A few months ago, I posted a somewhat harsh critique of the first night of the Bad Brains stint at the ill-fated (and pratically forgotten now) CBGBs. The legendary Bad Brains are, with out a doubt, on the level of The Clash in terms of influence. The band revolutionized punk rock and their impact on alternative music is undoubtedly felt today. I know all about how unpredictable HR has been over the last ten plus years, but I felt the first night showed how the band may be dangerously close to approaching novelty. Maybe the band doesn’t give a fuck about this. Regardless, they have all the right in the World not to give a fuck.

Despite of or maybe in reaction to some of these feelings regarding the situation, bassist Darryl Jenifer took the time to send me an e-mail to address my concerns. Shocking, no doubt, but immediately the only thing I thought of was how I should get a few questions together and get the story for the source himself. A few months later, I was able to get a few questions e-mailed over to the man himself.

It’s now 2007 and the band is planning on releasing their first proper album (with HR involved atleast) in twelve years, Build A Nation. With American Hardcore telling the story of just how important this band is to punk, hardcore and the entire musical landscape, the time is right for the band to make some noise. Granted, they will never be the same youthful bunch of punks that everyone has seen in countless videos and documentaries, but their unpredictable nature has got to count for something. If there is one thing that can be said about these legends, they refuse to become idle and predictable.

How is everything coming along with Build A Nation?
The record has finally found a home and is due for a Spring ‘07 release on Megaforce Records. The writing and recording process went well.

How many songs are on the album?
14 songs with a few bonus tracks.

If you had to describe the album in three words, what would they be?
DAMN! DATS DEM.

How did you guys finally come about to record the new album?
We come when Jah calls us. There is no science to the situation. We live and breath Bad Brains. Not only is it a band of musicians, it is a way of life for us.

Did (Beastie Boy) Adam Yauch produce the entire session?
Yes. Yauch was on the production with us from beginning to end.

What was your overall impression of the CBGBs shows?
I thought that we did well in continuing our musical quest. Of course, HR was a little “progressive” the first night with his Janet Jackson headset and helmet but fell back into “juke box” mode the other nights. I often wonder what peoples reaction would be if Johnny Rotten did shit like that a show.

On the first night, some people in the crowd were reacting violently against HR’s passiveness and mild temperament on stage. Did it surprise you to see such a reaction from a crowd that minutes prior to was moving around even before you strummed a single chord?
Nothing in Bad Brains surprises me after twenty-five years,for real. When I’m on stage, I’m there to enlighten, energize the fans, with no time for nonsense or wondering what [the] “next ma’fucka” is doing.

Many people have come to expect this type of reaction in recently. It seems like sometimes people make the band out to be a spectacle rather then pioneers for a movement. Does this bother you at all?
The band is a spectacle and pioneers. The intellect of the fan will determine what he gets from a Bad Brains concert. If you’re there with no knowledge of Bad Brains but with vast knowledge of simply “slam dancing,” then that’s what’s to be obtained from the evening. Where on the other hand, if you are a rebel youth with issues and causes, then the spirit and intent of Bad Brains can be inspirational with our “never give in” PMA message and positive energy. Not even HR or any one of us can control [that].

How do you balance the many dimensions and unpredictable nature of HR in an live-environment?
You don’t. HR has grown to be this problematic front man. We’re never trying to grow him out of it. Such is the front man position.

What do you see as the biggest difference between the 2007 Bad Brains and the 1982 Bad Brains?
The only difference, aside from HR’s ‘07 style, is that in ‘82, we were struggling to get our message out the message of PMA. Now, we just sort of “present ourselves” periodically to the public.

Do you ever feel bitterness about some of the hard-knocks the band has taken along the way over the years? Do you ever wish things would have gone a little more smoothly in terms of raising to a more mainstream audience?
We are very successful in that our positive influence and inspiration has touched many and has saved some lives. We were blessed to be the bearers of versatility, so that others will follow and break down the walls of separation and segregation in society and music and arts. That is our reward or our platinum plaque. There is no bitterness in me. Bitterness is what it is..bitter. I like shit sweet and nice.

Is there a plan for a full-on tour in the near future?
No. We don’t “full on” tour any more, but we will do some strategically placed spot dates and stints throughout the country and abroad.

How’s everything coming along with your solo album? Do you still plan on releasing it the same day as the new Bad Brains record?
My solo CD is very exciting to me. I enjoy having the personal creative outlet to my fans. I am working to meet that release date but with guests such as Lil’ Jon, Ric Ocasek, Mos Def, K’Naan, I may need a lil’ more time to create the “fire.”

What is one thing you hope to accomplish with your musical endeavors that you haven’t already reached?
I only want to keep writing,producing,arranging. I love being a musician and artist. It has been a great life as BB’s despite all of the “cosmic” that has surrounded it. Jah and PMA is a great combination to defeat Babylon.

Bad Brains

Tags: Bad Brains, Interview //