Kicking off LSD 2.0 is a fun little interview we haven't had the chance to run with Jeff Eaton, bassist and gas-tank-thumper of the bluegrass outlaw outfit, Split Lip Rayfield. Yes, he plays a bass made from the gas tank of an automobile. They came through town last fall with Primus and LSD alum Portugal. The Man for a gig at the Congress Theatre. We talked with him about gas tank bassin', cars, and drugs.
Enjoy the read and stay tuned for regular concerns from the neatest neighborhood around.
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| Split Lip Rayfield |
Jeff Eaton: Been really good. I have lucked out weather-wise and missed most of the really hot humid days of Kansas by being on tour somewhere more...tropical, I guess. Had a lot of good shows and a really fun tour with Reverend Horton Heat and Hillstomp.
LSD: What kind of car/truck did the current gas-tank bass come from? I like to think it was like an old Ford, one that had been souped up for bootlegging purposes or something...
JE: It came from a mid-seventies Ford/Mercury, like an LTD or a Grand Marquis. Nothing special or super cool or anything. Just what was available. Would be something more like the car your grandmother would have.
LSD: Who/what got you into playing the bass? Have you ever tried playing a guitar? Because people really respect guitar players...
JE: Being a pretty mediocre guitar player is probably what got me into playing bass in the first place. Seemed easier, but I wasn't exactly super great at that either, so I stuck with playing in punk rock or loud noisy bands. Then I made this instrument with one string and was like, there is something more my speed. I can figure that out.
LSD: What do you think about terms like cowpunk and thrashgrass? Are they appropriate labels for SLR?
JE: Call it what you will, we never went for anything specific, we just did whatever came out and that was that and we went for it.
LSD: You guys are known for killer, high energy shows that simply do not disappoint. How much of that energy is pure passion for the music, and how much of it is drug fueled?
JE: Fueled only by adrenaline and a few beers. Maybe a little nip off the bottle now and then. Not into the drugs so much. Never touch the powders.
LSD: Tell us a little bit about the 'Oddity Faire' tour...It's really great to see you guys hitting up some of these bigger venues playing with Portugal. the Man and supporting Primus. How did you guys come to be involved with the tour?
JE: We landed a couple of shows opening for Les (Claypool) down in Oklahoma and Arkansas through our management. Then a few weeks later got invited to do [this tour], so I suppose he must have dug it and thought it would fit right it. Been great so far.
LSD: As a bassist, has Les Claypool had any influence on your playing style?
JE: Of course. He's a fantastic player and isn't afraid to do his own thing, no matter what anybody says. I like to think I use some of that same attitude, screw what everyone else is doing, I like it like this and that's how I'm gonna do it. Although I can't even begin to touch him in regards to musical ability. I just do what I can do and it seems to be working okay so far.
LSD: I bet he wouldn't even know what to do with a gas-tank bass...
JE: I'm sure he could probably whip the shit out of it given the chance and a little time with it.
LSD: Do you guys ever get out much when you come to Chicago? Any favorite spots to hit?
JE: Chicago is one of my favorite places to come to. It has been one of our regular stops since the beginning of touring for us.
LSD: What's on tap for the band after the 'Oddity Faire' tour?
JE: Just a few regional shows in October and then another run with Reverend Horton Heat and The Legendary Shack Shakers in November. Pretty sure we hit up Chicago on that one, too.
Thanks again to Jeff Eaton and Split Lip Rayfield. Stay tuned for more good stuff to come.
