Continuing our series of interviews is our second-ever video interview. In this episode, Punknews.org's sole video camera owner spoke with pop-punk act Whole Wheat Bread.
The interview took place while the band was on the road supporting their debut, Minority Rules. The band will soon release the follow up EP, titled Punk Life.
Please note, some of the interview may be inappropriate for work. Of course, that depends a lot on where you work.
Since Face to Face got the ball rolling, I decided it might be worthwhile to dig up some more of my very early interviews. In 1996, I spoke with Lagwagon for an interview, it was my first and I had no idea what to expect. Joey Cape however was incredibly generous and took the time to speak with me as he did with every kid who met him that night.
The interview was conducted shortly after the release of Hoss which saw Lagwagon hit the road with Screw 32; it was also their first tour with ex-RKL drummer Dave Raun who has been with the band ever since. As you'll see in the interview, Plourde's departure almost split up the band, but they managed to keep going and are now in their 15th year together.
Lagwagon recently released Resolve which was dedicated to their late drummer and friend Derrick Plourde.
Mark Rowan had the chance to talk to the drummer of the Bled, Mike Pedicone, about how far along they are on the next album already, their recent tour in Japan, and tells me a pretty amusing story about a ridiculous car accident that happen on tour.
The band is currently on tour with Protest the Hero, As Cities Burn and Since by Man and released Found in the Flood last year.
I recently had a chance to talk with Scott Mellinger, guitarist of metal/hardcore act Zao. The band, which formed in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia and are now based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Though the band started off as one of the first and most influential Christian metalcore acts, the band has since abandoned that label, a stance which has led to the band describing themselves as a "band of Christians" rather than a "Christian band."
Scott talked about their recent experience working with the legendary Steve Albini, producer of albums from Neurosis, F-Minus, The Ex and Nirvana, as well as the "Christian hardcore" tag which still dogs the band, and what they hope to accomplish with their upcoming album.
Skanknsmile (also of KTXT Radio) recently had a chance to speak with Ted Leo at SXSW. Leo spoke to our correspondant about the recent Touch and Go signing, future plans and veganism.
Jenna James, also of Punkradiocast recently had a chance to speak with Andy Shernoff of the Dictators:
"Pioneer punk rockers The Dictators are still producing for their fans who have embraced the legacy that began 31 years ago. Their debut album, The Dictators Go Girl Crazy, was the first ever punk album to be released on a major label (Epic). Preceding punk legends such as The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, The Dictators progressed the scene opening for such bands as Blue Oyster Cult and Rush. You can only imagine the audience's backlash to their amusingly obscene lyrics and on stage antics. I gave bass player, Andy Shernoff, a call following the 2005 release of their greatest hits album, VIVADictators, and he compassionately shared various Dictators classic flashbacks as well as gave us the low down on what their plans for the near future."
The long-running band released Viva Dictators last year and are currently prepping a rarities album for release on Norton Records.
Mark Rowan continued his rampage of interviews when he spoke with James Dewees, the mastermind behind Reggie and the Full Effect. They talked about the possibility of reunions, the strikingly more serious tone on his latest album and why exactly he does what he does.
"Just because I'm not wearing a costume doesn't mean I'm not pulling a joke. I'm still good at fucking with little kids."
Reggie released Songs Not To Get Married To last year and will be appearing on the Vagrant Records stage on this year's Warped Tour.
A little departure from our normal interviews today; I had a chance to speak with Congressman Jim McDermott (WA-D) . Mr.McDermott is a politician who in the last few years has not only listened to the concerns of members of the punk community, but has become involved directly with them through his work with Punk Voter as well as his recent work with Anti-Flag on the Depleted Uranium bill: H.R. 2410 -- The Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act.
Mr.McDermott talked to me about why he became involved with Anti-Flag and why he keeps fighting his uphill battle against entrenched interests who seek to prevent positive changes.
On Friday, he held a joint conference with Anti-Flag talking about his bill to study Depleted Uranium use, which, as of today the bill has 39 co-sponsors comprised of 38 Democrats and one Republican. He continues to work hard on getting the bill heard and finding out what kind of risk both American soldiers and Iraqi civilians face from the use of this weapon. You can read about that here.
Cub reporter Mark Rowan recently sat down New Jersey's Folly. Folly's blend of ska and hardcore is unique to say the least. The band recently released Resist Convenience in 2006 and just finished their tour with Paulson.
And now the second part of our in-depth interview with Anti-Flag. Yesterday, the band released their major label debut, an album which is among the most politically radical records released on a major label in recent memory. Radical politics aside though, it's also one of their most accomplished and solidly written albums and our reviewer described it as "classic street-punk-by-way-of-pop-punk sound incorporating elements of folk, ska and `80s hardcore into the band's already powerful bag of tricks. "
In this second half, Chris and I talk about a lot of things, from Propagandhi to money, to hockey to Canada.
Today, Anti-Flag released their major label debut, an album which is among the most politically radical records released on a major label in recent memory. Radical politics aside though, it's also one of their most accomplished and solidly written albums and our reviewer described it as "classic street-punk-by-way-of-pop-punk sound incorporating elements of folk, ska and `80s hardcore into the band's already powerful bag of tricks. "
I had a chance to sit down for a lengthy chat with the second of two Chris's in the band for a chat about the major label deal, the politics and more. Our interview went so well in fact, that we're going to spread it over two days. Stay tuned for the second half where we talk about AF Records, hockey and Propagandhi.