Satanist Bitch

Fans of AFI's hard, rock and roll sound were taken aback by the dynamic dance music that filled the speakers after purchasing CexCells, but it seems that most have since accepted the side project and all it has to offer.  The name BLAQK AUDIO was the brainchild of Puget, who thought the name suited their desire to make dark, electronic music.  He claims that the unusual spelling was a simple twist on the obvious, as well as being a nod to the Aphex Twins song "Drukqs".

Although the tour officially ended September 27th, with a final show in Los Angeles, Puget and Havok plan to continue to make music as BLAQK AUDIO in between their commitment to AFI.  Now that the two are, hopefully, resting before picking back up with AFI, Puget was able to sit down for a chat about the tour, the sexual content of CexCells and his plans for the future.

Maximum Ink:  Are there any questions that you are tired of answering?

Jade Puget:  I guess the obligatory meaning behind CexCells, all the usual stuff.  I actually don't mind answering that stuff either, if there's something you really want to know.  A lot of people aren't that familiar with Blaqk Audio as a side project.  If you want to cover some basic information, that's fine.

MI:  I've actually read all of that already, how you came up with the name and why it's spelled that way.  We won't need to cover that ground.

JP:  Good.

MI:  How did you guys get involved with the art project on deviantart.com, and have you chosen a winner?

JP:  Refresh my memory on what deviantart is?  (laughs) 

MI:  It's website where they are supposed to be submitting art for a poster.

JP:  OK, no we haven't chosen one yet.  We've done this at times with AFI, and had fan designed art for different things.  We get a lot of different stuff at shows, and a lot of time it's art and it's amazing what people can do.  I am always impressed because I have no art skills whatsoever.  I'm really terrible at that.

MI:  I hear ya.  You have songs on Guitar Hero III.  How is that for you, as a guitar player?  That's almost like they're saying that you are such a great guitar player that they want to put your songs on here so that the kids can play them.

JP:  That's really cool, you know?  I don't play video games myself, but I know that Guitar Hero is huge.  A lot of it is guitar-based.  I know it's called Guitar Hero, but it has a lot to do with big riffs and shredding and stuff like that.  AFI isn't really that kind of band because I'm the only guitar player, so I can't be out there shredding and stuff because I have to hold down the whole guitar section of the band.  It is cool that they would include AFI on that.

MI:  There would probably be a public flogging if I don't ask you about the video for "Stiff Kittens". 

JP:  OK.

MI:  I saw that it's supposed to debut today online, at least.

JP:  Oh?  I didn't even know!

MI:  You didn't?  Well, it's supposed be on Yahoo!music…

JP:  That might not happen.  I could be wrong, but the last I knew…we've been going back and forth with this video for a long time trying to edit it.  The last I knew was that it wasn't finished so, I would be surprised if it actually did, but that would be cool.

MI:  Will it be shown on MTV and Fuse, or is this just kind of an online thing?

JP:  I don't know because it's taking so long to do this video that the single is kind of… over now?  It came out months and months ago, so by the time the video is finally finished, the song won't really be current anymore. 

MI:  So, then you'll need to release another song.

JP: Well, that would be nice. 

MI:  The album is doing really well, so that's something.

JP: Yeah!  We're excited.  Being that it's a side project and electronic music, we didn't really have any expectations that the radio would play it or anything like that.  But it's gotten into the top 20 on the rock charts and we're really happy about it.

MI:   How do you feel about fans turning to sites like Limewire or KaZaa to download your songs, particularly the bonus songs that might not have been on the CD they bought?

JP:  Well, if they're going to KaZaa or Limewire, then I'd have to say they're really behind the times.

MI:  How do you see the continuance of Blaqk Audio progressing as you also continue with AFI?

JP:  I would hope that we could go back and forth.  We're about to start writing the new AFI record and I have about 40 or 50 songs started for Blaqk Audio, so I have a ton of material already.  Actually, Davey and I have finished four new Blaqk Audio songs so I don't think there will be any problem finishing another Blaqk Audio record, it's just finding the time to put it out in between AFI records.

MI:  I want to ask about the new look that you and Davey have been sporting in Blaqk Audio.  The suits, the more sophisticated and masculine style, was this a calculated attempt to further distance Blaqk Audio from AFI?

JP:  It wasn't so much a planned out thing.  I think when we did the first photo shoot for Blaqk Audio, we wore suits and we liked it.  It was a bit of a departure from AFI.  Wearing suits isn't like reinventing the wheel or anything, but we never had that look in AFI, so it did sort of set us apart from that band and the visuals we have with them.  It's nice to look nice and wear suits onstage.

