Heavy backbeat
By Casey Gillis on Mar. 20, 2008
By Nanci Dodson, The Burg
nanci.dodson@yahoo.com
In 2005, three regular dudes from Lynchburg got together to play music.
Since then, the band has brought in a new drummer and dealt with a bassist leaving, then coming back - along with issues of gnome thievery, a streaker and some intoxicated pyromaniacs. Welcome to the world of Spuknof.
Derived from the German word "spucknapf," (translation: "spittoon") singer/guitarist Mark Carey (aka Swagger) adorned the band with the name Spuknof (phonetically: spook-nof).
It came from the two years he lived in Berlin. "I changed some of the letters and added the umlaut to make it more evil - like Spinal Tap."
Swagger’s not the only traveler in Spuknof. Drummer Jamie Bates had a stint in Iraq with the Army. Spending time in different places made him realize just how much Lynchburg lacks.
"This city is far behind when it comes to venues and things to do for the music scene. So it makes me, as a musician, strive harder to make it happen for all the other musicians in the Burg," he says.
Swagger sees it as a challenge. "Given that there’s not much to do around here, there’s plenty of time to practice. If there’s nothing offered, you just have to make it happen yourself, and that’s what we do."
Bates is the newest addition to the band, having joined in February.
"I’ve always loved music and making it. But, playing with these nuts, it’s all about cohesion, and we have that," bassist Terry Lee Johnson II (aka Swivel) says. "I love this band."
With an overall sound reminiscent of the early ’90s grunge/alternative movement, Swagger describes the band’s sound as "Just good ’ole riff-rock with a heavy backbeat. We try to be different from your run-of-the-mill rock band. After all, we are here to entertain."
Although stage presence plays a part, the band’s got to have songs to perform. "There is no general theme; I just write about what I’m feeling at the time," Swagger says. "Every song has its own soul, and that’s really important to us."
Take "Redneck Arsons."
"(It) was written about two strangely similar situations that I was in where both times I lived above guys that fancied the rather predictable combination of inebriation, and, well, setting fire to things," Swivel says.
Other songs speak to deeper issues, such as "From a Seed," which is about a friend who committed suicide.
The guys perform original songs with a strictly original sound, which they hope will set them apart from cover-dependent bands. Currently, they’re trying to complete a demo. Then, in May, they’re shooting a video with Fanproductions.
Contrary to some up-and-coming artists, Spuknof doesn’t seem obsessed with fame and acclaim. Even though they would like to go on a fancy tour, for now they’re content refining their sound and enjoying the local fan base.
Besides, local shows featuring Spuknof are pretty eventful. At one, someone streaked through the venue.
"Man, was it rock ’n’ roll!" Swivel says.
Perhaps it’s a good time to mention Metro the Gnome, an honorary member of the band and official keeper of time (Metronome). The little guy was present for a number of Spuknof shows, but was recently abducted by some pranksters. Luckily, Metro was discovered safe and sound, and should occupy his spot on the stage once again.
At the end of the day, it’s about the drive behind the music.
"It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun, too. Every little thing matters to us," Swivel says.
"I don’t care about a Grammy, but it would be nice to make a living doing what I love," Swagger adds.
Still, the band’s generous enough to help a good cause now and then.
This Friday, they’re participating in a battle of the bands at Sweet Briar College with Slander, Noise Prodigy, Point of Honor, and Hi Ho, Six Shooter! Admission to the 7 p.m. show is free, but feel free to donate to the band you like the most - all of which will be given to Habitat for Humanity.
When asked what motivates the guys to push through the obstacles of finances and record labels (or lack thereof), Swagger says, "The hardest part is being up-and-coming. We don’t have a big tour set up, but we’ve got some shows coming up in the next few months."
The guys also decided to create a homemade label, Screwpolish Records. "It’s just the name for the stuff we record ourselves … like, screw the polished sound," Swagger says.
They do things the Spuknof way.
"We all put our own edge into Spuknof to make it rare, and we make you want to pay attention to us," Bates says.
Dodson is a local journalism student