The Local Artist Speaks: BOY EATS DRUM MACHINE

Interview with Jon Ragel
by Tara Dublin

How long have you lived in the Portland area? My whole life--mostly in SE. Grew up in East Tabor; now reside off of upper Hawthorne.

Give us a brief history of your band/project: BEDM is my solo work. As of now I have put out 5 LP's since 2005 and continue to tour whenever possible. I have released two LP's this year, "Hoop and Wire" and "20 Beats", as well as played over 60 out-of-town shows. So I'm trying to stay busy and make as much art as possible.

What’s the first song you ever learned to play?Hot Cross Buns on recorder. 4th grade. Clark Middle School music class.

What’s your favorite local venue to play? To see other bands?Oh boy! That's really tough. Dougissippicene Ballroom is pretty terrific. I love seeing bands there too--especially if the sub is turned up.

Speaking of other bands, who do you like on the Portland music scene?Menomena and Talkdemonic are my favs. My label homies Jared Mees, Typhoon, and Y La Bamba shred as well.

Tell us about a recent “Only in Portland” moment you might have had.I was sharing a "cock and balls" with my bud from Scotland. You know, being a good tour guide. Well Beth, my lovely wife, decided to reach in and snag a piece of donut from the tip. She just grasps it and yanks and "SPOINK"--a blast of white cream smacks me in the face. I mean, all over my glasses too. Only in Porn---PORTland, folks.

Finish this sentence: “I cannot live without_____”Burrito classicos from Cha Cha Cha, fish taco combos from Pepino's, and Tortas from Los Gorditos.