Exiting the Flipper Universe
Last summer, after a show with Flipper in Portland, I was carrying my bass amp head to my truck when a kid stopped me by the door. "Hey, Krist, will you sign this? Nirvana changed my life," he said, and handed me a well-worn Nevermind CD. With my hands full, I set the amp down, signed the CD, thanked him, then excused myself, as I was in the middle of working.
Krist Novoselic's column runs every Tuesday on the Daily Weekly.
There was a time in my life -- when I was that kids' age -- that Flipper did the same for me. And I never dreamed that I'd one day play bass with the band, much less put out a Flipper record, like we did with Love last month.
But it was in that moment in Portland I realized playing bass with Flipper wasn't going to work out.
Let's go back to 1983 when King Buzzo lent me this album called Generic Flipper. Instead of sped up Punk, the music was slower and kind of weird. I didn't know what to think about it until the third time I gave it a spin. I was floored! Wow, I thought, this music is as heavy as anything. It was some kind of epiphany that revealed the meaning of Punk for me - this music is its own world and as valid as any other.
My life has many blessings. Sometimes I'll assess things and ask myself: "Will wonders ever cease?" In 2006 I got an invitation from the band that led me to enter the Flipper universe.
There was a fellowship that led to inspiration. Playing with the band was compelling. There's nothing worse for a band than the feeling that playing is a chore and I never felt that way. I feel like we caught the muse and the result was a brand new Flipper record.
Having been a fan of the band and influenced so much by their music, I knew how to approach the bass playing. Instead of trying to explain how I played the bass in Flipper, I'll let the music do the talking on the new record.
To work on the album, I'd either travel down to Oakland to play or the band would come up to Washington. When we were up here, we'd call it band camp. It was communal living in the country, and between jamming and recording we'd share meals around a long table.
Mr. Jack Endino, who also recorded Nirvana's debut, Bleach, (released 20 years ago this week), recorded and mixed the Flipper record. Jack knows how to keep a band organized through the recording process, which ensures a product at the end of the session. (We also recruited Jack to record our live record, Fight.)
I'm happy and even honored that we were all peers in the Flipper universe.
But, the reality is that I used to play bass in one of the biggest rock bands in the world. And the life I've since grown accustomed to didn't always parallel my experience with the band. Flipper is true Punk Rock, and I lived that with them. I drove my own rig -- with gear in the back -- to shows. I set up my amp, tuned my bass - to Falconi - and played my heart out every night.
No matter how sincere my aims were, there was this disparity that was lurking behind the scenes. When I had to set the amp down to sign that autograph, I knew that things were not going to work out regarding touring with Flipper.
You might be asking - why don't you hire a roadie? It's not about carrying gear. It's about the "big rock guy" having his own roadie, thus the disparity is revealed again. And it's a slippery slope from there. I never put a dime into Flipper and the fellows in the band can be proud that the "rock guy" never floated their boat financially.
I'm happy with LOVE FIGHT, and I hope it endures. Generic will always be the band's opus and I'm happy for the opportunity to have added to the group's catalog, and for the fellowship that endures to this day. I wish my friends the best with their new bass player, and I can't wait to see them live soon.
As for me, there's election reform, pressing apples, SeattleWeekly.com, and perhaps whatever musical endeavor comes next. If it's compelling - I'm in!
47 comment(s)
veganrampage says:
Krist-
I'm seven years older than you. Nirvana changed my life, and saved it in a way, and still does to this day. I think you've gotten to the point where you realize you don't owe anyone anything, except of course yourself. Go in peace, and thank you.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 8:34AM
Molly says:
Krist, I wish I could get an email on you. Not to deter from this post about Flipper (which is really interesting and sad in a way), I'm having issues with my Grange and you seem like you could give guidance. If you can see my email and want to help a frustrated Granger please drop me a line.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 9:38AM
Kahlid says:
There was a time in '93 when a local music teacher needed a ride and HS Box was on my car radio and he said to me, "I've been trying to teach my kids that bassline but he's (you Krist) doing some kind of slide or effect, he's not playing it straight it's a real challenge!".
