Lord Jeff Interview: SXSW 2010

Lord Jeff is an East Coast psychedelic punk band that recently relocated to California. The power trio incorporates a diversity of musical styles into its music. As lead singer and founder Sean Goggins told Spinner, Lord Jeff refuses to discriminate against certain artists or styles, but finds something of value in all genres. Goggins also explained the importance of Kris Kross on the group's musical development and how Olympic hopeful Tonya Harding influenced the band.

Describe the Lord Jeff's sound in your own words.

We are droney, reverbed-out, Dirty South, crunk, psychedelic rap with or without drum machines.

What made you decide to be a musician?

As youngsters, we saw what Kris Kross did. They harnessed the power of awful music and cultural memes to make children and young adults wear their clothes backwards. It was the day that we showed up to kindergarten with our shoes on backwards that we all decided to harness the evil power of music and use it as a cultural mass mind control mechanism.

What are your musical influences?

Smooth jazz and screamo--a combination of both.

How did you come up with the name Lord Jeff?

We were initially called Jeff. Then we found out a band was already called Jeff, and they were our age too. So we added the prefix of "Lord."

What is your biggest vice?

Caring too much about people, the environment, etc.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Our festival survival kit is bringing as little as possible. We need room in the van because on Saturday night we are having a late night disco set.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Our first celebrity crush was Tanya Harding. We loved how she was a real aggressive go-getter with a "can-do" attitude, and that was something that really "turned us on" as nine-year-olds.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

We feel no guilt for our musical pleasure. Every piece of music has some redeeming value in it. We love and are influenced Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Lady Gaga just as much as Sun Ra, Captain Beefheart or Real Estate!

What musicians have influenced you the most?

Miley Cyrus is influencing a lot of young girls right now. Mozart influenced a lot of people. John Mayer though, is perhaps the most influential musician of all time. Especially considering there are more people on the globe right now than in Mozart's time. And also, unlike Miley Cyrus, John Mayer appeals to a wide age demographic.

Beatles or Stones?

We like Frank Zappa most of all! But the Rolling Beatles are great as well!

What is the meaning of ecstatic peace?

Ecstatic peace means something different to everyone. To us it is a record label that is putting out our album this summer! The phrase is taken from 'Electric Kool Aid Acid Test' by Tom Wolfe.

What ever happened to Freddie Bartholomew [who played the character Lord Jeff in the eponymously titled movie]?

He died!


Steven Horowitz is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.