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A celebration of glitter!
“Let’s Go!”, BBQT’s debut album on No Front Teeth Records is a fine mix of 70s glitter rock and 77 punk rock’n’roll. We asked Gabbie Bam Bam a few questions about the band and the album. Once again, it seems like all that glitters rocks!
When did you start BBQT?
I started BBQT in 2010.
What have you released so far?
I have released 4 records under BBQT. Three seven inches (Astrogirl, Baby Carrot, and No Front Teeth records respectively)
When did you fall in love with glitter?
I fell in love with glitter when I rediscovered Gary Glitter and Marc Bolan and T. Rex. I say rediscovered because I have always known of their radio hits when I was younger of course but started really getting into both of them a couple years after that.
It seems like you’ve been touring a lot in the US, have you noticed any growing interest for hand clapping/feet stamping rock’n’roll lately?
I have noticed rock n roll coming back again (sounds weird right?). A few years back I feel like rock n roll had a cheesy or corny reputation so people didn’t really attach themselves to it like they do now.
What were your favourite places to play on the last tours?
I really loved playing New York on this last tour. Always a fun time! In the past I’ve loved playing Oakland (great response there) and Cincinnati from the past tours I’ve done.
Your music sounds very 70s, can you tell us about the recording of “Let’s Go!”? Did you use analog?
The recording for Let’s Go was pretty organic. I wrote a bunch of demos for songs and decided to record with Matthew Melton who at the time was recording in the style that I like with his bands. I had also heard the stuff he recorded for other like minded/sounding musicians/bands. I pretty much walked in with a bunch of songs, met a drummer last minute and got down to it. The record was recorded in sessions over a year and a half and recorded on tape. Any over dubs were done digitally. I’m very pleased to have recorded this way and I can’t wait for the next one!
Your songs are short (except for the Gary Glitteresque instrumental “Tuff ‘N Up”.) Can “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus!” apply to BBQT?
I try to keep it simple and effective.
5 albums you couldn’t live without?
Its always evolving really. I’d have to say,
Blitz: Voice of a Generation
Suzi Quatro: S/T
Selena: Amor Prohibido
Gary Glitter: Glitter
GG Allin: Always Was, Is and Always Shall be
Any other bands from Austin we should check out?
Yes! Cheap Fur, Trouble Boys, Vertical Vice, Institute, and Muther.
Any plan for coming to Europe yet?
Definitely plottin’ for next year!
After opening for ADAM ANT, L.A. glitter rock’n’roll band GLAM SKANKS are now touring in Europe. They answered a few questions about the band, glam rock, and Los Angeles in 2017. Don’t miss them if they are playing anywhere near you!
Can you give us a bit of history? How did you meet and get the idea to start GLAM SKANKS?
Sure! V Volume and Ali Cat met by posting almost the same add on Craigslist ! We both wanted to start an all female rock n roll band and turned out we had the same influences from the 70’s Rock n Roll scene. We met at V’s dads studio and jammed on some covers. We then played our first show starting out as a cover band! We are both inspired by over the top stage shows and outfits so we wanted to incorporate that in our band as well ! We later met Cassie and Millie through mutual friends. They share the same dreams as us and we all love music with such a passion so it works well !
You’ve just opened for ADAM ANT on his last tour. How did that happen? How was it?
Yes! We actually opened up for him on his last three tours! It’s been a wild ride for sure. Riding in a van packed with people, driving through EVERY kind of weather, meeting every kind of person, playing theatres and arenas! It’s been amazing! We definitely gained a bigger following by playing with Adam. They seem to respond to us very well! And we absolutely love Adam and his band and crew. We have learned so much from them and consider them family !
Opening for ADAM ANT means playing in big venues, did you feel comfortable from the start on these big stages? How do you feel about getting back to smaller clubs on your upcoming European tour?
We were definitely nervous at first but knew we were ready for big stages. We are a very energetic band so we loved having the freedom of getting to strut around on a big stage. But we did come from playing in small bars so we are super comfortable with that. We are excited to go back to playing smaller clubs. There is a certain energy in a rock n roll bar that you can’t get in a theatre. We love the sweaty, grimy underground feel of a hole in the wall club !
Your Euro tour has just started, how is it goin’ so far?
