Eric Powell -- 16 Volt

Last Edit/Update
02 April, 2000

An Evening With

ERIC POWELL
of

16volt1logo.gif (11473 bytes)
Eric Powell's nick in this chat is <ep16v>.
Erie from Luxt joined in with this chat which was held by various people on the internet, hosted by Last Sigh,
and was painstakingly yet passionately transcribed by
Kim Alexander
Special thanks to all who joined in
and Kanuchsa for logging.
NOTE: all links in this document are to web sites.

Topic: Live chat with Eric POWELL of 16VOLT Thursday, Feb 19th (at) 6pm Pacific Time. us.undernet.org #liveonline

*** ep16v (16VOLT (at) ppp079.95net.com) has joined channel #liveonline

<ep16v> wow.

Comment: hey Eric

<ep16v> hey, whats up?

Comment: Hi Eric!!!!!!!!

<ep16v> hey

Comment: howz it going with you?

Comment: Hey Eric,.. hows life ?

<ep16v> life is good, working on our new record....

Comment: What's up Eric?

Question: how is L.A.

#Liveonline & Last Sigh Magazine would like to welcome Eric Powell of 16 Volt

<ep16v> LA is good, weather is sucking, everthing but driving is good hello

Question: Weather remind you of Portland?

<ep16v> right now , yes, I fuking hate it

<ep16v> rain rain go away.....

Comment: (so and so).. finds it wierd that today is his birthday and in the same day he has talked to Claus Larsen, RealBones (PigFace), and know Eric Powell of 16volt,.. nice birthday,...

<ep16v> happy birthday

<ep16v> sounds nice

Question: so Eric: what are you working on? You signed to any label yet???

<ep16v> well, we are about to sign a new deal, the law has been working out the contract for a month or so, but it looks like maybe next week

Question: What label?

<ep16v> the label: Slipdisc/Mercury/polygram

Question: Eric: are you recording at chicago trax again on the new record?

Question: hey Eric...I heard you were a raver version of the guy from blues traveler. Is that true?

Question: are you the next Stabbing Westward?

<ep16v> fuck off

Question: I thought it was invisible?

<ep16v> we talked with invisible for awhile, it didn't suit our needs

Question: Eric: I heard you were asked to be the next Stabbing Westward by a certain label(s), and you told them to fuck off.

<ep16v> that is true., MCA Records

Question: what did they expect you to do?

<ep16v> fuck all the majors!!!!!!! [Labels...]

Comment: No shite. They don't know what they're doing when it comes to underground shite.

<ep16v> they expected us to compete with stabbing westard and gravity kills
<ep16v> we laughed

Question: Are we going to see another H3LLB3NT album?

<ep16v> Re-Constriction is putting the last one out since Fifth Colvmn folded, it has some new tracks, i don't think another will happen

Question: Do you have new tracks yet, or just ideas for a new set of songs?

<ep16v> we have 14 new songs for this record, we are in pre-production right now with joe bishara and bill kennedy

Comment: Cool!

Question: Fifth Colvmn is dead?

Question: was it recon who put out that Collide remix CD?

Question: was chase really pissed when you left recon?

<ep16v> chased was not pissed, bummed yes, but not pissed, he understands..

Eric: you going to tour after your next release? if so, when will that be?

Question: Eric: you gettin' a bus next tour?

<ep16v> bus=no big ass motor home=yes

Question: ep16v; have you talked to Jared [Chemlab] anymore ?

Question: yeah what's up with jared?

<ep16v> jared works on wall street now, fcr [Fifth Colvmn Records] is dead and gone.

<ep16v> well, he's been through it

Question: Eric: do you live on your music??

Question: Eric: what are your favorite spots to play across the country?

<ep16v> I like Detroit, NY, KZOO [Kalamazoo, Michigan]!

<ep16v> kzoo rocks

Comment: hehehe the kzoo plug for sinnie!

Question: ep16v: what is your thoughts on SMG [Sister Machine GUn] leaving Wax Trax! ?

<ep16v> who cares
<ep16v> wax trax blows

Question: Eric, do you work another job or does your music sustain you?

