Apparently animalistic rocker Nobunny lives in a world that would make even David Lynch uncomfortable.
Garage rocker gets in touch with his animalistic side
The last five years or so has seen a major resurgence of garage rock in underground circles. Unlike the hype of the late ’90s which saw clean-cut acts like the Hives take over radio waves with their slick production this wave of garage has stuck with the DIY esthetic and scruffy sound of the punk subculture. Locally this has manifested in Alberta greats like Myelin Sheaths Topless Mongos and the Throwaways. On a much larger scale however new rock ’n’ roll heroes are being born and among them is Tucson Arizona native Justin Champlin who moonlights as Nobunny.
For nearly a decade Champlin has been developing his furry persona and addictive garage-pop into the wild animal it is today. Combining the Ramones’ stylistic simplicity the lo-fi swagger of Hasil Adkins and a touch of Milk ’n’ Cookies’ glam tendencies Nobunny has taken the sweaty beer-drenched path of punk rock to a place of rock ’n’ roll timelessness.
Champlin’s love of big personalities came early. “Michael Jackson was the first musician I got really into” he explains. “I used to make frames out of construction paper and hang pictures of Michael Jackson with Brooke Shields and his pet chimp Bubbles on my wall above my bed. I wanted to be him. I still can’t won’t and don’t believe he’s dead.”
From there all of the pieces fell together in Champlin’s upbringing. He found the Ramones the Sex Pistols and Devo through his dad’s hidden punk rock stash. He discovered the DIY movement by witnessing a performance from legendary Mexican punk band Los Crudos at a Chicago matinee as a child. He developed an obsession with Elvis Presley and developed his performance skills with the intention of being an Elvis impersonator.
In one form or another all of these elements are present on Love Visions Nobunny’s career-making 2008 LP. A modern classic the album’s sugary pop tunes would have been welcome at a ’50s sock hop a ’60s greaser fight or a ’70s punk show. Upon its release and numerous re-presses the album shot Nobunny to international attention bringing him a fan-base that continues to grow to this day.
“I’m thankful that anyone cares” Champlin says. “More people seem to get into Nobunny daily which is nice. It’s an awesome time for music for me and my friends. I’m proud of the music my friends and peers create and the attention we’ve received.”
The world where punk purists collide with the Internet is a very elitist one but that’s something Champlin has come to terms with. “The more popular you get the more people talk shit” he admits. “The hate that comes with the love is just as embraced and accepted. I’ve accomplished doing something that I love and that keeps me afloat. I get love and respect from my peers. Who could ask for anything more? Everything is frosting at this point. I love frosting.”
The real test is how the world will receive Nobunny’s next album. Tentatively titled Ono the album has been in the works for two years. It will be Nobunny’s first release for garage-punk mainstays Goner Records and from the sounds of it it will be quite an interesting ride.
“It’s all written and mostly recorded” Champlin says. “I’m teaching myself harp lots of harp. It also has lots of animals on it. So far we have dogs cats birds a bubbling fish tank and even a hissing snake! More Muppets less Blues Brothers… that’s my mantra!”
First however Nobunny will continue his endless touring with yet another trek through Canada. While most artists tend to favour the coasts when they travel our country Nobunny’ sense of adventure keeps bringing him through the middle.
“I am a typical American who grew up with little knowledge of my neighbours to the north outside of syrup and Nardwuar” he explains. “I now am a full-blown lover of all things Canadian! I have made many good friends there and have eaten many a Pogo and a lot of Timmy HoHo. We have toured most major Canadian cities and then some more outta-the-way places too. I still want to see it all.”
