Ultrabunny's Malcolm Tent speaks up

For the select few that don't know him, Malcolm Tent is a local legend. He's the brains behind Trash American Style, which was once CT's hottest record shop, and is now CT's hottest mobile record shop. Chances are if you ever set foot in that place, you knew who he was - an instantly recognizable personality that would chat with you for hours about obscure records, old punk bands; really anything at all. His list of accomplishments are pretty staggering: he plays in experimental punk band Ultrabunny, and he plays brash acoustic solo shows. He hosts the fantastic Mr. Tent's Wild Ride radio show on WNHU 88.7 FM. He also features pretty prominently in I Need That Record, a phenomenal documentary by Brendan Toller, which examines the closing of local record stores all over the country, but focuses on New England.

I threw a few questions his way in this quick interview:

JH: So between the records, the shows, and the radio, where do you find the time to do everything?

MT: Clean livin' does it, sonny! Every second of every day is spent doing what I love and what I love is my work- whether it be retail, music, or keeping fit. There was a time when I used to experience boredom, but that was LONG ago.

JH: Any plans to ever open a physical store back up, or do you like it on the road?

MT: Much as I resent the fact that retirement was forced on me, I find that I enjoy it very much. Life on the road has proven viable, so that's where I'm staying for the forseeable future.

JH: Alright, so I have to ask - you used to play with GG Allin - what was that like?

MT: I never actually played with GG, but we had a friendly working relationship. He was always cool with me and I was always cool with him, so no problems there. I did finally get fed up with all of his collect calls from prison. That stuff was expensive.

JH: Hmm someone told me you played with him, I suppose my sources were grossly misinformed - but you know how the rumor tree works. Either way, it's kind of wild that you knew him. So this is probably either a really hard question or a really easy one: what's the best show you've ever seen?

MT: Overall, I have to say Cul De Sac, Gate, Male Slut, and Faust in the parking lot of the Hartford Courant. It was a real event. Electricity and anticipation were in the air. The day started with Cul De Sac, who could have headlined a show of their own any day. Each succeeding band topped the previous and Faust blew everyone out of the water at the end of the night. May 1, 1994. A pal of mine shot video of the whole thing and it's out there. Look it up!

Ultrabunny will be playing at the Heirloom Arts Theater on October 17. They're known for their wild stage antics, so it should be a really insane night. Also on the bill are old school 80s hardcore legends 76% Uncertain, young punks Loud Youth, Fighting Cocks (Philo Cramer, ex member of FEAR), and grunge punks Ovlov. All Ages, 7pm, $5.

Ultrabunny also has an album coming out very soon titled "The Outer Bounds Of Sound" on Noiseville Records.

In addition to the show, you can also catch up with Malcolm on his radio show or all over the state as Trash American Style hits the road. He'll also be playing solo at Cafe Nine with Nasty Disaster, and Deuce Frehley Band for Deuce Frehley's Birthday Rockout on Oct. 22nd!