<ep16v> I am not working a job, per se, I do websites for warner bros.records still

Question: Eric: is the new stuff in the same vein as letdowncrush, or are you going for something different?

<ep16v> different, the new stuff is angrier

Comment: >:) Good. Angrier is good.

*** W has changed the topic on channel #liveonline to Live chat with Eric

POWELL of 16VOLT Thursday, Feb 19th (at) 6pm Pacific Time. http

Question: ep16v; where are you located now ?

<ep16v> los angeles, hollywood to be exact

Question: is the live lineup going to be the same. i.e. craig, steve?

<ep16v> We don't know the live lin-up, we won't worry about that till summer, the band is me, krayge, and mike

Quetion: What bands/music have influenced you? or influenced your new songs?

Comment: Tour with Scar Tissue!

<ep16v> I am anti rock star mutha fucka

Question: Eric: how did you hook up with Greg Araki?

Question: do you like his films?

<ep16v> they are ok

Question: Eric: so, are you guys totally let down by Sacramento, or would you really consider playing there again in the busy season?

<ep16v> of course, we love Sacramento.
<ep16v> we love sacks too

Question: ep16v; Did you pick up the new single from KMFDM ?

<ep16v> nope

Question: Eric: what would you do on a day off if you had one?

<ep16v> I think I would just hang out...

<ep16v> no scheduled tour anywhere, but that changes day to day

Question: ep16v; what's your fav band to just sit backand stroke it too?

<ep16v> Liz Phair

Comment: I listen to liz phair's muffle grunts as she's strokin me

Quetion: ep16v; What's your favorite band to listen to honestly? Got a major fav?

Question: How about the Pixies or Depeche Mode?

<ep16v> I don't know, thats a really hard question
<ep16v> I like all kinds of stuff

Question: will you plan to play in Europe for the next tour?

<ep16v> we will do Europe

<LiQvirus> ep16v; ok, iC, do you like any old shit like ZAPPA?

<ep16v> liq, I like some old shit, I was listening to

sabbath the other day

<ep16v> I like old metal shit!

Comment: SABBATH! \../

Question: ep16v: why do you insist to include guitars in your songs?

<ep16v> hi get a clue?

Comment: insist? what the fuck does that mean?

Question: ep16v; did you catch OZZFEST ?

<ep16v> I did not see ozzfest

Comment: Guitars are an undeniably heavy sound, why do people fear them?

Question: ep16v; is there any old bands that have *really* affected your music?

<ep16v> revolting cocks

<ep16v> I prefer porn to music

<Lillius> Should we all bring porn to your shows?

<ep16v> YES YES YES, I can't stress that enough

Comment: Every U.S. band that uses guitar sounds the same.

Comment: Sound is sound. Get over it.

<ep16v> so does every fucking "industrial band" [sound the same]

Comment: Guitars are useful. i respect a talented guitar player..not some dork who can pick a farking string...
but someone who loves the music...coaxes it from the guitar.

Comment: and when incorporated into "industrial" music, it's pure talent.

<ep16v> why is it even an issue? c'mon are we all music lovers or catergorymakers?

Question: Eric: any themes to your new music?

Question: ep16v; What do you think about FALCO?

Question: ep16v; Have you ever considered writing a
strict "METAL" song,.. .no synth or samples,.. ?

Question: Eric: what has been your biggest frustration
with life in the last 6 months?

<ep16v> the frustation has been the reality of what we are up against,
big business that doesn't give a shit about art

Comment: yeah...

Question: What's in the future schedule for 16 Volt?

<ep16v> maui, aloha, the schedule is like this: pre- production for two months,record and mix in march/april, release is september tour tour tour

Comment: [ep16v]: neet, thx :)

Question: Eric: why do you think 16volt hasn't got as much press/attention as it has deserved? i hear bands like Laughing Us (good band) in regular college rotation and stuff but not enough 16 Volt!!!

<ep16v> we have gotten good press, it's just been awhile, i can only blame re-con and cargo for it

Question: Eric: do you find that it's been harder or easier to deal with labels as your popularity has grown?

Question: ep16v: would you rather walk from a label then let them fuck with your artistry

<ep16v> I would rather [walk]

Question: ep16v; Would you ever consider using female vox ?

