Take three totally cool and talented young womyn and put ‘em together with a crusty kid and listen to a ton of Bikini Kill and Sleater Keaney. What does that make? The Pink Slips. Easily one of thee best bands to come out Bismarck since I’ve been around. They recorded a CD at Promise 57 studios in Minot last summer and it should be out any day now (hint hint). Email them to get them to play Minot more!!! Interview done via email by XB.J.X before they recorded.
Who is in the band, what instrument do they play, and how old?
krystle, 19, guitar & vocals. kelly, 22, guitar & vocals. brookie the cookie, 17, drums and cutes. elija, 19/20 (he'll never tell us when his birthday is), bass & penis
Favorite movie and/or Star Wars character?
Krystle: All Over Me and anything Twin Peaks are among my favorites to watch, and I’m not too fond of star wars so I can't answer to that one.
K: I don't have a favorite movie. I have a favorite type of movie. The ones I watched when I was a kid give me a fabulous maternal feeling. Like ...Time Bandits, Brazil, The Keep, The Little Prince, Wizards, Barbarella, Conan the Barbarian and Destroyer, The Phantom Tollbooth, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Rocky Horror, Every Thing You've Ever Wanted To Know About Sex, But We're Afraid To Ask, Star Wars, Finian's Rainbow, Cloak And Dagger, and lots of stuff every one else thinks sucks.
Where is the band from?
KR: we all started out in the multi cultured and prosperous town of bizzo. Then, we still lived here. Sometimes one of us would move around to a different place HERE. We are all still together, though.
How did the band form and how long has it been together?
KR: it started when, back in "the day", Kelly asked my good friend Lonnie to play guitar in a band she was looking to start. Lonnie told her she should ask me 'cause I was a guitarist looking for a band. I met her, and we jammed in Lonnie’s room with Lonnie on bass. Then, we found punk josh, and he decided to play drums with us vaginas. We had fun with 4 songs for over a year due to the bass player/drummer feuding. Kelly and I wanted to take things a little farther than that, so we asked cookie (who had been playing with vertigo) to drum for us. Elijah was found drunken on a street corner, we thought he looked cute, and so we kidnapped him and forced him to play bass for us. The pinks have been rocking' hard for about a year and a half I think.
Where did the band's name come from?
KR: Kelly and I, back in "the day", used to be called miss communication. I came up with that one in a telephone conversation with her, and she claims she never liked it. Really, I think all our problems stem from that fact-hee, hee. When cookie and elija joined on, we decided it was time for a change. Kelly had always had the pink slips idea, and I hated it. We needed a name that day 'cause we were playing our first show in only days. I agreed "for now", but I guess it just stuck. No complaints here.
K: It was all a plot to piss Krystle off. I was like, wow, this name would make her hemorrhage. Actually, Krystle and Me used to be in a band called Miss Communication, with two of our friends. Stupid stuff happened and we broke up then reformed later. And we needed a new name. I was looking at a folder at school and saw my sketch of a woman's legs as she danced out of her job after being fired. And Below it I wrote Pink Slip. Krystle at the time liked the name and we took it. Now I think she wants the Pussy Queefs, or Dildoe -a -Go-Go.
How does the song writing process go? Is there a formula you use?
KR: oh, shit yeah! When my parents go outta town (quite often), Kelly comes over and we work shit out with our guitars, a mini tape player, and practice amps. One of us will start out with a riff, and the other will come up with a cool part. It goes back and forth between our guitars like that. Then, I usually put everything together into some sort of a format, and Kelly and I add vocals. After we record it onto a mini tape, we'll drive all over town and find cookie and elija at some party, and then we'll play them the tape. They are usually so drunk that they love the song more than 'smells like teen spirit'. The next day, we'll go to cookie's and show the penis what we've got. I’ll usually interpret Kelly’s guitar into a bass line, and cookie doesn't need to be told shit 'cause she's way too good to take orders.
K: Krystle and me work them together. Some times I think up a song and she adds the other part, other times vice versa. Brooke's drums affect the songs drastically. And Elija is our muse. I'm not musically trained but Krystle is. Whatever non-sense comes out of my head she structures in a song with her guitar part. Our guitars are lovers! Kiss-kiss! Christians some times piss me off, but not for their religion. I don't like it when someone thinks that they're some how superior to you just because they go to church. Being an awesome person is sooo much more than that, being kind and polite. Some times it means making a spectacle so others can see a fault. Sacrificing you dignity for the better of some one else. Saying what's not always cool, but true. I am against the fact that you can get more time for vandalism than rape. Not having stricter stalking legislation. Equal pay for equal work. Legalizing the use of stem cell blood to help people suffering from Parkinson's, diabetes, paralysis and many others. Ageism and reverse Ageism. Our anti-fat generation of body obsessed narcissists. And of course, as a woman dealing with a handicap, I hope kids see that they don't have to spend their lives behind a desk watching life go by.