It’s going great! Each show has been wildly fun with a passionate audience! And the hospitality and friendliness of all the promoters and people we have been staying with has been unforgettable ! We are so grateful to all the open arms! We are most importantly greatful for Ludo at Adrenaline Fix Music for putting our tour together! He has worked hard and has made our album on Vinyl which you can now buy on Adrenalin Fix Music website ! 🙂
We did have our first bump in the road .. we were in the snow in France and Veronica Volume and her huge muscles ripped the van door off! We sat in a Burger King for a few hours and waited for someone to fix it !
Most people in Europe (and especially in non-English speaking countries) probably won’t care about the meaning of your band name, but how do people usually react to it in the US?
Yes it’s funny, people in the states are shocked but usually love it! We originally used the name temporarily and just thought it was funny but we noticed people were really taken away by it, which is a good thing because you know they can never forget it !
Los Angeles is mostly famous for its 80s Sunset Strip glam metal scene, but people sometimes forget that in the early 70s, Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco started it all in the US when it comes to glam/glitter rock. How did you first get into this style/music?
Ya exactly ! Sometime people see us and immediately thing of 80’s hair metal but that’s not what we are at all! We are very influenced by the likes of David Bowie, Queen, Alice Cooper, TRex. I’m not sure how we got into it .. I think it comes from Ali and V’s fathers, they loved all of that kind of music and educated us! We were drawn to the raw feel of the music and the outlandish stage performance and show! We think it is all important for a good band and makes it a full package .
Glam aesthetics and references have never really disappeared since they can be found in the work of people like PEACHES, MARILYN MANSON, or LADY GAGA to an extent, but more surprisingly, glam and glitter rock music has also made its come back these last years with bands like GIUDA or BITERS among others, do you see it as a kind of revival that could appeal to younger generations?
Yes, I think kids are always looking for that rebellious shock factor in music. That’s what stands out to us as well ! Putting on a show that makes you go “woah did that just happen?” All of those artists that you mentioned have that. They smack you in the face with their music, show and outfits and make you want to be apart of the madness! We just do what we think is cool and what we would like to see!, and we hope we can influence kids and especially young girls to want to do the same!
What’s your favourite…
BOWIE album?
“The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust”
IGGY POP/STOOGES album?
“Raw Power”
T.REX song?
“Jeepster”
NEW YORK DOLLS song?
“Lookin for a Kiss”
JOAN JETT song?
“Playin with Fire”
SUZIE QUATRO song?
“Wild One”
There’s been a lot going on lately about sexual harassment on social networks. You recently posted something on Facebook about some guy that sent you a pic of his “private parts.” As a female band, have you ever dealt with such behaviours before?
Ya unfortunately, we get the occasional creepy dudes that won’t leave us alone at shows or get offended when we don’t accept their drink offer. It’s misogyny at its finest! We would like to be treated as profession musicians not just pieces of meat wearing fishnets. The clothes aren’t an invitation they are an artistic expression .
How is the L.A. scene these days? Any bands we should check out?
The scene is kind of over saturated with too many bands that sound the same or don’t really have an image. We are kinda over bands getting away with not have to sound good or have good songs and still be popular because it’s a “trend”, you almost don’t need to even be good musicians anymore to be known, it’s pretty sad . But on a brighter note there is a side that is soo inspiring and you can find super raw artistic talent playing at warehouses or small clubs in LA! Some bands that stand out to us right now are The Vista Kicks ( great rock n roll songs with super soulful vocals) Lauren Ruthward (a wild child with true passion in her vocals) & The Lemon Twigs ( they tour in Europe all the time so you may have heard of them but they are like The Beatles of our generation.. when it comes to songwriting )
What are the best places to buy cool glam/glitter clothes in L.A. in 2017?
Hmmm we all get our clothes different places or sometimes even craft up our own clothes !
We love to go to Vintage stores such as Iguana, JetRag, and American Vintage. We also like to find clothes on our travels !
The movie Velvet Goldmine suggests that Oscar Wilde was the first glam rocker, what do you think about that?
LOVE that movie!!!
It makes sense because he’s an artist. Glam Rock is performance art rock with some glitter thrown on top ! It is a very poetic and romantic lifestyle and that’s what Oscar Wilde is . He told stories and was a walking talking piece of art. It all coincides with each other!
Have you started working on a new album? Are you going to play any new songs on your upcoming Euro tour?
Yes we have started writing new songs and working on some new jams. We are very excited to go back into the studio and be in the creative process again. We aren’t sure if we will release an EP first or just come out with a whole album!! What do you all think? 😉
https://www.glamskanks.com/
Facebook page
GYPSY ROLLER is bringing back glitter rock with their new album. Gil Soliz tells us about the band and his unconditional love for glam rock.
