The Rocket Jocks Newsletter Interview

The Rocket Jocks are a two piece from Gisborne. Lucas Mucus plays guitar and Res Rapid plays bass; they share singing duties. They also have a drum machine, imaginitively called Drummy, who completes the band. 

They’ll be playing in Auckland at Whammy Bar, St. Kevin’s Arcade on K’ Road, on Saturday, August 21. Res had a quick chat with muzic.net.nz:

How do you describe The Rocket Jocks music?

We really like The Ramones and Dungeons and Dragons.

What can we expect to see from The Rocket Jocks over the next year?

We’ve just released a new EP on Puppykiller Records called ‘Return To Planet X!’, so we’ll be trying to play shows around NZ to push that a bit. We’re also working on a completely new set of songs, so hopefully we’ll have a new live show at some stage, too. I have no idea if we’ll do a new recording; we’ll need to suss out the cost. We are, of course, completely broke. :)

What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?

That would probably be one time playing a show in Gisborne early 2008 supporting Suicide Dogs. I went for a big Ramonesy “power stance” onstage and, because I’m somewhat rotund, I instantly split my trousers. Just couldn’t contain the power.

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

Are Mobile Stud Unit still around? They were awesome, probably one of the funniest bands I’ve ever seen.  Them and The Get-Fucked Ups, I really enjoyed those guys as well although they split up years ago. I’ve heard alot about The Mysterious Tapeman from Whangarei although I’ve never had the chance to see him. He sounds… very mysterious!

What is in your CD collection at home?

We both like The Ramones, The Lillingtons, The Queers, The Huntingtons, and The Riverdales. Also, alot of old 50’s rock n roll; because we’re both Maori I’m figuring we’re probably somewhat genetically predisposed towards that?  Hei aha! :) Lucas pretty much has every Dead Milkmen album ever released as well, I think.

Who are your favourite NZ musicians/bands, and why?

Our friend J. Furious, formerly of Suicide Dogs and Graveyard Rumble and now with Shitripper, is probably our favourite NZ musician. He’s very motivated and he has written some great songs. 

What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?

We played at Rising Sun in Auckland one time. Hardly anyone turned up for that one but we played the best show we’ve ever done. I have no idea why; the three suns were aligned for The Great Conjunction or something? Even though we lost money that night we weren’t too bothered, really; we were pleased because we felt we played well, and that kinda outweighed the whole not getting paid thing. Loved it.