I met James when The White Trash Debutantes played a show with Moral Crux at Al's Bar in the 90's we recently reconnected on Facebook... I was impressed that James was such a fan of my long time pal the legendary actor Edward Asner.... I asked James for an interview and here is the result... I hope you all enjoy it...
Punk Globe: Thank you so much for the interview... Can you give the readers some background on Moral Crux?
James Farris: Political punk band from Eastern, Washington recorded first 2 albums with Steve Fisk at the helm.. a few more albums and various 7 inch records ...too many compilations to mention.. most notably ; world in shreds with Jawbreaker and Crimpshrine 1989. Punk USA lookout records 1996 ...2 full lengths on Panic Button/ Lookout records played early shows in 1988-89 with DOA Screaming Trees , .Toured with Social Distortion in 1990, toured with The Vibrators in 1992 , played with Rancid in 1999 etc.
Punk Globe: When did you form Moral Crux?
James: In 1983
Punk Globe: Who is in the band and what do they play?
James Farris: James T. Farris - vocals , lyrics ,Jeff Jenkins -guitar, Jamie Jaspers -Bass , Scott Rozell -drums
Punk Globe: Are all the original members of Moral Crux still playing in the band?
James: The 2 founding members Jeff and I ( James) are the only two original members.
Punk Globe: Tell us how you came up with the band name Moral Crux?
James: Well, I was trying to find something that wasn’t taken ..band name that is...so, I thought I need to find a obscure word . So, thumbing through a dictionary I came across CRUX and then slapped on the MORAL.
Punk Globe: Moral Crux has so many releases out. Tell us about your most recent release?
James: Our most recent is the Revolution a 4 song vinyl ep on Mooster records out of Chicago, Illinois... It was released late 2017.The title track would of been perfect for Bernie Sanders’ Presidential campaign....or, now for the” yellow vest" protests as an anthem.
Punk Globe: Do you have any new videos out?
James: The are lots of stuff on VHS that need to be transferred and uploaded on youtube .. A teaser for the latest ep. Revolution is on youtube right now.
Punk Globe: Tell us about some of your favorite shows that Moral Crux has played over the years?
James: Shows with DOA ..Vibrators .. We played 6 shows in the midwest with Social Distortion in 1990 .. We’ve toured across Canada, Mexico and USA ..Nirvana a few months before they changed their name to Nirvana they opened for us in Tacoma...it was when Dale from the Melvins was their drummer . A Moral Crux flyer is in the Nirvana soaked in bleach documentary. Too many fun shows to mention it was always fun to play Al’s Bar in LA with WTD , we played also with the Stitches there .
Punk Globe: I do remember the show White Trash Debutantes and Moral Crux played at Al's Bar in downtown los Angeles... I really miss Al's Bar... Tell us what you remember about the show?
James: Toast booked that show she was always great.. I loved the atmosphere of the place and area of town.. The soul food cafe next door , the sleazy rooms above to sleep in after the gigs .. It was fun playing with your band WTD there. .. It is always nice to play with female fronted bands since the majority of bands are usually all male .
Punk Globe: You have a great respect and admiration for Actor /Activist Ed Asner tell us about that?
James: Yeah! He’s been successful in TV, Theater, Movies ... He’s a Democratic-Socialist..a real versatile talented person . Iconic status ( Lou Grant , Roots , so much older killer TV an amazing resume. My top Actor/ Actresses are ; Rod Steiger, Montgomery Clift , Lee Remick , Kim Novak, Joanne Woodward,... There are so, many great ones .
Punk Globe: Any thoughts about the tangerine terrorist and the government shutdown?
James: Well, finally looks like Nancy got him to back down...but, this horrible person and terrible shutdown has taken its toll on so many people . I still have trouble with the realization that Trump is President...it’s maddening .
Punk Globe: What does the future hold in store for Moral Crux?
James: Another full length..possibly enough material for a couple full lengths within a short period of time . Working on our “ London Calling” ...that, and playing etc. seeing where the world situation takes us.
Punk Globe: Amen to that James! Any Internet addresses you would like to share with the readers?
James: https://www.facebook.com/moralcruxofficial/
Punk Globe: Describe yourself in three words?
James: Punk Soul Rebel
Punk Globe:Those three words tell alot about a person... Any last words for Punk Globe readers?
James: Yeah! I really appreciate your conviction , dedication and passion for keeping Punk , Culture, News etc . Via Punk Globe.... Thanks , Ginger.
Punk Globe: Thank you James.... Viva Moral Crux...
