Amy Gore and the Squires Smokin' Joe Leone-drums; Leann Banks-bass, vocals; Jackson Smith-guitar; Amy Gore-guitar, vocals
With Amy Gore and Jackson Smith aboard, who's to argue? But don't call this mutha a supergroup.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
Amy Gore: "Diana," in Pretty in Pink. It's a pop song sung from Ducky's point of view. Classic!
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Free pierogis tomorrow!
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Billy Haley. See you later, alligator!
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
I like Nikki Corvette and also the Meltdowns.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
None of them! I don't tryst, I twist. —Brett Callwood
Saturday, 10:20 p.m. G of C Lounge
End trails Zac Folk and Martin Layne-drums; Kyle-bass; Callert-guitar; Jake Hicks-guitar; Ryan Felton-vocals
End Trails joins Deastro's Thursday showcase, and are as experimental as they are gutsy. Let's delve deeper...
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
The second song on our 7-inch we just self-released, called "I'm Not Headed Where I Should Be Going" for Gone With the Wind because, just like that movie, the song is an over-the-top musical production that will go down in history as one of the greatest things ever made.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Punk paczki heaven.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
John Lee Hooker because he wrote a ridiculous amount of incredible songs.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
The Detroit Cobras, Carradine, Kommie Kilpatrick, the Bill Bondsmen, Human Eye, the Terrible Twos, Destroy This Place and Swimsuit.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
Small's seems pretty cozy. —Brett Callwood
Thursday, 1:20 a.m. at Paycheck's
Lettercamp Liz Wittman-vocals, guitar; Matt Lannoo-guitar; Derek Dorey-bass guitar; Pan!c-drums, synth
We know how you crushed out on Liz Wittman and Lettercamp this year. No need for the shame, hombre. She and the boys bind together electro-sultry-pop that lingers the same way catching a slight sight of a garter strap does.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
I think "Failure" would work really well as the score for a documentary about my bank account. I can give you 100 reasons why it would work ... er ... -100 reasons ... wait for it ... -135 reasons.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011
Hamtramck! Hamtramck! Hamtram(hiccup)ck...
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Casimer Pascal. Because he is a musical genius, genuine person, and handsome devil.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
Prussia. Prussia is the best band.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
I don't want to give away all the good secret spots, but there is this bathroom in the Gates of Columbus Lounge that is barely ever in use and pretty hidden, not that'd I know about bathroom trysts or anything. —Travis R. Wright
Wednesday, 11:45 p.m. at the Magic Stick.
Lord Scrummage Beat and sequencing technicians: David Rosman, Conor Edwards, Alex Lauer
Grovel, bitches: All hail Lord Scrummage! Presiding over Detroit's domain of all things boom-bap-blip, Lord Scrummage is a ménage a trois doing their thing behind a table that looks like Radio Shack exploded all over it. They click buttons and twist knobs, and out comes something effervescent. It ain't Detroit techno. It ain't "wave" of any sort. It's not blanketed electro pop. It's Lord Scrummage, and you will submit.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
We would want our song "Clyde Moop, How Did You Know" to play during the credits of Tom Hanks' masterwork "Turner and Hooch," because the song, like the movie, reflects the emotional bond between a man and his pooch.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Amar Pizza No. 1!
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Obviously, our first choice would be Kid Rock, for the sloppy seconds, but a very close second-place pick would have to be actor and folk legend Jeff Daniels, to help align us with our folk roots.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
There are so many great bands to choose from, but we would have to say it's a tie between our friends from Athens, Ga., called Bird Names and our hometown homies Aphasiacs. They are two of the most original bands we've seen lately, and both put on a great show.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
We got some of our best blowouts in the Atlas Bar bathroom. —Travis R. Wright
Saturday, 1:20 a.m. at Paycheck's.
Rogue Satellites Jaye Thomas-vocals, guitar, sequencing; Regan Lorie-vocals, sequencing; Larry Campbell-drums
Blowout's packed with twosomes and trios this year and Hamtramck-based super duo/trio the Rogue Satellites are one of the best going. I'm not wrong. Show up and fact-check me.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film? What's that film and why would it work?
