Interview with Ike Joseph of Ike’s Wasted World by Dave Wolff (fourth interview)
I’ve interviewed you and the band three times for Ike’s Wasted World; this will be our fourth interview. Since my last interview with you and Sean “Sarge” Teeter in 2023, what has the band been up to?
We have a brand new album out on Savant Guarde Records called “Crushing Diamonds”. Also, I recently played a festival in Brooklyn, New York called the Cosmic Sonic Rendezvous. It was a great lineup, The Obsessed, Pentagram, Legion of Doom, Eye Hate God and many more great bands performed .On October 3 we will be in York, Pennsylvania for Rock and Romp and on October 10 we will be in Saratoga, New York for Joint Jam. I am joining forces with my brothers from South Jersey Meatplow on both of those shows. September 20 I will be doing an acoustic show at Silver Factory Records in Ballston Spa, New York. My good friend Nick E. will be rocking some Elvis tunes at the end of the set, so that will be really fun.
Your appearance at the Cosmic Sonic Rendezvous sounds memorable. Did word of mouth and advertising bring enough attendees to make it stand out? How did it feel playing alongside so many seasoned bands? Yes. It was a two day festival that was well promoted and attended and a damn good party. It was exceptional to play with the biggest names in the Doom/Stoner genre. I have to thank Savant Guarde Records for getting me on the bill. We had many friends there and we met new people as well. Brooklyn rocked for sure.
How long have you known Meatplow? Do you have a long history together? How often do you share the stage?
I've been friends with Meatplow for about four years. I met Mel Leach the bass player at an obsessed show in New Jersey. I booked them to play a show in the Albany area and we hit it off. I love playing with them. It’s a juggernaut for sure. We will be joining forces again on October 3 in York, Pennsylvania and October 10 in Saratoga, New York. Be there.
How did your show with Meatplow go in York, Pennsylvania? Does the venue get a lot of local publicity?
It was epic. We tore it up. It is really a unique event. A bad ass moto cross track ripping all day, mega bands on a killer stage in absolutely beautiful setting. Also a full pro fireworks show at the end .Over the top for sure.
Tell us about Rock And Romp and Joint Jam. Are these new events or have they been running for years?
From what I understand Rock and Romp is a rock show at a four-wheeler track. I think it is a few years old. I'll find out soon. Joint Jam is brand new. It's pretty much a stoner rock blowout put on by my friend Nick from Gozer.
Is the Rock and Romp show with Meatplow your first, or have you played shows together before?
We have a played few shows. It’s a powerful combination. There are two lead singers, two lead guitar players and an absolutely killer rhythm section. It’s two bands in one. It’s double trouble, it’s the Malachi Crunch, and it’s over the top and out to lunch.
From the way you describe them, Meatplow has a big sound. How do their shows go over before an audience? Does the band have anything out, and if so, how do their releases compare to their shows?
They are a great live band. They have music on YouTube. Check it out.
Your performance, along with those of the other bands at Joint Jam, was featured on 93.9 WABY in Albany, New York. How often has the band been getting airplay on local radio lately?
A local promotor (head banger), musician and well-known DJ named Ralph Renna is a good buddy of mine, so my music is played often on WABY.
How long have you known Ralph Renna? Has he ever interviewed you on the station?
Maybe twenty years. Yes he has. It's always a good time.
Is Silver Factory Records one of your first acoustic shows, or have you performed similar shows extensively?
I have been playing acoustic shows since about 2003. When I moved back to Albany from L.A. I did not have a band so I attended an acoustic open mic night at a club called Valentine’s. I became a regular and many nights it was just the host and I, so I was able to get my acoustic show together.
What was the acoustic music scene like in Albany in 2003? How many people attended your shows at Valentine’s?
Valentine's was a great club in Albany that has been defunct for several years. The local hospital bought much of the land in the neighborhood, including the club. I believe the building is gone. The open mic nights I played there varied in attendance, but we packed the place several times with my band Blackjack Blades. Our area is great for acoustic shows. It really is incredible to play the material stripped down. The hard part for acoustic acts is being ignored. You just have to roll with it or play louder than the drunks can yell, and drunks in New York are the loudest, God love 'em.
What inspired you to perform acoustic shows regularly? Where else across the country have you played these types of shows?
I started playing acoustic shows because I did not have a band. It was a blessing in disguise. Mostly New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I have no problem opening for metal bands with an acoustic set. Usually the PA is loud and it goes over great. I recall a show in Baltimore where I played acoustic in the middle of about ten metal bands. People rushed in to see me play. I think it was a nice break for the crowd and the owner loved it. That was the Depot in Baltimore.
