5Q: Darryl Jenifer (Bassist for Bad Brains)

Our second installment in our 5Q series is a biggie. Darryl Jenifer, bassist for the famous afro-punk group Bad Brains, graced us by answering some questions about his new solo LP “In Search of Black Judas” along with subjects on nostalgic pop music and marketing tips for DIY artists.

DOWNLOAD Darryl Jenifer’s “In Search of Black Judas” here!

Does the music industry today have a nostalgia problem?

There will always be a rebel in the basement in every advent of life, music and art. There is a kid right now with his pants pulled up around his chest to rebel against the knucklehead saggy shit stained pants wearing youths of today. There’s a kid in the basement with guitar strings on his bass backwards trying to get new sounds in the face of rock and roll. None of them can stop the time.

Does the massive intake of free MP3s in today’s industry make us appreciate music less or more?

More, because now I can go on YouTube and hear Earth Wind and Fire with Jessica Cleaves or Black Ivory, my old albums and Doug Carn. It’s all out there now.

What did you want to accomplish with your lastest LP, “In Search of Black Judas?”

I wanted to exercise my right to invent, morph, embellish, massage and incinerate ‘inna rubba dub’ style.

Do you still identify yourself as a major part of Bad Brains or have you moved on from that image?

I am Bad Brains. There is no moving away from this natural fact, and it never was an image, it was always a way of life and a mission. I am proudly JAH Soldier Bad Brains Field Marshall D. Jenifer the 1st. From ever since, till now and beyond.

What’s one marketing tip you could suggest to DIY musicians just getting started now?

Go to the market and get two red snappers, one Spanish onion, two Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, fresh thyme and then get to cooking. Ask the Great Spirit for guidance and protection each and every step of the way every day.

One tip though: don’t bet at the races.