<![CDATA[TX Punk - Interviews]]>

<![CDATA[TX Punk - Interviews]]>Sun, 19 May 2013 07:01:07 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Interview with Freedom Zero featuring Casey Royer & Tony Zero]]>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:50:42 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2013/01/interview-with-freedom-zero-featuring-casey-royer-tony-zero.htmlHave you heard of Orange County's latest gem in Punk Rock carrying on the bloodlines of the likes of Social Distortion, The Adolescents, & D.I. called Freedom Zero? No? Well you have now! We're bringing you the latest Punk Rock "supergroup"(if you want to use such a term) that Southern California is dishing out. Today we're talking with Casey Royer & Tony Zero, founding members of Freedom Zero!

Casey Royer of Social Distortion/Detours/Adolescents/D.I. fame(Drums/Vocals) on left Tony Zero(Guitars/Vocals) on the right.

All pictures courtesy of Freedom Zero.

Tx Punk: So Freedom Zero is relatively mysterious for those that haven't had the pleasure of seeing the band live, what do you think people should know about OC's latest musical gem?

Tony: Freedom ZERO is a musically professional creative project set with little limits. Watch listen and see.

Tx Punk: How, and when did the band form?

Tony: The band formed in early sept of this year. The usery of society and the vision to carry a message to the new followers. The concept was spawned by long afternoons of exchanging ideas between Tony ZERO, Casey Royer and Gangster Danny.

Tx Punk: How did you pick the name Freedom Zero?

Tony: Casey came up with the name freedom zero. Kids need to realize their freedoms are being silently confiscated from them. The grip is getting tighter. The time has come to unite and resist. Stop sitting in front of your computer with your dick in your hand, grab your skateboard cause some shit to go down. Grab your guitar and get some swinging hot punk chicks!

Tx Punk: What's your favorite Punk Album?

Tony: Too many to list. Decendents milo goes to college, dagnasty what can I say, any Fugazi album, or Jawbreaker. There is just too many. We could spend a whole interview just on that question. So many good bands over the years. Different productions and sounds. So many great albums from early black flag to husker du. Great question.

Tx Punk: What are some of the biggest inspirations behind songs for Freedom Zero, both lyrically and musically?

Tony: The biggest inspiration of Freedom ZERO songs is just that, the lack of freedom. Local governments are installing more cameras. You don't even have to be pulled over to get a ticket. People need to be aware and resist more, especially when it comes to the cops. If you try to go to a big music festival you are practically on lock down. Can't even be mellow when you travel anymore. And of course with lack of freedom comes narrow thinking and loss, broken relationships, even some jobs steal your inner freedom where your heart really is. Could be your friend your chick your family....

Casey: "essentially we had been reduced to ZERO, I made some mistakes and the system took my son for a bit, Scotty closed his business and was doing the split from the wife thing, Tonys lady left him high and dry and the three of us where together again.....with nothing ZERO"

Tony: As for music we are inspired by many, bands like Husker Du(that guy can really play some guitar) early Bad Religion, Scream from D.C. (Early DC bands kill it!), Fugazi. ScottyZERO has always been into ACDC, NOFX and allot of guitar based punk bands. With Casey leading the band in drums you can't help but feel and see the distinct punch of an Adolesence inspiration.

Tx Punk: In what ways would you say the band draws from past musical experience, and in what ways is Freedom Zero it's own unique entity?

Casey: " the main cheese of the band is drawing from all of our past musical experience. It's the main meat in a tasty sandwich, you can get some bread and some meat and be cool but if you have everything.....tasty warm bread, nice quality meat fresh Veggies and seasoning everybody wants one everybody likes it......eat fresh, play fresher.
It's that $5 dollar combo that makes us so solid, just me being the front man in d.i for so many years you learn how to deal with change. Scotty is a good vet to have. He has been in allot of bands like Headboard and the. Headaches as well. TonyZERO just digs allot of cool music. He is a punk rock trivia machine and nobody can beat him. He was the guitar tech for a couple big bands and he knows allot of stuff so we can hold it together.
Freedom ZERO is unique like a bitchen bottle of whiskey or beer you haven't seen in a long time. Things might have changed, and a bunch of new beers have come out but they kinda taste the same ya know......but you see that label you recognize from the past the bottle is a bit older but the taste is just like you remember. Solid, you taste it and realize the beer you have been drinking sucks.Freedom ZERO is its own entity in that aspect. Drink it and be free again.

Tx Punk: What are your plans for touring and recording?

Tony: We are in the process of finding a good place to lay down some tracks. Finding the right producer with good ears is tough. Where is Steve Albini when you need him? We are in need of a female bass player. We have a stand in at the moment, actually we have two, but we are looking for someone to fill the spot.

Yes we are in the midst of planning a small tour. Going down San Diego way heading out for a couple shows in Arizona, Nevada and Denver. We have a show in Hawaii for our bro Simon at Black Flys. We are playing the punk rock hall of fame on may 5.

Tx Punk: Any last words for those reading this?

Tony: Last words: Surf more, Skate more, Start a Band, if your not sure take half, safety third, always use rubbers, avoid the law at all costs. Support CaptainBlacks.Net.

Be sure to check out Fredom Zero on Facebook!

