Scott Deluxe Drake

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Interview

Scott is the lead singer of The Humpers – Interview by Clint (with help from Mark & Will)

CM: Do you think that “alternative” and “indie” music has sucked all of the fun and life out of Rock and Roll?
SDD: Well, I hate putting labels like “indie”, “alternative”, “punk” etc…on music. If I don’t like something I just don’t listen to it….so no one is sucking out any of MY fun.

CM: When I was in high school my friends would drink beer, smoke pot, and try to get laid while listening to Minor Threat. Is that punk rock or what?
SDD: I have no idea. Those all seem like noble pursuits to me….except listening to Minor Threat.

CM: I saw you guys play at Spaceland (and it was fucking awesome). Is that the biggest place you’ve ever played?
SDD: Ha! No…probably the biggest shows we’ve done were opening for Rancid at The Hollywood Palladium (about 5,000 people)…or opening for Pennywise at The New York Palladium (about the same)….we did one giant festival in Italy for even more…but that was outdoors.

CM: How did you get your nickname “Deluxe” – or were your parents so cool that that is actually your middle name?
SDD: I played guitar in a band called The Thirsty Brats about 20 years ago…and it just so happened that I played a Les Paul Deluxe…so, one night we were drinking Jim Beam Deluxe Bourbon…and the guys in my band put the two together. Voila!

CM: You’re from Long Beach, CA – do you know Snoop Dogg?
SDD: I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dogg.

CM: Why did you start a punk band? Was it because of your values, beliefs and rejection of the status quo? Or was it because you couldn’t play all that great.
SDD: I had no intention of starting a “punk band”…I always considered The Humpers as just a rock and roll band. We just wanted to be loud and wild. And we DO play great.

CM: The Humpers are back together now, but you called it quits in 1999. Why did you break up (and you can’t say “musical differences”)?
SDD: In 1999 we’d been together almost 10 years and it had stopped being fun. Too many pressures, egos, responsibilities, etc……the music was getting lost. I think we’re all in a more cooperative frame of mind now. It’s fun again.

CM: Did Billy really open a barber shop? Uh, I’ve seen HIS hair?!?
SDD: Yes, Billy is a certified barber.

CM: Who do you think is prettier, Joan London or Diane Sawyer?
SDD: I don’t know who those people are…so I’ll say Joan of Arc.

CM: Which famous band name do you wish you had come up with (mine’s W.A.S.P.)?
SDD: The Sex Pistols.

CM: Do you have anything you’d like to promote?
SDD: No.

CM: What 5 obscure or under appreciated bands would you recommend people check out?
SDD: Hmmmm…..off the top of my head….these bands are all under-appreciated, dunno if they’re obscure:

The Neckbones
The Nomads
The Pleasure Fuckers
Jukebox Zeros
Messerschmitt