AN INTERVIEW WITH LUKE ESTERKYN (FROM THE BAND STROKE 9)

BY CHRIS GRAVES

Chris Graves: Can you give me a little background on the band Stroke 9 and yourself?

Luke Esterkyn: Stroke 9 was born out of a great assignment back in high school in Northern California. The idea was tocreate a band and write a few tunes in order to learn another side of the creative process. It was alot offun and because of it I found out what I wanted to do with my life. The class ended but a few of us kept theband going pretty much all through college and as time went on the band was pretty happening in the San Fran scene. We had some great times back then. San Francisco was rife with rock, all kinds of bands and I guess there was somewhat of a S.F.”sound” developing and it was great being a part of that. Lots of fun…

CG: Is there a special meaning behind the band’s name?

LE: The name Stroke 9 comes from T.S. Eliot poem called “The Wasteland”. It just seemed like a cool name. Since it came from something literary it was kinda like we weren’t your average everyday rock and rollers. We figured, “Hey,we quoted T.S. Eliot dude” so we must know what’s up. Oh, to be young and naive again.

CG: How did Stroke 9 get involved with both the film Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and the film’s soundtrack?

LE: The Jay and Silent Bob deal came through cuz I guess Kevin Smith had been looking for a “theme” type song for that particular scene in the movie. Apparently he heard the song and that was it for him. The song had an apt title as well. “Kick Some Ass” doesn’t really leave that much to the imagination. It’s right in your face, no? The “Kick Some Ass” sequence is one of the more memorable parts in the film so we hit on the idea to have them in the video we shot for the song as well. They were such cool guys and we had a blast working with them.

CG: What was your experience like on set with Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith during the filming of the “Kick Some Ass” music video?

LE: Well like I said before, working with those two was so much fun. Stroke 9 has always had that tongue in cheek element to the band, so we all got along famously. It’s good to see professionals who take their craft seriously but not themselves so much. We worked very hard but it was all worth it.

CG: Did the placement of the song “Kick Some Ass” in the film’s ending bring a smile to your face?

LE: We had somewhat of an idea what he was using the song for in the movie but when we saw it, you couldn’t help but smile. Classic scene. It’s amazing how many people have that movie on their personal favs list. It’s very gratifying to have been a part of it.

CG: Do you have a favorite View Askew/Kevin Smith film (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back excluded)?

LE: Hmmm that’s tough. Besides the obvious choice cuz we were a part of it, I would have to go o.g. and say Clerks. That scene between Jay, Silent Bob and Olaf the Russian cousin singing “Berserker” is all time.

CG: What is Stroke 9 up to these days?

LE: Stroke 9 has just released a new album called “The Last of the International Playboys”. Among fans it’s really becoming a favorite. The album has such a cool vibe about it. Everyone seems to be responding to this album in the most positive way. Every review of “Playboys” has been stellar so far and we are just so proud of it. Recording it took a while but the band really stuck it out and we produced a wonderful record. Go check it out. You will NOT be disappointed! Stroke 9 has also started recording the follow-up so hopefully that won’t be as long in the making. On top of that, we will be touring this year and next in support of “Playboys” so come check us out! It’s a helluva good time!

Once again, thanks to the boys on both sides for another good sit-down. More to come.