]]><![CDATA[Interview with "Monkey" of The Adicts]]>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:53:26 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/08/interview-with-monkey-of-the-adicts.htmlThe Adicts have accumulated an amazing following of their 35 years of paving their Punk Rock legacy. In celebration of their landmark anniversary and upcoming tenth album release "All The Young Droogs" we sat down for a moment with their iconic frontman "Monkey".

This is a continuation of our conversation from our Album Feature on the band's tenth release All The Young Droogs.

Tx Punk: I know you've played quite a few places(venues, cities, or countries) over 35 years. Do you have a favorite one to play at?

Monkey: south america is a favorite at the moment, we have only been playing there for about three years but its always been good, people are lovely and not bad to look at

Tx Punk: What's your favorite song to play live?

Monkey: it changes from time to time, right now its "i am yours"

Tx Punk: What's your favorite incident/tour story/memory of being in The Adicts?

Monkey: to many, confrontation with venezuelan money launderer, coloumbian brothel, go go boys hit sao paulo, stranded in austrailia, one man and his dog at glasgow show, youth club punch ups across suffolk, offending the label in japan, crashing the van , missing the flight, getting lost, getting laid - its all about creating incidents really

Tx Punk: The next couple in quotes are some questions directly from fans:

"Anthony Burgress or Stanley Kubrick"(referring to A Clockwork Orange)

Monkey: tricky, but without burgess theres no kubrick version, and without kubrick theres no iconic imagery, -no whites and bowlers in the book- look like this one is going to penalties

Tx Punk: "Has Monkey ever taken the stage without makeup or costume?"

Monkey: yes, i didnt start that until sometime in 1981 i think, after songs of praise came out, since then i can only remember one show when i didnt slap up, some squat in germany in the mid 80s, a shit hole that we didnt want to waste another second or swirl of eyeliner in

Tx Punk: Why 27? How did that become the semi official number of The Adicts?

Monkey: really comes from a group of friends in ipswich, a saying was coined, "you're talking 27 piles of crap" meaning bullshitiing, we then started to notice the number 27 all around, and you will too now, its also a top age for rock stars to die at

Tx Punk: You are the only band I've ever heard of having all original members without breaking up. Any advice for upstarts looking to start a band?

Monkey: unfortuanately that trivia tidbit is no longer true, mel hasnt played with us for a year or two now, but we still have 75% original, advice is ensure you are absolutly useless at everything else so parents , wives etc will support you no matter what because its the only hope in hell they have that you'll one day make something of yourself

Tx Punk: Any last comments?

Monkey: not yet

To check out our preview review of All The Young Droogs by click here!

]]><![CDATA[Interview with Steven Blind of Shut Up Sidney(Houston)]]>Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:03:05 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/08/interview-with-steven-blind-of-shut-up-sidneyhouston.htmlServing as nearly the only Political Punk outing of their scene, Shut Up Sidney combine the lyrical depth and insight of bands like the Dead Kennedys with the buzz and power of acts like The Exploited.

So, we troubled our good friend, frontman Steven Blind for some of his time... Chaos ensues.

Photos by Dane Posner at Fuzzy Fest II
The following also serves as a lesson why one shouldn't interview through Facebook IM if you desire clarity, cohesion, or any sort of seriousness.

Tx Punk: So, how did you decide on the band name "Shut Up Sidney", and why?

Steven: I had written-out a list of names back when the band was just myself and a guitarist dicking-around in my living room, and "Shut Up Sidney" just stuck-out to me the most. I had other stuff on the list like "Toy Store", "Colonel Parker's Rednecks", largely weird, esoteric sort of stuff. None of it had enough "umph". Shut Up Sidney sounded harder, more appropriate for a punk band.

It's an old Sex Pistols reference, actually, particularly to Sid Vicious, obviously. I've never cared for his public image too much, particularly because it's cast this really idiotic, low-brow opinion for punk rock, in popular regards. That sort of thing hurts those of us who've happened-upon a rather "cliche" punk image, because we get rubbish from regular people, and others in the punk scene, for fuck's sake! You hear a lot about not conforming to the spikey hair and studs stuff, but if you're actively foregoing such a look, then you're still being quite contrived as you're still ultimately letting fashion decide your look for you. Twats.

Tx Punk: Alright Since the band is highly political, how about you go in to detail on some of the issues SUS covers or plans to address.

Steven: Well, we tend to touch-on a lot of things, though I'm finding that I generally approach things from a more "moralistic" sort of perspective.

I mean, that said, I find it odd that one has to even take note of something like "morals" in politics. In any other realm, that would just go without saying. THere's a problem ther, in my opinion.

Tx Punk: What are some of the band's biggest influences?

Steven: Musically, you mean?

Tx Punk: Musically, lyrically. Whatever you so choose.

Steven: Alright then. Musically, I've always really dug bands on the heavier side of things, like the Exploited, or more recently Discharge. The problem with that stuff is that there's not a lot of intellectuality or wit in such circles. You get that sort of thing from the usual suspects, like Jello Biafra's work, or the Sex Pistols

So, I eventually just thought, "why couldn't someone do both"?

Tx Punk: Very good point. So you guys have an album out now called "... And Then The World Raped Itself" any info you want to give readers about the record?

