Visqueen
The Seattle band spurts about latest album 'Sunset on Dateland' and how to make each other mad
By Katie Heath
Published: February 12th, 2005 | 7:00pm
Visqueen has a mouth on 'em. Not only are they one of the loudest bands from the West Coast current, but you'll hear more profanity, ramblings and entertaining diatribes at their live shows than your buck ever bargained for. On their most recent effort, Sunset On Dateland, the Seattleites continue their intense take on pop-punk that's as sharp as a Shonen Knife. Rachel Flotard's versatile voice is both saccharine and vicious and able to hit any note she pleases, as drummer Ben Hooker holds every hot beat. Former Fastbacks bassist Kim Warnick, a truly talented musician, has recently retired from the band, though Rachel claims she will continue as Visqueen's guardian spirit. Below, the band spurts about the last year, their album, their kinship, and how to make each other mad.
What or where was the best gig you ever played?
Rachel: Johnson City, Tenn. I had a disco ball at my feet and escaped mental patients in my face. A blur of sweatpants and fear.
Kim: Would have to say opening for Guided By Voices and then again opening for Cheap Trick, the best one so far. Made all the more special cause they actually watched us and loved us. Huh? I guess we must be doing something right. For me to be sharing the same stage with bands I saw all through the '70s was almost too much. And to actually know them ... sounds corny, but true. A fantasy.
Ben: My first band was asked to play a birthday party and of course said yes. They lived in an apartment complex and asked us to set up in the gazebo by the pool. We started into our set singing songs about killing the president, feeding the poor, you know … normal shit, and these tenants are running towards us with their hands over their ears telling us to stop. We kept playing pretending not to hear them and the police came and ruined that poor girl's eighth birthday.
Who inspired you to pick up your instrument?
Ben: Ace Frehley. As far as I was concerned, I was going to take over guitar duties for KISS at some point or another. Unfortunately, the band I was in at the time needed a drummer and I said, “I'll learn how to play drums” and since my life has been plagued with having to own a van and lug more shit than anyone else.
Kim: Joan Jett, who was touring in Japan with the Runaways while I was sitting in goddamn awful high school. It was very clear to me what my future was going to be. Also, Dee Dee Ramone, who actually taught me how to play bass. That band took the mystery out of rock n roll and showed me that anyone can do it. Plus, he looked cooler than any other rocker I've seen, except maybe for Joan.
What were you for last Halloween?
Kim: I hate that day. It's the "new" New Year's Eve in my book. I work at a bar and it was a disaster. Fights, etc. The only good outfit I saw was a guy dressed as a bag of coke ... for only 80 dollars! I, sadly, went as myself ... yet again.
Rachel: I was a turkey, by default. My friend Dave had the feathery bodice and I had the head. Complete with stuffed red felt gobble swinger.
What's the best thing audience members can do to encourage you at your show?
Rachel: Ain't no stoppin' us brand of Turbo and Ozone move busting.
Ben: Buy me drinks.
What's the worst thing an audience member can do?
Ben: Buy me drinks.
What kind of things do you guys fight about?
Rachel: Parking far. If we need to go to the supermarket - anywhere really - Ben picks the spot furthest from the entrance every time and Kim blows her stack every time. We call him Farparker and he does it just to piss us off and that exercise is good for us. We want to beat his face in.
Ben: Food. Rachel always wants to eat at healthy places. Fuck that shit, I'm on tour and it's my duty to find the next best burrito, burger, or slice of pizza. Sometimes when I'm driving I will pretend not to see signs for where Rachel wants to eat. Ha Ha.
What's your favorite song off the new album?
Ben: “Buttercup.” Because you can dance to it.
What are some of the ways you cut costs on the road?
Ben: This is all you need to remember: one jar of Deep South peanut butter plus one loaf Texas toast equals food for days at about $1.75. Killer.
Rachel: Mandatory use of rest areas over truck stops on drive days. Thereby reducing temptation to blow wad on fierce local “crafts” or whittled biker-pig or frog figurines.
Who did you vote for this past November?
Kim: I voted for the guy who lost. How fucked.
Rachel: Ugh.
When or if you get old and gray, where will you settle down?
Ben: Johnsoncity, Tennessee. At the Fuzzy Hole.
Rachel: Next to my sister. I'd have a clothesline between our kitchen windows and bitch about cellulite and listen to Wham.
Do these jeans make my butt look big?
Rachel: No. Why, does mine?
Kim: Hell no, but this too-tight T-shirt sure makes my tits look fucking huge!
Issue #35
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