Soft Focus with Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra - Episode 9 - Part 1

In this first-ever San Franciscan edition of Soft Focus, Ian sits down with Jello Biafra: Dead Kennedys frontman, campus lecture circuit mainstay, and crucial third member of punk's Triumverate of Tremolos (alongside the B52s' Fred Schneider and the recently deceased Lux Interior(RIP)).
While most other participants in what gets labeled punk these days are willing to touch their ass to their forehead in order to please corporate sponsors or weasel their way onto Elimidate, we're constantly psyched to see Jello stick with the principles and obnoxiousness which made us etch the DK logo into every piece of exposed wood our 13-year-old hands came across. Even when that means shitting on our advertisers.
Thanks!
www.jellobiafra.org/
**
Come with Soft Focus as we retreat from the world and into the woods in search of some forgotten remedy for lame stream radio pollution, hideous condominiums, and brutish power tripping police. In between walks around the lake and contemplating existence, we'll interview some of the most intriguing artists of this underground rock and roll culture we covet as our own cure for the world's square minded music industry. In Noisey's long form interview show, Soft Focus, we delve deep into the minds and hearts of some of the most influential and seminal musicians to grace the underground stage.
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[@cyberpunkholiday]

It is weird how correct Jello was about politics thirty years later. He didn't miss a beat. He is truly one of the greatest minds in punk and music.

[@jpthomason]

I want to eat Jello Biafra so I can absorb his essence.

[@KarryKarryKarry]

Good luck with your cannibal adventures.. I’m sure I’ll read about it in the paper.

[@SirenAngelique]

Dude same

[@rockawayb1tch]

There’s always room for Jello!

[@NeppyNeptune]

jello talks a lot, seems like he can just entertain himself for hours in a locked and lonesome room. props to him

[@ogami1972]

+NeppyNeptune pretty much describes his last 30 years.

[@gaahlmores1261]

+NeppyNeptune hes a weird dude and thats the shit that fuels dk

[@calvinrongers818]

fueled, anyways

[@craig0weston20]

@@thetheoremofthirteenthings5430 He as to be disinterested because Jello is too clever for him

[@jesserobinson5019]

Self entertainment is a common trend that a lot of these guys share.

[@brianparks2039]

This guy is brilliant, Biafra that is, I love how passionate and energetic and informed he is. Never would have known about the failure of the country Biafra, shit about vote fraud, Live Nation.

[@daviddesmond5327]

My lifelong dream was to see Rod Serling interview Jello Biafra. Thank you.

[@DarylBark]

Jello is one of the greatest minds of our time.........ya gotta love him.

[@antigen4]

he looks positively dumb next to ian though - most of ian's comments going RIGHT over his head sadly

[@KarryKarryKarry]

antigen4 They didn’t though..

[@Reasonreset]

Who wouldn't be lost in Jello's presence? I could listen to these 2 guys all day

[@intoxicatedhate]

EVERYONE NEEDS JELLO! BIAFRA FOR PRESIDENT! TIME FOR CHANGE!

[@stevenl3265]

Frankie Wylde I would be damned. Imagine the direction the country will go

[@TheBadmanCrab]

Jello straight up dressed like Captain Kirk for this one"

[@willis475]

I live in England and the stuff he says about the music scene and culture is spot on 4 years later.....

[@DaveFurgess]

i do appreciate that he dislikes The Eagles as much as I do!

[@lukescholar]

"Man, come on. I had a rough night and I hate the fuckin' Eagles, man."

[@Omgirrl]

+lukescholar Abide. . .

[@cinemarxism]

This interviewer is like Nardwuar, if Nardwuar had gone to business school.

[@austenslost]

hes like nardwuar only with even more sarcasm about interviewers in general the way he interviews people. and with buissness school/pimp/rockabilly style instead of the plaid and tartan hat like nardwuar. although nardwuars interview style is better

[@MrBEATTITUDE]

Jack Higgins He was in a great band called Nation Of Ulysses

[@TheBlomberFactory]

Dude I was thinking it was his little brother

[@mv7853]

Ian svenonious has nothing on nardwuar

[@KarryKarryKarry]

Nardwuar totally beats this. Especially considering the fact that Jello hates hardcore..