<ep16v> liq, already have, on ldc [Let Down Crush]. Stella

<LArva23> Eric: i really respect your views on music/ industry, even though i may not dig what you do I respect it. But lemme ask you something...do you get a lot of flack from people when you do these iRC chats?

<ep16v> yes, I can take it.
<ep16v> being how I am in a band we always get flack, I don't care.

Comment: Eric: I figure you can take it, or you wouldn't be here...i just thought this chat was relatively flack free,
whereas i thought it'd be a ripping

Question: Eric: what inspires you to write music?

<ep16v> things like this inspire me

<ep16v> humanity

Question: Eric: how do you feel about internet reproduction of musicians work on MP3 FORMAT????

<ep16v> I think it sucks for artists, but i can't talk, I have 90% kracked software. I think the lawyers can handle it.

Question: Eric: what would you do if you found someone had encoded all your cds to MP3 format and was giving it to anyone who wanted it?

<ep16v> I object but then again I can't, like I said, i let the label and the manager and the lawyers deal with it.

Question: Eric: ok so you are basically against MP3 encoding for internet traffic/personal use?

<Erie of Luxt] The warez vs. mp3 thing is a bit different. You're copying $400 programs that you can't afford, but a $15 cd is a bit different.

<Erie of Luxt> I can afford a $15 cd, so I buy them.

Comment: heh...speak for yourself erie...15$ cds to 400 people?

<Erie of Luxt> I'm saying, those 400 people suck.

<ep16v> I think it's like this= take our mp3's and we don't make money, we don't make money the label drops us, we don't get to make records, if you like a band, and you like there music, why essentially destroy their ability to make you the music?

Comment: mp3 the spice girls and shit >:)

Comment: Erie is right dont ripoff the little guy

Question: Eric: have you messed with ReBirth much?

<ep16v> I like re-birth but its getting a little over used, it's
mostly a toy now.

Comment: Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering what we do with all the personal information we get from you??

Question: ep16v; What do you think of the whole "GOTH" scene ?

<ep16v> what is the goth scene, you mean liike "Bauhaus"

Question: Eric: aside from the business, has your personal life suffered because of your choice of professions?

Question: Eric - do you think artists have to suffer for there work?

<ep16v> fuck yes. I can't keep a job, don't get benefits, I have no healthcare, no REAL financial security, I have to leave my wife, I have to eat crackers.

<Erie of Luxt> I guess that answers the "suffer for your art" question.

<ep16v> it is a sufferin', but I love it so what am I to do.
<ep16v> sounds cliche' but it's a labor of love

Comment: So is making a non-profit magazine....

<ep16v> Righto!

Comment: what real artist hasnt had to suffer a bit?

<ep16v> I mean I have to leave on tour

<ep16v> it sucks not being able to see your family and the
ones you love for 6 months

Comment: Yeah, thats what Jared [Chemlab] said in this interview I read : he hates to leave the ones he loves, and loves to fuck.

[chuckles]

Question: What do you miss most on tour? Family?

Question: Do you think the fact that it's been so long since your last release that it might cause problems?

<ep16v> that is a really smart question. I don't know, it's a
possibility, I think it will be worth the wait though.

Question: Yeah, Eric: you RELIGIOUS?

<ep16v> NO

Question: Do you think that touring as much as you do has been the key to your success so far?

<ep16v> Erie and everyone, I think this record will be the BEST we've ever done, 14 songs, engineering by Bill Kennedy and Joe Bishara,

<Erie of Luxt> cool!

<ep16v> erie, absolutely, we (in the past) have had virtually no help from our "label", we built this ourselves and we are proud of that.

Question: Eric: what advice would you give for a newer band that uses guitars prominantly as well as electronics in an often guitar-unfriendly "scene"

<ep16v> I would say this, there is no rules... if you don't love your music, quit right now, think of it like this, everyone is against you until they prove they're not, it sounds bitter I know, but it kinda has to be.

Comment: thanks, maybe I am not crazy after all

<Erie of Luxt> I don't think the "scene" is guitar-unfriendly at all. Most of the "guitar-unfriendiness" is a lot of rumor and opinon from elitists on RMI.

