Neil Hennessy on the new Lawrence Arms album
Well, our The Lawrence Arms three-day rampage is wrapping up! But, we've got one final treat for you! Punknews' David Wilkins spoke with the band's Neil Hennessy! Check it out below!
Brendan Kelly on the new Lawrence Arms album
The first time Punknews’ Eric Rosso saw The Lawrence Arms was at The Agora Theater in Cleveland, Ohio sometime around 2003 with one of his still-to-this-day best friends. The band, like for many readers of Punknews, has been a continued thread with some of his best friends. That’s why when the chance to interview Brendan Kelly, Rosso jumped at it and immediately hit his group chat with those same friends to tell them about it.
Interviewing someone is always hard, but when it’s a member of one of your favorite bands, it’s almost impossible not to want to list off all the times you’ve seen them live. It’s the same feeling when a member of your favorite band is hanging out selling merch and you can’t fight the impulse to say, “remember that time I saw you” at X club X years ago? Fortunately for Rosso after getting through that impulse, Kelly was, as always, earnestly honest and appreciative about the continued interest in his band and new album.
A month before the release of The Lawrence Arms’ new album Skeleton Coast and in the midst of the shutdown and following uprisings, rosso and Kelly discussed how all of this impacted the record, his favorite parts of the record, and a little about the state of the world while letting Rosso geek out a little about his own fandom and history with the band. Check it out below.
Chris McCaughan on the new Lawrence Arms album
This week, The Lawrence Arms release their new album, Skeleton Coast. We're running interviews with all three of the boys. Today, we're running the first in the series. Punknews' Gen Handley spoke with Chris McCaughan. Check it out below.
Fire was always the plan for Toronto's OBGMs
High energy Toronto punk trio The OBGMs recently shared the second single from their upcoming record. "Not Again" follows the June-released "Cash" in previewing the group's forthcoming LP for Black Box. Longtime Punknews' contributor Adam White spoke with the band in the most recent edition of his Canadian punk newsletter Some Party, discussing the raucous new single and the group's fire-spitting promotional approach. We've shared that chat with you below.
Long Beach Dub Allstars
Recently, Long Beach Dub Allstars released their first album in almost twenty years. The self-titled record calls back to the bands Sublime roots, but also reaches even further to early '80s dancehall, roots reggae, and ska. Really, it's one of their strongest efforts.
To see what the band is up to, Punknews' David Wilkins spoke to Opie and Marshall from the band. You can checkout the interview below.
Jennie Cotterill on navigating the pandemic, mental health and 'The Ride'
Jennie Cotterill is often busy doing many things, but she is best perhaps known for being one of the vocalists and guitarists of Bad Cop/Bad Cop. Although she is often busy out on tour around the world, the many events of 2020 have brought that to a halt. Nevertheless, Bad Cop/Bad Cop persisted in releasing their new album, The Ride, on June 19th. Punknews writer Chris Barrett sat down and spoke with Jennie about a myriad of topics including emotions regarding the pandemic, mental health awareness, touring and coming home early because of the pandemic, as well as the process of creating the new album.
(Editor’s note: This interview took place before the events involving police violence and the subsequent Black Lives Matter demonstrations.)
Punks on Politics: Checking in with Mel Gagarin
Last November, we spoke with Mel Gagarin, singer and guitarist of New York City punk band Scarboro about his run for congress in his hometown of Queens, New York. A lot has happened in the 8 months since that conversation, editor Samantha Barrett popped in to checked in with Mel on his run for congress ahead of the June 23rd New York Primary day.
Bryan Kienlen of The Bouncing Souls
Today we bring thrilled to bring to you an artist on artist interview by Justin Conigliaro of Brooklyn based punk band Up for Nothing with the great Bryan Kienlen of New Jersey punk band The Bouncing Souls and Beach Rats. The two sat down and spoke about the band's legacy, new material, tattoos and life in quarantine. Check it out below.
Mike Park on the new Chinkees EP, Bernie Sanders, and Skankin' Pickle
From Skankin' Pickle and Dill Records in 1989 to Ska Against Racism, the Plea For Peace Foundation, and Asian Man Records (which helped launched the careers of mainstream artists like Alkaline Trio and Less than Jake), Mike Park has made a profound and lasting impact on the punk and ska landscape. Park’s latest release, K.A. Music is with his long-running band the The Chinkees, their first new material in 18 years. Punknews staff writer Tyler Barrett caught up with Park to discuss the new EP, race and racism in the 21st century, and to what extent Mailorder is Still Fun!!.
Sam Russo on his new album
Sam Russo recently released his new album, Back to the Party . Punknews' Gen Handley caught up with him to talk about the new release, leaving (and returning) to one's hometown, and teaching. Check it out below.
“The Dream I Never Knew I Had” - An interview with Kevin Seconds
Today we bring thrilled to bring to you an artist on artist interview by Justin Conigliaro of Brooklyn based punk band Up for Nothing with the almighty Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds. The two sat down and spoke about the band's break up, being a band for 38 years and much more. Check it out below.