Steven: Well, it's actually not quite out yet... We're still getting together the necessary cash to press the damn thing But it's to be the group's first album, whenever we get it out, and I'd say the material on it is pretty consistently solid. We touch-on a lot of stuff, lyrically, and I'd like to think it's pretty sonically diverse, at least by hardcore punk standards

Tx Punk: What's your favorite Punk album?

Steven: That's a tough question. There's a lot of punk albums...

Tx Punk: It usually stumps everyone. *prods with stick*

Steven: The Dead Kennedys' first record's certainly up there, though I'd be remissed if I didn't mention the Sex Pistols' record, as well. Then you've got groups like Oxymoron, or even the Smiths, who I'd consider punk, personally. It's just too broad an inquiry to accurately answer. It's like that sort of middle class "What do we do" question you inevitably get at the end of political discussions.

Tx Punk: Alright then, what's your favorite number in the Shut Up Sidney catalog to play live?

Steven: We used to play a song called "Mosquerade", which would become the title track for our old demo, namely because we wrote-in this bit where the guitars drop-out towards the end and I'd just go-off on Herman Cain back when he was just a senator, or people like Allen West and whole those two and a lot of other people were promoting this sort of "Brown Scare" against muslims and the like. Needless to say, such things are still going on.

Steven: But I'd have to say our song Battlecry's my favorite to perform. It's fun whipping-out a Bible and goosestepping with a big rosary and just hamming it up as a crazy TV preacher

Tx Punk: That's simply fantastic. Haha. And it's my personal favorite. So, you guys have headlined festivals and seen your songs played on college radio, how is the newfound fame working out?

Steven: Actually, I mispoke of Herman Cain during there. He was never a senator, come to think of it

Tx Punk: Stvn plz

Steven: Alex plz.

Tx Punk: (all of this is being copy and pasted word for word btw)

Steven: I was thinking of Peter King Though I did mention Herman Cain during said rants, as he was a figure in the Tea Party, even back than Anyways, what did you ask there?

Tx Punk: I asked: "So, you guys have headlined festivals and seen your songs played on college radio, how is the newfound fame working out?"

Steven: If by "fame" you mean "being broke and struggling to keep our band going whilst having to maintain shitty day-jobs for rubbish pay", then we're trucking along, just like any other band around here. Being a musician of any kind in Houston is tough. Hell, being any sort of artistically-inclined sort is difficult here in Houston. It's a fucking boomtown, basically. Work-oriented. Get up, go to work or school, then go to bed and shut up. But we've all got just enough distractions to keep us from raising too much of fuss about it. Who needs genuine culture when you've got an i-phone that can practically scratch your balls for you?

A lot of that's true anywhere, but here it's particularly glaring.

Tx Punk: I know you personally have a side project from SUS, care to elaborate?

Steven: I wouldn't call it a side-project as it's really just a separate project. It's a progressive industrial band called "Midnight Carnival". About 3/4s of SUS is in that band, as well. It's quite a different beast, though.

Tx Punk: Anything you'd like to say to anyone reading this?

Steven: Like what, or whom?

Tx Punk: You can say anything you want Stevei this is your dream moment you can say anything

Steven: I can't really think of anything that wouldn't seem pedantic or sloganeering...

Tx Punk: How about some insightful words about yo thuggin life mang Something to end the interview?

Steven: Okay, well, I'll engage in a bit of Hollywood script wanking and talk about what I've learned!

Tx Punk: Be sure to use that british accent!

Steven: Interviews are awkward and contrived processes, even online.

Tx Punk: Even more so online, and especially coming from a repetitious interviewer such as myself

Steven: I think I sound more Australian more than anything, 'probably because I have an affinity for the word "mate"

Tx Punk: 'Though I'd say getting off trackmakes it more interesting. Idk, I cant tell much difference between said two accents.

Steven: And, no, inquiring minds; I have no clue as to why I've got this stupid accent. I feel like Madonna, in vernacular regards Also, Y U NO BLATANTLY BADGER ME ABOUT POLITIKZ!?

Tx Punk: Because socialism thats why

Steven: Socialism good, generally. Well, maybe not "generally", as people don't generally know what it means anymore

Tx Punk: Hammer & Sickle steven. care to explain your affinity for said symbol?

Steven: I tend to kien it to two things: For one, the aformentioned misconceptions about the philosophy of socialism; Everyone in the U.S. seems to think socialim or communism is something like the Soviet Union, or North Korea, or China, when, in reality, it has nothing to do with those

Two, I kind of flaunt the hammer and sickle the same way the British punks ironically slapped-on swastikas and the like in the 70s I think King Diamond's sacastic handling of Satanism at times influenced my approach to SUS's imagery as well. He was a very knowledgable LeVayan Satanist who did a lot to try and quell the misconceptions about such things, though he still used said misconceptions and the like in Mercyful Fate's music. I'd like to think we do the same with socialism, in a way.

Tx Punk: An last words?

Steven: Last words? Forgive the rambling, I suppose.

Tx Punk: Your fine, Steven. *You're

Steven: Fine then. I want new last words, in that case

Tx Punk: ALL of this is getting posted, including our rambling, so "new" last words is a relative term.

Steven: Like, as in a direct cut and paste?