MI:  It gets kind of hot, though, doesn't it?

JP:  It is!  But we're not moving around quite as much as we do in AFI, although I started moving around a lot on tour with Blaqk Audio.  Yeah, you get your nice suits kind of sweaty, which sucks.

MI:  What's the best rumor you've ever heard about yourself?

JP:  Oh, man, I've heard so many.  Of course, there are all the gay rumors, which have been around for years, and all the different people that I'm gay with or have relationships with.  There have been rumors that we've done drugs, overdosed on drugs.  Mostly typical things.  Maybe they're not typical things, but they're typical of us.

MI:  This actually brings me to my next question:  the fan fiction.  This is just a huge thing and I've not noticed it a lot with a lot of other bands.  I've seen it for My Chemical Romance and HIM, a few others, but the stuff with you guys is pretty out there.  How do you feel about it?

JP:  I haven't really read any of it, but I've heard a lot about it.  It's kind of funny.  I mean, a lot of it is teenage, or younger, girls that are doing it, which is really kind of weird.  But I think it's all gay stuff, if I'm not mistaken.

MI:  Well, a lot of it is, to be honest with you.  The thing I've noticed about it is that the only time you guys get any action is in the gay ones.  There's no sex in the straight ones.

JP:  Weird!

MI:  Isn't it? 

JP:  I would imagine it's straight girls that are writing it.  I think it's funny and there's the whole "Javey" thing.  I'm sure their parents probably wouldn't be too happy if they were to read it.

MI:  What's amusing is that the same girls that are so militant about proclaiming Davey's heterosexual status are often the same ones writing this, which perpetuates that myth of his homosexuality.

JP:  I don't know.  That's weird.  It seems like if I were young and I liked some girl band, I would write about hetero things, things that I could fantasize about? 

MI:  That makes sense.  I don't know why they want to pair you guys up together and also involve friends of yours.

JP:  Yeah!  I heard about one with this friend of ours named Nils, who's not gay but kind of androgynous, and I apparently make him wear a butt plug.  Maybe we should move on from this topic.  (laughs)

MI:  Do you consider yourself a role model and does the fact that you are an idol to so many kids every have any bearing on what you do?

JP:  I don't really stop to think, 'Should I be doing this? Should I be saying this because it might influence people?'  I think that naturally within my life I have a positive effect just being myself.  I'm straight-edge, so I don't do drugs or drink.  I’m a vegetarian.  I think those things seem natural and hopefully positively influence people.

MI:  With the sexual nature of CexCells, do you think fans are seeing another side of you? 

JP:  Yeah, I think AFI fans who are really familiar with lyrical content on AFI records were definitely taken aback by the lyrics of CexCells because Davey has never written anything like that.  We've never had any overt sexual references in AFI songs, so yeah, I think that they are definitely seeing a little different side of what we do.

MI:  Do you think AFI will explore those themes now that they've been touched upon, or will you leave that with Blaqk Audio?

JP:  I don't think that will bleed into AFI.  I don't even think that Blaqk Audio is a sex-themed band, so I don't think that the next Blaqk Audio record will necessarily be about sex either.  We'll move on to other topics.

MI:  Is it possible that the lyrics were sexual because dancing is what the music was made for and dancing is inherently sexual?

JP:  Yeah, that's exactly right.  I mean, the club scene, dance music, it's all a very sexual thing with a very sexual vibe.  There was no set plan to make that album about sex, but I think that the scene and the music sort of led Davey in that direction.

MI:  How does it make you feel that both bands have gotten so much attention due to the ambiguity of Davey's sexual orientation?

JP:  I don't really think that has had much to do with the attention either band has gotten.  I think we make music that people like and I think that stuff, worrying about people's sexuality or how they look or dress, is just some kind of byproduct that's not really important to music or any band.

MI:  How do you handle the lack of privacy and how hard is it to maintain a relationship under those circumstances?

JP:  It's not that hard.  I mean, I get recognized and it's usually fans who are nice and polite.  They just want a picture or want to talk for a minute.  Our fans are pretty respectful and it doesn't really make a hardship on my life at all.

MI:  Since the AFI video did really well and so many fans didn't get to see the Blaqk Audio tour, do you have any plans to release a DVD of the Blaqk Audio show?

JP:  That would be cool, but we just finished, last night, the last show of the Blaqk Audio tour.  We would have to play another show and right now we're about to start work on AFI, so I don't see how that would happen.  We're not against it.

MI:  There have been a lot of fans who have taken video from nearly all of the Blaqk Audio shows and posted them online.

