Jack, we’re very excited to feature you here on ‘This Is Not a Moustache.’ We first came across you and your excellent band, The Bright Light Social Hour, via the American Moustache Institute. Your original sound, musical talent, and moustache-friendly lifestyle has led to your music being frequently nominated as the soundtrack here at our headquarters, and it was one of the highlights of our year to meet you at your concert in Reno. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview.
Without further ado…
How long have you had a moustache, and how long is said moustache currently?
It’s been about 2 and a half years. I’d say it’s about 2 and a half years long.
What was your musical background before The Bright Light Social Hour? Other bands? Massive amounts of musical theory? Just how did you learn to rock so hard?
I’ve always been drawn to the bass, before I ever knew what it was. When I heard you could play bass in the school orchestra, I asked my dad for one; he rented me a violin instead, so I learned to play that. When I found out what an electric bass was, I asked for one for Christmas; my dad got me an old electric guitar instead, so I learned to play that too. Finally got my hands on a real bass in high school, played in a few bands and started gigging around Austin. I picked up a bit of theory on the way, but years of club gigging taught me most.
Your band’s music is at once modern and evocative of the glory days of rock and roll. Did you set out to create exactly this sound? What was the original vision for the band?
No, every time we write a song we’re a bit surprised to go back through and see what styles and feels it hass taken on. The band was originally started as a hardcore, all-screaming, experimental art-rock collective, much different from what we’re doing now. We’ve since let go of any preconceived ideas of what the music should sound like and started treating new songs more like raising children – you can guide them in the way you think best, but ultimately they are their own creatures.
As an avid vinyl collector, I’m pretty excited about your new translucent LP. How do you prefer to listen to music? Vinyl or 8 track?
Ha! I’ve never even heard an 8 track. Now I’m very curious.
You’ve been on tour quite a bit in the last year. Do you notice a geographic aspect to the respect and dignity that moustaches command? In other words, where in the country does a moustache get you a glass of whiskey, and where does a moustache get you the full bottle?
Miami definitely rolls out the red carpet, a bottle of Gentleman Jack always for the stache. In smaller towns in the South they can’t seem to decide if the moustache says “dignified manliness” or “gay hippie on drugs” so I get a lot of stares out there.
There’s only one person in your band without facial hair (Jo, the drummer). He’s an amazing musician – what do we need to do in order to have him join the ranks of Moustached Americans? I will personally donate a bottle of whiskey for him to rub on his upper lip, if necessary.
We encouraged Jo to let it all go for Decembeard, but unfortunately it looks like he’ll need more than one bottle of rubbin’ whiskey.
What moustache, besides your own, has changed your life or inspired you?
Definitely Ataturk’s, founder of modern Turkey.
Any grooming tips? Do you use moustache wax? If so, what kind?
No grooming, no wax, just try shave the rest of my face every once in a while. I take a more off-hands parenting approach.
Please settle an ongoing debate for us. Is the song ‘Rhubarb Jam’ about the conflicting sensations of pleasure and frustration that come from having something tasty stuck in your moustache?
Yes. Of course.
In one of the The Bright Light Social Hour promo videos, you offer up your shaven moustache as a prize. Did you have to follow through with this, and if so how did you cope with the onset of depression afterwards?
Luckily we haven’t gotten a high enough bid for a moustache shaving so it remains, fat and happy on my upper lip.
What is next for the Bright Light Social Hour? There is fervent hope amongst the secretarial pool (and upper management as well) at our headquarters that your answer will include many future concerts in Reno, Nevada.
Massive North American touring is the priority right now. There’s not a Reno show currently on the books, but we’ll be darting all over so I’m certain it’ll be sooner than later.
Thanks Jack! I encourage everyone to listen to their album (embedded below), buy a copy, see their shows, and support the moustached rock of The Bright Light Social Hour!
Great interview! Great music! Great moustache!
Lol! Very nice. I like. Great job jack. And Jack’s moustache!
Jack knows how to mustache a question.. or mustanswer!