Interview with Jazzy Bassist of Belushi Speed Ball
By Mick Michaels
COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Jazzy! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to
chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
CV: Do you feel that
it's still possible for an unknown band today to be plucked out of obscurity
and make it to stardom? Can a dedicated core of fans sharing their music make
that possible or has the internet and social media changed the game?
Jazzy: I believe that the internet and social media craze has only made it easier for bands to be plucked and pushed toward stardom. I see people in news articles all the time, and I’m like, “who in the heck is that?” More often than not, they are some type of Instagram or TikTok influencer who was made famous by a slew of fans. Could this happen for a band? Sure, why not? The only difference is that social media influencers and movie stars don’t necessarily need a live audience, while bands do. It is hard to have access to a lot of live fans without some sort of help, which is why we don’t see a lot of local bands making it “big.” We’ve all seen the movies or read the stories of the artist who gets signed to a big label and asked to change something that they are unwilling to change. It’s like a bad romance novel for musicians, where in the end, they just want to be back and playing in their hometown. Haha
Jazzy: I believe that the internet and social media craze has only made it easier for bands to be plucked and pushed toward stardom. I see people in news articles all the time, and I’m like, “who in the heck is that?” More often than not, they are some type of Instagram or TikTok influencer who was made famous by a slew of fans. Could this happen for a band? Sure, why not? The only difference is that social media influencers and movie stars don’t necessarily need a live audience, while bands do. It is hard to have access to a lot of live fans without some sort of help, which is why we don’t see a lot of local bands making it “big.” We’ve all seen the movies or read the stories of the artist who gets signed to a big label and asked to change something that they are unwilling to change. It’s like a bad romance novel for musicians, where in the end, they just want to be back and playing in their hometown. Haha
CV: Do you feel that
given the accessibility and social awareness of modern times that a music underground
still even exists today as it once did?
Jazzy: Oh yeah. I remember when you could go to places on Bardstown Road like coffee shops or ear X-tacy to get show fliers to figure out when/where shows would be, and you could read the histories of your favorite bands by visiting www.louisvillehardcore.com/. Nowadays, all promoting is done on social media, but like back in the day, you have to be looking for it. As someone who works in education, I see the small minority of students who are introduced to the local music scene in high school…likewise, the even smaller number of adults. With the existence of big music events like Forecastle or Bourbon and Beyond, I think it becomes even more apparent how small and cozy our underground Louisville music scene really is.
Jazzy: Oh yeah. I remember when you could go to places on Bardstown Road like coffee shops or ear X-tacy to get show fliers to figure out when/where shows would be, and you could read the histories of your favorite bands by visiting www.louisvillehardcore.com/. Nowadays, all promoting is done on social media, but like back in the day, you have to be looking for it. As someone who works in education, I see the small minority of students who are introduced to the local music scene in high school…likewise, the even smaller number of adults. With the existence of big music events like Forecastle or Bourbon and Beyond, I think it becomes even more apparent how small and cozy our underground Louisville music scene really is.
CV: What do you see
as the biggest difference in music and how it is perceived from back say 35
years ago compared to music today? Has both the music and the artist evolved
from your point of view?
Jazzy: I believe that so much of what you hear today sounds like something else. Just like with film plots, nothing seems super original anymore, but that’s just an accidental consequence of time. I started going to shows in 2002 and played my first show at Tek World with The Spaztics in 2004. While the environment of shows feels very much the same, I think artists have definitely evolved. The Louisville music scene has a social responsibility now, and a lot of people in bands take that to heart. I would like to think that we use our platform for good.
Jazzy: I believe that so much of what you hear today sounds like something else. Just like with film plots, nothing seems super original anymore, but that’s just an accidental consequence of time. I started going to shows in 2002 and played my first show at Tek World with The Spaztics in 2004. While the environment of shows feels very much the same, I think artists have definitely evolved. The Louisville music scene has a social responsibility now, and a lot of people in bands take that to heart. I would like to think that we use our platform for good.
CV: Do you believe
bands and artists who have the biggest impact on fans and other artists are
aware that they are or is there more of a tunnel vision sort of process for
them keeping them somewhat in the dark? Can influential artists see past their
own work to be aware of the ripples they make?
