Interview: MySon

The Netherlands' MySon takes sound quality and precision very seriously. They eschew it, concentrating instead on the raw art and energy that is at the heart of great rock n roll. They recently released a second demo that may have a more focused sound, but doesn't compromise their principles of noise. Check out the new tunes on their Myspace page.

RnRnMN: One thing that struck me about your demo was that the crazy factor was pretty high. How do you seek out an audience for your brand of rock n roll?

We don't seek an audience, we let the people find us. We just try to play as much as possible, in as diverse places as possible. We play squats, we play small bars, we play "regular" venues. We just try to reach as many people as possible, and hopefully, for some, we will be like a flycatcher and they will stick to us.


RnRnMN: You seemed to bask in the rawness of that demo. Will you take the same approach on the new one or will you try to refine your sound?

We feel the rawness is definitely a part of our sound. However we do try to play our songs as we intended them to be. Listening back to the old demo and then listening to the new one, there is definitely a progress in that respect. Maybe it might come across as a bit less raw, I don't know, but I think to most people it will still be raw as hell. We don't do any studio tricks, don't overnormalize our recordings (though we did run it through a tape recorder with pretty high record levels, this time), and just basically try to capture what is going on. Hell, the only real effect we have used on our vocals is a delay on the last note of 'Call A Delay', as we though it would be pretty funny there.


RnRnMN: It seems you've abandoned many of the traditional rock conventions, relying more on chaos than structure. With that unconventional approach, what direction do you see MySon taking as you grow as a band?

There is actually a surprising amount of structure when you really examine the songs. At least that's what I feel. It's basically still the Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus, that we use most of the time. But I guess we are pretty good at masking that. On the new demo there definitely are some new songs that are more structured, or more recognizably structured, I should say. But on the other hand there are also songs that are less structured than those that are on the first demo. We just try to do as many different things as we can come up with. We always try to do something we haven't done before in our new songs. If we will be able to keep that up? Who knows? We'll just do our best not to recycle too much of what we've done before. Trying to keep it fresh, and in that regard also open for a broader group of people, I guess.


RnRnMN: You're wild enough in the studio. What goes in your live show?

Check out our YouTube videos, I'd say! We are actually surprisingly calm while recording, in regards to playing. Except for those little freak songs where you can just bash it out, and get rid of all the frustrations that have build up while recording all the other songs. But live pretty much anything goes, we just do what pops into our mind at the time. Playing live is almost like one big brainfart, just do what you like. We definitely are more noisy live, and we just try to put on a big explosion of energy, which we don't really see enough of anymore in other most bands, nowadays. What we do hope, is to get the audience going as well (but which band wouldn't?), but that has proved quite a task on some occasions. Though when it does happen, everything goes into overdrive and you really get a great buzz out of it, making it even more energetic. You just feed of each other, you know? However when we don't have that luck, we definitely will just keep on trying, pouring out as much energy as we can. If just one person is able to receive it, that is enough. We do also hope to be a bit more jammy on stage, but that is rather difficult with a drumcomputer. Now that we do have a stand-in drummer, that is made a little easier. But still it could be a lot more if we just were to find our own, fixed, drummer.


RnRnMN: Do you think you take people by surprise or do most people know what to expect when they come to see you live?

I've never really seen anybody that knew what they could expect, except for the one fan we do have, haha. Most of the time people are pretty flabbergasted. Sometimes they are able to get over that and just go with the flow, and sometimes they just stay in that state. In the end we do try to play what we like, we don't try to please the audience. We are playing for ourselves, if more people like it, that's a great bonus. I don't think any of the great bands, like Flipper, Black Flag, Sonic Youth, etc. played to please the audience in their original intention. It definitely makes for a much more timeless band when you don't try to please the audience too much. After all, if you try to please the audience all of the time, you are most likely to just rehash everything that has been done hundreds of times before, and better. In the end we are our own audience, and there have to be some more people
like us, right?


RnRnMN: Have you been able to stir up interest outside of the Netherlands?

Hell, we haven't even been able to stir up all that much interest inside of the Netherlands. Maybe only a bit in 's-Hertogenbosch, but that has more to do with all the stickers we have put up everywhere around the city. Usually when we meet somebody in our city, and we show them our logo, they know it already. We usually also get the comment "So you are the band with all those damn stickers everywhere" which is pretty cool. Anyway, it almost looks like we have been able to get more interest going outside of the Netherlands then inside. But I guess that has to do with the culture here. Everything has to pay off, if you don't get big bucks out of it, what's the point? That's pretty much the standard reaction we get when we tell people how focused we are on our band. We definitely want to play anywhere in the world, just try to get the music out to more people. Hopefully we will be able to tour as openers for some other bands, like Bromheads Jacket from England, and that will help us set a bigger foot outside of the Netherlands. However we will first start our conquest of the universe by ourselves, as you shouldn't keep waiting for other people to do stuff for you. Not unless you don't want anything to happen, that is. But of course every helping hand is very, very, welcome.


RnRnMN: If so, what has helped you spread the word? If not, what do you
> think stands in your way?

First speaking nationally we are a very active band in getting gigs. When we want to get some new gigs, we usually try to go to a couple of cities, and go to various venues there. We try to speak to the programmer and give them our demo, and also tell them what we are about. We get quite a mixed reaction out of that, some really dig it, while others think we're shit for trying to meet them in person, but that's their prerogative, of course. But usually we get at least one or two gigs per trip that way. It's much more successful than sending out hundreds of e-mails. And it's a lot more fun, seeing all those places and meeting all the people. Unfortunately internationally we won't be able to do that everywhere. But we will definitely take a first step in that regard heading out to Belgium, Germany, etc., etc. Maybe there we can get the ball rolling. What definitely has helped us spread the word to the normal people (are there any?) is Myspace and YouTube. We wouldn't have been able to get in touch with a whole lot of people if it weren't for those two outlets.


RnRnMN: Pick your favorite band from each pair:

Damn, some of these are hard.

Beatles vs Rolling Stones
Raymon: Rolling Stones
John: Beatles

Flipper vs Meat Puppets
Flipper

Black Flag vs Minor Threat
Black Flag

Fantomas vs Tomahawk
Raymon: Fantomas (after long consideration)
John: Tomahawk (ditto)

Hank Williams vs Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash

Interview: Cory Gray of Carcrashlander

Formerly in the sadly underknown Desert City Soundtrack, Cory Gray's current endeavor is Carcrashlander. This is a band so good that even I can forgive their love of Randy Newman. Their self-titled debut came out earlier this year on Parks and Records. I got the chance to talk with Cory about the past, present and future (and the piano versus the guitar).

RnRnMN: How has the response been to the new album?

CG: People at least usually say thanks when I give them a copy. The campfire stamp seems to delight my fellow camper friends, although it's hardly the kind of music to play around a campfire. Last time I tried to take a piano camping I had to leave it in the woods.


RnRnMN: Do you see Carcrashlander as a progression form what you did in Desert City Soundtrack or as an entirely different part of who you are as an artist?

CG: There's a Chinese proverb that says you can be cautious about the future but not about the past. I just sold el vaño, the DCS Econoline. It was a very sentimental moment, but I needed a new ride.


RnRnMN: How is working on this project different that projects you've done in the past?

CG: The band members I have currently seem to all come from such completely different musical backgrounds that when I bring a song to the group it's like dropping a twig in the gutter during a rainstorm. It's anybody's guess where it will end up.


RnRnMN: If you had to place Carcrashlander in a musical tradition, what would it be?

CG: Myspace says we're healing/easy listening. I would be tempted to doubt the sincerity of that categorization, but that would require me to doubt Myspace, which is getting into some seriously dangerous territory.


RnRnMN: Is the piano really a good substitute for the guitar? I mean, it's rock n roll after all.

CG: Is it? rock and what? And we got a guitar, shit.


RnRnMN: The album strikes me as one that is even better at the right time of day or in the right season. If you had to suggest the right time and place for the album, what would it be?

CG: If and when it grows would probably depend when you planted it, and what the conditions of the soil are like.


RnRnMN: What's coming up for Carcrashlander over the next year?

CG: After some western states shows through October, I think it will be time to make another record.

RnRnMN: Pick your favorite from each pair:
Beatles versus Rolling Stones:
CG: Beatles
Hüsker Dü versus the Pixies:
CG: The Pixies
Randy Newman versus Bruce Springsteen:
CG: Randy Newman singing Nebraska
Mike Patton versus John Zorn:
CG: John Zorn

Myspace

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Russel Hornbeek of Music Saves Lives

Providing yet another way to do some good while you're catching a Warped Tour stop, Music Saves Lives addresses the dire need for blood and marrow donors. Not only do you get to save a life, but you get to go backstage in the process. Russel Hornbeek took some time to tell me a little bit about the organization's goals and accomplishments.

RnRnMN: What inspired the founding of Music Saves Lives?

RH: It's didn't seem right that in the summer the blood supply dropped so low. I wanted to find the students that normally donated during the school year and get them to donate in the summer.


RnRnMN: In the three years since Music Saves Lives was formed, how many life-saving donations have you accounted for?

RH: With this year almost finished we will hit almost 90,000 blood donations and that does not count the blood drives at all the colleges and high schools in spring between February and May. We have also reached over 12,000 marrow registrations.


RnRnMN: Why do you see rock fans as such a fertile ground for your work?

RH: It's all good ground. You can find anyone to care some, be it at country, rock or rap. I just love Warped bands and what better place then the Warped Tour. (laughs)


RnRnMN: Why do you think it's a demographic that hasn't been tapped until now?

RH: It's the way we go after the donor. I could not see a Red Cross employee running around Warped Tour, could you?


RnRnMN: How has being on the Warped Tour helped?

RH: That's who we reach. It helps that Kevin Lyman lets donors backstage too.


RnRnMN: Have you had a chance to catch any of the music? Who have you enjoyed the most?

RH: Shwayze is great and Gym Class has been off the hook. Love the live show. I have even found a few parking lot bands that I liked.


RnRnMN: How can music fans get involved?

RH: The best way is to donate or run blood drives in your city. We would be glad to help you even start a club at your school.


RnRnMN: Tell me a little bit about the Gibson Guitar Project.

RH: We'll we get young great artists, give them a Gibson with nothing on it and have them create. It's really great to see what they come up with. This year's Gibsons are amazing. We have had signings by Katy Perry, Jack's Mannequin, Bouncing Souls and Reel Big Fish. We then auction them with Unite the United to support our efforts at saving lives.


RnRnMN: How do you see Music Saves Lives growing over the next few years?

RH: If we keep getting the same support, I see us saving thousands more in Canada, and other countries soon. This is a global program and everyone bleeds red.



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Johnny Rioux of Street Dogs

This year's Warped Tour may have been a little short on punk quantity, but not quality and Street Dogs were among the best. I caught up with bassist Johnny Rioux to find out how the tour's been going, the reaction to the new album, State of Grace, and what's coming next for the band.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

JR: Warped has been treating us really well. We've made a ton of new friends out here. We've also been able to play for people that generally wouldn't know us, which was the goal, I guess. That isn't to say that it hasn't been hard, long hours, long drives, portapotties, and lack of sleep, but it's been a blast.


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

JR: The simple fact that we are putting out a record on a new label that knows how to promote bands on Warped. We were also offered main stage which was a first for us. We've been able to make new fans and set up for our fall tour and a 90 minute set (as opposed to the 30 minute warped set) nicely. A lot of our fans are older and work 9-5 so (they) can't come to Warped Tour. It created a great opportunity to spread the message to new fans. I think it's exceeded expectations.


RnRnMN: That gap between the stage and the barrier on the main stages inhibited a lot of fan/band interaction. You were one of the few bands to breach that gap and really connect. Do you find it difficult that the fans are a good ten feet back from the stage?

JR: You could put Mike on a skyscraper and he'd find a way to connect with fans on the ground. We are a "peoples band", so we will always bring it to the people.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has been known as "punk rock summer camp," but there aren't as many punk bands this year. As one of the few punk bands on the bill, do you think the diversity is good or bad?

JR: I didn't know 90% of the bands before Warped Tour. I've discovered a couple bands that I could listen to, but yeah very few. That said, we've had a posse of people we've been hanging out with every day: Aggrolites, Briggs, Bouncing Souls, Rise Against, Horrorpops, Broadway Calls, Pennywise, GBH and Against Me! (to name a few). We are out here! Kids are into different music nowadays, and Warped tour doesn't have to have bands like us anymore to sell tickets, but the fact that we write real life lyrics with real melody, and the kids have responded so well to it makes the diversity worth while and interesting. I have discovered Ipods and noise cancelling headphones too!