Tx Punk: That's what I said earlier.

Steven: Right then As for my last words... (dramatic ellipses, eh?) Would you like to know who I'm voting for this coming election? That seems like a good note to part-on, given our discussion prior to it

Tx Punk: That would be interesting actually. I'm curious personally.

Steven: Oh, well I was just gonna be silly twat and say something ridiculous, like writing-in Jean-Claude Van Damme, or something...

Tx Punk: Well, that's good enough for me, but you can answer seriously if you would like to.

Steven: But if you're honestly curious, I'm not voting. Things at the federal level have become so co-opted by corporate money that the people given enough financial support to reach such a position have been marginalized to such a narrow degree that no one viable will be getting into the White House anytime soon.

And, no, Ron Paul's just a loony old codger... Even by libertarian standards, I might add. And this is coming from a libertarian, mind you.

Tx Punk: Thank you for your time, insight, and patience.

Steven: No problem, mate. Cheers.

Be sure to check out Shut Up Sidney on Facebook!

]]><![CDATA[Interview with Sats Beret of The Lewd]]>Sat, 25 Aug 2012 01:43:39 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/08/interview-with-sats-beret-of-the-lewd.htmlThe legendary 77' Punk band, The Lewd, known for the classic "Kill Yourself" single are a bit of an obsession here at Tx Punk. The band tore through some of the most definitive Punk Rock ever put to record before most US bands even managed to become a legitimate show going act.

So, today we're talking with frontman, Sats, to find out more about The Lewd and all their filthy glory past and present.

Sats circa 1977
All photos Courtesy of The Lewd

Tx Punk: What's your favorite song to play live?

Sats: I WOULD HAVE TO SAY SONGS THAT HAVE A PERTINENT MEANING EVEN MORE TODAY THAN WHEN WRITTEN LIKE "DRESSED IN BLACK" and "CLIMATE OF FEAR". AND THEN THERE'S AMERICAN WINO AND I'M NOT PRETTY CUZ THEY ROCK....

Tx Punk: I know this has probably been asked, but how did you decide on the name, The Lewd?

Sats: IT JUST SEEMED SO RIGHT. THE NAME OF A GROUP HAS TO PAINT A PICTURE IN PEOPLES MIND THATHAVE NEVER SEEN THE GROUP.

Tx Punk: What's your favorite Punk album?

Sats: THERE'S SO MANY.  FOR SURE THE SEX PISTOL ALBUM, THE DAMNED. WHEN YOU'VE MET THE MUSICIANS IN A GROUP, THEN THAT'S MY FAV ALBUM THAT WEEK....

Tx Punk: I know The Lewd have resumed gigging their way through California, is there a chance for a wider tour anywhere in the somewhat near future?

Sats: NOT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THAT'S A LOT OF WORK.
WHEN WE MAKE IT TO A DATE IT'S KINDA SPECIALJUST CUZ WE SHOWED UP

Tx Punk: What are some of the biggest differences you notice between the Punk scene back in the day versus now?

Sats: IT SEEMED MORE ENLIGHTENED BACK THEN. PUNK SEEMED MORE HONEST BACK IN THE DAY. IT WAS NO CAKE WALK WALKING AROUND THAT WAY BACK THEN.  BACK THEN WHEN YOU SAW SOMEONE WALKING AROUND WITH A DAY-GLOW MOHAWK AND LEATHER AND CHAINS, YOU KNEW PRETTY MUCH WHAT THEY WERE INTO... PUNK WAS MORE OF A FOUR LETTER WORD BACK THEN AND NOW IT'S SO MAINSTREAM.

BUT I STILL LOVE PUNK, REAL PUNK... NOW DAYS YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE KID WAS GENUINE OR HE SAW THE LOOK IN A MAGAZINE.

Tx Punk: Do you guys plan on releasing or at least writing any new material?

Sats: YES.  TENTATIVELY TITLED "TO LATE TO ABORT".
I KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE CUZ PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE CRITICAL IF IT MEASURES UP TO THE OLD CLASSIC STUFF...

SO BE IT, IF THEY DON'T LIKE THE NEW THEY CAN JUST LAY DOWN AND DIE.

The Lewd Live at 924 Gilman Street current day.

Tx Punk: Being a Seattle based band originally, how is it that you got into Punk in the 70's, and decided it was something you wanted to play?

Sats: BECAUSE IT WAS THE ONLY MUSIC THAT MATTERED ANY MORE. THE MUSIC BACK THEN WAS SO LAME, NO ENERGY, NO FUN, IT DIDN'T GIVE YOU A RUSH..

Tx Punk: In my opinion your music always had a sound definitive of Punk, while remaining unique. What inspired some of your song writing?

Sats: A LOT OF THE SONGS ARE QUIRKIE NARRATIVES ON OUR SOCIETY.

OTHERS ARE ANTHEMS, A BIT PREACHY AT TIMES BUT ALL ARE CALLING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN SOME WAY WITH IRONY AND SATIRE THROWN IN..

