Interview by Diabolica_Robotica.
Revolting Cocks have been making sexy music and offending prudes for 21 years now. Over the years, they have had an impressive roster of members and have maintained a loyal, if slightly perverted, fanbase [not that they’d have it any other way, mind you!]. After tearing it up with Ministry on the road throughout 2006, they also released their first album in 13 years, ‘Cocked and Loaded’. That was quickly followed by the gritty and groovy remix album, ‘Cocktail Mixxx’. Live or in the studio, RevCo remain one of the most innovative and entertaining acts, as the following goes to show…
After a 13-year hiatus, what happened that made you decide that it was time to put out another Revolting Cocks album?
Phildo:
“Al came into the studio, where I was working on some material for Snow Black, just to hang out. We had not seen each other for a long time and he had not been in a studio without it being one of his sessions in an even longer time. So, he was able to relax and just have fun with it. As a matter of fact he ended up playing keyboards on that song (Stick it in). Afterwards I played some loops and roughs that I was working into potential tracks. One of those loops Al began playing guitar over and I started on some vocal ideas. We laid a very rough mix of the few raw tracks. Al suggested that we should make it a Cock’s song, I agreed. We did not get a chance to collaborate again until he finished Houses of the Mole at which time I went to El Paso and we officially started the album. This track mentioned would later feature Jello Biafra singing along with Billy Gibbons and Rick Neilson playing on it. That track is Dead End Streets.”
Luc:
“Well I personally was not involved… how ever I did do the 2006 Masterbatour… As I understood Al has been working on it, off and on over the last couple of years… It is a bit different from the original cocks sound but the people involved are my heroes…
and if they feel like cocks… what can I say… right?”
Can you fill us in a bit on how the current RevCo line-up evolved?
Phildo:
“This came about on Al’s end. Most of these guys have either toured as an opening band for Ministry or by some other connection.”
Luc:
“Again I have no idea and after the tour now, I don’t even want to think
about what anybody had in mind to bring these people together…
for what ever reason…?”
With the release of “Prune Tang” in 2004, everyone was talking about the release of a new Revolting Cocks album. Then, it was over 2 years before the album finally appeared- what were the reasons behind the album being delayed from being released as Purple Head at that time?
Phildo:
Mostly due to Ministry recording schedule, my schedule and the schedules of the others involved.
Luc:
“Again I do not know… but I assume it took Al some time to set up his own label…”
RevCo is known for being a fun project- where does the inspiration for the tracks spring from? Can you share some of the stories behind the songs on “Cocked and Loaded”?
Phildo:
“Mostly they come from the behind the scenes conversations we have amongst ourselves. Our juvenile jokes or lies we might tell one another to pass the time. Others like Dead End Streets were pieces written while away from the Cocks but felt it would make a good REVCO track.”
Luc:
“No, I have no idea… but a lack of sexual activity …mostly leads to frustration… and translates into songs.”
Can you tell us a little bit about the recording process? Is there a typical process, or do members just bring things to the table and throw them out there?
Phildo:
“Ideas are generally brought to the table by someone or like mentioned in the last question it may be something that comes up in conversation and someone says, “Hey that would be a great Cock’s song.””
Luc:
“It used to be the way … but I’m not sure … now … with people from Cheap Trick and ZZ top you don’t just throw things out … I would be very careful. These people might steal my ideas and become even richer and cooler than before. I would play some really bad guitar parts and make them laugh and speak Gumbizian to them, though.”
The track “Caliente (Dark Entries)” track was chosen for the Saw II soundtrack. What did you think of the tracks’ inclusion in the movie, and can you explain a little bit about how that came about?
Phildo:
“I think it definitely fit the soundtrack format that they were going for. The people involved in the music selection for SAW II big Ministry/REVCO fans. They approached the powers that be and the rest is history.”
Luc:
“No you should ask… Someone else… who knows … I think Saw II is a very scary movie … not your Revolting Cocks “feel good” idea … it was wrong!”
You’ve covered some artists who seem to be less than pleased with your interpretations of their material - are you flattered that they get so upset over your covers?
Phildo:
“Unfortunately it is simply a statement about the egos of many artists and especially their lack of sense of humor.”
Luc:
“Not at all they love us … except Olivia … but than again you never know as these people are surrounded by lawyers…and Rod Stewart stole that song from a Brazilian guy…
Not so sexy…Right?”
Clayton:
“It’s great - the perfect response for RevCo.”
You’ve been targeted by the PMRC in America as well as moralists in the UK in the past. Is that something that you think will continue into the future?
Phildo:
“If so let’s hope it is the form of a reality T.V. Show. Maybe on the Bravo channel? “Top Cock” what do you think? Or a Survivor take-off, can you imagine being eliminated off of Cock Island?”