RnRnMN: In the past, there has been tension between punk bands and others (NOFX versus Underoath a few years ago, for instance). Is that true this year or is there a good sense of community?

JR: No direct tension. If we see someone acting like rock stars or assholes we are the type of guys that will confront them ourselves. It's in bad taste to air that stuff to music fans on a stage in front of thousands. No offense to Fat Mike of course! That was pretty funny.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

JR: Hands down, no competition, The Aggrolites are the best and most talented band on Warped Tour.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

JR: Real songs. Every note and lyric at every performance in front of 5 or 5,000 is from the gut and soul and done with 100% conviction.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

JR: I trust Kevin Lyman and Warped that the corporate sponsors they choose are not part of an evil empire and are fair and just companies. Warped Tour is the longest running festival tour in history and has helped give many of my friends a career and made punk rock a house hold name, for better or worse. I honestly hope Kevin Lyman has the biggest house on his block. He deserves it.


RnRnMN: How has the reaction been to your newly released State of Grace album?

JR: So far so good! We have the best fans on the planet. So long as we are sincere they support us and vice versa.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

JR: Headlining tour starting 9/11 in Houston with Time Again and Flatfoot 56. Then its off to Europe with Flogging Molly on the Eastpack tour. Its gonna be a busy year!



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Chris Youngblood of To Write Love On Her Arms

One of the many organizations that joined the Warped Tour to spread their message, To Write Love on Her Arms simply reaches out to people in trouble, whether it be addiction, depression, suicide or any other trouble faced in today's world. Chris Youngblood, TWLOHA's representative at their Warped Tour tent, gave me some more info on their goals and achievements.

RnRnMN: Is the focus of your work suicide and addiction or any difficulty that young people face?

CY: The work we do focuses on difficulty any person, young or old, can face. We believe these issues of suicide, addiction, self-injury, or depression can affect anyone. We don't focus on just the issues of suicide and addiction either. One of the most common issues that we get questioned about, that isn't something we address in our "mission statement," is eating disorders. So we're definitely looking into how to address those things in our find help section and educate ourselves on as well, so we can give people somewhere to go when they ask about them.


RnRnMN: In such a plentiful time and place, why do you think it is that so many kids in America suffer?

CY: I think no matter how many advantages a person can have in their life, or how many materials they can be given, it doesn't mean they're immune to feeling alone. We realize it's hard for a lot of people to communicate and trust and have a strong community around themselves. We want to be a voice that encourages those things. To tell your story...to have people you can turn to and trust in.


RnRnMN: Obviously, things have gotten pretty serious by the time you get involved, but what can someone do to help themselves before things get to that point? What can friends do?

CY: It goes back to my previous answer. One of the biggest things we do is communicate and encourage the people that turn to us. We want to encourage and challenge people to have someone they can turn to and trust in. It's an amazing feeling to know you have that in your life. Friends can be a catalyst for this. Be genuine to their friends when they ask, "How are you?" Let them share what's going on in their life and in their head. Paying attention can mean the absolute world to someone who needs their story to be heard.


RnRnMN: You're a Christian organization, but you're very explicit that your services are open to everyone because "Christian" can alienate people. Why do you think that is? Do you see dispelling that notion as part of your mission or is it incidental to your work?

CY: We actually wouldn't even consider ourselves to be a Christian organization. We, as people and staff, have our own beliefs and we think that's where labels should stay. You're right, labeling an organization "Christian" can alienate people. There are many people out there who feel like there's a judgmental stigma that goes along with the word and the people who call themselves Christian will guilt them with everything thing they have done wrong, or tell them the only way to be better is through the lord. We want people to know they have a place to come to and trust, where they won't be judge and they won't get the words from a bible waved in front of their face. We're here for everyone and we feel good about who we've been able to reach by putting ourselves out there like we have.


RnRnMN: Both religion and rock and roll seem to play an important part in how you reach people. Many people on both sides feel the two are at odds with each other. How do you see them working together? Does one lead people to the other?

CY: We saw them work together great at a week-long event we took part in this past July called, Cornerstone. It is known to be a Christian music festival and we were able to connect with many passionate people who felt these issues were important. We heard some great stories from people about how certain band's music and lyrics pulled them through a rough night. I'm sure there are stories out there from people who had no beliefs and heard a band they loved and took a listen to their lyrics and then found out the beliefs of the people in the band, and then from there they were lead to a religious view. And that's a beautiful thing. For someone to find themselves through something like that, and it gives them that light in a room of darkness, then let it be and be encouraging to that person.


RnRnMN: You get a lot of support from bands. Do you approach them or have you found that they come to you? How important is that support and why?

CY: Bands are definitely a huge reason why we are where we are. The response from them coming to us and sharing a little of their story, or how much they appreciate our voice in these issues is something we're very thankful for. I'm currently out on the Vans Warped Tour and the bands out on this tour have been amazing to us. Music can give a voice and words to people who can't figure out what exactly to say. It can make them feel. Bands can make this happen. The fact that the bands out here wear our shirts on stage and that can possibly have a few people in their audience raise their eyebrows and wonder what "To Write Love On Her Arms." is, and then they can find our tent and ask us questions or flip through our information book, is honestly a privilege.


RnRnMN: Two of the organizations you support fight human slavery. How does that tie in to your work fighting depression, addiction and suicide?

CY: In early 2007, Jamie and his sister Emily took a trip to India in an amazing experience where they saw there was a need. There are people there who deal with these issues. That are broken. It's something that makes you realize these issues aren't just something that Americans deal with. People all over the world deal with these issues. Human slavery is a very big issue in that area of the world and that can lead to those people seeing their only outlet being suicide. If they don't turn to that than abuse and depression can be something they will deal with for the rest of their life. We have mentioned how much we like the idea of being a global organization and we're taking the first step in addressing the fact that these are issues that are dealt with not just in our corner of the world.

RnRnMN: If you could give kids a message in a single sentence, what would it be?

CY: Your story is important and we are here to listen.



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Audelio Flores of Set Your Goals

Following their first full-length, Mutiny!, in 2006, Set Your Goals have toured with the likes of Anti-Flag, Alexisonfire and Big D and the Kids Table. They also made an appearance at the Bamboozle earlier this year. Now on the Warped Tour, I had the chance to find out how things are going and what's up next from guitarist Audelio Flores.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

AF: Warped tour has been great, just a really long summer camp with good friends. Kids have been awesome. Can't complain. I got used to showering with my solar bag. (laughs)


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

AF: Well we did 2 weeks in '07 and wished we could have done the whole thing. So when we got offered '08, we couldn't say no. It has lived up to its expectations. We've been able to hang out and party everyday.


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for? How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

AF: They are some of the bigger crowds we've played. Like Boston was insanely huge for us. It always is. It’s like playing at home. Nothing compares to playing the smaller shows. They are more personal and intimate. But the upside of playing the Warped crowds is that we get to play to new audiences.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

AF: It's hard to real say who's the BEST band. There are so many great bands like Beat Union, Four Year Strong, Farewell, Ludo. There's so many good ones. I really liked Bedouin Soundclash. Also, watching 3OH3 is always fun. The Smart Punk Stage has a lot of great bands.


RnRnMN: There are a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

AF: Because we are here to have a good time and we have nothing to prove. We are just here to do what we love and that's music.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

AF: What does "sell out" mean? If Warped Tour didn't have the "corporate sponsors," Warped Tour will no longer keep going. You need their money to be able to fund bands' guarantees. We need to be able to make some kind of money, at least enough to eat and get to the next date.


RnRnMN: Your brand of hardcore is on the melodic side. Do you find that expands your fan base? Does it help get your message out?

AF: I didn't know we were a specific brand of hardcore. I think our fan base has expanded a lot because we are not scared to tour with different styles of bands. We try to get our music out to every kid possible. What helps you get your message out is touring, touring and touring. That's all we do and we love it and we thank all our fans for all the support you have given us. If it wasn't for you guys coming to our shows we would not be a band. Much LOVE!


RnRnMN: If you could give the kids at the Warped Tour one piece of advice, what would it be?

AF: Do what you love on your own terms and don't let anyone tell you different.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

AF: Work on some new material and get a new record out. But also get back to our families. We are all a bit burned out right now and being able to go home to reality will be good for all of us.



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Leader of Oreskaband

There are only a few bands with a trombone player on the Warped Tour this year (unlike the ska heyday a few years back), but only one is from Japan! I got a chance to catch up with Leader of Oreskaband to find out how the tour is going, what's up with their movie, Lock and Roll Forever, and what they have in store for the future.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

L: Great! I feel like time is passing in a flash since the tour started and it’s been a blast! Every single day there are lots of bands playing energetic shows all over the place. Each day is filled with new encounters with good music, good pals and different audience in different cities. We’ve been getting so much inspirations from playing the show, watching other bands playing and just being on tour in general. Unexpected things happen sometimes but we’re just enjoying each day to the fullest!


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Is it all you expected?

L: We played in seven cities at last year’s Warped Tour. Kevin Lyman saw us perform and offered us to play the whole dates this year, after last year’s tour. We were saying to each other that we’d want to play the full tour the next year, so it was a big surprise when we actually got the offer. The tour is a great opportunity for us to get our music out there, so it’s a big honor to be able to participate again this year. Hopefully there will be more people coming to see our own show because of the Warped Tour.


RnRnMN: When you formed Oreskaband back in 2003, you were barely teenagers. Did you think you would be touring the US before you even turned 20?

L: Not at all! We made Oreskaband just because we wanted to play music in a band and had no idea where it was going, but by 2004 when we started playing at local clubs, the band has became our life and started wishing strongly for the band to last as long as possible. We then got signed to Sony Music Japan, but even then we had no idea that we would ever have a chance to tour in America. We get flustered by unpredictable turn of events at times but have fun with whatever that happens...and that’s us.


RnRnMN: What bands got you into ska?

L: The reason we formed a ska band is simply because I wanted to do a band but could only play trombone. I thought a band with horn players is supposed to play ska music...I was ignorant about ska music that much. So that’s how we decided on doing ska, but once we started going to see other ska bands’ shows, we kept being intrigued into the upbeat rhythm of ska music that makes you feel good. Even if you don’t know a song, ska makes you happy and dance. We feel fortunate to have found such music!


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for? How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

L: I think so. It is definitely a big-scale event with many bands and various stages and it is our first experience to do a show every day like this. And knowing the number of people who look forward to this festival coming to their cities, I can see how big of a deal this tour is to many music fans. I think the main difference between this tour and club shows is that, with this tour, there is more opportunity for your band to be seen by many people. Also, since this is an outside festival, shows get affected by weather and accidents like storm can happen, but I guess that’s one of the things that makes the festival exciting!


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

L: There are so many good bands and it’s hard to find time to check out their shows. To name a few, Reel Big Fish is the band that we’ve been listening to since we started our band and Beat Union is also a super cool band that brings the UK flavor to the Warped Tour. I also love Aggrolites, TAT and Bedouin Sound...their music gives me goose bumps!


RnRnMN: There are a lot of bands to choose from. Why should someone see Oreskaband?

L: Because our music makes you happy. Warped Tour would certainly make your day happy but we make it even happier and more fun. If you’re happy, we’ll make you happier and if you’re feeling down, let’s dance and have a blast together!


RnRnMN: Tell me about the movie, Lock and Roll Forever.

L: We are the lead character and play ourselves, Oreskaband. It was filmed in U.S. and Japan and although it’s based on our experience, the story is a fiction. It’s a story about Oreskaband, a Japanese local band that has no one to believe in them but got a chance to go to America, trying to make it big against all odds with our love of music and through encounter with many people. We also recorded soundtrack to the movie so please look forward to it, too.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

L: We’ll go back to Japan and play some shows and release a new album. We haven’t released an album in 18 months so we want to bring our Japanese fans what we’ve felt and experienced in the past 18 months through the new record. We also got signed by an American label so hopefully the new record will be released in America, too. And of course, we’ll be back to the States to do a tour so please come see us then!



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Travis of From First to Last

From First to Last is following up the Spring release of their self-titled album on Suretone Records with a summer-long stint on the Warped Tour. On the verge of breaking through to the next level, vocalist/guitarist Travis Richter took a few minutes to tell me what's going on with the band and what's in store for the future.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

T: Greeeeat!


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

T: It was a chance to play with a bunch of great bands and hang with good people. It has definitely lived up to my expectations and beyond!


