The Fox Sisters: It's Alright, Have A Good Time

I know there's a lot of evil and injustice that goes on in the world, but to constantly dwell in that cynicism will in fact consume you.  You get pessimism fed to you every time you turn on the television, social media, film, and music. I'm not saying to ignore it all together mind you, but there has to be an escape, a momentary parting of the swirling storm clouds. That's where Rochester, New York's The Fox Sisters come in.  They play soul shaking, body quaking, late 50's/early 60's style Soul/R&B music. The same kind of terrific sounds that radiated from people like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson decades ago and they do it with every bit of the same passion and fire that those guys did back then.  But what The Fox Sisters really do is provide a life raft for a society sinking in it's own skepticism,  As important as it is to follow current events and involve yourself in causes you believe in, it's just as important to loosen your collar, put on your dancing shoes and just have a good time.

Interview by J Castro

Who is currently in the band and what does everyone do in it?

Mark Bradley - saxophone

Darren DeWispelaere - trumpet

Jimmy Filingeri - bass

Patrick McNally - vocals

David Snyder - guitar

Brian Shafer - drums

Will Veeder - piano

How did you all meet and decide to play music together?

PATRICK: We all sort of "grew up" in the Rochester music scene and have had a lot of fun watching each other’s bands over the years. Some of us have been in bands together from time to time. We have a lot of respect for each other and have a shared musical sensibility. When the idea for this band came up, it seemed natural for us all to work together.

JIMMY: We have all known each other for years from playing in different bands around town. Patrick and I were in a band called the Thunder Gods that had runs its course. After a few years off we decided to try something different. We wanted to use rhythm & blues music as a foundation but we weren’t interested in trying to recreate the vintage sound. What we had in mind was aesthetic or a mood. We wanted to put on a show made people feel the same way we felt when we saw some of our favorite bands or listened to our favorite records. We wanted to make people dance and hoot and holler and scream for more.

What band or musician first inspired you to want to pick up an instrument and learn to play and/or write music?

PATRICK: A lot of bands have inspired me, but it was a Rochester band called The Fugitives that sort of cemented my resolve. I remember seeing them play in

a local shithole bar under a single bare light bulb, and the music was so raw and great and they looked so cool, I decided that I was going to stop thinking about it and actually try it.

JIMMY: I suppose it was bands like KISS, Cheap Trick and The Stones that first gave me the bug when I was a kid. That was the beginning of my life long obsession with music and records. As far as actually picking up an instrument though. Patrick and I were roommates and he wanted to start a band. He told me I was going to be the bass player. That was it.

Under the Stairs LP released September 14th 2015

 How would you describe you band to your grandparents?

PATRICK: With the help of a medium. They are dead, dead, dead

JIMMY: Once their spirits were conjured I would tell them that we sound like a band that would play dances and frat parties in the 60’s. Some up-tempo numbers to fill the dance floor. A few slow numbers for close dancing and kissing. Then finish them of with some wild rockers to make people go crazy and break stuff. 

What sorts of things do you typically enjoy writing songs about?  

PATRICK: Love. Dance parties. Enjoying life. Good clean fun.

JIMMY: Fun songs.  Honest songs. Songs you can dance to. Songs that make people move and shout. Songs that let you forget about the news of the world for a few minutes.

I’ve heard people say that playing and writing music is therapeutic to them.  Have you ever found this to be true?

PATRICK: Definitely. The voices stop when I write. The voices of past presidents. A break from Franklin Pierce is always particularly welcome. Great hair. Total jackass.

JIMMY: Working on new songs with the band is more therapeutic for me than writing them. As a bass player my songs are usually just a skeleton with some lyrics. It’s not until all the band members add their own parts that it becomes a song. It’s exciting because I never know what the final product is going to sound like until they add their magic. Playing is definitely therapeutic, my ego craves applause. It’s nourishing.

Does it annoy you or distract you at all to see some of your audience members fondling their phones while you’re up on stage performing?

PATRICK: We’ve been lucky in that we don't see a lot of that. What we see is mostly smiles, which is really nice. Every once in a while somebody takes a picture, but that's nice too. Somebody thinks enough of you to want to take your picture. What's not to like about that?

JIMMY: Not a problem at our shows. Most people are dancing or jumping around. Cameras are fine. I like to see pictures of us.