We just recorded a song called "Le Petit Reve" that makes me think of a Lukas Moodysson film called Mammoth. They share this sort of quiet gravity; the song in its deliberate pacing and stripped-down arrangement, the film in stark static frames of beautiful, brooding characters.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
"Zimne Piwo." It's a built-in campaign; the signs are already in place all over town.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
I'd love to have a synth orgy with Juan Atkins. Cerebral electro-funk-power-pop, anyone?
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
Too many to name! Illy Mack, Pewter Cub, Fur, Duende!, Man at Arms, Hi Speed Dubbing, Marco Polio & the New Vaccines, Forget, TARE, Conspiracy of Owls, Electric Lion Soundwave Experiment. That's the beauty of the Blowout: It's a one-stop shop of excellent live music.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
Not that I know from experience, but the Belmont's ladies' room has those nice, roomy stalls... —Travis R. Wright
Saturday, 12:40 a.m. at Skipper's.
The Ashleys Handsome Tom-guitar, vocals; Dreamy Steve-drums, vocals
Blowout's big on your wanting to hear bands you've yet to. You've heard of them, but haven't had the pleasure. Well, performing aural service just for you are the Ashleys — also known as "that one band I keep hearing about." And yes, these lo-fi revivalists are indeed another duo.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
Tom: "In My Sights" set to the opening credits of Vanishing Point, the 1971 original. It syncs up great with the trailer, with car chases, babes and a complete disregard for human life. I'm pretty sure that's what we're known for. That and our quilt collection.
Steve: I think "Barney (Put the Gun Down)" would work great for the beginning of The Lion King. It's got car chases, babes and a complete disregard for human life.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Hamtramck: Great Potatoes. Tasty Destinations.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Tom: Tito Jackson. I'm sure he's available and could use the work. Or Jackie Wilson. I've been skating by on my handsomeness for way too long.
Steve: Miss Aretha Franklin could really class up our act.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
Tom: I'm going to give it to JSB Squad
Steve: Beekeepers — a truly wicked band.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
The Painted Lady; it has that danger factor. —Travis R. Wright
Saturday, 10:20 at Kelly's Bar.
Patrick Davy & the Ghosts Patrick Davy-guitar, vocals; Adam Padden-bass and vocals; Will Shatteck-drums
None of Davy's bandmates are dead, and they do create some nice, Neil Young-esque noise.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
Patrick Davy: "On My Mind" with Wet Hot American Summer because it reminds me of a good, tasteless montage song.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Hamtramck: Where the streetlights work.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
My brother Matthew. I miss singing with him.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
I like the Ashleys a lot.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
Kelly's seems right. —Brett Callwood
Thursday, 10:40 p.m. at Whiskey in the Jar
Smash Television Jah Connery-beats, raps; Leaf Erikson-raps
Meet Smash Television, a beer-loving rap duo comprised of Ypsi rapper-producer Jah Connery and Detroit demi-legend emcee Leaf Erikson. There's something undeniably late '90s about their brand of hip-hop, in the Def Jux vein. The tunes are hard enough and fun enough to be pulled off as a don't-miss Blowout show.
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
The joint "2012" would work perfect with the film A Boy and His Dog. When everything else is burning, sexual conquest is all that remains.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Hamtramck: Everyone's the minority!
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Iggy Pop would be dope. We enjoy being provocative live, but that dude would set it the hell off.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
I've seen Zoos of Berlin — very impressive. Such an intense sound from a group of guys who appear demure while rocking your fucking face off.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
When I lived in Hamtramck, I lived on Yemans. Many nights were spent with my hand propping myself upright on the questionable walls of the Whiskey in the Jar. —Travis R. Wright
Thursday, 10:20 p.m. at Gates of Columbus Hall.
