The Mellish: It began with Eugene Sickles jamming with General Longstreet in his raw, unfinished basement. Over the course of their late education, they rattled windows and fogged up glasses. In twenty-aught-eight, they happened to stumble upon a dangerously irresponsible skin-man with interstellar drum chops, Markus Gerhard. In the dank party light, they jammed for the first time and decided to form a band. It was all downhill from there. Sometime after, Squaw Mary found his way into the basement, taking up the low end responsibilities. Although his exceptional talent and humid aptitude were crucial in the development of the band’s first 2 LPs, his skills were needed elsewhere and he was called up to two tours of duty at Berklee College of Music. In the face of stifling adversity the band decided to ignore some better advice, and carry on with Justin Price. Justin plays bass.

Is there a story behind your name The Mellish?

Absolutely not.

What are your biggest musical influences?

To name too many: Abraham Lincoln, Pearl Jam, A Tribe Called Quest, The Doors, Bjork, Funkadelic, The Nuclears, Fishbone, Faith No More, Steely Dan, Primus, Mahalia Jackson, Lee Morgan, Tool, Prince, Eric B & Rakim, and Pantera. And Earnest Tubb.

What artists (local, national and/or international) are you currently
listening to?

Death Grips, Chucho Valdez, and Gage Gerhard.

What's the first concert that you ever attended and first album that
you ever bought?

The 1900 World’s Fair. First album was Nappy Brown’s Apples and Lemons.

What do you love about DC's music scene?

The U Street area and all of its going ons.

What would you like to see change in the local music scene?

More partying, more parades, and more screwing in the streets.

What are your plans for the upcoming year?

More partying, more parades, and more screwing in the streets.

What was your most memorable live show?

Any one of our sweaty, ass-driven shows at the Velvet Lounge on U Street. Also, great memories at Memories in Waldorf.

Is there someone who has helped your band grow through support?

Sam Winkler. We fuckin love that guy.

Is there a piece of equipment you couldn't live without and why?

Eugene’s Black and Decker 550-watt blender. We never go onstage without it. Next question.