RnRnMN: How does the Warped Tour compare to playing smaller shows?

T: It’s outdoors and you can easily get a bunch of new fans from the people just happening to walk by while you play.


RnRnMN: You seem to finally have yur line-up solidified. How does being on grueling schedule like the Warped Tour affect the dynamics within the band?

T: It makes us come together more and it makes us more on our ‘A’ game since we never know what time we are playing each day.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

T: Four Year Strong.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

T: Because of my short shorts.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

T: Well due to my current status, ending my long term relationship with Craig Beasley, I don’t mind the AT&T sponsorship. I wouldn’t mind it less if they gave us free phones. (laughs)


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

T: Taking a vacation to Costa Rica, aka my home in Orlando, FL.




Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Mike Ruocco of Cinder Road

The Warped Tour, having expanded beyond its punk rock base, brought along hard rock band Cinder Road. The tour stop in Columbia, MD was a bit of a homecoming for the Baltimore band. I got the chance to see how things are going on the tour and what they have coming up.


RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

MR: Warped tour has been a very different experience for us coming from the rock world. It is a great look into the true DIY scene.


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

MR: We were given the opp to join Warped from Kevin Lyman. We gladly accepted and looked at his opp as a new challenge for us to conquer. So far is has been a good experience.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has clearly gotten away form being a primarily punk festival this year. As one of the hard rock bands that joined the tour this year, do you feel like it's given you the opportunity to reach a new audience?

MR: Yes definitely. We have had the opp t reach a whole new audience unfamiliar with our music. This is a big goal for us anytime we tour.


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for? How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

MR: No we recently spent 2 months on the road with KISS playing stadiums and arenas so it is not the biggest crowds we have played to. However your crowd is soley dependent on your advertising abilities and who is competing for a crowd during your time slot.


RnRnMN: How was it coming home to play the Warped Tour stop in Maryland?

MR: It was great to visit home and see some familiar faces. We can't wait to go back!


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

MR: Anberlin or Story of the Year are personal favs for me.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

MR: We bring a different musical style and sound to warped. Hopefully the fans are open to new experiences.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

MR: I know that I'd like to have a corp sponsor if that answers your question.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

MR: We are scheduled to go out with Alice Cooped for some shows and then its down to writing a new record!



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Kristina Grossmann of Rock for Health

One of the great things about the Warped Tour is its desire to showcase activist and charitable organizations. Rock for Health is one such organization whose goals center around health care and advice for musicians who are frequently without any resources. Kristina Grossmann, president of Rock for Health, answered a few questions about the organization and its presence on the tour.

RnRnMN: You are a relatively new organization, formed in October of last year. How much have you been able to accomplish in the last 10 months?

KG: ROCK FOR HEALTH has accomplished a great amount in the last 10 months. By December of last year, when we were two months old, we already had Warped Tour confirmed. We received an invitation to SXSW this year, have done numerous press such as FUSE TV and Radio&Records Magazine, locked down a few tours, and have helped countless artists! The organization is growing very quickly - I'm very pleased!


RnRnMN: With the election this year and health care being an increasingly big issue at the state and federal levels, do you do (or hope to do) any advocacy work?

KG: Part of RFH's mission statement is advocating health and preventative care for artists. The biggest misconception about my organization is that we are an insurance provider -which we are not. We partner up with health insurance and health benefit agencies to help artists get affordable care. In advocating preventative care, we work with nutritional companies and other health companies to educate and offer artists healthy alternatives. I created a tour manual for artists that contains locations of free clinics, hospitals, ambulance services, pharmacies, ear/nose/throat doctors, chiropractors - you get the gist - in every major touring city. It also has information on how to stay healthy on the road, such as tour exercises and what to eat when at a gas station. RFH is an organization that makes people thing - "Why didn't I think of that?"


RnRnMN: Is your goal strictly health advice for musicians or do you hope to ultimately provide a means for musicians to obtain health insurance?

KG: One of the companies that we work with is a health benefit agency called MEDILINQ. We have a plan with MEDILINQ that for $39.95 a month, a whole entire band up to 15 members receives 40-60% off on prescription drugs, doctor visits, dental, urgent care, chiropractors, etc. We have already signed a few bands up for this service and they absolutely love it. I had a client save over $600 on a root canal! I have since been dubbed "The Healthcare Angel."

RnRnMN: How has your presence with the Warped Tour helped?

KG: Warped Tour has helped RFH immensely! With over 130 bands on the tour and an average venue size of 15,000 kids, Warped has been great. The best part is seeing how fast the company grows everyday while on the tour. I get more and more people coming up to me on the tour telling me how they heard about us or how they saw a certain artist on the tour wearing one of our shirts. More and more kids buy shirts everyday, more and more artists wear the shirts everyday, and we are helping so many more people in such a short period of time that we ever would have been able to. It's very humbling meeting people that are so genuinely thankful for an organization like this, and seeing the happiness of bands when they find out that someone is
tackling an issue like this. We are the only non-profit on this tour that is for the musicians themselves. With so many bands on the tour and so many people within the scene with connections to other artists, this tour is a no-brainer.


RnRnMN: Have you been able to enjoy the music or has it been all work on the tour?

KG: With me, it's always all work! But I love it. I absolutely get to watch bands on the tour - especially the bands that I am working with. Some of them are so hard to find that sometimes finding them at their set is the only option! I show them support for their support of ROCK FOR HEALTH.


RnRnMN: How do you envision Rock for Health growing over the next few years?

KG: In the future, I would like to have the funds to sponsor research on musician related illnesses, such as an ear/nose/throat doctor studying a singers vocal chords. I'm going to be having ROCK FOR HEALTH sponsored tours, benefit shows, etc, as well as being able to donate money to artists who are in some sort of health bind.


RnRnMN: Other than donations, how can fans help?

KG: To make a donation, you can visit our webpage or myspace. Donations are tax-deductible! Buying tee-shirts also helps, as that money goes into helping the artists. Fans can help by adding me on myspace and volunteering at shows and tours that we participate in. Everything from handing out fliers, posting our banner on your site, wearing tee shirts, to telling people about the organization helps us out so much!



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See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem

When you go to a fest like the Warped Tour, there's so many bands that you have to make choices, but the Gaslight Anthem made it easy, because there wasn't anything that could trump catching their set. After a listen to their upcoming album, The '59 Sound, I had high expectations and the band met them. I had a chance to catch up with singer Brian Fallon to find out how the Warped Tour was (this was their last date) and what's up next for them (and a little talk about Springsteen).



RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

BF: The Warped Tour was pretty fun for us. It was hot, but of course it was hot, it's July! We were in a van and trailer, but hey, we make due. We had a good time.


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

BF: We did it to see the Bronx for free. We just wanted to do it. It's all about gaining experiences when you're a touring band and the warped tour is definitely an experience. It's really a pretty good time if you don't sit around and complain all day about the heat.


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for? How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

BF: Actually we were on one of the smallest stages. We get much bigger crowds on our own tours. We really had to fight to get seen, so we just turned the live show up a notch and it worked. By the last day, there were a lot of kids watching us.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

BF: The Bronx, the Bronx, the Bronx. Amazing!


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

BF: You won't see any other band doing what we do live. I'm not saying we're the best, I'm just saying we're making a noise you don't hear so often nowadays. We've got our hands in the Motown pot. That's where we're drawing from.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

BF: I don't know man. I don't think everything can be mom and pop, but truthfully, I'm not into all that. That's jive to me. To me, it's about treating people right. I haven't gotten that perfect yet myself. When I do, then I'll start pointing fingers. For now, I'm busy trying to sort my own shortcomings out. Everything's sponsored, baseball, everything, but I'm not into all that though. I don't know AT&T from IPods. It's all out of my peripheral right now.


RnRnMN: Your new album, The 59 Sound, is like punk rock Springsteen. Do you guys like Springsteen a lot or is it just something that happens when you grow up in New Jersey?

BF: The Boss is the Boss applesauce.


RnRnMN: Springsteen is clearly not playing punk rock. How do you see the connection between Springsteen and punk? It seems like something that should have been done before. Why do you think that boat's been missed up until now?

BF: You watch live at Hammersmith Odean 1975 DVD and then you see punk rock. I don't think half the kids waving springsteen flags sound like Springsteen, I think there's a bit of a band wagon, tell 'em come down to Asbury Park and spend a few minutes here, then we can talk Bruce.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

BF: We're going to Australia tomorrow and then Redding and Leeds, then the US from fall to winter. We're road tested, mother approved. Plus, we can't get no real jobs.



Website

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See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Dillan Wheeler of A Cursive Memory

Barely out of high school, A Cursive Memory is one of several young bands on the Warped Tour. Don't be fooled by their age though, because these guys are already making waves with their debut full-length, Changes, and the fabulous success of their video for the single "Everything." Here's drummer Dillan Wheeler's take on the band's Warped Tour experience.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

DW: A Cursive Memory and the Warped Tour go together better than cheese and crackers. If I had one criticism, it would be the heat on the east coast is too intense, to which I suggest Kevin Lyman turn the sun down a little bit next time.


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

DW: We had never done it before and the fact that we were able to play this year made it a done deal. We are just happy to be here. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for? How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

DW: We have been lucky enough to play to pretty big crowds. The Bamboozle Road Show treated us really nicely in that department. The only difference is with those shows we were a small, new band and got to play for a lot of people who had not heard us before. The cool thing about this tour is that we have had plenty of people stop by, just to see us, when there are other bands playing at the same time. It is encouraging to know that people want to come watch us and it really makes our day.


RnRnMN: You guys are among the tours youngest bands. What benefit do you think there has been for you in touring with bands who have been around longer and have more experience?

DW: Playing with older more experienced bands really makes you check yourself. We got to see how they prepare for a show, the way they transition between songs, how they organize among themselves on stage, and the business aspect of it all. It allows us to constantly reevaluate how we play personally and together as a band.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

DW: It is way too hard for me to choose one band that is the “best”, but here have been my favorites to watch: Say Anything, Jack’s Mannequin, Set Your Goals, Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Dr. Manhattan. I love watching Dr. Manhattan. They are absolutely nuts and I love it.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has been called "punk rock summer camp" in the past. Not really being a punk band, do you think that's still an accurate description of the tour? Does it create any tension with so many different kinds of artists? Are there any cliques?

DW: There definitely are cliques, but none of these groups are completely closed off. I haven’t noticed much tension between groups either. It just doesn’t seem like the kind of issue it was in the past where one band was talking trash about another band playing right next to them (i.e. NOFX vs. Underoath). Maybe I just have not been around it if it is happening. Naturally, bands of the same genre know of each other and tend to hang out the most together. I would still say it is like “punk rock summer camp.” No, we are not a “punk band,” although we do incorporate some aspects of the genre into our songs. The truth of the matter is that if there is a band that you think is not “punk” enough to be on the Warped tour, the REAL punk thing to do is not care.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

DW: People should come see us because if they don’t, they are not invited to my birthday party.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

DW: It is necessary I guess. For all I know the AT&T sponsorship is funding the stage that my favorite band is playing on, so it would be very bold of anyone to yell "sellout."


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

DW: Since we hop off warped tour on the east coast, we are hitting shows on the way back home from 7/29-8/9 and we are getting our fall shows lined up. More soon!



Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Shwayze

One of several hip-hop acts on the tour this year, Shwayze's laid back jams and good-time vibe stood out amongst punk, hardcore and emo...and the ladies loved 'em.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

S: Warped has been really cool.. I think over the years its become more diverse, which is great for a group like us. We'll play in between two hardcore bands and still have our fan base in full effect, also we get to touch fans that may not normally be exposed to our music.


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

S: When we got the call to do Warped Tour we were stoked to do it. It's been a lot of fun.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

S: I have to say my boys in 3OH!3, these rappers out of Denver Colorado. Check them out!

RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

S: Because we're the dopest! And all the girls come to our stage!


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

S: A necessary evil. I mean the tour has been going on for 15 years. They must be doing somthing right! Right?


RnRnMN: When you guys played, girls went crazy. It was like you guys were the Beatles. What's up with that?

S: Ha ha. I dont know. Girls were the inspiration while making the record so I would only hope they come to the show.


RnRnMN: I'm a happily married guy. I don't drink or smoke pot. What does Shwayze have to offer me?

S: You don't have to drink or smoke pot to have a good time. Our DJ Skeet Skeet is straight edge, so if you come hang he'll be sober with you and as far as the wife goes...you gotta resist your own temptation playa! Ha ha!


