Jeff Pinkus: Banjos, Buttholes, Melvins, and a Lifetime of Creative Rebellion

This is a fun one - a conversation with Jeff “JD” Pinkus, best known for his work with the legendary Butthole Surfers as well as his stint as the bass player with Melvins. Jeff's approach to music is unique - he has his own sense of warped psychedelia, a genuine reflection of his sometimes wildman mind. In this episode, we begin to understand his fearless spirit and boundary-pushing ethos, qualities that have made him a cult icon and a relentlessly creative visionary. Beyond the distortion and zany demeanor, JD brings a singular voice with his trippy solo banjo work, an experience that has to be experienced live to fully appreciate. We talk about his early days first getting onboard with one of the most uncompromising bands in indie rock, the playfulness behind some of his more beloved projects, and the unpredictable journey of making music on his own terms. This is a conversation with a true architect of some weird and wonderful sounds. It was great to catch up with him! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Start at the Top 02:44 The Start of the Conversation 09:22 The Trippiest Banjo and How JD Started 15:10 Getting Started as a Teen 18:12 Hitching Your Wagon to the Butthole Surfers 30:35 Life after Butthole 33:22 How the Melvins Hookup Came to Be 41:26 Recording the Upcoming Side Project with Buzz ========================== The Creative Asylum is a weekly podcast for those interested in long-form conversations with creatives of all stripes (musicians, actors, filmmakers, artists, cartoonists, photographers, etc.). The show explores attitudes, intentions and approaches to fueling creativity and keeping authenticity alive in life and in work. NEW EPISODES DROP every Tuesday at 10am PST! ========================== Your host is Daniel House (@danielhouse), co-founder, bassist and primary songwriter for the band Skin Yard and also the president and owner of C/Z Records (the label that launched the careers of Built to Spill, 7 Year B***h, The Gits, Soundgarden, Melvins, Coffin Break and yes of course. Skin Yard). We would LOVE IT if you would subscribe to our channel for weekly doses of creative disruption and inspiration. YOU are the reason why this channel exists! ========================== PLEASE FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: https://www.TheCApod.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCApod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CreativeAsylumCA/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theCreativeAsylum Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheCreativeAsylum

Added 7 Sept 2026