Brett Interview, - July 31, 2001
From FAT FREE RADIO
11 Questions with the H.M.I.C. (Head Motherfucka in Charge) Mr. Brett, guitarist of Bad Religion and owner of Epitaph Records
1. When was the last time that somebody gave you shit about your label and it actually got to you?
So long ago I can't remember. Maybe if I try (straining the old synapses now), hmmm... Every once in a while a kid will post a fan review on www.epitaph.com saying that Mr. Brett ruined another band. The truth is, out of respect to the artist, I would never interfere with a groups creative process and even when I'm producing I try to be as transparent as possible, simply acting as a conduit for the group's vision.
2. Most indie labels let bands have complete freedom when it comes to their band's activities as musicians. At what point would you step in and actually put your foot down and say, "No, I can't allow this." An example would be if a band wanted to play a Klan rally or go on TRL on MTV or whatever you would deem as unacceptable.
I would never attempt to influence a band's activities one way or another. It's really none of my business what they do. On the other hand what I release is certainly my business and I choose not to release records that conflict with my personal ethics. For instance records containing lyrics or graphics that convey racism, sexism, homophobia, facism, or a wreckless lack of social conscience.
3. I know you are probably not supposed to give any info out early but could you give us an update with the whole Courtney Love situation and her project with Epitaph. Is there any chance of releasing Nirvana material?
It's too early for me to discuss this. Courtney will release information as she see's fit.
4. After leaving Bad Religion was there ever a time when you said to yourself, "Damn, am I doing the right thing?" Now that you are back in the band can you reflect on that time when the band was "Brettless" and some of the thoughts that went through your mind?
When I left the band it felt like the right thing to do at the right time. Returning to make The Process Of Belief feels equally right. I was burning to make another BR record when the opportunity arose. The time in between was a period of growth for everyone involved, adding to the potency of the new material. I feel like the new record is the logical follow up to Stranger Than Fiction.
5. What is the most fucked up thing you have ever seen somebody do at a show?
I saw a guy with no arms get pushed off a balcony at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, plummeting in a limbless stage dive and landing in a heap at the feet of me and Jay Bently to be promptly tossed into the crowd by a heavily muscled, over-zealous security monkey.
6. I just read an article about Duane Peters (singer of U.S. Bombs) in the latest Razorcake and I thought to myself, "This guy is the real deal and he exemplifies what being punk was originally about. He is a complete mess." Can you name a few people out there who you feel are true modern day punk rockers and why?
Fat Mike. If you have to ask why, you'll never know.
7. Do you ever feel out of touch with what young people want concerning music? Like when skate kids nowadays associate skateboarding with hip hop or the increased interest in "emo" type music.
No. I like all kinds of music including Hip Hop and Emo.
8. What has been your greatest triumph either as a musician or with your label or just life in general?
I can't relate to the idea of life being triumphant. I started a punk band and a punk label, both have done pretty well. I'm a dad and I do the best I can. I survived my battle with addiction. It was just the right thing to do. Triumph's are for generals and majors.
9. I know that just recently you had to let a few bands go (Zeke and the Dwarves). As much as people don't want to admit though...being in a band involves business. If a band kept losing money at every turn I am sure they would curb their actions to correct this and sometimes labels have to do the same. Did you catch any heat for this and did it hurt you to have to trim the roster? (In your defense I read an interview with Zeke and they had nothing but good things to say about Epitaph)
To answer your first question, no, I didn't catch much heat for it. As for how it feels, it doesn't feel good. In my perfect world I would never have to let a band go, but this isn't my perfect world.
10. Does it bother you at all that the Warped Tour is sponsored by Target when they don't even carry the records of most of the bands on the tour? Or...when your view of a band is blocked by a Yoo-Hoo beach ball?
Yeah, it bothers me a little but I'm not losing any sleep.
11. Can you give us the name of one band out there that you wish could put out a record on your label?
Ozzy
Bad Religion's new record The Process of Belief is scheduled to come out in January on Epitaph.