May 26, 2025
Punk legends Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers discuss their collaborative lounge project "Juanita and Juan", reflect on the diverse, inclusive LA punk scene, discussing moments like the first Germs show, the "Up in Smoke" filming, and the tight-knit community that reshaped music forever.
Topics Include:
- Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers introduce collaborative project
- Known each other for decades from LA punk scene
- Project started with mysterious Hollywood call for Latin song
- Characters Juanita and Juan have elaborate fictional backstory
- Sound described as "loud lounge, punk folk" style
- Uses electronic music, keyboards, minimal guitar, tropical beats
- Album titled "Jungle Cruise" released on In the Red
- Songs are autobiographical, including "Here Comes the Prez"
- Originally planned for book readings with musical interludes
- Both authors used music to ease reading nervousness
- LA punk scene was incredibly diverse and inclusive
- Lasted only 18 months but reshaped music forever
- Everyone contributed something to the tight-knit community
- Alice witnessed first chaotic Germs performance with groceries
- Both attended "Up in Smoke" Battle of Bands filming
- Kid visible in background of unreleased Germs footage
- Darby Crash's death discussed - overdose versus suicide debate
- Bags single "Survive" now worth $1000 to collectors
- Both still actively collecting and occasionally selling records
- Planning more Juanita and Juan material, considering Australia tour
Order Juanita and Juan's "Jungle Cruise" vinyl here.
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