Can you introduce GYPSY ROLLER?
Gypsy Roller is a music Band that I officially started around 2009 & has an eclectic rotating cast of members from each album. Starting with my first official release on Sunthunder Records “Champagne & Rock n Roll, We Got You Covered ( featuring Gen Genocide)” & Self Titled Gypsy Roller released by Alive And Kickin’ Records. I’m literally “ Rollin’ With It for each Recording Adventure.
Have you played in other bands before?
Yes, most of my musical career started in The Great Pacific Northwest in Portland Oregon. The Pin Ups , The Fringe , The Strand & Champagne Cowboys. The Champagne Cowboys was probably the most respected & popular band I fronted there & we ran those streets with the best of them . With other acts such as The Nice Boys, The Out Crowd, The Makers & The Viles. Some even claim we were ahead of the pack for a couple of years ?
Your album is out on French record label Alive and Kickin’ Records. How did that happen?
Matt Lehem has an ear for up & coming Glam Rocker Bands such as…… Plastic Tears, Smash Fashion, The Tip, Cream Circus, The Cry, Hammered Satin & The Sweet Things . And Gypsy Roller just happened to catch his attention with our Single “ Rock n Roll Stroller “. Can’t blame him though for that track is Hook City !
Your album production sounds very 70s glitter, how did you manage to get this sound?
That’s because Allen Davis is a Genius Music Producer ! The guy has a killer ear & common sense for a Classic “ Pop “ Sound. He musically Co-wrote all of those tracks on that Alive And Kickin’ self titled “ Gypsy Roller “ Release. Our first track we recorded together for that album was “ Goodbye To Sorrows “ & it’s like a Phil Spector / Tony Visconti Wet Dream Extravaganza ! Once we laid that track down I knew immediately that there was an album there somewhere . I think it’s a complimentary mix of my street sensibility & his slick production skills !
A band like GIUDA brought back the glam rock sound to a wider audience without being too “retro/vintage”, do you think GYPSY ROLLER’s approach to the style is quite similar?
Hmmmm ……. hard to say ?
I personally am not a huge fan of Giuda. However Allen recently went to there live show in San Francisco & said they were very tight & together on stage. Their esthetic is not my cup of tea. Soccer Polo Shirts, rolled up jeans & doc marten boots is very attractive I guess to your average college kid. But not to me. I gather our sound doesn’t represent that sort of thing very much & has a tad more touch of tinsel town vaudeville Glamour to it, yet I’m okay with that & personally prefer to be on that side of the fence of the Glitter Scene. To each is own I guess ?
You’re also a glam rock/glitter DJ, can you tell us about it?
Yes of course, basically I take pride in creating a most magical illusion to all my guests of The midnight hours. That suits each venues, such as Glitz At The Ritz, Continental Glam & my latest creative creation ….. Glitter Stiletto ! For it’s my duty to educate & entertain ! Frankly I have just as much fun Spinning my private record collection as to fronting a Live Band on stage .
Most underrated glam rock records to you?
David Werner’s “Whizz Kidd”, Brett Smiley’s “Breathlessly Brett” & Alastair Riddlell’s “Space Waltz”, The Stilettos & Magic Tramps.
How did you first get into glam and glitter?
It all goes back to my first Bowie Records which turned me onto Lou Reed, Andy Warhol, New York Dolls & The New York Max’s Kansas City Underground Scene & Beyond ! Seriously though the Ziggy Stardust circle is not a bad place to begin or to explore.
Considering my first high school Vinyl Records were Mick Ronson’s “Slaughter On Tenth Ave”, Lou Reed’s “Metal Machine Music “ which when the manager almost didn’t sell me the record because he thought it would warp my mind ??? Johnny Thunders‘ “So Alone”. You could say I was in pretty good company & influence.
Do you like reading books about rock’n’roll/biographies? Last one you’ve read?
