Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast JOHN S. HALL of KING MISSILE
Apr 2, 2025
John S. Hall, the sharp-witted poet and satirist behind King Missile, shares insights on the band’s unique blend of humor and alternative rock. He discusses their iconic hit 'Detachable Penis' and how it transcends novelty to represent deeper artistic themes. Hall reflects on his creative journey, the influence of spirituality on songwriting, and the balance between personal expression and industry challenges. With anecdotes about absurdism and identity in music, listeners gain a richer understanding of Hall’s artistic vision and the cultural impact of his work.
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You Suck: The First Band
- John S. Hall's first band, 'You Suck', was a bad cover band playing intentionally terrible versions of popular songs.
- The band was inspired by Michael Board and featured members playing Rubik's Cube, holding fish, and playing chess on stage.
King Missile's Formation
- After 'You Suck', Hall attended a summer poetry class at Cornell, sparking his interest in poetry readings.
- Nervous about performing solo, he asked Dog Bowl to compose music for his poems, forming King Missile Dog Fly Religion.
Early King Missile Recordings
- Hall used inheritance money to create a demo with Kramer, leading to King Missile becoming the third release on Kramer's new label.
- The album received college radio airplay, and subsequent albums experimented with diverse instrumentation and styles.
