WHAT THEY SAYING BOUT JESSE & THE HOGG BROS

RAZORFISH MAGAZINE
Fusing the best attributes of punk rock and country music isn’t a new idea - hell, it’s one of the most influential concepts of the past forty years in terms of indie output on the American side of the Atlantic. From alternative country to the more abrasive cowpunk, this hybrid is something a lot of us have come to know and love through the years, but when Jesse & The Hogg Brothers present us with their rendition of the genre’s storied unsophistication in the new album Get Hammered, I can’t say that I feel like I’m listening to something old school nor derivative of a classic sound. Get Hammered has its aesthetical feet planted in the 21st century, but undeniably sports as much of an angry punch as any of its genre predecessors did.

HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
While Get Hammered may not be the next massive crossover, it is nothing short of a spectacularly solid effort. The tracks are often kept short, which not only prevents exhaustion, but actually builds anticipation throughout. I couldn’t wait to hear where Jesse and Company, were going to go next, and how they would subvert whatever subject matter into comic gold. The themes that the band touches on, are often quite identifiable, and you never feel alienated by the strict presence of rural subculture. Jesse And The Hogg Bros bring the hammer and the humor, on Get Hammered.

IMAAI
“An onion ring’s the only ring she’s ever gonna get.” The aptly-titled track “Onion Ring” off of Jesse & The Hogg Brothers’ latest album Get Hammered hard boils the core themes of the album itself down to this single line, in a lot of ways. It’s hard to truly distill the purest form of the album down to a line when the album tackles lofty subjects like cream gravy, farting, and the gorgeous country we call the US of A, but by golly, I think it’s fully possible to at least attempt such a Herculean task. All silliness aside, Get Hammered is one resounding success of a country satire album and listeners might not fully gel with it… or they might need to listen more than once to get through it without crying laughing.

INDIE PULSE
Boasting singles like “Wife Swapping Party” and appearances in films like Attack of the Killer Chickens, there’s no getting beyond Jesse & The Hogg Brothers as a comedic, musical force to be reckoned with first and foremost. Even still, there’s no denying the fact that the band is comprised of immensely talented musicians with deft attention to detail within their chosen craft. It just so happens that their chosen craft happens to be singing about the indelible details of life from barflies and fried foods to farting and America in microscopic, comedic detail.

 

 

Vermont Journal

Jesse and his cousins have been playing all over the states with a hilariously entertaining show that showcases original tracks from their first two albums/CD’s expertly mixed with classic covers from country’s greatest legends all with a unique Hogg Brothers southern sense of humor. 



Boston Globe
These Texas transplants (no, They're not from Hazard County; those are different Hoggs) say they play the country music they watched on Hee Haw when they were growing up, by which they mean the sweet spot of honky-tonk practiced by the likes of Buck Owens, George Jones and Merle Haggard.

Worcester Telegram & Gazette:
“Everything you really need to know about Jesse & the Hogg Brothers can be found in songs such as "White Trash Meth Lab" and "Are You Available for Datin'." This is a band with a wicked sense of humor and absolutely no fear. More importantly, this is a tight group of musicians, attacking bluegrass and Southern rock sounds with both a ferocious irreverence and a deep respect for musicality. The combination is both oddly charming and outrageously funny. “ - Victor D Infante


Rocktober Magazine:
“If this was just a band making white trash jokes and wearing Billy Bob teeth and using fake twangs this might suck. But the beauty of the Hoggs ( who are not above white trash jokes, Billy Bob teeth and fake twangs) is that they are also making super earnest country music, old time stuff, including CB trucking songs, odes to America, and Christmas songs on both albums. If you can't get enough of the crude Southerner comedy (and a zillion Larry The Cable Guy fans can't be wrong) meets 1968 Opry music then get both CD's. Other curious folks get the second CD, as it includes some improved versions of the "hits" from the first one.” - Flamin' Waymon Timbsdayle

ButtRagMag
Grab stomping’ crazy trailer redneck trash fun for your buns! Ya like the nitty gritty of the country silly dirt band? Here’s one I discovered over the inter webs  highway of myspace.com I listened to a bit of”White Trash Meth Lab” and had me a chuckle. Also with their song for the movie “Biker Ann” which I gotta see and I also gotta see them! The pigs are a squealing as we wait for Jesse & The Hogg Brothers to come to our town! - Jme Hashebsy



The Bridge Paper
"House Husband" is what every woman really wants, a man to do all the housework, cooking and shopping and still put out! People say country music is about losing your job, your love, your dog but these guys are just plain down to earth funny and are going straight to my iPod! - Laurie Johnson

