YOUR QUESTION:

09/20/2020 Kenny

Hi Trevor! Same guy who wrote you asking about a potential lyrical connection between "Everyone I Went to High School With is Dead" (I got the title right this time, and yes, I double-checked!) and "Retrovertigo", and just a few minutes ago, I came across a Spanish interview with Ben Weinman of Dillinger Escape Plan (located here: https://www.mondosonoro.com/blog-musica/california-mr-bungle-especial/) which has a really interesting bit in it, which, keep in mind, I ran this through Google Translate:
"What are your memories from the first time you heard "California"?
I remember being surprised by the number of genres that were addressed on the same album. However, I think I was very impressed by the song "Retrovertigo". It's an absolutely bright and accessible ballad that could have been on commercial radio. I later wrote a song called "Unretrofied" which was a tribute to that song and the feeling I had when I hear it every night."
My questions are:
1. Did you know this?
2. Thoughts on the song and/or someone essentially writing a response-song to something you've written?
3. Thoughts on Dillinger Escape Plan as a whole?
Just wanted to end this by saying "thanks" for answering fan questions. You're awesome. Thank you.

MY ANSWER:

1. I did not.
2. I really like that Dillinger album and that tune an early example of people conjoining a certain harshness with a certain sweetness. That’s the broader interpretation that I prefer to “genre shifting” or whatever. I’ve certainly written songs inspired by other songs. In a certain way, Retrovertigo was inspired by Radiohead’s Creep, so the torch goes on and on. I’m honored any time I ever hear about someone being influenced by something I contributed.
3. Killer band. Brutal.