A Dirty Dozen with LARRY BONE from CHOKESETTER – October 2022

According to a recent press release: “Chokesetter formed in 2018 with a few old friends and longtime veterans from the local music scene in Northwest Indiana. Having played in notable separate bands for years, these gentlemen forged a path together that would form a heavy hitting band of crunchy riffs and smooth grooves. Chokesetter combines several musical influences from Black Sabbath and Clutch all the way to Fu Manchu and passionately grind their wheelhouse in authentic feel-good rock-n-roll, stoner rock riffs and swing style blues. Chokesetter rises above the rest by being well seasoned and experienced in playing live to any kind of audience and making new fans wherever they play in any variation of lineup.” We get drummer Larry to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Well, we honestly didn’t think about things like that when we wrote the album. It just came about, much of it unplanned. We followed our guts. We write music we like to hear, and we’re just fortunate a lot of listeners and our fan base can relate. I wouldn’t say there’s anything “hidden”. Maybe just some tidbits in our songs that remind you of other moments in your rock-n-roll years.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I grew up listening to what my parents did, which was a lot of Motown along with The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Van Halen, and Queen. I found KISS on my own and wanted to be Ace Frehley so freaking bad. My father was a drummer though, so I always paid attention to the drums in anything I was listening to. I remember one day as a kid I was watching MTV and I saw the video for “I Don’t Care Anymore” by Phil Collins which is just this big tribal style drum beat throughout the whole song. I got two big spatulas from the kitchen and started beating the crap out of the couch cushions to the beat… my mom had run to the store, and I remember when she walked through the door with groceries there was dust filling the living room from me hitting the couch for 5 solid minutes. I was out of breath and told my mom “I learned a song on the drums, mom!!” She just kinda scolded me and made me open all the windows. Little did anyone know…. Hahahaha.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

There’s too many to name. As a little kid I listened to what I mentioned earlier. When hip hop formed I was listening to breakdancing songs and old school rap not long after. When I got to my junior year of high school, I got into skateboarding and that led me to listening to metal and punk, starting with Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, etc. That’s about when I started playing the drums. But I never stopped listening to all the music I grew up with.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Kirk Windstein from CROWBAR. Because he’s a riff machine and everything he touches is just bad ass.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I’m a tattoo artist so I do a lot of drawing and personal artwork. I’m also a big fan of being outside. That goes for anything from riding my Harley to sitting outside with a fire and a six pack. I love nature especially at night. I also try to watch movies, go into rabbit holes listening for new music, and hanging with my friends.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I’d say we are just a feel good, solid rockin’ riff rock band who just wants to make people bob their heads smiling and coming back for more. We get compared to Clutch a lot… even though that’s an amazing comparison, because we love Clutch, I don’t hear it THAT much in our music, but that’s just me. I think people make that association because of our vocalist’s mannerisms… and he has a Neil Fallon look about him!!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Hahaha we don’t really have “sing alongs”! At rehearsal Steve gets the beers and water because it’s his house and well, we ARE his guests…. Hahaha. We hang out at shows mostly but occasionally go out for a band dinner where we talk about future works and to keep the force of our bromance together and solid.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Earlier I met Sam Jones from the movie Flash Gordon. That’s my favorite film of all time. I was like a little kid who could barely talk.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I love it when people hear us live or hear our record and just give us praise. Even though I write music with my brothers for me/us, to get genuine compliments and people sporting your merch is just the best feeling ever. It’s better than making money for me. If I couldn’t do music anymore, who knows. I don’t even wanna think about that!

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I really don’t have a question like that for you!! Umm, okay… how about “can I give your band all the money you need to get your professional touring rig, finance you and put you on the road?” My answer would be “YES!!!!” And as far as being tired of a question? No such thing. I’ll answer whatever I’m asked.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Yes. A couple for sure, to where I almost ruined some friendships over some very selfish decisions. But I’d rather keep that to myself, it’s very personal. Needless to say things still worked out and I didn’t lose any friends in the long run.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Black Sabbath – Sabotage. It means a lot to me in my musical history, my teenage years, and good memories with my best friends.

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Category: Interviews