Mealticket

ByLets Go Punk
Mealticket were a San Fernando Valley ska punk band formed in 1991

Mealticket were an American ska punk band from the San Fernando Valley in Southern California, formed in late 1991. They landed in the wider third-wave ska boom, but stood apart through tight playing, more involved song structures, and jazz-leaning vocals that stayed melodic even when the band hit the gas.

How It Started In Van Nuys

The band formed in 1991 in Van Nuys, California, built from members connected to the Van Nuys High School marching band. The early lineup included Alfie Larreau (saxophone and vocals), Edwin Portillo (bass), Bill Meadows (guitar), Richard Ferreria (trombone), Derrick Conyers (trumpet), Chris Taylor (drums), and David Ferreria (keyboards and guitar).

They played their first gig at the Natural Fudge Cafe in Los Angeles in 1991. Not long after, the lineup shifted, with Edwin and Alfie leaving and David moving over to bass. The band also cycled through multiple singers in the early stretch, searching for the right fit.

Finding A Voice, Then Building A Following

In 1992, Genai Canale joined as vocalist, which gave the band a clearer identity and helped lock in their direction. Around this time, Mealticket regularly played the Cobalt Cafe on Sherman Way in Canoga Park, sharpening their set and gaining repeat crowds.

By 1994, Mealticket were playing Orange County shows more consistently, expanding beyond their local Valley base and getting in front of ska fans who were actively hunting for new bands.

Misconceptions And The DIY Push

In 1994, Mealticket released their debut CD Misconceptions. Leaning into the do-it-yourself approach, they put it out through their own label, Pork ’n Beans Records. The release connected with the growing national ska audience, and it helped the band move from local regulars to a name that traveled through word of mouth, comps, and show flyers.

Lineup Changes And 13 Apologies

In 1995, the band went through another round of changes when Derrick Conyers and Chris Taylor left. Jim Cushnie stepped in on saxophone, and Carlos De La Garza, previously of Orange County band Suburban Rhythm, handled drums on an interim basis. Soon after, Dennis Leipert became the band’s permanent drummer.

This lineup recorded and released the second CD, 13 Apologies, in 1996 on Pork ’n Beans Records, keeping their momentum while continuing to refine the mix of punchy ska rhythms and more intricate arranging.

Lisa Marie, Asian Man, And The Final Chapter

Also in 1996, Mealticket changed guitarists. Ricky Estrada joined and recorded the band’s final release, Lisa Marie. Unlike the earlier albums, this one came out through Asian Man Records, which also helped lead to a Japanese retrospective release.

The relationship produced Superpositive, a Japanese release that collected earlier material and acted as a capstone. Mealticket disbanded amicably in 1997.

Past Members

  • Genai Canale
  • Ricky Estrada
  • David Ferreria
  • Dennis Leipert
  • Richard Ferreria
  • Jim Cushnie
  • Winnie Lee
  • Bill Meadows
  • Edwin Portillo
  • Chris Taylor
  • Carlos De La Garza
  • Pat Phelan
  • Alfie Larreau
  • Derrick Conyers

Discography

Studio albums

  • Misconceptions (1994, Pork ’n Beans Records)
  • 13 Apologies (1996, Pork ’n Beans Records)
  • Super Positive (1998, Tachyon Records, Japanese import)

EPs and 7-inch releases

  • Appetizers EP (1993, Pork ’n Beans Records)
  • Lisa Marie 7-inch (1997, Asian Man Records)

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