Interviews: Guerrilla Ghost

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock/Industrial/Hip-Hop band Guerrilla Ghost from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Tron Jovi: Our band name is a combination of Chuck's emcee name, Bad Graphics Ghost, and the name of my music/design studio, Guerrilla Digital. Combined, it's Guerrilla Ghost. GGHOST, or simply GG.

Bad Graphics Ghost: Our name came from putting Tron's production studio moniker (Guerrilla Digital) and my artist moniker (Bad Graphics Ghost) together. We didn't spend much time thinking about it. With the life this group has created and our political and social commentary however, the name has taken meaning of its own.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Tron Jovi: I've wanted to produce beats for a hip-hop band since I was a kid, before I ever picked up a bass and played in punk and noise rock bands. I would listen to Run DMC or Egyptian Lover and daydream about how the sounds were made. It just took me this long to meet someone with a similar punk background. Most band folks I've played with didn't dig electronics, and most rappers didn't jive with my production style.

Bad Graphics Ghost: Being long time fans of the art and the culture, hip hop is something we always wanted to pursue creatively. Once the music started flowing, we started incorporating many different genres to our sound, so it's hard to pigeonhole us in one category.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Tron Jovi: Actually, not really. Our old metal and noise rock bands had gigged together, but I only knew Chuck as “that intense frontman from the opening band.” We eventually met through a mutual friend at a neighborhood festival in October, and here we are three years later. 

Bad Graphics Ghost: We knew of each other by our works in previous music projects but were never formally introduced until Francisco (one of the owners of Triple Eye Industries, our record label) arranged a meeting at a local festival we were both attendings. 

4. Each band member favourite band?

Tron Jovi: All time favorite band? Maybe Lucero. Favorite artist right now? Skepta. I like songs, no matter the genre.

Bad Graphics Ghost: The original classic line up of The Smashing Pumpkins is my favorite all time band.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Tron Jovi: As a producer, right now, I'm really digging the whole UK Grime scene, as well as the latest efforts by Silk Road Assassins and Santigold. Also, that Billie Eilish record is decent. Pop music in 2019 is so much better than in the 90s or early 00s.

Bad Graphics Ghost: I draw inspiration from many different outlets, mostly personal experiences, as well as current social and political events.

6. Where was your last gig?

Bad Graphics Ghost: Our last performance was part of Hip Hop Week MKE, a week-long showcase of local and national hip hop and rap acts in our hometown that's meant to bring attention to networking and support systems for artists across the city. We performed with a good friend of ours, Rec Riddles ( https://recriddlesmusic.bandcamp.com) from St. Louis, and a local up and coming favorite of ours, Nile. It was a great feeling to be a part of something bigger than life to benefit our community.

7. Where would you like to act?

Tron Jovi: We'd like to get out and play more regional shows. We've hit Chicago and areas all over Wisconsin, but I'd love to get to Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa and Indiana - play some of these neighboring states. 

Bad Graphics Ghost: I will perform wherever we have the ability and opportunity to spread our gospel, no place is off limits for me.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Tron Jovi: Right now, artists that are doing harsh noise rap like us... probably JPEGMAFIA, Ho99o9, or maybe Vince Staples, Danny Brown or Run the Jewels.

Bad Graphics Ghost: JPEGMAFIA

9. Whom not?

Tron Jovi: Are we talking who do we don’t want to play a live show with? I do not want to gig with artists that rap over pre-recorded vocals. That's karaoke, and very uninspiring. No thanks.

Bad Graphics Ghost: Anyone that doesn't share our love and knowledge of music and anyone that has conflicting ideals and morals would not be a good fit for us to collaborate with.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Tron Jovi: I was a little nervous when we opened for Kool Keith. A shot or two of whiskey RIGHT before a set helps. Also... PRACTICE. If you’re well rehearsed, then muscle-memory kicks in and takes care of the rest. Bad Graphics Ghost: Every time before I go on stage I usually have some bout of nervousness that generally stems from being the center of attention for the moment and wanting to put on the best performance that I can. My advice for beginners is to do what I do: meditate. 11. What bands have inspired you the most? Tron Jovi: Fugazi, Aphex Twin, Lucero, Beastie Boys, Skepta

Bad Graphics Ghost: I'm currently inspired by the new wave of hip0hop locally and nationally. Being able to remain relevant stylistically while still staying true to our brand is very important and something we don't take lightly.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Tron Jovi: So far? Either setlists or autographs. Why someone wants my autograph on their brand new record is beyond me. It's weird. I don't even know if I should be signing "Tron Jovi" or my real name or what.

Bad Graphics Ghost: The weirdest thing a fan has ever asked was for my autograph on their body. Once someone asked me to sign their face. Another time I was asked to sign a breast, which was later made permanent as they had it tattooed. To have that much influence on someone just by creating music they identify with speaks volumes that we're in the right market.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Tron Jovi: We are lucky for each and every one of them.

Bad Graphics Ghost: I think all our fans are beautiful and I'd love to have them over for dinner and drinks.

14. What do you think of our site?

Tron Jovi: You guys cover a lot of sub-genres of metal, which is rad. Looks great on a phone. I make websites for a living, so I appreciate a website that looks good and functions well.

Bad Graphics Ghost: Any time a media outlet expressed interest in marketing and promoting up and coming artists, I have nothing but sincere gratitude for that. It is much appreciated.

15. Something add?

Tron Jovi: Need a remix? Hit us up. No genre is off limits. We’ve done remixes for metal bands, indie rock bands and other rappers.

Bad Graphics Ghost: We have much new music coming soon so be sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on that as well as live performances in your area.