Puscifer - Jeff Friedl
Questions: Jo Taylor
Maynard James Keenan’s “creative subconscious” project Puscifer is coming to Australia, playing three special shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, in the days off from the Soundwave festival. The project has been described as ambient, experimental, post industrial, trip hop and rock. Whatever you want to label it as, it has proved a beautifully eclectic project with a phenomenal live show to boot.
Caught in the Mosh spoke to Puscifer drummer Jeff Friedl about the band’s upcoming EP, the many projects the drummer is involved in and how he has managed to avoid getting a day job by giving drumming lessons via Skype.
Puscifer have another well-titled EP being released in February called Donkey Punch The Night. Can you tell me a bit about that?
That’s right. Well, it’s basically the follow up to our last full-length record Conditions of My Parole. We have a couple of originals that we came up with and put on there and a few covers as well. We had some talented producers remixing it. Eight total songs, four of them are remixes, two are originals and two are covers.
Your playing three shows with Puscifer in February. How does the preparation go for those shows since they aren’t straightforward rock shows and you change things from night to night and have a lot of transitions on stage?
We do. Well you know, there’s always an error of improvisation attached to what we do. That’s part of the reason why I love being a part of Puscifer so much. I mean, even we don’t know exactly what’s going to happen sometimes. That’s the beauty of it. As far as preparation is concerned, it’s a fine tuned machine. We’ve all been playing in the band together for so long and we’re close friends. Aside from being friends, we just have a great working relationship where we can jump into a rehearsal and get down to brass tacks. If there’s a concept we have in mind for production or reconstructing a song, generally we can get right into it and piece things together quite quickly.
Caught in the Mosh spoke to Puscifer drummer Jeff Friedl about the band’s upcoming EP, the many projects the drummer is involved in and how he has managed to avoid getting a day job by giving drumming lessons via Skype.
Puscifer have another well-titled EP being released in February called Donkey Punch The Night. Can you tell me a bit about that?
That’s right. Well, it’s basically the follow up to our last full-length record Conditions of My Parole. We have a couple of originals that we came up with and put on there and a few covers as well. We had some talented producers remixing it. Eight total songs, four of them are remixes, two are originals and two are covers.
Your playing three shows with Puscifer in February. How does the preparation go for those shows since they aren’t straightforward rock shows and you change things from night to night and have a lot of transitions on stage?
We do. Well you know, there’s always an error of improvisation attached to what we do. That’s part of the reason why I love being a part of Puscifer so much. I mean, even we don’t know exactly what’s going to happen sometimes. That’s the beauty of it. As far as preparation is concerned, it’s a fine tuned machine. We’ve all been playing in the band together for so long and we’re close friends. Aside from being friends, we just have a great working relationship where we can jump into a rehearsal and get down to brass tacks. If there’s a concept we have in mind for production or reconstructing a song, generally we can get right into it and piece things together quite quickly.
At the same time as those shows, A Perfect Circle are playing Soundwave. Are you playing these shows as well?
I am.
So then you’ll have played in Australia with Brazilian group CSS, a quick guesting with Tool (both at the Big Day Out), Devo late last year and now Puscifer and A Perfect Circle?
How the hell did you know all that? (laughs) Well, I guess the Tool thing was just me jumping in and playing a little bit with them. It was an invitation from Maynard since I was there with CSS at the time. He basically asked if I had the balls to wear a specific outfit and come out and jam with the band and I said I do and I will.
How much of the back catalogue of these bands have you had to learn?
With Devo, sometimes they throw a bit of a curve ball at me. But with Devo, it is kind of like Puscifer, it’s very multimedia orientated. So there is some margin for throwing in a curve ball every one in a while. But for the most part, when we go out on a tour, we have a locked in setlist and maybe a few tunes that we can interchange. I did have to learn quite a few songs because obviously their song catalogue spans four decades and that’s longer than I’ve been alive (laughs). So, I had my work cut out for me. But it was an honour. I started playing with them in 2008 and it was just an honour right from the beginning, it certainly wasn’t a chore to learn their stuff.
With A Perfect Circle, I had to learn just about every song that was released as well as different covers and things just to prepare myself in case they wanted to throw a curve ball at me too. And Puscifer I’ve been around since the existence of the live version of it. It was a concept and there were a few things that had been released before it was a live performance, but back in 2008, that is when we kinda started. Now there’s always different running versions of the same song and things of that nature. So we have to have a back catalogue of different versions “Oh remember that one thing we did four years ago, OK let’s go on YouTube, or everyone search your iTunes and see if we can figure out how to do that again” (laughs)
I am.
So then you’ll have played in Australia with Brazilian group CSS, a quick guesting with Tool (both at the Big Day Out), Devo late last year and now Puscifer and A Perfect Circle?
How the hell did you know all that? (laughs) Well, I guess the Tool thing was just me jumping in and playing a little bit with them. It was an invitation from Maynard since I was there with CSS at the time. He basically asked if I had the balls to wear a specific outfit and come out and jam with the band and I said I do and I will.
How much of the back catalogue of these bands have you had to learn?
