There will always be something special about getting together in a room with a bunch of friends and making music…… even if it has been a while. Our new friends from Judge Genius may have taken a 15+ year hiatus due to some life events but they are back at it and ready to enjoy making music together again. In fact, they have a show TOMORROW Jan. 10th at Phil Brady’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana if you are free!
We caught up with the fun band to get a little deeper into their story. Enjoy the interview here:
First off, how did the name Judge Genius come to be?
The name of the band was actually the name of the first song we wrote together, but we liked it so much we just used it as a working band name instead, and it stuck, forever.
How would you describe the band’s sound?
We’re #notquitemetal. We try not to limit what we do, but at heart of it all is rock n roll. Heavy guitars to clean melodies, punk bass to funk bass, blast beats to jazz beats and soft singing to yelling, rapping and 3 part harmonies. We’ve joked before that we’re alt country/funk/metal, even writing songs on the accordion, throwing in some bells… We’ve even been working on incorporating a theremin!
Which bands have had the biggest influence on Judge Genius?
That’s a tough one. We get a lot of comparisons to Clutch and Faith No More/Mr.Bungle which are all some of our favorite bands, but dig a little deeper and there’s Helmet, The Jesus Lizard, Beastie Boys, Metallica, Melvins, and Incubus. We’ve performed tribute shows to The Beatles, Madonna, Metallica and various hair metal bands.
We know you guys were making some noise in the early 2000’s until tragedy put the band on hold. What prompted the push to start making music together again?
We always wanted to continue on, it’s just finding the right timing and situation. We kept jamming here and there and formed other bands, but knew we had something special with this band that was always going to be fun and gratifying. We’ve all been friends for 25 years or more. Therefore to us, there’s no better way to honor Justin (our drummer/co-founder) more than playing these songs and constantly regaling stories about him. We mention him at every show and it genuinely feels like he’s in the room at every practice.
Some older sounds from Judge Genius
How does a song come together for Judge Genius?
Usually, one of us has a riff or idea that we want to hash out with each other, but probably 20% of the time, songs come from us just hanging out and jamming. The organic chemistry is not something we take lightly. Some of our best stuff was written that way.
What is your songwriting process?
Try stuff, if it doesn’t work, try other stuff. Then keep trying. The songs feel like they almost write themselves sometimes which is the way original music is supposed to work. There’s nothing more gratifying than being able to sit back, let the progression do it’s thing, and see what you end up with.
What do you hope to convey to the fans with your music?
That we’re awesome. And so is beer. And chickens. And wrestling.
We know you have a big show coming up on Friday January 10th at Phil Brady’s in Baton Rouge. How does it feel to be getting back out there?
Every show is always fun with us. Even an empty room is still going to be a good time.
\What does the future hold for Judge Genius?
Probably millions of records sold. And lots of fame. Maybe a van, a podcast, some wine coolers. Who knows?
Keep up with the future of Judge Genius on their FACEBOOK and hear some more music on BANDCAMP.