That was a cool moment in time. I never did figure out what he meant though. It's just a real cool bouncey sound to me.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 9:45AM
Jeffrey says:
I have to say that Flipper is one of the few actuall punk rock bands that is left from the 80's. I used to watch Nirvana when they were performing in bars and clubs back in 1987-1990. Nirvana was a true punk band back then because of the really loud amps they had and the lead singer (Kurt Cobain) would scream so loud in the mic that my ears would not stop ringing for days. That was what i went to punk rock shows for though. Just anarchy and crazyness. I also went to mud honey and Flipper shows to full fill my adreniline desires. I stoped listening to Nirvana when they got popular because then they got all moody and sad. I miss going to punk shows.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 9:53AM
Heidi says:
Krist I was very young when Nirvana was playing in concerts etc.....I was only 13 years old and in the 7th grade when I heard the news of Kurt. I never got to see Nirvana in concert but listening to Nirvana has become a staple of the music that I listen to then and now more than ever!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 11:00AM
Ruger Ribeiro says:
I am fan of music of the band Flipper. I heard some tracks on the internet of the new discs and legal thought.
My favorite album is Blown'N'CHunks. Krist, you think the band lost a little heart that noise rock, their music is evolving into, or is changing his musical direction?
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 12:14PM
Craig says:
im from Cape Breton, from a small town called Halifax.Us boys down here dont really like modern day music so my friend introduced me to NIRVANA.My friend got so inspired that he dedicated his whole time to the band.You should really think about touring down in Halifax!! FLIPPER AND NIRVANA ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 6:46PM
R. Dulli says:
Krist,
I confess I was a little sad after reading the post. I am a HUGE Nirvana and Flipper fan, as I am of many other bands. Music is my life. Freedom. Punk rock. When I first heard that you were the chosen man to play bass with Flipper, I thought with myself: "Wow, it's amazing, a gear of one of my favorite bands playing in one of my favorite bands. Can't wait for listen. It will kick ass!!". Then, the touring, that was GREAT, then, the new records, that are GREAT. But when you leave Flipper, moments before the new releases, I feel sad. (you should had touring for the new records, at least!!) It is really sad when one of your favorite bands broke up (I know that Flipper is still going, but it lost an important gear, the band broke up in a certain way - and I was sad when Eyes Adrift broke up, too). But if you weren't feeling good, it's OK. You must choose what will be good for you. I respect. You and Flipper will always rule. By the way, as a great admirer of you and the band, I was shure that you playing bass with Flipper would REALLY work out (the result: two fuckin awesome records!). I am still dreaming of see you guys live, even after reading the post. Be good, child!!! Thank you very much.
With sincerity,
R. Dulli.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 9:08PM
chris says:
hi Krist im a teeage kid who loves playing music. but it seams that all the music to day is rap, screemo, or bands like Fallout Boy. i really dont like those kinds of music i really enjoy writing music with punkish riffs. but it seems every one i meet i close minded and doesnt like any thing but screemo. it really seems like nowadys every one is closed to one kind of music. And i like music thats my own but my old band broke up because they were stuck to one music. what do u think i should do if i want to find a band i really want ur advise cause u were in a gruge band and you guys were your own kind of music you weren't confined to any genera till the term grunge came. so what should i do cause i probably couldent make it through my hard time without music so do u think if i stick with my music that eventually it will bring people in.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 10:47PM
chris says:
hi krist what ar your thoughts on screemo music i personally dont like it what are your thoughts on it.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 16 2009 @ 10:49PM
Pierre L. says:
Bands that changed one's life can be count on the fingers of one hand.
Nirvana is my thumb.
Great to see that you still consider having one or more musical projects for the future.
Here's just a great moment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUkFedIw6TU
P.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 17 2009 @ 4:44AM
Edward Allen says:
Thanks for all the great music. See you on the "Dark side of the Moon"
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 17 2009 @ 5:09PM
Satan says:
Krist~~~~~~~~~~
Nirvana is the best fucking band ever. No questions. VH1 says number 5 but I say numba 1. So(seoul,sow,sole,soul,sew)? listen here bitch. You never appreciate the fact that Im Jesus,Krist.I got the fish like Kurt Cobain and Chester Bennington. 2/20/67 and 3/20/76. "Insane the MIND in the name of me. Killer is me." I killed the Apocalypse in 2012. That voice in your head.... thats me mutha fucka. J/k (*_*! I love you man!!!! I want you to answer one question for me. If you were born 20 years later in 85' what would be the top 5 bands that would "pick"? And not fuckin Ledbelly either. I say Nirvana, Linkin Park, Alice in Chains, Bone Thugs n Harmony, and the mutha fuckin smashijng pumpkins. If you answer my question I will tell you why JIMI HENDRIX IS KURTCOBAIN IS THE 2012 ROCKER BORN IN 1991. Get your checklist ready. JH and KC.
