasn’t played much, or any, part in the past? D.J. Bonebrake - Dynamics ("I'm playing as loud as I can!") and syncopation. Oh, and Furbies. Babble & Beat - What are you still dying to accomplish? If not something musically, otherwise. D.J. Bonebrake - I'm trying to master the vibraphone. It's not easy. You have to read those funny black dot things and know what key you're in. It's harder than counting to four I'll tell ya! Do you know that there are 12 notes? I only have 5 drums. Billy, that's not fair. 
Babble & Beat - What is something about you that your fans likely don’t know already and would be surprised to learn? D.J. Bonebrake - I've never received a moving violation or been arrested, and I play vibes in a 14 piece Salsa band. And also, I'm thinking of the number 42 right now. And my favorite color is blue. Babble & Beat - Really? A Salsa band? Cool. Name someone outside of X that could very possibly be your "musical soulmate." D.J. Bonebrake - Bill Bonebrake. Babble & Beat - Do you have any strong feelings for or against a venue allowing smoking? D.J. Bonebrake - I have mixed feelings. But in small venues with inadequate ventilation the smoking ban sure benefits the singers. Babble & Beat - After your 13-31 tour is completed, what’s next for X? D.J. Bonebrake - We start work on our 14-41 tour. Babble & Beat - What is something valuable that you have just recently learned / figured out in your experience as a musician that may help other musicians emerging on the scene? D.J. Bonebrake - Learn to say "NO." You don't have to play every show. This isn't your last chance. You don't have to do it now. You will play this town again. Babble & Beat - What are two or three things X has achieved as a band that you are most proud of? D.J. Bonebrake - We've made music that, after 30 years, doesn't sound dated. We still play with as much intensity as when we started. I'm sure Billy would say, "Speak for yourself." Babble & Beat - If you could choose any musician / band that ever existed to open up for you on a different tour in the future, what musician / band would it be? D.J. Bonebrake - Chico Marx. Imagine the great poker games we would have after the show. |
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Copyright © 2008 by Stacy Sardelli / Babble and Beat. All rights reserved.