JP:  I guess you could make a DVD of poorly recorded camera videos!  (laughs)  I don't know if anybody would want to see that.  We actually filmed the night before last in San Diego at the House of Blues.  They had a bunch of cameras there so we filmed the show, so we could technically put out a DVD of that.  I hate DVD's that are just not that interesting, or just one live show.  When we did the AFI one, we went all out.  It was our biggest show ever.  I would hate to put out a DVD that was just another show on the tour.  There's got to be content there for it to be worth it.

MI:  What was it like not playing guitar onstage?  Was it weird at first?

JP:  Definitely, really weird at first!  I didn't really know how it was going to go, but by the end of tour it was natural and fun.  This whole tour was so fun!  It was one of the funnest tours we've ever done and usually, at the end of a tour, you're like, 'Finally, this tour is going to end and I can go home and relax!'  This time, we were really sad that the shows were winding down.  It was just sooo much fun, getting to dance around and do dance music.  It was just a really cool vibe.

MI:  Why is, do you think, that interviewers ask you such different questions from what they ask Davey?  They ask him they all the goofy, fun stuff or sexual questions.

JP:  I don't really think they ask him that many sexual questions.  (laughs)  For the most part, people are pretty professional, the interviews we do are professional and they might ask sexual questions in regard to CexCells lyrics and stuff like that, which is appropriate.

MI:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

JP:  Five years?  Hopefully we will have finished and recorded the next AFI album within five years! If I had it my way, we would be working on the next next AFI record, AFI record number 8.

MI:  You said something about writing.  Do you still have plans to write a book?

JP:  I do.  Since I was a little kid, what I wanted to be was a novelist.  It wasn't until way later that I wanted to be a musician.  That's really been my first love and I've just been so busy since I joined AFI that I really don't have time.  I actually have a really strong idea of what novel I want to do, it's just taking time to write it.  Writing your first novel is a really time-consuming thing, but I really hope to do it.  Even if it doesn't get published, I'd like to do it just to know that I finished a novel.

MI:  Are there any other types of entertainment that you think you might like to delve into, besides writing and music?  Like maybe try acting?

JP:  That would be interesting.  We've done a little bit of acting just in our videos and it's a really weird thing.  The "Silver and Cold" video was no performance, it was all basically acting.  It's really strange to do that for the first time, even if you're doing something really simple.  You become really self-conscious.  I had to that scene where I was talking on the phone, and it was weird.

MI:  I think our twenty minutes are up.  I keep hearing a buzzer or something in the background.  It's like at the Academy Awards where they warn you to get off the stage!

JP:  It's like a game show and you're getting played off by the buzzer!

MI:  I appreciate you taking time out to talk to me today.

JP:  Thank you.

"Yeah, sure. But isn't Jeffree going to join us?"

Jade smiled at Ville, then looked back at me."Later, he will be, but not now. So, lets start."

Ville got a hold of Jade's hand and pulled him back." Excuse me," he said, clearing his throat," but I think I should start first. You know, me being more...experienced."

Jade crept closer to Ville, sealing a gap that was forming.He put his palm against Ville's chest and shoved him lightly backwards." I got it babe, nothing I can't handle."

With that, Jade grabbed my hand and started pulling me with him towards a table that had all sorts of photographic equipment. I looked back towards Ville, who seemed kinda dumbfounded. He got up and walked towards Gerard, who was looking after the twins I guess. Jade pushed me into a chair, giving me a look I found to be hot.

"I want you to do everything I say." I nodded." Now, do you have a private room or some sort of closed area?"

I nodded once more." In the back, I have an office. I can take you there if you want."
"Yes please.Just lead the way." He grabbed a couple cameras, and got up as I did. I started walking towards the back, Jade not far behind. When we got there, he 'lightly' pushed me in." Sit down." he commanded.

I did as I was told, sitting in a chair near me.Jade played with his cameras a bit as I sat there.He's sooo cute! And kinda bossy, I must say. I laughed a little, catching Jade's attention.

" Let's begin, shall we?Just answer any question I ask, OK?"

I smiled, my hands folded in my lap." Is that all I'm supposed to do?"

" All you have to do is look as sexy as you already are." He winked, causing me to shuffle in my seat.

Are all interviewers like this?, I asked myself.

He placed his camera on a tripod, then took it off again,and looked at me with his hazel eyes." Sit up straight."I did as told.He walked over to me and sat down in my lap, brushing some hair out of my face." So, what are your interests?"

It felt awkward for Jade to be sitting in my lap, but I didn't do anything." I like to sing, dance, co-"

" I meant what are your interests in guys." He laughed, and got off me.