1. Played left handed guitars
2. Fender guitars.
3. Marshall Amps
4. Born in SEATTLE
5. Born During war.
6. Died 4 years after a war started.
6. Born in second year of major Us war.
7. Made three "studio albums"
8. Last album being live
9. Played three piece bands.
10. Died at 27.
11. Both were "minorities" If you consider blondies to be that.
13. Lets do the math Taurus. Read Ruth Anns book on numerology. i.e. a=1, b=2, c=3 d=4.....t=2 because 2+0=2 20th letter of alphabet. If Jesus truly could capture the soul of the dead and bring them back, I brought Kurt Cobain back when he "died". Meaning died=4954 in numerology.4/5/94.
Peace
the salty SwEAt and tEArS of the SEA.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 17 2009 @ 6:20PM
wyatt says:
ugg
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 17 2009 @ 11:28PM
shakezula says:
...life goes on. All the best.
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 12:29AM
Fritz, the Perennial patient says:
The real Satan wouldn’t forget to take his/hER meds…
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 1:16AM
Lou says:
satan, dude...are you on acid or something?
peace!
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 2:40AM
Anya says:
Nirvana changed my life in my teens, when they first came out. I will never forget it, and I have since followed many of your political endeavors, and musical works.
Thanks for some kick ass music,a dn I look forward to see what you do next. Politically, artistically, and musically.
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 7:46AM
dagmar says:
Krist license,
ATTENTION reading (young e adult)
- drugs are very dangerous and cause hallucinations!!!
(satan´s post)
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 9:42AM
Joe says:
Hey chris i'm like you, i sit and write music i'm a teenage kid who loves punk music, i'm listening to generic flipper right now, nirvana changed my life i don't know how to express that in any other way, but they are the greatest band ever!!!!
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 10:18AM
Joe says:
Some people say punk is dead!
I'm a teenager this is what i've done today, listened to generic flipper, read this, listened to scratch acid's first EP, listened to Pixies Doolittle, listened to In utero, and am now watching nirvana floyd the barber live in amsterdam 1991 my life is dedicated to punk rock now.
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 1:15PM
wyatt says:
its called mania!
Posted On: Thursday, Jun. 18 2009 @ 11:28PM
Satan says:
Dear readers,
I mistakingly stated that Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain died 4 years after a major started. Due to the difficulty pinpointing the start of wars, this information is not right. I did alot of research on the Vietnam War and I would say the starting days are Dec. 1965, 100 years after the end of the Civil War. I give this date because un Apr. 1965 there were 6,500 troops based in Vietnam. By December that number reached 200,000. The US invasion of Iraq was Feb. 16 1991. I thought 1990 since thats the year that Saddam caused the war to start. *I did forget to add that both, KC and JH, were famous 3 years. One last piece of information Jimi Hendrix was born Nov. 27, 1942. Kurt Cobain was born Feb. 20, 1967. Krist Noveselic was born May 16, 1965.
But for all you questioning my mental state, I have never done acid, I was drinking vodka when I wrote last. Which cause me to unintentionally cause Krist a "dirty word". I would never say that to him unless I knew him b/c he is like 6'7" and would totally beat my ass like the bouncer in Tx. The one that punched Cobain after Cobain hit him in the head with his guitar, while playing Love Buzz, in 1990ish. Check it out on Youtube.
KRIST love the bassplaying on the new Flipper album. But Its unfortunate things might not work out.
Posted On: Friday, Jun. 19 2009 @ 11:21AM
marko says:
hy krist!....
jedini nacin da se istaknem u ovoj gomili obozavatelja je da ti napisem comment na hrvatskom....
sta da ti kazem osim da si car...zaista bih volio kad bih jednom bio u mogucnosti pricati sa tobom...nadam se da citas komentare svojeg clanka...
pozdrav
Posted On: Friday, Jun. 19 2009 @ 5:16PM
marko says:
hy krist!....
jedini nacin da se istaknem u ovoj gomili obozavatelja je da ti napisem comment na hrvatskom....
sta da ti kazem osim da si car...zaista bih volio kad bih jednom bio u mogucnosti pricati sa tobom...nadam se da citas komentare svojeg clanka...
pozdrav
Posted On: Friday, Jun. 19 2009 @ 5:18PM
Andrew says:
***Breaking News***
Krist opts out for candidacy for County Clerk in Wahkiakum County for the Grange Party.http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/06/16/ap6549717.html
Posted On: Friday, Jun. 19 2009 @ 6:45PM
veganrampage says:
Who knew Chuck Manson had Internet access? I think it's clear to whom I am referring. Talk about scary fans, holy merde!
