Rob: You just got back from recording Natas, which must have been an interesting experience...how was it in their homeland? Did you witness any weirdness?
Billy: Argentina seems like a cool place. Although (as with any records I’ve done in foreign lands), I saw the studio, Sergio’s house and a few restaurants, etc. They played a show the last night I was there, and I played a jam with them that we pretty much made up on the spot. That was fun. Ate freshly killed meat almost nightly. Best beef in the world. Everyone I met was super friendly and hospitable, even though their country is in the midst of a fucking economical nightmare. It would seem dismal there to most Americans---some things are inconvenient at first, but you get used to it. It reminded me of how spoiled we Americans really are. We have it too good. Didn’t witness much weirdness, except that people had trouble getting their own money from the banks to feed themselves/me. I was in the studio for 14+ hours a day, and then slept in the control room. So, if weirdness was going on, I heard more than saw.
Rob: How did the record turn out?
Billy: Killer. Totally organic, thick and atmospheric. The music (to me) reflects what it’s like to be in Argentina---dark sorta sad but optimistic and wide-eyed. Totally rockin’ those guys are very talented like old pro’s, yet un-jaded. They have a great appreciation for music.
Rob: What are some other groups that you have done lately?
Billy: Weedeater, Spaceboy, Teeth of Lions (Divine),
Rob: What are some of the bands that you listened to growing up...influences and such...
Billy: John Denver. KiISS. Donnie and Marie. Dukes of Hazzard. Black flag. Priest. Melvins. Steel pole bathtub.
Rob: How long have you been recording bands?
Billy: Since I got a 4-track in high school. “Professionally” since about ‘89 or so.
Rob: What are some of the early Billy Anderson recordings?
Billy: hmmmm...I think the first thing I actually recorded on (not just made coffee and wound mic cables..) Was for a band called Eyeball. Some other early stuff that comes to mind is Econochrist, Bomb, Steel Pole Bathtub, Boom and the Legion of Doom, Stickdog, Iowa Beef Experience, and my early bands---Dysfunction and Spilth....
Rob: Are there any plans for upcoming tours with your band blessing the hogs (not blessing of! Doh!!!)
Billy: Going to record an album for prosthetic records sometime in late Feb. early March ---then tour our asses off. ‘til then, we’ll just be writing and playing a few local shows..
Rob: Are you currently involved in any recording/music projects?
Billy: Just got through with Spaceboy’s new record for Southern Lord. Also mixed an album for “teeth of lions”---a project featuring Greg Anderson, Steve O’Malley, lee Dorian and Justin Greaves. It was recorded in England on a 1/2” 16-track, and the watery turd was sent to me. Greg and I mixed it at shark bite in 2+1/2 daze. Start High on Fire’s new album for Relapse on the 17th.
Rob: What do you think of some of the other producers...say Steve Albini, what do you think of that cat?
Billy: Producing is such a relative term. Best sound wins, Steve who?
Rob: My favorite single album that you have produced would have to be Enemy of the Sun...do you have fond memories of that recording...
Billy: yes. Totally rushed for time, a bunch of sweaty dudes choreographing fader moves, some pretty insane and inspired performances, Scott’s knee tattoo.
Rob: Sleep- explain it all...tell us a story.
Billy: All? Yeah. It would take too long. A band that got a raw deal but kept it going as long as they could stand the major-label grinder. Known those guys for fucking ever. Too many stories-----all I will say is...destruction of rental car, cabin fever, extreme volume, deep exploration of patience and will and divots at the 12th fret----
Rob: Orange goblin...
Billy: ...on my birthday, waking up on the sidewalk in a puddle of my own puke outside the pub, Ben literally carrying me to my hotel, blowing up the board, the assistant quitting ‘cause of punishment, Motorhead. 26” woofers. Liver damage.
Rob: Cathedral...
Billy: ...the converted Victorian church that we got to record in, beating Gaz’s ass daily at badminton, the 400 year – old pub down the lane from the studio and Lee and I finishing a ‘67 bottle of scotch, spotted dick.
Rob: What is your favorite thing to do outside of the studio?
Billy: Sleep, think. Eat.
Rob: if you weren`t a rocker, what would you most like to be?
Billy: Human, employed. Fed.
Rob: what was your worst gig and why? What was your best gig and why?
Billy: Worst- Mission Records about 2 months ago---broke my Dean Flying-V that was a gift from Matt Pike. Shattered into about 10 pieces. Totally my fault. Tantrum.
Best- playing bass for the Melvins at the “new music seminar” 1994. Set up and played loud as fuck in the presidential suite of the Manhattan Sheraton in NYC...why best gig? How do you top playing in your favorite band---in a hotel room full of industry geeks and good friends.....?...
Rob: top three movies, books and albums of all time?
Billy: Movies: deliverance, terminator 2- Books: book? What’s that? I don’t read much except for textbooks/ reference. Currently studying “history and geography of human genes”, “ collapse of complex societies”, and “18 rabbit-13th ruler of the Copan dynasty”.- Albums: Gluey Porch Treatments, My War, South of Heaven...
Rob: how often do you surf the net and what do you mostly do while online?
Billy: Once, twice a week...check/send e-mails, and look for reviews, shit about my band and me for the stupid press-packs. I send stuff to my band mate, john, who does our website and my website.
Rob: 5) what is your favorite city and venue to play, and why?
Billy: Anywhere that the people are enthusiastic, appreciative and rowdy. Always have a great time in Seattle, New Orleans, New York.
Rob: what is the most rock `n` roll thing you`ve ever done?
Billy: There are quite a few, embarrassing and otherwise. Probably getting up on stage while nirvana played in front of 15,000 people and cheering with pom-poms alongside the Melvin’s and various other rock stars while Nirvana played “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Rob: What`s the most rock `n` roll thing you`ve seen someone else do?
Billy: Mettalica’s roadies opening up a huge anvil case next to their tour busses and pull out a washer and dryer. Or maybe seeing white zombie’s sound check, hearing thick orchestral mix, seeing the band stop playing, still hearing vocals, guitars and drums playing from adapts at the mixing board.
Rob: what`s your worst "bad trip" story?
Billy: Saw a friend in high school eat 6 hits, come with us to a remote desert trip spot, wander off into the desert and never heard from again.
Rob: What’s the most painful thing you have ever witnessed at a rock show?
Billy: Mike Patton opening his forehead up by slamming it into his own knee. Or maybe Seth from anal cunt puking into a cup, then drinks it.
Rob: how old were you when you first realize you wanted to rock?
Billy: Second trimester.
Rob: what`s the most embarrassing job you ever had?
Billy: Salesman at guitar center. Me, my band, and any friends that came in didn’t have to buy strings or picks for a year...
Rob: what`s your favourite ice cream flavor?
Billy: I scream in all flavors.
Rob: if you could date any rock star dead or alive in the world, who would it be? Movie star?
Billy: Dead or alive? I remember them. Nah, he’s gross. Uhhhhhhh...I don’t date rock stars...movie star----does daisy duke count?
Rob: what would be the ultimate dream gig of all time line-up be, with your band opening? Limit to three bands please (including your own...) and where?
Billy: Tarouf de Haidouks, Black Flag, Diamand Galas. On Easter Island.
