Deemed
the amalgamists of disco, rock’n’roll, and new wave
something-or-other, the Electric Six has taken the Detroit rock
scene hype to a whole other level, creating multi-faceted musical
that is damn near irresistible.
Formally known as the Wildbunch, the Motor City sextet was formed
in 1996 by singer Dick Valentine; bassist Disco; drummer M; and
guitarists Surge Joebot and Rock and Roll Indian with the later
addition of keyboardist Tait Nucleus. They released their first
single, “I Lost Control (Of My Rock & Roll)” on
Uchu Cult Records later that year. They released a full-length album
on the same label in 1999. In between their first single and their
full length, the Wildbunch released several singles on Flying Bomb,
including 2001’s ever-popular “Danger! High Voltage,”
which had its go on the U.K. charts due to its overexposure in the
London underground. The group signed to XL Records, rerecorded the
single, and released their full-length debut, Fire, as
the Electric Six in the spring of 2003. Only weeks after the release
of Fire, Rock and Roll Indian, Surge Joebot and Disco left the band
and were replaced by The Colonel, Johnny Na$hinal and John R. Dequindre.
The Electric Six are currently gearing up for their September 18th
gig at the Blind Pig. Singer Dick Valentine recently spoke with
the Ann Arbor Paper about the band’s lineup, the
new record in the works, and why Mayhem is a better band than Mashuga.
Ann Arbor Paper: When did the name change from
Wildbunch to the Electric Six and why?
Dick Valentine: That was in May 2002, and really
it was because of the Massive Attack side project “The Wildbunch.”
When we signed to the label we needed to change it. I think we came
up with the best name ever
.
A2P: What is the craziest thing that anyone in
the band has ever done?
DV: Let’s assess this…I’d have
to say it would be Tait getting an apartment in the Ramada Inn in
Detroit where City Club is. We’re really thinking about getting
some wine coolers and a pizza, watching the Red Wings game and then
putting on some mascara and going downstairs to the club.
A2P: How many times does the album feature the
word ‘fy-yah’?
DV: Educated guess, I’m gonna say 42, but
I really don’t know.
A2P: What was the first thing you did when you
got signed to Beggars XL for Fire?
DV: I think I went to Union Street and had a sandwich.
A catfish sandwich…and then I went to bed.
A2P: In the spring of 2003, only a few weeks after
the release of the full length, the Electric Six became the electric
three so to speak when you lost Disco, Rock & Roll Indian, and
Surge Joebot. What was the cause and do you feel the band has changed
or benefited from the addition of John R. Dequindre, The Colonel,
and Johnny Na$hinal?
DV: The cause was that the three that left and
the three that stayed were never really on the same page. When we
weren’t touring, we really didn’t see each other. In
terms of touring and making a new album we are on much better terms.
It’s at least much more civil. If we’d stayed with the
same lineup, I don’t think we’d be making another album.
A2P: What has been your best show so far?
DV: Glasgow Barrowlands…in Scotland. I don’t
know why. That one always stands out for whatever reason.
A2P: A lot of people have been talking about the
new material you’ve been playing live. Is there a new album
in the works?
DV: Yeah. I wouldn’t say we’re halfway
through, but we’re trying to have it ready by mid-October.
We’re pretty much working on it Monday through Friday right
now.
A2P: 2001’s “Danger! High Voltage,”
became a huge underground phenomenon, particularly in the U.K. Do
you think the British are smarter?
DV: I don’t think it has anything to do with
that. I just think that you see better music over there. A lot of
bands get a fair crack at it since it’s not controlled by
Clear Channel. They’re exposed to a whole lot more over there
and it gives people the opportunity to really hear the music that’s
happening around them.
A2P: Collectively, what is the band’s favorite soda?
DV: Well, our manager drinks a lot of Pepsi, but I’d say he’s
the only soda drinker. I’m strictly water, beer and vodka—there
is no soda in my life.
A2P: Being from Detroit, how do you feel about
Rock City’s current rock situation, with bands popping out
of the cracks—many of which you can’t tell the difference
between? What advice do you have for them?
DV: I’ve always enjoyed hanging out in Detroit
and I understand what you mean about bands sounding the same, and
a lot of people I call friends are in those bands. In terms of advice,
I guess I’d have to say make the kind of music that makes
you happy. If what makes you happy is being in a “garage band”
that’s fine, but do what you love because it’s the only
way you’ll get anywhere with it.
A2P: When the time came to re-record the single
“Danger! High Voltage,” where did the idea come from
for Jack White to do back-up vocals?
DV: That was actually Surge Joebots idea. When
we did the line “fire in the Taco Bell,” he said it
sounded like Jack so we called him up and it turned out he wasn’t
doing anything so he came down. The funny thing is that was the
only line he didn’t want to sing because he didn’t want
to endorse Taco Bell. He sang everything else instead.
A2P: What is your favorite band to listen to right
now?
DV: There are a couple bands out of New York that
I’m really into right now. The Fever is one and the other
is the Fiery Furnaces [See interview in this issue, page 18]. They’re
both really great.
A2P: Better band: Mayhem or Mashuga? Why?
DV: I gotta go with Mayhem just ‘cause of
Necrobutcher.
A2P: Bon Scott or Brian Johnson? [AC/DC guitarists]
Why?
DV: You want to say Bon Scott, but I’m gonna
go with Brian Johnson because he reminds me of my grandma. Plus
he’s from Sarasota, which is like the least rock’n’roll
town ever.
A2P: Who invented disco?
DV: I think Brian Johnson's parents did. A2P
The Electric Six will be playing at the Blind Pig on September 18th
along with Dykehouse. $10, 18+. Doors 9:30 p.m.
Email Ray Wagel
at clockedin@annarborpaper.com
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