Posted On: Friday, Jun. 19 2009 @ 9:32PM
Anonymous says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQs73olDEmo
Someones hijacked your shit, Krist Almighty! Nothing wrong with not feeling the groove it will soon be back. Kurtis would of loved this weird time with its youtube and mysp...nahh just youtube. Dont ever give up your gonna die anyway.
Jared
Posted On: Saturday, Jun. 20 2009 @ 3:03AM
I DON'T KNOW HOW says:
Fuck this is lame. I'm from Vancouver, WA. Jesus. I liked Nirvana since I heard them in 7th grade. I consider "Tourette's" to be the first punk song I ever heard, so fast, so short. Blew my mind. Didn't know what punk was until I saw this dude with this worn out DK shirt, later found out in Rocka(something?, Mania?) magazine by seeing a shirt distribution company selling their shirts that it was the Dead Kennedys. Listened to their album at a used record store. Didn't like it. Didn't but it. Came back a second time, late. Bought it. Liked it. Thought it was tops, artwork was just icing on the cake. Always like Nirvana. Skipped school in 2005. Bought "Generic" on CD at a used record store in Clackamas, OR (home to DEAD MOON, heard them and Fastbacks before Nirvana, actually, didn't know what to do then), back to Flipper, sh*t was great!! So cruel, so different. LOVE THEM! F*ck, seems lame to change for what you're accustomed to. If it's good then I'd do it. We still got Fred Cole which I'm always thankful for. Later man..
Posted On: Sunday, Jun. 21 2009 @ 5:25AM
al. says:
Hi Kirst,
Nirvana didn't change my life. But I am impressed what you and Kurt managed to achieve, coming from the backblocks of of Seattle.
I'm from Adelaide in South Australia, the backblocks from which AC/DC arose.
I always wanted to learn to play the guitar and be in a band but stopped when music theory bored/confused me. It was only much later that I realised that with punk, theory doesn't matter and it's the naive spirit and sense of fun that gets you through.
I'm saying this as my five year old is playing air guitar to Smoke on the Water.
Peace and Love.
Posted On: Sunday, Jun. 21 2009 @ 10:58PM
dagmar - Brasília says:
Satan,
I believe in numerology, astrology, I believe in hallucinations caused by external factors such as psychological problems, drugs, alcohol, addictions and so, the deaths of Brian Jones, Hendrix, Cobain, Joplin, Morrison, were caused by effects beyond our understanding;
I believe we can imagine anything to these facts that make us sad, after all, these are our idols ones.
- Why you did your nick name a link to the video of Nirvana concert in Brazil? (DIVE)
ps: I do not speak English and hope to have understood.
cordial greetings and good luck
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 22 2009 @ 1:58PM
dagmar says:
Satan,
I want to say that I do not believe in numerology and astrology and etc.
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 22 2009 @ 3:28PM
Tom Ryokan says:
I wholeheartedly support your logic Krist, legend.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jun. 23 2009 @ 1:47PM
april star davis says:
Hi
so odd i met bruce loose when i was 14 & he was 24 we had been pen pals over the years... you Nirvana stayed at my apt when Dale was drummer & we all went to some radio station... you were all very nice guys ( hope your fans arent let down lol) now im going to see flipper here in san diego in aug... never would have imagined you had been in flipper but never imagined loads about this world... cheers to you & glad your well : )
april http://www.aprilstardavis.com
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 29 2009 @ 3:02PM
april star davis says:
Hi
so odd i met bruce loose when i was 14 & he was 24 we had been pen pals over the years... you Nirvana stayed at my apt when Dale was drummer & we all went to some radio station... you were all very nice guys ( hope your fans arent let down lol) now im going to see flipper here in san diego in aug... never would have imagined you had been in flipper but never imagined loads about this world... cheers to you & glad your well : )
april http://www.aprilstardavis.com
Posted On: Monday, Jun. 29 2009 @ 3:03PM
Chris says:
Krist, your music changed my life, as well. It has probably been something that you've heard countless times, in that exact phrasing, but it's just plain true. When I first heard Nirvana, I was maybe 12 (I guess I lived under a rock, or maybe a bridge or something..), but it was an experience that I'll never forget and from then on my ears were tuned to a different sound.
