Randy Cotton (Violenteer)
Who are you most excited to see at Caterwaul?
Cotton: Comes down to a tie between Young Widows and Kowloon Walled City. I have not seen Kowloon Walled City yet (shame on me), so maybe they eke out the win.
Who would you like to collaborate with or start a cover band with at Caterwaul and why?
Cotton: The idea of sitting down with Even Patterson of Young Widows and running through some Robert Johnson songs sounds pretty intriguing. I would say anyone that would be interested in starting a Birthday Party tribute...but I can't bend over backwards like Tracy used to do.
What was your first favorite band?
Cotton: This is very difficult on my OCD...My first favorite band was Led Zeppelin, then it was Rush, followed by Killing Joke and The Cure, then the Jesus Lizard. A current fave is FACS.
Have you ever had performance anxiety? What is your secret weapon?
Cotton: When I began touring in the ‘90s, I was just getting past having recurring panic attacks, so back then I would sometimes resort to using Clonazepam. But with that, the highs weren't as high. So liquid courage in the form of a beer or a vodka soda or two is good enough.
What’s the best part of playing an all day/multiple day festival or gathering? And conversely, what is the worst part of doing it?
Cotton: Best part: Seeing so many good bands! Worst part: Having to make sure we eat something and pace ourselves when it comes to the adult beverages!
Bonus multiple choice: Replacements, Husker Du, Halo of Flies or Prince?
Cotton: Husker Du – Zen Arcade all the way!!! That said, I've always loved Prince's music. I was in a punk/metal band from 1990-1992, and I insisted that we try to make our own cover version of “The Cross.” It sounded like shit!