Jazzy: I can only truly speak for Belushi on this matter, but every single thing we do is for the fans. Every bit of what goes into our shows is purely for their entertainment, which I think has had a lasting effect. For example, at Kaiju right now, Vinny has put some CDs for sale for negative $2. That’s right. You get $2 for getting one. A lot of our songs mention fans’ names, and our newest animated video for “The Spinelli’s Slam'' features a whole heap of people who regularly attend our shows. When you come to a Belushi Speed Ball show, we want you to feel like you are a part of the madness. I think that the Señor Diablo Show Ep. 52, “The Mosquito That Was Never Born (Musical Guest: Mosquito),” perfectly captures how the Louisville music scene feels when we have to say goodbye. In the time capsule that was created for Mosquito’s last show, you can see notes from fans that say things like, “Mosquito made me feel like a real photographer. I love you all,” “You gave me courage to go to shows alone,” “I’m a better person because of them,” and “They saved me.” The scene has a fantastic way of bringing bands and fans together closely. I’ve met some of my best friends by going to shows and watching or playing music.
Jazzy: I can only truly speak for Belushi on this matter, but every single thing we do is for the fans. Every bit of what goes into our shows is purely for their entertainment, which I think has had a lasting effect. For example, at Kaiju right now, Vinny has put some CDs for sale for negative $2. That’s right. You get $2 for getting one. A lot of our songs mention fans’ names, and our newest animated video for “The Spinelli’s Slam'' features a whole heap of people who regularly attend our shows. When you come to a Belushi Speed Ball show, we want you to feel like you are a part of the madness. I think that the Señor Diablo Show Ep. 52, “The Mosquito That Was Never Born (Musical Guest: Mosquito),” perfectly captures how the Louisville music scene feels when we have to say goodbye. In the time capsule that was created for Mosquito’s last show, you can see notes from fans that say things like, “Mosquito made me feel like a real photographer. I love you all,” “You gave me courage to go to shows alone,” “I’m a better person because of them,” and “They saved me.” The scene has a fantastic way of bringing bands and fans together closely. I’ve met some of my best friends by going to shows and watching or playing music.
CV: Does music need
to be influential to be considered worth listening to in your opinion? Or can
music simply be just an enjoyable auditory experience devoid of substance?
Jazzy: Music is what it needs to be at the time you need it. That’s why I love it and rely on it so much. I’ve always been a fan of comedy music artists like Flight of the Conchords or Lonely Island. “Ricky’s Got a Butt” or “Fire Alarm” by John Gravatte are some of my favorite songs to sing along with and dance to at shows. Opening for Weird Paul and seeing him play live was one of the happiest moments of my life. I think it’s very possible to really enjoy music and artists without trying to find some deep meaning in their work. If that weren’t the case, Belushi might be in trouble; our songs are about our favorite childhood cartoons. I don’t necessarily think that this means music is “devoid of substance.” It’s a much-needed outlet for many.
Jazzy: Music is what it needs to be at the time you need it. That’s why I love it and rely on it so much. I’ve always been a fan of comedy music artists like Flight of the Conchords or Lonely Island. “Ricky’s Got a Butt” or “Fire Alarm” by John Gravatte are some of my favorite songs to sing along with and dance to at shows. Opening for Weird Paul and seeing him play live was one of the happiest moments of my life. I think it’s very possible to really enjoy music and artists without trying to find some deep meaning in their work. If that weren’t the case, Belushi might be in trouble; our songs are about our favorite childhood cartoons. I don’t necessarily think that this means music is “devoid of substance.” It’s a much-needed outlet for many.
CV: The world has
been rocked by the COVID pandemic. The economy has been sent into a tailspin
in its wake, unfortunately. Bands worldwide have been restricted with
performing live and some it seems, restricted from earning a living. How
has the pandemic affected your band? Are you hopeful that 2021 will see many of
the restrictions lifted?
Jazzy: We live to perform live! Belushi Speed Ball is meant to be experienced with all of your senses, so the pandemic has halted a lot of our ideas. To begin, our Spring Outbreak Tour with MUSCLEGOOSE at the end of March 2020 was cancelled. Unlike last summer/fall where we were playing every other weekend, in 2020 we played 3 or 4 live stream performances and one live Drive-In show. The Drive-In show was hilarious. We played out of a rented van and drove around the parking lot. Afterwards, Evan Fowler, from Mommy’s Cigarettes, took over on bass and joined the boys in playing one song outside of multiple venues in Louisville. That day was just a way to display to the Louisville music scene just how much we miss them. As for 2021, we will see. With many of the Belushi Speed Ball members slated for earlier vaccines, we know that we will be ready to go by the end of March; however, I don’t see large crowds gathering for shows until maybe mid to late-summer. Regardless of when it happens, we will be ready with our most ridiculous ideas yet!