So thank you for that.
The other day I recorded my first (what I consider to be a) Nirvana song (where did you sleep last night), and did the vocals over it, but I'm no great singer. Just a 23 year old U.S. Army Second Lieutenant who loves to play and record within the confines of his apartment, for fun. A good way to relax after a long Army day. haha
Well, in case you want to give it a listen, here she is...
http://pubic.me.com/chrisd7
Thanks again for the music and this cool blog,
Chris
Posted On: Saturday, Jul. 4 2009 @ 8:08AM
Robin says:
Oh yes, you changed my life. I had heard my parents records..but it was singing about stuff which had happened to their generation and stuff which happened before I was born.
Hearing you guys *and what the mainstream media called grunge* lit something in me. It was okay for me to be politically aware. I wasn't re-creating time, I was speaking out about what mattered to me!
Thank you
Posted On: Monday, Jul. 6 2009 @ 7:28AM
Brianna Rodrigue says:
Today I went to a in town music store, called bull moose and I saw this box of free stuff. I found two autograped things not knowing the bands, I took them. I searched one so far, which is obviously flipper. I know you guys must be fans, seen as how I won't appreciate it as much as you I am wondering if any of you want it. I believe it is the cd booklet from Fight and was live, but I don't have the CD just the booklet. So whoever e mails me first I will send it to them. My e mail would be peepbri@hotmail.com
Thank you!;)
Posted On: Monday, Jul. 13 2009 @ 8:10PM
Brianna Rodrigue says:
Today I went to a in town music store, called bull moose and I saw this box of free stuff. I found two autograped things not knowing the bands, I took them. I searched one so far, which is obviously flipper. I know you guys must be fans, seen as how I won't appreciate it as much as you I am wondering if any of you want it. I believe it is the cd booklet from Fight and was live, but I don't have the CD just the booklet. So whoever e mails me first I will send it to them. My e mail would be peepbri@hotmail.com
Thank you!;)
Posted On: Monday, Jul. 13 2009 @ 8:11PM
Tony Zinnanti says:
Krist -
It's okay to let go. You won't forget the music and the music won't forget you.
The real way to make change in this world is through sustained, organized political pressure. It seems that that's what you're yearning for.
Nirvana didn't change my life. But, I like the music. And, it gives me and my 15 year old daughter something cool to talk about.
Best -
Tony
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 14 2009 @ 9:22PM
Chris says:
krist.. this article was very good.. i would like to say thanks for everything you have done for me with your music.. it has been amazing listening to it...
Posted On: Friday, Jul. 24 2009 @ 7:20AM
Mike from Sydney says:
flipper played down under last month. it was excellent, not a massive crowd but everyone up for it, extreme anarchy. is it true Loose is huey lewis' evil brother?
ps. Krist if you want obscurity you can join our band. problem solved :)
Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 29 2009 @ 7:37PM
mexican seafood says:
there are a shitload of trees in aberdeen.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 6 2009 @ 8:39AM
mexican seafood says:
there are a $hi^load of trees in aberdeen.
Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 6 2009 @ 8:40AM
sabrina says:
Hello krist am sabrina of the brasil. I am yours super fan... yours and of the nirvana... amoo nirvana is fan number a, in spite of the band already to have finishing: (... But me t amoo kirst... kisses
Posted On: Wednesday, Sep. 2 2009 @ 7:42PM
Jay says:
Hello sir,
Nirvana is my favourite band, your awesome etc.
I would one day like to meet you. I could assume right away that you wouldn't bother going through all the past comments of your posts because i mean who can be bothered (well unless its 1:30am and your listening to Queen). When you were 16 or 17 did you think to yourself one day i'm going to travel around the world and see different people, places and customs to what i have experienced in Aberdeen? I'm glad that you've set yourself down and not gone off and formed another super rock band like Dave (no offense i like the Foo Fighters, and he seems like a swell guy). Anyway i think your a rock and roll success story, i hope one day i too could be like you.
Thanks for reading, if you read this it would mean alot to me.
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 10 2009 @ 10:34AM
Zach says:
Hey Krist,
I love Nirvana and Flipper, and i admire your bass playing for both bands. I'm going to be a bass player in this band me and my friend are starting called "Rapture". I just have one question about the new Flipper album "love"; What distortion pedal did/ do you use for your bass? it sounds real awesome. Thanks for your time,
-Zach
Posted On: Thursday, Sep. 17 2009 @ 2:23PM