Everything I know about Rock n Roll begins by spending endless hours alone in the bedroom with books ! And last one was by Patti Smith “ Just Kids. “
In “Blood and Glitter”, Mick Rock says “Glam was about make-up, mirrors and androgyny. It was narcissistic, obsessive, decadent and subversive. It was bohemian, but also strangely futuristic. It was Oscar Wilde meets A Clockwork Orange. It was a mutant bastard offspring of glitter. But while glitter was sparkling distraction, glam was anarchy in drag. It was sexy, glamorous, on the edge. It was the moment hippie finally died. It was absolutely rock’n’roll. But it was also fashion, art, theatre, lifestyle. It was gay, straight, multisexual…”
What do you think about this description? Isn’t it weird that glam rock had so much influence (and still has to this day) on music, fashion, etc. whereas it was such a short-lived movement (a bit like punk, actually)?
Basically Photographe wise Mick Rock is the gate keeper to all that is pleasing to the eye of Glam & Rock N Roll !!! He is my photographic guru ! He in captures everything that is Glitter Rock n Roll & Sexy!
Mick Rock’s photos & Album Covers play a very important part on opening a door of all of the true dandies of the underworld. Those album covers made it cool & acceptable for a guy to wear makeup & dress up ! For it let’s one know that it’s a great alternative to attract females, other than being a school jock or successful business man. It’s definitely the holy grail of fashion of The androgynous ones . Basically his photos are timeless & always inspires me when I’m looking for new artistic ideas !
Are you going to tour to promote the album?
Currently as we speak it is being discussed about us playing live in France & other Countries outside of France .
Please crawl out your window & get your copy of Gypsy Roller !
Facebook page
https://gypsyroller.bandcamp.com/
Opening song “Rock’n’Roll Stroller” sets the mood right from the start: 70s glam rock à la Gary Glitter! Lead vocalist/Lyricist Gil Soliz teamed up with Allen Davis who co-wrote, produced and engineered this second album. Bowie‘s shadow also wanders around these songs, especially in “Goodbye To Sorrows.” The atmosphere sometimes gets close to the best of 90s Britpop (PULP, SUEDE…) on songs like “Lost In Some Old Melody”, or “I Can’t Live For Yesterdays.” The production is quite impressive when it comes to that 70s glam vibe we all love, just listen to the drums on “Gypsy Roller Theme”! Songs like “When She Comes Alive”, or “Simple Life” kinda modernize that good old glitter feel made of claps, reverb, hooks, and “yeahs!”, although you’ll still want to clap your hands and stomp your feet the old-school SLADE way! Just try and resist “Take It Back”! Well, Oscar Wilde once said “I can resist anything but temptation”…
Let’s hope this album will be as successful as GIUDA’s ones, and if you want to help with that, you can get the digisleeve CD version from French record label Alive and Kickin’. /Laurent C.
http://www.gypsyrollerband.com/
Facebook page
http://www.aliveandkickinmusic.com/Gypsy-Roller-1/
(Review by Anguish Young)
I don’t know exactly what gutter these guys crawled out of, but they’ve apparently mixed with the same circle of next generation, punknroll diehards who play on bills with Don Bolles’ Alice Cooper covers band, the Earwigs, and the cream of the L.A. underground’s modernday vanguard—you know—Crazy Squeeze, Black Mambas, Telephone Lovers, Hammered Satin, Dirty Eyes. Keep yer electric eye on Dr. Boogie. Summa these dudes even jammed with the great JOEY PINTER of Knots and Waldos fame.
With a killer logo designed by legendary pop art genius, Adam T. of Altamont Records, DR. BOOGIE are blazing their own smoky trail of snarling guitars, whorehouse pianos and honky tonkin’ harmonicas that impresses upon first listen. They could easily be mistaken for the Diamond Dogs, and that’s high praise, indeed. These dudes are coming on strong, right out of the gate. This is classic glitter glam nastiness blasting outta yer broken speakers with a bona fide sleazy, raunchy authority seldom ever heard in these cold, sterile times; when we’re all expected to nod along and talk about the facking same old gimmick crazed techno, hack actresses with ukeleles, or bogus banjo brigades, some more. You hellions and havenots all know what I’m talkin’ about-dark little old man bar music that celebrates the goodtimes, the booze, the girls and friends you better appreciate now ’cause tomorrow it might all be gone.
These guys seem to really GET the “be alive now” part cause they rock with a true energy. LOVE the vocals and how often you hear me say that? Almost never. Last time we really got a whiff of a band that had this kinda scuzzy heart and soul AND a world class production value, courtesy of one Gabe Lowry, was probably that band, JET, who the Olympics ruined by overplaying their hit like ten years ago. They reminded me immediately of Jo Dog and Paul Black’s Sonic Boom, Dogs D’Amour, London Quireboys, Filthy Lucre. The voice is fabulously suited for this down and dirty style of regal guttersnipe ragged glory. If you like the Faces, the Bounty Hunters, the Jacobites, the Joneses, Free, Mott The Hoople, Flamin’ Groovies, or Silverhead, here are the new boys.