Tx Punk: Yeah, so how about that Roman Polanski? They chased after him again for a short time back in 09, but 3 decades later he's still free

Sats: MORE POWER TO HIM. HE'S A VERY TALENTED FILM MAKER THAT THE MEDIA TOOK AND RAN WITH BECAUSE OF HIS NOTORIETY. THE WOMAN THAT WAS A CHILD BACK THEN IS NO WORSE FOR WEAR AND ADMITS NOW THAT IT WAS PRETTY HARMLESS. BUT OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM JUST WON'T LET UP. COME ON, THEY NEED TO DEVOTE THEIR TIME TO CRIMES THAT REALLY MATTER...

Tx Punk: I know for fact you guys have a number of songs that ended up in stray places like the "Lewd Conduct In A Public Place" live album, but didn't end up on the "Kill Yourself... Again" album.Is there any unreleased material that may see the light of day in the future?

Sats: I'M NOT SURE. AFTER ALL IT WAS A LIFETIME AGO...

Tx Punk: Who would you like to see kill themselves most?

Sats: IT WAS WRITTEN IN SEATTLE THAT HAS ALWAYS HAD THE HIGHEST RATE OF SUICIDE IN THE COUNTRY.

THAT SONG IS PRETTY MUCH "TONGUE-N-CHEEK".
AS I THINK ABOUT IT THERE ARE A FEW INDIVIDUALS IN THIS LAND THAT IF THEY WERE TO OFF THEMSELVES THIS COUNTRY WOULD BE A LOT BETTER OFF. "BETTER OFF IF THEY WERE OFFED" HAHA......

Tx Punk: Say something interesting about yourselves.

Sats: ALTHOUGH YOU WOULD NOT REALIZE IT FROM OUR MUSIC AND SEEING US ON STAGE, I AM VERY HUMBLE...
THERE WAS A SAYING BACK IN THE DAY "LIVE FAST, DIE YOUNG"... AND IT HAS SEEMED TO PLAY A CRUEL JOKE ON US. CUZ HERE IT IS, YEARS LATER, AND WE'VE GOTTEN BACK TOGETHER, ROCK'N AT OUR OWN TERMS, AND THIS NEW GROUP HAS ACTUALLY BEEN TOGETHER NOW LONGER THAN THE ORIGINAL. AND THEN THERE'S OUR FAN BASE. WE'VE GOT THOSE WHO WE'RE THERE AND REMEMBER US BACK THEN AND THEN THERE'S THE KIDS THAT HAVE ONLY HEARD A BIT OF OUR MUSIC AND READ ABOUT US ON THE INTERNET. WE ARE AND ALLWAYS HAVE BEEN AN UNDERGROUND GROUP. THE KIDS THAT KNOW OF US TODAY SEEM TO BE AN ENLIGHTENED GROUP. THEY'VE SEEMED TO HAVE DONE THEIR HOMEWORK CUZ FOR SURE THEY WERE NOT AROUND TO SEE US FIRST HAND.

The Lewd circa 2011.

Tx Punk: How do you feel about smoked cheese?

Sats: UHMM, TASTEY....

Tx Punk: So what do you like to do when you're not: touring stadiums across the globe, enjoying scores of fangirls at your respective mansions, or receiving government bailouts?

Sats: MAINLY JUST ENJOYING LIFE AND CREATING CUZ LIFE IS GOOD... I FEEL FORTUNATE I'M STILL ALIVE CUZ SO MANY OF OUR PIERS ARE NOT. WE'RE WORKING ON NEW MATERIAL WITH NO DEADLINES, ON OUR OWN TERMS...

Tx Punk: Any advice for upstart bands?

Sats: YEA, DON'T GET FULL OF YOURSELVES.

DO YOUR ART FOR FUN AND DON'T CHASE FAME TO BE THE NEXT BIG THING.

Tx Punk: Anything you'd like to say for anyone still reading this?

Sats: YEA, GET A LIFE....

SINCERELY,
J. SATS BERET

Be sure to check out The Lewd on Facebook!

]]><![CDATA[Interview With Kenny Scumrat of Government Warning]]>Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:45:54 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/07/interview-with-kenny-scumrat-of-government-warning.htmlThough Government Warning may have already come and gone, they made a remarkable impression on the Punk scene in Virginia, and managed a sizable national following especially by modern Punk standards. Today we get to hear from Singer/Frontman Kenny Scumrat.

Interview By Hayden Garrett

Hayden: So, Government Warning, where did the name come from?

Kenny: Beer cans. We had our first show booked and needed a name

Hayden: Who thought of it?

Kenny: brandon. he's really into making old-sounding 2 word names

Hayden: How did the band start?

Kenny: we used to all skate the same mini ramp in carytown, and they (brandon and eric) were the only 2 people we'd (me and mikey) ever met. Void tshirt plus dri skateboard= "lets do a band!"

Hayden: Until the break up did you have any changes in your line up?

Kenny: yeah, mikey quit after the first 7", so brandon moved from guitar to drums, eric moved from bass to guitar, and we got alex to play bass

Hayden: Why did you break up?

Kenny: It was our time. we werent touring anymore, and theres really no point in half-assing a band, especially after the better part of a decade

Hayden: What was your biggest influence?

Kenny: Early 80's american style hardcore. particularly california shit and probably boston, richmond, east coast fast shit. probably a bit of canadian stuff too. brandon got me into genetic control and hype and shit.

Hayden: What is your favorite song to play out of SS, GW, or UT?