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

S: Another tour! We have some shows lined up with Tyga and Sean Kingston. Also, our TV Show premiers on MTV July 23rd and our record comes out August 19th. Keep an eye out for Shwayze!



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Donovan Welsh of Animo

Animo is one of the Warped Tour's younger bands, but this isn't their first time out. A few years ago, they lobbied Kevin Lyman directly for a shot at playing and they've been out each year since. Here's what bassist Donovan Welsh had to say about this year's tour and what the band is up to otherwise.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

DW: Its been pretty rad. The shows have been great and we have had a limited amount of rain out here. The days are long but its so much fun.


RnRnMN: You had to track down Kevin Lyman to get your first Warped Tour gig. How crucial was that to you as a band?

DW: It was one of the most if not the most crucial part of us keeping the band going. The Warped Tour is the perfect place for a band like ours. The audience knows that there will be new bands to check out, and they are geared towards our type of music. Kevin Lyman allows that to happen.


RnRnMN: How have things on the tour changed since those days?

DW: The bands change but the enviroment has always been cool. The biggest difference I think would be gas prices as they affect evrything to do with touring.


RnRnMN: How does paying to the big Warped Tour crowds compare to playing smaller shows?

DW: Playing Warped Tour is totally different as you have to "win over" the crowd. The competiton out here is thick, and you have a bunch of different stuff happening.


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

DW: Against Me! is the best sounding band out here, they are nearly perfect everyday.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

DW: Our show rules! Well, you are going to have fun at our show, thats for sure. We give it our all everyday out here and it shows.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

DW: I feel fine about it as it helps keep the ticket prices low and that means kids who don't normally go to shows to see new bands will be at Warped. Where else can you see that many bands for a low price?


RnRnMN: Blood in the Water has been out a few weeks. How has the reaction been?

DW: The reaction has been awesome. The record is selling well and kids are really into the new songs live. The record has been getting really great reviews so thats good.


RnRnMN: Tell me one good story from this year's tour.

DW: They have a sumo wrestling tournament once a week out here with those big suits. Brian, our guitar, player entered the other night and destroyed everyone. The matches are 2 out of 3 and Brian didn't lose once, it was so funny.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

DW: We are up for a few tours and waiting to hear whats happening with that. But look for us to be on the road in the fall!



Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Aaron Barrett of Reel Big Fish

Reel Big Fish were right in the thick of that third wave of ska ten or so years back, but they're one of the few bands to not only stick around, but to still be vital and their Warped Tour performance on Columbia, MD on July 16th was evidence of that. Singer Aaron Barrett gave me some feedback on why they're still going strong and how the tour has been thus far.


RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

AB: We are having an amazing time on the warped tour! Awesome crowds, lots of great bands and lots of stuff to keep us busy every day!


RnRnMN: How many times have you played the Warped Tour and how has it changed over the years? How does this year compare?

AB: I don't know if it’s just been so long that I don't remember or what but it just seems that the whole thing runs a whole lot more smoothly than ever! The catering is a thousand times better than ever too!


RnRnMN: Ten years ago, ska bands were everywhere, but not so much now. What do you have that's kept you around when so many of your peers have fallen by the wayside?

AB: I think the important thing that has kept us around and going strong is that we never listened to the record company, we listened to the fans! The record labels would cluelessly ask for "modern rock singles" and mixes of songs with "the horns turned off," but we always stuck to what WE wanted to do and we knew that the fans were there supporting us and loving what we did too!


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

AB: Against me, Oreskaband, Gil Mantera's Part Dream


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

AB: Well, luckily for us, a lot of people know about our band and have heard the name, so that might draw them over to our stage while we're playing. Also, our reputation of being fun and entertaining helps bring people over too!


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

AB: Well it has always had corporate sponsors like Vans and such, it's just a way to get more money so that the production is better and everybody can enjoy the experience that much more. It does get kind of annoying to be constantly aurally and visually assaulted by ads everywhere, but that's just the world we live in right now, I guess.
___________________________________________________________

Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Jason LaRocca of the Briggs

I was able to catch up with Briggs' guitarist Jason LaRocca to find out how the tour was going, what the reaction has been to their new album, Come All You Madmen, and what's up next.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

JL: Been good, we have our crew of bands that we are having a great time with; The Aggrolites, Against Me!, The Bouncing Souls, Reel Big Fish. It's going very well.


RnRnMN: Have you played Warped Tours in the past? If so, how does this year compare?

JL: We have done bits and pieces of the tour since 2002. I would say that so far this one has been the toughest as far as the punk scene goes. There aren't that many of us out on the tour this year. So far I would say that 2007 was the best line up in my opinion. The tour this year is by no means however bumming me out. It's great. It isn't the same however without a band like Bad Religion on the tour.


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for?

JL: Some yes, some no. Sometimes we play very early and a lot of our fans miss our set. Sometimes you play right in the middle of the day and play for a thousand people or more.


RnRnMN: How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

JL: The smaller shows are great. They are intimate and always are a great time. It is fun though to be able to see so much music in the course of a single day. It's a different animal.


RnRnMN: How has the reaction been to the songs off the new album, Come All You Madmen?

JL: A lot better than I was expecting. Even before the record came out when we started the tour there were tons of kids singing along to the new songs. That is a great feeling!!


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

JL: Dillinger Escape Plan


RnRnMN: There are a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

JL: Well, in the first place someone who is coming to see a punk show only has about four bands to choose from this year. It actually makes the decision process nice and easy.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

JL: All I know is that I show up and there is a stage and a bunch of kids and we go completely fucking nuts and that's that. It doesn't really affect my world any different than any other "non-sponsored" show would. Maybe it's nicer to someone else's pocket? But not mine.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour used to be called "punk rock summer camp." It sounds like that's no longer an accurate description. Do you think this is the year that changed?

JL: Yes. We are the odd band out on this tour. It feels very strange. The Bouncing Souls are out for a few days though and that's cool. Other than that it's just us, The Aggrolites and Pennywise.


RnRnMN: Has it created hard feelings or dissension within the tour?

JL: Well I don't think that we are very well liked by most of the bands. We call out some of the bands we hate on tour while we are on stage. That hasn't gone over very well with some of the other bands on tour. Oh well!


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

JL: Leeds and Reading Fest in the UK with Rage Against The Machine!



Check out the Briggs' latest video for "Charge At The Sun".

Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Cory Brandan of Norma Jean

Norma Jean is no stranger to touring festivals. They're one of the few bands that have played both Ozzfest and the Warped Tour. I caught their set at the tour stop in Columbia, MD on July 16th and they tore it up. I got a chance to check in with vocalist Cory Brandan to see how the tour has been going and what else is going on with the band.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

CB: She has been really good to us. She makes us pancakes every morning and showers us with gifts… it’s been a good time needless to say.


RnRnMN: You've also played Ozzfest. How do the two tours compare? Do you have a preference?

CB: They don’t really, two totally different vibes. The age difference alone will make you explode… or at least think really hard about how different the ages are. I honestly prefer Warped though. We have had such a good response on this tour.


RnRnMN: What did you expect from the Warped Tour going in? Has it lived up to your expectations?

CB: We played five dates last year and loved it. We had no real expectations but whatever they were I am sure that they were surpassed. This tour rules. How much more do I need to pump up this tour really??


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

CB: I would definitely say Every Time I Die, they are some of our best friends in the world and it just so happens that they have one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get there and look at the schedule. Theres no way to see everyone. Why should someone see you?

CB: If you come see Norma Jean it will rain million dollar bills and ice cream. You won’t be hot at all and your God will suddenly know English. I don’t know… it’s a freakin party though.


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

CB: I have no problem with that at all. They are supporting this tour and these bands ultimately, including Norma Jean, so we have no complaints. I think it’s actually really great they are supporting music.


RnRnMN: For years, Christian rock meant things like Stryper and Petra as well as a host of Christian pop artists that just never seemed all that inspiring or intense. Over the last decade or so though, there seems to be an increasing number of Christian bands playing very heavy and intense music like Demon Hunter, Spitfire, you and others. What do you think accounts for that? Is there any conflict between rock and roll and Christianity?

CB: Not at all… something I always tell people is that a sound can’t hold a belief. Whether its whistling, clapping, humming or a riff. A sound can’t be Christian or non-Christian, good or evil. It’s music. The content behind the music is a different story, but even then we are no different from our peers… we sing about what we believe in as most bands do.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

CB: Our new record The Anti Mother comes out on August 5th in stores and online everywhere. We will be playing this years Revelation Generation festival in New Jersey, after that we be headlining the US on the Solid State Records tour this fall. Heck yeah!!

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Website

Myspace

See all of my coverage from the Warped Tour in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Warped Tour 2008 Interview: Chap Stique of Family Force 5

Family Force 5 have played all but a few dates on the Warped Tour since it began last month. Their brand of Voltron-inspired electro-punk certainly makes them one of the more unique bands on the tour. I got the chance to catch up with guitarist Chap Stique to see how things have been going.

RnRnMN: How has the Warped Tour been treating you?

CS: It's been incredible! Warped has seen the debut of the Family Force 5000, a 6 foot-tall, 760-pound drum machine that inhales electricity and exhales lightning. It looks like a giant NASA experiment that illuminates when you punch it. So the question isn't, how as the Warped Tour treated us..." it's really, "How has the Family Force 5000 treated Warped Tour?"


RnRnMN: What made you decide to join the Warped Tour this year? Has it lived up to your expectations?

CS: The catering rules, the crowds are insane, and the water comes in a can, so it was a no-brainer decision for us. Warped has certainly lived up to our expectations, but the distinct detail in our tank-top tans has been the most awe-inspiring part thus far.


RnRnMN: Are these the biggest crowds you've played for? How does it compare to playing smaller shows?

CS: No, our crowds were a bit bigger on the Van Halen, U2, Devo, Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones, and Family Force 5 tour. We headlined.

We have a blast playing anywhere. Three years ago, our band played a show in Pittsburgh for two people. We bought a bunch of He-man action figures and threw them around the club while we danced on tables and sprinted in circles. It was one of the most amazing shows we've ever done!


RnRnMN: Who is the best band you've seen on the Warped Tour this year?

CS: Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. Those guys kill it every day. They throw a football with the crowd and smash cans on one another's faces throughout the show. Soul Glow sang with them sans shirt last night because Dallas (their lead vocalist) was sick. Crouton and I played air-guitar and stage-dove during the last song.

I also like Norma Jean, Cobra Starship, Story of the Year, and Katy Perry.


RnRnMN: There's a lot of bands to choose from. It's overwhelming when you get here and look at the schedule. Why should someone see you?

CS: Because we dress up in Voltron-esque spacesuits! We also have the biggest drum machine in the universe, and our lead singer wears silver hulk fists that glow in the dark. We have a professional dancer named Xanadu...nobody else has that.

Somebody once said, "Watching Family Force 5 is like watching 5 A-D-D kids who forgot to take their Ritalin and broke into the Red Bull truck." That's a pretty accurate description, except now it's progressed to being like 5 A-D-D kids in the future that forgot to take their electrons, and their shocking the system!


RnRnMN: The Warped Tour has corporate sponsors like AT&T. How do you feel about that? Is it a good thing, a necessary evil or a sellout?

CS: Although a lot of Warped Tour kids don't think it's "punk" to create a partnership with a company (I respect and understand this stance), they don't realize that without the help of companies like AT&T, Hurley, and Monster, their favorite bands aren't able to eat. It's definitely crappy when bands or tours become overly corporate and lose their identities or compromise their beliefs, but partnering with other companies is essential in an era in which record labels are dying and album sales are plummeting. Sponsors are the new labels, and without them, artists won't be able to tour or record.


RnRnMN: You're considered a Christian band, but your songs contain little overt Christian lyrics. Is that by design or just the way you write? Do feel like you can reach more people by keeping the direct religious references to a minimum?

CS: Christian music has pigeon-holed itself into a predictable formula, and we strive to break out of that mold. God is much bigger than JPM (Jesus' per minute)'s and watered-down, cuss-word-free versions of mainstream pop music. We try to convey that in our message. Jesus didn't simply give answers: he spoke in enigmatic parables that made people think. We feel that Christianity and Christian music should do the same.

Family Force 5 tries to be real and to be relevant. We have written a lot of songs about faith and spiritual experiences ("Luv Addict," "Replace Me," "Radiator," "Face Down," "Never Let Me Go," etc.), but plenty of our tunes are about break-dancing and ex-girlfriends! Our hearts don't desire to have big alter-calls. We'd rather hug a kid who might not normally get a hug than beat him or her over the head with a Bible. We don't believe that statistics reach people the way relationships do, so we spend a lot of time writing our fans, hanging out with them, and giving them high-5's. We find a lot of significance in these interactions.


