the friday cinco 2 - tyson meade [of the chainsaw kittens]
If you grew up in the 90’s, then you’ve lived through the grunge/alternative era, and I’m sure you can name me the big bands (Nirvana, Pearl Jam blah blah blah). However, few people know about the bands credited with starting it all - the true pioneers or so to speak: one of them is the Pixies, the other one is Sonic Youth, and the last one is the Chainsaw Kittens.
Mixing basic punk structure with elements in theatrics and glam-rock, the Kittens made energetic, highly dramatic and original music. As the front man for the Kittens, Tyson Meade earned a reputation as one of the true individuals in the alternative music scene. Before the Chainsaw Kittens, Tyson was in the intense, darkly psychedelic Defenestration, whom is credited in various books as one of the bands that had an effect on Nirvana. Tyson then went on to join the Chainsaw Kittens and developed his skill further as a song writer. His songs are deeply personal, often quirky but always intelligent. He also developed a flamboyant onstage persona and a unique high octave vocal style. Often seen wearing feathers, stockings, and torn up wedding gowns (because, and I quote “I was feeling too ‘virginal’ and ‘un-slutty’ for prom dresses”), Tyson oozes charisma, grace and style rocking the stage, entertaining indeed.
During the mid 90’s, Tyson released his first highly personal solo album dealt into his sexuality, his childhood, and the rock lifestyle. His follow-up, Kitchens and Bathrooms - recorded while traveling around the United States, is available on iTunes.
He currently resides in Shanghai, China, where he teaches English.
[Louis Yu - Oct '09]
-
some credit you, and your band, The Chainsaw Kittens with being one of two or three that launched alternative music - how true is this?
I hate to try to credit myself for something that I may or may not have created. At the time, I was fed up with everything going on in music, Thompson Twins, Howard Jones, Hooters, Mr. Mister, Scandal, then later the excruciating sounds of Winger and Warrant. So I started my first band, Defenestration, who are mentioned in the Road to Nirvana book. We had a record out when Janes Addiction were still cutting demos. Billy Corgan wrote me a really nice fan letter when he was working on the first Pumpkins album after he had heard the first Chainsaw Kittens. So, I guess I am one of the alterna-Forefathers.
a rumor is going around that Spike Jonze shot a video for y’all and only charged $5000?
Spike did in fact do our High in High School vid for $5k. He stayed with Trent our guitarist. He is a super nice guy. You will have to find the link on youtube since there is currently no youtube in the PR.
another rumor has been around for years of your famous ‘naked parties’. if this is true, who were your most favorite guests?
Oh NO! I did have naked parties. The most famous was the one that happened during OU’s Greek system’s Moms’ Weekend. At that point, I was well known in OKLA and somewhat famous in general. The Kittens had been on MTV and in lots of mags at that point. Some friends and I crashed a sorority house party and were well received. I was actually fawned over which was endearing. I invited some of the guys and girls back to my place for a party. They of course were fraternity/sorority. Some showed up. Everyone was naked when they showed. To gain entrance, they had to get naked too. They did. Everyone danced to the Ramones and Led Zeppelin. Dancing Days are here again!
so, we have you with the Kittens, and now in China - how the hell did that all come about?
A few years ago, I asked myself ‘What would Heathcliff do?” Of course, Heathcliff the character from ‘Wuthering Heights’ not the comic strip cat. So, here I am - Dazed in Confucius.
one more rumor - your fellow Okies, The Flaming Lips have been called ‘The Greatest Present American Band - agree?
Okay you’ve earned your beer for the day, off to the pub with ya (and you’d better...