Jazz Fest 2nd Weekend Interview
Mark Mullins of Bonerama
Interview by Sheri McKeeAcura Stage, 1:25PM
WYAT: What’s Bonerama been up to lately? What happened in the recording studio with the OK Go project?
Mark Mullins: We’re always trying to keep ahead of our next move, a good problem to have in that there’s something new on the horizon all the time for us, it seems. It’s scary to wonder how long that may or may not last. We used to work so hard at trying to create opportunities and somewhere along the line, it seems to have transparently flipped over into things falling in our lap, which in reality means good things being directed our way by good people. The OK Go association was a really interesting opportunity created from a Future of Music Coalition/Air Traffic Control artists’ retreat at Tipitina’s last year, to bring high-profile names here to raise awareness towards the current state and condition of New Orleans and its musicians who still may not be back. We didn’t know much about each other’s music, but were asked and agreed to pal up to do a set at this event.
Well, our flight was late and we had barely shook hands with Damian Kulash from OK Go when it was time to play together. ‘Hi Damian, we are Bonerama, thanks for trusting us to play your songs that you’re about to sing with us for the first time, we hope you like it – let’s go!’ … And that was it. It was one of those rare, instant ‘this is cool’ moments we all live for. We immediately decided to keep this alive and soon recorded a 5-song EP with Damian that was just released on iTunes to raise money for Al “Carnival Time” Johnson and Sweet Home New Orleans. The recording process was just as exhilarating. Damian is just brilliant in the studio; so freaking patient to exhaust options, and just full of really great creative ideas – stuff I’d never think of. The opportunity for us to work and build this together was a very rewarding experience. Then, being able to take the message and the music to large numbers of people through the iTunes exposure and the David Letterman show was just unreal. Don’t think Dave enjoyed having to say “Bonerama.”
When can Bonerama fans expect another album? Are you writing some new material? What are some upcoming projects Bonerama is currently working on for the summer and next fall?
We might have enough for a new CD now; [we’re] always bringing in and trying new stuff. We just released a 5-song EP with OK Go that you mentioned. As far as a new full-length CD, soon, I hope, but at the very least you’ll start hearing more and more new songs from “the Bones” every month. Stay in touch with our site, as there may be some surprises about releases. We just finished recording a track with trombone legend Roswell Rudd. He actually sought us out and came to New Orleans to record with us! Just an amazing guy -- he’s got this huge sound like I’ve never heard before. I think he had a good time meeting and interacting with all the guys in the band, and needless to say it was a flattering experience for all of us to be in the studio with him. It should be out later this year on Soundscape Records.
How’s the tour been, since it seems like you guys have been on the road a good deal this past winter? Has there been a noticeable response from fans regarding New Orleans and its condition since Katrina?
Touring is going well, and we’re getting on board more and more with the higher profile festivals that we’ve been shooting for so long now. In general, though touring is tough business, and there’s probably been no tougher time than now to build a fan base around the country. It’s just an incredibly different time nowadays, with people having so many options and directions to go when spending their time. We do have more shots at getting our stuff heard on radio than we might have before [the] internet and satellite radio, so that’s cool. Plus we’ve been embraced by dozens, if not hundreds of smaller cool community radio stations around the country. You do sense people are hungry for something different, and that’s where I think we’ve been very fortunate in finding those people that think we’re just different enough to like.
As far as Katrina response, it was overwhelming and emotional in the weeks after the storm. I’ll never forget it – people coming out just to be there for the city, it seemed. Even now I can say, not a day or interview goes by out on the road when someone doesn’t ask about the city. That might be surprising to some, but the people we run into still care and want to know what the real deal is. We tell ‘em to get their butts to New Orleans and hang out in our city. ‘Come have a great time – We need you now more than ever!’
Who are you looking forward to seeing this year at Jazz Fest?
The dynamic duos of Elvis and Allen, and Robert Plant with Alison Krauss.
What’s your favorite Jazz Fest food?
I love the Jamaican jerk chicken.
What’s your secret to keep going from gig to gig, playing during the Jazz Fest musician’s marathon, like many people refer to it down here?
Oh, yeah, I’m not even going to say rest, ‘cause that just shows up when you can’t do it. Food is pretty key; pacing is smart – but not onstage. More water than you think you can drink is essential, and if all else fails, a couple of Stoli Red Bulls might snap you back for one more set!