<Erie of Luxt> Eric: I have this theory, that touring is just about the only way that a band can really have some control over their publicity, because labels tend to drop the ball so often (whim, opinion etc.). Does this sound right or wrong?

Comment: IT sounds like you guys all need a GOOD PUBLICiST! Separate from the LABEL

<Erie of Luxt> Yeah...
<Erie of Luxt> YEAH!
<Erie of Luxt> Labels suck.
<Erie of Luxt> :(

<ep16v> Erie, right, for indies, for majors, it's like you give your product to them and they take over.

<Erie of Luxt> Yeah....
<Erie of Luxt> :P
<Erie of Luxt> Seems to me that the majors are sitting back waiting for the "next big thing" to slam their hooks into. could be why the "record industry" is suffering it's first major slump since 1980 right now

<ep16v> erie, let's look at the reality of it, we sold 7000 wisdom, 8000 skin, and 14,000 let down crush, on RMI etc., ldc is our most guitar album so i think it's a small group of people complaining about guitars

<Erie of Luxt> YES!
<Erie of Luxt> And there is your "proof" right there!

<ep16v> Erie, I know about this I have been working on the other side, at warner bros. records, the biggest label on earth, here's the deal, the next big thing always has a backlash, they have lost track of their markets and don't know what they are doing, people are getting smarter and they don't know how to make up for it.

<Erie of Luxt> Damn!

Question: Eric - When I used to go into RMI, Whenever someone offered to sell a used LDC [Let Down Crush], you always offered to buy it from them.. Any particular reason besides wanting to keep whats yours?

<ep16v> I just thought it was funny me buying my cd from them.

Comment: Eric - Ahh.. just remebered that when I saw you on tour last, LDC was sold out.. *shrug* thought you may be trying to replenish stock ;-) j/kidding

Question: where did you get the 16 Volt method name?

<ep16v> I had this side project back in 90 with a guy who was a rodie for Ministry, he had neck surgery and he had this erector set on his head, we named our side project six volt bolts, my main thing was called pgm, it just later became 16volt, it's a motorcylce thing

<Erie of Luxt> I used to think that, but I think the internet needs to be sooo much faster for anything to be viable enough.

<Erie of Luxt> hahahha

Question: Erie: faster?

<Erie of Luxt> Transfer of data for "soundclips", encryption for credit card transactions, etc.

<Erie of Luxt> I totally agree with your theories. But I've tried something similar to that in the past, and they simply do not work (so far.) And the best reasons I could find at the time, are that the web isn't advanced enough. People won't sit through a bunch of graphics etc.

<Erie of Luxt> That's why we took all the "cool" neato graphics out of our webpages. We keep text between graphics so you can read while they load

<ep16v> I sorta disagree, cdnow is great but i don't think it's gonna end the record industry is proven channel's of distribution

Comment: distribution is just making the album available. Credit cards are a thing of the present, in fact Porn sites have been using credit cards for years

<Erie of Luxt> also, strange but true, that people don't take new ideas seriously. Only the tried and true bullshit.

<ep16v> labels are like any other big business, they don't like changes

<Erie of Luxt> That's basically it.

<ep16v> hey, mike and krayge are here they wanted to say hi

<Erie of Luxt> People still like to shop in stores.

Comment: hi mike and krayge!!!

<Erie of Luxt> lo mike & krayge!

Comment: SAY Hi TO THEM FOR ME Eric!

Question: if you had the resources (distribution, start-up cash, etc.) do you think having your own label is a good or bad idea?

<ep16v> I would start my own label today, but to do it right, you need millions.

<Erie of Luxt> yeah...
<Erie of Luxt> millions is right...

<Erie of Luxt> Eric: how does one go about getting "sponsored" by equipment manufacturers? Sales?

<ep16v> erie, it's a total "who you know thing", that's all it helps if you have major distribution, they like that, and touring is a major factor.

<ep16v> basically, they give you gear if they think you'll help them make people wan't to buy it, they think like this= kids go see 16volt,16volt is using peavy amps kids wan't peavy amps.