RnRnMN: Christian bands have made serious inroads into both the punk and metal scenes. What bands do you think have done the most to accomplish that? How do you see your role in that scene?

CS: Stryper, DC Talk, and Jars of Clay were some of the first Christian rockers to gain acceptance from the mainstream audience. They paved the way for the next stream of bands like MXPX, Blindside, and Zao. Now, it's becoming more and more common for spiritual bands to appear on tours like Warped, Ozzfest, etc. Underoath, Norma Jean, The Devil Wears Prada, Anberlin, and countless others are continuing to accomplish similar feats, but each in their own unique way.

Throughout this gradual growth, we have watched the purpose of Christian music change. It used to serve as a safe alternative that allowed kids to listen to music without foul language or explicit material. Now, we hope that it goes much deeper and follows an inclusive approach that allows people to connect on deep, personal levels. We want Family Force 5 to resonate with anybody, and to be relevant to people of any faith, race, gender, or galaxy. We don't want to sound melodramatic, but we're a part of a movement, and we hope that the movement will tear away the box that has been put around "Christian" culture and music. Family Force 5 would rather see the word “Christian” be used as a noun than an adjective.


RnRnMN: What should we expect from the new album, Dance or Die? When will it be available?

CS: Bombs, lasers, explosions, aliens, robots, and love. It's available August 19 in Hot Topic, Best Buy, Wal Mart, iTunes, and hopefully many other locations.


RnRnMN: What are your plans after the Warped Tour?

CS: We start our headlining club tour (called Dance Rawr Dance II) on October 6. It will feature Play Radio Play, Ultraviolet Sound, and Danger Radio. We just had a production meeting for the tour last night, and it's going to be crazier than a Kiss show!

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Website

See all of my coverage from Warped Tour date in Columbia, MD on July 16, 2008 here.

Interview: Trever Keith

Trever Keith has worn many hats over the years. His band, Face to Face, was one of the best pop punk bands of the 90s and 00s. He mashed up punk and hip-hop with Legion of Doom. He even runs his own record label. I recently had the chance to get some of Trever's insights into all the facets of music that he touches.

RnRnMN: Face to Face has recently done some reunion shows. How has the response been? What's it like being reunited after five years apart?

TK: The response has been overwhelming. Such an amazing vibe coming back from the live audiences. It's like nothing we've ever experienced.

RnRnMN: You've played a number of roles over the course of your musical career: band member, producer, mash-ups, solo artist, label owner, etc. What are the ups and downs of each?

TK: The job descriptions that require creativity are the most rewarding (band member, solo artist, producer, etc) because even if they don't ultimately pay much, they are satisfying in their own right. The flipside is that criticism feels personal.

Owning a label is a lot like work. I pretty much hate it and I'm not sure how much longer I will continue to do it.

RnRnMN: You chose to release Melancholics Anonymous digitally. What went into that decision? Will the album ever have a hard-copy release?

TK: The "release" of Melancholics Anonymous is really not official. I look at it as more of a pre-release. I wanted to get the music out there to the fans first. Making it available digitally via my website allowed me to do that almost immediately after it was completed. I did also press up 1,000 hand numbered and signed limited edition CDs which I sold out on the road at the shows.

I plan a more official release of the CD with new artwork etc and most likely some bonus material.

RnRnMN: The price of digital music seems to vary widely. iTunes and Rhapsody want $0.89 a track (making a whole album the same price as buying a CD); A lot of digital releases fall into the $8-10 range; Radiohead let fans pick their price; some give it away for free. You're selling the new album for $5. How did you come up with that
price in a market that seems to have no real pricing standard?

TK: It seemed a fair price to me. I just asked myself what I would be comfortable paying for a download-able album.

RnRnMN: I was surprised that Melancholics didn't have a real pop-punk sound. Instead, you seemed to delve more into Brit pop influences. Was there anything you were listening to a lot of as you wrote the album that influenced its sound?

TK: I've been a long time fan of bands like The Smiths, The Cure, The Psychedelic Furs, Echo and The Bunnymen, etc. So I think this album afforded me the opportunity to sort of channel those influences in a way that F2F never could.

RnRnMN: The album's title certainly sets some expectation of emo leanings, but many emo bands can't seem to avoid being over-dramatic. Your album is emotional, yet avoids crossing that line. How did you accomplish that?

TK: Because I really have no idea what "emo" music means. I just wrote songs that reflected my own thoughts and feelings. I also don't think that any style of music has the market cornered on certain terminology in the English language.

RnRnMN: What's on the horizon for you as a solo artist? For Face to Face?

TK: A whole lot of live performances for the foreseeable future.

Website

Check out the review of Melancholics Anonymous.

Interview: Jon and Mimi Fee of Parks & Records

Every indie label has its niche, but Parks & Records also has a mission. They've combined a commitment to great music with the broader purpose of making the world a better (and greener) place. Having just made their first release, the self-titled Carcrashlander album, earlier this year, Parks & Records is now poised for the release of the debut of Shuteye Unison, featuring label-owner Jon Fee and other alumni of the great but often overlooked Rum Diary. In addition to his time in Rum Diary, Jon also released on of the great compilations series of all time: Translation Music. He has now formed Parks & Records with his wife Mimi and they recently welcomed the latest member of the Parks & Records family, their son Charlie River. In addition to using cardboard sleeves rather than plastic jewel cases, Parks & Records also made donations to the National Arbor Day Foundation, National Forest Foundation and Friends of the Urban Forest. Theirs will hopefully become a model of a successful and ethical business strategy for other like-minded labels. I recently had the chance to get some insight into Parks & Records from Jon and Mimi:


RnRnMN: Parks and Records seems to be unique in its focus. There have been plenty of labels where community took precedence over profit, but your particular focus on the environment seems like a new angle. How did you come up with the idea?

Jon: Our focus didn't come to play until we started to model our business plan. I was actually in business school at the time pursuing my MBA. From previous experience and interaction with labels while playing in The Rum Diary, I knew two things were certain about indie labels; 1.) they don't last and, 2.) the cash outflow always leads to the demise. With that in mind, Mimi and I set hard defined budget constraints and then backed in our business model. The following steps involved a lot of "what if" scenarios and questioning what it really means to be a label and how we could add the most value to our bands. Anyway, when all was said and done we had developed a model that worked within our budget constraints and the output was a very eco-friendly product. We like to think we found the balance between planet and profit.

Interestingly enough, I recently read a quote from Jeff Bezos (CEO of Amazon) that said something like, the lack of resources breeds innovation. Although Parks and Records would never claim to be an innovative label, we would agree that the lack of cash flow forced us to think out of the box. Just think about how much great music came from the lack of resources – instruments, recording equipment, etc.

Last but not least, we always wanted to give back and it just made sense to work with non-profit organizations like the National Forest Foundation or Friends of the Urban Forest. Both Mimi and I love to be outside, hike, and explore national parks. Fortunately this is something we also have in common with a lot of musicians - probably because touring is a lot like camping.


RnRnMN: Are there any labels that have inspired you in your vision for Parks and Records?

Mimi: Lots of labels have been inspirational. Especially those that consistently release great albums while staying true to their bands and fans. If you want specifics, I would say our greatest inspiration comes from the courage of K, the brains of Dischord, and the heart of Merge.


RnRnMN: What effect do you think your environmental goals have on the music you release?

Jon: From a business perspective, our environmental goals set interesting boundaries for the label - especially when it comes to packaging. The whole existence of Parks and Records relies on the quality of each releases - quality in terms of song writing, musicianship, recording. At the end of the day we are selling music and if we compromise the quality, we compromise the label. Because of our size and commitment to eco-friendly packaging, every release must be solid.

From a community perspective, any artist we work with is going to be passionate about the great outdoors and their carbon footprint. Working with bands is much more enjoyable when you get along on multiple levels, not just music. So, anything we release will come from like minded artists who share our environmental perspective.

Along the way we have noticed that a lot of bands are quite resourceful and eco-friendly. My favorite example is when Cory from Carcrashlander has to recycle all of his beer cans so he can gas up his van to head out on tour. It's no wonder Carcrashlander was our first release!


RnRnMN: What do you look for in a band when you consider releasing their music?

Mimi: Well, we are an eco-friendly label with an emphasis on friendly. The band must share the ethos of the label, be good friendly people, passionate, and great song writers. It is very important to us to build a community amongst our roster so we like to make sure the current roster approves the new addition - kinda like an indie Board of Directors. Unlike other labels, we could careless about how much you tour, who you know, and how cool you look.

Jon: It's much more important for us to work with artists who are capable of writing and recording great songs versus doing whatever is hot at the moment. People love good music and love their alone time with good music. As a label, we are really targeting the headphone brigade first and show goers second. I really want us to release those songs that people really hold on to for their own reasons.


RnRnMN: If you could have five bands, past or present, on your dream roster, who would they be?

Jon: (Mimi's list would be all classic rock: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Stones, etc.)

American Analog Set - It's hard to believe that such a gentle and brilliant Farfisa driven indie pop band was spawned from the same state as W. I guess it's big enough to have both heaven and hell.

Drive Like Jehu - Yank Crime! Need I say more?

Fugazi - Own all their releases and have only seen them once. The show was unbelievable. Ironically, Anthony Keidis was watching from the side of the stage and the next Chili Peppers album started sounding like Fugazi! At least to me.

Superchunk - I recently met their drummer. He was a very nice guy. I should have asked when the Chunk is going to return with a new album and tour, but I didn't. Superchunk has always been a staple in our music collection.

The Wrens – Love these guys. Just a bunch of old indie rockers playing every note like their life depended on it.


RnRnMN: Who is the greenest candidate running for president in 2008?

Jon: Who knows? There's a lot of motion on various green topics, but it's just hot air if it doesn't turn to action. I think all candidates right now are telling Joe Public exactly what he wants to hear and since "green" is red hot, a lot of promissory statements are being made.


RnRnMN: What are five easy ways that the average person can be more eco-friendly?

Mimi: Without regurgitating the most common tips like recycle and don't use plastic bags, the following five are still just as easy.

1. Get involved with a non-profit like Friends of the Urban Forest and donate your time. It's not going to cost you a cent, you're going to meet some really great people, you're going to learn something, and you're going to make a difference.
2. Plan your days to ensure you drive less and still manage to get everywhere you need to go.
3. Consume less. Think about stuff before you buy it. Do you really need it? Can you make do with the old one in the back of the closet? Can you borrow one from a friend? Can you just go without?
4. Shop at thrift stores. Goodwill not Landfill!
5. Support Parks and Records. All of our releases are eco-friendly, affordable, and of the highest quality!

RnRnMN: Congratulations on the recent birth of your son. Does becoming a parent change anything about the way you view the label as well the label's broader goals?

Jon: Thank you. A parent? (lol!) That one can still catch us both off guard. Believe it or not, the birth of Charlie River has really encouraged us to work harder at growing Parks and Records into a viable business. It's something we are both really proud of and would like to see our son participate in.


RnRnMN: Right now, you have the Carcrashlander out and Shuteye Unison is coming soon. What else is on the horizon for the label?

Mimi: A Christmas/Holiday Compilation is on the horizon! We are currently accepting songs for consideration. Thus far we have a healthy handful of great artist committing songs from the US and the UK. Compilations are a little tricky because they are like herding cats so we both have our fingers crossed on a successful 2008 release. Other than the compilation, we are always looking for bands and if time permits we may make our way into the studio and record a Mijuanito album.


RnRnMN: How do you measure success for Parks and Records?

Mimi: Hopefully we always measure success based on how much fun we are having. Of course Jon monitors the metrics of the business, but that is all secondary to having fun. Our current goal is to make sure every new release either raises the bar of the previous release or at least meets the bar. We are also looking to build a core fan base of 100 like minded individuals. Maybe you would like to be one?


Thanks to Jon and Mimi for the interview. Check out the Parks & Records website and befriend them on Myspace.

Interview: THe BAcksliders

THe BAcksliders tap into a wild tradition of Texas rock n roll, mixing garage rock and girl group pop into a manic, melodic ride. Their new album, You're Welcome will be out on June 3rd. I recently had a chance to get a bit of the inside scoop on the band from Chris and Jason Bonner.

RnRnMN: You're Welcome is your second album. How was making this album different than the first one?

