In everyday life he is known under the name Rusty Loggsdon, but Eels fans only know him as Koool G Murder. He is part of our beloved band since 2001 and has had strong influence on the production of the albums since then. Koool G(-enius) Murder also rocked on stage on the "Bus Driving, Band Rocking Tour" (2001/2002) and on the "Tour Of Duty" (2003), but dropped out on tours that followed.
Let's find out what he has to say about his career and his current situation concerning his Eels involvement:

First of all, thank you, Rusty, to take some time for our questions. We are very glad to have this opportunity.

KG: That's Koool G to you.

Did you always want to become a musician? What would be your profession if you hadn't become a musician?

KG: It was between choir boy and weed dealer. I think I turned out to be kind of a cross between the two.

Which bands and records were your favourites when you were beginning to realise that you wanted to be in the music industry someday? How has your musical taste changed throughout your career?

KG: I was steeped heavily in the classics. Classical music wafted through our house like the smoke from Papa's always present pipe and the steam from Mom's delicious Quiche Lorraine. Papa used to lift me onto his lap and tell me about all the great masters, saying things like "This is Mozart, Rusty." Then he'd make me try to pronounce "Mozart" twenty or thirty times before I got it right, just as he put his pipe down and was about to hit me. You can hear my classical influence in Eels songs like "Fresh Feeling." Then my brother brought home a Snoop Dogg CD and everything changed.

Do you have any all-time favourite bands or records? Which CD is playing on your hi-fi system right now?

KG: I know this is going to sound egotistical, but I pretty much only listen to Eels records these days. Nothing else seems as fresh and inventive to my ears (other than the new acts I'm shepherding, of course).

It's kind of difficult to find accurate information on your career on the internet. From what we found out you are no consistent member of a band right now. What artists are you working with or are you going to work with?

KG: I'm working with a lot of acts right now. Besides the Eels, I've been working with a great band from Belgium called Daddy's Urinal and another really cool band from Brazil called Buenos Nachos. Both of these bands have a really fresh approach, melding metal and rap together in a really cool way, which is something I've been waiting to hear for years.

Tell us about the craziest thing you've ever experienced since you're in the music business!

KG: Some of these young bands I've been working with do some crazy shit, but nothing tops the kind of crazy shit I see in the Eels' camp. Once I showed up to E's studio and the door was locked. I kept knocking and E was yelling "not now!" and "go away!" When I reminded him that we had a session scheduled, he finally unlocked the door. I walked in and he was having a DOG SHOW in the studio. All these girls had brought their dogs over and dressed them up in little dog sweaters and outfits and E was judging them. I'm not even sure if this is the craziest thing I've seen around there. Probably not.

How did you get into the Eels?

KG: It's a little embarrassing, but E and I used to go to the same bath house in L.A. One day I was sitting in the steam room next to an odd, skinny, bespectacled, bearded guy. They were out of towels and E said I could use his. He was willing to sit there naked so I could have his towel. That's the kind of guy he is. He said he liked my beard and we started talking about music and found out that we liked a lot of the same stuff, so he invited me over to the studio a few days later.

Can you tell us something about the process of recording songs with the Eels? What was it like to work with E? Did you have any influence on how the songs should be performed?

KG: Working with E is always a pleasure. Once he gets away from all the distractions (dog shows and whatnot) he is incredibly focused and knows how to get the best performances out of each of us. You'll notice that when any of the Eels members are playing with other acts, we pretty much sound like faceless cogs. It could be anyone. But with E, we shine. I don't know how he does it. Somehow he finds that special thing in us and brings it out via our performances. And, yes, I do get some say on how some songs are performed. E always keeps an open forum for suggestions in the studio. Although he shoots most of our ideas down as "crap," every once in a while he gets very excited by one of my ideas and calls me a genius. Coming from him, that means a lot. I've left more than a few sessions a little choked up after having E compliment me in such a meaningful way. I'll never forget the night he sat me down, picked up his guitar and started singing a brand new song he had written: "Friday morning/Who's gonna play with me...". I said, "Hey, E... What if it was SATURDAY morning?" E's eyes lit up. He threw his guitar down and hugged me so hard I thought my beard would pop off. Then he threw his guitar back on and started singing again: "Saturday morning/ Who's gonna play with me...," and the rest is history.

How would you describe E as a private person? Is E really the "lone wolf" he is presenting himself on stage and via his songs?

KG: E is probably the kindest, sweetest person I know. Do you know what he gave me for Christmas this year? A car! He's only a lone wolf because he's very sensitive, i think. It's easier for him to hide away from the World. I gotta say, I love the dude.

What was your drop out on the "with strings"-Tour all about?

KG: Someone had the bright idea of inviting us to be on the same Jay Leno Show that First Lady Laura Bush was on. There was a lot of tension because the George Bush campaign had used the Eels as an example during one of their campaigns. I'm very political and I got a little too high after the taping. I saw Mrs. Bush in the hallway backstage and I muttered, "Your husband sucks ostrich cocks" under my breath as I passed by her. I didn't think she heard me, but one of the fifty Secret Service men there definitely did because he jumped on me and suddenly there was a pile of Secret Service men on me and they carted me off. I got cleared, but it meant I couldn't get a visa in time to go on the Eels tour.

The current status of your participation with the Eels is wrapped in mystery. Are you still working with E or has your relationship been put on hold?

KG: We're always working on stuff, from time to time. E's always working with lots of people and that usually includes people from his past as well as his future. I always keep the phone ringer on so I'm ready for E's call, no matter what time it may be.

Are you following E's recent music career?

KG: I follow it obsessively. Not just because I'm part of it, but because I love everything the cat does.

Have you ever visited Eels concerts? Do you own any Eels records you haven't been involved in the production?

KG: You can bet that anytime I'm not on stage with the Eels you can find me nearby in the audience. I own everything they've done, with or without me.

What can you tell us about secret albums like "Licence to Eel" or the lately released song "I Want To Protect You"? Have you participated on any of these tunes?

KG: I don't know what "Licence To Eel" is, probably not a real album, I'm guessing, but I'm ALL OVER "I Want To Protect You," playing the organ, accordion and even singing. That's me!

What are the chances that the world sees another MC Honky album coming out?

KG: I'd love another Honky album. I love the Honk and miss him a lot. He's been sending E stuff and what I've heard is really, really cool. Way beyond the last one. I know E likes the idea but he's so busy all the time. I think it's just a matter of E finding the time to properly nurture Honky. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Finally, we want to add that we really enjoyed your performances with the Eels. We think that you make up an important part of Eels' music history and we'd like you to be part of Eels' future, too. We wish you all the best and want to thank you again for this great opportunity.

KG: Thanks. I think I make up an important part of the Eels' history, too. I mean, if it wasn't for me, you'd all be singing along to "Friday Morning," for God's sakes. Peace!