SWINGIN' UTTERS
by Christer Davidsson, June 2006
Hey! How are you? Greg McEntee: Good!
What have you guys been up to lately?
Not much, we're taking a long break.
In what way have you changed over the years?
Stronger, tighter playing. Some of us have wives, kids, mortgage, etc. I quit booze and drugs about 4 years ago, so life is better now.
Out of all the releases youve put out, which one are you the most proud of, and why?
For me, "5 lessons Learned". I think it's the most diverse recording we did. It was fun to record with the extra musicians: John Maurer (Social Distortion), Fat Mike(NOFX), Chris Shifflet (Foo Fighters), Howie Pyro(Danzig/Degeneration), New Morty Show, Rockin' Lloyd Trip, all our friends.
And which Swingin Utters song is the best one ever?
I don't know, maybe "Catastrophe" or "Next In Line".
What have you learned from being in this band for such a long time?
Who real friends are,patience,tolerance and how much I love music.
You have released most of your albums on FAT. What is it about that label that is so good?
We're friends with Fat Mike and the staff. It is a very indie, d.i.y type label still.
When can we expect a new record from Swingin Utters?
No plans right now
How do you guys write your songs?
Usually Darius or Johnny have ideas they bring to us. It's a fairly quick process for us.
What inpires you to write new music?
I don't write much music. But for some I know it's life, booze, etc.
If you could do split with any band in the world. What band would it be, and why?
Clash/ Pogues/ Stiff Little Fingers. Their music and way of thinking was a big influence in our lives as youths.
Whats the best show youve ever done?
Maybe Oslo,Norway with Rancid.
Would you say that theres a big difference between touring the U.S and touring Europe?
A bit. Touring the states is easier.
Whats the craziest thing that has ever happened on a show?
Live girl-girl sex, fights, throwing up, serious injuries, having to stay the night in the venue cause a Turkish gang wanted to kick Lars Frederiksen's and everyone elses ass. Sometimes it ain't easy being a musician.
Have you noticed any big changes in the scene over the years?Hell yeah. In the 80's we were not accepted by society, now so-called punk rock is the mainstream norm. We had to fight, physically, to have our music, look and way of life. All we wanted was to rebel and be ourselves, not what we were told to be.
What other bands from San Francisco do you like?
Thee Merry Widows, The Nightcrawlers. Not many bands in SF have staying power.
Summer is here, any plans for the near future?
Not for the Utters. I'll be skating alot and playing with the Lowdowns
What would you like to say to the people reading this interview?
Think for yourself. There's more to life than what MTV or society tells you. Check out our other bands the Lowdowns, Filthy Thieving Bastards and Dead To Me on myspace.com.