Jeff Rouse of Duff McKagan's Loaded & The Guessing Game On Coffee, Music & Elevators.....?

Rouse, who has been playing both guitar and bass since he was 14, is best known as the bass player for Duff McKagan’s (of Guns N Roses fame) band Loaded. He’s played in countless bands over the years including Alien Crime Syndicate (with Loaded band mate Mike Squires), Vendetta Red and Sirens Sister.

The best part of this interview was when we asked Jeff what he thinks makes Loaded different from everybody out there. His answer was that “Well, I think the difference is that nobody in Loaded gives a shit what other people think of what we are doing. We always have made music for ourselves first.” That is exactly what we’ve been missing out of newer music lately, bands that don’t care about offending anyone or making them happy, just about the music. We’ve been missing the anger and Loaded is helping to bring it back with the fast paced, raw, in your face, punk rock – just don’t care attitude that’s made them favorites.

So , How is a bass player supposed to stay wired enough to play 2 hour gigs night after night on tour in a punk band, you ask?

The Answer: Coffee. and Lots of it.

Jeff Rouse is a coffee junkie and after talking to him, there’s no doubt about it. He doesn’t just like coffee, he needs and craves it. His favorite cafe is Cafe Ladro in Seattle, although since he’s recently moved, he’s in search for a new spot with excellent coffee.

Jeff, who has many other titles to his name, bass teacher, coffee junkie & most recently, lead singer, has formed his own band, The Guessing Game. The Guessing Game, which has their debut record, titled “Holy Crow” ready & slated for release on April 15th, 2014, is compromised of Jeff (lead vocalist/guitarist), bassist Keith Ash,drummer Shawn Zellar, guitarist/backing vocalist Kathy Moore and guitarist Gary Westlake.

On his way back on a ferry from shooting his first music video with his new band The Guessing Game in Seattle, Jeff Rouse of Duff McKagan’s Loaded took the time for an interview via facebook to talk about everything from his favorite coffee hangout & meeting Duff in the late 90s to onstage effects & what musician he wouldn’t mind being stuck in an elevator with (hint… he can fart on command).

Jeff

Hey there!

Jessica

Hey! How are you?

Jeff

Good! Just sitting on the ferry heading back from my video shoot

Jessica

That’s great! How’s the shoot going?

Jeff

Good. 1st day was easy! Some drone footage and just some preliminary footage of me doing stuff. Hahaha

Jessica

Okay,I’m glad it’s going well. We’re a coffee website, so I have to ask , Do you like coffee?

Jeff

Uh, yes. More than like. More like need and crave.

Jessica

What characteristics do you prefer in a coffee? Dark or light roast? Central American, African , etc..?

Jeff

I was always a dark roast guy until a friend changed my ways. I prefer a Colombian light roast now.

Jessica

Cool. Do you have a favorite coffee hang out in Seattle?

Jeff

My joint was always Cafe Ladro in West Seattle. But I just recently moved over to Port Orchard and haven’t found another spot yet? It sucks. Luckily the ferry I take everyday is really close to Ladro!

Jessica

Hope you find a closer spot soon! Now, on to music! How did you meet Duff & get involved with Loaded?

Jeff

I met Duff in around 1999. He was back in Seattle going to school and just being a family guy. In around 2000 he decided to make a record called “Dark Days”. So he made that record but needed a band. So he asked me to join and I jumped in head first.

Jessica

That’s awesome! What’s your favorite song to play live & why?

Jeff

In Loaded?

Jessica

Yes

Jeff

“Lords of Abaddon” off of our last record “The Taking” hands down. Just a menacing fun fast song to play!

Jessica

What in your opinion makes Loaded different from other bands?

Jeff

Well, I think the difference is that nobody in Loaded gives a shit what other people think of what we are doing. We always have made music for ourselves first. I guess we’ve been lucky in the respect that we can do that and still get the records out there….because of Duff. Hahahaha

Jessica

It seems like it’s working for you guys! What effects do you use onstage and what advice do you give your students & aspiring musicians?

Jeff

In Loaded, I play Bill Nash and Yamaha basses through Orange amps and Darkglass Electonics pedals. The best! If I could give any advice, it would be to play and write because you want to, not because of money and any of that crap. When music is honest and pure. People will listen.

Jessica

My boss has a question he requested I ask. If you had to be trapped in an elevator for an hour with any musician living or dead , who & why?

Jeff

Oh! Hmmmm? It would have to be Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols. He is the funniest mother fucker I’ve ever been around. He would make every minute of being trapped in that thing worth it, and he can fart on command

Jessica

hahaha! Good choice!

Speaking of someone who plays both bass & guitar , which do you prefer & at what age did you start playing?

Jeff

I started playing guitar and bass when I was 14. To me it’s all about making music. However and whenever. Singing, playing guitar or playing bass. It’s all good as long as I’m playing

Jessica

Awesome! One last question, Since The Guessing Game is coming out with a new record next year, do you guys have any plans for a tour?

Jeff

Absolutely. This band is built for that. We can’t wait to get out and play a bunch.

Jessica

Great, We can’t wait to see you guys live! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

*The Guessing Game is playing a gig at Slims Last Chance on New Years Eve this year. More info here:

slimslastchance.com/shows.html