The Jeff McDonald Interview

Jeff McDonald was one half of the brotherly duo who led the legendary Redd Kross. Presently, he is one of the masterminds of Ze Malibu Kids. Jeff McDonald is also an accomplished producer, actor, director and general wunderkind. I had a chance to talk to him about Ze Malibu Kids and the status of Redd Kross.

RB: There is a little sticker on the Ze Malibu Kids "Sound It Out" album that says "EX-REDD KROSS." What exactly is the status with Redd Kross right now?

JM: I don't know...I had no idea that Ze Malibu Kids would generate so much interest in Redd Kross. I'm just trying to get our postage stamp mini series variety show (Bitchin' Ass) up on our site. ...Oh and I'm trying to finish my next record as well as doing some writing with Steven for his.

RB: How did Ze Malibu Kids get started?

JM: We all had a little down time so we decided to figure out how to use the various multi track recorders that each of us owned. Most of ZMK was recorded on half inch 8 track. I love that format and want to use it again soon.

RB: Who exactly is Astrid (the drummer)?

JM: Astrid is the daughter of Charlotte Caffey and Jeff McDonald.

RB: Out of print Redd Kross titles like Neurotica and Third Eye and B-side bootlegs seem to be fetching a high price on Ebay these days. Have you ever thought of re-releasing these titles yourselves to satisfy this demand and at least make a dollar or two?

JM: Charlotte and Anna just started a new label called Five Foot 2. After they release Anna by Anna Waronker early summer they will work on Neurotica.

RB: You and your brother have been in several movies -(Desperate Teenage Lovedolls, Spirit of '76, Lovedolls Superstar) How did you guys get into acting?

JM: Everyone is in show business in Los Angeles. These things just seem to happen.

RB: Tell us about your new project Bitchin' Ass

JM: It's a never ending semi autobiographical serial plus we will feature performances by some of the coolest new groups as well as old favorites.

RB: Will Sound It Out see a North American release?

JM: I'm not sure exactly. In a couple of months.

RB: Some people see ZMK as kind of a novelty band. What are your thoughts on that?

JM: One might think that because of the dense conceptual aesthetic but it wasn't our intention to confuse people (we always do though) or waste time with some goofy novelty. The record speaks for it self. Sound It Out is my personal favorite of all the records I've been involved with. I approach all projects on it's own level not paying attention to a previous work including Redd Kross. Well,...with one exception The Tater Tots but I was only a guest in someone else's nightmare on that one.

RB: What bands get you excited these days?

JM: The Hives are great and I just produced a band called the Beards that is real exciting.

RB: What are the plans for 2002?

JM: I want to finish my album and maybe do a Ze Malibu Kids video.

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