Steven McDonald: Surviving and Thriving in the Music Industry

Steven McDonald picked up a bass at age 11, and along with his older brother Jeff, co-founded Redd Kross. Redd Kross made their live debut opening for Black Flag while basically still being in Jr. High. In this conversation, Steven and I discuss the creative process, the dynamics of juggling two bands at once, the brilliance of the Beatles and Redd Kross' 2024 self-titled double album, which is—in my opinion—one of the best records of the band's entire career. Steven and I talk about his parallel life as the touring and recording bassist for the Melvins since 2015, with King Buzzo and Dale Crover while Redd Kross is never that far in the shadows. For a period of time, Steven played in and was a founding member of Keith Morris's hardcore outfit OFF! from 2009 to 2021. We also dip into Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story, director Andrew Reich's documentary tracing the band's four-decade history, and what it's been like having a camera crew — and now an audience — finally reckon with a career this tumultuous and this undeniably good. This is a candid conversation about being a lifer, a brother, a parent and a bass player who's somehow made it look easy since before he could drive. ========================== Steven on Instagram:   / stevenmcdonald   Redd Kross: https://reddkross.com Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story Blu-Ray: https://amzn.to/45YeGam The Incredible Story of Redd Kross BOOK: https://amzn.to/4caHKPy Photo of Steve McDonald by the inimitable Master Jaron:   / masterjaron   ========================== The Creative Asylum is a weekly podcast for those interested in long-form conversations with creatives of all stripes (musicians, actors, filmmakers, artists, cartoonists, photographers, etc.). The show explores attitudes, intentions and approaches to fueling creativity and keeping authenticity alive in life and in work. NEW EPISODES DROP every Tuesday at 10am PST! ========================== Your host is Daniel House (   / @danielhouse  , co-founder, bassist and primary songwriter for the band Skin Yard and also the president and owner of C/Z Records (the label that launched the careers of Built to Spill, 7 Year Bitch, The Gits, Soundgarden, Melvins, Coffin Break and of course, Skin Yard). We would LOVE IT if you would subscribe to our channel for weekly doses of creative disruption and inspiration. YOU are the reason why this channel exists! ========================== PLEASE FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: https://www.TheCApod.com Facebook:   / thecapod   Instagram:   / creativeasylumca   TikTok:   / thecreativeasylum   Support our work on Patreon:   / thecreativeasylum