Kenny: I really couldnt say, because as long as you keep making records that changes, and besides playing bass and singing arent really comparable as far as fun goes. i will say that playing the more popular gw songs to a good crowd is a feeling all its own, because nobody sings along to any of my other bands, haha. i think thats really partially the point.

Hayden: You've sang in 3 bands, which has been the most memorable?

Kenny: Ive actually sang in like 5, played bass in 5 or 6, but hands down gw was the most noticed, and will likely be remembered better than the stranglers. well, thats actually kinda pessimistic, but as of now its obviously so.

Hayden: Do you wish you could have done more with GW?

Kenny: fuck yeah man, i wanted to tour australia with depression, and go back to europe again, and at least get out to the west coast again. eh, what can you do? we had fun, but i liked touring with that band. recording.... not so much, but touring for sure

Hayden: Where is your favorite place to play, and why?

Kenny: here at home probably, but a lot of our best shows were around philly. raleigh was fun too. its hard to say, we usually had a good time wherever we went

Hayden: What is the funnest show you've ever played, where at, and what happened?

Kenny: hmmm, a close call between a bunch, but a triple record release show at the raygun with career suicide, and cloak/dagger stands out in my mind. the last tour in brooklyn was fucking crazy too. i was usually blacked out for most of our sets, i tend to drink heavily. oh yeah, and when the vicious played the bonezone... holy crap.

Hayden: Any tours, new albums, anything at all we can expect from your current projects?

Kenny: well, Unholy Thoughts lp entitled "the attic" should be out in a coupla months, though its been damned near a year since it was recorded, and were very slowly finishing the latest stranglers lp, but were also more than halfway through writing another one. Ive been a little focused lately because i dont leave the cave often

Hayden: Any chance you'll ever play Texas?

Kenny: Id sure hope so. Many of my friends are moving to or recently moved to austin, so i think a tour would be really cool. who knows, maybe one day we'll be good enough to get on a fest.... you guys love fests in texas huh?

Hayden: What was the first show you ever played, where at, with who?

Kenny: It was in Mikeys basement when i was 15. I think we called the band grand punk railroad. it was like ramones and misfits covers. I have no clue who all those hippes that played were.

Stolen without care and permission from here.

Hayden: How did Southside Stranglers start, who all is in it, who thought of the name and why?

Kenny: We started the stranglers about 2 and a half years back, but i came up with the name back in like 04 or something, i was reading that book "please kill me" and decided to play 77 punk. we always practiced in the part of town Timothy Spencer once terrorized, aka "the southside strangler". I thought it sounded really KBD-ish

Hayden: How did Unholy Thoughts start, who is in the band, why the name?

Kenny: We actually started like 5 or 6 years ago, just Mikey and I, jammin in the basement. We went through like 5 different names or something, but I thought Unholy Thoughts was a good description of the inside of my head. We actually still play those first songs, 5 years deep, finally got em recorded. I think this is like the 3rd or 4th lineup.

Hayden: Any chance of GW ever playing together again?

Kenny: nah, i dont think so. by the time were all full of enough shit to wanna do a reunion we'll be too old. I hate when old guys do reunions and they cant rip anymore. better off letting the legend stay intact if you ask me. As much abuse as that band was physically i doubt i'll have the moves much longer.

Hayden: What was your favorite album that you recorded, ever?

Kenny: No Moderation. It was probably the purest form of GW we did with the main lineup, and it sounded good, and i like almost all of the songs. Brandon really hit his stride writing hardcore in those days. He was on fire, so was Eric. Plus i feel now looking back like that was the first record i really honed in my vocal style on. I think its most peoples favorite we did. I think when the next stranglers lp is written i'll like it better than what were recording now, and probably more than any other thing ive played on. im really jazzed up on taking a slight departure sonically.

Hayden: What's your favorite punk record?

Kenny: Thats like asking me to pick a favorite growing from my balls. Itd take so long to choose that id have changed my mind by the time i figured it out. I like anything 77, good bit of oi!, a mountain of old hardcore, new hardcore... shit, i cant even pick a favorite record from richmond.

Hayden: What's your favorite band?

Kenny: same problem really... i think as opposed to a band it'd more likely be a singer. Probably little Richard, or Buddy Holly. Also shit like the stooges and the MC5. I dont know, i like so much shit, especially over these last 3 or 4 years

Hayden: Last question so I can make this short enough for you to answer it, have you ever played in Texas, and did you like it if so?

Kenny: Yeah, we played chaos in tejas in 2007, it was really a blast, if it wouldnt have sent me to the poorhouse we'd have played there last year too. It was killer, I hope to do it again sometime.

]]><![CDATA[Interview with Symbol Six (Featuring Stig Stench)]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:06:51 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/02/interview-with-symbol-six-featuring-stig-stench.htmlThanks Again to Symbol Six for the interview, and to Stig Stench for making a few cameos!

Filmed At The Music Ranch In Austin on 2/11/12

]]><![CDATA[Interview with Shane "Mooch" Moore of Garbage Dump(Houston)]]>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:15:16 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/01/interview-with-shane-mooch-moore-of-garbage-dumphouston.htmlFrequenters of the underground Houston Punk/Thrash scene, Garbage Dump, are being put under the microscope today! You might recognize them from the Compilations page. If not, give them a look!