Chris: With the first album we were just kinda finding our way. The songs were all over the place. It was made up of a lot of songs Kim,Jason(my brother and new bass player), and I had before hand. With the new album we have found more of our own sound.

RnRnMN: The new album is self-released. What are the challenges faced in releasing an album on your own? What are the benefits?

Chris: Their are many challenges in releasing albums yourself. The first of which is the money. It is always twice as expensive as you think. The other major challenge is making sure everyone involved is doing their job. The most important benefit is quality control.

RnRnMN: Once the album is out, is there a tour planned? If so, what areas do you plan to hit?

Chris: We tour constantly. Our goal is to play 300 days a year, so we will be coming to a town near you soon!

RnRnMN: What are your shows like? What kind of crowd do you typically attract?

Chris: Our shows are at the center of what we do. THe BAcksliders are like a sweaty juggernaut that doesn't ease up until last call. Our crowd varies, generally people who like rock and roll and wanna get effed up.

RnRnMN: Texas has a wild musical tradition. How do the BAcksliders fit into that?

Jason: Texas has a tradition of musical outsiders much like that of Memphis, where Chris and I are from. Doug Sahm, Willie Nelson, etc.... Those guys reinvented the musical landscape mostly by just remembering "the song". Staying true to a well written tune. That what's missing from a lot of music today and what it is I believe THe BAcksliders are doing.

RnRnMN: Do you feel that each of you brings a unique influence to the band or is it your common influences that create your sound?

Chris: We are mostly into the same sort of stuff but above all our respect for song craft creates our sound.

RnRnMN: What do you see as your non-musical influences?

Chris: Adversity.

RnRnMN: Do you expect to "make it" or is success a less measurable thing for you?

Chris: In my mind we have already made it. We just want to produce more work and tour more often.

RnRnMN: Pick your favorite from each pair:
1. Beatles versus Stones
2. The Ronettes versus the Shangri-Las
3. Big Star versus the Replacements
4. MC5 versus the Stooges
5. White Stripes versus Black Keys

Chris:
1. The Beatles ( quitting while your ahead)
2. The Ronettes ( Be My Baby, I mean come on)
3. Big Star ( ain't no one gonna turn us 'round)
4. MC5 ( Kick out the Jams M****RF*****S)
5. White Stripes

Thanks to Chris and Jason for the interview. Check out You're Welcome on June 3rd! See THe BAcksliders' site for details.

Website

Myspace

Interview: Bad Habit

I recently had a chance to interview Joe Michelizzi, singer for up and coming Maryland hardcore band Bad Habit. For a band that's been together only a short time, their demo was pretty exciting (and even had a touch of the silly). So, here's what Joe had to say:

RnRnMN: How long have you been together?

Joe: We haven't been together for very long. Technically we have been together since about July 2007. That is when we first got together and played music. It was only once though before Daniel, our drummer, went to Boston for about a month for a summer program at Berklee. He came back sometime in August and that is when we began to practice regularly and tried writing our own music. So I guess it has been about seven months or so. I feel, and hopefully others do to, that we have come a long way in that time.

RnRnMN: Do you have experience in previous bands?

Joe: All of us have previous experience in other bands. I have the least experience though, having only sang in one other band called Strange Days, more of a modern hardcore band. We didn't play very many shows and we weren't very good but it was fun nonetheless and definitely very worth the time and effort. Matt, our bassist, and Anthony, our guitarist, have been in and out of bands together since high school. They were also both in Strange Days. They were also in a metalcore band in high school called Ink the Heart. Daniel is the youngest of us all but is easily the best musician out of all of us. He played with a punk band early in high school called Shug Clowns and up until recently a metalcore band called For Better For Worse. We're lucky to have him. It is so hard finding a drummer, and a good one at that.

RnRnMN: What band or album got you into punk/hardcore?

Joe: Integrity and Ten Yard Fight. Nah, I'm gonna be honest, I haven't been in the hardcore community for a very long time, a couple years at most. I remember Dookie by Green Day being the first cd i ever bought, and I picked up Punk In Drublic by NOFX when i was about thirteen or fourteen. I still listen to that album all the time. I have to thank Minor Threat, The Descendents, and my brother though for getting me into hardcore. My brother went to college with some hardcore kids and he played bass so they all formed a band name Bail Out! even though he knew nothing about hardcore and wasn't a fan. I was a junior in high school when they started and that's when I started getting into everything. In early 2005, I took a day off of school and went on a weekend tour with Bail Out!. One of the shows they played was with Ruiner, Van Damage, and The Spark. It was at that show when I realized this shit was for me. I still remember everything about the show. Anyway, enough about me. I asked Anthony for his input on the question and he told me NOFX- Pump Up The Valuum did a lot for him and that My War by Black Flag was the angriest shit he ever heard and loved it. Daniel went with AFI, the Misfits, and Minor Threat. Matt, like always, was indecisive.

RnRnMN: Your sound is strongly rooted in early hardcore. What do you offer that's new?

Joe: I don't really like this question haha. I feel like answering it will force me to have a better opinion of my band than maybe I should, if that makes any sense? Also, I feel were equally influenced by the new as well as the old. Personally, I would say our biggest influences are Minor Threat, Black Flag, the Descendents, Outbreak, and Kid Dynamite. Its hard to bring something completely new and innovative to hardcore, a lot of shit has already been done time and time again and we don't want to just remake an old album. I guess what we are trying to do is bring some intensity back into the scene and play fast as shit, and there are definitely some good bands that are doing something similar.

RnRnMN: From the looks of your schedule, it seems you'll play shows at regular venues as well as basement shows. What are the ups and downs of both?

Joe: We play shows wherever we can get shows. Normally, we will only turn something down if one of the members can't make it to the show or we truly feel we don't fit or belong on a specific show. So far we have played in D.A.V./K.O.C. halls, basements, bars, holes in the wall, and of course Charm City Art Space. In April we are opening a show at the Ottobar on Modern Life Is War's farewell tour. That will probably be our biggest show to date. I don't really like playing on stages, I don't know why. Thats probably the only downside of a bigger venue for me. The only other downs of any show I can think of would just be a lack of kids showing up, and we have definitely played to next to no one before. I would say our basement shows tend to draw less kids than a show at a regular venue. Basement shows are so personal though, it is kind of hard to not get into the bands playing. However, we have also had really fun crowds, and that is what really makes it all worth it. There is no other feeling like seeing kids you don't know and will never meet sing songs that you wrote. But regardless of the crowd, shows are always fun because that is what it is all about. And if nothing else, at least we are getting in some extra practice.

RnRnMN: Have you had the opportunity to tour or are you largely playing fairly local shows?

Joe: As of now, we are a generally local band. We have only played one out of state show and that was at Championship Records in Lemoyne, PA. We would love to play any out of state show and hopefully we can play a lot more in the future. Touring is definitely on our to do list. It is going to be very hard considering most of us have jobs and go to school full-time, but we are going to find a way to make it happen. We actually have a small weekend tour this May, and if we can all get the time off, we will be heading up to Massachusetts in early April. On May 9th we will be in Pittsburgh, PA at the Roboto Project with Pulling Teeth, Gray Ghost, and the Pyramid Scheme. On May 10th we will be in York, PA for a basement show with Pulling Teeth, Gray Ghost, Trapped Under Ice, and a new band Re-Ignition, who will be playing their first show. Nothing is official for May 11th, but there are a couple people looking into something for us, so we should have word on that soon. We also have a one off date in Richmond at Ramakins on May 24 with The Reserve and some other locals. So if anyone sees this, and wants to see us somewhere in VA,PA,NY,NJ or any other area relatively close...we are down.

RnRnMN: What are the upcoming plans for Bad Habit?

Joe: Other than playing shows in and out of state and working on new songs, Bad Habit doesn't really have any official plans. We are going to be making some t-shirts in the very near future. Right now, we are just trying to put the demo into the hands of everyone we can and get noticed. We send them out free to anyone who asks for one, but right now we are out. We should be making some more fairly soon. We're not trying to rush anything. We have only written three new songs since our demo came out, so its not like we are brimming with material for any releases. If a label were to show interest, we would definitely be interested, but we feel we haven't established ourselves enough to be looking into releasing a 7" or anything. I think a split with another band would definitely be awesome and lay the groundwork for our own release. So really, just listen for some new songs live and look for some shirts on the merch table.

RnRnMN: Has Natalie Portman heard "Israeli Girl?"

Joe: Why did I know something about Ms. Portman was going to come up? Yes it is true, I have an enormous crush on Natalie Portman, and unfortunately she has not yet heard the song, at least not to my knowledge. She could be a closet hardcore fan, I dunno...I sure hope so. Everyone keeps telling me to send it to a fan club or something, so if I get some extra time I will probably look into it. I mean, if she hears it, I'm totally in. There is no way the song isn't going to melt her heart, am I right?

RnRnMN: Pick your favorite from each pair:

Joe:
Pick my favorite from each pair...ugh.

• Beatles versus Stones - I am definitely going to go with the Stones on this one, mainly because I cannot get into the Beatles at all. Anthony will be very disappointed when he sees this...he is an enormous Beatles fan. Plus the Stones have "Paint It Black," and that song kills.
• Sex Pistols versus The Clash - Definitely The Clash, mainly because I own "London Calling" and own nothing from the Sex Pistols. To be honest, I'm not really a big fan of either. I'm such a shitty hardcore kid.
• Minor Threat versus Black Flag - This one is hard. I love both bands to death. I'm gonna have to go with Minor Threat though, mainly because like i said earlier, they played a big part in getting me into hardcore. Nothing at all against Black Flag though, they are equally amazing.
• NOFX versus The Descendents - This is my favorite one because both names popped up in the question about what got me into hardcore/punk. While Nofx will always hold a special place in my heart, I am going with The Descendents hands down. They are probably my favorite band ever. The Descendents are just sooooooooo good, you can't dislike them, and if you do...fight me. Also, it would be pretty stupid of me to choose Nofx when I have Descendents tattoos.
• Hot Water Music versus the Draft versus Chuck Ragan - Is it bad that I've never really listened much to any of them? I'm gonna go with Hot Water Music because they're the only one of the group I've heard. I'm not big on folk so I've never really checked out Ragan's solo stuff. Since I was never into HWM I've never even heard of the Draft until now.

Interview: Gypsy Pistoleros

The Gypsy Pistoleros would be pigeonholed into a genre that I usually dismiss, but that would be a mistake in this case. Sure, there were some great glam bands, but most of those still hanging around are just old men who can't admit their day has passed or young bands that want to recapture glam at its commercial peak (which happens to be its creative slump, surprise, surprise). The Pistoleros are another story. Not only do they add a Latin flair to their music, but they also play it with an intensity and a hunger that is too often absent not only from their genre, but from rock n roll in general. I had an opportunity to get a little bit of insight into what makes the Pistoleros tick from frontman Lee Pistolero.

RnRnMN: You guys successfully marry glam with Latin music. How did you come by that idea?

Lee: I was living in Zaragoza (Spain) in 1992 after running away from London (Lords of the New Church, Kill City Dragons years) & then L.A.! I started a band there, discovered flamenco & rumba pop (Spanish late 70's/early 80's gypsy pop). Loved it!! Everyone said it was sacrilege & that you couldn't play it in a rock n roll band! I've always hated someone telling me i can't!!! So we played a couple of flamenco/rumba tracks when we supported The Ramones in 1993 Spain & it worked!! It rocks up really well!

RnRnMN: Do you worry that you'll be viewed as a novelty rather than a serious band because of the glam/Latin angle?

Lee: Were the Gypsie Kings a novelty? Los Lobos?? We do what we do!! I think that original, unique is fukkin amazing in this World of the norm, safe!! Glam was fun! Music should be fun, escapism!! We are what we are!

RnRnMN: You seem to be pretty close to the fans. I see you posting on forums and having a lot of direct contact with people. How do you think that personal contact effects your music? Do you think you'll be able to maintain that level of contact as the band gets bigger?

Lee: Yes!! We'll break our bollocks to!! Personal contact means everything. They are great critics. They want you to succeed & they tell you the truth (from the heart). No greater critics or advisors. It's getting harder as the volume increases, but when you have more time for the bullshit people than the REAL people, you're lost anyway!

RnRnMN: How would you define success as a rock n roll band?

Lee: 2009, we headline Rocklahoma! A new band being supported by the old legends! Someone turns round & says "You know Hanoi Rocks, Motley Crüe, Gypsy Kings, they sound a bit like GYPSY PISTOLEROS!"