[@laurapalmer3403]

I adore all things jello, his commentary captures me for endless hours. The interviewer knew exact the understanding between the two. He chose his words well, knowing there was a response behind what appeared on the surface to be superficial. This is one of my favorite interviews and my only complaint is it was far too short. I would love to see you interview Mike Patton and John Lydon. Forgive me if it has been done, but I am new to this series of conversations. I am off to watch the next conversation with Henry Rollins!

[@econogate]

Buying records based on the covers was always a fun pastime, still can be!

[@rottingcorpse21]

econogate Not if you bought Limp Bizkit's Significant Other album.

[@anyotherdayortime]

It's what made me buy Fresh Fruit for Rotten Vegetables without knowing who Dead Kennedys were. "Burning police cars... costs £3... okay, go on then"

[@GorbertRegibold]

this dude is out of control with air quotes.

[@Lordestroyer]

I like when he talks about farm houses during Gettysburg at 18:43. My house was a triage during the battle of Antietam. I often sit here and wonder how many men died in my living room.

[@frontpuff]

Ian is a cool and funny guy in his very own and special way. If you degrade him as a hipster go check Nation of ulysses and then the makeup...then after contemplating what they did twenty years ago in the so called punkscene come again!

[@clintxoxox]

omfg,Jello is a genius.

[@soltemple389]

I see the brutally-honest-fueled frustrations melded with a sense of clarity in this band. I feel as though this current generation is even more suppressed emotionally than a few decades ago, and it's interesting to see a niche for this band today, since their lyrics touch on a "reality in your face" approach. Today, in many ways is a duality of escapism vs sudden changes, and I hope to see more inspired bands form in the nearest future. We simply don't need anymore image-based bands or influences. Shock them with the truth and the good!

[@PanicSurfer1133]

This is a glorious interview. This is the first I've seen of this Ian fellow. His dress and attitude is SO different than Jello's, it's fun to watch them interact. Good stuff.

[@jonweeks9531]

Jello the true energy, spirit and fun of Punk who will always thankfully tell it as it is... making us all think... hopefully???

[@gnuPirate]

One of my top favourite humans. Thanks for the interview. There were some good questions in this. A shame it was cut so short !

[@buckrogers8024]

21:56 "Santa Claus goes to the Prom" made me laugh so hard.

[@natalierudin5689]

i cANNOT HANDLe jeLLO ANYMORE HE IS toO GREAT

[@MartinfdeZ81]

Love so much this guy!!

[@gcf7175]

I'm pretty sure Jello is on the spectrum, Look at those hands: Stimming for sure.

[@sheddingmyvelvet]

the spectrum of what?

[@cinnamondewdrops]

@@sheddingmyvelvet adhd/autism spectrum. he does seem to share some common traits with those who have it

[@sheddingmyvelvet]

@@cinnamondewdrops what are these traits?

[@cinnamondewdrops]

@@sheddingmyvelvet stimming/erratic gestures, excessive speaking and often times trouble with interrupting others, impatient etc. I don’t think jello has fullblown adhd, but he definitely exhibits some of the traits listed above. Plus, those with adhd typically have very creative minds just as he does ;)

[@sheddingmyvelvet]

@@cinnamondewdrops idk about the impatient but the others make sense to me

[@scotth9397]

Jello is like a very positive guy in this video which is really cool. Also not what i was expecting from such dark hilarious lyrical vocalist.

[@d.bcooper7819]

He predicted exactly what happened with Obama. I cried with gratitude when he was elected but sobered up when he put GoldmanSacks in charge of the economy.

[@inipersonini]

I credit Jello for inspiring my world view. Thanks, Jello.

[@paulbearer8215]

How did that work out?

[@inzane0ne]

This dude is absolutely bewildered by Jello and I'm fucking losing it

[@Heavygusto]

Host: Punk Rock is Novelty Music...Jello: Brain does not compute. (and I love him for it)

[@ClarenceFisher]

Picking up a records cuz it had a cool cover - I did that with Pizzicato Five's Made In USA and it's a great album. No, it's beyond great - it's perfect!

[@bonmot7850]

Why is he dressed like Fezzik.

[@ogami1972]

+Liz R Anybody want a peanut?

[@ph5352]

So glad Jello appreciated Wesley Willis haha!

