Dead Boy Productions

What inspired you to get into the music industry? 
 
The Hollywood Dream-Capitol Records Tower, Nat King Cole, The Beatles (who were every kids inspiration for rock & roll glory in the 60's & 70's), Frank Sinatra, The Rat Pack, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, etc. 
  
What kind of music were you listening to as a teenager?  
 
I was listening to lots of Jazz music from the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, as well as oldies, rockabilly, bluegrass, ska, and punk (which was brand new when I was in high school), also weird novelty records like Spike Jones & The City Slickers and those types of records that were played by Dr. Demento on the radio every Sunday night. 
   
What Instrument did you first learn how to play?

 
Well, when I was four years old I picked up an accordion and could play the right hand keyboard half of the instrument by ear without being taught. I went form that to piano, which I took some lessons on, then guitar at age eight and upright bass at age eighteen. I am currently perusing piano again. 
 
 As a Teen, were you in any bands? 
 
I played blues harmonica in a band called the Jump Blues Band when I was fifteen. I was the youngest member, my band mates ranging in age from 22 to 29. I also played mandolin in a bluegrass band for awhile around that same time. 
   
Where was your first major gig? Who did you play with? 
 
My first major gig was The Whiskey au Go Go on the Sunset strip in '81 or '82. It was a band called Tupelo Chain Sex. We were L.A.'s first Cowpunk/Pschobilly band, formed in 1981. We made four albums and toured the U.S. & Canada extensively from '84-87. I was also performing in Levi Dexter's rockabilly band around that same time (81/82) 
 

What kind of people did you meet because of music? 
 
I've met some of the most magical personalities through music-lots of bohemian types, artists, actors, businessmen, and also many musical icons of the 20th century, several of whom I've had the honor of playing and/or recording with. 
   
Besides "Jump With Joey", what else have you done musically?  
 
I stayed with Tupelo Chain Sex from 81-88. Jump With Joey spanned from 89-99 and I also recorded my lounge spin off solo debut CD "Cocktails With Joey" in '95. In 2000 or so I formed Crucial Riddims which takes up where Jump With Joey left off, performing Ska, Rocksteady, and early Reggae. It also features an allstar lineup with members of Hepcat, Ocean 11, Macy Gray band et al. I have been involved with lots of music for film and television including the films Swingers and Election, and Sex In The City to name but a few. 
   
What are you currently doing? Are you still Performing? 
 
I am currently producing a new CD for Karling Abbeygate that leans more towards Roots Rockabilly, Western swing, and early 50's Patsy Cline style Country. Since December I have also been involved with entertainment direction at a new nightclub in downtown L.A. called Bordello. You can find me there on Friday nights hosting, emceeing, deejaying, and sometimes performing with the bands. We boast a great roster of roots music inclusing Deke Dickerson's band, See Spot, Plas Johnson, and other notables in ska, rockabilly, jazz, etc. 
 
What advise would you give to someone getting into the music   industry? 
 
Don't do it for the fame & fortune, do it because you love it. The fame & fortune is a byproduct of hard, earnest work and not giving up. Seek your mentors in the field you choose, people who have been doing it for decades before you were ever born, people who can give you an honest, candid assessment of your skills (or lack of) and show you the correct approach to what you are trying to do. Be honest with yourself and detach your ego from the final result. You will find that you will become more skilled and successful faster.