After one of your shows, what sort of feeling or sentiment do you hope your audience walks away with?  

PATRICK: I hope people walk away feeling like they've made a new bunch of friends that they love to dance with.

JIMMY: Leave them wanting more. Elated. Spent. Hopefully telling their friends about us the next day. We want to be on their “guaranteed good time” list.

What is your favorite album to listen to from start to finish?

PATRICK: Sam Cooke - One Night Stand: Live at the Harlem Square Club. The world's greatest record.

JIMMY: Jerry Lee Lewis - Live at the Star Club. Pure Rock & Roll from start to finish.  It’s tough to pick albums because most of my very favorite music came out on 45’s. At the time albums had a lot of filler on them. Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues, country & soul from the late 40’s until the early 70’s is my favorite kind of music.  I like to listen to Dave the Spazz from start to finish every week on WFMU.

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you that you still follow to this day?

PATRICK: If you can see them from behind, marry her.

JIMMY: Don’t overplay.

What is the best way people can hear and get a hold of your music?

Our music can be found on:  Bandcamp: thefoxsisters.bandcamp.com

Our activities can be found on:  Facebook: facebook.com/TheFoxSisters/

We can be contacted via email: foxsistersband@gmail.com

What lies ahead for the band in 2016?

PATRICK: More good times. We plan to put out our second album soon, and will be appearing live regularly.

JIMMY: We will be playing several shows with the Rochester R&R/R&B Revue. That is The Fox Sisters along with our friends The Televisionaries and The Temptators. All powerhouse bands who aim to entertain. Hopefully some shows will be recorded to come out as a live record.  We have a lot of new songs that will be recorded for our second record. Until then, just playing and trying to show people a good time.

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Macho Boys: Portland Punks Positioned For Domination

I don't listen to a lot of new hardcore punk bands.  The new stuff I do like has to have at least a toe hold in the early 80's like Berlin's Dysnea Boys, the Bay Area's Neighborhood Brats or Seattle's Sick Ward.  Most of it to me either sounds contrived or just pandering to a bunch of sweaty, ignorant tough guys.  I didn't get any of that from Portland's Macho Boys.  They're a fairly new band that consists of members of Low Culture and Piss Test. They're so new in fact that they only have a six song Demo out but those six songs was all it took to win me over.  These songs are a lit powder keg of snake venom and extreme vexation with the fuse burning nearly to it's end. The music is stripped down to it's bare essentials to reduce air resistance and maximize the blunt force in which it hits your guts with.  Their songs sound well rooted, the band seems focused, driven and impassioned by their music. To me, those are the key ingredients to a good hardcore band, or any band for that matter.  Sure it sounds simple, but it's far easier said than done.

Interview by J Castro

Please introduce yourselves and tell me what everyone does in the band: 

TEKIAH: I'm Tekiah, I sing.

CHRIS: I’m Chris. I guitar.

SAMANTHA: I play bass.

SAM: Drums

How did you all meet and decide to play music together?

TEKIAH: I ran into Samantha at a show and mentioned I wanted to sing in a hardcore band and she was like "oh my friend Chris wants to play music like that let me find him!" I met Chris, then Samantha made a date for us to have our first practice. While we were talking I found out Sam was going to drum, which was funny because we work together. I was really nervous at first because I've never been in a band before but the first practice went really well.

CHRIS: Yeah, Samantha asked something like “Hey Chris, when are you going to start a hardcore band now that you live in Portland?” And I said “Whenever someone asks me.” So she introduced me to Tekiah and said “we’re all in a band now.” Then we took shots.

SAMANTHA: Tequila.

SAM: Chris said, “Come jam!”  I said “OK!”

Tell me about what it’s like playing shows in your town.  Is there a community that you feel gets what your band is doing musically?

TEKIAH: For the most part playing shows in Portland is awesome. There are so many rad bands that come through and that are from here. The only thing I don't like is how little people move. It's really weird to play a full show and look at the crowd and everyone's just staring at you. I think the community here gets us and wants us to play and that's a really good feeling.

CHRIS: I agree that Portland is a great place to be in a band. It is also true that not a lot of people move when bands play, but I’m usually in the back with my arms crossed (totally enjoying myself!) so I’d feel a bit hypocritical complaining about that.

SAM: Yeah; what they said.

Can you remember what band or musician first inspired you to want to pick up an instrument and learn to play and/or write music?