"Non-Stop Thrills in this irreverent country music debut. The CD contains more talent than is implied by the song titles. Highly recommended if you enjoy laughing your ass off!" CC - Stubble Musiczine


 

INTERVIEW


CHECK ON WEBSITE

10 Questions for Jesse & The Hogg Brothers

November 26, 2018

BWH Music Group

The most exciting original CowPunk Band in the Nation! Currently from Boston, MA, the First Family of Texas CowPunk began in DFW area in 2008. Led by Jesse Braintree, the ringmaster of this amazing variety show, the Hogg family is a different kind of country. Think of the Beverley Hillbillies with intelligence and Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show on steroids  or The Hee Haw TV program at maximum warp and  you get a picture of Jesse & The Hogg Brothers. Besides singing, Jesse Braintree plays percussion and wind instruments too. The bands showmanship  has capitvated audiences around the country and has this group touring non-stop across the USA

 Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing music? Tell us about it.

I was raised in a musical family and basically we all learned to play from Pappy Hogg when we would do music as a family activity. Now this band allows a family reunion of such at every performance. Jesse plays with different family members every show.

Let's get this out of the way. What is the CRAZIEST thing that has ever happened to you in your music career?

It just happened, we just did a live shoot and studio acting for our part in the upcoming film ATTACK OF THE KILLER CHICKENS look for it. It puts us in a real different perspective.

What has been the high point of your music path?

All the pretty women that follow us, come to our shows and all the men they attract to our performances. But to be specific the people we meet as we tour from fans to promoters and media. Making friends and building relationships.

So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?

The best songs are based in truth or real life experiences and almost every song we have written is exactly that.

Please take a moment to check out their video:

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?

The whole pay to play that the industry denies the existence of. It is real, always has existed, and it makes getting airplay, shows and press coverage more challenging. Can't let that stop you.

If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?

Hank Williams II AKA Hank3 as his band and music we are fans of, but we love meting and playing with lots of bands we are now friends with like Sunshine Riot, PUNX, and WMFO to name a few!

What are your rehearsals generally like? Or, how do you prepare for a live show?

We usually practice before we tour with which members will be on it. Everyone keeps up using the internet and always have knowledge of any new material.

Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it!

Ballad Of Brack Cornett it was a tough one because there was very little documentation on this TX train Robber. Wanted to write a song about someone like that but Sam Bass is most famous TX Train Bandit with hundreds of songs so we wanted to be different. Now the guy has a wikipedia page and maybe its because of our song!

What's coming up in the future?

We have a Live CD and a new EP coming out soon. We also are recording a new EP in Spanish in 2019 and will be scheduling a Spring tour CD release shows , upcoming movie appearance and hopefully a lot more!

 

10 Questions for Jesse & The Hogg Brothers

September 19, 2017

Jesse & The Hogg Brothers have been described as follows: "The Beverley Hillbillies with intelligence; Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show on steroids; and The Hee Haw TV program at maximum warp.  Currently from Boston, this first family of Texas CowPunk tours extensively around the United States. Their music has fans laughing, dancing and having a good time.   Their most recent EP 'Rusty Loved Christmas' is sure to add favor and fun to your holiday.

 

Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing music? Tell us about it.

Jesse: When I was a kid coming up I was always around music. Pappy was a player as long as I remember and I wrote my 1st song when I was 12 or 13, can't be sure. So yeah all of us used to play along with Pappy and he would coach us and eventually we could play with ourselves or any band we came up with. Kash: Even a young-in like me learned playing from Pappy.

What is the Strangest thing that has ever happened to you in your music career?

Lisa Mari: Driving with no headlights on in the rain at night.
Kash: The Burger guy for sure
Stevie Joe: The night of the IL love buckets?
Jesse: Hell no, For me it was visiting Neil's in-laws, his wife's family does well. So they ask us to get some milk so I said Where at that store near the beat up trailer park. And he says "at least its not like the ones in Bosque County" now I'm from Bosque County so I say What's that mean? and He says "You know those White Trash Meth Labs, they are blowing up all the time" I was confused. So once we left, Neil and I discussed the topic, we went online and read up on it and wrote the song by that name and as you know, the title of our 1st CD. The rest of the story's history!

What has been the high point of your career?

Kash: For me, I joined Uncle Jesse a year ago September when I turned 21. I have played NY, Austin, Las Vegas, Milwaukee and so many other places.
Lisa Mari: Playing with my dad!Stevie Joe - My guitarJesse: I am blessed to be able to perform with my family all over the place and the high point for me is the next show I'm going to do.
Joe Joe: Playing with Jesse, actually playing with The Great JoeBob Hogg is my high point.
JoeBob: I paid him to say that!

