The thing about punk rock is not everyone gets it. Not everyone should. It’s mainstream rock’s junkie cousin. It spits when it talks. It scares people. Yet, there’s people who were able to twist punk even more and make it even scarier. Argyle Goolsby is one of these people.
Blitzkid, Gorgeous Frankenstein, Mister Monster, Silent Horror, and out on his own, Goolsby has been scaring people for the better part of 2 decades now. It’s easy for an outsider to see the make-up, the fake blood, the monster movie referances and dismiss what this type of artist is showing you. Argyle Goolsby makes it his business to take horror seriously. He uses his intensity and showmanship as a weapon. His music holds up things like death, rips its skin off and wears it so we don’t have to be afraid anymore
Goolsby is always adapting, to changes and bumps in his road. He’s been on every side of success and survives. One things undenible, Goolsby is a monster who breaths music……
Do you see yourself as an “elder of the tribe” so to speak, in the horror punk scene now?
No, I just see myself as someone continually doing their best to do what they love the most. I’m committed to music, and this music in particular and I’m lucky that others can see that.
I believe you were a signed band a while ago, you’re out on your own now. What are the biggest differences for you?
It’s amazing. I’ve missed this feeling. Most people are scared to start over after leaving something established. Not me. I love starting over because it challenges you to evolve and forces you out of the patterns that can tame your creativity. The key is believing in yourself and most of all what you’re doing as something that will succeed. If you can do that it doesn’t matter if you’re signed or DIY, starting out or riding a wave. If you’re into it you’re where you need to be.
Is too much focus put on being signed?
Yes. There is nothing a record label can do that you cannot do for yourself in this day and age. I don’t mean to dis on labels by saying that, because there are some really good ones out there who actually can and want to follow through with helping artists. More times than not this doesn’t happen. I think a lot of bands waste precious time chasing an ideal situation instead of an idea.
Over the past decade you’ve played in a variety of different acts. In your performance, your music, your writing what story are you trying to tell?
Whatever story explains where I am at the moment. The marriage of music and your life isn’t something you steer down the street like a car. It’s like jumping on a runaway train and hoping for the best. They are both vehicles that will take you somewhere, but the difference is in the second case you don’t get to pick where you land. Each page is written in the moment so you really don’t even know the story until after it’s behind you. Ask me when I’m dead! Haha.
How do you balance trying new things vs. staying true to your sound?
By staying true to what I believe in and those that believe in me.
I’m not afraid of being the turd in the punch bowl. Sometimes you’re the turd. Sometimes you’re the punch. At least you’re at the party.
Talk to me about traveling the world and what it taught you…
Perspective. Not just in cultural differences, but in the concept of time. The first time I saw the ruins of Roman occupation in Cologne Germany or slept in the same room as Napoleon Bonaparte in Darmstadt Germany or stood next to Stonehenge I realized just how young America is. (No points off for trying, Williamsburg).
Are you attracting younger fans?
That remains to be seen. Only time will tell. If i did anything right at all I will. That’s the true mark of success in my book. I’d rather have 10,0000 kids five generations from now listening to my music than 1,000,0000 kids now being into it for the next 2 years.
With all your experience, Can you vent any peeves or annoyances that still linger about putting a project together and touring? Maybe some things you’d though would be behind you by now?
For God’s sake put up a flyer, will ya?
What do you want to give back to music?
My best and a little blood.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned in the last five years?
Every exit is a entrance somewhere else.
There’s a difference between cost and value.
Don’t listen to people. Watch them.
Don’t punch solid doors.
What are your goals in the next year?
Keep writing music and having fun doing it.
If you got handed 50 million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Easy …….. http://youtu.be/A939QRRSNV4
Do you consider your style of music satirical, if so of what?
I do a kind of music that can be done very badly very easy. The ratio of content vs. theatrics has to be right otherwise the whole thing is lost. It’s like old horror movies. You gotta have a touch of human suffering in there. Express it correctly through a “monster” you’ve got a powerful message, do it badly and you’re asking for it. If what I do is satire against anything it’s against the impossibility of being human.
You been doing a horror rock style for a long time, is that still coming naturally, or does it get harder with each project?
Not at all. It gets easier. It’s not just punk rock aggression which tends to mellow out with time. There’s a dark perspective to it that seems to get more honed with time.
Can you detail the differences in each project you’ve done (aside from band members).
Not really. I write my heart into everything I do and place it dead center on any stage I’m on. It’s that constancy, not the differences, between projects that has kept me going.
What is you ultimate goal musically?
To do something worth remembering. Making music that helps someone make sense out of something. Music to help someone find something for either the first time or again.
Argyle Goolsby’s legacy is that in a genre with so many people doing it wrong (and most notibly full-out ripping off the Misfits) he figured out how to do it right and stay fresh. Goolsby found his voice and owns it like no one else can. He’s still young, yet has so much behind him. Whether Goolsby switches gears or stays completely on track, keep a close eye and ear on him because it will damn sure be interesting. Argyle Goolsby is worth the price of admission. Period.
Goolsby is the kind of showman with the talent and charisma to go whereever he likes.
Follow his latest on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/argylegoolsbysolo
And visit his official website http://www.acorpsewithnoname.com/
Written by PawL Bazile
Photos by Scott LaRussa