Interview By Hayden Garrett

Hayden: Garbage Dump, where'd the name come from?

Shane: Hahah, it's kind of a joke. When we first started jamming we were thinking of names for a while, Genghis Kunt and The Revolting Blobs being some of our ideas. During the time we always used to jam GG Allin's cover of Charles Manson's "Garbage Dump." Someone suggested it and it just stuck. Reminescent of crazy ass nights at the time i guess you could say.

Hayden: How long has the band been around, how long have you been in it?

Shane: We started jamming just as a side fun thing about a year ago. January 2010 i think it was, and it's been the same members since the beginning.

Hayden: Any new material, tours, anything we could possibly be seing from the band?

Shane: We just bought a new practice space and have a lot of new songs we are working on. We have a friend Mark Sturman that wants to press a vinyl record for us on his record label "Evil Money." We also want to go record some new tracks soon. Aside from that, trying to hand make demos and make our own shirts, keep things fun and DIY.

Any venues you prefer?

Shane: Notsuoh's is awesome. We really like playing backyard shows and gigs that people put together themselves. Walter's was fun, but....

Hayden: Favorite song to play?

Shane: Beer money is always classic. They're all fun though.

Hayden: Favorite band youve played with?

Shane: We've played with Alimanas a couple times, and those guys are awesome. All the guys from HSA are fun, always help us out.
Abduktion is also a great Houstonpunk band, saw them at Fuzzy Fest, where we were supposed to play before the pigs busted it.

Hayden: Craziest show? What happened?

Shane: Actually hasnt been too bad so far, but definietly at Notsuoh's when Swervy was wasted and got naked. We stopped playing Garbage Dump, and his old band Swervy and The Nutsacks started playing for the first time in like a year just because everyone was hyped.

Hayden: Any new merchandise we will be seeing?

Shane: Hopefully some vinyl, maybe even some real CD's. We really wanna do shirts, but everything is fucking expensive.

Hayden: Who alls in the band?

Shane: Swervy- Vocals
Mooch- Drums
Train- Bass
Pepsi- Guitar

Hayden: How did it start?

Shane: The Nutsacks had a couple of practice spaces about a year ago, and random people would just jam for fun. One day Swervy and Pepsi wrote a couple songs, Mooch hopped on drums and it was magic. Recruited train as bass and we have been writing tunes ever since.

]]><![CDATA[Interview with Joe Lally of Fugazi and more!]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:34:13 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2012/01/interview-with-joe-lally-of-fugazi-and-more.htmlKnown worldwide as both a songwriter/solo artist, and from time with Alternative supergroup, Fugazi, Joe Lally has an extensive line of notches to his musical belt. After settling down from a long stint of touring which included the famous 2011 Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Joe sat down to give us a moment to talk of some his many recent happenings, and more.

Photos by Alex Gregg taken November 5th, 2011 at Fun Fun Fun Fest 6 in Austin.

Tx Punk: So, how did you enjoy the dust storm known as Fun Fun Fun Fest?

Joe: I wasn't in much of a position to enjoy it. I had just finished three days of intensive practicing. My ears were kind of shot
and my voice was going and we'd just started the tour. I saw Tinariwen play and that was great. Then I did a record signing
and a few interviews that day too. Mostly I ran into old friends and tried to escape the dust. I was more in work mode than
relax mode.

Tx Punk: I don't know if you've heard, but there is actually a remix group called "Wugazi" that also played Fun Fun Fun Fest. They mixed the 13 songs album with music of the Wu-Tang Clan. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Joe: Yes, I met them at the festival. Their mixes are OK, I'd like to see them work the Fugazi samples harder, come up with more creative stuff. They're nice guys. I think they had fun doing what they like and people responded to it quickly. Maybe sooner than they were ready to
present it.

Tx Punk: What inspires some of your songwriting for your solo material?

Joe: Everything I've been listening to for years and years figures in. It's hard to pin it down, you know. All the live shows I've seen.
I've been seeing bands play since I was about 11 years old. I didn't set out to do a certain thing with my solo work. I'm just trying
to get at what I'm hearing in my head.

Tx Punk: Do you have any up and coming artists that you feel need more attention?

Joe: There's a great band from europe (some of them are based in Geneva but they are spread out) called Orchestra Tout Puissant
Marcel Duchamp. They're a very good band to see, people should be asking them to play festivals in America. Marimba, Violin,
electric guitar, Trombone, upright bass and vocals. Their singer Liz, is intense. The performance and control of everyone involved is awesome.

Tx Punk: I know you released an album back in April of this year, are there any more exciting pieces of news ahead that you'd like to share?

Joe: I did a lot of shows this fall so for the moment I'm relaxing. I'm always writing though. The next album is certainly taking shape.

Tx Punk: Is there anything you'd like to say for anyone reading this?

Joe: Yes, find out what you like to do and pursue that. Despite how it might seem at odds with what people are telling you to do.

]]><![CDATA[Interview with Eddie Edwards of The Vibrators]]>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:38:28 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2011/11/interview-with-eddie-edwards-of-the-vibrators.htmlThanks again to Eddie Edwards for the Interview!