What are yr thoughts on the latest presidential election?
KR: I don't like socialism, and communism is the worse thing that follows socialist views. The two parties of this country are venturing farther and farther away from what they used to stand for. Though there are these so called "third parties", I refuse to vote for any one of them due to their radical, skewed views and unrealistic expectations and/or ideas. I will say that this fucking "liberal media" better lay the fuck off the guy who actually IS our president so this county can stop self-destructing. People need to read and look more into things and facts that our bias media won't disclose or be honest about. I don't call myself democrat (= socialist) I don't call myself republican (= conservative catholic) I merely call myself happy to live in the cleanest country with the most opportunities and freedoms.
K: NadEr. Give Nader a chance. People think the word radical means a fanatically fucked up person. But with out radicals, there wouldn't be electricity, phones, or atomic theory.
Do you put yr political views in yr lyrics, or is it on a more personal level?
KR: our lyrics are totally abstractly written. They could be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the individual. We don't really write about political things 'cause we wanna keep the band a fun, less serious thing. Our lyrics are just cute and fun. They’re about freaking out and having cute, innocent playtime. We like singing "baby". Just for the record could I say "cute" again!!!
K: A little of both. More personal though usually. Right now I'm working on a song about a kiddy rapist who hangs out at the mall that still hasn't been put in jail despite he has raped several little kids. The laws are not strict enough for sex offenders.
Are you ever gonna tour? KR: not until some of the other members get cars and/or jobs. No money. No transportation. No big time record deal.
What do you prefer: Bigger clubs with larger crowds & huge stages, or smaller clubs with decent sized crowds & a cozy little stage right next to the people?
KR: AH! Totally smaller, cozy shit. My favorite shows are basement shows and the liberty! I hate being put up higher than people only to be gawked at and put on the spot. I like the crowd to be close and just as much a part of the show than we are. ah..
K: The second choice. You can see the kids individually. It's like a big O' party! Pizza! Chips! Soda pop! Dancing! Are you insane baby? Small crowds are better. Then again, when the fuck have we ever filled a big club?
Are you working on any new recordings? If so, when will it becoming out?
KR: well, we are set up to record at promise 57 studios from July 30- august 2 thanks to Cory’s generosity. Not sure when to expect it out. We’ll keep everyone posted.
What are the band's plans for the future?
KR: not sure about that one. I do know for sure that we'll all be here for another year to play, but after that cookie and me will be out west.
Do you think a band's location affects their chances of gaining mass acceptance and success?
KR: yeah, I think location has a lot to do with it. Success=the right style for the masses. A country band would be loathed in the seedy Portland scene just as much as they hated the pink slips when we played in Carson, nd. I think the biggest thing these days is the fact that no one has an interest in music as much as they used to. There are no original or revolutionary sounds coming out anymore, so people are getting bored, buying rap and boy bands, and saying goodbye to the real songwriters. This makes it almost impossible for any legitimate band to "make it". We need to find a band to pump people up with again. The next "nirvana" if you will. hee, hee, hee
K: Yes because you can have a really suck ass band in California and be a complete fashionable twit with no originality and fill out a whole stadium with little sheep! Oh, sorry. That's not any thing personal at all... Oh that and North Dakota is synonymous with crap and California means "Home of the Germs and X"
What are yr thoughts on the state of the punk/hardcore scenes today? What are yr thoughts on punk bands being on MTV?
KR: wow. That would take me days to answer, so I’ll give you the abridged version. Punk=fashion. Hardcore=testosterone. The people that are into the music don't have a definition. I hate definitions. It’s all about labeling, stereotyping, and pigeon-holding people into one category. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, but some of those people in bands should learn to practice for another year before they try to venture into the "scene" to accomplish being cool. I think it's too much about the image and who can act more like
their heroes. We should do it from the heart and let those before us be guides to finding our true style. The scenes are gradually dying down (or so has been apparent to me within the last 5 years). I think this is because people who don't fit the "definition" feel outta place going to shows. We need to get all sorts of people involved and make them feel comfortable enjoying the music no matter what they look like or believe. Us jaded youth must stick together and find some common ground. The ones that are on mtv are totally generic sounding and shitty. They’re not even punk if we wanna divulge that one. It’s watered down. They’re an embarrassment. The same chord progressions have been used over and over and over, etc. every time I see an act on mtv it's like
I’m watching them beat a dead horse with their guitars. Also, the egos are getting to be too much to deal with.
K: They should have a dance and listen to ABBA. Kidding. The scenes need more support from people like our B.J. I don't think about mtv. And I try not to capitalize the word mtv to show a lack of respect to audio-video crap. What ever that meant.
With the world’s politics hitting more close to home with the formation of the WTO and IMF, what are yr views on mass capitalism and a global trade system?