In dark days like this, when the old guard keeps dying off, irreplaceable rocknroll heroes like Ian McLagan, Bobby Keyes, Billy Rath, etc., it’s encouraging to spot the sleazy rocknroll cavalry coming over the hill, knives clenched between their teeth. Scarves and tambourines and blue velvet suitjackets and loud laughs to be had–rocknroll the way it’s supposed to sound. Sharp shoes, sunglasses at night, swaggering lads out on the tiles. I can’t really find anything to not like about these guys. I wanted to make this record when I was in my twenties and almost died trying. I failed, where these guys have succeeded, in a supreme fashion. Chris P., Dustin James, Jeff Turpin, and Luis Herrera just have that magic thing that few ever really come by honest, anymore. This e.p. came out and grabbed me by my frilly blouse and made me wanna go on a diet and play billiards and dance on the bartops and preen by the cigarette machine. Okay you can see how long it’s been since I’ve been to the pub.
These lads will make you want to wear feathers and form a dart team. Think Marionette Meets The Babys meets Detective with a little bit o’ Heartbreakers. Good lyrics, primo drummer, raunchy as hell guitars. This is really fabulous stuff. Rodney On The Roq is even spinning them. They look so young, too. This is probably every bit as good as that first Buck Cherry album. They are almost like a modern day Hollywood Brats. Go see DR. BOOGIE, one of the most promising pub rock/seventies radio pop/trashy punkroll/blues bands to storm the yellow brick road to the ever beckoning, eternally seductive neon lit Hollywood mirage, that always seems to promise strippers and cocaine on airplanes but usually only delivers heartache and despair, in like, forever. They even seem to have a desire to really bring the audience all aboard with them, show everybody a good time, you can just tell they are born entertainers. When was the last time a band cared about the people? The Babysitters? The Waldos? Been a long time, been a long, lonely, lonely, lonely time. You’re gonna love these cats. Trust me, I hate almost everybody. I love “Life On The Breadline”! This is full fledged Evil Kenievil rocknroll! I hope they get a bartender on stage with them like Rod and the boys. Fabulous stuff.
DIG THIS!
http://www.facebook.com/drboogiemusic
http://www.altamontrecords.com/
Two years ago, I really enjoyed “Blame It On Brandy”, the debut 7″ of L.A. dandy rockers SMASH FASHION (the band of ex-SMACK Repo and ex-ROCK CITY ANGELS Lloyd Stuart Casson ; ex-QUIREBOYS Nigel Mogg was also in the band for a while), so I was quite curious to hear this full album. Opener “Wicked Ways” reminds me of late HELLACOPTERS stuff (“Aim For The Heart” and “Stairs To Nowhere” also sound close to the Swedish rock’n’rollers’ music), 70’s rock’n’roll with early KISS riffs and great melodies! Power pop and glitter rock fans will love “Marionette”, “Big Cat Love”, “Blame It On The Brandy”, “Stay Off My La La”, and “Super Glam”( of course!), while “Strike My Fancy (Knickers Down)” will probably be QUIREBOYS‘ fans’ new favourite tune!
The band also manages to have a ballad (“You Love To Suffer”) that doesn’t sound cheesy (think of BOWIE and SUEDE with an American rock touch) and gets in the STONES territory on “Just A Kiss At The Starting Line.”
The City of Angels has found its new glam rock kings that will also make the mods dance, and we can only hope to see them in Europe!/Laurent C.
We’ve heard about many good punk’n’roll/glam punk bands from Sweden lately. Even though The GROUPIES are not that far from this genre, they definitely have their own identity which is more influenced by early (70s) glam rock. There are four amazing glitter pop songs on this demo CD that you will really enjoy if you’re into sweet sexy glamourous pop rock. Damn! listen to “You Will Do” and you’ll think that these guys are the new T-REX!! That’s just awesome! The band has a thing for the French language (the title of this CD, the French part in ‘Scream Shout Adore’ -no doubt that French girls will love that accent!- and the title ‘Hot In Paris’.) I was waiting for a band like that and as a consequence I can’t wait to hear more from SG!!
/Laurent C.
Veglam 