TEKIAH: The Ramones without a doubt. I remember the first time I heard them and was like oh shit I want to do this!!

CHRIS: When I was a kid I totally used to strap my dad’s guitar around my neck and pretend I was in the Beach Boys. Then in my early adolescence, there were plenty of DIY punk bands that helped me realize that writing songs, playing in bands, releasing records, and touring wasn’t just a pipe dream.

SAMANTHA: Portland band The Stops inspired me to make the jump from fan to band. You’ve got to get their LP on Dirt Cult Records, or Sabotage Records if you’re in Europe. They are amazing.

SAM: Music has been a part of my life since middle school band (I played the Clarinet); I've always wanted to be in a 'Cool' band.  Although, given how much I was into church and god at that time 'Cool' was probably a Christian ska band.

In your experience, what have been some of the best and worst parts about being in a band?  Is it totally different than what you imagined as a kid?

TEKIAH: The best part about being in a band is having fun. As long as you're having fun being in a band is great. I don't think we've been a band long enough for me to feel like there's any worst part to it. Since this is my first band everything is great.

CHRIS: I’d say the best part of playing in bands is that it’s allowed me to see all sorts of places and meet all sorts of people that I might not have otherwise. The worst part is loading equipment up and down stairs constantly. 

SAMANTHA: I like working toward shared goals with bandmates, getting new people into playing, and playing in other cities. I get bummed when I play a show and the majority of the bands on the bill are all guys, or if someone asks if I’m the merch girl, or assumes that a guy helping me load my gear is in the band and I’m there to help, etc.

SAM: Exactly.

What other bands do you feel people need to hear in order to better understand your music? 

TEKIAH: Other femme hardcore bands for sure like G.L.O.S.S., I.C.E., Heavy Hands, and Firewalker.

SAMANTHA: Minor Threat.

What’s your favorite part of making music: the writing process, the recording, or performing in front of a crowd? 

TEKIAH: I love writing new songs. It's so cool to hear the finished product and think, wow we made this together.

What music do you own or listen to frequently that you feel a typical fan of yours may be surprised you enjoy?

TEKIAH: I listed to a lot of do wop like the Shirelles, the Chantels and the Supremes.

CHRIS: I listen to a ton of music that isn’t punk and certainly isn’t “hardcore” - Hip hop (like Run the Jewels, A Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde), soul (like Wilson Picket, Otis Redding, Nina Simone), classic rock (like Neil Young, Big Star), indie rock (like Belle & Sebastian, Elliot Smith, Guided by Voices), etc.

SAM: Country/Bluegrass (Clifton Hicks, The Stanley Brothers, Stringbean, Dwight Yoakam); anything that Buddy Rich has been a part of.

Never mind the critics, what in your opinion has been your band’s most shining moment so far?

TEKIAH: Definitely our benefit for the Network for Reproductive Options. Samantha and I booked that show together and it had a really good turnout. All the bands were rad.

SAMANTHA: The show made over $500 for abortion access. We were fundraising as part of a nationwide event to raise funds for organizations that help people pay for abortion when they don’t have enough money or health insurance. There was a punk team called Pick Your Kingpin.

Do you ever feel like underground culture meant more to past generations that had to actually invest time and money into going to shows and record stores to discover new music as opposed to just using Google and Youtube on their phones?

TEKIAH: I think it still means just as much. Having the internet just means you can actually listen to a record before buying it instead of thinking the cover looks cool and buying it.

CHRIS: People spend too much time pining for “the good old days” I think nostalgia can be a destructive force that keeps people from living in the moment and/or moving forward. In regards to how people consume music, I mean sure, I look back fondly on the days that I had to pick up a record based solely on a recommendation, review, and whether or not the cover looked “cool.” But I also ended up with a stack of shitty fucking records as a result.

SAMANTHA: No. It’s great that people can access music really quickly. Maximum RocknRoll is undertaking the project of digitalizing their massive vinyl archive and creating a searchable database of the collection and music reviews. Having music online helps it be accessible. Not everyone can afford to buy an obscure, old, out of print $300 7”, and not everyone wants to. You can donate to the MRR archive project here: http://bit.ly/1VSIHzN.

SAM: Ditto.

What is the best way people can hear and get a hold of your music?

TEKIAH: Machoboys.bandcamp.com, you can buy our demo tape through there.

