5 Questions with Gene Louis

When I was in high school, my brother and I LIVED to go to shows on the weekends. It was always a long haul to Boston or Worcester from Colebrook, New Hampshire (way, way up there by Canada), but one band we always made the trip for, no exceptions, was Los Angeles punk greats Bullets and Octane. I remember the first time I saw that band, and their frontman, Gene Louis, live in the flesh. The band was a steamroller of pure punk force, and Gene was a vision of real rock n' roll: shirtless and bellowing away about whiskey and women in a way that hadn't been done correctly in decades. Gene was, and is, one of the final examples of a dying breed: the real rock star. He signed a CD for me when I was around 15, and I think I looked at that signature at least once a day for about 2 months.  He's a devilishly handsome, well tattooed, seasoned drinker with an absolutely unbelievable voice, and I am very excited to bring you this week's 5 Questions with him. He's spinning a lot of plates right now (Gene plays in Gene Louis & the Brave Ones, the recently reunited Bullets & Octane, the Black Marquee and Sex & Violence, as well as his own solo endeavor) so I would like to express my great gratitude in his taking time out to chat with The Clock. And now, without further ado, one of my favorite singers of all time: the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Gene Louis. 

1.)How did Gene Louis and the Brave Ones come about? You've got a lot going on right now. Would you consider this the main focus?

How Gene Louis & The Brave Ones came about was after releasing 6 Gene Louis solo records on iTunes; I started to listen back through all that material, and I realized how insanely all over the musical canvas I was. I wanted to start a band (The Brave Ones) that was completely focused on a specific sound. Looking at music (the possibilities are endless) can be extremely overwhelming. Lately, I have found much comfort in putting each project in its special directional little box. I dig each project I develop to have its distinct place.

2.)What is the status of Bullets and Octane these days? You guys recently played a reunion show. Could this lead to a new record?

Bullets and Octane are now currently wrapping up another studio full length album set to be released and toured upon in early spring, primarily focusing on the UK.

For myself each one of my projects keeps me excited for the other. When you're releasing more than 3 or 4 albums a year you tend to burn out a bit sometimes.

3.)You have an album coming out this coming week that's being released in partnership with a Los Angeles tattoo shop. How did that come to be? You've been all digital for a while now. What made you want to do a physical release again?

The full length album physical cd release came about through some friends of mine, Nick & Misi & The Perri Ink Cartel. They invited me into the Cartel as the music part of the awesome circus, Perri Ink. I fell in love with the store's concept of tattooing by Adam Daniel, Richie the Barber cutting hair & straight razor shaving, and Austin the amazing photographer. The store is also an art gallery, as well. How could you not fall in love? And that's exactly what happened. Nick Perri really felt strongly about my acoustic performances and loved Gene Louis & The Brave Ones so he had asked me to perform at the grand opening for two days, and I loved the store and them, and said "of course" (When they asked if they could release the record –Ed.) One week later, the excitement turned into putting a physical record out, which I haven't released in years, through their in-store and online store, and I am following up with monthly in store performances!

4.)What is an album you were into growing up that fans of your out might be surprised to find out you liked?

Frank Sinatra Live at the Sands with the Count B Band.

5.)You've had a lot of success overseas. Where do you prefer touring, the UK or the US? In what ways is it different playing overseas?

When touring, ya gotta just dive right into the extremely different cultures of the many insanely awesome countries I have been lucky enough to go through. For example, the Japanese are so very kind to all people, and they take a great pride in being helpful. The UK & Europe, they have a culture that really sticks by their bands; and I thank them dearly. Plus, it's so fun in winter; it's like an old snow globe. I feel like I'm in an old Christmas movie. Plus, you don't have to drive 18 hours to get to the show! (As for the) U.S.A., well I love our cities for their.....nevermind....overseas rules!