A Dirty Dozen with THE DISASSOCIATES – February 2024

According to a recent press release: “The Disassociates are an electrifying alternative rock band emerging from Southern California, fusing elements of alternative rock, power-punk, and catchy melodies with relatable, authentic, and at times hilarious lyrics. Debuting in 2023 with their singles “I Don’t Wanna” and “30mg,” this enigmatic band is comprised of longtime friends vocalist Brie Marie, guitarist Jordan Sutton, drummer Michael Bonanno, and bassist Justin Pittman, each bringing a unique musical perspective to the table. Known for their thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, The Disassociates navigate the realms of introspection and rebellion through their music with influences ranging from from pop punk to classic rock to metal. The band creates a sonic tapestry that is both familiar and groundbreaking.” We get the band 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?

Justin: There are definitely subtle things in the background I think audio engineers and people into production will appreciate. In “Trigger Warning,” Brie flubbed a line in another recording and yelled out of frustration, so we took the yell and put it in the song and then Brian (our engineer) put a cool effect over it.

Brie: There’s a lot of double meaning and double entendre in the lyrics that people might not get the first time around.

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

Michael: My dad was in a band called burning image in the 80’s and my uncle is a drummer in his own bands so I’ve always had music around me growing up. I saw my dad’s reunion band rehearsal one day and became fixed on the drums ever since.

Jordan: I’ve always had an affinity for music. I never really realized I did until I was much older and already doing it but even as a very young child I had all the music in my favorite videos games memorized and would always look forward to my favorite tracks without even consciously knowing that’s what I was doing.

Justin: When I was little, music would always be playing at my family’s house. Every car ride we’d listen to the radio and a lot of nights my parents would put in concert films on the living room tv. My mom said I would point at the tv at like a guitar or something, so that’s when they got me my first guitar and then I was hooked.

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

Jordan: In the beginning it was AC/DC. I thought “Thunderstruck” was the coolest thing ever played on a guitar but when it became a little more serious (no offense to Angus Young he’s still a hero of mine) it was after I watched The Song Remains The Same live video performance of Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden. The movie is like a blend of live performance and conceptual music video and it blew my mind and still does to this day.

Michael: I listened to a lot of Green Day, Nirvana, and System of a Down. Once I got closer to high school I was playing in some death metal bands with friends. It wasn’t until around 2012 or so when I really branched away from metal and came back to more classic bands.

Justin: My mom was into a lot of the adult contemporary stuff that was out at that time like John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, early Train, early Maroon 5, and then we also had some albums from older bands my parents grew up with like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Van Halen. I started getting into some 80’s alternative rock after listening to other albums we had from R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs, and then somewhere along the way I got really into Progressive Rock listening to Pink Floyd, Rush, Yes, King Crimson, and my favorite Genesis.

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

Jordan: If I could do anything with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin or Guns N’ Roses my life would be complete.

Michael: I think doing something with Beck would be cool. He’s always doing something interesting musically.

Justin: If we’re talking anyone from any time, I’d say either Michael Stipe or Phil Collins in their prime. Maynard James Keenan would also be really cool.

Brie: I would sacrifice any one of my bandmates to sing with Billy Joel in any context.

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

Michael: I love to watch movies.

Jordan: I like to play video games, watch movies, go to the gym, and build paint and play Warhammer – Sisters of battle is my army.

Justin: Most of the time when I’m not working on music, I’m just on the internet. Either on YouTube or watching movies or anime, reading manga.

Brie: I never unwind.

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?

Michael: I think we would say our music is alternative/punk rock with clever lyrics and ear worm melodies. I have yet to hear someone say something cringe or disagreeable about us but I’m sure it’s coming.

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?

Jordan: None of us. We order delivery and make someone else do all that for us. But I’m probably gonna be the first to grab a guitar and make us sing.

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

Brie: I lost my mind meeting Bonnie McKee – she’s such an icon and personal hero of mine.

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?

Jordan: I just like being able to feel connected to my favorite artists. I love writing, but playing along to my favorite songs feels like I’m channeling their greatness and it makes me feel better about myself sometimes. If I couldn’t play music anymore maybe I’d be an actor. I’ve always had an affinity for acting.

Brie: I’d be a lighthouse keeper. I like being alone.

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?

Brie: I’d like for people to more directly ask about the overall themes of mental health and mental illness on our album. People sometimes skirt around it but I’m pretty open to discussing stuff like that head on. And I guess I’m tired of being asked questions people could find out for themselves. It’s pretty obvious when someone doesn’t do any research or doesn’t listen to our music.

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?

Jordan: Nah, not really. I think everything happens just as it should and to try and redo things for the sake of it is a waste of time and effort. It happened, I learned something from it, and it ultimately made me who I am.

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?

Jordan: If I could, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Not because I could possibly add anything to it but just because I want to see how it happened. That album changed my opinions of what I thought was possible with singy songs and just trying to put that into perspective of the time is just mind boggling to me. To create that album given what kind of music existed and hadn’t existed yet is incredible.

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Category: Interviews