[@briansmith9455]

Oh like Jello doesn't like to whip mules with a belt!

[@theclashcalling_]

JB on his way to 'Fiddler on the Roof' auditions, on good form though!

[@jharby62]

Jello Biafra is one of the few who really sees all the detriments of the system and society in general. I have not heard anyone who can directly express criticism the way he can.

[@MrJosephlamour]

Thanks for the info! I'm vaguely familiar with that band. Thanks for connecting the dots.

[@infernalmajesty845]

Love how real jello always keeps it

[@rippindrummer666]

Being from Colorado I can safely say he’s 100 percent spot on about Boulder. Ultra rich people pretending to be socially conscious hippies as they drive their 200k Mercedes’

[@looshkin66]

We need to hear that Wesley Willis album!

[@matthewcohen7488]

Jello is cool and all, but what is he wearing? He looks FABULOUS

[@kikeheebchinkjigaboo6631]

matthew cohen jello is a communist

[@nikolademitri731]

Joe Rodriguez hey hey hey, he’s an anarcho-communist at least, let’s not slander him! Lol. But are you suggesting that’s why he’s dressed fabulously, bc I know some communists who.. well, I won’t insult them, but what they wear is the opposite of “fabulous”.. (maybe I’m miss understanding you though)✌️

[@williamw2433]

@@nikolademitri731 their are no anarchist communists the literal meaning of anarchy is anti any system and yes that means any sort of communist system definition Anarchy is a society being freely constituted without authorities or a governing body. It may also refer to a society or group of people that entirely rejects a set hierarchy.

[@jackshaw6793]

Is that a stealth bomber bolo tie? Is there a band called Stealth Bomber Bolo Tie?

[@kidswillbeskeletonsgrimm2702]

The zipper

[@Jsssddfgffghshdhdhusjsjd]

There is now

[@farrellmcnulty909]

17:40 - I LOVE how he ripped the Eagles

[@ekolke]

Great interview!!

[@davidallen346]

nice boots jello

[@MalaklypsetheElder]

Great interview.

[@glassgraves]

Jello Biafra is the William shatner of punk

[@deluge71]

Heavy stuff. Definite food for thought.

[@hesaidredbed7141]

JELLO NEEDS TO RELEASE MORE MUSIC!!!!!!

[@thrillhouse4151]

Omg I totally have to try that point and laugh move next time I'm in the city

[@retlaw190]

If there is ever Jello by Jello book it would never end

[@betterthanhendrix]

he is bang on about tribute bands in the UK...they are killing live music!!

[@zupremetv8618]

This guy is extremely hilarious and extremely smart great interview

[@HerbBurnah]

Ian is awesome! Great interview w Jello!

[@daviamorim]

Oh, well, this was really good.

[@petefriss859]

Interesting stuff

[@RatatRatR]

The Closed Captioning is pretty hilarious.

[@InfiniteRhombus]

I'm glad that jello is aware that he's been known as "that guy with the weird voice", his mannerisms are a different story though.

[@ballpeenbaby]

Thumbs up for Jello's boots

[@davidhatred1583]

sorry from england jello. i'm trying.

[@nikolademitri731]

In 2012, I think that was a fair statement, or at least I can’t think of anything (other than electronic music) great coming from England at the time, I’m sure there were some good bands. NOW, however, there’s a lot of great, weird (and some not so weird) post-punk, art rock bands from the UK that I’m fucking loving. Actually, I’d say some of the best “rock” albums/EPs to have come out over the last couple years, including his year, have been from UK bands.

[@strangejury]

HR isn’t gonna be singin that fast anymore

[@AngloSaks666]

A shame the ones Ian did in London seem to have disappeared. Particularly the one with Penny Rimbaud.

[@Beelzebubbbbles]

Jello was one of my heroes when I was a kid, but fucked if I can get down with a man who tucks his pants into boots. Jello, what the fuck happened? Where did it all go wrong?

[@BallstinkBaron]

He's doing it just to piss you off

[@shocktreatment3]

"i'm not into rhyming either"?

[@52edmo]

jello always rocks....

[@XXXEspio]

Fuck , jello looks like a Cossack on acid here.

