Mike Brown

Writer/Sales

When Mike Brown came to SLUG Magazine in 2001, it was a pretty big deal. His self-help column quickly became a favorite feature for many SLUG readers, and his current monthly column, which covers subjects as diverse as Juggalos, the Utah Jazz and the girls bathroom at The Urban Lounge, is almost always guaranteed to stir up a ruckus. Mike is also the frontman for local band of miscreants The Fucktards as well as the mastermind behind Leviathan, a zine about Mike Brown’s favorite subject: Mike Brown. Despite what you may think, Mike is also a shrewd businessman, which he displays as part of SLUG’s sales team and when organizing his semi-regular event celebrating himself, Mike Brown Fest.

Hometown
Salt Lake City, Utah, born and raised. From the rough streets of East Side Holliday to be specific.
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
Because my dad put his penis in my moms vagina and I arrived on May 9^th, 1979.
When did you start reading SLUG?


When I was 16. And there was a naked drummer on the cover. A lot more nudity in the mag in general back then.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?


About 10 years ago I dropped off a zine for Brian Staker to review and he did. Then Angela bought the mag and I went down there and told her I wanted to do a self-help column. I gave her a copy of my column and said, “I don’t care if you print it or not, but if you like it I’ll just start writing shit for you.” I guess they liked it. The process to write for SLUG was a lot easier back then. I could have probably just given Angela a six-pack and she would have said “OK.”
Favorite SLUG feature?

It used to be Serial Killer of the Month, we really should bring that back. And I would probably look like an egocentrical asshole if I say it’s my column, right? So I’m gonna go with Princess Kennedy’s column. She always speaks the truth. Wait, I am an egocentrical asshole, my favorite SLUG feature is my column for sure.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
Not my favorite thing that ever happened but probably my favorite story would be when I quit/got fired for the first time from the mag and me and Angela became arch nemeses for a good three years. Its pretty funny now when I think about it. That or convincing people that Angela Brown is actually my ex-wife who kept the last name as apposed to being asked a million fucking times, “Are you Angela’s little brother?”
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Urban Lounge because they let me in for free. Or the Graveyard on 12^th East. I’ve seen some amazing shows there.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:


I won’t tell you my absolute favorite spots because I don’t want them to get blown out with hipster dork asses like with what happened to The Twilite Lounge. My top three that I don’t mind you knowing about would be Junior’s Tavern, The Jackalope Lounge, and then Murphy’s Pub.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:

Twitter. I’ve become obsessed with this shit for some reason. Follow me @Fuckmikebrown. Other than that I’m still obsessed with making Zines. Musically lately its been Tyler, The Creator and Brett Michaels.
What was the first show you attended?


First actual show? Probably the Beach Boys at the stupid Stadium of Fire thing in Provo when I was a kid. But the first show that Mattered was Total Chaos when I was 16 at the old bar and grill. My hearing hasn’t been as good ever since.
What was the first record you bought?

The first CD I ever owned was MC Hammer’s Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt Them when I was 12. The first CD I bought on my own though was Def Leppard’s Adrenalize. But since the question is first record… I honestly can’t remember what my first chunk of vinyl was. I want to say it was a Vandals record I got when I started collecting records in High School. But I’m not sure.
What was the best event you ever attended?


If by event you mean SLUG event I would have to say the first Summer of Death Street Only contest we did about five years ago. Best local skating for a quote-unquote contest I’ve ever seen. Watching Oliver switch flip a gigantic four block is forever cemented in my brain. Definitely the coolest comp SLUG has ever done and I’m proud I was a part of it.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Has GG Allin ever been on the cover? What about Morrissey? And I know John Stockton has never been on the cover, so if not one of those three I’m gonna go with Henry Rollins. I know he’s kind of a douche but he seems like he would be fun to talk to.