For those of you who have sat through an episode of Viva La Bam (starring Bam Margera) or watched Jackass you’ve probably either seen the CKY logo or heard the band’s music in the background. Part modern rock, part modern alternative CKY has managed to secure themselves a dedicated and rabid fan base.
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 2nd 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 3rd 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 4th 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?
DERON MILLER:
· Pestilence “Spheres”
· Malevolent Creation “The Best Of”
· KISS Box Set
· Malevolent Creation “Envenomed”
· Sparks “Big Beat”
CraveOnline: You’ve said the new album has a “Dark Summer Vacation” vibe. What does that mean exactly?
DERON MILLER: I wish I knew how to explain it, I really don’t. It has something to do with looking back on your childhood and recalling some of the emotions you had when you were young and inexperienced. We tried to capture our summertime feelings in the music. Those moments.
CraveOnline: Tell me about the “Hellview” song series. Where did it start, where will it end?
DERON MILLER: I can’t say when it will end. It started with a demo song we did in ’96 called “Thanks For The Ride” about hitchhiking. We wanted to tell stories in our songs rather than write about crazy bitches or Hollywood whores.
CraveOnline: So what’s the deal with the CKY comic book? How did that come about?
DERON MILLER: An email, a phone call, we’re a very lucky band. We have really amazing fans. We may not have a hold of the mainstream but we definitely have a fan base. A fan base that’s so into us, that gets us, that sees the potential and personalities within the band.
CraveOnline: What happens in the comic book itself?
DERON MILLER: We battle the mainstream music industry and corporate rock. It’s actually very funny.
CraveOnline: What bands are moving you today?
DERON MILLER: Sad to say not many. I like M83, Severed Savior, and old stuff.
CraveOnline: How did you get involved with Roadrunner Records?
DERON MILLER: I’ve known our A&R guy since ’95. He rejected every demo I ever sent right up until weeks before we signed with Island.
CraveOnline: What are the band’s plans for 2009 and beyond?
DERON MILLER: To his as many places as we can. Hopefully Japan will like the new record. It’s their first CKY album and I’d like to go there.
CraveOnline: What does the band do outside of CKY? Side projects? Producing?
DERON MILLER: Jess and I are parents, we have side projects, I’m working on scripts and developing movies and I’d like to do more acting. CKY has been first priority for 12 years.
CraveOnline: What is the CKY Alliance? Why is it so important to the band?
DERON MILLER: It’s almost more important than the band. They make us every bit as successful as we are. We feed off each other. Most bands are too stupid to realize they in actuality they are not above their fans in any way.
CraveOnline: With technology creating so much uncertainty in the music world does CKY see technology as a good or bad thing?
DERON MILLER: Who knows? I think we’ll be OK we just go with the flow day to day. If we see a brick wall up ahead we deal with it. We’ve always been great at solving all of our problems.
CraveOnline: When CKY is all done what do you want the band’s legacy to be?
DERON MILLER: Timeless appeal and innovation. Our music will live forever so we know it better be amazing.
