Interview with Curtiss Pernice, May 1, 2017

Partial Transcript: I moved to Athens...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about moving to Athens, Georgia in 1985. Pernice describes the journey of coming to Georgia from New York.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Porn Orchard; Ted Hafer

Partial Transcript: So you didn't have much...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice describes his first impressions of Athens' music scene. Pernice recalls the many nights he spent watching bands and talks about some of his expectations of Athens.

Keywords: Athens, Georgia; Bar-B-Q Killers; Mercyland; The Replacements

Partial Transcript: I moved in with Ted...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about his first Bar-B-Killers concert which took place at the 40-Watt in 1985. Pernice discusses his change in taste for music when he came to Athens. Pernice also describes Athens fashion when he arrived.

Keywords: 40-Watt; Bar-B-Que Killers; Claire Horne; Laura Carter

Partial Transcript: How did you go about finding a job...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about getting his first job at Schlotzsky's as a baker, where he worked for about six years. Pernice describes the work culture of Schlotzky's as a flexible and fun working environment.

Keywords: Jack Harrison; Joey Tatum; Porn Orchard; Schlotzsky's Austin Eatery

Partial Transcript: That was really the place...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice describes the quiet nightlife of College Square, which had a large homeless population. Pernice shares a story about his friend Kenny Porterville and some of his other friends who hung around College Square.

Keywords: Gyro Wrap; Kenny Porterville; Schlotzsky's Austin Eatery

Partial Transcript: Yeah, it just seemed to be...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about the "towny" feel of Athens during the 1980's. Pernice shares stories about practicing with his friend Ted Hafer and other members of the Athens music scene. Pernice describes playing as the opening act for the band Die Monster Die in 1985 with Ted Hafer.

Keywords: Die Monster Die; Evan Player; Porn Orchard; Pylon; Ted Hafer

Partial Transcript: And Ted had a band name...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about the decision to name the band Porn Orchard, and the first gig that the band played. Pernice describes Ted Hafer's singing, and compares playing in New York to Athens. Pernice shares a story about Ted Hafer during their first gig.

Keywords: Porn Orchard; Ted Hafer

Partial Transcript: After you had that gig...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about the official start of Porn Orchard and the Athens music scene at the time. Pernice shares a story about a cassette recorder he purchased, which he used to record a song for Porn Orchard.

Keywords: Bar-B-Que Killers; Porn Orchard; Ted Hafer; The Plague; Time Toy; Way to Change the Way You Feel

Partial Transcript: Way to Change the Way You Feel...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about the origins behind two Porn Orchard songs. Pernice talks about a cassette that was released during 1986, which included songs from a variety of Athens bands. Pernice describes the start of Porn Orchard's touring phase.

Keywords: AIDS Pandemic; Bar-B-Que Killers; Mercyland; Our Band; Ted Hafer; Time Toy; Way to Change the Way You Feel; touring

Partial Transcript: And, boy, those were probably the...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice describes the challenges and work that came with touring and the release of Porn Orchard's cassette, Hit the Right People Hard. Pernice talks highlights from the tour and money management.

Keywords: Agent Orange (band); Greg Webb; Hit the Right People Hard; Porn Orchard; Virginia Beach; touring

Partial Transcript: And so he said, hey you know...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice recalls an instance from July 1987, where Porn Orchard played with other bands from Athens in Virgina Beach. Pernice explains the house party where the performances were held.

Keywords: Agent Orange; Christ on a Crutch; Mercyland

Partial Transcript: We played at the Pyramid Club...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about playing with Porn Orchard at Pyramid Club in New York. Pernice recalls how Ron Hargrove, the bassist, left the band and describes the recording of Porn Orchard's second demo tape.

Keywords: Porn Orchard; Pyramid Club; Ron Hargrove

Partial Transcript: Boy, now I'm getting the years ...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice describes the touring and practice schedule of Porn Orchard. Pernice explains that once the band became a three-piece after Ron Hargrove left, the music of the band changed and they shortly released a single called SpiritHead Records in 1987.

Keywords: Dave Barbie; Porn Orchard; Ron Hargrove; Ted Hafer; recording

Partial Transcript: So, I was talking to somebody about this...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice talks about the process of finishing and selling records. Pernice recalls the release of the the EP, Heart and Brain Raw.

Keywords: Heart and Brain Raw; Rodney Thomas; college radio stations; recording

Partial Transcript: We put Heart and Brain Raw out....

Segment Synopsis: Pernice explains how Porn Orchard signed with CC Records and released records under them. Pernice talks about the breakup of Porn Orchard in 1992 and the release of the band's last record, Name Your Regions.

Keywords: CC Records; Heart and Brain Raw; John Keen Studios; Melvins; Name Your Regions; Porn Orchard; Ted Hafer; The Grit; The Rockfish

Partial Transcript: I don 't think we ever had...

Segment Synopsis: Pernice explains the events that led to the breakup of Porn Orchard which lasted from 1986-1992. Pernice shares how he perceived college as a kid, and how his background in music compared to those around him.

Keywords: David Barbie; Porn Orchard; Ted Hafer