Page 13 - ION Indie Magazine SeptOct 2019 Issue

M.H.: Okay, Lenny, I've seen your shows, and I might say, you have charisma when
performing. Your audience is hypnotized and at times, seem under a spell (they love
you). I think I understand the energy you present when performing. And at the end of
your shows, your face is bloodied. How do you attribute to your self-possessed
attitude? What makes you, do what you do? What makes your fans attracted to you?

L.M.: Not really sure. I can't help myself. Just beating the world to the punch, I guess.

M.H.: Who are your influences in music and who are you listening to these days?

L.M.: I wouldn't claim any influences, but there have been bands and performers that
have had an impact on me or that I have found inspiring…Iggy Pop, Darby Crash, Sex
Pistols, and Edwin Borsheim. Also, Mike Webber, Bobnoxious and The Fuck Ups.

M.H.: Tell me a bit about your record label(s) and the number of and titles of albums.
Any collaborations?

L.M.: Our first release was entitled ‘Besmirch and Destroy.’ It was a ten-song CD that
included a fold-out poster. The CD was released in 2007 on Steel Cage Records. Our
second was ‘Skankenstein.’ It was 3-songs on a 7-inch pink vinyl. It was released in 2008,
also on Steel Cage Records. Our 3rd release was entitled ‘If Loving You Is Wrong.’ It was a
16-song CD, released in 2012 on Puke in the Sink Records. ‘Hard to Miss’ was The
Besmirchers fourth release. It was a 7-inch picture disc released in 2013, also on Puke in
the Sink Records. Our 5th release was another 7" called ‘Hard on Love’ that was released
in 2015 on Slope Records. Currently, we've just released a brand new 12-inch. It’s a 16-
song, full-length record called ‘Hate Your Life.’ This record is red and pink splatter vinyl
and includes a full-color poster. It was released just last month and is available on Slope
Records.

M.H.: Where have you performed (stateside, overseas?)

L.M.: Myself, I have played in different bands all over the U.S. With The Besmirchers, we
have mostly played in Arizona (usually we are not asked back after playing). But kidding
aside, we do plan on touring more in the future. We recently were in Vegas with Anti
Nowhere League and we have more things in the works. I never have been overseas, but
I would love to play anywhere that would have us.

M.H.: I'm assuming you write most, if not all of your own songs? What are the main
themes or topics for most of your songs?

L.M.: All original music…but we have done a few covers over the years. I am responsible
for the majority of the lyrics. As far as themes or topics, most of our songs are influenced
by deviant sex, drugs, homelessness, desperate living, paranoia, hopeless situations,
detox, relapse, anonymous meetings, and anonymous girls.