Interversity: Bark Bark Bark

Oasis in the Arizona desert (but not in the annoying Gallagher brother kind of way) Jacob Cooper has been kind enough to respond to our Interversity questions this week. The Tucson native proved his mettle with Haunts earlier this year, but as he'll tell you, it was his demo tape that really won over the Retard Disco big cheese.











Bark Bark Bark - Haunts - Haunts (Retard Disco 2007)

1. How did you initially get involved with the folks at Retard Disco?

I met Andy and Alex a few times when I would come through LA on tour, but originally they had requested some work from me to hear. I gave Andy a tape cassette that I had been touring with for some time at one of the shows, and found out later that the tape was completely blank. He totally got Punk'd. It went all uphill from there.

2. I can honestly say only The Format and Authority Zero come to my mind when I think of Arizona and music. How heavily involved with Tucson's scene are you and is there anyone in particular who influenced you from the area?

I'm not really involved with the music scene here in Arizona as much as I used to be. I've kind of learned to appreciate the fact that my music doesn't really go over well here, and most bands that we get put on bills with are sour electro-clash bullshit. I've also managed to piss a lot of people off over the last few years. Tucson is a pretty small community of musicians and artists, so when something happens, it usually flies around fairly quick. I am also pretty opinionated about most bands that play out here, so I expect everyone to be as opinionated about me. I can go on about The Format and Authority Zero but let's just leave it at that.

3. Your likeness is buried beneath the pink lettering on the front cover of Haunts. What was going through your mind when that picture was taken?

"I have no idea what I am doing. I hope I can figure out a cool cover from this picture."

4. You've played with a ton of acts both big and small. What are your favorite and least favorite tour memories?

I have no bad tour memories. It's always fun and no one that travels with me pusses out. I think you have to learn to embrace the idea that shit happens on tour, and you have to let things go. I have gotten in a few verbal fights with some opening bands on tour though. It's usually my fault. We are officially banned from Clovis, New Mexico. Do you know where that is? Good because NO ONE DOES. Now we both officially dont give a fuck.

5. Is there any one physical location that you draw inspiration from the most?

I really like the car, that's usually where I think of a lot of ideas with people I'm driving with.

Audiversinquiry (10 questions we ask everyone)

1. What do you specifically remember listening to as a child that triggered a memorable response you can still recall now?

Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation & The Police - Greatest Hits. I also listened to a lot of the radio, mostly those 90's R & B stations that reminded you of school functions. My dad worked at a record store here called PDQ Records. I would go into his work and he would let me pick out a record at a time. It was always funny that I was just choosing records of cassettes that he already had at home.

2. Hypothetical: You are heading across town right now and will have time to listen to one complete album during the trip, what would you listen to?

My own record or working demos. Honestly, I mix a lot of my stuff by listening to it in cars. I also practice singing. Or maybe I am conceited?

3. Are there any other media that you draw inspiration from? Books, authors, painters, actors, movies, celebrities, etc?

I get pretty bored of paintings and most art. Maybe it's because I have the attention span of a 5 year old. Movies are pretty relevant to my record because I imagine a lot of the tracks on it being used for specific scenes in films. I've always wanted to score a legit film. Honestly, that's really how I started messing with software or anything relatively electronic. My brothers made movies and I would make music for them.

4. Where do you go to discover new music and sounds?

I seem to usually find out about things pretty late. I don't spend a lot of time at American Apparel or read a lot of hip magazines. I'll be at a friends house and they'll be playing something I really am into. I'll ask "What is that?", then they'll say "Uh, dude where have you been?". "Sorry man, I know I'm a complete piece of shit for not being up with Klaxons."

5. What question do you get most often that you hate answering?

"Dude, what do you use to make your beats?" Fuck off, seriously. I don't even know. I think the other question I hate is, "Are you a DJ?"

6. Any favorite instruments or specific "sounds"?

I will always love the drums. It was my first instrument ever learning, and is the backbone to my music. I like anything that hits hard and sounds scary. I am also into the human voice. There's a lot you can do with it; it secretly makes up for sounds I can't afford to create.

7. The record store is closing in ten minutes and you are hell-bent on buying something before they close, what section do you head immediately towards?

Adult. I think my friend answered this when I was away from the computer. It's pretty funny though, so I'm going to leave it because I dont know how else to answer this question.

8. What is the last notable daydream you had and where did it take place?

I was thinking about going ghost hunting this weekend up north with some friends. It took place right here at this very seat. Crazy, right?

9. What is the perfect album to you? Are there any? Is it possible?

I think my perfect album is comprised of a lot of different styles and sounds and its tracks are arranged in a way that can tell a story. I'm really into concept albums because of this.

10. Do you keep up with blogs? Which do you read if so?

I like to 4chan.