Interviews

Interviews: The Generator's

In case you didn't know The Generator's are a punk band out of Los Angeles. They're signed to Triple X Records and will be touring Europe in September of 1998. Smother talked with Doug Dagger

Smother -- Your sound is very 70's punk, what do you attribute that too?

Doug -- We were shooting for that whole thing like The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers but we're definitely not trying to mimic anyone. Now we're doing some 60's stuff like The Who and even Small Faces, stuff like that. We're still doing the same punk stuff but now we're getting other influences that you'll see in the next record.

Smother -- Do you like what triple-x records has done for you guys so far?

Doug -- I love the people at the label but we've been waiting for the record to finally be released. We recorded it last Christmas but Triple X has been changing distributors. We're leaving for Europe soon, so I don't have too many complaints.

Smother-- What got your start at triple x records?

Doug -- It's kind of funny used to play in band called Schleprock. One day, I was talking to Bruce at Triple X and at the time I was working at another label. So I wanted to see if they had anything for me to do there. He said they needed somebody to book this Exploited tour and I met with the guys. We were trying to work stuff out with getting them over here. They asked if I had anything else going on. I told him I had a side project I was doing and they wanted to hear it. So I ran out to the car and got our tape and left our demo there and they called back. They asked if we wanted a record contract and send us out to record.

Smother -- How does the younger generation react to your music?

Doug -- To tell you the truth the band has done only a few all ages shows. We haven't played a whole lot either, because we haven't really wanted to yet. We've been taking our time. I don't want to rush anything. We started off playing the bars with people in their late 20's and early 30's. They are totally into the band and the kids have given us a good reception. We leave soon for Europe. We're going to hit Germany, Poland, and go real close to Russia. We'll be one of the first punk bands out in Poland. We'll be doing two shows a day and I imagine we'll have a good reception.

Smother -- I saw that you opened for Bow Wow Wow, how was that experience?

Doug --That was our third show. That was really cool. I knew one of the girls that worked at the viper room. I talked to her and I asked her about any shows coming up and she told me about this Bow Wow Wow record release show. She got us hooked up. The place was packed. It was a fun show and we didn't get this Hollywood crowd. We got a good reception. I met the girl from Bow Wow Wow-now I can't remember her name--she was real nice. I was kind of tripped out

Smother--What do you think of the recent surge of third wave ska bands, and 90's punk in general?

Doug -- I'm all burned out on it. The whole ska thing is still hanging on. I just wish it would go away; it's overkill. It's stupid as far as I'm concerned. Punk is a little by little turning back to where it used to be. There's these clubs in East L.A., that are trying to act all punk--no skater stuff. The whole warped tour, I don't know, something else has to give. It's like "I've seen it, been there, done that". I mean how many times do people want to see the same old NOFX show or Bad Religion show. Music needs a kick in the butt

Smother -- What inspires the majority of your lyrics?

Doug -- It depends where my head is. This record I was going more down to earth thing. I wasn't in an angry mood like with my last band. More of a cool street approach. I think that the next record will be kicking and there will be even some more songs that are lighter than some of the light songs on this album.

Smother - Do you know when there will be a release date for your album.

Doug - Well, of course you can order it through Triple X records, but as far as major distribution goes, probably sometime in September.

Smother -- What's some advice you would give to a band that's unsigned and looking to get signed by a major?

Doug -- I think it all starts out with songwriting. If you're looking to get on a bigger label and you know what you're shooting for and you know what that label is looking for, that really helps. Don't rush anything and keep practicing and start writing. Some people say it's about how many gigs you play a month but even if you're playing three shows a week, sure you'll get exposure but these guys are signing these bands because they like what they sound like. Basically, keep writing music and stay persistent.

- J-Sin