Comment: ep16v; i gotta go,.. it was nice meeting you,..
Heh,. this made a pretty good bday for me,..

<ep16v> take care.

Comment: ep16v; thanks man,.. stay true to the guitar,. .

<Erie of Luxt> Eric: is it really hard to keep touring as much as you do? Especially monetarily for the other band members etc.?

<ep16v> Erie, it was at first, we got it down now, I love touring

<ep16v> Erie, true, the most important thing is a good booking agent

<Erie of Luxt> Ack! Tell me about it. good luck finding a good booking agent.

Comment: I can afford to tape together a tour...just cant afford to miss work :P

<Erie of Luxt> it's not easy.
<Erie of Luxt> A good van is very important.
<Erie of Luxt> What is it about touring? When you're out there, it seems so gruelling, but soon as you're done, you wanna go again!

<ep16v> erie, I remember you saying that......it's true, I don't know for me after awhile I just got used to it,

<Erie of Luxt> yeah...

Question: yeah how many tours you gotta book yourself before you can find a booking agent?

<Erie of Luxt> good question.

Question: what's the bookie's cut

<ep16v> 15

<Erie of Luxt> bookers get 15%

Question: heh how come the ones that do so little get so much

Question: but clubs front 50% of the guarantee first right?

<Erie of Luxt> All companies make something good.

<ep16v> booking agent 15%, manager 10-20%, label 90%, lawyer 0-40%

Comment: bands get -20%.

Question: Bands can get a guarantee?

<ep16v> if your bigger you can ask for 50% deposit

<ep16v> yes clubs front 50% if your worth it:-)

Question: Eric: are you on the mission u.k tribute cd chase is putting out?

<ep16v> no

<ep16v> NO MORE COVERS!

Comment: I want to be a booking agent!

<ep16v> I am willing to bet money that you'd quit in a few weeks :-)

<Sin-tek2> Eric: I started Last Sigh with nothing....I make nothing, I work on it every day, I spend money to do this for server, cds, tours, my time which is HOURS a week..... have three kids, teach..... it cant get much worse than that

Comment: cause sinnie-mum is bout it bout it

<ep16v> sounds familiar!

Question: How do you start getting booked?

<ep16v> blowing them is a good start........(joke)

<Erie of Luxt> Ack!

Comment: gotta suck the schlong

<Erie of Luxt> Sinnie would be a good booking agent.

<Erie of Luxt> :)

Comment: and if you swallow they knock it down to 10% LOL

<ep16v> HA

<Erie of Luxt> ack!

Question: What about the %'s in remixes?

<ep16v> I never take points (%) on remixes. Up front fee
<ep16v> most people don't

<Erie of Luxt> Yeah, most remixers I've talked to get paid up front. End of story.

Question: Eric, do you have any offspring?

<ep16v> no kids just a manager to keep after!

Comment: I thought the manager babysat you

Question: So what happened to Filth colvmn? money probs?

Comment: fcr [Fifth Colvmn Records] moved to md [Maryland]

* sin-tek2 would like to Sin-cerely THANK everyone who showed up tonight!

Question: Eric: is there gonna be another "carla's tarantula" kind of track on the new cd?

<ep16v> If something comes up that we feel everyone should hear and laugh

<ep16v> ok, I need to get going

Comment: cya Eric

<ep16v> Any last minutes?

<Erie of Luxt> bye Eric!

Comment: Thanks Eric!

*** W has changed the topic on channel #liveonline to Live chat with Eric POWELL of 16VOLT Thursday, Feb 19th (at) 6pm Pacific Time. (http://www.waste.org/lastsigh)

<Erie of Luxt> Thanks!

Sin-tek2: THANKS VOLTS Eric errr...TONS

Comment: hope there is a tour soon!

<ep16v> so here is the obvious: our website: www.16volt.com - email: mail (at) 16volt.com

<ep16v> check our website for news and tour dates.

<Erie of Luxt> bye

*** Signoff: <Erie of Luxt> (Leaving)

<ep16v> Thanks everbody, I really appreciate your time

*** Signoff: ep16v (it's a good day to be a horndog)

*** Signoff: sin-tek2 (see ya mutha fuckas)

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