Scared Of Chaka were a punk rock band based in Albuquerque, New Mexico who were formed in 1993 by guitarist/vocalist David Yanul Hernandez, bassist Dameon Waggoner, and drummer Jeff Jones. The band played a mix of sloppy garage and loud pop-punk. They recorded two singles, and were one of the first local punk bands to tour extensively out of state, playing with bands like Los Crudos and Rancid. Following a strong DIY ethic and through being part of the early-mid nineties network of bands connected by zines like Maximum R+R and Book Your Own Fucking Life they eventually came into contact with Pete Menchietti, who put out their first LP.
In 1995 Ron Skrasek replaced Jeff Jones on drums. This lineup saw the band release 4 more LPs, more singles, and tours that took them to Japan and Europe a few times, as well as touring the states a dozen times over. It was these tours that built friendships and had them play with bands like Dillinger Four, Turbonegro, and The Motards. (they also played with AFI and Blink 182 before they could even fill a mexican restaurant!)
In 1999 Dameon quit the band to pursue a solo venture in Arcata, CA. The band continued touring with old friend Josh Gibson on Bass. In 2000 Dave moved to Portland, OR. Ron followed half a year later. In 2001 the band released their final, and definitive album, Crossing with Switchblades. They toured on this album with friend Gwen Stubbs pulling bass duties.
May 2002 saw the final tour for the band, the last shows being in Italy. They officially ended the band when they came home.
OUR STORY SINCE 2002-
Following the break up of Scared of Chaka, Dave Hernandez moved to Seattle and formed Broadcast Oblivion in July 2002 with Coady Willis (Murder City Devils, Big Business, The Melvins) and Andrew Church (The Droo Church, The Supersuckers, The Cops). In 2003 he rejoined indie rock act The Shins (Hernandez had been the original bass player in the band when James Mercer had started The Shins as a side project of Flake Music, who were old buddies of Scared of Chaka) playing bass and guitar and singing backup in the band.
Ron Skrasek lives in Portland, OR. Still drumming occasionally with good folks like SOC buddy CJ (ex-Albuquerque garage legends The Drags) and is a successful and regular Art Director for multiple film and commercial shoots.
Dameon Waggoner bounced between Arcata and Seattle, and ultimately returned to Albuquerque. By that time he had taken the spotlight as main singer-songwriter for his band The Lowlights. They have toured lots and have released 2 great albums.
Jeff Jones lives in Albuquerque, is a happily married father, and when not being a full time educator, drums in local punk band The Gracchi.
Gwen Stubbs has a clothing line, Lekkerlife Clothing. She lives in Seattle and just got engaged.
Josh Gibson lives in Portland, runs Bistro Montage, records bands, skateboards, and is getting pretty sick at bass.
Discography
Full Length Albums
* Hutch Brown Sayngwich (702, 1995) - LP
* Scared of Chaka (702) - LP
* Masonic Youth (Empty, 1996) - LP
* How to Lose (702 / Empty, 1998) - LP
* Tired Of You (Hopeless / Sub City, 1999) - LP
* Crossing with Switchblades (Hopeless / Sub City, 2001) - LP
Collections
* Seven Stories Tall: Singles '94-'99 (702) - LP
Singles and EPs
* Hot Dog on a Stick (self released)
* Sucker Born Every Minute (self released)
* The Gain - split 7" '(702 Records) - EP
* Flake Music - split 7" (702 Records) - EP
* Dishwasher comp (702 Records)
* Rose Rose (Johans Face)
Comps......jesus, can anybody out there help me? theres alot.
@MFNW Portland OR. photo:Jason Quigley
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