With Devo, sometimes they throw a bit of a curve ball at me. But with Devo, it is kind of like Puscifer, it’s very multimedia orientated. So there is some margin for throwing in a curve ball every one in a while. But for the most part, when we go out on a tour, we have a locked in setlist and maybe a few tunes that we can interchange. I did have to learn quite a few songs because obviously their song catalogue spans four decades and that’s longer than I’ve been alive (laughs). So, I had my work cut out for me. But it was an honour. I started playing with them in 2008 and it was just an honour right from the beginning, it certainly wasn’t a chore to learn their stuff.
With A Perfect Circle, I had to learn just about every song that was released as well as different covers and things just to prepare myself in case they wanted to throw a curve ball at me too. And Puscifer I’ve been around since the existence of the live version of it. It was a concept and there were a few things that had been released before it was a live performance, but back in 2008, that is when we kinda started. Now there’s always different running versions of the same song and things of that nature. So we have to have a back catalogue of different versions “Oh remember that one thing we did four years ago, OK let’s go on YouTube, or everyone search your iTunes and see if we can figure out how to do that again” (laughs)
Do you enjoy the challenge of taking on so many different projects?
Um, I do. I can’t say that I necessarily want to take on many more. In a lot of ways I love being a freelance guy and love the challenge of it. But I’m also kinda just a band guy at heart. I really take a lot of pride in playing in the groups I’ve played with and when I’m playing with one group, that’s all I can think about. So the day comes when it’s time to turn the page. I feel really honoured and blessed to get to play with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Both amazing groups. As well as Devo and Ashes Divide.
Any new projects on the horizon? I read that you were trying to get back to playing with your old band from Tucson.
Yes, Yes. That’s been on hold for a little while. It’s called Is To Feel, but that’s probably going to happen this year. It’s kind of a hardcore band that has different elements to it. I grew up playing in that band and two of my best friends are in it so we will probably resurrect that at some point this year. We’ll start getting together in the next month or two. My main thing I have going on besides APC and Puscifer is a band called The Beta Machine. That’s a project that I started with the bassist from APC and Puscifer, Matt McJunkins. It’s going to be a band, but also a production and writing team. We’re working on a record right now. And actually Matt Mitchell, Puscifer’s producer, is producing this project.
And then on top of all that you also do teaching clinics through Skype, how’s that going?
I do. It’s actually going really well. This last week I actually taught two different Australian students. Yeah, it was very cool. I taught a student from Adelaide and then the other student is in Sydney I think, maybe Brisbane. I really enjoy it. I’ve been teaching since I was a kid to be honest. My mum was a teacher and I have it in my blood. I do it whenever I can. The Skype thing is great. Not everyone lives in the greater Los Angeles area or can make it out here. I’m in a fortunate position where there are fans of these bands who might want a lesson. It’s cool for me. It’s easier for me to do the teaching thing than get a day job when I’m home. There is a mutual flexibility that is key due to my crazy recording and touring schedule (laughs)
Um, I do. I can’t say that I necessarily want to take on many more. In a lot of ways I love being a freelance guy and love the challenge of it. But I’m also kinda just a band guy at heart. I really take a lot of pride in playing in the groups I’ve played with and when I’m playing with one group, that’s all I can think about. So the day comes when it’s time to turn the page. I feel really honoured and blessed to get to play with A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Both amazing groups. As well as Devo and Ashes Divide.
Any new projects on the horizon? I read that you were trying to get back to playing with your old band from Tucson.
Yes, Yes. That’s been on hold for a little while. It’s called Is To Feel, but that’s probably going to happen this year. It’s kind of a hardcore band that has different elements to it. I grew up playing in that band and two of my best friends are in it so we will probably resurrect that at some point this year. We’ll start getting together in the next month or two. My main thing I have going on besides APC and Puscifer is a band called The Beta Machine. That’s a project that I started with the bassist from APC and Puscifer, Matt McJunkins. It’s going to be a band, but also a production and writing team. We’re working on a record right now. And actually Matt Mitchell, Puscifer’s producer, is producing this project.
And then on top of all that you also do teaching clinics through Skype, how’s that going?
I do. It’s actually going really well. This last week I actually taught two different Australian students. Yeah, it was very cool. I taught a student from Adelaide and then the other student is in Sydney I think, maybe Brisbane. I really enjoy it. I’ve been teaching since I was a kid to be honest. My mum was a teacher and I have it in my blood. I do it whenever I can. The Skype thing is great. Not everyone lives in the greater Los Angeles area or can make it out here. I’m in a fortunate position where there are fans of these bands who might want a lesson. It’s cool for me. It’s easier for me to do the teaching thing than get a day job when I’m home. There is a mutual flexibility that is key due to my crazy recording and touring schedule (laughs)
As you mentioned, you started playing young. Who inspired you to pick up the sticks?
