Smug

Craig Perno Guitar, Lead Vocals
Zach Russell Bass, Vocals
Trav Perno Drums, Vocals

Years Active 2017- present

Latest Release “Gorgeous” (Admirable Traits, 2018)

Favorite Local Band or Artist I have a lot of respect for the artists around Buffalo. Everyone has their own sound while creating something to be proud of. I really dig Made Violent and MAGS’ albums. Ghostpool have written some of my favorite songs that I’ve heard in a while. Ugly Sun crushes live and on record. Paul Besch at Quiet Country Audio has a prolific list of people he has recorded. The list really goes on and on.

Current Album on Repeat Slint – “Spiderland”. What an insanely great album to listen to on repeat as well. Every hit is masterfully planned, and every note has a purpose. If you haven’t heard this album before I highly suggest a listen.

Favorite Venue to Perform We all love to play Mohawk Place, and are extra missing it in these times. Town Ballroom has always been fun to play as well.

How is everyone holding up during this time?

We’re all doing as good as possible. Our bass player Zach just had a baby so he’s kind of in lockdown mode. I’m still writing songs during this time for our next record. Trav has been spending a lot of time with his production of rap music as Twin Child.

Tell us about how this project got started?

Travis and I were in a band called Sleepless City when we were younger and after that band split up, we needed a bass player, so Zach came into the picture. We clicked and started writing songs and next thing you know SMUG was born.

Are you working on anything new / specific at the moment?

Yes, I’m always writing but in particularly I’m currently writing SMUG’s next record. I don’t know when exactly it will be coming out or anything but expect it to be louder, faster and much heavier. I have probably half of it done at this point. Oh, I also started a podcast with my 2 friends called GoodFellows Podcast you can find online.

Craziest memory from touring?

We learned how to surf, met the guitar player of A Flock of Seagulls, ended up having to drive 16 hours from Florida to make a show back in Buffalo and got pulled over all for the sake of Rock-n-Roll.

What has your recording experience been like?

It’s been great we have a really good relationship with Paul Besch at Quiet Country Audio. He’s done most of our stuff and all of our album ‘Gorgeous’. Our process is generally to lay down some demos on my personal recorder and then we bring them to QCA to polish it off.

What’s the next move?

More songs, another record, more videos and touring hopefully!

*Interview with Craig Perno