INTERVIEW WITH SPIKE SLAWSON BY EMAIL APRIL 11/2015
COURTESY OF MELANIE KAYE PR J.B: So Uke-Hunt is actually also a social media platform for musicians to learn the art of the ukulele and the according proper techniques? SPIKE:That’s what I understand. J.B: Is that what kind of inspired the name of the band? SPIKE:No, the old Mike Hunt joke is what inspired it long before I had ever heard of the site. “Say, as long as we’re in Des Moines, let’s look up Mike Hunt.” My mother told me that joke. J.B: What inspired you to learn an instrument most often regarded by technical musicians as the “Thing that should not be”? SPIKE: So called “technical musicians” and the look on their faces when you succeed beyond their wildest dreams. That’s what inspired me. J.B: The Ukulele has its roots both in the Portuguese culture and later brought to the Hawaiian Culture where it is most recognized today. With more musicians diversifying into less known instruments and the rise of Folk into Punk more out front these days do you feel that the four strings was an easy choice to keep with the three and four chord style? SPIKE:Honestly, I only chose the instrument to suit the name of the band. 3-4 chord folk/punk is not really our thing. J.B: Which is the style you normally use Baritone, Concert, Soprano or Tenor? SPIKE:I normally use White Crane style, but in a pinch have resorted to Eagle Claw Fist, or even Gangnam style. J.B: Being from such an iconic punk cover band is that why you choose to do the cover songs on the release?
SPIKE: Yes. J.B: Folk has some really deep roots and cultural heritage was it inspired at an early age to you? SPIKE: Yes. J.B: You choose to go with some well-known classic pieces from “Jackie Shannons Needles and Pins” to “End of the World” some really old vintage in there but with a new interpretation. What inspired your selections of the tracks? SPIKE: Needles & Pins was actually co-written by Sonny Bono, a great American and a pretty decent skier. Jackie DeShannon’s version is cool, though. I cover what I dig. J.B: You cover across genres on this one with Depeche Modes ”Enjoy the silence” to The Kinks “ Animal Farm” along with a David Bowie track is the album U.K inspired? SPIKE: No. Porter Wagoner, Michael Jackson, Barry Manilow and the aforementioned Sonny Bono are all great Americans. They are a shining example for the world to follow. J.B: Do you feel it hard to break away from that Tongue in Cheek form that you have mastered to a more relaxed vibe? SPIKE: No. My vibrator has many settings. J.B: The album is a nonstop feel good vibe was there a process of recording in analog to give it that sound it needed? SPIKE: Yes, in fact. We did most of it to a Tascam 388 1/4” tape machine. J.B: What would you consider to be the ultimate Tikki lounge drink? SPIKE: Being from Pittsburgh, I’d have to say a Zombie. J.B: The tour so far it seems are at some smaller cafes and pubs is that for a more fitting personal experience? SPIKE: Yes. J.B: Are there any future plans of playing larger venues or festivals this year? SPIKE: Yes. J.B: I always end with a famous quote or inspirational book is there any that come to mind? SPIKE: “Get into the night”--Heiko Schrepel 04/23/15 05/27/15 05/28/15 05/30/15 06/01/15 06/02/15 06/03/15 6/04/15 06/05/15 06/07/15 06/09/15 06/12/15 06/13/15
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