Killer Workout NEW “Direct To Video” out September 17th, 2021
Interview conducted on June 30, 2021
By Dan Locke
Interviewee: Anthony Darnell and Adrienne Clark
Just in time for things to open up again for dancing and romancing in the night time, Killer Workout return from reuniting with Conor Sisk at Rainshadow Recording in Port Townshend, WA, from their beloved 4:3’ EP with a sizzling sequel of aggressively sleek and cinematic Disco-Punk with Pop Sensibilities.
‘Direct to Video’ is a sleek, bass-driven troika of swift, driving sweeping, dreamy sultry new songs about the joys of motion and the dark side of the bright lights, “Good Thing,” “Thief In The Night,” and “Get Out.” It’s called ‘Direct to Video’ and you’re going to want to take it home, and then take it out for a night on the town.
Adrienne Clark // Keys, Vocals
Anthony Darnell // Guitar, Keys, Vocals
Reed Griffin // Guitar
Bob Husak // Drums
Jon Swihart // Bass, Vocals
You are from Seattle. What is your upbringing?
Well, the band formed in Seattle, but I’m from Frankfort, Kentucky. It’s the capitol of the state, but it feels like a small town—it’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. When I was 18 and had just graduated high school, I couldn’t wait to hit the road. I wanted to go out on an adventure and see the world; do things that other kids from my hometown wouldn’t dare to do. So, I went up to Cincinnati and studied theater—of all things—and formed a successful experimental theater company along with my future wife, Adrienne, and moved it out to Seattle where we kept at it for a few years before switching over and focusing on music.
How did you discover music?
Listening to my mom’s vinyl records from the 60s and 70s—a lot of Folk, Motown, and that sort of thing. Eventually, I got into New Wave, Post-punk stuff, and modern Indie pop.
How did you start to write music?
Well, after you learn to play someone else’s song, you realize that it’s not rocket science—for the most part—and just about anybody can probably do it. So, why not take a crack at it, ya know? See if you come up with something good.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I think it was a cheap Hohner acoustic guitar. I don’t have that one, but I have the second acoustic I ever got still—it’s a Martin DR-13.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
I used to play guitar in the band, but I switched over to only keys a few years back.
How did your band form?
We used to go by the name The West, but we were impossible to search for online. A word to the wise: don’t name your band after a cardinal direction. So, we reformed under a new name, Killer Workout, which seemed to fit our music and style better.
Why did you take your name from an 80’s slasher movie?
As a band, we love cheesy and campy movies from any period of time—not just specifically the 80s—but the name Killer Workout seemed like the right fit. It’s fun, a little cute, maybe, but it says everything you need to know: we want you to dance.
What is the best type of horror movies?
I personally like horror thrillers, if that makes any sense. Recent movies like Green Room or 10 Cloverfield Lane, for instance. Elements of the movie are horrific, but there’s also a thriller element too.
Describe your music.
Disco Punk with an edge of Indie flare.
What was your first performance at like?
Well, since we already had a following as The West, our first performance as Killer Workout was great! It was like nothing had changed and everything had changed all at the same time. We also had focused on new songs that were specific to the name Killer Workout, so that helped to amp people up and keep them involved.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yep, we belong to ASCAP.
What makes a good songwriter?
Someone willing to try new things, break the mold, listen to others, have a good time, but dedicated to getting shit done.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
It was called “Underground.” We have a demo recording of it, I believe, but we never put it out.
What is the process of writing your music?
I make up a verse and chorus on a very shitty Casio keyboard I have at my apartment. Sometimes I’ll have an idea for a lead instrumental line too. I typically take that into the band to flesh out and we eventually make it a song.
Tell me about your EP “Direct to Video”?
It’s a collection of three songs we wrote and recorded just before the pandemic. It’s a little bit of everything. A sweet song, an upbeat rocker, and a gritty punk dance piece.
What is your favorite track on your album?
It’s a tie between “Good Thing” and “Thief in the Night.” I like the simple, straight-forward nature of “Good Thing,” but “Thief in the Night” is my weird attempt at making a Kate Bush punk song.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Well, if people had to buy our music rather than stream it, we’d be in a much different financial situation. Let’s just say that.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I think you mean, “Which sounds better?” I guess I’d counter with, “Which would you rather carry around all day: 30 vinyl records or one iPhone?”