So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?

Kash: Jesse?
Jesse: I usually come up with lyrics and a melody and the family makes it work. Cousin Neil has had the most influence on the songs, and lesser extent Merle, and others, even Denton helped with one. The ideas come from real life. Not all personal experiences but close enough to be able to create a song.
JoeBob: Then we lay down the songs together
JoeJoe: Big Pink Rig?
Stevie Joe: IL Lovebuckets?
Kash: Soo weee
Jesse: These guys inspire a lot of it.

 

Let's take a break and check out The Hoggtail Twist:

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?

The double edge sword of digital music. With streaming , downloads, youtube music and whatever you are doing on social networking. It is great, can touch many people but how do you get to folks who really want what you are doing.  What would be nice to change is the way music in terms of hits is done. Indies have very small chance. So bring back a more indie music network folks watch like MTV in years 1-4.

 If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?

Kash: Johnny Cash
Stevie Joe: Buck Owens
Lisa Mari: The Punknecks!
JoeJoe: Sunshine Riot
Jesse: Yeah, The Punknecks, we have played with them before and why them, because together its like seeing a Las Vegas show between them and us. We might be doing a few shows with them in 2018.

What are your rehearsals generally like? Or, how do you prepare for a live show?

JoeBob: We practice and when we do sometimes its coffee, sometimes it's pizza, sometimes better. Jesse gets us the set list.
Kash: Before our shows I like green tea
Lisa Mari: Shut up!
Stevie Joe: Christmas is Coming!
Jesse: The band knows what to do, I make sure I have some cough drops in my pocket and a copy of the set list and I'm ready to go.

Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it!
Jesse: Everybody Loves When It's Christmas is/was the toughest song to write as its about my momma. I am unable to perform it without crying so please don't request it. Those are not crocodile tears on the album recording. I didn't intend it to be a sad song but it kind of wrote itself. But its also a very emotional mother love song that folks have told me they identify with.

What's coming up i

A lot of new music. We have 2 songs on the upcoming double CD "30 Years of Music To Make Your Ears Hurt" . We have a bunch of singles coming out before we release or next album. Obviously we are on the road doing shows all over the USA and we hope to meet you at one of them. We are releasing a lot of new videos and will be filming in an underground horror flick that we probably get killed off in it. Please Buy Our Records TODAY!

 

 

 

Here's an interview Jesse and the Hogg Brothers did with STUBBLE MUSICZINE
STUBBLE caught up with Black & Blue Records’ progressive country band Jesse & The Hogg Brothers at Hogg HQ as they regroup for the second leg of their mid west tour that featured a stop at the Redneck Olympics, yes this exists. Jesse Braintree and family are keeping old school, real country alive; think CB trucking songs, odes to America, mud wrestling, etc.; if you can’t get enough of the crudeSoutherner comedy meets 1968 Grand Ole Opry country music then check them out.

 

 

STUBBLE:  How about we start with some introductions.

Jesse Braintree:  My name is Jesse Braintree with me is my cousin Stevie Joe Hogg he plays Banjo guitar, we got my cousin Buford Hogg slide guitar, and over drinking beer at 10:30 in the morning, as usual, is my long standing cousin Buzz Hogg (bass, guitar, vocals).

Buzz: Hello!

STUBBLE:  How did you guys get started?

Jesse Braintree:  Well, we’re all related, so actually what happened is my dad died when I was real young. He was in the military and he ended up being AWOL. We really don’t know what happened to him. So I ended up growing up with my cousin Buzz and my cousin Neil. Their father Pappy, he kinda raised us, and he taught us how to play, and we’ve been playing music ever since. As every generation of Hoggs come up, like the youngsters here they’ve joined us. It’s one big family act. Best way to say it.

STUBBLE:  Being a country band, do you have any musical influences you want to talk about?

Buzz: Beer

Jesse Braintree:  Liquor for Buzz, but, I don’t know. We grew up listening to Buck Owens and other people on Hee Haw and all the artists there whether you’re talking Hank Williams Junior, Roy Clark, Johnny Cash, George Jones they’re all big big influences on us. We just learned to love traditional, ole Opry style country music and we try to add that element to our music.

STUBBLE:  What do you think of today’s country music?