Luc:
“I never met anybody from the PMRC or who ever said he was a moralist… but than my mother warned me “you are hanging out with the wrong friends” she said…”
Clayton:
“One can only hope.”
Do you think the socio-political climate has changed much in the past 15 or so years, so that artists have to push boundaries further to get a reaction from the general public?
Phildo:
“Not really it’s the same as far as there are a bunch of bands that just suck. The political climate fluctuates as usual. If a Democrat is president then everyone becomes even more complacent and apathetic. If a Republican is holding the office and everyone tends to complain more, not really doing anything about it but at least paying attention a bit more. However the latter is generally best for song writing (i.e. the Reagan years).”
Luc:
“Britney shaving her head was a nice one! Paris with no underwear… I made a porn-flik once but nobody wants to watch it… it’s with my mother… I like her a lot.”
Clayton:
“In terms of music, I think it’s harder to get reactions from people - a lot has already been done so originality is always in question.”
Revolting Cocks are a listed artist on VH1.com. Do you find that surreal?
Phildo:
Not really, everyone loves cock!
Luc:
“We are people just like anybody else so we deserve the right to be treated as normal! OK?”
Sin:
“Yes, that is VERY surreal. It’s kinda weird to see us right next to all these “mainstream” artists! I mean fuck, we are The Cocks! Haha”
You were the opening act on the Ministry tour in 2006. How did your younger fans react to finally being able to see you live?
Phildo:
“I’m not sure; there was some sort of court order keeping Luc and I away from our younger fans.”
Luc:
“I only met 37 year old house wives with their husbands who were trying to remember how it was when they were 15 and taking XTC… and I did meet some of their children … But none looked like they were mine.”
Sin:
“We were pleasantly surprised to see how familiar and enthusiastic our younger fans were with us and our material. It was great seeing them sing along to “Beers, Steers, and Queers” or any of the older material.”
Do you have any favorite places in particular to play?
Phildo:
“I truly do enjoy playing all of the shows because I live for playing live. However, to list a few I would have to mention: Texas, Denver, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, Florida, Atlanta and many more.”
Luc:
“I am thankful for any place that lets the Cocks play… so check the tour list!”
Josh:
“Well, I prefer to play in concert halls or clubs…when ever we play in grocery stores or shopping malls, things just get weird…I also like to ‘play’ with myself in the shower.”
Sin:
“Hmm, I would have to say that for me, I love playing the Southern states and the Midwest. Not to take anything away from any other place in the world, but for some reason those Southern states seem get into it A LOT!”
Aside from the infamous giant penis suit, what would you say the most unashamedly immature on stage antic you have ever pulled is?
Phildo:
“The mousse-squirting penis from the BSQ U.S. Tour and the inflatable sheep from the BSQ European tour.”
Luc:
“I got drunk in Vancover… and as they say … I stole the show… broke a security mans’ foot… my life has never been the same.”
Josh:
“Well when people throw feminine hygiene products on stage…that gets a little out of hand…but playing buck naked is my favorite, especially because of how pissed off the drummer gets for having to stare and my ass…the roadies get pretty pissed too.”
Sin:
“Haha, I think the giant penis outfit pretty much says it all. Wait, well, there was also Phildos giant squirting dildo…”
RevCo is a project that’s been around for 21 years, so you’ve seen the changes in the music industry as the internet has become the force that it is today. What’s your take on sites like Myspace and VampireFreaks, which allow users to promote music without any kind of label support?
Phildo:
“They are great for access and cheap exposure but, it also becomes a forum for people that can spend a ton of time making their pages look cool and very professional yet very misleading for the demo quality (if that) music they are pushing.”
Luc:
“I LOVE IT! it kills the publishers and record-companies … so NO MORE slave contracts for artists! Free at last! A new copyright law should help artist collect money in a direct manner.”[www.myspace.com/lucvanacker]
Clayton:
“Those sites and the sites that preceded them have really opened up the playing field for music in general. With a computer, internet connection and speakers, today’s music listener has an endless supply of new music. The only dilemma now is having the time/patience to sift through it all.”
Sin:
“I think sites like that are great promotional tools in helping spread your music whether you’re on a label or not. I mean, nowadays you can be pretty self sufficient. You can market yourself on these sites, sell your music, and expose yourself to millions. I think its a tremendous help.”
Any words or thoughts on the great digital piracy debate you’d care to share?
Phildo:
“If it continues to increase at the same rate I will probably start giving the music away in hopes that it will make my t-shirts really popular.”
Luc:
“Digital piracy… great to become famous and play well paid gigs!”
Clayton:
“Arrrgh matey! Thar be treachery afoot!”
What are your personal favorite RevCo tracks?
