crustcake: Crustcake Interviews Intronaut

Just days after the official announcement came that they had signed with Century Media, hometown heros Intronaut dropped into Relax Bar for an intimate gig with their most devoted fans and their best friends.

The friendly crowd welcomed back Sacha Dunable & Co. with open arms and a healthy dose of comedic heckling. Many in the crowd-- obviously familiar faces for the band-- offered up witty outbursts like "play the good one," "play the hit," or "did you spend the CM advance on that new button up shirt?", and Sacha and crew playfully heckled back.

As the night approached the bewitching hour, Intronaut, feeling very comfortable in front of the friendly crowd, decided to grace our ears with a new song that had only been completed four days prior. Oh my shit! It killed-- they had yet to put lyrics to it, but the wall of sound and intricate groove of the doom-ladened song left me wanting more. If this is what we can expect from Intronaut's much-anticipated Century Media debut, don't be surprised if said album ends up in my 'Top Albums of 2008' post 11 months from now.

Before all the mayhem began, Sacha and I discussed music, beer, Wesley Willis, planet pornography, and the best spots in LA to find his trademark 'ladykiller' button-ups.

Crustcake: According to your MySpace page, Intronaut sounds like "planets mating." Two questions: 1.) Have you actually heard (or seen) planets mating? 2.) Do you think there is a market for "planet porn"?

Sacha Dunable: 1. Yes, I have actually seen planets mating... What the fuck do you think, dude?

2. I'm sure there is a planet fetish site up somewhere on the web where you can watch videos of guys and girls rolling around in big planet costumes (like those fake sumo outfits) until they coat the inner lining with cum. [ed. note: a half-assed three second search was unable to locate such a glorious site]

What is your preferred format for consumption of recorded music (vinyl, CD, mp3, other) and why?

Honestly, CD. I have always bought vinyl as a collector, but rarely actually threw on records due to the severe inconvenience factor. CDs are easy and they sound good. On the real though, I listen to most of my music on iTunes here at home on the computer. I realize I am robbing myself of about 50% of the frequencies contained in the music, and it almost gives me a headache sometimes, but it's just too easy. I don't own an iPod, though that's more just 'cause I can't afford one.

What are the last five or so albums you purchased? What are the last five albums/songs/bands you listened to?

It's been a while since I've had money to spend on music, but a few months ago I went to Amoeba and bought the Best of TP Orchestre Polyrythmo, Freddie Hubbard - Black Angel, RJD2 - Third Hand, and Earth - Hibernaculum. Every day lately I listen to Andrew Bird, Torche, Do Make Say Think, and Baroness.

I've heard you are a Wesley Willis fan. What's your favorite Wesley Willis song?

We are all huge on Wesley Willis. To pick one song is tough, but some I can think of that come on in the van regularly are Outburst, Bolt Thrower, Fuck With Me And Find Out, and any of the ones where he's like "SUCK A CHEETAH'S DICK! SUCK A KANGAROO'S NASTY ASS BALLS!".

I am considering creating a series of "planet porn" videos. Would Intronaut be interested in recording the soundtrack for these?

Oh, I get it. A joke question. Boy, you sure are funny.

P.S. If you really do this, call me.

You have several shows scheduled with High On Fire, A Life Once Lost, and Saviours in the Midwest and on the west coast. Are you dissing the east coast on purpose?

Yes, they are stupid and talk funny out there so fuck them. No, actually we are only doing the last third of that tour or something, and they will have already hit the east coast with some opening band that isn't nearly as cool as us.

What's the last show you've seen (other than shows that you are on the bill of course) and how was it?

The last show I went to was Behold... The Arctopus with Between The Buried And Me and some band called August Burns Red. Behold... The Arctopus were amazing. I have never seen a band that technical sound exactly like the CD when playing live. One of the best bands on the planet right now for sure. The people I was with wanted to go to Jumbo's so we didn't stay for BTBAM, which I was a little bummed on. I've always wanted to see them. We did however catch August Burns Red's first song, and holy crap, the massive erection I had from seeing Behold was quickly shriveled into something resembling a spicy hot Cheeto. [ed. note: oh, snap!]

Which planet do you find most attractive?

Jupiter. It's all big and gassy, just how I like my women.

I've noticed Leon wearing a 'La Fin Du Monde' shirt in some of Intronaut's photos. I know he is no longer with you guys but I was still wondering, are the rest of you guys beer aficionados? What are each of your favorite beers? Least favorite?

We're not beer dorks if that's what you're asking. La Fin Du Monde is a cool name for a beer, but I don't really like all that heavy stuff. Maybe on a special occasion or something, but usually when I'm going out, I'll just go for a 24 oz Tecate in a can. It's like two bucks, doesn't have an offensive taste, and gets you drunk. Hell, stick a slice of lime in there and you've got yourself some gourmet shit.

In your experience, what is the difference between a European audience vs. American audience regarding heavy bands?

There are some minor differences I noticed, but really it's the same. Some people are into it, some people are jaded, some get drunk and spit while talking two inches from your face. Touring in Europe is much easier. They actually seem to care about taking care of bands out there.

You've recently signed to Century Media records, was it mainly for the pizza party they tend to throw for newly signed bands? Or what persuaded you? (I hope it's pizza)

Definitely not the pizza. Do they still always get Papa John's? Gross. Plus I recently learned that I'm lactose intolerant. We signed with them because in comparison to the other offers we had, theirs was fair and we think it will help us along best at this point in our... "career"?

How do you remedy the the "dude on tour" smell in the van?

You don't. It sucks but you get used to it.

I'm assuming there are some marijuana (aka weed) aficionados in the band. That being said, during your travels, has there been a particular place that has surprised you with amazing bud? Or does California reign supreme?

California really does have the craziest weed. Colorado has always come with it, same with anywhere on the west coast really. Other than that, its like, who has the least shitty weed. The funny part is that people don't know how bad their weed is. We'll be in like Michigan, or New Mexico, and someone will bust out a shopping bag full of brown crap with bugs crawling around in it, claiming it's the best shit in town. Let's just say I'd hate to see their worst.

What is your typical songwriting process like? (for example. Based on jamming; starts with riff, lyrical concept, beers and women)

It's not that interesting. Most songs start with us all jamming out a couple riffs together, then just building a song. For some songs I will write a basic skeleton for an entire song at home and then we iron it out together.

If Intronaut had the chance to set up a tour with any 3 bands (dead or alive), what would they be?

Yes circa 1972, Gorguts circa Obscura, and Meshuggah.