Jesse Braintree:  For the most part I don’t. It’s just pop music with a twang. I like Hank III and there’s plenty of people playing good music in fact some people play a little bit of both, but for what’s on the radio I would say no I don’t listen to country radio. It’s not what I like.

STUBBLE:  Is there a genre that you like besides country?

Jesse Braintree:  Sure, we’re on a punk rock or metal label, we’re open to all kinda music. In fact what’s funny one of our songs Biker Ann, a film maker approached us about a year ago and asked us if we’d be interested in turning that song into a movie. So that’s the plan right now we don’t know if it’s really gonna happen but supposedly we're writing a script based on the song “Biker Ann.” The guy who owns the record label is writing a script along that so I have no idea if it’s going to have anything to do with the true story, but we're hoping to film that sometime in 2013 and I'm real excited about that.

STUBBLE:  You don't have accents.

Jesse Braintree:  I'm gonna answer that the only way I can. We’re from Texas, but we didn’t spend our entire lives in Texas. I grew up mostly up here. We work for Yankee money and we've been Working for Yankees for a long time. As much as we're in Texas more than anywhere else, we’re up here too. So I guess I don't sound as Texan as someone else, but I’m a Texan and very proud of it. Normally when people say that to me I usually get pretty upset, especially when I am in Texas and some Texan says I’m not from Texas, I don't think that's very respectful.

(For the full interview check our online audio /video archives this has only1/4 of it)

 

INTERVIEW



Here is an interview Jesse did with Austin TX based ButtRagMag:

Grab stompin', crazy trailer redneck trash fun for your buns! Ya like the nitty gritty of the country silly dirt band? Here's one I discovered over the interwebs highway of myspace.com. I listened to a bit o "White Trash Meth Lab" and had me a chuckle. Also with the song for the movie "Biker Ann" which I gotta see and I also gotta see them! They're on tour right now and shall be in my neck-o-the woods in January! Grabs! Anyways here's some questions I asked and they answered with ease.
 
What kind-of ass do you like to grab?
 
Well, it varies with each of us to some extent. Bobby likes fat chicks and loves to grab big asses they have, Neil, Hirohito, Kenny and myself like the young girls, butt never can resist hot ass. Buzz and Junior usually pick their own.
 
Have you ever played in a pig pen?
 
Of course we have!
 
What did you play?
 
Grab-ass is our favorite game. Our sisters and cousins usually end up sore and covered in mud, some of the pigs do too.
 
What male animals have you watched buttfuck?
 
Dogs, cats and one time Bobby walked into a trailer and found somebody and Billy Ray goin' at it They both denied it and said Bobby made it up, but I believe Bobby. 
 
What's your favorite toilet paper?
 
The kind that comes on a roll. We usually use single sheets from the eatin' place Buzz use to work at. We are getting' low on those. Buzz aint worked in 2 years.
 
Have you ever heard a ghost fart?
 
There are lots of spirits in my house Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker and Old Grand Dad to name a few. And Old Grand Dad is an old fart and he never shuts up neither.
 
Besides your own home, where is your favorite toilet?
 
Actually, we love going to hotels especially fancy ones and doing our bizness thar. I can't say our homes have very good ones. We use outhouses at our trailer park except Neil - his trailer is the best!
 
Have any silly fart stories?
 
Junior Hogg and Hirohito Hogg are really big on farting. When we stayed in a hotel in Austin Kenny Hogg was sleeping on the floor of the room they was in and he came a banging on my door begging to sleep on the floor in my room. He tried Nell's room but he wouldn't let Kenny in cause he was with his sister Becky Sue Yeeee haw! So let him stay on the floor in my room!
 
Our practice space it always smells like rotten ass from them 2, We just wrote a song for our next CD that we played at Headhunters, well part of it, we just did the chorus, it was called"Wait a Minute I Just Farted" I think ya'all would like it!
 
What would you like the world to know about you?
 
I'll be brief. Butt please check-us out and become a fan or friend us on line. We have 2 CDs out now "White Trash Meth Lab" and "Working for Yankee Money" you can buy them at amazon.com or CD Baby and lots of other places.
 
 
 
 
 
Watch for when we play your town or city! We want to meat you! We really preciate you talkin' with us and getting infront of your readers. I know all the ladies reading this want some Hogg! YEEEEEEEE! HAWWWWWWW!
 
There you have it folks! Some good ol trailer trash a rawkin and the grandpa's a grabbin the lil cousins by the ass! The pigs are a squealin as we wait for Jesse and the Hogg Brothers to come to our town! Check 'em out-if ya can-can. There maybe a lil squeal in #8 with these guys if I see their next show!