Cowabunga Babez interview

Cowabunga Babez band photo

cowabunga
babez

The pizza party is over.
Taco night is where it's at.

interview: Tiffany Tso
images: George Morrow



Mike's a babe. Cassie's a babe. Jill's a babe. Clarke's a babe. Beth's a babe. Together they make Cowabunga Babez.

These pop punkers may not be world famous yet, but they've got a following in Austin and every city in the USA they've graced. From songs about hot babes, to fast food, to Lydia Lunch, you can tell they aren't brooding in the studio, taking life and music too seriously. Their upbeat music and energetic live sets are like taking your first sip of a cold beer on a long, hot Texas summer day.

How did the Cowabunga Babez come to be? Where did the name come from? Where did that Z come from?

The Cowabunga Babes used to be the Cowabunga Dudes, a band that I, Mike Bova, the crappier of the two guitar players started in San Diego years ago. It was just me and my friend Lucy and super fun. She has since gone on to play drums with her bf Brian in Christmas Island, a fuckin' rad SD band that everyone should check out if they haven't heard 'em yet.

Basically, I moved here to Austin and made a conscious decision not to play in any bands for awhile, after being in so many for so long. The bug started biting again, and I couldn't stay away from the bright lights of that old stage, 'cause that’s what I'm built for, making music and living large. So out of sheer laziness, I changed the name slightly and carried over the best songs the Dudes had. Grabbed three pretty ladies I knew: Rachel, Tyna and Beth Borwell, knowing that their popularity and beauty would bring people out to the shows no matter how bad we sounded. We sounded like The Shaggs, and it was awesome. We had a great time with no aspirations whatsoever. Then circumstances took Rach and Tyna away from Texas, and the lovely and talented Clarke Wilson, Cassie Hamilton and Jill Talley got caught up in the mix. The rest is history.

The "z" is arbitrary. Sometimes its an "s".


When you're on tour, what is your favorite game to play on the road?

Hangman and "What's that smell?"


What music do you jam out to?

Total constant battle over iPod control. Mississippi Records comps, classic rock, punk, disco and This American Life. The usual.


Favorite food stops?

Taco Bell and McDonalds, mostly. Nice hot meals with loads of vegetables and burritos on the West Coast are ravenously consumed with loving appreciation.


Cowabunga Babez band photo

One time Clarke got kicked in the head by a stripper doing a pole spin in Portland while he sang Hall & Oates at the greatest invention mankind has given the world, "stripper-oke".

Cowabunga Babez band photo

Tell us a funny story from tour.

One time Clarke got kicked in the head by a stripper doing a pole spin in Portland while he sang Hall & Oates at the greatest invention mankind has given the world, "stripper-oke". Every night is tons of laughs when the Babes get wild, on and off the road.


If Cowabunga Babez had an aura, what color would it be?

Fuck if I know. Lemme hit this salvia and get back to you.


Super power?

Double vision.


What would the ultimate show costume be for the Babez?

The gals like to don matching sequined getups, while I prefer leather jackets and safety pins. Clarke wears pants and shirts.


Where do the Babez shop?

Prototype and Wal-Mart.


Who would be the ultimate band to open for? Or have open for you?

The Ramones, duh.


Your goal as a band is to:

Party with Sting.


Where is the next Cowabunga Babez destination?

Record more. Get the stuff we have recorded put out by someone other than us! Tour the East Coast and Midwest. Get laid.


Now, difficult question: everyone's favorite pizza toppings?

The pizza party is over. Taco night is where it's at.



Cowabunga Babez band photo
Cowabunga Babez band photo