The Ham, the new techno project from Bertie Kelly, front man of Limerick alt rock/hardcore duo Japanese Jesus, have released his solo EP, Ordinary Pet Food. We asked Bartie the BIG questions . . .
The four-track EP, available now on Limerick label Blowtorch Records' Bandcamp page, and features SWEETS front man Liam Marley on guest vocals on the song, Can't Afford To Die.
Speaking about the lead EP track, Becoming The Ham, Bertie says, "You could say it's a post-Christmas song. It's making light of the dreaded January doom. The chorus lyrics state 'I have now become the ham', a reflection on having an over indulgent festival period."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name is Bertie.
I'm a farmer from Limerick.
I play in punk/hardcore/alt bands such as Japanese Jesus, SWEETS and The Ham.
How would you describe your music?
Punk/techno.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Changes weekly but main staples are UK noise band USA nails, Sleaford Mods, Gulch, Gilla Band, Crash Course In Science and recently lots of alt country.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
First big gig was Weezer. Local gig would have been an AMC (Aspersion Music Collective) gig probably in Costello’s, Limerick city.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Ash - 1977. Still love that record. The week after it was Nirvana’s Nevermind.
What’s your favourite song right now?
MJ Lenderman – Wristwatch.
Favourite lyric of all time?
And if a ten tonne truck kills the both of us, To die by your side, Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine" - There is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths. For years I thought this lyric was hilarious, the dark humour in it was peak Morrissey.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Preoccupations - Continental Shelf. One of the best songs ever written in my opinion. Goes through every emotion.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Ordinary Pet Food is available to purchase on CD from Blowtorch Records online store and Bandcamp page. Available on all streaming vessels. All social media for The Ham is done through the conduit of Japanese Jesus band on Instagram.
Alan Corr