RnRnMN: What's the story with re-issuing the album? Why change the title for a remaster with two extra songs?

Lee: BAD REPUTATION are a very happening label! Evil Boy Records couldn't cope with the demand, so (we) licensed it to a real record label! We recorded two new tracks & remastered the old album! It was recorded & mixed, mastered in 14 days, eveything (Joe Gibb is a genius a we owe him!) We couldn't afford the orchestra for 'Moonchild!' The next album will be on a different level! That said, I love this ugly baby!!

RnRnMN: The original release sold well without major distribution. How is Para Siempre doing with a push from Bad Reputation?

Lee: No idea, the pressings were ready 24th January! I bloody hope it sells!!

RnRnMN: You have quite a few fans in the US. When will the album be available over here?

Lee: On import you can get it from Bad Reputation. We are in discussion with major U.K & U.S management & U.S Record Companies!! Hence us pulling out of our U.K & Euro Tour to demo the next album, etc!! Its killing us, but this deal is massive!!

RnRnMN: What's the scoop with Eric Stacy? Did you ever work with him or did the whole thing fall through before you got together?

Lee: Love Eric. We thought it could work but all he was interested in was $$$. Never even asked about the music?? We recorded the two new tracks as a four piece & it sounded great! So we didn't need him. (He didn't take it too well!)

RnRnMN: You're one of the few bands in the glam genre that is actually pushing the boundaries rather than living in the past. Is it frustrating having to open for bands that aren't doing much more than reliving past glory like at Rocklahoma?

Lee: I used to love L.A Guns, Pussycat, Bang Tango, etc. & still do! They just aren't as hungry as us neverhavebeens! We lived & died on those Euro dates onstage! Scenario- we sing in half Spanish/English, no one had heard of us in Austria, Budapest, Italy, Germany but we went for it (for the throat, like every gig was our first & last). Not a poster in Vienna, but an encore after they had to switch the disco off after the crowd went mad. Those are the nights that make you realize why you sleep in vans, don't eat, fuck up everyone you leave behind! When Chad Stewart comes out to the merch stand & announces "this is Chad Stewart from L.A Guns, (silence, then) over here with the GYPSY PISTOLEROS", then mania. In a City that had never even heard of your band 3 hours ago but now loves you. We returned to London with L.A. Guns after 2 Months on the road & were met by loads of people in Pistoleros t-shirts in the crowd (God, we loved them for that).

RnRnMN: I heard there would be a full US tour this year. Is that true? Will you be headlining or opening for a bigger act?

Lee: No idea bro! The politics & major interest means that it is out of our hands! We love the U.S. & have had a real backlash in the U.K. over it, but we will be back soon. Hopefully before ROK 08!

RnRnMN: Who do you think are the top acts in the glam scene today?

Lee: God, i thought long & hard! I used to love Hanoi Rocks, but our album just blows their new one away!! Crystal Pistol, Crash Diet, Crazy Lixx, I love the Scandinavian bands, plus our good U.S. bro's Dirty Penny (who are like brothers)!! No one really comes close to us at this moment. The next album is way better too! Sorry if i sound like a conceited twat, but i have supported the greats (in my eyes) U2 the early years, The Lords Of The New Church, The Ramones, Motorhead, UFO, DIO, SABBATH, etc. I wouldn't have bothered if this band was ordinary!

RnRnMN: If the Gypsy Pistoleros have a message for the world, what would it be?

Lee: Fuck, life is short! Laugh, smile. Fuckin' live! Always chase your dreams & never, ever say "If only!!!"

RnRnMN: Pick your favorite from each pair:

Beatles versus Rolling Stones - Can't, yin/yang
Hanoi Rocks versus Motley Crüe - Can't
Ramones versus New York Dolls - Can't
Hank Williams versus Johnny Cash - The man in black
Slade versus T Rex - Slade

Interview: The New Dress

Bill and Laura of Brooklyn's The New Dress are a duo playing a punk/folk hybrid that taps the past without leaving the present. Their album, Where Our Failures Are, is one of the best I've heard in this burgeoning genre (and it made my Best of 2007 list). If you aren't familiar with them, check out the review first.

RnRnNM: Brooklyn seems to be an indie rock hotbed right now. Do you find that beneficial, detrimental or unimportant?

Bill: I think it has the potential to be beneficial. I don't think we have taken full advantage of it so far, but there are great bands doing cool things around here, and teaming up with them and playing shows together... that can only help your band.

Laura: Definitely beneficial—there are so many venues for indie bands to book free and cheap shows in Brooklyn right now. I was worried when North Six closed that it'd be hard to replicate that basement show feeling at other venues. But places like 538 Johnson, 131 Tompkins, Lost & Found, Pete's Candy Store, Don Pedro's etc. are putting on great shows for independent bands and we've really benefitted from the close community of friends and bands that lends itself to.

RnRnNM: What are your live shows like?

Laura: Since it's just the two of us, playing shows is sortve just like hanging out with our friends, singing songs we all know the words to. And when people don't know the words, it's feels like hanging out with Bill.

Bill: Our best shows are the ones with other bands on our label, Red Leader Records, and with friends' bands in Brooklyn and New Brunswick. I mean, with just the two of us, what you see is what you get. So, when people are singing along and having a good time, you can see that we genuinely are too.

RnRnNM: How is being a two-piece different than the traditional vocals-guitar-bass-drums approach?

Laura: I think people get to know us as a band a lot quicker than fuller bands—I mean, you can hear us up there breathing! Sometimes I wish we took up the same "space" that other bands do, but only because the songs are important to us.

Bill: In my experience, there's definitely that aspect of the live show being more... intimate? I don't think we're projecting any image and as a result, I feel like we are approachable. Y'know, come and talk to us afterwards or whatever. I can't say for sure if that's a result of us not having a rhythm section, or if that's just our personalities.

RnRnNM: What/who are your non-musical influences?

Laura: Our brothers influence us quite a bit, I'd say. Likely more than they know! And, while our songs are clearly influenced by disappointment and anger towards current events, we are also equally inspired by the new friends we make playing and the support bands give each other. Oh, and Seinfeld.

RnRnNM: If you could play a show with any artist or band, past or present, who would it be?

Laura: Yikes, too much pressure to choose only one! It would be pretty outstanding to play with Ted Leo and then get to talk with him about World Cup, Project Runway and the upcoming election. I suspect we'd see eye to eye on most of those topics.

Bill: I say Randy Newman, he seems like a cool guy. (And a magical band called TheClashRancidTedLeoTomWaits)

RnRnNM: Like Billy Bragg, a clear influence on your music, you have an ability to write meaningful songs. What do you think is the key to that?

Bill: Maybe it's because ever since we started doing this the only thing that matters is that the band and the experience remain meaningful to us. The songs are important to us. But it's also important to us to have fun, and I think that can be found in the songs, too. We write and do the things we think are funny... our logo is a drum kit!

Laura: I think laughing (essentially, all Bill and I do at practice) with friends you trust and admire helps you to make meaning out of troubling times….it helps give you perspective.

RnRnNM: What's right and what's wrong with music today?

Laura: What's right with music today is American Steel's new record. I could probably name what's wrong too, but people like what they like I guess.

Bill: I think it's silly to complain about "the state of music today" like an old man or something. I don't remember any kinda glory days when things were any different. There are always great new bands, and there's also always a ton of crap out there too. It just so happens that most people like stuff that sucks, so it's the crap that's popular. You may have to search out the good stuff, but that makes it more meaningful to you. One extremely positive thing about music today is our access to pretty much anything we want. So if you're not discovering new cool music everyday, you have yourself to blame.

RnRnNM: What's coming up in the future for the New Dress?

Laura: We are working on a couple really sweet new songs that have us excited about the possibility of recording again, and hopefully touring again in the spring or summer. We met some amazing people on tour upstate and we're looking forward to getting back there when it gets a little less snowy. For now, while we are hibernating, we're playing lots of shows in Brooklyn and New Jersey with our friends and Red Leader siblings, and hoping people like the record.

RnRnMN: Pick one of the following:
Beatles versus Rolling Stones
Billy Bragg vs. Dead Kennedys
Hank Williams vs. Johnny Cash
Sex Pistols versus The Clash
Husker Du versus Pixies

Bill:
Both. But probably the Beatles.
Umm, Billy Bragg.
Tough one! Hank Williams.
Psshh! Easy. The Clash.
Pixies.

Laura: I don't get it—is this to the death, or to the awesome? If its to the awesome, I'd go:

Beatles
Bragg
Cash
Clash
Pixies.

If its to the death…same answer.

Interview: Towers of Hanoi

Gainesville, Florida's Towers of Hanoi recently unleashed their third release upon us and Paranoia for the New Year is a shining example of what post-hardcore can be even while being brought down to earth by simple hard rock influences. It's the kind of album that makes you wonder, "Whoa, how did they do that?" In an effort to find out, I was able to get this interview with their guitarist, Travis.

RnRnMN: Your music seems to bring together two disparate genres: hard rock and post-hardcore. What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of each and how do you bring them together? Was that the intention or a happy accident?

Travis: The line between post-hardcore and hard rock was never something we consciously drew. It's been more a matter of trying to write songs that get a certain feeling across rather than tap a certain genre. Parts of our music that would probably be called post-hardcore usually boil down to riffs we've written that make use of a lot of melody while still trying to fill in the rhythmic gaps since we only have one guitar. A lot of the harder rock parts are really just us trying to get a certain heaviness across while still playing rock & roll. We usually try to put things together as a band, so a lot of what happens in our songs boils down to spontaneous ideas thrown together at practice.

RnRnMN: How do your influences play into that sound?

Travis: We listen to a lot of different bands and different kinds of music. Sometimes we'll run a band or album we like into the ground to the point where we can't listen to it anymore. That's when elements ofthat sound start usually start showing up in our music. We never deliberately try to rip anybody off, but it's only natural to incorporate elements of the music you love into your songwriting. We bounce back and forth between bands and genres a lot, which is a good thing because it provides new sources of inspiration and keeps you from narrowing into a specific sound too much.

RnRnMN: Your previous album, Black Feathers, was a concept album. Paranoia for the New Year seems to work as a single unit, but I didn't catch a specific concept. Was there any specific concept for this album? What do you think gives it its continuity?

Travis: Paranoia For The New Year wasn't ever really intended to be a concept album lyrically, but we did have a very definite idea about the sound we were going after at the time we started recording, which probably makes it our most consistent sounding record to date. Black Feathers was sort of born out of chaos in the studio, and while it has some very concrete lyrical themes, it's less composed from a musical perspective. PFTNY took us 2 years to write, so we had a lot of time to kick around the songs and figure out what we thought would work together musically and lyrically. We learned a lot from our previous time spent in the studio in regard to how to get the sound we wanted for this record, and the recording of the core of the album was done in about two days. From a lyrical context it's a more open-ended record, but it does contain some basic elements of doomy-ness, which are inspired by a combination of the general affect in America today as well as repeated listenings to albums like Over The Edge by The Wipers.

RnRnMN: I know that at least some of you have other projects that you work on. Does that help or hinder the progress of Towers of Hanoi?

Travis: We think it's a good thing. It's pretty standard in Gainesville to be in at least a few bands. Towers doesn't really have any kind of schedule attached to it, so members being on the road certain parts of the year isn't really an issue. Playing in more than one band helps boost your creativity as a musician, which is a positive, and it's also nice having our records spread around the country a few times a year rather than just once for a two-week tour.

RnRnMN: Gainesville seems to be a pretty fertile spot for punk rock, with a lot of bands pushing the envelope creatively while remaining in touch with the raw roots of rock n roll. What do you think contributes to the scene producing so much good music? What is your role in this?

Travis: We've lived in Gainesville for a long time, and it's been awesome watching the music scene here grow over the years. There were a lot of great bands that played around town back when the Hardback Cafe was in full swing in the mid to late 90's, and then things settled down some when the Hardback closed. Growing up and watching those bands play made a big impact on a lot of people who were hear to see it, and when new bars opened up to provide a space for live music to thrive again, all of the inertia from those previous bands helped push music here to a new level. We've been playing around Gainesville for almost five years now, and we've made a lot of great friends in the process. These days, the scene here has reached a new peak with the combination of all the great bands, The Fest, No Idea, and great up-and-coming labels like Barracuda Sound.

RnRnMN: Aside form your records not going gold, what's wrong with music today? What's right?