How long have you and Nick E. been covering Elvis songs? Which ones are staples in your set?
Nick E. is the singer in a Misfits tribute band called Horror Business. Danzig and Elvis go hand in hand and Nick grew up listening to The King .His Dad is an Elvis fanatic from what I understand. We recently started doing it and we are playing Trouble, King Creole, Polk Salad Annie and “Gimme Danger” by Iggy Pop. It’s super fun and a cool part of my acoustic show.
When you released your third full-length, "Tres Lobos," it was through Nervous Breakdown Records and Half Beast Records (Portugal). Are you still working with those labels, or was that a one-time deal?
Nervous Breakdown is a great label out of Portugal. They used to be called Blood and Iron Records and they have released a bunch of my records. In fact, Dan from Savant Guarde bought Tres Lobos in Portugal leading to my union with Savant Guarde. I’d work with them again.
Are you still seeking labels to release your albums overseas as you said in your “Tres Lobos” interview? If so, how challenging has that process been?
With the internet everything is worldwide, but Dan Rozell (Savant Guarde) is on the road with Pentagram so he is pushing it everywhere. Everything is a challenge all the time. Nothing’s easy ba da da. (Jethro Tull reference).
When "Tres Lobos" was out, you were trying to book Ike’s Wasted World in Germany. Can you share what resulted from that effort? Are you currently aiming for shows in any other European countries?
It fell through unfortunately. I’d love to make it to Europe, the goal remains.
In your last interview, you were promoting the video for “Be the Night.” What feedback have you received since its release? Have you released any other videos since then, or are you working on new ones?
“Be the Night” is a Wino written tune recorded by The Obsessed. It did well. Everyone dug it. Lost Breed just released a new video yesterday. The song is called "Snow Inside" and it already has a bunch of hits. It’s a great song written by Pat Lydon. I'm psyched about it.
Can you describe the videos for “Be the Night” and “Snow Inside” for people who haven’t seen them yet? Who helped produce them with you, and how do the visuals fit the lyrics?
“Be the Night” I filmed at Wing's Castle and The Fuze Box, formerly QE2 a legendary club in Albany, New York. The Wing's Castle footage is really cool and I had a blast there. “Snow Inside” has a really heavy theme but I don't want to give it away. You have to see it.
How about Don Fury? Have you had more opportunities to work with him since we last talked?
No, but several bands I know have been recording with him. Also I recently read Roger Miret's book and Fury is mentioned several times. He is prominent figure in early New York hardcore, if you did not know that.
I’ve known about Fury’s involvement in New York Hardcore for some time. I heard he also worked with the Murder Junkies back in 1992 or ’93. Who are the bands you know that are working with him now?
Brother T and The Erotics.
How long did it take to write, compose, and record the new album, “Crushing Diamonds”? What’s the meaning behind the title? How personal is this album to you?
It usually takes a couple of years for me to write and record an album. This one was no exception. It sat for a while until I found Savant Guarde Records. It is an amazing new label and I am psyched to be a part of it.
Are any of the songs on the new album gathered from anything left over from “Tres Lobos,” or are they all new tracks?
It is the follow up. All new tracks except Mountains on Mars which older. It is a great tune and I wanted to include it on a full length. It was previously released on a limited edition EP called Death Is Certain, Life Is Not. I believe we did 200 copies on Citi’s sold out.
You mentioned having live recordings, outtakes, and bonus songs related to “Tres Lobos.” Do you have plans to release any of these as bonuses, or are you still holding onto them?
Right now I'm recording new music so they remain on the back burner.
Are the lyrics on the new album meant to be taken literally or metaphorically? Do they vary by song? Were they inspired by personal experiences over the past few years? Any highlights worth sharing?
The lyrics are all up for personal interpretation. They may mean something different to the listener than they mean to me. I'd hate to ruin that. How's that for a bullshit answer?
Who recorded “Crushing Diamonds” with you? How well did they adapt to the songs that were written for the album? Does this album differ from your previous releases, or are you following a consistent formula?
The lineup on the album is Chris Adamson on bass and Sean Teeter on drums. We played the songs live before recording them.
Is "Crushing Diamonds" available on streaming platforms like your previous releases? Also, how much effort are you and the band putting into distributing physical copies (CDs, etc)?