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
That’s constantly evolving—different songs get stuck in my head every single week. Right now, it’s this weird conglomeration of Neil Diamond’s “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show,” Kate Bush’s “The Man with the Child in His Eyes,” Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” a remix of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” by Kygo, and a song called “Star Rider” by this group called Hallas.
It’s weird, but I rarely listen to the words, per se, I’m more interested in the overall mood of the song. I guess I’m listening to these tracks because the sun is out, the pandemic is almost over, and it’s all a little bitter-sweet.
Explain “Dance Until You Die?”
It’s a full length, 10-song LP we released back in 2019. It’s mostly a compilation of songs we had released as The West, but under our new name.
How was it to be featured on NPR?
It was pretty sweet—getting that kind of national airplay was great. A lot of people responded to the song “Too Late” and reached out to us online.
Are you ready for Tiny Desk Concert?
Haha. If they asked us to do one, absolutely!
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Nah, I think things will get back to normal by the end of the year.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
Not in our particular case, but I’m sure there are some people that used the time to be productive and creative in ways they never imagined before.
During Covid-19. Almost everything got cancelled. Which included the Metallica tour? Prior to the tour Metallica purchased a “cancellation, abandonment and no-appearance insurance” policy from Lloyd’s of London in any case of any potential postponement or cancellations. Lloyds of London refuse to payout of the policy because of the policy’s communicable disease exclusion. Do you think that Metallica is right or the insurance company is right?
Not sure I can answer this one—don’t know too much about that case, but in my day-to-day gig I deal with a lot of contracts. If it’s not in the contract, it’s not in the contract. Its case closed, in my opinion.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Reading, writing, going on hikes, watching movies and TV, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Since the world has been lockdown for over a year and starting to open up, what movies have you been checking out?
I’ve seen Spiral and A Quiet Place Part II in the theaters . . . I was underwhelmed but glad I could go. I really enjoyed Saint Maud and Censor, but those were VOD.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
Adrienne and I bought an exercise bike and took daily walks.
Since you are from Seattle, have you looked into filming a video in the underground city?
Man, I’ve been on the underground tour in Pioneer Square, and I can tell you that it’s not glamorous and it wouldn’t be the most hospitable filming location. It’s a lot of uneven surfaces and debris.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Probably writing—I launched a pop-culture website called Phantastiqa and wrote for StarTrek.com a few times.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Facebook isn’t the be all end all. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Since we can see the light at the end of the tunnel on the pandemic, I don’t think that’s going to be a long-term concern.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
We’ve never done pay to play and I would never agree to do it. You either want to pay us for the music or you don’t.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Sure, why not.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
Probably some of the venues who are lucky enough to get the support.
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artist. The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/relief-resources. Have you applied for it yet?
No.
In the past if a musician stop doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
I already have a 9-to-5 gig, so I think I’m already doing it in addition to the music. I work in digital marketing and sales.
What is your happy place?
A good book, a mountain view, my wife, and a treasure trove of movies.
Last year you did a video for “Loser” with Public Domain footage. How fun was that?
Yeah, we worked with this artist on Instagram called @video_macabro. I really love his use of old movies to create these nightmarish clips that are both beautiful and utterly disturbing all at the same time. He can take something like The Never-Ending Story and make it a vision of Hell. I’m really glad he agreed to work with us.
In the United States, motion pictures are copyrighted for 95 years. All motion pictures made and exhibited before 1926 are indisputably in the public domain in the United States. Which means Mickey Mouse is about to lose it copyright. It premiered on November 18, 1928. So, have you look into making a video using Disney movies.
Disney isn’t really our vibe.
Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million), Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Neil Young song 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180-song catalogue to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is willing to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
Would someone not sell their songs for over $100 million dollars? This is a one-way trip, so might as well take the money and run.
As of December 3, 2020 you had over 10.2 k streams. Do you feel Spotify helps independent artists?
Yeah, to a certain extent, but getting paid a third of a penny for a stream seems a little light, to be honest. Not sure how a small-time group like us is ever supposed to get a leg up with payouts like that.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
Maybe? The band doesn’t have our own account or anything like that, but it may be worth a shot.
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer. The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary, Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?
I think it will definitely influence mainstream pop music—I don’t know what it will do for the Indie world.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Check out our new EP Direct to Video available for streaming on Friday, September 17.