[@cardigansarecool]

Soft Focus interviews are like a litmus tests for poseurs. They always hate the interviewer and know nothing about Nation of Ulysses and the Make-Up. It’s hilarious

[@blamedorger]

63rd and Bluemound but lived near Brady and Farwell till last year. Only place I go to see live stuff with local bands is the Wammy Bar on Beloit Rd, You from here too?

[@jasonsenator6144]

Jello for dinner!

[@econogate]

Jello only gets better with age!

[@DENVERxDROPKICK]

I have said this exact thing so many times

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

Was Jello always this 'Alan Patridge'? Jesus

[@vilennon24]

"at least you look good in it" damn he's like the anti-jerk rock star

[@EnterprisingWisemen]

he is also the brain child for bands The Make Up and Weird War. those are my two favorite projects he's been a part of

[@MSTL144]

The 'brain child' is the outcome not the creator.

[@El_Pinche_Hombre]

Holy shit those boots

[@Aardquark777]

those fuckin boots!

[@stiflingmystrife]

what was the hole point of the comparison of Westley Willis and Kid Rock?

[@chedarmentosbrown5922]

Epic Rap Battle: J. Biafra Vs. H.Rollins. Make it happen plis. 8]

[@666Hazard666]

20 Mins in... Is that a reference to Uncle Al? lol

[@marissadower-morgan3313]

strongest legs and buttocks , how true ...I used to walk up Powell at least six times a day all the way from Market to Broadway , not counting my five floor walk up

[@djovani29]

13.15 one of the smart things you'll hear on youtube. Wish more kids were told that.

[@SPWKarlsson]

[ Jello - Worst White Lubricant Ever.. ]

[@ayellowbeard]

Jello and Ian would make a great couple

[@bonmot7850]

August Yellowbeard together they would have the strongest legs and buttocks of any race in the world

[@DoctorMindbender]

Did Jello just finish a gig at Renn Faire?

[@Heavygusto]

I read Ian Svenonius' name as I Am Svenovius. Yep wine, weed and speed will do that to a man.

[@Man_Ray78]

300th. Jello spoke the truth about what happened to Obama.

[@Yesiamblind]

You didn't see Ian bombarding Jello with Vinyls and acting loony? Ian goes way deeper with this than Nardwuar. That said Nardwuar is awesome and royalty.

[@shibbidydoowop]

15:15 the 'me' generation is alive and well, it's pretty much everyone right now lol

[@TheIvoryrocker]

i feel like he does the show well enough. its more conversation and less trivia.

[@brendanguinn4427]

The Finker How many Jello videos have you commented on? Extreme love and extreme hate are two sides of the same coin, you're still giving him attention, and you're still making people think and talk about him. I know when I don't like somebody, I just ignore them.

[@blamedorger]

Thank God I'm from Milwaukee. music has a pretty simple recipe here. Long haired guy with guitar, short hair guy on drums, bass player (long hair optional) and a long haired guy yelling satanic music into microphone. No aging intellectuals trying to hang onto their long-lost youth, no pretty girl/boys doing lame interviews about stuff nobody cares about, That said, D/K made a lot of great music back in the day.

[@meelzonweelz69]

I am now inspired to yell at people from cars.

[@siggylloyd3566]

Ian never quite musters a question, poor little bastard.

[@valmarsiglia]

1. Nobody calls if Frisco. 2. Surrealistic =/= surreal.

[@robfalgiano]

This poor interviewer is about 10 steps behind Jello the whole time.

[@Microtonal_Cats]

"Soft Focus" is a bad name for a documentary series. "Soft Focus" basically means "Not looking very closely the subject. " In the 70s, soft focus was used in Playboy mag to hide blemishes and make reality seem dreamy.

[@daltonlunn1653]

I think the title describes it well

[@MadderMel]

He sounds like Daffy Duck !

[@johnfights4manyresonsjohnf851]

Jello I’m a little younger then you I’m from the east coast grew up in the nyhc sence. I want to thank you I rember the fight with the pmrc. You slapped the shit out of Tripp gore. In the end they won they got there label but we won more. Today all music is pretty much free to speak what they wish..

[@outsidedog7772]

what are you talking about? where in milwaukee do you live

[@BigVanilla905]

Jello is a fucking boss.