Filmed 10/14/11 at White Swan in Houston, TX

]]><![CDATA[Interview With Laramie Dean(Agent Orange, Dick Dale, and many more)]]>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 23:14:25 GMThttp://www.txpunk.net/4/post/2011/09/interview-with-laramie-deanagent-orange-dick-dale-and-many-more.htmlLaramie Dean has gained great critical acclaim for his distinctly Surf guitar shows, and top notch work with musicians from Agent Orange, Dick Dale, The Queers, among others.

Laramie at Continental Club In Houston opening for Dick Dale 6/8/11

Tx Punk: How did you get started with playing Surf Punk?

Laramie: Well, I got my first guitar from my buddy in school. He won it
on the Boardwalk in Jersey. I gave him my comic book money for it!

My first riff, is still my opening song today, " Surf Wolf". At the time
I called it " Spy Punk" . Had no idea what surf was.

Tx Punk: I know when I saw you Live you mentioned a couple of the songs were written before you even knew what Surf music was. How and when did you find out about said genre?

Laramie: Well, I started playing my song at, yep, music stores, driving clerks crazy! Typical! But, one guy, said, " that sounds kinda like surf guitar. I was actually insulted! Growing up in upstate NY, I had no idea what surf was, except ' Fast Times at Ridgemont High". I imagined everyone walking around, saying " DUDE " and whatnot! Later, Rhino Records opened up in Albany NY, and I got exposed to the real stuff.

Laramie working his surf guitar magic with Agent Orange at Fitzgerald's In Houston 1/9/11

Tx Punk: You've played with many famous Surf artists, from Dick Dale to Agent Orange, and you even have Jimmy Dale as your drummer; do you have a favorite tour story/memory amongst it all?

Laramie: Man, thats hard. I started working for Dick Dale in 2004, just drove 3000 miles, straight to his ranch, and told him I wanted to learn from him. I got hired. From there, I've toured alot. I'll tell ya a funny one, about going to see ' The Grudge " with Dick. It was on my first tour with him. I found out he loves to go to the movies. So, he lets me pick. I love horror movies, and Sam Rami, so naturally, I'm stoked to see this, and with Dick Dale no less!

I did not know that Dick is terrified of horror pics! As we enter the theatre, he announces " I'm Dick Dale! Anyone here see Pulp Fiction?!?!"

I was like, whats up? Well, he gets a crowd around him, and its Halloween, so everyones giving him candy and stuff. Hes talking. Turns out, this is how he gets comfortable before a scary movie!.Because during the movie, he starts calling peoples names! The girsl are like " its ok Dick! " I was dying! Super funny! He told me, I couldnt pick out the movies anymore! The next night, I saw ' Shaun of the Dead " by myself!

Tx Punk: You've also played many exotic countries. Do you have a favorite place that you've toured?

Well, everyone and their mother brags about going to Europe. Its actually way easier to tour there. It's like doing a regional tour. If you can tour across the US, thats a major accomplishment.

Laramie: Dont get me wrong, I was, and am super stoked to go there. Did over 40 days with Agent Orange. Covered Europe, and the UK. I gotta say, that the shows there are super high energy, and merch does awesome. We went all over. In Madrid, we had trouble finding the club, so I saw a guy with a guitar on his back, and yelled out the window " guiatr-o!!!" and he stopped! HE actually got mad! That cracked us up! I tried the same thing in Czechoslovakia, and it worked!

Oh, and everyone speaks English, except the French pretend not to understand.

Taken at Continental Club In Houston 6/8/11

Tx Punk: What's your favorite Punk album

Laramie: thats tuff. I gotta say, after 400 plus with Agent Orange, I have to say
" Living In Darkness " !!!

Tx Punk: What's your favorite Surf album?

Laramie: Again, Dick Dales, " Surfers Choice "

Tx Punk: Are there any new releases on the horizon?

Laramie: totally, got the tunes ready to go. Been 4 years since " Surf Riot " came out. Its sold really well. 3 pressings. Its out of print now. Only on iTunes.

Recording fall 2011. Want it out early 2012.

Tx Punk: It seems like the Surf rock community is very tightly knit, where one band will have members of the other frequently in their line up. Isn't it a little bit like Punk Rock, since both are also a cult following style genre?

Laramie: Yeah, except no one other than Dick Dale, and the Ventures have made it to the professional level. What I mean by that is, they have sustainable careers. They dont have day jobs, or trust funds!

Laramie sharing the fun with the crowd at Fitzgerald's In Houston 1/9/11

Tx Punk: Do you have an artist that you want to play with, but haven't yet?

Laramie: Well, I've worked with the two most influential acts out there. Thats tuff!
There are a lot of artists that I would love to tour/work with for sure.

I love touring with Punk bands, the energy rules, the crowd gets what I do. I could see touring with some " bigger " punk shows, and my sound being a great addition to the bill.

Tx Punk: Any advice for upstart musicians?

Laramie: Never give up. Even if you have to get a day job, still work on your goals, dont be afraid to ask other bands/artists for help/advice. I never stop asking, never stop learning.

Tx Punk: Any final comments?

Laramie: Lets do this!

Thanks again to Laramie for his time!

For more, you can check out Laramie Dean at his Official Website

]]>