Have 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.
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.
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.
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!
