The Ouchies (from Birmingham, Al) are a three piece Punk / Rock band that formed in late 2005. They played hundreds of shows in a short span across the Southeast. After a lengthy hiatus, the power trio united once again to release a self titled EP in 2018. The Ouchies are: Steve Ouchie, Chase (on bass) Kuykendall, and Mike Hawkins.
They took a few moments of their time to answer some questions in this EXCLUSIVE interview, seen only here!
1. The band name, The Ouchies, is the perfect name for a punk rock outfit. I see that one of your members’ last name is actually Ouchie. How fortuitous! Did you guys consider any other names for the band before settling on The Ouchies?
Haha. Yes. “The Ouchies” came from an insider skateboarding joke. From busting it. We did come up with other names, but they were just as bad. Steve’s last name is actually just a manifestation of being called Steve from The Ouchies. People just started running it together and referred to him as Steve Ouchie. It stuck.
2. Who are some of your biggest influences?
We all have different influences. We’re pretty mixed in what we listen to actually, but we cherished earlier punk rock into 90’s punk. It was an escape from the cultural norm growing up in the south. I think that’s why our roots are so strong in it.
3. How long have you guys been playing together, and what was your first gig?
We’ve know each other a long time. We’ve been playing together since 2005. Our first gig was in in Birmingham – Southside at a venue called Cave 9. It was a cool place. Mostly underground bands played there. We have a lot of great memories from that venue.
4. How has being from Birmingham, AL influenced your music? Is it difficult being a punk rock band from the south? What is the scene like there?
We figured that we were doomed from the start given the stigma that is placed on the south, but we just loved that style of music. We only knew a handful of people that had ever heard of the bands that we enjoyed. We later found out that it was not the case though after becoming part of the scene. There are many people who were into the same stuff. We all came together and shared our passions. The music scene in Birmingham has had it’s ups and downs, but there are many great musicians from the area. We had a decent draw and there was a lot of energy in the crowds. People who had never heard punk anything before – from all age groups – really got into our shows.
5. Tell me about your self-titled EP. Where was it recorded? What was the writing and recording process like?
The EP was released this year (2018). We recorded at Glow In The Dark Studios – Atlanta, GA with Matt Goldman. He is both an amazing producer and engineer. We came to the studio already playing a couple of the songs, but basically wrote “Never Looking Back” in the studio.
6. Do you guys have any videos out? If so, where can we check them out, and if not, any plans for doing one?
We are currently in the early stages of a video creation for both “Blue” and “Never Looking Back”. Both will be released this year. They will be on video networks such as YouTube.
7. You’ve performed all over the Southeast. Where was your favorite place to play? Any unusual memories from the road? Have you opened for any other artists along the way?
No particular place, but Atlanta is always fun. Back in the day.. we played at an abandoned mini golf course in Florida. We arrived late that night and couldn’t really see much. The next morning we woke up and were surrounded by giant mushrooms and strange plastic animals. Chase slept in a dinosuar the next night. That was really just more of a fun trip in general. Yes, we’ve opened for a few of our heroes along the way. That’s one cool thing about the punk scene. You’re never too “big” for people (even when you are). Of course you have to be good enough. We get amazing opportunities all the time.
8. How do you guys feel about the direction of the music industry, with the switch to streaming v. downloading?
It’s pretty cool. Things have come a long way from us packaging up CDs in our basement. The advent of internet streaming and downloading has really opened some doors for lesser known bands. Both are especially good for getting music into the hands of potential fans that would have otherwise taken longer to find out about you. I think that streaming gives more exposure while downloading gives more financial support directly to the artist.
9. Name one artist from each of you, that your fans would be surprised to find on your playlists?
Steve: Prince
Mike: Merle Haggard
Chase: Ke$ha
10. What’s next for The Ouchies?
We are planning to play a lot of dates across the US. Still working on the logistics, but are really excited to get out there and connect with fans. We should have a full length out next year as well.
BONUS QUESTION: When The Ouchies aren’t playing music, what do the members like to do? If I was to come over for dinner, what would be served?
We usually like to sit around and talk about playing music when we’re not playing music. We like camping trips. Mike does BMX stunts. Chase likes getting tattooed. Steve programs robots when he is bored. A day with us is just too damn interesting. BBQ Rattlesnake is what’s for dinner. It’s a southern tradition.
Thanks so much for taking the time, guys. All the best to you!
https://www.facebook.com/theouchies/