Conspiracy of Owls Johnny Lzr-synth; Adam Cox-vocals, synth; Steve Nawara-guitar, vocals; Magic Jake Culkowski-bass; Mark Fellis-drums; John Krautner-vocals, guitar; Bobby Harlow-vocals, guitar
Besides being a band from Detroit featuring local superstars, what exactly is the Conspiracy of Owls? Yeah, I don't know either, but my best guess is that the band moniker is a similar reaction to the suppuration of owls stuck to every-other-indie-thing circa 2004. For reference, see Portlandia's "Put a bird on it!" skit. First read this:
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
We feel that "Ancient Robots" should have been the theme to Robocop. Kinda like, "Hey Grandpa, I mean Robocop, why don't you and C3PO go play some shuffleboard or something." It would work because topical humor is so hilarious.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
"Hamtramck: The only place in Detroit where the cops are kinda dicky." Oh wait, forgot about the Wayne State police. Nevermind.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Edgar Winter. Oh, shit, I guess Edgar Winter isn't from Detroit.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
There's a lot of talent this year at the Blowout, so we plan on making it to every performance at every bar for all three days. You say it's not possible? We say bring it, you turkey.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
Well, it used to be JAG, but due to the growing popularity of glory holes, it has become too hard to decide. —Travis R. Wright
Saturday, 10 p.m. at Gates of Colombus Hall.
Butt Babies Alex Leonard-vocals, drums; Greg Ahee-vocals, guitar; Scott Davidson-bass
Visit their website and you'll find weird art and some weirder tunes. So who the hell are the Butt Babies?
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
Alex Leonard: We don't think our music would be appropriate for a film. There are people who score films professionally and we think it should be left up to them.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Home of the diving-board Pope
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
My dad says Eminem. He also said Aretha Franklin because she's fat as shit.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
Damned Dogs, Human Eye, Secret Twins, and Terrible Twos.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
I'm pretty sure I heard a guy getting a blow job in the Atlas Bar bathroom, they ran in there, locked the door, and didn't come out for five minutes. We're headlining Atlas Bar for a reason. —Brett Callwood
Saturday, 1 a.m. at the Atlas Bar
Robin Goodfellow
Onstage, they put pyramids on their heads and look like some sort of cult. Offstage, well, they talk like they're a cult. Meet Robin Goodfellow.
Nathaniel Francis Burgundy IV (Vox Humana/Music of The Spheres); A. P. "Thrice Great" MacKinnon (Prisca Theologia/The Emerald Tablet)
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
"The Five Points" from our second EP could be played in conjunction with the 1922 silent Swedish occult documentary Haxan, though I'd prefer it played backward to reveal our backmasked message extolling the cuisine of Taco Bell.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Hamtramck: The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Sucka.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Suzi Quatro circa 1973, because — look at her!
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
The Detroit Party Marching Band, for sure.
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
Whichever has the fewest STDs floating around, I suppose. I think you'd have to do some fumigating first. —Brett Callwood
Thursday, 10 p.m. at the Mars Bar
The Grateful Dads
Featuring MT's very own Chris Handyside — he who co-founded the Hamtramck Blowout — the Grateful Dads have one of the cutest monikers in all of Blowout. Rumors that people tour the country with the Dads and get high in the parking lot are greatly exaggerated.
Michael Meade-vocals; Chris Handyside-drums; Jude Closson-guitar; Eric Wedge-bass; Mike Enright-guitar; James Hanks-trombone, vocals; Matt Twomey-sax, vocals; Jim Michalak- vocals, percussion; Dale Gaden-percussion
What song of yours would you want played as the credits of a film. What's that film and why would it work?
Chris Handyside: King Usznewicz's "Surfin' School" over the end credits of Jesus Camp just to lighten the "oh, WTF was that?!" mood.
What's your best city slogan for Hamtramck in 2011?
Hamtramck: A Meat and Potatoes Kinda Town.
Which Detroit music legend would you add to your group, and why?
Mick Collins, 'cause he knows how to slay a cover song and can sing like a lion.
Who's the best artist/band (other than yours) playing Blowout?
Toss-up: Greg Cartwright or whatever the Scrummage guys are doing!
What Blowout bar bathroom is best for a hasty drunken tryst?
The one at Small's locks, right?
Saturday, 9:40 p.m. at Skipper's
