Dead Boy Productions

 

08/24/08
Rev Dan

Dead Boy Productions with Kenny Hill of Blackjackits

 

Normally I would ask who we are speaking with, but I already know who I’m talking to since there is only one member of this band. Kenny Hill, how’s it going bud?

Ahhh, One is the loneliest number, but……hanging in there Dan

Now we just met recently when you were in Hollywood with the Quakes, how did you hook up with Paul Roman?

I’m a long time fan of the Quakes. In 2005, Paul posted a message on his web site which said, “Looking for Bass Player” Not thinking twice about my age I e-mailed him saying that I was the one for the job. He politely told me that I was too young. We talked on and off for two years. Then in 2007 he called me and told me that he was in need of a bass player for The Quakes 2007 European tour. I saw the door open again and I told him that I could fill in. Long story short Paul auditioned me and I made the cut.

Being a young man, at your age, I was running around chasing tail in my hometown, how cool is it for you to travel around the world playing shows for people?

It is beyond words. Playing music live has always been a big passion of mine. There is no other feeling like it- the adrenaline, the rush. The fact that I get to play for bigger crowds here and overseas is amazing!

Ok I don’t want to bother you with questions about the Quakes, I know that you also have pretty unique band yourself, now I know that there are other people in the same situation as you, but what makes The Blackjackits different from other bands?

Well, it depends what music scene you identify with. If you are in the Indie scene, the sound of the slap bass might be something new and fresh. I’m always trying to think outside the box and create something new and different, which is getting harder and harder :-) It’s always fun trying to put the upright bass in a song that would typically have an electric bass.

Obviously it’s hard to do an album, demo, EP….. How challenging is it for you to do everything all by yourself? You would have to be pretty talented to do that.

In high school I wasn’t interested in playing sports or buying the latest video game. Instead, I was interested in buying that old, cobwebbed, rusted, dusty vintage guitar, or learning a new instrument. I think I was 13 when I bought my first digital recorder. Recording by myself is a challenge, but a creative one. I record everything separately. First I lay down a click track to keep time, then the guitar, bass, drums, and then finally vocals (not always in that order).  Then I add more guitars, effects etc.

Now I know that you only have a demo out, in fact we normally would like to see that bands that we interview put something out or even play a few shows, but for you, I will make the exception. I was very impressed with that it is you are doing. I can definitely sense the presence of new wave in your music. Any idea when we will be able to see an EP or anything come of this?

I use to play live all the time.  As Bob Wills says, “time changes everything”.  The members and the name of my bands have changed many times over the years.  Actually I don’t have an official demo out yet. All the songs that are up on my MySpace are outlines or ideas. They still need much perfecting and producing. I’m always writing and recording. It is one of my favorite pastimes. I’m looking forward to releasing a legit demo as soon as I can. I have enough material for an album, but a lack of funds is delaying the process. When I finally release a full length album, I want it to be my best.

I know it hasn’t been mastered yet and I know you want to make it on your terms, but buddy, I hope it all works out in your favor, are there any last words you would like to say?

I believe that bands should focus on writing a good song with a catchy melody, a hook, a strong chorus etc. that is what I strive to accomplish. A band is nothing without the elements of a great song. You can promote your band to death, but if there is nothing to promote, what’s the point? Music and lyrics should always come first. At least that’s what’s going through my head when I’m creating a song. Dan it has been a pleasure, thanks in showing interest in The Blackjackits. “Drown In My Youth”