Chumhuffer Interview
When did you decide that a career in music was for you?
When I was 15 or 16 I got introduced to punk and hardcore music, it was a game changer. People making their point in an exciting way that was inspiring. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of it.
Who are your musical inspirations and why?
For me, the first punk band I heard was the Dead Kennedys and Jello Biafra’s cadence and voice has been an influence on me ever since. Sarcasm based on educated opinions. After that, being from Massachusetts originally, I heard Slapshot. The growl, and unapologetic pacing caught my attention. My vocals with ChumHuffer pay homage to my main influences while keeping them my own style.
Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know?
No one really knows me so here’s just three facts. I love painting in acrylics, driving long distances so I can listen to books and music that I can scream along to, traveling with my best friend my wife Lyz.
What song of yours best describes you and why?
I feel like Slaughterhouse is a perfect example of the synergy of the band. Joe and I ping pong vocals, the music is chaotic but structured. Everyone has a moment to shine. Lyrically Joe brought the idea of celebrating the book Slaughterhouse Five. Now the world is in chaos and it’s hard to tell what’s real and not. Slaughterhouse is a perfect snapshot of the band right now.
What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?
Me personally, it was a gig with my past band Refuse Resist where we played a reunion show with DYS, Gang Green, Jerry’s Kids, The FUs and more. I got to share the stage with my Boston influences and see them all play a crazy show. With ChumHuffer I’d say in November we played with The Dickies and the Queers. The crowd was fun, the bands were all great and the feeling of the show from start to finish was positive. That’s the community I love to be a part of.
If you could perform a gig at any venue where would it be and why?
I think it’s a tie for me. Melkweg in Amsterdam. I saw Sick of it All there on vacation with my wife. The emotions I felt at that venue made me feel “man I want to play here to this crowd”. The other is Gilman Street. So many influences have played there or got their start there. To play that stage will just make me feel a part of something special.
What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?
I’m never satisfied. It’s an annoying trait of mine and must be a pain in the ass to anyone I work with. So I can’t really say is my best achievement. As far as future achievements I’d say I want to play Punk Rock Bowling, Rebellion Fest, Fest in Florida, all of the punk fests in California.
Tell me a story from backstage or after a gig?
At one of my biggest shows in a past band. We were getting ready for our set and just chilling. My guitarists Les Paul fell over and snapped at the head. None of the touring bands would lend us on of theirs so we had to run to a Guitar Center and “buy” a guitar for the gig. We returned it the next day because we don’t have that budget lol. But that was a total stress day.
What do you like best about being a musician and why?
Working with talented musicians and collaborating to create something out of nothing.
If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?
I’m a creative director/product designer for my day job. I’d prefer to be on the road playing a different town every day.
What has been the best gig you have been too as a fan and can you tell us about it?
I just saw Bikini Kill at the Brooklyn Paramount and I was blown away. The venue is so beautiful, the crowd was super positive and the feelings were just so heightened. They also played such a good set.
What would your ideal festival line up be and why?
Punk Rock Bowling. They curate some amazing bands. Let the pros set it up. I’d love to play it sometime. But I’d rather not choose the bands haha.
What things make you happy and what things annoy you?
Participation from the crowd make me happy. People in the back with folded arms annoy me.
What things do you like to do when you are away from music?
Travel. Art.
Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?
I’m torn on that. Back in the MySpace days it was super helpful having the ability to customize the pages and post your music. Now it seems to cloud the message and just has too many bands, posts, everything. It’s a bit of overload and takes away from the specialness of finding a new record at a store, seeing bands for the first time randomly. Information being available to everyone so easily is a double edged sword. Small to mid shows are hard to fill now and bigger shows sell out in a second. It’s a land of feast or famine.
How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?
Meh, I think you’re performing so you should think a little about what you’re wearing. But fashion being your main thing, isn’t my thing.
Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?
Ha, I have too many to walk through but I will say that I basically look at my body as my suitcase and the tattoos are my stickers of my experiences and travels. I collect them on tours and vacations.
If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?
I would never want that on my head. But I do believe in universal healthcare. No one should have to worry about medications or needed surgery.
If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?
Go see local shows, learn and instrument, form a band, make some noise.
How would you answer the question Who are ChumHuffer and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?
ChumHuffer are: Shawn Refuse on vocals, Joe Dorane on vocals/guitar, Blackout Matt on guitar, Jimmy Duke on drums, Ryan Paige on bass. I’m not sure that there are a ton of differences between our music lives and who we are outside. We are pretty transparent. I’m in the creative field, Joe is at shows regularly supporting friends, Ryan manages video rental equipment for movies and tv, Jimmy is a union guy and Matt is our mystery man but he is Matt.
What was the first record or song you purchased and why?
Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death by the Dead Kennedys. I heard it at a friend’s house and played it on repeat for months after I got my own copy.
What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?
Don’t let it crush you. Keep to your guns and don’t compromise.
If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?
I’d love to work with Frank Turner. On our last record we wrote a song about him and how long his set was. It’s based off a show Ryan and I went to. Ryan was there to see Avail, my wife and I were there for them and Frank. Ryan was ready to go home but he had to wait the two hours that is Franks set. Ha. I have Frank a record at an in store he did in my town and he did a response song back to us on social. It was hilarious. He’s just such a great songwriter and maintains a sense of humor even though he’s at a pretty big point of his career.
If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?
Imagine. I mean to inspire so many people in a positive way. It would be such an accomplishment.
What things make you uncomfortable?
People. I’m pretty introverted when I’m not on stage. I come off as stand offish and possibly a douche when in reality I’m just trying to stay in my skin without freaking out. The older I get the more claustrophobic I get at crowded shows.
If you wrote a book about yourself what would it have in it?
It would be written in a choose your own adventure style so everyone would have a different experience.
What has the rest of the year got in store for you?
We are releasing our newest 7” EP Slaughterhouse Five in May under our own DWY Records label. We’d like to play as many shows as possible and continue to write more. As Joe Strummer said The Future is Unwritten.