What lies ahead for the band in 2016?

TEKIAH: We're going on a short tour to California at the end of August and trying to record another demo tape. I've never been on tour so I can't wait!!!


Don't forget to follow Macho Boys on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/machoboyspdx/

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Low Levels: Post Punk Prowess

Photo by Yuya Peco Takeda Photography 

Vancouver's Low Levels somehow successfully capture the angst of 60's garage rock, the sharp guitar angularity of post punk, the vulnerability of power pop and the snotty temperament of punk rock to create some truly explosive music.  With so much floating around on the internet these days and new bands forming what seems like every hour on the hour, its tough to create memorable music, songs that are going to stand out from the vast ocean of drums and guitars.  Not only that but constructing a tune that's going to actually stick to peoples brains instead of just wash off as soon as a new melody comes along is also far easier said than done.  Low Levels have managed to do all of this and if there was ever a band to keep an eye on, it's these captivating Canadian rogues.

Interview by J Castro

Please introduce yourself (or selves) and tell me what everyone does in the band: 

BYRON: Hi, I'm Byron, I play drums. Al plays guitar and sings and Emily plays bass and sings. I sing a song now and again live but not on the EP that came out this spring.

How did you all meet and decide to play music together?

BYRON: Al rang me up one afternoon and asked if I wanted to start a new project with him. He said he had a bassist in mind already, I figured he wanted me to play guitar (I always totally admired his drumming). But I agreed none the less when he suggested that I pick up the sticks. I met Emily at our first practice, not only did we share a ton in common she was a fantastic bass player. Since then it's been great, we work hard and have a great time.

Low Levels EP released February 20th 2016 on Shake! Records

Tell me about what it’s like playing shows in your town.  Is there a community that you feel gets what your band is doing musically?

BYRON: Playing shows in Vancouver is great, folks come out, there is no travel time, and I don't have to sleep on somebody's floor at the end of the night.
Kidding aside, there have always been folks in Van that love to go out to see bands and I think they "get" us. We are not reinventing the wheel, we are just doing it our way.

Can you remember what band or musician first inspired you to want to pick up an instrument and learn to play and/or write music?

BYRON:  I tried so hard to like the music that my friends listened to growing up Iron Maiden  and MC Hammer and other things of the sort. But I was one of those kids that saw Teen Spirit on the old MM and was hooked. I always loved the Beatles and Kiss's music and the whole Nirvana thing showed me how to do it myself....and then smash all the gear. IRRESISTIBLE!!

In your experience, what have been some of the best and worst parts about being in a band?  Is it totally different than what you imagined as a kid?

BYRON: When I was a kid there wasn't internet so bands were in a whole different space, they were outcasts and freaks. Now it's this normal thing that everyone's brother or sister or uncle is involved in.  The best part about being in a band is that I feel inclusion and appreciation.
The worst part is no matter how hard I try I can't quit smoking. I know that seems like a fragmented answer but I think a lot of musicians will understand.

What other bands do you feel people need to hear in order to better understand your music? 

BYRON: We all love the Ramones and DeerHoof, so, listen to those two I guess.

What’s your favorite part of making music: the writing process, the recording,  or performing in front of a crowd? 

BYRON: All three are so important and I enjoy them for their different reasons. Right now I love the process of recording because it's the one I do for the least amount of time and it's the sound that folks will hear representing you as long as they are listening to it. It's always fun tracking knowing that it will be the finalized "finished" version of the song ....most likely.

What music do you own or listen to frequently that you feel a typical fan of yours may be surprised you enjoy?

BYRON:  I'm a big Jazz fan, I know how that must sound pretentious these days, but really no joke, 60's avant-garde, that's my bag.

Never mind the critics, what in your opinion has been your band’s most shining moment so far?

BYRON: These great videos BRBR did for our band, Thanks Guys!!!  

 Do you ever feel like underground culture meant more to past generations that had to actually invest time and money into going to shows and record stores to discover new music as opposed to just using Google and Youtube on their phones?

BYRON: Perhaps underground music culture is less based around music these days? I have found people who like underground music, but they seem to want to talk more about Game Of Thrones more.

What is the best way people can hear and get a hold of your music?

BYRON: On line. Look us up. We are on the FB and the Bandcamp. Hopefully we'll be coming to a venue near you soon.

What lies ahead for the band in 2016?

