SWA (band)

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SWA (pronounced swǒ) the band originally started as a concept defined by Chuck Dukowski, former bassist of Black Flag while he was still a member of that band. The name was created by assigning an alphabetical value to numbers on a gaming die, then rolling the die three times. Dukowski would later claim that the name was offered up by Joe Carducci and was accepted by the rest of the band, despite Chuck's own discomfort with it [1]. SWA has had the dubious distinction of being considered the "worst" band to ever record for SST Records by many label aficionados[2] and, in one infamous fanzine article, Steve Albini claimed that among the worst things a person could do was "listen to SWA" and "be SWA"[3]. However, others have come to the band's defense[4].

Contents

[edit] History

SWA, the band, came into existence in 1985, a few years after Chuck left Black Flag and disbanded Würm, his band prior to Black Flag. The band was created a year after the formation of SST Records "supergroup" October Faction as an opening act for the 1984 Black Flag US summer tour consisting of parts of the east coast, mid west, and Canada. Following that tour, Chuck and Octoberfaction drummer Greg Cameron began trying out guitar players to form SWA. Early jams included Ted Falconi of Flipper, but Falconi was unable to commit to SWA. Ray Cooper of the Descendents (who were on hiatus at the time), who was Greg Cameron's best friend from high school, and guitarist Richard Ford, formerly of the Frantic Technoids, eventually joined up on guitar. Merrill Ward (ex-Overkill), who was close to the SST family, joined up at Chuck's request at lead singer. Cooper dropped out in favor of a re-activated Descendents after the recording of the band's first LP, Your Future (If You Have One), which was produced by Dukowski's ex-Black Flag bandmate Greg Ginn. The band recorded their next album, Sex Dr. (the title was based on Greg Cameron's nickname "The Nazi Sex Doctor") as 4-piece. In 1987, Rich Ford, left the band due to the demands of his job as SST's production manager and Sylvia Juncosa (ex-To Damascus) joined as guitarist, playing on XCIII. Juncosa went solo afterwards and the band reappeared with guitarist Phil Van Duyne for 1989's Winter. The line-up changed yet again as Merrill Ward departed for an acting career. 1991's Volume featured Chuck taking over the vocals and most of the songwriting (Phil Van Duyne sings one track and Merrill Ward returns for one other). The band called it quits shortly afterwards.

Chuck and Phil Van Duyne reunited briefly in Fishcamp in the late '90s[5].

Addendum: A version of SWA performed as early as Friday, 22 May 1981 in a show at Veteran's Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, California, with Vox Pop, and headliner Throbbing Gristle (from the UK) flyer for the show was done by Raymond Pettibon.

[edit] Discography

  • Singles
  • Compilations
    • Evolution 85-87 CD (SST Records, 1988) - features tracks from the first 3 LPs.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Perfect Sound Forever: Chuck Dukowski interview
  2. ^ The SST Records story
  3. ^ Agony Shorthand
  4. ^ SWA: Let’s Ball! « Pig State Recon
  5. ^ Fishcamp Background

[edit] External links