Jazzy: We live to perform live! Belushi Speed Ball is meant to be experienced with all of your senses, so the pandemic has halted a lot of our ideas. To begin, our Spring Outbreak Tour with MUSCLEGOOSE at the end of March 2020 was cancelled. Unlike last summer/fall where we were playing every other weekend, in 2020 we played 3 or 4 live stream performances and one live Drive-In show. The Drive-In show was hilarious. We played out of a rented van and drove around the parking lot. Afterwards, Evan Fowler, from Mommy’s Cigarettes, took over on bass and joined the boys in playing one song outside of multiple venues in Louisville. That day was just a way to display to the Louisville music scene just how much we miss them. As for 2021, we will see. With many of the Belushi Speed Ball members slated for earlier vaccines, we know that we will be ready to go by the end of March; however, I don’t see large crowds gathering for shows until maybe mid to late-summer. Regardless of when it happens, we will be ready with our most ridiculous ideas yet!
CV: What do you feel
artists and bands can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an
environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience
is being restricted? What immediate options do you see available?
Jazzy: First off, a huge shout out to Jeff Jobson and Art Sanctuary for the Late for Dinner series. This has been the perfect way for artists to continue their craft and for fans to experience some music amidst the pandemic! If you haven’t checked it out yet, please do so. In addition, Vinny has done an awesome job pushing out merch opportunities for fans and working on the new double EP release during the pandemic. I think it has been important for us to not stop creating and communicating. Even if we weren’t practicing music, we got together multiple times to discuss what to do for our live stream shows, to film Señor Diablo stuff, or to merely goof around. Some of Belushi’s greatest ideas have come from kicking around simple ideas and letting them hilariously snowball into whatever disaster it ends up being.
Jazzy: First off, a huge shout out to Jeff Jobson and Art Sanctuary for the Late for Dinner series. This has been the perfect way for artists to continue their craft and for fans to experience some music amidst the pandemic! If you haven’t checked it out yet, please do so. In addition, Vinny has done an awesome job pushing out merch opportunities for fans and working on the new double EP release during the pandemic. I think it has been important for us to not stop creating and communicating. Even if we weren’t practicing music, we got together multiple times to discuss what to do for our live stream shows, to film Señor Diablo stuff, or to merely goof around. Some of Belushi’s greatest ideas have come from kicking around simple ideas and letting them hilariously snowball into whatever disaster it ends up being.
CV: As an artist, what have you learned from the events of 2020? Are those lessons learned different for you as a person than as an artist or are they one in the same in your opinion?
Jazzy: 2020 taught me to appreciate local music even more than I already did. I miss going to shows, supporting fellow artists, losing myself in music, and hanging out with friends. The Louisville music scene provided a space for so many to congregate and share experiences. Without it, a lot of us feel a bit lost socially. If you have met me, you have probably heard me talk about my frustration with bands that you only see at their own shows. The scene is full of entrepreneurs of some type, and during the pandemic, I have done my best to support locals. I hope that when normalcy returns, people remember to support their local artists. It typically only costs $5 to get into a show, but seeing your face in the crowd is priceless! I think that my lessons as an artist and as a person are the same. We need to appreciate any time we get to spend together and support one another unconditionally.
CV: What's next?
What can fans expect to see coming in 2021?
Jazzy: Our new album, “Stella 1 and Stella 2,” came out 1-21-21! We are planning on doing a live stream release, similarly to what we did for the “This is What We Look Like” album release. As seen on our Facebook page, an animated lyrics video for “We’re Not Trashers, We’re Hipster Posers” just dropped, and we plan on making a new music video in the next few months. We have the next album written and will hit the studio again soon. Of course, as soon as we can, we will be booking and playing shows!!!
Jazzy: Our new album, “Stella 1 and Stella 2,” came out 1-21-21! We are planning on doing a live stream release, similarly to what we did for the “This is What We Look Like” album release. As seen on our Facebook page, an animated lyrics video for “We’re Not Trashers, We’re Hipster Posers” just dropped, and we plan on making a new music video in the next few months. We have the next album written and will hit the studio again soon. Of course, as soon as we can, we will be booking and playing shows!!!
CV: Thank you again Jazzy for spending some
time talking and sharing with our readers. It was such a pleasure. I wish you
all the best.
Check
out Belushi Speed Ball at:
Bandcamp: www.belushispeedball.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/belushispeedballband
Instagram: www.instagram.com/belushispeedball
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelushiSpeedBall/
Senor Diablo Show: https://www.youtube.com/c/Se%C3%B1orDiablo/
Spotify: Belushi Speed Ball
Bandcamp: www.belushispeedball.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/belushispeedballband
Instagram: www.instagram.com/belushispeedball
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelushiSpeedBall/
Senor Diablo Show: https://www.youtube.com/c/Se%C3%B1orDiablo/
Spotify: Belushi Speed Ball
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary.
Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say
in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me
a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms
including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and
now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to
raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational
light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
Spiritual Counseling and Sessions Available
www.pamelaaloia.com
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