Since 1998 the band has used raw determination to survive the rigors of being a touring rock band as well as the substance abuse problems of singer Deron Miller that nearly derailed the band in 2006/2007. Returning with a new focus and a new dedication to their sound CKY signed with Roadrunner Records and have recently released the album “Carver City” their darkest and most ambitious record to date.

 

Interviewing Deron Miller was an interesting experience even if it was only through email. During the interview Miller went from cryptic when discussing details for their upcoming comic book to excited about the new album and the fans, to oddly defensive when it came to questions about CKY’s connection to Bam Margera (younger brother of CKY drummer Jess Margera).  Here’s a glimpse into the world that is CKY.

 

CraveOnline: So give us a little background on CKY.

 

DERON MILLER: We formed in ’98, released our first record in ’99. Did a lot of touring and signed to Island in 2001. Then we re-released the first record and it did really well and the 2^nd album “Infiltrate Destroy Rebuild” in 2002 was very successful. We toured with Guns N Roses, opened for Metallica, did a lot of headline touring and released a cool video album DVD for “I.D.R.” in 2003. Then we released our 3^rd record “An Answer Can Be Found” in 2005.

 

The label didn’t support it or promote it much because they were in the midst of collapsing. We asked to be let out of our deal and then signed to Roadrunner in 2006. We did more touring, got in a fight with each other in 2007 and took a year hiatus. We reformed and finished our 4^th and best album “Carver City” releasing it in May of 2009. That’s pretty much where we are now.

 

CraveOnline: Where did Camp Kill Yourself come from?

 

DERON MILLER: We figured coming up with a movie title for our band name was better than coming up with a band name. Most band names suck.

 

CraveOnline: Tell us a little about your new album Carver City. What’s different, what’s the same, special guests, etc?

 

DERON MILLER: We’ve improved in every aspect of our productivity. I think we’ve gotten better at everything. The writing, vocals, productions, mixing, even the album cover. We’re really proud of this record.

 

CraveOnline: Why choose to produce the album on your own?

 

DERON MILLER: We produce all of our albums. Outside people are overrated and expensive and we don’t need someone outside of the band putting in their two cents. We’re the only people that know what we should sound like. Even if a producer had a good idea we’d still probably be disenchanted with some dude we don’t know well sitting in on our sessions getting paid way too much money.

 

CraveOnline: Who created the cover art? It’s pretty grim.

 

DERON MILLER: Travis Smith

 

CraveOnline: Has it been hard trying to move out from the shadow of the Jackass/Bam Margera phenomenon?

 

DERON MILLER: No we don’t think about it at all. It has nothing to do with us. The only way it would bother us is if we knew it had anything to do with our music. It has nothing to do with us at all.

 

CraveOnline: Do you think being so closely attached to Bam Margera and the Jackass crew has helped or hindered the progress of CKY as a band?

 

DERON MILLER: Who cares anymore? He’s our friend; we worked together on many different projects. We’re not using each other. If our music sucked even Oprah couldn’t sell us.

 

CraveOnline: What do you think is the biggest misconception about CKY?

 

DERON MILLER: That some of the things people hear on our records were unintentional and are our mistakes.

 

CraveOnline: What are your Top 5 Desert Island Records?

 

·         Pestilence “Spheres”

·         Malevolent Creation “The Best Of”

·         KISS Box Set

·         Malevolent Creation “Envenomed”

·         Sparks “Big Beat”