" Oh. Well, they should be hot, no doubt."

" Am I hot?" He asked, looking right at me.

" Yes."

He turned around, and walked back towards me. He played with my hair from behind,removing the chopsticks that I had placed there."Your hair smells so good."he whispered, his hot breath against my ear." What else?"

"I go for talented guys, and guys that are smart too."

" I can play the guitar, and I won a couple spelling bees.What else?"

He went around me and sat back in my lap, this time facing me." Well, I'm vegan so..."

"What a coincidence! I'm vegetarian. So am I date-able?"

What?! "Uhh, I guess, but I don't rea-"

" Okay, does Saturday sound good? I'll give you directions later.Anyways, smile!" he said, right before snapping the camera. "I'll only need one picture, by the way. I'll tell Ville you're ready."

With that, he walked out of the room, blowing me a kiss before he closed the door.

I just sat there, with a dumb look on my face.Everything that just occured right now, all happened within a few seconds.I now have a date in 2 days, a date that I wasn't expecting. Oh, lord...

Comments and Buzzes are greatly appreciated!

"What?!?" I turned around, only to face a rather gorgeous looking man." Umm are you here for the interview with Jeffree Star?"  Damn, this guy is hot! His facial features were absolutley stunning, his body was slim, and his sense of fashion was beyond amazing. The way his clothes clung to his skinny figure was almost orgasmic.

We walked into the restaurant, which was already not too crowded.I looked around, admiring the new design and artwork that adorned the walls.I guess Jeffree really is here. Only ' Jeffree Fuckin' Star'  had this much decorative talent.

He sat there at the edge of the bridge, removing each ring off his finger. He slowly dropped each one into the water, a tear falling with each ring's descent. A slight breeze came and went, blowing his hair away from his face.

"Davey?" A voice came from behind, but he continued with what he was doing." What are you doing here?"

Davey turned around slowly."Jade..." He saw nothing but tears, red eyes, and discomfort.

Jade walked towards Davey, sitting next to his love.He saw nothing but tears, red eyes, and discomfort. They held each others hands while they sat there, letting the cool air kiss their faces as it came and went.

"Jade, remeber those French classes we took in high school?"

"Yeah, those were stupid.I forgot whatever I learned anyways."

Davey let go of Jade's hand and stood up." Well, you shouldn't have..."

"Why." Jade also stood up, giving Davey a questioning look.

Davey carefully stepped closer to jade, bringing him in for kiss.Davey grazed Jade's bottom lip, causing Jade to part his lips. He slipped his tongue in his mouth, making the kiss more sexual. But the kiss ended eventually, leaving Jade sad.Davey gave Jade a serious look before saying, " Je pars, je reviendrai jamais."

"What?"Jade knew Davey was speaking french, but he didn't know what he was saying.

Davey slowly removed the watch on his wrist that Jade had given him for his birthday." Bientot le monde m'aura oublie, to sais." He let the watch fall out of his hands and into the freezing water below.

"Davey, what are you doing?"

Davey was now starting to remove the scarf aroung his neck." Je recherche un endroit pour me cacher et pour me faner en paix."

Jade tried his best to remember what he had learned in the past, but he had no success." Baby, say it in english."

" Get me out of this place..."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't understand..."

"JADE! We met in french class. We fell in love in french class. How could you forget?"

Jade looked away, not wanting to see the hurt or tears in Davey's eyes.

Jade grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking Davey roughly." English,baby. Please say it in english"

With that, Davey opened his mouth and began to sing." I leave, I will never return. Soon the world will forget me, you know. I seek a place to hide and fade me in peace. I will leave, and keep my remainders of you. But retain me by the hand and if you do not join me, then continue without me, still remembering me in your heart. Get me out of this place, get me out of this town before I drown in you deep pink water. I can't remember your face, I won't remember your frown , because I'll drown in your deep pink water."

" Davey, what do...you mean?" Jade asked, very scared of what his answer was.

Davey pointed down into the water." Join me...please?"

" I can't. I'm scared... to die." Jade said.

" You're not afraid to die, Jade. You're afraid to live on." Davey turned away from Jade, getting ready to jump. But before he could, he was pulled back by Jade.

"I'll... I'll join you." Jade stuttered.He grabbed Davey's hand tightly, and pulled him close.

They counted down, smiling at eachother." Ten,nine,eight,seven..." When they hit one, they looked at one another one last time, before descending that drop down.Get us out of this place

Get us out of this town

Before we drown in your deep pink water.

We can't remember your face

We won't remember your frown

Because we'll drown in your deep pink water...

   FIN.