MK Ultra – Hollywood Holocaust EP

By starrymag | April 4, 2017

By: Arlene Allen

 

“I put a lot into anything I do and speak my mind. I think everyone has the right to express themselves but a lot are too afraid. I try to make my supporters fearless because as you know the world is hard.” —MK Ultra

 

Either you get what MK Ultra is doing or you don’t. One thing that’s undeniable is MK Ultra takes their art and music to the extreme. MK Ultra brings a lot of attitude to the recordings, songs and any public appearance or interview.

 

With MK Ultra’s new release, Hollywood Holocaust EP, he/she has a rapidly growing and devoted fan base called “Evil Ones,” which on closer look resembles a huge family. The EP is released on MK Ultra’s own label, Ultra Recordings, with a team consisting of Thom Panunzio (John Lennon, The Rolling Stones) Bob Ringe (David Bowie, Iggy Pop) and his creative nucleus called Team Sloth.

 

I caught up with one of this generation’s up and coming, defiantly controversial, fierce and fearless artist for a very interesting interview.

 

Q: What started your journey into Hollywood Holocaust?

 

A: I was placed in Hollywood to scout new talent for record companies. I noticed bands were sounding and looking the same. I would ask them what they stood for and they could never answer that question. They were all making music for the wrong reasons. Everyone had the same mustache and out of tune guitar. That trend died like all do. Fast forward a couple years to my near death experience. I was hit by a tour bus and after showing signs of life again, my attitude was “it’s on now!” I can’t grow a nice mustache, but I’m pissed and ready to call out Hollywood, society and the world on its BS. The state of music and this experience ignited a fire to burn Hollywood down through an EP. It’s a middle finger right to all the selfish, fake morons in Hollywood who are following trends. I always tell other artists to start the trend.

 

Q: You were hit by a tour bus?

 

A: I was, but I survived. It was a long process getting back to normal life, but it made me into MK Ultra!

 

Q: Can you talk about the recording process – where was Hollywood Holocaust was recorded, how long did it take?

 

A: I paired up with my best friend MonarK to produce the EP. I was a different person so lyrically and musically. I wrote songs that were still catchy, but out of the box. We recorded songs for two years in MonarK’s studio. He also fed me as I developed a bad case of anorexia. My diet was sixteen Norcos, six Soma pills, Valium and marijuana. My stomach would not allow eating. That being said, the songs got better after I went cold turkey on the medical Heroin. MonarK describes it as a very weird process. I describe making Hollywood Holocaust as becoming someone different that saved my life with some help from my best friend.

 

Q: Did you do all of the instrumentation and production yourself?

 

A: MonarK and I work as a team. At first I played a lot of the instruments but being the vocalist I stopped recording so many different instruments. I did this because if you don’t deliver the vocal part right you may have a great song but it may not be believable. Plus, I love lyrics so it’s like me giving MonarK my sperm and we make a baby. Songs are much like your kids; some have some problems you need to tend to. Others come out great. Others are just helpless.

 

Q: Have you always been a musician? What instruments do you play?

 

A: I started to become a musician in my early teen years. I dyed my hair black and confused my parents. I put on pentagrams and got a lot of detention. I was the first in my class to get detention with MonarK. My father played bass so I started with that. Then in came the guitar, piano and synth. Vocals were actually last. I was not a lead singer until I became MK Ultra. I had written songs but didn’t have the guts to sing until I nearly lost everything. I also brought in some amazing musicians for the recording sessions.

 

Q: Do you do any other type of art/artwork?

 

A: I love all art. Titanic is my favorite movie. I appreciate the art of creating powerful images because when I get an idea for a song it comes with lyrics and the music video. Titanic always brings a tear to my eye. That being said, I can see working on films in my future. Scoring a film is something MonarK and I have talked about doing

 

Q: What message do you hope people take away from Hollywood Holocaust?

 

A: People are stronger than they think.  F— what other people think. I’m living proof. So I want people to feel inspired. At the same time, I want them to realize how to call out the fake world that we live in. Listen to yourself before others. Also, I want them to walk away with a piece of art they will remember. No one is going to remember music that isn’t honest. In music there is usually only one band or artist people remember every five to ten years and they are the ones that don’t follow the trend.

 

Q: What are your touring plans?

 

A: Right now, I am doing a lot of private shows for my business team. I’m shaking my stuff for them the best I can. Performing is what I enjoy most. Something comes over me that makes me perform like I’m on bath salts. That being said, the tour is going to come after some regional warm up shows. It’s a big production so we can’t just fall out of a van and jump on stage. We need the right conditions. My booking agent TKO (New Years Day, Ministry) is working on that now. Performing for me is like sex. If you don’t have it for awhile you start to crave it. Trust me, I’m about ready to explode. A lot of surprises coming in the live show.

 

Q: What other hobbies do you have besides art and music?

 

A: I love sloths. I like learning about them. It’s music and sloths all the way. My business team is actually called Team Sloth. People have realized how powerful the power of sloth is!!! We are quick though.

 

Q: Those who follow you on social media know you love Urban Decay!  What do you like about it?

 

A: I love Urban Decay and Makeup Forever. I like quality over quantity with anything. I look at makeup as an art, a way to express yourself. I had JayyVon do my makeup in “X-Rated.” Makeup like anything takes practice. I remember having drinks with JayyVon and he asked, “How drunk are you?” I said, “I’m pretty drunk.” He did my makeup and although I’m not nearly as good as him he pointed me in the right direction. Hire JayyVon!!!

 

JayyVon also has an EP coming out that is top notch. He knows who he is and his lyrics, songwriting and melodies are amazing. I’m so happy to be a part of this release. Look out for that EP!!!

 

Q: Did you always live in Hollywood? Based on your lyrics, it doesn’t seem you like it all that much…

 

A: I’m here because the business is here. I will be leaving at some point, but location is important in any business. I make fun of myself a lot on The Hollywood Holocaust EP as well. They are dark jokes, but if I can’t fit into the weirdest place on earth I feel like I’m doing some right.

 

Q:  Who does your music videos?

 

A: My good friend Edwin Stevens. Like MonarK he gets me and my weird imagery. Once Ed and I spitball ideas you get a video like “X-Rated.” He is such an important part of the team. With my music videos I’m not trying to be shocking. It’s what I think about all day long. Those sweet, tender moments in the “X-Rated” video. Watch the
“X-Rated” video!

 

Q: Do you ever get mixed up with that other MK Ultra band from the 90’s? [laughs]

 

A: I actually did recently on a YouTube channel called PocketsoftheFuture. It’s all about Hollywood mind control, which I have been through. But this guy was flashing pics of me and said I had a song called “Feed the Christians to the Lions.” That band went on one tour in the 90’s and broke up. No disrespect, but I’m a brand new solo artist. I called him out in proper MK Ultra fashion and the video is now down. What an idiot.

Thank you so much to MK Ultra for taking the time to chat with me!  There is lot to take away from the music and from MK’s experiences. You can purchase the Hollywood Holocaust EP on iTunes, Amazon.co, or directly from MK’s website. Follow MK on social media at: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.