Jean Caffeine, the genre-fluid OG punk, unveils her psychobilly track “Mammogram"

You may not have heard of Jean Caffeine, but as the Dallas Observer once put it, “You’d be a lot cooler if you did.” Jean Caffeine’s journey is a fascinating trip through the underground music scenes of San Francisco, New York City, and Austin, making her a true genre-fluid artist who has embraced punk, cowpunk, folk, and Americana throughout her career.

Jean’s story starts in the 1970s, during the vibrant and chaotic punk era of San Francisco. This was a time when the scene was just finding its legs, and Jean was right there at the forefront, creating and contributing in numerous ways. As a drummer, she played in The Urge, an all-female punk band that shared stages with influential acts like The Zeros, The Avengers, The Dils, and X. These bands were pioneers of the West Coast punk sound, and Jean was not only a part of this emerging movement but also contributed to the zine culture, documenting the raw energy and spirit of the era.

By the early 1980s, Jean Caffeine’s restless creative spirit led her to New York City, a place where the underground music scene was exploding with new ideas and influences. In NYC, Jean became immersed in the city’s nightlife, DJing in clubs and connecting with other musicians and artists. Her most notable musical project during this time was with Pulsallama, a unique all-female percussion ensemble that ranged from seven to thirteen members. Pulsallama stood out with its wild, avant-garde performances, merging the raw edge of punk with performance art. They opened for The Clash, one of the most iconic punk bands of all time, cementing their place in the underground music history of the city.

Pulsallama’s influence has continued to resonate decades later. In 2016, the group’s sound was rediscovered by a new generation when rapper Danny Brown sampled their track in his song “Dance in the Water.” The revival of interest in Pulsallama culminated in a record reissue by Sundaze Records in 2020, highlighting the timeless and experimental nature of the ensemble’s music.

Jean’s next chapter took her to Austin, Texas, a city known for its eclectic music scene. In Austin, Jean embraced the cowpunk and Americana genres, forming Jean Caffeine’s All-Nite Truckstop. This marked a significant shift in her musical journey, as she moved from behind the drum kit to center stage as a frontwoman and songwriter. Jean’s new sound blended elements of country, punk, and folk, resonating with the unique Austin vibe. Her performances at roadhouses and coffeehouses gained her a following, and she shared stages with iconic artists like Lucinda Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Mojo Nixon.

Jean Caffeine’s genre-fluid approach is evident throughout her career, as she seamlessly mixes indie, retro-pop, punk, rock, and roots music. Her latest single, “Mammogram,” is a perfect example of this versatility. Jean describes the track as moodier and spookier than much of her previous work, inspired by the unsettling experience of mammograms. It’s a song that blends humor and advocacy, turning a serious topic into a catchy tune that’s both a novelty song and a PSA for breast health. Jean’s playful yet pointed message is clear: mammograms may be a nightmare, but they are vital for early detection of breast cancer.

The track features her band, humorously named Male Order Brides, which includes talented Austin musicians: Jon Nottarthomas (who has played with Ian McGlagan) on guitar, Zack Humphrey (from Megafauna) on drums, Josh Robins (of Invincible Czars) on bass, and Jean herself on electrified acoustic guitar and vocals. The music video for “Mammogram” adds a surreal visual element, utilizing clips from the silent film Häxan, a 1922 documentary about witchcraft in the Middle Ages, along with footage of a trapeze artist filmed by Thomas Edison. This eclectic mix of visuals gives the video a haunting yet whimsical feel, perfectly complementing the song’s tone.

In addition to her music, Jean Caffeine is a talented visual artist and educator. She has participated in various art projects and exhibitions, most recently taking part in an art residency and pop-up exhibition called Excesso de Grasas at El Sur in Mexico City. Her creative work extends beyond music and art; she’s also made appearances in independent films. Jean played the memorable role of “Roadkill” in Richard Linklater’s cult classic Slacker and contributed animation to Linklater’s film Waking Life, showcasing her skills in the world of indie cinema and animation.

Despite her lighthearted approach to the song “Mammogram,” Jean’s message about breast health is serious. With rising concerns about environmental toxins and an increase in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women, she emphasizes the importance of regular screenings. In her typically direct and humorous style, Jean puts it simply: “If you have breasts – get one!”

Jean Caffeine’s career is a testament to her ability to adapt, evolve, and create across multiple artistic mediums. From her punk roots in San Francisco to her experimental days in New York and her cowpunk transformation in Austin, Jean has never shied away from pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds. Her journey is a celebration of indie spirit, creative exploration, and a refusal to be boxed into any one genre. In a music world that often demands conformity, Jean Caffeine stands out as a true original, an artist who has lived multiple creative lives and continues to surprise and inspire with every new project.