Abigail St. Clair Thomas interviews Elliot Babin of Dad Punchers
ASCT
What experience, if any, changed the way you make music?
EB
Borrowing a 4-track recorder from the guitarist of my punk band in 7th grade was a huge thing for me. All of a sudden I was introduced to the magic of recording and the ability to layer instruments and manipulate the way they interact.
ASCT
What’s your favorite word in a foreign language?
EB
Tortuga- “turtle” in Spanish. Its fun to say.
ASCT
What’s the last song you listened to?
EB
That Dog- I’m Gonna See You
ASCT
As you are also in Touché Amoré and DNF, how is Dad Punchers different?
EB
They are completely different worlds. My contributions in Touche Amore and DNF are on a percussive level which after playing drums for almost 10 years is something I’m comfortable with. Writing songs from the ground up and singing absolutely terrifies me and gives me lots of anxiety which is why I wanted to do it. I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone.
ASCT
What or who influences Dad Puncher’s sound?
EB
The Weakerthans, The Mountain Goats, Randy Newman
ASCT
How many instruments do you play? Are there any you’re interested in learning? Why?
EB
Six. I would really like to learn Cello, Violin, and Trumpet. Both are beautiful/sad instruments but have steep learning curves in which you resemble nails on a chalk board for the first 6 months on said instrument.
ASCT
Have you developed any routines to help cope with life on tour?
EB
Yes. I’ve finally figured out that in order to be healthy and happy on tour I need to eat well, stimulate my brain, and be active. So I’ve adopted a vegetarian diet, I try to always be reading a book, and I bring a jump rope and try to use that a lot during downtime.
ASCT
How did you come up with the name Dad Punchers?
EB
A band played a house show at a kid’s house while his parents were out of town. The parents came home while the show was going on and a member of a band that was playing ended up getting in a fight with the dad and knocking him unconscious. In my group of friends, we referred to that band as the “Dad Punchers.” Its just about the worst name ever. I wanted some name that would stir things up.
ASCT
Name three things you did today.
EB
I re-soldered the input jack on my guitar. I started recording a beach boys cover that I’m putting on a friends 60’s cover compilation. I watched Slayer/Decrepit Birth drum videos with my friend Sam.
ASCT
What inspired the best lyric you ever wrote? What was it?
EB
I think my favorite lyric is still yet to come.