They are not on streaming platforms. You can buy the CD or downloads on Bandcamp. I have some songs on streaming platforms, but I'm not a fan of those platforms. They pay next to nothing to the bands and, I can't believe it is legal, but it’s a done deal. BMI and ASCAP have been reduced to shaking down corner bars. Bands get minimal royalties for recorded music and if you don't play live you won’t make a dime.
Where do you see the industry heading with streaming sites paying bands little, forcing them to rely more on live performances? Is there any way this can change?
To death. It will take thousands of lawyers who care, if they even exist, millions and millions of dollars, and a corrupt politician in your back pocket, just like every law.
Provide information about Savant Guarde Records. Where is it based, how active is it for a new label. Who is on their roster and what is the extent of its distribution so far?
Savant Guarde is awesome and I'm so proud to be a part of it .It truly is a labor of love by men who bleed for rock and roll. The roster is stellar and it includes Alan Davey from Hawkwind, Dave Evans the original AC/DC singer, Andy Colqohoun from The Pink Fairies and Mick Farren, Mos Generator, Bridget Wishart, Crossroads featuring Bobby from Pentagram and many other cool bands. The label is based near Boston. I’m not sure who distributes the label, but Dan Rozell deserves all the credit in the world for bringing this music to the masses.
Tell the readers how you hooked up with this label and how effectively they've been promoting the band since you signed. Also, where can people find Savant Guarde online if they're interested?
I hooked up with Dan on Facebook and I saw the label was brand new and heading exactly where I would like to be. Savant Guarde’s Bandcamp is the way to go.
Where has Dan and Pentagram been stopping on that tour you told me of earlier?
South America I believe.
Which songs recorded for “Crushing Diamonds” are most open to interpretation? Was the album self produced or was it produced with additional help?
I believe all of our songs are vessels to a rock and roll wonderland. Come along if you dare. See what you want to see. Hear what you want to hear. Let the joyous vibrations wash over you like a baptism. Join us in sonic realms of pleasure and pain. Our producer is Tim Lynch. He operates The Recording Company in Electric City, New York, US fn A.
In what ways did Tim Lynch’s production experience help you achieve the sound you wanted for “Crushing Diamonds”? Did you experiment with different sounds, or are you sticking to formula?
Timmy's a musical shaman. I can't prove it but I believe he with a legion of warlocks and witches crawl out of the banks of the creek, walk uphill into the studio and cast spells upon our tracks until they are capable of collecting souls.
What bands has Lynch worked with besides Ike’s Wasted World? While working on “Crushing Diamonds,” did he shape the band’s sound in a way you hadn’t explored on previous releases?
Mr. Lynch was actually nominated for a Grammy Award for mixing a Fabulous Thunderbirds record .Mick Fleetwood, Billy Gibbons and Bonnie Raitt played on it, so we are in pretty good hands.
How easily did Lynch make the transition from working with the artists you mentioned to working with Ike’s Wasted World?
He just mixed The Fabulous Thunderbirds record. He records and mixes our stuff, so he's there from the beginning of the project until its conclusion.
Did Lynch help you bring out the sound you were looking for on the new album? Is it rawer than your older material or a little more polished?
Tim always captures our sound. It's totally raw like a diamond in the rough but somehow as smooth as the crown jewel, but of course we are Crushing Diamonds.
You mentioned something about the guitar tone you were trying to get working on “Crushing Diamonds.” How long did it take you to reach that tone?
Not long. We do it in minutes plug it in and let it rip. He improves it dramatically when he's mixing.
Did you finish composing that song about the serial killer Robert Garrows we talked about briefly?
Actually, I have a few lyrics for that Garrow song. It’s coming around.
Who was Garrow again, and how are your lyrics capturing what you’ve studied about him?
Robert Garrow terrorized Albany and Lake George in the 1970's.He went an infamous killing spree. Later he escaped from prison. My lyrics tell the story.
Are there any new doom, stoner, or sludge metal bands you’ve discovered lately?
I've been actually digging a band called CMI, but they are not stoner rock. Its heavy punk, whatever that means.
Tell the readers what you know of CMI. I’ve heard different forms of punk; in what ways are this band unique to the genre?
They have balls. I love the attitude and aggression. It seems to be a lost art.
What ideas do you have for developing as a band, finding subject matter to write about and further expanding your listenership?
If you keep playing the band gets better, until it doesn't. What makes a great band is intangible. I can write lyrics when I have nothing to write about. If I put pen to paper something will come out. You have to get out and play .It is the only way.
Does Ike’s Wasted World have immediate plans for the rest of 2026 that you want to let the readers know about?
I'll be in the studio.
-Dave Wolff