BYRON: Tour this June, summer shows and then we are slated to record our first full length LP this Fall!!!

Thanks a bunch!

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Poison Boys: Summoning The Spirits of Seventies Sleaze

Chicago's Poison Boys play a style of rock n roll that never gets tiresome, always seems to stay relevant and somehow transcends generations all across the globe.  People like Johnny Thunders, Michael Monroe, Stiv Bators and Marc Bolan touched on a particular area of the brain that every adolescent can relate to and awakens it in those that now see those years in the rear view mirror.  Like the people mentioned above Poison Boys take good old fashioned rock n roll and add despair, sexual frustration and  hostility to create a volatile mixture that stings a bit going down, but feels warm once it's in your gullet, The band recently released their gloriously loud and messy masterpiece of a debut on the famed No Front Teeth recording label in London.  

Interview by J Castro

Please introduce yourself (or selves) and tell me what everyone does in the band: 

MATT: Hi I'm Matt and I play guitar and sing. Andy plays the drums and Adam plays the bass

How did you all meet and decide to play music together?

MATT: We met through being in various bands in our teenage years and playing shows together or just bumping into each other at shows. Adam and Andy used to play in a powerpop band called Scoundrel and I used to go to their shows a lot. They both played guitar in that band so I didn't even know Andy played drums until a mutual friend told me when I brought up that I was looking for a drummer for this band to get started. Later when we were looking for a bassist Andy recommended his old band mate Adam and it worked out perfectly.

Tell me about what it’s like playing shows in your town.  Is there a community that you feel gets what your band is doing musically?

MATT: There's definitely a rock and roll community in Chicago. The punk scene is a little separated from the rock and roll scene which I believe is because there is more garage rock type bands than punk bands in the city. It seems like when we play punk shows the kids aren't as interested while the more rock and roll oriented crowds are much more receptive to what we're doing.

Can you remember what band or musician first inspired you to want to pick up an instrument and learn to play and/or write music?

MATT: Ramones, Dead Boys, New York Dolls, The Riffs and Chuck Berry.

Headed For Disaster 7" released February 15th 2016 on No Front Teeth Records

In your experience, what have been some of the best and worst parts about being in a band?  Is it totally different than what you imagined as a kid?

MATT: Worst parts: not being able to go to someone's garage and jam every day for hours like when we were teenagers.  Best parts: playing live, seeing people get into the music at shows, hearing the feedback from people who love our music. We just want to be a band people put on and sing along to when they want to feel inspired or listen to something they really really enjoy. 

What’s your favorite part of making music: the writing process, the recording,  or performing in front of a crowd? 

MATT: All of it is fun and rewarding.  The best part, for me at least is playing live to crowds that seem to be really enjoying it. It's really exciting knowing you've written the songs or that you're playing the songs and people dig it enough to where the music is moving them around, that's cool.

What music do you own or listen to frequently that you feel a typical fan of yours may be surprised you enjoy?

MATT: Well we all nerd out pretty hard on Delta blues and Chicago blues musicians. Not sure if that is surprising to anyone but we love that stuff big time. Big Bill Broonzy, Lightnin', Robert Johnson, Mr. McTell, Jimmy Rogers, Howlin' Wolf, etc.

Never mind the critics, what in your opinion has been your band’s most shining moment so far?

MATT: Our record release for "Headed for Disaster" was the best show we've done so far. Super packed show at Cole's and it seems everyone we knew came out of the woodwork for that one. Definitely an awesome night.

Do you ever feel like underground culture meant more to past generations that had to actually invest time and money into going to shows and record stores to discover new music as opposed to just using Google and Youtube on their phones?

MATT: I personally do. I think saving up and daydreaming about how exciting it will be to hold the physical record sleeve in your hands and putting the needle on the record, and then going out to the store the day it's released or when you finally have the money for it, is much more rewarding than just clicking someone's Bandcamp link and hearing their new record for a few seconds through phone or laptop speakers. 

What is the best way people can hear and get a hold of your music?

Our 7" is currently available through Nofrontteeth.co.uk, or at our shows. We'll get a webstore up where you could purchase it directly from us in the next few months at some point. You can also hear it at poisonboys.bandcamp.com, but again physical copies are always better. 

What lies ahead for the band in 2016?

MATT:  We have a follow-up 7" in the works. Can't say much more about it yet until it's getting ready for release!! Stay tuned rock and roll people!!!

