Hot on the heels of this week's tour announcements, Dustin Hill, the creative voice behind Portland stoner rockers Black Pussy, checks in to give us the story behind his band, updates on the new record and future plans.
How did the band come together?
Dustin Hill: After 6 years of revolving members, cosmic forces lead the current line up to come together and commit fully to the idea and art. Combined with eagerness to tour and the love of marijuana, we all have boarded the rocket ship with a no return home ticket.
Where did the band name come from?
DH: If Tarantino was forming a band, what would he name it? Partial credit goes to The Rolling Stones for their song “Brown Sugar.” The song title was allegedly first dubbed “Black Pussy,” but, as rumor has it, their record label made them change it to something a little more accessible. The true inspiration for the name spawns from the simple fact that it is Rock and Roll in a sexy 70's style that isn't represented in today's music.
How would you describe your sound to the uninitiated?
DH: Farrah Fawcett, topless, riding shotgun in a '73 Mach 1 with Steve Mcqueen at the wheel in a haze of marijuana flying down a two lane blacktop.
How did you end up touring with Vista Chino and what did that mean for a young band?
DH: Last March Brant produced our upcoming new album, Less Info More Mojo, which began the relationship that landed us the support slot for Vista Chino's North American tour. It was an amazing experience that made us realize the value of a well paired bill.
Do you have any stories from that tour that you’d care to share?
DH: Road stories stay on the road, but Come to a show and say "Hi". We'd love to chat and create new stories along the journey. Providing you are not law enforcement…
Who (or what) are some of your main influences?
DH: High life, Weed, and Taquerias.
How is the new record coming along?
DH: Less Info More Mojo is fully completed, we're now looking for the right label family that wants to be part of this project.
How does the new record compare to your previous release, On Blonde?
DH: I think of recordings as artistic snapshots of that moment in time. Both On Blonde and Less Info More Mojo represent the sound and vision I strive for, but with Less Info More Mojo I had a band and that adds more personality and life versus me playing all the instruments. Plus Brant Bjork produced it, so you can feel his spirit in it as well.
How does the song writing process work for Black Pussy?
DH: I describe songwriting as meditation. I really more try to clear my mind and songs kinda just get beamed into me. Songs are like children, they are birthed, independent and come into being on their own; I’m just responsible for raising them.
What kind of gear are you using these days, live and in-studio?
DH: Full vintage 60's and 70's SUNN live backline… any vintage gear with mojo.
What's next for Black Pussy?
DH: Embarking on a North American tour this summer with Gypsyhawk (5/17-6/12) and Mothership (6/13-7/20) with shows rolling in daily through August and September.
How did the band come together?
Dustin Hill: After 6 years of revolving members, cosmic forces lead the current line up to come together and commit fully to the idea and art. Combined with eagerness to tour and the love of marijuana, we all have boarded the rocket ship with a no return home ticket.
Where did the band name come from?
DH: If Tarantino was forming a band, what would he name it? Partial credit goes to The Rolling Stones for their song “Brown Sugar.” The song title was allegedly first dubbed “Black Pussy,” but, as rumor has it, their record label made them change it to something a little more accessible. The true inspiration for the name spawns from the simple fact that it is Rock and Roll in a sexy 70's style that isn't represented in today's music.
How would you describe your sound to the uninitiated?
DH: Farrah Fawcett, topless, riding shotgun in a '73 Mach 1 with Steve Mcqueen at the wheel in a haze of marijuana flying down a two lane blacktop.
How did you end up touring with Vista Chino and what did that mean for a young band?
DH: Last March Brant produced our upcoming new album, Less Info More Mojo, which began the relationship that landed us the support slot for Vista Chino's North American tour. It was an amazing experience that made us realize the value of a well paired bill.
Do you have any stories from that tour that you’d care to share?
DH: Road stories stay on the road, but Come to a show and say "Hi". We'd love to chat and create new stories along the journey. Providing you are not law enforcement…
Who (or what) are some of your main influences?
DH: High life, Weed, and Taquerias.
How is the new record coming along?
DH: Less Info More Mojo is fully completed, we're now looking for the right label family that wants to be part of this project.
How does the new record compare to your previous release, On Blonde?
DH: I think of recordings as artistic snapshots of that moment in time. Both On Blonde and Less Info More Mojo represent the sound and vision I strive for, but with Less Info More Mojo I had a band and that adds more personality and life versus me playing all the instruments. Plus Brant Bjork produced it, so you can feel his spirit in it as well.
How does the song writing process work for Black Pussy?
DH: I describe songwriting as meditation. I really more try to clear my mind and songs kinda just get beamed into me. Songs are like children, they are birthed, independent and come into being on their own; I’m just responsible for raising them.
What kind of gear are you using these days, live and in-studio?
DH: Full vintage 60's and 70's SUNN live backline… any vintage gear with mojo.
What's next for Black Pussy?
DH: Embarking on a North American tour this summer with Gypsyhawk (5/17-6/12) and Mothership (6/13-7/20) with shows rolling in daily through August and September.
Editor's Notes: Thank you, Dustin, for taking time out of your schedule to give us the low down on the Black Pussy camp. For my Tri-State readers, be sure to mark your calendars for 6/5 (Mad Frog) and 6/19 (Southgate House) and catch this awesome retro band live. -JO
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