Digest

This podcast features Toby Morse interviewing Timmy Chunks, a musician who transitioned from the hardcore punk scene to becoming a union electrician. The conversation covers Chunks' early life in Queens, NY, his involvement in various bands before and after Token Entry, and the challenges of balancing music with a day job. He details his decision to leave the music industry for the stability of a union electrician position in Los Angeles, highlighting the significant income difference. The interview also explores Chunks' pandemic projects, including the formation of War Camps and Let Rage, and a collaborative effort, Loyalty Non Kill Your Idols. He discusses the unexpected success and eventual dissolution of Let Rage, and the challenges of working in construction during the pandemic, including a nine-month hiatus due to health concerns. Chunks shares his plans for a new, more melodic band, and reflects on his life, his lack of major regrets, and his lifelong sobriety. The conversation touches on his amusing Pepsi tattoo, his enduring love for music, and his experiences touring with Rage Against the Machine and Wu-Tang Clan. The podcast concludes with reflections on the hardcore punk scene, aging, and daily rituals. Throughout the interview, sponsors AG1 and Rockabilly are mentioned, along with a recommendation for tattoo removal services from Removery and a helpline for those struggling with substance abuse.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Appreciation

Toby Morse welcomes listeners to his podcast and expresses gratitude to his long-time supporters and listeners. He explains his preference for informal, unfilmed podcast conversations.

00:01:11

Rockabilly Sponsorship

Toby introduces Rockabilly, a sponsor selling officially licensed merchandise from various artists and bands. He provides a discount code for listeners.

00:02:24

AG1 Sponsorship

Toby discusses the importance of health and wellness, introducing AG1, a nutritional supplement that supports gut health and energy levels. He shares his personal experience with the product and provides a discount code.

00:04:54

Interview with Timmy Chunks - Early Life and Career Beginnings

The interview begins with Toby and Timmy discussing Timmy's early life in Queens, his introduction to punk rock, and his experiences in various bands before Token Entry.

00:21:28

Timmy Chunks - Token Entry and Beyond

The conversation shifts to Timmy's time in Token Entry, including the band's formation, their early struggles, and their eventual success. The challenges of balancing a music career with a regular job are discussed.

00:05:43

Timmy Chunks - Post-Token Entry Career

Timmy discusses his decision to leave the music industry, his time working in the electricians' union, and his eventual return to touring as a drum tech for various bands.

01:14:58

From Touring Musician to Union Electrician

The conversation begins with the guest discussing his transition from a touring musician to a union electrician in Los Angeles, highlighting the significant difference in income and lifestyle, but ultimately finding satisfaction in the stability and benefits of his new career.

01:18:29

Pandemic Projects and Band Formation

The guest details his formation of two bands, War Camps and Let Rage, during and after the pandemic, discussing the challenges faced by musicians during that period and the unexpected joys of bowling.

01:21:18

Let Rage's Success and Dissolution

The discussion shifts to the unexpected success of Let Rage, followed by its eventual end, reflecting on the changing dynamics of the band and the impact of the pandemic on the music scene.

01:22:29

A Pandemic Collaboration: Loyalty Non Kill Your Idols

The guest describes a collaborative project, Loyalty Non Kill Your Idols, created during the pandemic with a long-time friend, highlighting the remote recording process and the resulting three-song cassette demo and Bandcamp releases.

01:24:16

Work During the Pandemic and Health Concerns

The conversation turns to the challenges of working in construction during the pandemic, with the guest detailing his nine-month hiatus due to health concerns and his stringent safety precautions upon returning to work.

01:25:57

Missing Music and Future Plans

The guest expresses his continued love for music and his plans to start a new band, describing the musical style and his desire for a more melodic sound.

01:32:36

The Formation of Redemption 87

The guest recounts the story of joining Redemption 87, highlighting the unexpected circumstances of his recruitment, the band's early success, and the eventual dissolution due to internal conflicts.

01:48:22

Reflections on Life, Regrets, and Sobriety

The conversation shifts to personal reflections, with the guest discussing his lack of major regrets, his lifelong sobriety, and his perspective on aging and the enduring nature of friendships.

01:57:59

The Pepsi Tattoo and Pop Culture

The guest shares an amusing anecdote about his Pepsi tattoo and its unexpected connection to a pop culture book, highlighting his lifelong love for Pepsi.

02:02:17

Daily Rituals, Aging, and the Hardcore Scene

The podcast concludes with a discussion of daily rituals, the guest's perspective on aging, and the enduring appeal and evolution of the hardcore punk scene.

02:17:03

Musical Influences and Career Reflections

Chunks discusses his musical journey, mentioning past projects like Let Rage and War Camps, and expresses his enduring love for music creation. He shares anecdotes about touring and working with various bands, highlighting his experiences with the Beastie Boys and his respect for artists who choose to end their bands' runs definitively.

02:18:57

Favorite Hip-Hop Artists and Musical Preferences

The conversation shifts to Chunks' top five hip-hop artists, including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and A Tribe Called Quest. He emphasizes his preference for older hip-hop and discusses the significant influence of Queens, New York, on the genre.

02:19:51

Touring with Rage Against the Machine and Wu-Tang Clan

Chunks recounts his experience touring with Rage Against the Machine and Wu-Tang Clan, describing it as "insane" and a legendary tour. He details the collaborative nature of the tour and the unique dynamic between the two vastly different bands.

02:21:21

Musical Appreciation and Personal Growth

Chunks reflects on his evolving appreciation for Rage Against the Machine, initially dismissing them as "too hardcore" but later understanding their energy and impact. He discusses his personal growth and changing perspectives on music.

02:22:33

Life in California and Future Plans

The conversation concludes with Chunks discussing his life in California, his preference for the West Coast climate, and a promise to share more tour stories in a future episode. He also briefly touches on the possibility of moving back to New Jersey to be closer to friends.

02:24:36

Closing Remarks and Podcast Wrap-up

The host thanks Chunks for the interview, highlighting their long-standing friendship and shared history. The episode concludes with final thoughts and appreciation.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the challenges of balancing a music career with a regular job in the early days of Timmy's bands?

  Juggling rehearsals, shows, and regular work led to exhaustion and scheduling conflicts.

• How did Timmy's experiences in the hardcore punk scene shape his later career choices?

  The DIY ethic and strong work ethic instilled self-reliance and determination, carrying over into his career as an electrician.

• What led to Timmy's decision to leave the music industry and pursue a career in the electricians' union?

  Burnout from touring, the desire for financial stability, and prioritizing family life contributed to the decision.

• What prompted your transition from a touring musician to a union electrician?

  The instability and financial insecurity of touring, coupled with the desire for a stable career with benefits.

• How did the pandemic impact your musical endeavors?

  It led to new bands and projects but also presented challenges in live performances and collaborations.

• What are your thoughts on the enduring nature of the hardcore punk scene?

  It's a unique community with evolving styles, a strong sense of community, and lasting friendships.

• Do you have any regrets about your life choices?

  The guest expresses a general lack of regrets, emphasizing learning from experiences.

• What was the most memorable aspect of touring with Rage Against the Machine and Wu-Tang Clan?

  The unique dynamic of two very different bands sharing a stage and the massive crowds.

• What are some of your biggest musical influences?

  The Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, and other classic hip-hop artists.

• What is your experience with tattoo removal like?

  Painful but rewarding, with positive feedback on Removery's services.

Show Notes