Texacala Jones of Tex & the Horseheads was an LA punk during the prime. Together with Jeffrey Lee Pierce, they had interests outside of just punk music. Inspired by the scene around them but drawing on country music, Tex & the Horseheads developed a deathrock aesthetic with a cowpunk sound. Texacala Jones was kind enough to answer some questions about her musical history and the creation of the band.
Izzi Krombholz: Tell me about your start playing music.
Texacala Jones: Los Angeles was my hometown and I grew up with music as many of my friends did. My first musical experience was playing a toy piano on the balcony.
IK: How did Tex and the Horseheads start?
TJ: I played guitar with Gun Club for one show, but I was so bad that Jeffrey had to fire me. We really enjoyed playing music together so we started Tex and the Horseheads.IK: Tell me about your relationship with Jeffrey Lee Pierce.
TJ: We used to hang out and play music together and that was big part of our relationship. Being in a band with him was a whole lot of fun.
IK: How did the Tex and the Horseheads develop sonically?
TJ: When Jeffrey and I started out we covered lots of R&B and Country songs, so it was a natural progression in view of the fact that “Cowpunk” was not yet a genre.
IK: What was your favorite thing about the LA scene in the 80’s?
TJ: I loved so many things about the 80’s, the music, the people, the parties, the travelling, the love. It was all great.
IK: What is your favorite musical project that you have been a part of?TJ: Every project is my favorite when I am working on it because I zero in and get obsessed!
IK: Tex & the Horseheads took a break between the 80’s and the 2000’s. What drove you to restart the band?
TJ: I had more Horsehead songs that had not been recorded yet and I just was not ready to let go.
IK: What are you working on now?
TJ: I sang on a song on the recent Jesus and the Groupies and Walter Daniels record. The song is called “Crazy Little Demon”. The record is called Weapons Nature Provided. There is a new album coming out with my band. The album is called Pony Island Express and it will be limited edition vinyl and will also be available for downloads.