I did. I started when I was around eleven. I grew up watching my father, my uncle and my two cousins play. My dad and my uncle had a rhythm and blues band when they were in college. My father left his drums in my uncle’s basement in Virginia. They’d get together, drink beer and shoot pool, listen to jazz and funk and rhythm and blues and stuff. And I’d shoot pool and watch them play drums and I’d try it. And before I knew it I was writing a letter to my uncle asking him to ship me the drums because I wanted to be a drummer (laughs). Yeah, I told my parents “I wanna be a drummer” and they were like “well, why don’t you write your uncle and see if he’ll ship the drums” and that’s what he did. My dad showed me the funk band Tower of Power, Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson Trio and stuff like that. Also I was just huge into metal. Slayer, Metallica, Guns ’n’ Roses and even The Misfits and Morbid Angel. Bbut I also had that other side of me that just loved what my parents were listening to. So I’d watch Headbanger’s Ball on MTV with Riki Rachtman and make a bunch of Top Ramen noodles and sit there every Saturday night watching all the metal videos. Before the whole reality TV thing set in and screwed everything up.
Are there any musicians or bands that you would love to work with in the future?
Oh, well that’s a great question. Umm... I mean, you know, for the most part I’m living in the moment. I really love the musicians that I’m playing with and all the bands I play with are all really artistic and eclectic. I really get my kicks from playing with all of them. I grew up a Sting fan. I love The Police, but I particularly love Sting’s solo work. That’s one guy I wouldn’t hate to play with! Of course I love Nine Inch Nails and just so many other bands that I think I’d love to play with. But I am absolutely content with what I’m doing now.
With all of the different bands you’ve played with, what have been a stand out moment for you?
Hmmm.. Umm... There are so many stand out moments. But I would have to say that when I joined Ashes Divide, that it changed my life. It was a grueling six-month process to get that gig. There was audition process and DVD rounds and in-person auditions. It was a long process and even Billy (Howerdel) didn’t even realise. I told him “Man, I’ve been trying to get into this band for half a year - what?!” When I got the gig and we went on tour and actually jumped on a legitimate tour bus for the first time and laid on the bunk and realised I was on a real legitimate tour with a band, smelling everybody else's farts and burps (laughs) that’s when I felt like “OK, all my hard-work has led me to this moment” and from that moment on I’ve just been working as hard as I always have and good things keep happening...
Tickets for Puscifer's three east coast shows are on sale now!
Fri 22nd Feb - Brisbane, The Tivoli - tickets from Ticketek
Tue 26th Feb - Sydney, Enmore Theatre - tickets from Ticketek
Thu 28th Feb - Melbourne, Palais Theatre - tickets from Ticketmaster
I did. I started when I was around eleven. I grew up watching my father, my uncle and my two cousins play. My dad and my uncle had a rhythm and blues band when they were in college. My father left his drums in my uncle’s basement in Virginia. They’d get together, drink beer and shoot pool, listen to jazz and funk and rhythm and blues and stuff. And I’d shoot pool and watch them play drums and I’d try it. And before I knew it I was writing a letter to my uncle asking him to ship me the drums because I wanted to be a drummer (laughs). Yeah, I told my parents “I wanna be a drummer” and they were like “well, why don’t you write your uncle and see if he’ll ship the drums” and that’s what he did. My dad showed me the funk band Tower of Power, Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson Trio and stuff like that. Also I was just huge into metal. Slayer, Metallica, Guns ’n’ Roses and even The Misfits and Morbid Angel. Bbut I also had that other side of me that just loved what my parents were listening to. So I’d watch Headbanger’s Ball on MTV with Riki Rachtman and make a bunch of Top Ramen noodles and sit there every Saturday night watching all the metal videos. Before the whole reality TV thing set in and screwed everything up.
Are there any musicians or bands that you would love to work with in the future?
Oh, well that’s a great question. Umm... I mean, you know, for the most part I’m living in the moment. I really love the musicians that I’m playing with and all the bands I play with are all really artistic and eclectic. I really get my kicks from playing with all of them. I grew up a Sting fan. I love The Police, but I particularly love Sting’s solo work. That’s one guy I wouldn’t hate to play with! Of course I love Nine Inch Nails and just so many other bands that I think I’d love to play with. But I am absolutely content with what I’m doing now.
With all of the different bands you’ve played with, what have been a stand out moment for you?
Hmmm.. Umm... There are so many stand out moments. But I would have to say that when I joined Ashes Divide, that it changed my life. It was a grueling six-month process to get that gig. There was audition process and DVD rounds and in-person auditions. It was a long process and even Billy (Howerdel) didn’t even realise. I told him “Man, I’ve been trying to get into this band for half a year - what?!” When I got the gig and we went on tour and actually jumped on a legitimate tour bus for the first time and laid on the bunk and realised I was on a real legitimate tour with a band, smelling everybody else's farts and burps (laughs) that’s when I felt like “OK, all my hard-work has led me to this moment” and from that moment on I’ve just been working as hard as I always have and good things keep happening...
Tickets for Puscifer's three east coast shows are on sale now!
Fri 22nd Feb - Brisbane, The Tivoli - tickets from Ticketek
Tue 26th Feb - Sydney, Enmore Theatre - tickets from Ticketek
Thu 28th Feb - Melbourne, Palais Theatre - tickets from Ticketmaster
