The Low Budgets
The Low Budgets from Philadelphia were an American punk/garage rock band led by Dead Milkmen guitarist Joe Genaro, also known as Joe Jack Talcum. The lineup also featured bassist Dan Stevens, vocalist/guitarist Chris Seegel, and drummer Steve Levandoski. Throughout their active years, The Low Budgets released three albums and embarked on tours across North America and Europe.
Band History
Formed in 2000 after the dissolution of Seegel and Genaro’s previous band, The Town Managers, The Low Budgets explored a new musical direction. Genaro transitioned from guitar to electronic organ, with Stevens and Levandoski forming the rhythm section. The band aimed to fuse their garage rock influences into the punk rock sound prevalent in their earlier projects.
Their debut 7-inch vinyl EP hit the shelves in 2001, released by Nancy Boy Records. Following this, two more 7-inch EPs and two full-length albums were released under the Philadelphia-based Schuylkill Records label. Throughout this period, extensive touring ensued, occasionally involving substitute bassists to accommodate Stevens’ family commitments.
In 2007, Chunksaah Records, associated with punk rock band The Bouncing Souls, released The Low Budgets’ third album, Leave Us a Loan. This album, produced by Brian Michael (a former member of The Town Managers), also saw a picture disc vinyl version released by Schuylkill Records.
The band went on hiatus and eventually disbanded when Seegel relocated to Berlin. Post-disbandment, Genaro and Stevens joined the reformed Dead Milkmen, while Seegel formed Lamebrains in Berlin. Levandoski remained active in other Philadelphia-based groups, including Beast Infection. The members pursued diverse interests outside of music, such as film, video, and journalism.
The Low Budgets reunited for two shows in December 2015, featuring Brian Michael on drums. Another show took place in November 2022 in Philadelphia.
Members
- Chris Seegel (Chris Peelout): Vocals, Guitar (2000–2008, 2015, 2022)
- Joe Genaro (Joe Jack Talcum): Organ, Vocals (2000–2008, 2015, 2022)
- Dan Stevens (Dandrew This): Bass, Vocals (2000–2008, 2015, 2022)
- Steve Levandoski (Steve Please): Drums (2000–2008)
- Brian Michael: Drums (2015, 2022)
Discography
Albums
- Go For Broke (2003): CD/LP – Schuylkill Records/Akhenation Music
- Aim Low, Get High (2005): CD/LP – Schuylkill Records
- Leave Us a Loan (2007): CD – Chunksaah Records, LP – Schuylkill Records
EPs
- Go Bargain Hunting With the Low Budgets (2001): 7-inch – Nancy Boy Records
- Buy One Song, Get One Free (2002): 7-inch – Schuylkill Records
