Architect of the Analog Dawn

An interview with John McBain, by Chris Middleman
June 14, 2001

With their third installment of sonic mayhem entitled The Scroll and its Combinations (TVT) released in late May, the shadowy figures known as the Wellwater Conspiracy have crafted eleven fine songs intended to set the human ear ablaze with psychedelic fever. Matt Cameron (ex-Soundgarden, Pearl Jam) and John McBain (ex-Monster Magnet) returned after 1998's Brotherhood of Electric: Operational Directives to release what will probably be 2001's most underrated album. The Scroll's millenial psychedelic garage rock features guests such as Soundgarden's Kim Thayil and Ben Shepherd, the Walkabouts' Gerry Amandes, and the Wardencliffe Trio Project.

On June 14th, I had the opportunity to interview the very gracious McBain about the new album, the legacy of Hater, and some of the best albums you've probably never heard of.

You were involved with the first installment of the cult classic Desert Sessions. What was the atmosphere like in the development and recording of that material? Did working with Josh Homme during this and your brief tenure in Queens of the Stone Age go well?

The atmosphere was very casual. Lots of good food courtesy of sometimes QOTSA member Dave Catching, plenty of "herbal" medicine and no pressure whatsoever. Aside from two cuts, Avon and Johnny The Boy, it was all made up on the spot. Working with Josh was almost too easy. Our ideas and approaches to music are very similar. This led to my indoctrination in Queens Of The Stone Age. I joined for two reasons; one, I wanted to help Josh get the band off the ground ( this was pre-first LP) and two, I wanted to make extremely loud music with him. After a few live shows i realized that my prescence wasn't necessary. Our guitar tones were too similar and we were both too polite when it came to solos. ( You take this one John. No, after you, Josh. No, John. Please. I insist etc. etc....) So with that I left on good terms. I consider him a close friend.

Is there any truth to the rumor that Hater (a band which released one album in 1993 and whose members included Cameron, McBain, Shepherd, Devilhead's Jon Waterman, and Brian Wood, brother of Mother Love Bone's Andy) has an unreleased album sitting on someone's basement shelf?

Not only is it true but it is being mixed as I type this. We are looking at labels. Thats all I know at this point.

You've been known for having encyclopedic knowledge of obscure rock acts. What are some releases that would enhance my mortal existence by artists I've probably never heard of?

Run out ASAP and purchase the second Free album. It's on my all time top 5. And while you're there pick up The Bonniwell Music Machine. My favorite US garage/psych band.

Is there one song that you've recorded in your body of work so far, that you feel is indicative of your style or your playing?

No, not really. I don't see myself as having a particular style. But if I could pick one song it would be Sleeveless.

In comparison to WWC's previous work, it seems to me that some of the work on The Scroll and its Combinations has a slightly more serious, song-oriented tone. Was there any sort of effort to produce a slightly more focused effort?

No. The sound of The Scroll has to do with the fact that we had much more time to work on it. And I think that I wanted to move away from the obsessive/reverent sixties thing that I had been doing up till that point. You can only re-write Louie Louie so many times.

What guitarists have influenced your playing?

Jeff Beck, Greg Ginn of Black Flag and Ron Asheton of The Stooges. All players with distinctive tones and a reckless approach to playing. Mostly Ginn. I consider him to be the most original guitarist since Hendrix. My original amp in Monster Magnet was the same model that Greg used, a shitty Peavey solid state P.A. head. Sounded like hell. I loved it.

If in some parallel universe, you enjoyed touring during the Magnet years and remained a member, do you believe the band would've taken a different direction in it what it's set out to accomplish?

Absolutely. I imagine that we would have gotten even more over the top and psychedelic and made no money whatsoever. It worked out best for all parties involved. They have success and I've got WWC.

Neither you nor Matt were really known for producing lyrics in your previous projects. How do the lyrics usually come about in Wellwater Conspiracy?

In most cases the lyrics are written exclusively by the singer. The only exceptions are What Becomes Of The Clock ( I co-wrote that with Gerry Amandes ) and Tick Tock 3 O'Clock which was a "joint" effort by Matt and myself. My only concern with lyrics is that they sound good. As an example, Josh Homme's lyrics on Ladder To The Moon don't make a lick of sense but they sure sound cool. He used the word extrapolate. And Matt once used the word crestfallen. Great words that have a druggy feel to them.

How do you spend your time when Matt is creatively occupied elsewhere?

Writing songs, spending time with my girlfriend and doing crossword puzzles.

Jack Endino recently left the touring incarnation of WWC for previous engagements in Brazil. You've mentioned you've selected a replacement...anyone we're familiar with?

Yes. But it's not official so I have to keep that info to myself. Sorry.

Word on the street is that a Wellwater side project is a-brewing named Patti Kaak...know anything about this?

No idea. I think it's an urban legend. I had not heard anything about it until I read a recent WWC newsletter that mentioned it. I can't imagine who is involved. It certainly isn't me.

Any chance of fans on the East Coast experiencing WWC live before their very eyes?

I hope so. Once we get the bassplayer thing nailed down I'm positive that we'll tour the US and Europe.

In the liner notes of the first album you thank Art Bell. Are you a listener? (By the way, I always thought "Far Side of your Moon" would've been a welcome replacement for the Gorgio Moroder song he has for the show opener.)

I've been a fan of his for years. In fact, I wrote the song "Space Travel In The Blink Of An Eye" for Art. I planned on sending him a copy for possible use on his show. But as usual, I never got around to it.

In three words, describe the new album.

Round, green and plastic.

Name your top 5 desert island albums.
( in no particular order )

Free (2nd Lp)
Black Flag "Damaged"
Stiff Little Fingers "Inflammable Material"
Blue Cheer "Outside Inside"
Beach Boys "Smile"

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