Krunkquistadors Also Keep It Trill After Hours

Each Wednesday, Rocks Off arbitrarily appoints one lucky local performer or group "Artist of the Week," bestowing upon them all the fame and grandeur such a lofty title implies. Know a band or artist that isn't awful? Email their particulars to sheaserrano@gmail.com.

​Last month, seven-piece krunk/rock/rap band Krunkquistadors' label, Space City Records, which happens to have been founded by front man Kris Krunk, beat out J. Prince's Rap-A-Lot for Best Local Label at this year's HPMAs. Had Potbelly not beat out multiple winners D.R.U.M. in Best Reggae/Dub, Space City's win would have easily been the biggest upset of the night, but it's still one of the bigger HPMA upsets in years.

Rocks Off reached out to Krunk to talk about why the Krunkquistadors opted to not call themselves the Trillquistadors, fake Wangs and Salt-n-Pepa's "Whatta Man."

Rocks Off: This has officially become our default first question: For people that haven't heard of the Krunkquistadors, give them a rundown of everything they should know. Only you have to do it Hemingway-style in only six words. Go.

Kris Krunk: Rap Rock Electro Gettin' Fucked Up.

RO: We understand that "crunk" is a term used by Southern rappers (or used to be, anyway), but don't you think that, given your location, the Trillquistadors might've been a bit more appropriate?

KK: We like to say we are "krunk, but keep it trill."

Krunkquistadors, "Right Choice"

myspace.com/krunkquistadors

​RO: Is [vocalist] Earl's last name really "Wang"? If so, that's pretty amazing. If not, that might be even more amazing.

KK: Funny story: His real name will never be found, but "Wang" actually came from Hwang Harmonicas. Earl always bust out some soulful harmonica during a set. He is a master.

RO: Given that you guys are men and all, we think it's kind of funny that you guys chose to remake that "Hot Boys" song that Missy did a ways back. Whose idea was that? And can we expect more of the Guys Remaking Songs Girls Made About Guys thing? Maybe you all could remake Destiny Child's "Soldier" or "Whatta Man" by Salt-N-Pepa?

KK: Wow, it never clicked on me what song it was. I had a bunch of instrumentals and when I was trying to find one to fit to our song "Bang, Bang" [that] one fit the best. Thank you for embarrassing me.

Krunkquistadors, "Krunkquistadors"

RO [laughs]: If someone could only listen to one song from the new album, what should it be? Why?

KK: I would say the song "After Hours." It was so good that we named our album after that. It showcases all of our different talents the best and represents our sound as a whole.

The Krunkquistadors have an release party for their new album, After Hours, Thursday, September 23, at 2016 Mainstage (2016 Main). Hear them online at www.krunkquistadors.com.