K: Well the WTO is "helping" China destroy Tibet by developing factories that will pollute land which has never been developed before and isn't even theirs. I forgot what the IMF is. I'd like to ask some one, but that would be cheating. Capitalism sucks, go back to the bartering system. I am trying to learn more about politics.
Are any members of THE PINK SLIPS vegan/vegetarian? How long? Reasoning?
KR: no way! I used to be, but my hair fell out and my nails were soft. Kelly can't be 'cause she's got blood sugar difficulties. Mostly, none of us can afford that lifestyle 'cause it takes time and energy to keep yourself healthy. I was anemic for a while, too. Also, I don't think any cow will be solving any major world problems any time soon.
Who would you cite as major influences (i.e. authors, artists,
musicians/bands, etc.)?
KR: of course, SLEATER-KINNEY, but only 'cause of Carrie’s hips. I almost cried when I saw that pelvis action live. Oh, yeah... I think we write songs in a lot of the same way as s.k. I admire their style a lot. Other than that, we get a lot of energy from various indie fem. girl bands (i.e. bratmobile, the need, bikini kill, etc.). I also really enjoy a lot of pop art, though that doesn't really influence the band.
K: I grew up listening to Mozart, musicals and ABBA. The oldies are fucking great. Bikini Kill opened me up like a gynecologist! And I will never go back. Author includes Madeline L. Engle, Ambrose Brierce, Yates, Poe, Plath and other stuff. And they said I was weird.
Do you support NAPSTER and other file sharing internet programs? Yr views?
KR: well, all I can say is that if my songs were up there and people were downloading them instead of buying our cd, I’d be pissed. It’s a totally free thing, and that's cool for the kids, but there are some people that also need to make a living. I don't wanna put any cool bands out of the market. (However, metalica is a totally separate discussion.)
K: If I give you a tape of Metalica music I dubbed for you, would the drummer come get me?
What pushes you to write the music you play? What drives you to live the way you live and sing the songs that you sing?
KR: the reason I started guitar in the first place was to form a band. I didn't even want to play for myself. I wanted to share my ideas and passions with others. I always knew I was different, and I didn't embrace the idea of the typical white cheerleading girl in private catholic school. It was a rebellion thing, but somewhere along the way I found my niche. I was so rejected my whole life by others I looked up to. I was so denounced by my family, that I needed to seek love from others that had none like me. I live the way I do because the people I’m close with are more to me than friends. They are my family. They are my sense of acceptance, belonging, and courage. I think all the exceptions to the rule just find each other some way or another. We’re all on a common ground. You won't find family like that in any other group of people.
K: Mostly depression baby! Or some fucking epiphany that just recently hit me. I 'vet always been called a weird girl since I was a kid. And I was usually on the out side and down side. And then I lost my hip, which really bit the big one. Then one day at BHS I got really pissed when a kid called me a dork and then informed me that it was cool to be one. Like that was supposed to make millions of fucking teenagers spazz with joy that 16 years of hell has finally paid off by being accepted by the very little shit fucks that inflicted it. I feel strongly about trying to make people feel like they fit in. That's what I want.
Do you think that growing up in North Dakota helped shape the person you are and the music you play?
KR: oh, yeah. We are so isolated out here. It’s a lot easier to be different, so we are. I guess I don't know what else to say.
K: Yeah, Bismarck is a dead town. You either drink, smoke, screw, die, eat, have a craft show, or have a band. The town is very susceptible to gossip and morons. People retaliate with bands.
What bands do you think kids should look out for? Bands that blow you away?
KR: sadly enough, there aren't really any that have caught my attention in a while. Le Tigre comes to mind along with Gloria estefan's greatest hits and the new bon jovie (i hope ya know I’m kidding about that one). I’m still waiting on my new cool band to surface. Oh, but the dogfaced hermans is something to really get into. They’re weird ass shit.
K: Dog Faced Hermans, Liliput, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Pig Face, The Need, The Headcoatees, ABBA that's right, ABBA, and any thing by Rosemary Clooney. As you can see, I try to name obscure bands to make other people feel below me! Kidding.
Any advice for the kids in the scenes of the world?
KR: just get involved as much as possible. Try to spread the word to as many kids as possible that the scene is for anyone if they're open-minded with an urge to have fun. If you don't like something about your scene, get up and make an effort to correct it. If you don't like the music, form your own band and make a difference. Drink beer. (hee, hee, hee)
K: No one's gonna understand your music automatically. Use that as your leverage.
How would one go about contacting you (i.e. mailing address, email address, website address, booking contact)?
KR: well, I am at crystal_stockert@hotmail.com, and our web page is at http://www.angelfire.com/band/thepinkslips We don't have a mailing list or fan club 'cause we don't really have a following. If anyone wants shows down here, they can contact the penis or myself. We’ll set ya up!
K: If you wait at Wal-Mart long enough, you'll find me. Email me at walkietalkie_@hotmail.com