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ZEX: Strength Through Struggle

Photo by Em DeMarco

Ottawa's ZEX have worked hard and endured a lot in the name of Rock n' Roll.  They consistently release and record music and tour the globe relentlessly.  The music they play brings to mind British Street Punk bands of the early 80's like Blitz and Sham 69 while the guitars are saluting British Heavy Metal from that same time. Their vocalist Gretchen Steel sings with the power of The Plasmatic's Wendy O. Williams and the passion of The Violator's (UK) Helen Hill.  ZEX seem to be fueled by a genuine passion for expression, truth and freedom very few bands still have in punk music.  This is what sets this band apart from the rest of the studded jackets and patched black jeans. It's also what makes them one of the most relevant and intriguing bands around today.  


Interview by J Castro

Please introduce yourself (or selves) and tell me what everyone does in the band: 

Gretchen sings, Jo plays guitar, Gab is on the bass and Cody is the current drummer.

How did you all meet and decide to play music together?

JO: My previous band Iron Dogs was making a music video that Gab was filming and editing and Gretchen was an actress in the video so we decided to form a band then. Gretchen and I already had recorded some demo tracks.

GRETCHEN: Jo and I had made the demos for ZEX before we found our other two members and wanted to have a serious band together for a while.

GAB: Jo asked me to play with them after we did a music video for Iron Dogs, he sent me demos and we started jamming 4 days a week, because apparently people do that.

 

Fear No Man EP released November 1st 2015

Tell me about what it’s like playing shows in your town.  Is there a community that you feel gets what your band is doing musically?

JO: Certainly not. We are despised in our own city. People are very cliquish and only like 'cool' bands.

GRETCHEN: I've never been popular or understood in my life. So, I'm not surprised my band’s music gets the same treatment.

GAB: It’s cool playing shows in Ottawa, I get to sleep in my own bed and don't have to sit in a van all day. Our last two shows have been super weird though, we played a film festival as the only band and the last show we did was in a pancake restaurant.

Can you remember what band or musician first inspired you to want to pick up an instrument and learn to play and/or write music?

JO: My friend Dez was the first guy I met in high school that wanted to start a band. He actually knew how to play instruments. He is some kind of musical genius, I still play with him to this day.  He approached me and asked me if I wanted to play in a "Death Metal Band". I answered that I didn't know how to play instruments and didn’t know what death metal was. That didn't seem to matter to him.

GRETCHEN: Ever since I was four-years-old I wanted to be in a band. I honestly can't remember how I came to have that dream but I do remember telling my parents when I was four that I wanted to sing in a band.

GAB: I took piano lessons when I was a kid but my teacher never taught me to play cool songs. I don't think I ever associated playing music with the music I listened to when I was a kid. My uncle gave me a Van Halen rip-off guitar when I was really young and I took lessons for about 2 months when I quit playing piano. But I never practiced so my parents took me out of it. When I was 14 I decided that I wanted to learn to play bass because it was easier than guitar and have been playing in stupidly named bands since. Its way easier to tell your grandma that you're playing in a band called Zex than Dick Fister.

In your experience, what have been some of the best and worst parts about being in a band?  Is it totally different than what you imagined as a kid?

JO: Growing up in the DIY scene, I had to learn everything myself from experience. There was and still is a lot of trial and error. I never had rock star delusions. I've always understood what it took to get a band going. Its ridiculous when people ask me "Ohhh you’re in a band and touring!? You must be making a lot of money!"

GRETCHEN: the worst part about being in a band is that now that a lot of people know you/seen you or heard about you, you are now in the line of fire. People criticize as if they invented punk. Every piece of who you are is picked apart and chewed out by these people. I don't know if it's jealousy or that people are just so bored they look for something to hate to get out all their negative energy, you become that punching bag.  As a woman, I've dealt with a lot of that horse shit, I've heard it all. Positive thing about being in a band, you get to make music, express who you are, leave your dent in history and make everyone hate you just for kicks.

GAB: It's weird having to be a public person, you meet all these people for very short periods of time but because of the internet you have to be careful about what you say or if you make a bad first impression. I can't for example complain about a band sucking on the internet now because someone will make a big deal about it. It's kind of a small price to pay to essentially get to travel the world, meet incredible people and see all these awesome bands and experience all these great things. I've met so many different people that have really impacted me in my life and made me look at things differently.

