We here at Punk Globe were excited when we heard that writer/ musician Billy Koepke had scored an interview with the multi-talented Eric Erlandson... Punk Globe had originally planned on running the interview in May. However, Eric took a trip to Japan so the interview was put on hold... But on Eric's return to Los Angeles we got the interview.... We hope you all enjoy it.

Hi Eric, Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us.

Hello Mr. Billy.

Are there any projects you're currently involved in?

I've been writing new songs for something. Not sure what it is yet. Scheming strange art and music performances. Since food is the most desired form of entertainment these days, I've been quite involved with the Food Porn business, in kind of a voyeuristic capacity. It gets messy. Speaking of messy, I've also been doing research for a Hole box set that I'd like to finish as soon as possible. I have tapes galore that need to be digitized. I may have to do the dreaded "kickbutter" campaign to get it all done. It's not easy listening back to old Hole rehearsals. Lemme tellya. The screaming, the anguish, the F-C-G chords over and over again like some sick folk loop.

How did you get started in music, when did you discover you wanted to be a Guitar player?

When I was 13, I heard this annoying rock riff come on the radio and a powerful wave of ecstatic ooze hit my prefrontal cortex. I decided right then and there I was going to play guitar and annoy people too. Within a few weeks I bought a Rickenbacker guitar and amp from a classmate. The neighbors weren't happy.


"Letters to Kurt" a book of poetry written by you was released in 2012, it's really an amazing book!

Thanks. I still don't know what to think about that book. Sometimes I wish I could go back and juice it, tighten it, erase it, or burn it. I'm used to living with my bum notes. But, for some reason, living with my bum words is so much harder. I really loved doing Cock Soup, the photo compendium to LTK. It was done quickly, like Pretty on the Inside, and so it retains a bit of that delicious raw magic and "in the moment" inspiration. But really, the main point of Letters to Kurt was to bring up the topic of suicide. I want people to talk about it. Face it. My greatest hope is that anyone who has suicidal feelings can feel comfortable enough to talk about them without any stigma, and that society can learn proper ways to react to such feelings, offer support and better solutions. When we know why we're alive, what our lives are really about, suicide isn't an option.

Do you plan on releasing any more books?

Yes. I'm looking forward to telling my crazy stories in new, exciting and hopefully unique ways. I'm so bored with the memoir genre, this obsession with celebrity, "telling all" no matter who you hurt in the process.

Can you tell us about & how long you've practiced Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism?

About 25 years now.

How were you introduced to Buddhism?

I've always been a seeker, learning, dabbling, sampling from the spiritual cafeteria of life. When Courtney introduced me to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, which is based on the Lotus Sutra and law of cause and effect, my questions were finally answered, and life began to make sense. I began the slow but worthwhile process of rewiring my reality, purifying my consciousnesses, and dispelling the dark fantasy view of the world in which I had been indoctrinated from birth.


That is amazing Eric! What bands were you in before Hole?

Garage bands with friends. Nothing serious.

How did you hook up with Courtney? Was Hole already formed or did you help form the band with her?

We met through an ad in a classified paper. She was looking for a girl that looked like a guy, or maybe a guy that looked like Olivia Newton John. I guess she was into transgender entities and I somehow fit the bill. When we joined forces the band came into fruition. Our two energies, our chemistry, or more precisely, our KARMA, made it happen.

What songs are you most proud of regarding your work with Hole?

It depends on my mood. I feel proud some days and completely ashamed others. But off the top of my head right now...20 years in the Dakota, Drown Soda, Clouds and Babydoll from POTI, Violet and Asking for It from LTT, Use Once and Destroy and Northern Star from CS.

Do you miss going out on the road & touring?

Yes and No. It was fun touring in the 90s - there was magic happening everywhere, the high-rollin' wrap up to a century and millennium. I do miss it, but the reality of touring these days is just not the same. Most of the ma and pa places are gone. It's corporate and void. Still, I'm curious. I wonder if there's a way to survive on the road without surrendering your soul to the abyss of monoliths like Clear Channel and the sort.


In 2012 Hole reunited to play 2 songs at the after party for "Hits So Hard" that must have been fun! is there any possibility of a full fledged reunion w/ a new CD & tour?

Anything's possible as long as we're all still kickin'.

Bill Bartell (R.I.P.) who was such an important part of the music community here in Los Angeles was a very good friend of yours, did you play w/ Bill in White Flag for a time?

Yea, I went on a tour with the Flag in Europe back in 2003 or 2004. It was hell on wheels, but in hindsight, I appreciate his generosity and vision. Bill was a one of a kind. A true genius. I mean, who else could figure out how to book shows in the Faroe Islands and Greenland? If he wanted to explore some exotic corner of the world, he'd book a tour there. He touched the hearts of many, and had such a great impact on the LA scene. I remember the first day I saw him, it was at Shonen Knife's first show in LA. He was pogoing while sitting on the side of the stage. A strange feat in itself. I thought, "Who is that weird mustache guy?" Now, I miss that damn mustache.

Are you still primarily playing Fender Jaguar guitars?

I play anything and everything. The days of vintage guitar snobbery are over. Boring. Leave it for the lawyers, brokers, and collectors. My favorite is my baby blue 60s Fender Mustang, because it has so much soul. I was happy to see the guitar player in Savages using one. But, really, sound and magic come from the person playing, not the quality of the wood or instrument.

Lastly Eric, I wanted to ask you your thoughts on the current state of music today? And what advice would you have for a young, aspiring musician?

The current state of music is fucked! Perhaps fucked in a good way. But like the world we see around us...fucked nonetheless. The internet and technology has changed us, and our entertainment, forever. Or at least until the next great round of invention. Gotta run with it. After all, it's a reflection of where we're at as a species. At the same time, we've become mired in nostalgia for the archaic. The future looks like a forward escape into the past. But if you try to hold onto the past, you'll get left behind. Burned up. Burnt out. Bummed out. Velocity is an integral part of capitalism. So, my question is always this...how can you keep up with the hyper-speed energy of the world today, and do something special, that has lasting impact, while living your truth, being your true self, and moving us all forward in a positive way, without succumbing to your inherent greed, anger and stupidity?