Strange Stories of Becoming: Jacobious Lovebone Meets Scissorkiss

Strange Stories of Becoming: Jacobious Lovebone Meets Scissorkiss

On the eve of his debut show at The Rainbow Bar & Grill, Jacobious Lovebone (now known as Scissorkiss) — the electrifying solo persona of former Bastardane member Jake Dallas Benn — sat down with Highwire Daze for a raw, revealing conversation. Fresh off the creation of his debut EP Strange Stories of Decay, Jacobious opened up about reinvention, heartbreak, Savannah chaos, psychedelic highs, and the strange freedom of starting over. With a new sound, a new identity, and a relentless drive to push himself into uncomfortable artistic territory, Jacobious is stepping boldly into the Los Angeles scene — ready to surprise anyone willing to watch him evolve.

We’re here with Jake — better known as Jacobious Lovebone. What do you think of our local Los Angeles music scene, and how do you see yourself fitting into it?
Honestly, I’m just getting started out here. But it was a lot easier for me to get a show in L.A. than it ever was in New York. So far the scene’s treating me pretty well.

How did the creation of Jacobious Lovebone come about?
It started as a stage character when I was in Bastardane — obnoxious behavior, antics, costumes. It didn’t suit that band, so I knew I’d eventually have to figure out my own thing. When I started writing my own music, I wasn’t sure what to call it. There was no band — just me. So I figured I’d use a stage name and roll with it.

And how does Jacobious differ from you?
I’m still figuring that out. It’s like making myself uncomfortable on purpose on stage — pushing myself into a different headspace.

How did being raised in Savannah affect the music you’re making today?
My life changed when I moved to Savannah. I quickly started a band with friends — my first band ever. The local scene was incredible: thriving, chaotic, nonstop house shows. It pushed me into rock and roll fast.

Savannah always sounded kind of gothic to me.
Oh yeah, it’s a witchy town. Old buildings, Spanish moss, huge oaks… creepy stuff. Really interesting place.

Your EP Strange Stories of Decay — is there a story behind that title?
Around the time I got fired from Bastardane, I also got dumped by someone I’d been dating for a long time. Those two things hit at once and rocked my world. I wasn’t doing great even before that. I went home, tried to figure out my life, and started writing music. The EP title became the story of that whole period — what fell apart, and what was born out of it.

Let’s go track by track and start with “Parts Per Million.” What inspired that one?
It’s like a psychedelic trip, even though I don’t do drugs. It’s about when things are going really well — when you’re riding high and everything feels too good to be true. The come‑up is great, and the come‑down hurts.

Next up: “Secret Getaway.”
That one’s about escapism — and how you can never really escape the things that bother you. Whether it’s vices, alcohol, relationships… there’s never any real satisfaction.

And “Gargoyles”?
It’s about accepting that you can’t truly trust anyone. Even your friends — you love them, but I never fully rely on anyone. It’s about accepting people for who they are without expecting them to save you.

And finally, “Quaalude.”
That came from when I was living here last time. I was in a weird place — very unwell. I’d go on long walks trying to clear my mind, but it never helped. “Quaalude” is about aimlessly walking around trying to solve things and realizing nothing actually fixes what’s going on inside.

What can someone expect from a live Jacobious Lovebone show tonight?
Expect the unexpected.

You’ve also got another band performing — Heartvalve. Tell me about that project.
Heartvalve is me and Ethan Sirotzki from Bastardane. We had old songs from around 2020 that we never finished. When I moved back, Ethan suggested re‑recording them. I wrote new lyrics and melodies, and we’re putting it out as an EP — just a side project.

Looking back on your work with Bastardane, what do you think of it now?
I have no qualms with that band. I’m grateful for everything I experienced. I cherish those memories. It was a lot of fun.

What were the highlights of touring?
Every night you have something to look forward to. Even if you’re playing a hole‑in‑the‑wall, you’re constantly moving. You become a machine — building endurance. Coming home was boring and depressing because you’re used to that pace. I loved driving around the U.S., meeting weirdos, seeing everything. I hope to tour again soon.

Did James Hetfield ever see Bastardane play live? His son Castor is in Bastardane…
Yeah, several times. During Metallica’s 72 Seasons tour, they played Friday and Sunday, and we played Saturday as part of the event. He’d say “Cool show, guys,” but most critique was directed toward his son. I didn’t hear much of it.

Do you miss playing with Bastardane?
Yeah, of course. It was really fun. But things are different now.

They mentioned your personality was “too extreme.” What did they mean?
There were a lot of factors. We had issues as friends, no communication, no clear direction. My energy was too much for them. They wanted a neat, tight sound — not a crazy, performative guy. Our vibes didn’t match anymore.

Yet you have a Bastardane member playing with you at The Rainbow?
Yeah — Ethan. We’re still friends. We still jam.

You’re playing the Viper Room again soon. What does that mean to you?
I just saw a video of our old Bastardane show there — insane night. No AC, hot halogen lamps, sweating like crazy. And during our set, two people outside overdosed and died. When we left, there were ambulances and caution tape everywhere. So yeah — playing there again alone… I’m excited. It’ll be more tame, but I’m looking forward to it.

What are your future plans for both projects?
I want to get one of the bands on tour — or both. Maybe combine them. But things move how they move. If they stay separate, that’s fine. I just want to tour.

Any message for people who’ve followed you since Bastardane?
Everyone must accept failure. Let it push you to do even better.

In Conclusion

In the dim glow of The Rainbow Bar & Grill, it’s clear that Jacobious Lovebone aka Scissorkiss is an artist in the middle of becoming — shedding old skins, forging new identities, and refusing to slow down even when life demands it. His stories of chaos, heartbreak, reinvention, and restless momentum paint a portrait of someone who thrives in the uncomfortable spaces where transformation happens. Whether he’s fronting his solo project, resurrecting old songs with Heartvalve, or stepping back onto the Viper Room stage, Jacobious is chasing evolution with everything he’s got. For those following his journey, the next chapter is already rumbling to life.

(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Erica Vincent)

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