Athena Kautsch "More people of all genders, sexual orientations, and cultures should be a part of our community, and that’s something we all need to work on."

11 Questions with Athena Kautsch of Voetsek, Head of Zeus Records, and Producer/Director of The Power Violence Project Documentary

1. Where are you from?

I am a Bay Area native. I was born in San Francisco, and live in Oakland.

2. What do you think about chaos magic?

I don’t.

3. When and why did you start your label/documentary?

I started Six Weeks with my ex-husband in 1993 because we wanted to showcase bands that we felt more people should know about. He is now doing the label alone, and I am starting a new label in the spring of 2019 called From the Head of Zeus, which is a nerdy mythology reference that’s a play on my name.

The first release will be a full-length by Endorphins Lost. I’m taking over Short, Fast & Loud, and a new issue will come out in the late spring that will come with a sick top-secret flexi.

My filmmaking partner, Melissa, and I started The Power Violence Project two years ago. We’re both inspired by and love classic West Coast Power Violence (two words because Chris Dodge says so), so our aim is to make a documentary that showcases the OGs of the genre, defines the genre, and shows its continuing influence on heavy music today.  

4. What was your first concert?

Night Ranger with the Eric Martin Band in Sacramento when I was in sixth grade! Eric Martin went on to be the singer in Mr. Big, for the hair metal fans out there - haha.

5. How did you get into the genre(s)?

I’ve been friends with Chris Dodge since the late 1980s/early 1990s and was a fan and supporter of Slap A Ham and Stikky, so that was my introduction.

6. Three biggest influences?

My mom, dad, and coffee.

7. How do you feel about the current state of the community or communities you’re apart of?

I feel it’s healthy and thriving, and it’s really cool to go to a show and know that the bands and audience span such a wide range of ages. That being said, it could definitely be more inviting to the diverse people so many bands sing about supporting, however. More people of all genders, sexual orientations, and cultures should be a part of our community, and that’s something we all need to work on.

8. What are some of your favorite new bands?

Healer and Redacted are my favorite Bay Area bands right now. They’re both new-ish. I go see them every chance I get.

9. What is a good memory you recall from being on tour/on set?

Touring Japan with Voetsek twice is one giant great memory! Any time I get to hang out with my brother-from-another-mother Shiggy, who acts as our tour manager when we’re there, is always a good time, and sharing the stage with everyone from Gauze, Systematic Death, Mind of Asian, Slight Slappers, Conga Fury, Contrast Attitude, Fuck on the Beach, Carcass Grinder, and many more plus meeting and hanging out with old and new Japanese friends was amazing.

10. Three Favorite places to eat in the US?

My mom’s house, New Orleans, and California’s wine country.

11. If you had to write your own eulogy, what would it be?

No eulogy for me. I’d rather people had a party and played my favorite records while eating good food and having drinks. I would want people to smile, laugh, hug, and kiss. No tears because I had a good life and have no real regrets.