Jim Ward talks Sparta's new self-titled album

Sparta, now consisting of Jim Ward and Matt Miller, have thrown out the rule book on their new self-titled album. Sparta sees them forging ahead as a duo and getting more collaborative, working with a range of musicians including Tucker Rule, Kayleigh Goldsworthy, Kenny Hopper, Micheal James Adams, and Geoff Rickly. Sparta is out now via Dine Alone Records. Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with Jim Ward over Zoom to talk about letting go of the rules, the importance of collaboration, how to remain hopeful and optimistic, and much more. Read the interview below!

Embracing the D1G1T4L_DR1FT with Malady Jane and Dot Homler of Thotcrime

When you think of the future of music, you'd better be thinking of Thotcrime. The four-piece are constantly innovating and pushing cybergrind to new heights. They blend influences like hardcore punk, PC Music, hyperpop, mathcore, and so much more together on their upcoming album D1G1T4L_DR1FT which will be out October 28 via Prosthetic Records. But just when you think you have their sound figured out and pinned down…BAM! It's time for a samba break. It's time for a section reminiscent of Faith No More. Punknews news editor Em Moore caught up with guitarist Malady Jane and drummer Dot Homler over Zoom to talk about their new album, the cybergrind scene, the importance of collaboration, creating chaos, and so much more. Read the interview below!

Paul and Myron of Pinkshift talk their upcoming debut album, touring as headliners, and more

To listen to Pinkshift is to experience a form of catharsis and no more so is this evident than on their upcoming debut full-length Love Me Forever. The album sees the Baltimore based punks delve deeper into their rage than ever before, with unapologetic, piercing lyrics, excellent musicianship, and an undeniable spirit that you can feel in your bones. Love Me Forever will be out everywhere October 21 via Hopeless Records and Pinkshift are currently on their first full US headlining tour.

Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with guitarist Paul Vallejo and drummer Myron Houngbedji to talk about the evolution of their songwriting process, signing with Hopeless Records for the new album, the importance of expressing yourself, My Chemical Romance, and so much more. Read the interview below!

No Trigger talk their new album

No Trigger performed on Saturday September 17 at Riot Fest in Chicago. Earlier this year, the band released Dr. AlbumThis release marks the Massachusetts band’s first full length release since 2012. Punknews staffer Jason Baygood had the chance to chat with vocalist Tom Rheault and guitarist Jon Strader following their performance.

Getting it with Ali and Danny of Stop The Presses

Are you ready to move? Are you ready to groove? Then Stop The Presses have just the album for you! Their recently released fourth album Got It has a killer blend of traditional ska, rocksteady, and reggae that will have you moving to the rhythms and skanking for days. Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with co-vocalists Ali Culotta (who also plays keys) and Danny Portilla (who also plays guitar and handles some percussion) to talk about the new album, working with Agent Jay of The Slackers, the importance of mental health, recording underground, and so much more. Read the interview below!

Sam Quartin of the Bobby Lees talks the band's new album, Little Richard, and schizophrenia

The Bobby Lees just released a new album! It's called Bellevue and it's all about guitarist/singer Sam Quartin having a nine month long mental breakdown! It's heavy duty stuff but.. it also ROCKS. While Quartin does look into the heavier side of things, there is kicking riff after kicking riff! What do you do when an album is about literally losing your mind but it's a really fun listen?! Read on below to find out!

Creating meaning with Nadia Garofalo and Alicia Gaines of Ganser

If there are two things you can count on from Chicago based Ganser, it is stellar musicianship and extremely interesting visuals. The band have just released their excellent new three-song EP called Nothing You Do Matters that sees them diving into worrying, apathy, the existential nature of life, and the changing perception of reality with optimism and a healthy dose of humour. Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with co-vocalists Nadia Garofalo and Alicia Gaines (who also plays bass) to discuss working with cutting edge technology on their music videos, songwriting, the power of the remix, the importance of sleep deprived laughter, and so much more. Read the interview below!

The Death and Rebirth and Death and Rebirth of OFF!

Today, after eight years of struggle and conflict, OFF! release their magnum opus: Free LSD. Their fourth album, out via Fat Possum, finds the band expanding beyond the self-imposed limits of their first three records and finds them branching out into jazz, noise, experimental, and electronic music all while keeping that cracking, roaring, smashing OFF! sound as the chassis. No BS, the record is a thrill ride.

But, it came with a price. The original vision of the album collapsed after a failed Kickstarer campaign. The band's original lineup fractured during recording. At various points, a member or two was ready to throw in the towel. But despite the chaos and destruction, Free LSD made it to term and was birthed in all its freaky, far-out glory.

Punknews' John Gentile spoke to singer Keith Morris and guitarist Dimitri Coats about the whole trip. You can read the interview below.

Check out the new Suzi Moon album!

Tomorrow is Suzi Moon's big day! After the petering out of Turbulent Hearts and the nasty collapse of La Machina, finally, finally, FINALLY, Suzi is releasing her debut album. It's called Dumb & in Luv and it details just who Suzi is as reflected through her moving away from California. It's out via Pirates Press Records and you can pick it up right here.

The album is a ROCKER and we are mega psyched to debut it along with an interview with Suzi about the LP! You can hear the whole album below and see Suzi's thoughts on it below, right now!

Scott Carstairs talks the new Fallujah album

With new record Empyrean being released this Friday, Falluja are in new era, with a few members having left the band and the band working with a new producer. So, Punknews' Sam Houlden reached out to band mastermind and founding member, Scott Carstairs to get a little insight into the record and the process of its creation.

Getting existential with Baby Got Back Talk

On their upcoming EP Existential Shred New York pop punk band Baby Got Back Talk delve into the very nature of human existence. They tackle death, life changes, and the state of the world with excellent literary lyrics, plenty of synths, and a healthy dose of hope. Existential Shred will be out September 9 via Wiretap Records. Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with vocalist and bassist G’Ra Asim, synth operator Rhiana Hernandez, and guitarist Jake Lazaroff over Zoom to talk about the new EP, existential riddles, who the punkest author is, decolonizing pop-punk, and so much more. Read the interview below!