Phildo:
“BSQ is the quintessential Cock’s album however my other favorite selections are You often forget, No devotion, Gila-copter and our most recent live version of Attack ships on fire.”
Luc:
“No Devotion, Attack Ships, Stainless Steal, Do You Think I’m Sexy?”
Clayton:
“To name a few, I like Something Wonderful, Da ya think I’m sexy?, Physical, Beers, Steers & Queers (Drop Your Britches Mix/Take 'Em Right Off Mix).”
Sin:
“Personal favorites for me… “No Devotion”, “Something Wonderful”, “Fire Engine”.”
What about “Cocktail Mixxx”? Any personal favorites from the remixes there?
Phildo:
“Pole grinder. Luc’s mix of Fire Engine. Dead End Streets, though I am admittedly biased here.”
Luc:
“Fire engine… worked out fine…It’s like a new album so I need to listen to it a couple more times to let you know. As I’m peeling away all the hidden layers of this
classical master-piece!
Clayton:
“I like how both the Devil Cock and the Cock Au Lait remixes ended up.”
Sin:
“I really like Luc and Phildos “Dead End Streets” mix. Another favorite of mine is Claytons “Revolting Cock Au Lait” mix.”
Anything in the works in the RevCo camp that you’d like to share?
Phildo:
“Everyone is secretly working on the prototypes of the action figure that will represent him or her.”
Luc:
“We will get together in October for a NEW album…”
Clayton:
“We have plans to go into the studio this year…probably to record an album but stranger things have happened and probably will.”
Sin:
“Well, we will begin writing/recording new RevCo material sometime around September for a 2008 release. It will be followed by a RevCo tour shortly after that. The Cocks will be in everyones faces again soon.”
What about personal projects? Anything we should be keeping an eye out for there?
Phildo:
”Snow Black is what I am consumed with. You can download the album (The Suggestion of Power) at www.snowblack.org or hear some of the tracks at www.vampirefreaks.com/snowblack, and then look for the remix record (Peace Through Superior Firepower) available at the end of this year as well as live shows to be announced.”
Luc:
“I’m getting a new BOOK (Stupidity Never Sleeps) + DVD + CD ready for September…”
Clayton:
“Josh and I have another band called STAYTE. We are currently finishing the mixes for a new release and will be touring to support it later this year - check out our myspace for more info: www.myspace.com/stayte.”
Sin:
“Yes, definitely keep an eye out for Snow Black (featuring Phildo Owen, Sin, Paul Raven, Mark Dufour). Also Stayte (featuring Josh Bradford and Clayton Worbeck).”
Finally, can you sum up the Revolting Cocks philosophy for Vampire Freaks?
Phildo:
“No deep thinkers or trying to change the world in this crowd or at least when we’re working on this project. Just trying to make the world a better place for you and your hog-bitch girlfriend.”
Luc:
“These questions are way too serious for a intergalactic multi-purpose, single-minded revolting cock like me… help! But the main Revolting Cock philosophy is to give serious musicians an outlet to be absolutely ridiculous before going back to their credible careers.”
Clayton:
“Give us incarnation, or give us death!”
Oh, and this one is for my own personal curiosity, I suppose. When I was working as a stripper, the two tracks that always made me the most money were “Beers + Steers + Queers” and “If Ya Think I’m Sexy”. Have you heard that from anyone before? People (especially the kinds of guys that “Beers + Steers + Queers” was most likely written about) would go crazy for it. Any theories on why?
Phildo:
“In Texas at the time aside from Chemical Imbalance BSQ was a huge song in the go-go bars. As far as the second part of the question I believe it is a joke that a large majority simply believes they know someone that the song pokes fun at yet they don’t recognize their own similarities and that I believe is truly the punch line.”
Luc:
“I did some work as a stripper to and noticed exactly the same thing!!! Sometimes the parody gets m I did some work as a stripper to and noticed exactly the same
thing!!! Some times the parodie gets misunderstood -your President Bush is a great example of this! But now seriously - can I have some of your pictures and what is the
exact time frame when you are at home all by yourself??”
Josh:
“Whoa…wait a second…you were a stripper? Lets talk about that for a minute…in person…over a glass of wine…right now…I’m wearing a silk evening dress. Just kidding…it’s not silk.”
Sin:
“Haha, nice. Where did you work? j/k. Funny thing is “Do You Think I’m Sexy” was voted most popular strip joint song a few years ago in some magazine. A bunch of strippers were polled (no pun intended) and thats the song they chose as their favorite.
I think they just have a certain kind of perverse sexuality to them. Kind of like a giant penis.”
[Interviewer’s note: That last question really was just for personal curiosity. But the answers were so funny, I figured, what the hell?, and decided to post it anyway.]