by Daniel Colussi | King Tuff is Kyle Thomas and he’s a true rock ‘n roll dreamer from Brattleboro, VT. Readers may recall that Thomas has been on the Soundtracking pages before, upon the release of his second, self-titled album. Said album is a blast, but there’s just something especially magical about his first offering, Was Dead. Initially nothing more than a collection of home recordings self-released in 2006 on CD-R, this album has subsequently been re-released over a dozen times, truly taking on a life of it’s own. Most recently, the brilliant and prolific Burger Records released the definitive version with 180 gram vinyl, laminate covers and a full colour poster. Rejoice! Was Dead is thirteen gems of weirdo, incredibly catchy glam pop. It’s Cheap Trick hanging with Television…weird but innocent, or something like that. Thomas did something so right with it, and we’re all better off for it. Read on as he offers Scout some perspective on this most magical of creations in advance of his Commodore appearance this Friday night.

Was Dead has slowly taken on a life on it’s own. According to my research, it’s been released in 13 different formats/editions/pressings. It has made a very long and slow creep into the world. Aside from the fact that the songs are fun, awesome, and amazing, why do you think this album has continued to garner so much love from the world? It came from a genuine place. I think it strikes a teenage chord that everyone can relate to.

Tell me a bit about the spirit of writing/recording of it. Any particular motivations/inspirations floating around in your head when you laid down these tracks? It’s definitely about coffee and sex and having fun. I really just wanted it to sound like lasers.

Is it a drag to play some of these songs that are so old? Is it a drag to talk about this album so long after it was created? I still love playing all these songs. I’ll play them for the rest of my life. I have a bit of a hard time remembering making the album, so it’s hard to talk about because the details are blurry.

What’s Li’l Smashy’s (Thomas’ Mom) take on Was Dead? Smashy is a huge supporter of King Tuff. But mostly she just wants to know what I want for dinner.

Tell me about being a night owl and recording songs at 4am. Why do you think that works for you? Because there’s no distractions. I feel like the only person on earth at 4am. It’s an otherworldly time of day.

You’ve been touring steadily for the last couple years. Tell me what you like and dislike about touring. What are your favourite off-the-highway breakfast chains? Cracker Barrel vs Applebee’s vs. Waffle House, etc… Touring is the greatest job on earth but it can also drive you mad. You have to keep a positive mental attitude or else you’ll crack. I dig Waffle House. Steak ‘n Shake is good, Skyline Chili, Whattaburger…it’s all good and shitty.

Tell me about Brattleboro. Are you still living there or have you officially moved to LA? I live in LA. The Brattleboro vibe is similar to every small town. Everyone knows each other. It’s very mellow. Something magical lurks underneath…

What’s next for King Tuff after this tour? Recording and relaxing.

King Tuff  plays the Commodore Oct. 18 with Wavves, & Jacuzzi Boys. Tickets at Zulu & Red Cat.

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Daniel Colussi is the Music Editor of Scout Magazine and a contributing writer to Ion Magazine. A veteran employee of Zulu Records and tuneage aficionado, he DJs on an infrequent basis (about four times a year) and is a musician around town who plays in several ensembles.