We couldn’t be happier to have Aaron “White Owl” Collins, friend and inspiration, join us for our debut interview on knifetwister records. Collins has been on the scene for nearly 40 years, joining the band White Trash as a teenager, who then blew up on MTV and were signed to Elektra Records. He has since been in numerous bands, including Murphy’s Law, Skarhead and 417, but the project we most want to hear about is his latest, Butterbrain. Described as punk/funk/ska/rock, or just plain “ear-candy”, they throw everything but the kitchen sink at you. Maybe the kitchen sink too, stay tuned.

Collins may be the best bass player we’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something. Name anyone holding the four string, and he’s up there with them. But it’s his songwriting that really makes people stand up and take notice. We caught up to him to find out what’s going on with him and with one of the best bands on the circuit.

Welcome. Tell us about your new album. What was the inspiration behind it?

Thanks. It was inspired by the chaos in the world today. I was looking for a punk rock modern day version of Prince’s 1999 album. Instead of complaining or getting too political, I was aiming for a vibe of “if the world’s going to hell in a bucket- then let’s party today, while we we can.” There’s enough angst and people arguing on social media these days, and we are ultimately a party band, so I wanted to create something that reflected that angst, but turned into a positive vibration. I hope we accomplished that.

How did the band originally form? What's the "origin story"?

Butterbrain started as a side project to my original band White Trash. We put out some music in 2008 and played a handful of local shows, but the guys were mostly tied to theor 9-5 jobs, and I started touring on and off with Murphy’s Law again. Fast forward to 2017 and the band was asked to reform for a fundraiser event for the Art Space El Taller in East Harlem. After that the band was inspired to write and record again, and despite a few lineup changes, we have not stopped. We put out an EP in 2018, the Sapiosexual album shortly after, some singles and cover tracks during the pandemic, and most recently/the full Armageddon Party album this past May, produced by Angelo Moore of Fishbone. The reception and upward trajectory of the band has been mind blowing.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music?

Well, I’ll go with our IG bio on that one. Some punk/funk/ska ear candy. I would say we’re a bit genreless. We don’t fit into a box, for sure.

What's the story behind your band name?

It just popped into the brain (no pun intended) one day. It was kind of a play on the term “Butterface”, which us NY’ers used to describe a hot bodied woman with a busted (not so pretty) face. It also combined the idea of a burnout - someone who used too many drugs and whose brain was fried. That could be meant to apply to myself or my crew of friends at the time. I thought the combo of these ideas- Butterbrain- made for a cool band name.

Who are your biggest musical influences, both as a band and individually, and why?

I’ m gonna defer to some of the other bandmates on their influences. But for me- The Beatles, Fishbone, The Beastie Boys, Thelonius Monk… too many to mention. I could go on and on.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

Probably the most recent. Getting a chance to perform, co-produce, and record with one of my biggest musical idols- Angelo Moore. The new record is killer. I’m proud of it.

What role does social media and online presence play in connecting with your fans?

It’s huge these days. It’s a one-stop shop where they get to keep up with music releases, shows, etc. As well as get a behind the scenes look at the band and our members.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a band, and how did you overcome them?

Probably going through some of them now. Juggling business and friendship, and dealing with the limited availability of several of the members. This summer has been a few different lineup changes and fill in players. I deal with it by pause-pray-proceed. I don’t stress what I can’t control, and I control what I can. I have never missed or canceled a show in my 30 yrs of performing music. I’m proud of that. The Butterbrain train keeps a rolling, and I embrace the future of the band with openness. Who knows what’s in store next?

What's your favorite song to perform live and why?

I love ‘em all (editor’s note: we do too)

How has your musical style evolved since you first started?

We have definitely become a bit more punk and ska oriented over the past few years. A lot of that probably has to do with the addition of Sally May, who jumped on as a guest vocalist on one of our songs (Guinea Pig Slut Bitch) from Butterbrain The EP in 2019. She has continued with the group since, and brought her punk ska influence with her.

What's the most exciting thing happening for the band right now?

Well, we just released a full length album- Armageddon Party- produced by Angelo Moore (Fishbone) a few months ago. And we just finished a weekend run with our honies Fuakata from Miami. Up next is some local shows from Brooklyn to Boston. With a special announcement coming in December. I ain’t gonna let the cat outta the bag til it’s confirmed though.

Is there a particular message or theme you hope listeners take away from your music?

Not really. I believe interpretation of art is up to the individual. The overall theme is “Let’s Party Today”. With all the hate, dissension, angst, war in the world today, I hope Butterbrain provides a release to all that by listening to our music and coming to our shows.

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What are your immediate goals for the band?

There’s a couple of festivals we’d like to jump on. Camp Punksylvania, Hurricane Fest, Supernova, Warped Tour, etc. Let’s see…

What is your favorite venue to play?

Currently, The Bowery Electric

Describe your fans in one sentence

The best humans on earth (is that a sentence?) (editor’s note: it is not, there is no verb)

What's one quirky or funny thing about your ban that people not might not know?

We can’t stand each other (just kiddin)

What's a hidden talent or a non-musical hobby that you have?

Swimming, surfing, being a beach bum.

What's a song you wish you had written?

A Day In The Life- The Beatles

Thanks to Aaron for the interview. Check out Butterbrain on all major streaming platforms, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, or their new website www.butterbrainnyc.com – you’ll be glad you did!

Interview with Aaron “White Owl” Collins of Butterbrain

Interview with the Founders of Dispoze-A-Bowl®