Frankie & The Witch Fingers: LA Rock Scene Spell
Frankie and the Witch Fingers: From DIY Roots to Punk pantheon
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Frankie and the Witch Fingers, a band that has steadily carved out a unique space in the psychedelic rock landscape, is experiencing a surge in recognition, even catching the attention of punk icon Jello Biafra. The Los Angeles-based quartet,known for their electrifying live shows and genre-bending sound,reflects on their journey from the underground DIY scene to sharing stages with legendary figures.
The DIY Ethos: Fueling the Fire
The band’s members consistently point to the vibrant DIY scenes in their respective hometowns as a foundational influence. For drummer Aguilar, who hails from San pedro, California, this ethos was particularly formative. “I discovered I don’t need to go to the staples Center or Irvine Meadows to see a band,” Aguilar shared. “I could just go,like,10 blocks away from my home on my bike to house shows.” He credits this accessibility with shaping his musical path, stating, “If there wasn’t the music scene in San Pedro, I problably wouldn’t be in this band. I’d probably be playing at the Whisky with some s- metal band that nobody cares about.”
This commitment to a grassroots approach permeates the band’s ideology. As Sizemore notes, “We collectively talk about what’s going on in the world when we’re in rehearsal and stuff, and our feelings about it. I think it’s just at a point now where talking about certain things just feels more - what’s the word? – it feels more part of the zeitgeist.” This conscious engagement with contemporary issues imbues their music with a relevant and resonant quality.
A punk Legend’s Endorsement
The band’s growing momentum has not gone unnoticed, most notably by Jello Biafra, the former frontman of the Dead Kennedys. Biafra encountered Frankie and the Witch Fingers at a gig in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado, and was so impressed that he joined them on stage the following night in Fort Collins.
The collaboration stemmed from a connection forged through mutual friends and Aguilar’s work at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach. “I work at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach. So I met him there a long time ago,” Aguilar explained. “He said he was gonna come see us at our Halloween show in San Francisco. I was like, ‘How would you feel if we learned some DK songs and you sang with us for Halloween?'”
The offer was accepted, and Frankie and the Witch Fingers prepared to perform Dead Kennedys classics “Halloween,” “Police Truck,” and “Holiday in Cambodia” with Biafra.The Halloween performance was a spectacle,with the band donning ”bloody doctors” costumes and Biafra making a dramatic entrance. “He changed his outfit in between every song! He was throwing fake bloody organs at the audience,” Aguilar recalled. ”You could tell half of the audience knew who he was. And half was like, ‘Yo, who the hell is this?'”
Looking Ahead: Ambition and Ink
Reflecting on these milestones, guitarist Pickles mused, “Talking about all this like ancient history makes me feel, ‘Oh yeah, we’ve kind of come a long way.'” Aguilar remains grounded in his aspirations, stating, “I think my realistic goal is the headline the Fonda theatre one day.”
However, the band isn’t shying away from the possibility of greater success. When teased about the prospect of widespread fame,Menashe jokingly pledged to get a face tattoo if the band sells a million records. Sizemore, ever the instigator, pushed further, adding, “You gotta get a teardrop too!” This playful banter underscores the band’s authentic spirit and their readiness for whatever the future holds.