Interview w/ Jerry Only He’s been taking the stage in leather and devilocks since 1977, but there’s no sign Jerry Only is gonna put away the ghoul makeup anytime soon. Apart from thrashing out the Misfits tunes when on tour with Dez and Robo, Only has started a new venture in his record label, Misfits Records. AvoidPeril had a chance to interview Only about one of the label’s first releases by the Nutley Brass, a collection of lounged up versions of classic Misfits songs. 1. What do you think of the album? I think it’s extra terrestrial. It’s one of the coolest things out there, a lot of fun. I think it’s really great. It’s good music to work out to. Everyone I talk to that’s heard it really gets a big kick out of it. 2. Were you initially a bit apprehensive when you heard that someone wanted to lounge up Misfits staples? No, not at all. Actually, it’s a compliment that someone wanted to cover our material in a way it has never been done before. The Nutley Brass has a unique and intricate sound. The whole thing is very campy and retro – let’s not forget that the Misfits were born of the b-movies of an earlier era. The creative process is stifled if you sit around wondering whether or not people will like what you do. That’s not what we’re about. If we like something, we trust our instincts. It’s fulfilling to encourage something new and original like this. 3. What kind of audience do you think the Nutley Brass album is aimed at? Swingers (laughs). Only the hippest daddy-o. Seriously, I don’t think the project was aimed at any specific audience, but I’d say Misfits fiends and anyone that has an appreciation and interest of how music can be worked into different shapes. People with a sense of humor, too. It should be obvious that’s the intention of The Nutley Brass. It’s a tribute CD and a pretty unique one at that! 4. Do you feel that this album might alienate some of your more hardcore Misfits fans? No, if anything, they are the ones that should get the biggest kick out of it. Music to us is about appreciating what you do first, and if you find that other people appreciate what you’re doing, that’s what it’s all about. 5. You've been covered by a range of artists, including Cradle of Filth and Bouncing Souls. What other bands or genres would you like to see cover your music? It’s very flattering that so many different types of bands want to cover us to begin with. You’re correct when you use the word “range.” It’s always a kick when someone does something innovative and doesn’t try to follow any molds. 6. Are there any plans to tour with the Nutley Brass? Based on NB’s international demand and extensive touring plans, I don’t know if it’s even possible (laughs). 7. The Nutley Brass record, as well as the new album from Balzac, are two very different releases from Misfits Records. What are you future plans for the label? We’ve got a lot of great material coming, so keep your eyes open. Our goal is to not release music based on marketing statistics. We’re focused on our vision of not conforming to traditional corporate record label tactics. We release material we love. We nurture each project and give our undivided attention to each release with focus on every aspect of the release. The artwork, packaging, everything involved with the project is important to us.
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