Tweed Jefferson does rock and roll murder mystery with 'Rockstar Nobody' trilogy

Plus, new music from Jagged Baptist Club and a band takes the Paqui One Chip Challenge

The world of Tweed Jefferson’s “Rockstar Nobody” trilogy runs something like this: Join a band, travel the country, play gigs, meet interesting people … and try to get away with murder.

The book series (“Rockstar Nobody,” “The Carlin Trend” and “Freshman Nobody”) follows the fictional band The Walls Instead, whose guitarist happens to be a serial killer. A national tour (then another ) makes great cover for the killings and the band’s fan mail provides no shortage of worthy targets.

The books are accompanied by a same-titled album, which Jefferson wrote, recorded and released as The Walls Instead, just to keep the story immersive.

Jefferson understands the “rock” part these rock-and-roll murder mysteries. He spent his 20s as a touring and recording musician (in Fresno bands Chris Plays Guitar and the Suppressors, notably). Over the last decade he moved into production and studio work, before taking up writing.

He’s also written two books of nonfiction “It’s Not Your Emergency: The Guide to 911 Dispatch” and “The Exceptional Musician: A DIY Guide to The Music Business.”

Books one a two of the “Rockstar Nobody” series are available in paperback and kindle formats now. The final book is out March 15, which Jefferson is teasing with a guitar giveaway.

Jagged Baptist Club, “Temptation Death House”

I’m fairly loose with what I consider “local” music, especially for the sake of this newsletter.

Jagged Baptist Club is an L.A. band that’s “Fresno” by virtue of bassist CJ Ramsey, a ex-pat who y’all should remember as the guitarist in Amoret (a band that is sorely missed). The group released its debut album in 2019 and did a couple of Fresno gigs pre-pandemic (including the 104.1 New Rock Christmas Show, opening for Third Eye Blind and Dreamers).

A follow up album is in the works, the first single of which debuted last month on Santa Monica’s KCRW.

“Temptation Death House” keeps the band’s post-punk feels (especially in the vocal range), but ditches the signature guitar noise for synth sounds laid over a drum/bass groove.

And that groove hits hard.

One chip Green Day covers

This video popped up last week from the Youtube Channel Young and Stuff.

The premise here is pretty straight forward. It’s the Paqui Chips One Chip Challenge, only with music. So, the band members (rubber gloved for protection) eat a super, super spicy chip (like vomit inducing) and then immediately try to play a mini-set of Green Day covers.

It’s a mostly successful outing, though it’s obvious they’re struggling to keep any kind of composure through the three songs. Any missed cues can be excused.

High art it ain’t, but it’s not a bad 15 minutes, especially if you love Green Day.

If you have anything you think I need to be looking at or listening to, feel free to let me know: jtehee@gmail.com