by Tom Lounges
For almost four years, Turnerjoy, has been performing original music on
the stages of some of the most well known clubs in Chicago.
Their 1999 debut CD, "Hope," got them radio play on a variety of
Midwest college stations and was featured on Q101’s “Local Anesthetic,”
where it was highly praised by show host, Richard Miline.
British pop of the ‘80s was their primary inspiration, according to
rhythm guitarist/lead singer, Dean Perrine, citing bands like Blur, My Bloody
Valentine and The Pixies. “We really don’t sound a lot like those bands,”
he says, “but they’re who we were listening to and who we would cover when
we were starting out and doing only cover tunes.”
Given their influences, Paul Mahern was the perfect choice to produce the
band’s sessions at Bloomington, Indiana’s famous Echo Park Studios.
Sure...Mahern worked with that town’s famous son, John Mellencamp... but it
was his previous work with The Blake Babies, Judybats and Iggy Pop, that made
Turnerjoy want him to twist their knobs.
“We listened to Judybats and the Blake Babies when we were in school
,” said Perrine. “It was like a dream to work with Paul because he helped
to shape the records that helped shape us as musicians.”
After a 6-song EP made with Mahern in early 1997 generated a good deal
of college radio air play, Turnerjoy returned to him in mid-1998 to begin
work on "Hope."
The 12 songs on "Hope" are more textured and better arranged than were
those on their self-titled EP. The newest material being collaborated upon
by the band members has evolved even more. “We’re slowly getting there,”
says Perrine, “ and by that, I don’t mean getting more radio friendly or
closer to a major label deal. I mean getting a sound we’re happy with that
reflects us as a band.
Presently, the group self-manages, self-promotes and self-releases their
own product via their indie imprint, Mohofusu Records, whose name is an
anagram honoring the company that allows them to use their warehouse for
rehearsals.
While prestigious venues like Schuba’s, the Double Door, and Martyr’s
are regular stops for a group, it may seem strange to learn that they pine
for gigs in N.W. Indiana clubs.
The notion is really not so odd, considering that Turnerjoy consists of
five graduates of Chesterton High School who have retained their regional
roots despite finding success elsewhere.
“We love the clubs and the places that we play,” said Perrine, “but it
would be nice to be able to play some shows that are a little closer to home
too.”
Perrine formed the first incarnation of the group with childhood chum,
Charlie Ransford, the group’s bassist. While Perrine was working as a K-Mart
cashier during his senior year of high school, drummer Larry Lutrick happened
through Perrine’s lane. He was soon behind their kit.
Marty Weisenbacher stepped in next as lead guitarist, but things were
not quite right. Eventually, the singer married his longtime girlfriend and
persuaded her to add some keyboards to the band. “Jodi (Perrine) was
initially reluctant to join the band,” said her husband, “but she turned out
to be the missing piece.”
Those reading carefully, will note that the group has neither a Turner
nor a Joy residing in their line-up. Instead, the band is named after the
USS Turnerjoy, one of the first United States battleships to be deployed to
Vietnam when that conflict began and one of the last to return when it ended.
Like the gray lady it’s named for, this determined group also plans to
stick things out for the duration and survive.
For more information or to check out their music, log on at their website:
wwwturnerjoy.com