Signal Boost: Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits crowdfunding campaign

[usernamenumber]

So, there's this group (really more of a duo with occasional backup band) that I've been listening to and IRL acquaintances/friends-of-friends with since high school, called Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits. As you can probably guess from the name, they're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're ok some questionable humor at times, read on...

Basically, these guys are two of the most dedicated musicians I know. They have been at this for almost 20 years now, never being famous, perpetually broke, and yet continuing to invest the majority (and then some) of their time and money in writing, recording, and touring. Also, they're pretty funny.

Lately they've been doing an ambitious project to make videos of almost all of their recent songs, many of which I think are pretty great, and which feature a breadth of guest animators and directors. In addition to this they're working on a couple of book deals, and have the opportunity to record in a legendary studio, and want to tour more.

...but see earlier comment about being perpetually broke (also, most of their equipment is busted after years on the road).

So, you guessed it, they're doing the crowdfunding thing. On paper this just another band with no money and few prospects begging for cash to keep doing what they're doing for a little while longer, but to me there are a couple of things that make this different: first, see earlier comments about their dedication. Second, if you've ever gotten a mix CD from me, chances are you've heard Freshman Philosophy or "Wryting Love Songs (Will Never Help Me Get The Chycks)", which have been on my list of favorite humor songs since they came out in '97. I figure that alone warrants some support from me in their time of need.

As for you? Well, let me leave you with two of my favorites from their recent crop of videos and then you can decide whether their ability to make more is worth an investment (plus one of the rewards is their entire MP3 back catalog)


Life is Excellent exemplifies a particular quality I adore in musicians: the ability to write catchy jingles about sad things, and the video compliments it perfectly, both disturbing and a bit profound.

...and then there's Bone Dagger. I love the animation, and I think I want to create a character with this as his theme song. That, and/or play the video game that I hope the video will inspire.

So! If you like what you see, their indiegogo page is here. Take a look!

Comments

[dot_fennel]

Huh. I remember when I was fuming about how their song "Poly" was insulting crap, somebody said, "Oh, I know those guys, they probably didn't mean it that way". Was that you, or do I know two people who know them?

[usernamenumber.livejournal.com]

That definitely could have been me. I hear that song as the story/pov of a specific person in a specific (badly handled) poly relationship, rather than a blanket statement about polyamory. Nonetheless I can see it rubbing people wrong, such that I considered including that observation in my post lest someone come across it and become offended that I sent them there.