What other bands do you feel people need to hear in order to better understand your music? 

JO: Are you asking this to me because you're having a hard time yourself? I think people need to take a step back and for a minute pretend that extreme metal and hardcore punk never happened. Let’s say we were back in those days and wanted music to keep evolving without subscribing to the faster /heavier race that went on in the 80’s and 90’s.

What’s your favorite part of making music: the writing process, the recording, or performing in front of a crowd?  

JO: the satisfaction of unwrapping a box of your newest record is a great feeling! It gives you the impression that all your efforts weren’t totally useless. Live gigs are a lot of fun, but it’s only the tip of the ice berg, its 5% of what a band does. Most of being in a band is sitting in front of emails or going to the post office.

GRETCHEN: Performing is my favorite part, its where I finally can break free and be the animal I need to be. I truly love recording too.

GAB: Performing is definitely my favorite thing, maybe I'm just a narcissist but there's no greater feeling than looking out at a crowd of people who are enjoying your art. I work doing film and when you finish a movie it's a really satisfying process but you just don't get that feeling that people actually care about what you made. Having that direct feedback just makes you feel so much more accomplished on a personal level. Also it gives me an opportunity to do awesome stage moves and jump around. 

Fight For Yourself  LP released October 1st 2014

What music do you own or listen to frequently that you feel a typical fan of yours may be surprised you enjoy?

JO: Italo disco, space rock, black metal, Italian prog, power electronics, AOR, rocksteady, reggae, northern soul, girl groups, doo wop, etc..

GRETCHEN: I'm with Jo on the Italian disco!

GAB: I'm completely obsessed with the band NoMeansNo.  Everyone else hates when I put them on but fuck that band's lyrics and the way they write their music is just so original and honest. I'm also a huge fan of novelty music and comedy music. I saw Weird Al twice last year and it was the best show I've ever seen.

Never mind the critics, what in your opinion has been your band’s most shining moment so far?

JO: We've lived in poverty, homelessness and unemployment just to be able to say that we have toured the four corners of the earth. We've played large gigs to hundreds of people and we've played to ten people and acted like we're headlining Madison Square Garden.

GRETCHEN: We have overcome some pretty unbelievable circumstances... seriously, unbelievable circumstances. I believe it's made us stronger as a band and as individuals. I'm very proud of my bandmates for staying so strong and sticking it out throughout all our turbulence. We are warriors and that is why we shine through.

GAB: To sort of elaborate on what everyone has been talking about, we've gone through band members angrily quitting the band, our drummer passing away, every possible kind of bad luck in terms of vehicle maintenance, flights fucking up, being sick, arguing amongst ourselves, injuries, weird internet drama, Nazis attacking us, getting electrocuted simultaneously, unbelievably long car rides, and just other personal problems on top of it all. The fact that despite essentially being cursed, we're still touring successfully, travelling the world, and playing our music blows my mind. I think the craziest thing for me still is that I can be on the other end of the planet and someone knows my music.

Do you ever feel like underground culture meant more to past generations that had to actually invest time and money into going to shows and record stores to discover new music as opposed to just using Google and Youtube on their phones?

JO: I still think you can really tell the people who live and breathe underground from the average concert goer. I think it’s strange that its 2016 and people still ask me that in zine interviews. Soon we will be living in a time where no one will remember how it was before the internet age.

GAB: It's great being able to listen to whatever music you want, we're touring right now and have an iPod filled with all hit songs and don't have to fumble over our tape collections. I think the problem is that with the accessibility of free music there's a lot more bands and it's hard to get noticed within it. That being said, you can make a music video now and people will actually see it.

What is the best way people can hear and get a hold of your music?

JO: The internet! What else!?! Well, we do have records, tapes, cd's that are all well distributed. Go to your local record store and get them to order a copy for you if they don't have it in stock. Otherwise, you can be a nerd and order online yourself through countless distributors or even through the band.

What lies ahead for the band in 2016?
JO: Right now we are on tour in Europe all dying from pneumonia. If we survive, we will tour in Japan in September with Malice Panic.

GRETCHEN: JAPAN AND THEN THE WORLD!

GAB: I'm slowly transitioning entirely out of boxers and moving to the much more superior boxer brief. 2017 might see a full brief transition but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

The post below was taken directly from the bands official Facebook page. 

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