1. You, Jason White and Steve Schmidt invented what would become a very influential fanzine, Fluke. How did Fluke come about? Whose idea was it?
It was Steve’s idea. He had graduated high school in Little Rock and felt like he was complacent so he started a band, a radio show and a fanzine. Fugazi and Plaid Retina came through town so he interviewed them. Jason and I got on board. I was taking a college course in Journalism and one of our assignments was to write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. I wrote a letter about violence on television and the paper printed it! So, I put it in the first issue, as well as some photos and record reviews. Jason interviewed Tim Lamb, who published the earlier Little Rock fanzine called Lighten Up. We had local contributors and ran some ads, too. We liked the end result and the response was very positive so we continued together on issue 2.
2. How important was the history for Fluke Fanzine, to interview Tim Lamb and Fugazi?
Fugazi was undoubtedly the most influential band in the punk scene at the time, if not the whole decade. Having them in issue 1 was huge for us, I think. As for Tim Lamb, we definitely wanted to recognize those who came before us in the Little Rock punk scene and Tim was a key figure in the early development of Little Rock punk.
3. After Fluke was released, how was it received by the alternative scene of Arkansas?
Yes, the Little Rock, Arkansas scene was very receptive to Fluke, as were MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL and other reviewers of Fluke.
4. How was it to see Fluke being mentioned and reviewed by the magazine Thrasher and MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL?
It was a great feeling to know that people outside of our humble scene liked our magazine. Thrasher reviews didn’t come until I started Fluke back up in earnest in 2009.
5. All fanzine leaders know much about the independent scene, what do you think of the scene in Brazil? Ever heard of it?
Not much, sadly. There was a Brazilian woman who reviewed Fluke a few years back. I do know there is a strong punk scene in South America and I hope to visit sometime in the near future.
6. The punk / hardcore scene is still strong in Arkansas, what do you think of it?
I haven’t lived in Arkansas in over 20 years but still have ties to the music scene there. A lot of the musicians who were playing punk in the ’80s and ’90s are still playing music, mostly rock and roll now. There is a new generation of punk in Little Rock, house shows have never stopped happening there.
7. How were Chino Horde shows?
Powerful, energetic, thoughtful and inspiring. A great band to see live, always a crowd pleaser.
8. In 90’s – 00’s, Jason White decided to invest in a sound quieter (as Big Cats and Influents). What did you think of this?
Jason is a musician and musicians play music. He is a fan of Paul Westerberg and Alex Chilton, so it makes sense he went that route. Jason is also a songwriter. I really love what he’s done throughout his musical career.
9. How was the Towncraft compilation recording process?
Each band recorded their own songs and submitted to the project. It also came with a booklet, where local fanzines had a page. Fluke got center spread! That is a really solid record that holds up to this day.
10. In 1991 Green Day played at Vino’s. Have you had contact with the band? How was this meeting?
Yes, we all hung out at Catherine’s parents’ house after the show, where we had a pool party with Green Day. It was a lot of fun.
11. Last question. What are your future plans for Fluke Fanzine?
To continue creating and sharing. The 25th anniversary issue will be out in September!