Interview For Hi Mom Film Festival by Tom Laney, February, 2004
FC: Fred Cole

TL: Tom Laney

TL: So what’s it like to be the subject of a documentary? Did the experience sometimes feel invasive or was it usually fun?

FC: To tell the truth, I never really felt much was happening except having a conversation with Jason or Kate. It was all very low key and unintimidating. It amazed me to see how they put the whole thing together and it made sense. Most of the time I felt removed and would have to catch myself and think, whoa, that’s me! It’s probably the biggest compliment I’ve ever been paid, for someone to think my life has been interesting enough for others to want to know about it. It was way cool.

TL: What did you think of the finished film? Did it turn out differently than what you originally visualized?

FC: It’s like a history lesson for me and something I will always have to refer back to when I develop Alzheimers or complete memory loss. It was better than I hoped for!!

TL: Fred, you’ve been playing in vital bands for five decades now! What’s your secret? What inspires you to keep on rockin’?

FC: There has always been this inner drive that I don’t know where it comes from that has kept me on this road. I don’t know what it is but it has always been a very strong desire.

TL: Having shared the stage with so many other acts in the 60’s and beyond, do any bands come to mind that blew you away live but never got “discovered” by the music press?

FC: I think most got their just deserves, some more than others.

TL: I recently came across a quote from writer Richard Meltzer circa 1998:
“Nobody should be playing rock and roll anymore – no exceptions. It’s about as urgently needed…as making papier-mache frog masks. It was possibly once needed, but that was before it was everywhere…What we need now is to turn it off. What was once liberating has become irredeemably oppressive. It exists to make you stupid – like sitcoms or the news or college football or your parents, for crying out loud.” What do you think about his assertion?

FC: Someone asked me “do you think rock and roll is dead?” and I said “yes, rock and roll is Dead Moon!” I still feel that way.

TL: You’re getting ready to embark on another tour of Europe, where you guys seem to have a diehard following. How do you explain your popularity abroad? Do you think that the kind of music you play is “more urgently needed” in places where rock music is not as permeated, or do Europeans just have better taste in music?

FC: People have the same taste the world over. We are the kind of band that will never have mass appeal and don’t want that anyway. Hardcore fans rule, they stay with you!

TL: Could you briefly explain your preference for recording in mono?

FC: Toody bought me the disc cutter in 1987, a 1954 mono cutter. I used it on the 1st Dead Moon record and every one since, it’s lucky, just like Toody is for me. All my gear usually has one side out so in mono I still hear the whole thing, another reason why.

TL: The documentary reveals your affinity for nickel slot machines. Could you recount your most memorable gambling experience? Any major jackpots?

FC: I’ve since discovered penny machines, although I did play quarter machines once and hit a solid 7 spot on keno for $1200. Blew me away.

TL: Do you think you will ever release your Zipper material or Rats albums on CD?

FC: Zipper is on CD. Rats maybe down the line – a comp or something.

TL: You guys have always done your own artwork, put out your own records and managed every aspect of your music career. What advice do you have for musicians (and filmmakers) who are struggling to make it on their own terms?

FC: When you do it yourself, you have no one to blame but yourself if it’s not the way you want it, but it’s the ultimate satisfaction to have it turn out right and be able to see all your efforts paid off and the concept remained tru. You can’t beat that feeling!!!