20 Questions: Chuck Dietrich of Bullet Treatment and Basement Records

Monday, May 16th, 2016
Chuck Dietrich of Bullet Treatment, owner of Basement Records

Chuck Dietrich of Bullet Treatment, owner of Basement Records

Not only is Chuck Dietrich the head honcho of Los Angeles-based label Basement Records, he is also the front man of hardcore punk rock band Bullet Treatment, a group that has featured no less than 35 members over its lifespan. Dietrich has been the sole constant member over the years, and has just released the band’s newest offering, Bloodshot Chapter 1 via his label (Chapter 2 will be released later in 2016). You can listen to the premiere of “Our Lady Of Perpetual Exemption” here.

Recently, he took the time to answer 20 Questions With Verbicide.

What was the best day of your life?

The day my daughter was born; nothing compares to having a child. You really don’t even understand what it is like until it happens. You think you do, and you kind of have an idea of what to expect, but until that little hand grabs yours or those eyes look into yours… Wow! Something I totally wasn’t prepared for. Man, what a sappy way to start off an interview, haha. Let’s get into some music!

What is your favorite musical act of the 1990s?

Man, that’s a tough one. Of course, I was a big Nirvana fan. I was lucky enough to see them live on a few occasions. I’m trying to think of bands from the ’90s I liked — most of them started in the ’80s, like Nirvana, but got big in the ’90s. Bands like Alice In Chains, The Offspring, and Sublime were all favorites, but all started in the ’80s, haha. I’d have to go back and check out some bands — which actually might be a good thing to do, now that you mention it.

What is your favorite live album?

Ramones Loco Live. Originally I was a drummer, but I started teaching myself guitar at a late age because I couldn’t play drums in my garage, and in doing so, Loco Live became my goal album. I would sit and learn every song until I could play the entire concert from beginning to end. Sure, a few notes were missed here and there, but in doing so I created a pretty good picking hand. That led to kind of the unique nature of guitar playing I do in Bullet Treatment.

On more than a few occasions I’ve had people send me videos or ask me how to play something. The note structure is pretty easy, but the picking rhythm and speed are what confuses everyone.

Did you prefer life prior to the internet and cell phones and social media, or do you think we’re better for it?

I prefer it prior. I really am at the point that I almost can’t stand getting on social media. And for a couple of reasons; one being any mystery and surprise of anything is totally gone. Everyone knows the end of the movie, the outcome of the game, what songs are played at the show, what the record sounds like, etc. In turn that has caused everyone’s patience to go right out the window. I challenge anyone to not listen to any music from a release until it is purchased physically. Go home, put the record or CD on, read the lyrics, and get your own opinion of it before someone else tells you theirs!

Don’t even get me started on cell phones. It goes back to the idea of people thinking they are so important that they have to be contacted at any given moment, hahaha.

Ryan Reynolds or Bradley Cooper?

Actually, I’ll go Burt Reynolds (Smokey and the Bandit) and Michael Cooper (Lakers legend).

What is the greatest live band you’ve ever seen?

That is almost impossible to answer because at numerous times I’d give you a different answer. When I was younger, Van Halen was unstoppable. As I got a little older, someone like Lagwagon gave me a new appreciation for what a punk band should sound like live. But most recently, Ghost is the best live band I’ve seen. They take elements from a production standpoint, as well as performance, and put them together in a way I haven’t seen since Iron Maiden or Kiss. Add the element of darkness and catchiness with all that, and it is a great show to see.

Which band or performer would you love to see, but haven’t yet?

There are very few; I have had the fortunate situation where I have seen just about every band I have ever wanted to. There are only a couple bands that I still occasionally ask myself, “Should I go see them?” before they retire. Someone like Heart or Blue Oyster Cult I always contemplate. Actually, there is a newer band called Uncle Acid I would love to see live. But other than that I’ve pretty much seen everyone I wanted.

What defunct band or deceased performer would you have loved to have seen, but won’t be able to?

Now see, this makes more sense because there are a lot of bands I would’ve loved to have seen. The Doors are right up on the top of that list. Jerry Reed, Germs, Cream — actually, a more recent band I never saw and would’ve loved to was a band called Bottles & Skulls. A great band!

Iron Maiden or Megadeth?

Maiden. While I like a few Megadeth records, especially Peace Sells, as a whole Maiden’s catalog is way better. And for live performance, it’s not even close. I saw Megadeth in their prime and they couldn’t hold a candle to Maiden. Hell, I saw Maiden just recently and they are better now than Megadeth ever was.

Which artist or album did you listen to most when working on your current release?

Actually, a band I have been listening to a lot is White Lung. I have always had a thing for female singers, and when it’s done right like this band, it is really special. They have such a great vision for their band. Another album I listened to a lot while I was recording was the Lagwagon album Hang.

E-reader or paper books, which do you prefer?

Paper books! I have a stack of books on my shelf I need to read and that just looks cooler than having some files stored on my desktop.

How many times have you visited Disneyland and/or Disney World? What is your favorite attraction?

I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Disneyland, having a season pass for a number of years. Easy access leaves that at a high total. I have been to Disney World twice. I love both places, but the way Disney World is set up feels like it is its own world. Disneyland is across the street from 7-11, so the aura isn’t as special. Favorite attraction is Thunder Mountain, always has been since I was a kid. And that includes the original slow train ride and then the transformation into a coaster.

Scooby-Doo or The Flintstones?

Scooby-Doo, kind of taking a combination of all these questions. I recently watched Scooby-Doo & KISS with my daughter, haha.

What’s your favorite comic book?

Hard to say my all-time favorite, but most recently I have been reading the Escape From New York series. It takes place right after the original movie, and Snake Plissken is on the run. Just a heads up he’s headed to Florida! Check it out, great read.

How many pairs of blue jeans do you own?

Zero, I live in California and I’m in shorts all the time. But I do have a pair of sweats in case it gets cold, and they go right on under the shorts!

Do you follow any professional sports? If so, which is your favorite team?

Yes, I follow quite a few sports. Lakers, Padres, Seahawks. Go Hawks!

What is your favorite film of all time?

If we are talking one single movie, Smokey and the Bandit. If we are talking series, then Star Wars. I always get a kick out of the ratings from when I was a kid. Smokey was PG movie, with all that bad language. So was Bad News Bears, Sixteen Candles, etc. In fact, it’s funny, on some websites Sixteen Candles is rated PG, and others rated R. Just can’t get away with what you used to.

What is your favorite film based on a novel by Stephen King?

Probably Misery. There are quite a few but I’ve always loved Kathy Bates in that movie.

What’s your favorite scary movie of all time?

The original Halloween; I am a big fan of John Carpenter. Probably even more so than Stephen King when it comes to films. They Live, Escape From New York, The Fog, The Thing, Vampires, Cigarette Burns, etc. I wonder how many people know that “Daryl” from The Walking Dead was in Cigarette Burns. Carpenter just has this thing about finding people and telling stories so well.

What do you believe is the easiest way a person can make the world a better place?

Be nice! Oops, being on this movie kick I almost quoted Patrick Swayze with his “Be nice…until it’s time not to be nice” from Road House, haha. But seriously, if everyone had the sense to be nice and have some manners, the world would be such a better place. Take notice, when was the last time someone walked in front of you at the grocery store and said, “Excuse me,” or when someone slowed down and let you over on the road? Start the “wave” movement, everyone should wave at someone today! #wavemovement

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