Travis: Whati's wrong is there's not enough emphasis on the musical side of music. Kids growing up in the mainstream these days are surrounded by manufactured images of artists and aren't getting any exposure to what making real music is actually about. It's always been this way to a certain degree, but it seems worse today. It seems like records are looked at as something people don't want to pay for anymore, so to make a living as an artist, you have to tour constantly. What's right, is a lot of artists seem to be taking control of their careers and removing major labels that take advantage of them out of the equation. There's a bigger pool of independent bands today than ever before, and the upside of the internet is it allows people from all over the world to hear your music, which is pretty huge.

RnRnMN: Pick your favorite between:

The Beatles versus the Stones

Travis: Stones, pure rock & roll.

Sex Pistols versus the Clash

Travis: The Clash, a real band with real ideals

Fugazi versus Hot Water Music

Travis: Hot Water Music, Gainesville representin'

Hank Williams versus Johnny Cash

Travis: Hank, he's the grandfather...

Iron Maiden versus Black Sabbath

Travis: Sabbath Boody Sabbath...amen

Interview: Pocus Whiteface

Just based on the strength of their 7", I thought Pocus Whiteface would make a fine interview. Since they're across the ocean, we did this one via email, but each member got his two cents in.

RnRnMN: Many of the bands that you list as influences fall into the post-punk genre and I can definitely hear that in your sound. However, I also hear a looser garage sound. Where does that come from?

Joe: When i was starting out playing guitar I played a lot in my grandparents garage, so it could be that. We always played with door open to get that loose "open" sound. Although i play drums now, there's a lot feel that you learn at an early age.

Theo: Possibly from me. I didn't start the guitar until I was 20 and as such I'm a fairly loose guitarist who likes to use distortion to get around my lack of precision. Also I'm probably more heavily influenced by that sort of music when I write my bits.

Will: Probably from Theo. I need to loosen up more. But I love how Theo's great loose style often dances over the top of the bass and drum groove.


RnRnMN: There are a lot of bands out there playing both garage and post-punk influenced material. Why should someone check out Pocus Whiteface? What sets you apart?

Joe: The Songs. Non-yankee sounding vocals. We're not trying to sound like the Killers, the White Stripes, or anyone recent. There's clearly a love for our favourite bands, but the influence swirl together like some kind of delicious ice cream.

Theo: It's not a question I've ever even considered. I'd have thought what sets us apart is a spread of styles that still sound strongly of 'Pocus' and somewhat humorous take on lyrics and song structure. I think we write in a way that's quite cooperative and makes the songs much stronger.

Will: We try to keep our songs interesting. There's often something quirky going on.

RnRnMN: If you had to pick a theme for Pocus Whiteface, what would it be?

Joe: something like the theme from Minder. Upbeat but with an gritty english sound.

Theo: 'Twisted' maybe? Not in a Marilyn Manson way obviously, but I think a lot of our songs have slightly odd ideas lyrically or tend to break up a straight song with something different. I once described us as sounding like all the unlistenable bits of In Utero, though I'm not sure how true that is.

Will: Um, probably paisley.

RnRnMN: Your EP is a free download on the internet. Obviously, you didn't plan to make any money on that directly, but there must've been a plan for how it would work out. What was the plan? How did it work out?

Will: As far as I remember at the time we didn't have a plan about anything. We'd played together for a couple of months only when the
Hemrig guy contacted us about putting some songs out through his website. Seemed a great idea. We gave him the best we had at the time.
I guess they're demo takes really. There's always the option of putting newer versions of these out on a future release.

Joe: It's all good publicity. :0) It's worked out very well.

Theo: well actually I don't remember there being a plan. Shortly after we put our music up, Tim contacted us to say he had a free net label and wondered if we'd let him put 5 or 6 tracks out as an EP. I guess the main plan I had was that we'd write a lot more good songs because it would have been a bit depressing if that stuff, good as it was, was the best thing we'd ever do. And I think we've written stuff as good as the best in the EP, and better than most of it since then, so that's good. We still play three tracks from it live in almost every gig and if we had a 45 minute headline slot we'd probably play more. The plan was to have that as an early free release and then charge something for music from now on, even if only a nominal amount, and I think we're doing that okay.

RnRnMN: The 7" comes in a really nice package (heavy sleeve, nice vinyl), especially for something self-released. It seems like the opposite end of the spectrum from the internet EP. I'm guessing that you aren't making a ton on this either, but that there is also a plan. How has the 7" worked out versus the free EP?

Joe: I love the 7" - two great songs and as you say, great packaging. We sell a few at each gig and it's a change from the ubiquious CDR's.

Theo: Ah, I've probably given too many away for free to hard-up friends but we're trying to push it now so that little independent stores stock it and trying to remember to bring them to every gig if possible. I think our 'profit' on each on is in the region of 20 pence but then there are always going to be ones you give away to friends, family, labels, etc. When we made them it wasn't to make back any money. We deliberately decided we'd rather have good artwork and a heavyweight sleeve and make sure it was really worth holding on to. We wanted to put those very early songs out there and their short length made this seem like a great way to do it; if we did it again now I'm guessing we'd put Dr. Emery's First Law of Arse and Keeps You from Mine on there or something but these things take so much time from conception, recording, mastering, etc.

Will: I've always loved the packaging a record comes in. It matters. I dunno how we are financially on this one. We're trying not to give too
many away ..

RnRnMN: Do you have a full-length release planned?

Joe: We've only just started talking about it.. but yes, there will certainly be an album next year. We've got the skills to record to a decent quality now, so we've just got to record an album !

Will: Maybe. We've almost got enough material for a solid full-length. We're probably about to do another EP first though. It might then be a little while longer before we can do a really good one without reissuing tracks from either this or the first EP.

Theo: Not as yet. We could do one but we'd really need a label to do it. So until then it'll probably be EPs or strange stuff. We're planning a 10 -copy ultra-limited run of 10"s done by our friend Doug who mastered the 7". Each one would be expensive and more about the collection and art value than the music, most likely.

RnRnMN: Will's artwork on the 7" is really cool. It's actually the first thing that attracted me to check out Pocus Whiteface. Will, how does art fit in with music for you?

Will: Pretty much as I said above. Though I guess I have a lot more music as mp3 than other formats now, I love the whole package you get when you buy a record. Like you say, I've checked out several bands because I liked the artwork. Maybe it shows that the band cares more about how the music is to be received. Especially when the band is closely involved in the artwork.

RnRnMN: Looking at your gig list, it seems that you've played mostly local shows. Do you have plans to expand that with a tour? Any plans to come to the US?

Joe: I love travelling, but there's the practicality of taking extended leave from work to consider.. It's be great to do a few gig in the US though..

Will: Yeah! When we get a sponsor. Early days yet. There's so much scope for playing in London there's not been much need to play anywhere else yet .. But we'd like to start playing shows further afield certainly.

Theo: We would love to play outside of London but it's hard to find promoters and then get those promoters to put you on. We don't have a big 'buzz' around us I guess and we don't have a touring vehicle, but we do have a willingness to spend our money to achieve these things. I am going to look at organising gigs in other cities maybe but it's a lot of money to have to lose really. As to the US, well I think we'd need some big label funding that.

RnRnMN: Pick one from each pair:

The Beatles versus the Stones
Joe: phew, tough one. Love the rockier side of the Beatles. Has to be Stones though, i really grew up on them.
Will: Stooges

Iron Maiden versus Judas Priest
Joe: I never really got Judas Priest. Iron Maiden anyday, especially the first four albums..
Will: Iron Maiden (esp. Number of the Beast)

The Buzzcocks versus the Fall
Joe: the Fall.
Will: Buzzcocks. Probably.

Husker Du versus the Pixies
Joe: I'm a bigger fan of the Pixies
Will: Pixies. Though Husker Du are brilliant.

Public Enemy versus NWA
Joe: Public Enemy -they held it together for more than one album !
Will: Public Enemey

Hank Williams versus Johnny Cash
Joe: johnny cash. Fulsom Prison is such a top album...
Will: Johnny Cash

Theo: I'm goint to pick 'Public Enemy versus NWA' so I look cool...but actually 'Husker Du versus Pixies' is probably more my sort of contest, and I'd be on the side of the Pixies there. (Oh and I'd pick Public Enemy over NWA but I don't really know much more than an album and a few singles so it's a bit of a cheat.) [I realise I answered the last question wrong. But Will said to keep it that way, so I have! :D]

Interview: Irritant

Irritant are an up and coming metal band from the UK. For their age (late teens/early 20s), they're amazing players. They've already come to the attention of some big names (Bruce Dickinson for one) and things are looking up for them. Bassist/vocalist Niall answered a few questions for me about the band's past, present and future.

RnRnMN: You're all in your late teens/early twenties, yet you've been together for four years. You must've grown as both people and musicians in that time. How are things different now that when you started?

Niall: Its definitely been a huge learning curve for us and we all are still learning a lot about each other, our music and the music scene at the moment. Its become much more of a career now than when we started, we spend as much time practicing and doing band work as we do earning livings so its pretty tiring being unsigned! Musically its beginning to find a foothold. We've all brought many different influences into this and the way we are all maturing as musicians is now effecting the music we write.

RnRnMN: Vic Coppersmith-Heaven produced your single. While he worked with Black Sabbath and the Rolling Stones, he also worked consistently with the Jam. How did you hook up with him and how did he influence Voice Of The Siren? Is there anything that he brought to the table form his work with Jam whose music is so different from where you guys are?

Niall: It was a great experience working with Vic. He is a legend in his own right so at first was daunting as we were completely self produced up until he offered to work with us on the single "Voice Of The Siren". He lives not far from us and saw us play at a local outdoor festival and our relationship grew from there. We worked with him on a few acoustic demos of tracks and really learnt how he worked and he really got the best out of us in a studio environment. His perspective brought out a less "metal" side to the music we played and he also threw in crazy percussive ideas and his aim was to capture our live energy which we have lacked in previous recordings and releases.

RnRnMN: It seems none other than Bruce Dickinson is a fan. How did you get his attention? Since Maiden is an obvious influence on your music, what was it like to find that he really liked your stuff?

Niall: We sent in our latest singles to him at his radio show in the UK and were lucky enough to catch his attention. Its a great feeling to know that one of your heroes is aware of who you are and is into the music your producing.

RnRnMN: How important have online communities like Myspace been to your success?

Niall: Massively. I think that Myspace is possibly the best the biggest tool at an Unsigned artists disposal. Its free, absolutely everyone has some kind of profile or knows someone who has a profile and as a Band you can access all of those people. I cannot imagine how people would have got their music listened too without trawling the country playing at every toilet club going. Myspace gives artists that deserve the chance (and who have the patience to contact as many people as possible) to build up a fan base and attack larger cities and gain recognition in a respectable way. Also gives people who never would have shown off their talents, the ability to do so.

RnRnMN: How did the Ed Stone Rockwear Tour go? Were these the biggest shows you've played to date? What the crowd reaction like?

Niall: The shows weren't the biggest we have played but it gave us an opportunity to play to people a lot further away than we ever have before. We had a great response and had an awesome time. I'm sure any other band reading this will know, what goes on tour stays on tour!

RnRnMN: What is it about your music that you find special? With a lot of metal bands out here, why should someone listen to you?

Niall: I would say that at the moment there seems to be a huge resurgence of really heavy metal. We've been on so many bills where were playing with 4 other bands who seem to be carbon copies of each other, the same detuned guitars, the same screaming vocals and the same breakdowns and time changes. And it is at these shows that we get loads of new fans telling us how its really refreshing to hear something different done well. Our music is based on artists who are still going strong after 20 years, but the modern trends have missed out on all the energy and showmanship these acts had. We like to feel that we are bringing back a sense of grandeur back to rock/metal music.

RnRnMN: What does the future hold? Full-length? Tour? Any plans to break into the US market?

Niall: We are currently taking out a little time to really get back into songwriting as a main focus. Its been a really busy year for us touring all over the place, filming music videos and most recently our first mainstream tv performance so its all become a bit hectic. Its nice to chill out and really spend time on the music. So expect a full length early next year. Touring is always on our schedule but at the moment we have nothing major plans until the new record comes out which we will be working extremely hard! We would love to get over to the US, you find the venues we will be there!!

Pick your favorite from each pair:

• Beatles versus Rolling Stones: Beatles
• Iron Maiden versus Black Sabbath: Iron Maiden - duhh!
• Sex Pistols versus the Clash: The Clash
• James Brown versus Marvin Gaye: James Brown!!
• Metallica versus Slayer: Metallica

Check out my review of Good Evening from the Machine.