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| Suffrajett's neo-rock is raw and
unapologetic. Their CD has just stopped and is still
spinning in the player, my head spinning with it. Guitarist Jason Chasko took
time out from promoting Suffrajett's self-titled debut album to talk about
taking over the world, and how it all began. Jason Chasko: Simi (Suffrajett's lead singer/songwriter) and I met two years ago through a mutual friend and I joined her band, and played with that line-up for a year or so.  Then I thought it was time to stop wasting time writing with the
two other guys... so Simi and I started writing together. It clicked really
well so - we fired the other two dudes and just started to do it all ourselves.
I think destiny has brought Simi and I together... She can express herself
however she wants in this band and I as well. So, it's all good. CM: Why the name Suffrajett? Just to show off my keen research skills; the dictionary definition of the word suffragette is "an advocate of women's suffrage," later adopted by female suffragists fighting for equality... Is there an underlying political message behind your music then? JC: I came up with the name Suffrajett. I always thought it was a cool word that hadn't been used since the 20s. It also conjured up a vibe of a woman's independence, I guess, and there is the tip to Joan Jett in the spelling. Whatever, ultimately it's just an I.D. CM: Does Suffrajett often get lumped in with the 'angry girl' music groups? Or do you despise any comparisons to Avril Lavigne and Hole? JC: It's just rock-n-roll really. Maybe some of the lyrics are angry, but that's about it. People can compare us to whoever they want... doesn't really matter to us. CM: Who are your musical influences? JC: I'm influenced by The Jackson 5, The Beatles, The Carpenters, early Aerosmith, Sabbath, Elliott Smith, Ace Frehley, George Jones... etc. CM: So, how would you pigeon-hole Suffrajett's raucous stylings (if a gun was to your head and you had to pigeon-hole your music)? I've heard labels like 'post-punk' and 'garage-rock' get bandied around... do you agree? How about 'neo rock'? That last one was mine... JC: I like 'neo rock' - that's cool! I think it's "garage sleaze" ...if that makes sense to anyone.  CM: Let's talk about your debut album, 'Suffrajett.'
It made me want to jump up and down... in a good way. Is this the desired
outcome when people listen to your stuff? JC: I think it's great when people like what we do. If you like it - lovely. If not - fuggit, I say. CM: Where do you see Suffrajett going in the next five years (this sounds like a job interview question, doesn't it?)? Will you be at the top of the charts or being revered by a select and hip crowd? JC: I think we will continue to write songs until it isn't fun anymore. Simi and I get along pretty good so I think we will be playing to millions of people all over the world and sellin' sick amounts of records. CM: More importantly - what would you prefer? Mega stardom or drawing the respect of educated listeners? JC: I want to take over the world with this band! I do want certain peers to respect what we do but - I want to sell some fuckin' records! CM: QUESTION INSPIRED BY A SONG-LYRIC FROM YOUR ALBUM ALERT!: What is your biggest dirty little secret? (And if you don't want to tell, please give us a clue, eg: 'two sheep and a vacuum cleaner'). JC: When I was 17 or so I had this manager that bought me a hooker on the south side of Chicago once. Nobody really knows that info so I guess that's a secret... CM: Your latest Suffrajett tunes were recorded in a Manhattan Mini Storage Space, AKA a garage? Get it? Garage music... Not really a question... more of an observation. JC: I love the way the record sounds in that space!!! CM: And what brought a Chicago boy and his guitar to New York City? Do you now consider yourself a New Yoiker? JC: I always wanted to live in New York, so when I finally finished this record I did with Liz Phair, I moved the hell out of Chicago! It's been four or five years now so, yes I feel like I can say I am a New Yorker. CM: With some big-time touring ahead of you, are you looking forward to 'relentless gigging'? JC: We definitely can't wait to get out there and bring our tunes to the people... Hope to see you all there! For a list of their upcoming live shows, and more details on everything Suffrajett, check out www.suffrajett.com. The album is available in stores, and to order on-line, now. |
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