Here's where you'll find all the answers to all of your questions.
Q. What does your name “Jerkwater Junction” stand for?/Where'd you get that funny name?/Where'd you get that stupid name?!?
Although some have accused our name of having sexual connotations, our name really doesn’t. Originally, we called ourselves “Jerkwater Cummings” – trying to emulate the name of some fictional blues legend. Unfortunately, some people got the wrong idea. So we settled on the name “Jerkwater Junction” because “jerkwater” often is a slang term for small town, or a synonym for B.F.E. Our band originally practiced in Highland, Ill., which is pretty much in B.F.E., and one member (Corey) actually lived in Highland. Everyone else came from other places, so we thought “Jerkwater Junction” was fitting, and it stuck. Nowadays, it really doesn’t fit, since we practice in St. Louis.
Q. Then why don’t you change your name? Jerkwater Junction is a dumb name anyway. Couldn’t you think of a better one? You know, you ain’t going to get very far with a name like Jerkwater Junction. Gosh, you’re dumb.
We’ve debated a name change, but then we’d have to undergo the expense of getting new business cards for everyone, not to mention the costs of developing a logo, t-shirts, bumperstickers, mouse pads, and pencil erasers. Plus, we are very lazy, and cannot seem to come up with a name that we all agree on. If you have a suggestion, please email collettd@yahoo.com .
Q. It looks like Pat Buchanan and Donald Trump will be duking it out to be the Reform Party's candidate. Which does Jerkwater Junction support?
Neither. We’ve debated this issue for some time, and we've decided Cybil Shepherd would be our choice - mainly because she is much hotter than the others. But that is moot, as we all hope to bring back Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party by 2004.
Q. What kind of music do you play?/Who do you sound like? Why do you play country music when country music sucks?/I hate how you guys sound, why don’t you do the world a favor and stop playing music?
We play music which is greatly influenced by the rock and roll sounds of St. Louis, Mo., and the surrounding area. We don’t think we sound too much anybody but ourselves, but others have compared our songs to R.E.M., Uncle Tupelo, The Replacements, Social Distortion and Matchbox 20 -- but that was Dave’s dad who compared us to Matchbox 20, and he thought he was giving us a compliment. If Dave had his wish, we would play nothing but what Dave calls "psychodelic country." Our songs "Barn" and "Web" are good examples of this genre, which Dave hopes to create.
Q. Whose uncle is this Tupelo character, anyway?
We’re not sure if he's anyone's uncle -- he seems to be a fictional character like John Candy's "Uncle Buck." But whoever he is, he’s sure got a funny name!
Q. Who have you played with?
Through the years we have been honored to play with some great bands, including: The Mary Janes; Slobberbone; Say ZuZu; Stillwater; Ashtray; The Highway Matrons; The Mojo Deans; Lullabye for the Working Class; Chamberlain; The Dick Prall Band; The Damnit Boys; The Red Light Runners; and many, many more...
Q. It's widely been rumored that Jerkwater Junction is just a front group for the tobacco industry. Others claim that Jerkwater Junction is just a band of robots. Is there any truth in these rumors?
Although we do and we will continue to smoke tobacco, we are not affiliated with any company or companies directly. We do, however, endorse a person's right to buy packs of cigarettes merely for the sweepstakes entries. Regarding the second rumor, none of us are robots, but Dave is an alien. (See Bios.
Q. Do you play anywhere besides St. Louis?/How can I book your band to play at my club/festival/stadium/birthday party?/ Who’s in charge of booking?/Do you have an agent?/Do you need one?/How do you get shows?
We’ll play virtually anywhere. If you have something in mind, just e-mail Dave at collettd@yahoo.com or call him at 314.351.3903.
Q. I've heard rumors that sometimes you guys play cover songs... Surely this is not true!
A. Yes, the rumors are true, although we mostly do our own material. But here's a list of songs that we've covered at one time or another: "Yellow Submarine"- Beatles; "Saw Her Standing There"- Beatles; "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry"- Bob Dylan; "Knockin on Heaven's Door"- Bob Dylan; "Bad Moon Risin'"- C.C.R.; "Hey Good Lookin'"- Hank Sr.; "Driver 8"- R.E.M.; "Workin' Man Blues"- Merle Haggard; "Sing Me Back Home"- Merle Haggard; "Rock and Roll Star"- The Byrds; "Highway to Hell"- A.C./D.C.; "Sway"- Rolling Stones; "Folsom Prison Blues"- Johnny Cash; "I Walk the Line"- Johnny Cash; "Long Cut"- Uncle Tupelo; "Moonshiner"- Traditional song
Q. Is Corey single? Is Wayne single?/Is Matt Single?/Is Ryan single?/Surely Dave’s single! Isn’t he?/How can I “get on” one of you after the show?/If I paid you, would you have sex with me?
A. Despite going bald, Dave is the only one who is married. And Corey might as well be. Ryan is greatly in search of (and in need of, for that matter...) a female companion. As for Wayne and Matt… well, that depends on what you look like.
Q. Do you have a recording contract?/Can I buy your albums in stores?/Where can I get a hold of a CD?!?!/ I’d like to wear a Jerkwater Junction t-shirt just like the bright yellow Matt wears all the time.
Currently, we do not have a record deal, but we’d consider one. Our CDs out right now are available through us, or by going to mp3.com. And sorry, we’re fresh out of t-shirts like the one that Matt wears, but we’ll be getting some more real soon.
If you have a question for Jerkwater Junction, ask it by e-mailing here.