SCAD Radio’s music director Hailey Feller interviewed SCAD band La Chonk at a show on October 30th. It took place at the beloved Diner on Abercorn
Q: What made you guys want to start a band?
A: Initially we were in our dorm room and it was the beginning of college, we didn’t know how to get any female attention. So we thought, well maybe we should start playing some instruments. We realized that if you just play instruments s***** then girls will still come after you. I didn’t play bass until I started the band. We didn’t think we’d get this far, if I’ll be honest with you.
Q: Who are your musical inspirations? Who have you been obsessing over lately?
A: Fred Durst. Big fans of Fred Durst. I’ve seen his new movie “The Fanatic,” it was fantastic, John Travolta freaking killed it. In addition to Fred Durst, Rob Zombie, we’re just trying to do that. Suicidal Tendencies and J. Cole as well. Shoutout to the new “Year of the Knife” album, he recorded it in our dorm room. To be honest, really, we were just chilling with Jimi Hendrix one day and Tom Petty, and they were like, “Y’all are the most talented people we’ve ever met” and it was just a few days after learning our instruments. They told us that the world needs more music about the issues that really matter, so that’s what we’re out here trying to do. Not enough people are talking about homosexual stuff, big issue right now, and cars. That’s what we’re out here for. We’re just about bringing people together and having a good time.
Q: You guys got pretty popular after performing at the talent show, are you guys grateful for what Paula Wallace has given you guys?
A: I wasn’t a member of the band at the point of the talent show, so I went up to the guys and was like, “I’m gonna mosh, I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna mosh.” They were like, “ For legal safety reasons, we do not suggest that you mosh.” But I did it anyway, I moshed, jumped off the stage, and getting second place in the People’s Choice Awards, I really think that helped us give a boost. Really we’re just out here trying to spread the gospel about how freaking good Denny’s chili is (and ice cream). If you check out our Instagram, we had a lovely conversation with Paula Wallace, herself, and Miss Wallace, we would love to collaborate on a music video with you. Also, we are looking for an official declaration that we are officially the worst band in Savannah, and we would like you [Paula Wallace] to arrange that. If not that’s okay, we’ll keep studying for our midterms [which passed].
Q: What’s next for La Chonk? Any new music?
A: Our album was halted by a big event that happened recently, there was a fire in our apartment, it burned all of our instruments. We had to build them together with brick and mortar. We were all heartbroken. The bass is actually made out of ramen noodles. You know those videos where people repair everything with ramen, that’s what we had to do with all our instruments. Good as new. We actually have a 5 song Christmas EP coming out. Titles may include: “Traditional Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” “Nog Season,” “Quarantine for Christmas,” and “Open on Christmas.”
Check out their music on Spotify & Apple Music.
Follow them on Instagram @la_chonk.
