Recently off the release of their album Lezbo Vampires vs. Al Qaida, Detroit punk pioneers Cinecyde are still heavily influencing the Detroit punk scene as well as the independent film scene. Detroit Underground got a chance to interview vocalist and co-owner of B-movie store Thomas Video, Gary Reichel. He comments on their music and upcoming film “You Can’t Rent Here Anymore” produced by Cinecyde guitarist Jim Olenski. The workspace slasher film will premier at the Main Arts Theater on December 10th at 7:30 and will feature a short set by Cinecyde before showing. Here’s what Reichel had to say about the film and Cinecyde’s long involvement in the Detroit underground music scene.

Detroit Underground:  How does it feel to be one of the most influential punk bands of Detroit as well as highly influential in the independent film scene?

Gary Reichel: Are we? Really? We’ve always made music on our own terms. I mean, to start off with a song called “Gutless Radio” is kind of like biting the hand that feeds you. It does say we make music for our own reasons.  But I am always surprised and pleased when someone connects to the music we make. We’ll talk music or film anytime, so step right up and we’ll toss some ideas around!

DU: Obviously you do what you do because you love it, but do you ever wish you’d get more recognition for it?

GR: Well, yeah. We’ve created some great songs. Issued a bunch of vinyl, cds and compilations. Licensed music overseas. Been bootlegged several times. So hey, get on the stick and give us some recognition! Ohhhhh, you know we do this because we must! I will say, we’ve stayed true to our punk roots.

DU: Tell us a little about the movie and what it means to you.

GR: The movie is “You Can’t Rent Here Anymore”. It is a fun and clever indie film that was mostly shot at Thomas Video (the indie-cult-foreign-mainstream video store with about 40,000 titles to rent). Ryan Meade shot the movie with a unique story line. We were very interested and entertained as we saw some of the early rushes. Ryan was also very interested in our group and asked if he could use our music in his film. We have about eleven songs in the film.

DU: What are some other Detroit punk outfits who helped shape the scene and people need to hear?

GR: The 1977-1980 period was a great and eclectic scene. All kinds of Detroit bands making music. It was generally a very supportive scene. A lot of it was documented on the Mark Norton film “Face the Eighties”. Beside Cinecyde, you gotta hear The Ramrods, The Boners, The Twenty-Seven, The Cubes,  Destroy All Monsters, Phobelex, L-7, The Mutants, R.U.R. and many others. A lot of these bands can be heard on old records that can be found at used record stores in the Detroit area.

DU: How is the record label doing? What are some of your favorite acts on the label and what are your plans for the label in the future?

GR: Tremor Records has issued all the Cinecyde music. Cinecyde has started recording new material and Tremor will issue that. We’re knocking around an idea of releasing a DVD of an old Tremor Review show from 1982. I’d also love to issue some more of The Boners music.  We’ll be licensing two older Cinecyde discs to be issued jointly by Tremor and another label in Europe.

DU: What about the state and plans for Thomas Video?

GR: Thomas Video is great! What a place! 40,000 movies to rent Thousands for sale. A well-versed staff that can point you toward many, many gems. We hear from people everyday what a great store Thomas Video is. But seriously folks, it is a very tough economy out there and if you treasure the idea of a video store with the wildest, weirdest and wickedest selection, come on down! We need your support! As for the future, we want to become better. We’re getting ready to revamp our web site. We want to start to include listings for the films we carry. Also planning to do two more films.

DU: It seems as a Detroit B horror scene is on the verge of becoming very prevalent, what steps do you think need to happen in order for it to break through?

GR: There are basic ideas that essentially boil down to – you’ve got to promote. We’re gonna do our best to make a splash with “You Can’t Rent Here Anymore”. You’ve got to make as many connections as you can to promote your film. These indie projects just don’t have the money to get the word out. So, as much as you can get the attention of traditional media (newspapers, radio, tv) and new media (web sites, blogs, social networking sites), get the word out! One other piece of advice for potential filmmakers; it is a team project. Don’t let your ego make you want to control every aspect of the film. Let the creative energies of the participants help make the film stronger.

DU: What elements from your new album have you adopted from your old style and what elements are new?

GR: This so hard to put into words. I find the punk spirit is alive and well in us. It can vary from feelings of alienation to the drive that pushes you forward each day. “Lezbo Vampires vs Al Qaida” is very much of a punk song right down to, who else but a punk would make such a premise for a song? We added the 52 back up singers and the 18 piece horn section as new elements- I’m kidding!!!! They’re a group of direct songs that we are very happy with. Songs of pain, pleasure and victory. Check it out, give it a listen. I’m sure we’ll satisfy your musical itch.

DU: Do you have any plans to tour in the near future?

GR: Actually we’re working on the idea of doing some out of town dates with the movie.

DU: What are your thoughts on the state of the Detroit music scene at present time?

GR: I’ve always been interested in the Detroit scene. I’ve helped document it on six compilations from 1980 to 1994. The scene always has its ups and downs and the last eight years has seen a real resurgence. It is so big and varied. It is hard to believe a town like Detroit can have such rich music and rich music roots. A couple of bands that I have to give a big dose of respect to are The Bill Bondsmen and Circus Boy. Each have been incredibly supportive in a time when that can be hard to come by. Reminds me of the early punk days in Detroit.

Tags: cinecyde, film, indie, punk, thomas video